Serious problems demand serious solutions

It has become apparent over the past several years that the state of New Hampshire has several pressing needs, from caring for the elderly and others who can’t afford to do so for themselves, to educating our children and ensuring we have a skilled workforce, to preserving our quality of life and economic advantages.

There is little, if any, disagreement about the importance of solving these problems and filling these needs. It’s obvious that we should fund elderly-care programs that are professional, competent and caring. It’s economically essential that our children receive an excellent – not merely an adequate – education, from kindergarten through their post-secondary years. Our business climate demands that the state and localities have a well-funded and consistent means of preserving our land and heritage, the cornerstones of our quality of life.

Many of our elected officials have come up with ways to address them, and that is to their credit. But words are not deeds, and it has become apparent that state government will yet again fail its citizens by glossing over these serious, pressing – essential – issues with a box of Band-Aids and string.

New Hampshire’s problems in the 21st century are too complicated and expensive to solve with an 18th century revenue structure. It has left the state and our elected officials with their hands tied. Debates about crucial problems and needs inevitably end up as exercises in the finer points of accounting. And if any serious solution is proposed, it is almost always at the expense of another worthy, pressing concern.

New Hampshire is at an economic crossroads, and it’s up to our elected officials to decide which path we will take.