Category:

Election 2018

Posts for my NH Senate campaign of 2018.

Free to mind your own business

by Carla Gericke 09/19/2018

written by Carla Gericke

Three years ago today, my husband, Louis, and I moved the first items into our home of the West Side of Manchester (pictured is Nervous Nellie and some of our artwork; we have lived and loved living in the Granite State for more than a decade). I have lived and travelled all over the world, and I waited until I was in my forties to buy a house because I wanted to be sure. I CHOSE New Hampshire as my forever home.

Why New Hampshire? Because it is the one of the best kept secrets in the entire world! New Hampshire consistently ranks as THE BEST STATE in America. Why? Because it isn’t like the other states! Because Granite Staters understand low taxes come from low spending. Because we don’t have a state income or sales tax. Because Granite Staters believe in our "Live Free or Die" motto. Because we understand that limited government and free markets preserve and create prosperity. Because we live within our means and allow people the freedom to experiment, to live their own lives as they see fit. You should be free to mind your own business!

BUT, this is changing! There is a flood of people running for office who have "good intentions but bad ideas," meaning they don’t understand economics, and react to things on an emotional rather than rational level. We cannot govern on people’s feelz!

If we do not remain vigilant, and elect ethical, sensible people who understand the historic role of government is to preserve our natural rights, not to get all up-in-yer-bizniz, New Hampshire will lose its advantage, as it has been doing over the past 20 years, and we will accelerate the slide to becoming just another bankrupt and failing state.

The choice is yours come November. Pick people who want more socialism while blissfully kicking the fiscally-unsound can down the road on the backs of New Hampshire’s children and grandchildren, or embrace what makes us unique and prosperous, embrace what makes us the best state in America, embrace limited government and free markets, and vote for people like me who love New Hampshire for what it is, and what it will be!

09/19/2018 0 comments

Independent senator who will do what’s right

by Carla Gericke 09/16/2018

written by Carla Gericke

My Sunday ritual is to wake up early and read the Union Leader while drinking coffee on my back porch. There’s just a hint of Fall in today’s air. The birds are chirping.

It was wonderful to encounter this Letter to the Editor, "We need an independent senator," in support of my candidacy.

"Carla Gericke has proven that she’s an independent thinker who’s willing to stand up to established interests and do what’s right. I hope you’ll join me in voting for her as our next state senator in November."

I hope you, and all the voters of District 20 (Goffstown, Manchester Ward 3, 4, 10 & 11), will as well! Feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns.

Email: carla@carla4NHsenate.com
Call: 603.865.7140

09/16/2018 0 comments

Blog Election 2018

Get out and vote! Today 9/11 is primary day

by Carla Gericke 09/11/2018

written by Carla Gericke

Today’s the day to make your voice heard and pick your party’s candidates for the general election on November 6th.

If you are looking for guidance and want to know which candidates are pro-liberty, use this nifty resource, LibertyBallot.com to find the recommended candidates facing contested primaries.

PLEASE NOTE: They ONLY cover contested primaries, so people like me, who just have a straight up race to November, are not filled out. Obviously, I am still pro-liberty and will be included in the final general election version.

If you live in District 20 (Goffstown, Manchester Wards 3, 4, 10 & 11), I ask for your vote today. Thank you!

09/11/2018 0 comments

Blog Election 2018

Primary is coming up on Tuesday 9/11

by Carla Gericke 09/09/2018

written by Carla Gericke

Yesterday afternoon, Louis and I attended a cruise hosted by the FreeCoast Festival, which is taking place for the 5th year in downtown Portsmouth this weekend. The featured picture is of a group of supporters who agreed to be snapped for a photo before we boarded the boat.

By now, many of you have received my introductory letter in the mail. On the drive to Portsmouth, I was deeply heartened by all the voters who called, some just to say "hi," and some to offer volunteer help. Thank you! If you left a message haven’t received a call back yet, please be patient, I will get to you, and look forward to speaking to you about the issues important to you.

Secretary of State Bill Gardner is predicting a big "Blue Wave" primary turnout on the Democrat side. It is imperative for Republican voters to get out and vote on Tuesday, September 11th. With your support, we can finally unseat Lou D’Allesandro and put District 20 back into fiscally responsible hands. Lower taxes are the result of lower spending, and with me in the Senate, I vow to keep an eye on the bottom line!

I ask for your vote on Tuesday, September 11th in the Republican Primary. Listed below are my polling stations. I will be visiting them during the day, and hope to catch you there. If not, feel free to call me at 865-7140, or speak to one of my friends and volunteers present.

Thanks for your support!

POLLING STATIONS:

Goffstown:

Goffstown High School, 27 Wallace Rd, Goffstown 03045
Bartlett Elementary School, 689 Mast Rd, Goffstown 03102

Manchester:

Ward 3: Carol M. Rines Center, 1528 Elm St, Manchester 03101 (Use rear entrance, not Elm Street)
Ward 4: McDonough School, 550 Lowell St, Manchester 03104
Ward 10: Parker Varney School, 223 James A Pollock Dr, Manchester 03102
Ward 11: Gossler School, 99 Sullivan St, Manchester 03102

09/09/2018 0 comments

Blog Election 2018

Without transparency there is no accountability

by Carla Gericke 09/06/2018

written by Carla Gericke

One of my key issues is government transparency because without access to information, we have no way to hold our government employees accountable. Without transparency, there is no accountability, and without accountability, taxpayers are… screwed.

The NH Constitution, uniquely among most states, has an article specifically on its citizens’ Right to Know. It states:

Art. 8. Accountability of Magistrates and Officers; Public’s Right to Know. All power residing originally in, and being derived from, the people, all the magistrates and officers of government are their substitutes and agents, and at all times accountable to them. Government, therefore, should be open, accessible, accountable and responsive. To that end, the public’s right of access to governmental proceedings and records shall not be unreasonably restricted.

Open. Accessible. Accountable. And responsive. AT ALL TIMES.

This is what I stand for!

For too long, New Hampshire has been moving away from these key protections. The AG’s office now expends meaningful resources on redacting information–imagine if we used those resources to be open, accessible, accountable and responsive instead!

This week alone, the Union Leader has featured several articles outlining situations where local officials are saying we don’t have a "Right to Know."

There’s this one, about the Laurie List, which names 171 police officers who have been found to have credibility issues such as: using excessive force, lying under testimony, committing sexual harassment, and falsifying reports.

Mind you, we’re not even talking about disciplining these people… we are simply asking to KNOW WHO IS ON THE LIST. Instead of providing the information to the Union Leader and the NH-ACLU in response to their RTK filings, the AG’s office sent a response with all the names blacked out. Is this what we want in the Granite State?

To make matters worse, Senior Assistant Attorney General Francis Fredericks said: "Disclosure would amount to an invasion of the officers’ privacy." Unacceptable! The ACLU said this position creates special treatment for police officers:

“The public has a right to know whether officers serving them have engaged in conduct that impacts their credibility or truthfulness. As the New Hampshire Supreme Court has repeatedly explained, the public interest in disclosure is great when it will expose potential government misconduct."

In this one, a local police department refused to let a reporter inspect documents for free, instead insisting he pay copying fees to see the files. At a dollar a pop/page in some jurisdictions, this is cost prohibitive for many Granite Staters, and is designed to have a chilling effect. It is designed to stop you (and the press) from getting the information you seek. Again, unacceptable!

I serve as a board member at Right to Know NH. I talk the talk, AND I walk the walk. This volunteer organization worked on several good bills that were introduced this past legislative session, including an Ombudsman Bill that makes it easier for you to get access to information.

As your Senator, I will push through these kinds of protections. I will also work to rollback the troubling trend towards hiding behind illegitimate excuses. And I will always work to ensure your government remains open, accessible, accountable, and responsive to YOU.

Please support me next Tuesday, September 11th in the Republican primary. I ask for your vote on November 6th.

09/06/2018 0 comments

Blog Election 2018

Great weekend of outreach

by Carla Gericke 08/27/2018

written by Carla Gericke

Busy weekend meeting voters! So busy, I forgot to take any pics, except the featured one from Saturday morning before we headed out to go door knocking in West Manchester.

Our team of volunteers met at 9:30AM to get situated and finalize our lists before breaking into smaller groups to head into different areas of Ward 10.

We spent the next few hours dropping lit and chatting to folks on their doorsteps or outside where they were gardening and doing yard work. Great to connect!

We then reconvened for a delicious lunch of gazpacho, salad, salmon, and zucchini. LOVE peak season, and thank you, thank you, thank you to all the volunteers and the chef!

On Sunday morning, I fielded yard sign requests, then Louis and I headed out to drop off some before running our weekly household errands–which this week included picking up a blueberry pie and apple cider donuts at Golden Harvest Farm Stall for the evening’s festivities.

Later, I attended a "Meet Your GOP Candidates" event at the Parks & Rec building in Goffstown. Instead of a typical "speechifying" candidate event, this one was a dessert social/mixer, and it was relaxing and informative to talk to people one-on-one, or in small groups–so much better and meaningful!

Thanks to the Goffstown Republican Committee for organizing and hosting. I really enjoyed meeting and talking in depth to Goffstown voters. Thank you for coming out!

It’s rewarding to learn that you are also passionate about issues I care about: lower taxes, school choice, gun rights, to name a few. (And gardening! Got a few excellent tips for our nascent garden, thanks!)

I did consistently hear one sentiment: "It’s time for Lou to go!", "Twenty years in the senate is l-o-n-g enough!", and, "It is time for change."

With Carla Gericke in the NH Senate, you can expect:

A stronger economy and more jobs
No sales or income tax, and vigilance regarding proposed "feel good" legislation that will lead us there
Lower spending and a balanced budget
Protection of your property rights
Government accountability and transparency

As your senator, you will always know where I stand because as a principled advocate for limited, Constitutional government, and as someone who is not beholden to special interests, I can only stand for YOU. I ask for your vote this election!

Remember, the primaries are coming up on September 11th. While I don’t have a primary, be sure to get out and vote!

If you would like a yard sign or to have me to come speak at an event–I’d love to meet you!–please email me at Carla (at) Carla4NHSenate (dot) com.

Join me at my monthly "Town Square" gatherings at Manchester City Hall on the first Tuesday of August, September and October from 5:30-7PM. Learn more and RSVP on Facebook.

Help me win! Donate today!

Follow my campaign on Facebook and Twitter.

Tell a friend or family member in District 20 (Goffstown, Manchester Wards 3, 4, 10 & 11). Word of mouth is a powerful tool!

Thanks for your support! Let’s build a better future for all Granite Staters, young and old.

08/27/2018 0 comments

Blog Election 2018

A candidate to make you smile

by Carla Gericke 08/21/2018

written by Carla Gericke

A couple of weeks ago, I sat down with a constituent from Ward 11 in my Senate District (20, which is Goffstown, and Manchester Wards 3, 4, 10 & 11). This wonderful Letter to the Editor in today’s Union Leader was the result! Thank you, Jennifer, for asking to meet!

"When was the last time you talked politics and found yourself smiling? Well, one look at Carla Gericke’s smile, and you will be! Carla is a wise woman who understands that attitude in life is everything, and her outlook is positive. She realizes power lies where you put your focus, and Carla’s focus is on the betterment of New Hampshire."

"I asked Carla to grab a cup of coffee today, and over our joe, we discussed her love for New Hampshire and what she stands for: limited Constitutional government, peace, preserving the New Hampshire Advantage, lower taxes, and fewer regulations."

Read the whole letter here. I ask for your vote in the primary on September 11th, and of course, on election day on November 6th. Let’s put a Republican back in District 20!

08/21/2018 0 comments

Blog Election 2018

Unity in diversity

by Carla Gericke 08/19/2018

written by Carla Gericke

Yesterday was a big outreach day for me.

The morning started with a Right to Know NH board meeting, where we discussed proposed bills to improve government transparency, and thus accountability. The current lack of transparency and the unacceptable level of redaction of public information is a growing negative trend in NH. I’m honestly not sure whether this stems from actual malfeasance or just general incompetence. I suspect officials simply do not know what they can or can’t do, and thus default to "no" rather than, as it should be, to "yes." As your Senator, I will continue to work to improve government transparency, openness, and accountability.

At 11AM, I raced off to a golf fundraiser at Stonebridge Country Club in Goffstown, hosted by the School District Governance Association, where my campaign sponsored a hole. I spoke briefly about my background and why I am running for NH Senate, and you can catch my second ever Facebook Live here. Apologies for the awful backlighting, I’m still learning as I go!

I then popped in at Manchester Market Day on the West Side to grab my Bardo CSA. We are clearly moving into peak tomato and onion season now. Noms!

Next, I visited Veteran’s Park in downtown Manchester for the "We Are One" festival. I immediately loved the vibe: vibrant, inclusive, yummy food stands, and great, GREAT music!

The Manchester Republican Committee had already set up their outreach tent in a primo spot in front of the stage by the time I arrived at 2PM. The festive booth displayed Manchester Republican’s literature and yard signs, and a GOP red balloon-making machine, which was a huge hit with the kids!

It melted my heart when one little girl came back to the booth with her dad to tearfully ask if she could get another balloon as her first one had slipped off her wrist and blown away. One kiddo built up a formidable collection of balloons, and I asked him if we could get a pic together (featured). Check out some excellent photos by Mark McLean, GOP candidate in Ward 8, here.

Our booth was next to the "Fight for $15"/union booth. One of the booth operators was dancing to the incredible band playing on stage, and when he noticed me also getting my boogie on, he came over and we started dancing together.

I complimented his sleeve tat, which was a teal and green forrest running from his wrist up to near his elbow. "I don’t have any tattoos," I said, "But I love seeing what other people choose." We started chatting. "What do you think of Fight for $15?" he asked, handing me a flyer. "Well," I smiled, "I don’t think you are going to like my answer." He smiled too, but took the flyer back.

We had a long, respectful, and interesting conversation. I explained my stance that I have nothing against voluntary association, but rather, my Right to Work position comes from forcing people into groups against their will or forcing employers to make economic decisions that might not work for them.

I explained that when it comes to minimum wage laws, first, it really only applies to a very small portion of the population (according to this Pew Report, only 2.6% of all wage and salary workers make minimum wage), and that, in my opinion, it is used to drive a wedge between people, to foment a class struggle narrative in which the only ultimate winner is Big Government. I also explained how in places like Seattle, where $15 minimum wage is now mandated, the very people they are hoping to help are losing their jobs. That employers, rather than far-removed bureaucrats, know best how to run their own businesses. I added that minimum wage laws end up hurting entry level workers, who are simply not yet experienced enough to warrant $15 per hour, and thus this crowds them out of jobs that could be providing a spring board to higher paid jobs later on. He raised his eyebrows at this last point. I don’t think he’d heard this position before, and it seemed to make an impression. We exchanged contact information, and he invited me to come speak at the new "Conservative" group they had formed. I heartily agreed to come!

Being from Africa myself, the music in particular stirred me, and when I wasn’t talking to attendees–or complimenting shoes and fashion choices!–I couldn’t help but dance. My one recommendation for next year would be to dial down the volume just a smidge (yes, I admit that officially makes me "old" :P) and to announce where in the world the bands are originally from, because I’m not sure my guessing games were always accurate. Not that I cared, because it was immersive and wonderful, regardless!

In the evening, we had good friends over for a dinner of chicken, corn on the cob, roasted veggies, zucchini bread–thanks, Em, delicious!–and Bardo Farm tomato, basil, and mozzarella salad. A delightful way to cap off an exhausting, but rewarding, day!

If you would like a yard sign or to have me to come speak at an event–I’d love to meet you!–please email me at Carla (at) Carla4NHSenate (dot) com.

Join me at my monthly "Town Square" gatherings at Manchester City Hall on the first Tuesday of August, September and October from 5:30-7PM. Learn more and RSVP on Facebook.

Help me win! Donate today!

Follow my campaign on Facebook and Twitter.

Tell a friend or family member in District 20 (Goffstown, Manchester Wards 3, 4, 10 & 11). Word of mouth is a powerful tool!

Thanks for your support! Let’s build a better future for all Granite Staters, young and old.

08/19/2018 0 comments

Blog Election 2018

Granite Staters are feeling optimistic

by Carla Gericke 08/15/2018

written by Carla Gericke

Especially Republicans, but lots of Independents and Democrats, too. According to this recent BIA study, "optimism among Granite Staters about the NH economy is at an all-time high. More than two thirds anticipate good business conditions over the next 12 months. The portion of residents who consider themselves better off financially than a year ago is also at an all-time high." Which makes sense, since most tax payers have now seen the benefits of tax relief under President Trump.

The mainstream media can keep saying, "tax cuts for the wealthy," but YOU know whether you got to keep some of your hard earned money. And I bet you did!

I was gobsmacked when I read a Facebook post by a friend with whom I used to teach at City College in NYC. He was complaining about his tax cut, and the extra cash he had to spend per month, simply because it materialized under the Trump administration. Such partisanship is crazy-talk!

Policy makers should focus on pro-business initiatives, continue to cut business taxes and burdensome regulations. As your senator, I certainly will!

08/15/2018 0 comments

Blog Election 2018

Broad experience

by Carla Gericke 08/15/2018

written by Carla Gericke

Yesterday, the pictured Letter to the Editor appeared in the Union Leader. I hope to earn YOUR vote on November 6th!

"New Hampshire is a unique state. Our representatives are far closer to the people than other states, which provides a diverse and interesting Legislature. But each seat in our Senate must be guided by more than ideology or popularity. It takes deliberation, intelligence, attention to detail, and most of all, principles, to make a good senator. Members of the Senate should inspire confidence, make sense, and make a sincere effort to follow the principles that make New Hampshire a state worth living in.

Carla Gericke will be just such a senator."

My experience includes finishing high school when I was 16 years old, law school when I was 21. Professionally, I practiced law in South Africa, where I focused on Legal Aid cases for the underprivileged, and in California, where I worked in-house at high tech firms, including Apple, Logitech, and Scient.

I have served and continue to serve on several nonprofit boards, and have successfully worked in the nonprofit sector at an executive level for many years, managing diverse groups of volunteers, budgets, and day-to-day administration.

I also hold an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from The City College of New York, and my literary works and blogs have appeared in print and online. Maybe I’ll share some of my short stories someday!

You can read the full letter here. I hope you will consider my candidacy favorable. Remember to vote in the primary on September 11th!

If you would like a yard sign or have me come speak at an event–I’d love to meet you!–please email me at Carla (at) Carla4NHSenate (dot) com or messaging me on Facebook.

Join me at my monthly "Town Square" gatherings at Manchester City Hall on the first Tuesday of August, September and October from 5:30-7PM. Learn more and RSVP on Facebook.

Help me win! Donate today!

Follow my campaign on Facebook and Twitter.

Tell a friend or family member in District 20 (Goffstown, Manchester Wards 3, 4, 10 & 11). Word of mouth is a powerful tool!

Thanks for your support! Let’s build a better future for all Granite Staters, young and old.

08/15/2018 0 comments