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First Congressional District candidate and Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta agreed, criticizing Rep. Carol Shea-Porter for supporting government-run health care.
"We need market-driven health care reform that drives down the cost to small businesses and New Hampshire families," the Republican said in a written statement. "Not one that will raise taxes, put jobs at risk and increase government spending."
SOURCE: "Sununu: Obama's approach 'troubling'" (By GARRY RAYNO, New Hampshire Union Leader Staff, Tuesday, August 11, 2009)
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www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Sununu%3A+Obama's+approach+'troubling'&articleId=8d0f35d7-ef96-4991-9273-3cd315df1fe4
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GUINTA'S PETITION. In preparation for his health care town hall in Exeter on Aug. 31, Republican 1st District U.S. House candidate Frank Guinta will have a new page on his Web site today.
It will include updated information on the event and a petition urging Shea-Porter only vote for health care reform that is "market driven," allows those who like their health care coverage to keep it, keeps the government out of it and does not increase taxes.
Source: "John DiStaso's Granite Status: Ayotte put on the defensive" (By JOHN DISTASO, Senior Political Reporter, August 20, 2009).
Note: John DiStaso is senior political reporter of the New Hampshire Union Leader.
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Guinta to host 'Health Care Town Hall'
via www.seacoastonline.com - August 21, 2009
EXETER — Manchester Mayor and 1st District Congressional candidate Frank Guinta is hosting a Health Care Town Hall meeting for New Hampshire citizens to ask questions, express support or opposition for the proposal before Congress.
The meeting will be held on Monday, August 31, 2009, beginning at 6 p.m. at Exeter Town Hall. Guinta and a panel of industry experts will take questions and hear comments from citizens.
Guinta said he is hosting the Town Hall forum in the absence of Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter.
"In my travels across the district talking to voters, it is obvious that they are looking to be heard on the issues," Guinta stated in a press release issued Monday, August 17, 2009.
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www.teamguinta.com/signup.php
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www.redstate.com/moe_lane/2009/08/22/guinta-forces-shea-porter-to-hold-town-halls/
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"Shea-Porter meeting site expected Monday"
By Michael McCord - news@seacoastonline.com - August 23, 2009
The locations and times for Aug. 29 town hall meetings in Portsmouth and Manchester for U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter are expected to be released by Monday.
Jamie Radice, a spokesperson for the District 1 Democrat, said locations for the meetings have yet to be found.
On Friday night, Shea-Porter held a 90-minute-long health care conference call with more than 13,500 constituents and answered 20 questions from callers.
"Health care reform is the most significant issue being debated in Congress and it's important to reach as many constituents as possible," Shea-Porter said Friday. "I am pleased that so many people participated in tonight's tele-town hall and I look forward to continuing the conversation at my town hall meetings."
Shea-Porter originally had planned no face-to-face town hall meetings with the general public during the August congressional recess, opting instead for the telephone conference call and forums with senior citizens. But she has come under criticism from some people, who said she was ducking her constituents during the health care reform debate. A number of town hall meetings held by members of Congress across the country have included heated confrontations.
Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta, who is running in the Republican primary for the 1st District seat in 2010, said Shea-Porter had given in to public demands for town hall meetings.
"While I am very pleased that Congresswoman Shea-Porter has finally given in to the wishes of the people and will conduct a town hall on health care, I find it very unfortunate it took a media and public backlash in order to do it," said Guinta, who plans to hold his own town hall meeting in Manchester on Aug. 31, 2009.
Earlier this month, Radice said, "The purpose of town halls is to allow members of Congress to hear from their constituents, provide information about legislation, and to exchange ideas and perspectives. While it is unfortunate that a small group of people are trying to disrupt this democratic process, Congresswoman Shea-Porter remains committed to discussing health care reform with her constituents."
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"Shea-Porter announces two town halls"
The NH Union Leader, Monday, Aug. 24, 2009
U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter will hold town hall meetings Saturday (8/29/2009) in Manchester and Portsmouth for 1st District residents.
The Manchester town hall is in the Norris Cotton Federal Building at 275 Chestnut Street from 11 a.m. to noon. Doors will open at 10 a.m.
The Portsmouth meeting will be in the Thomas J. McIntyre Federal Building at 80 Daniel Street from 2 to 3 p.m. Doors will open at 1:00 p.m.
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From: frankguinta@cpbnc.com
Reply-to: frankguinta@teamguinta.com
Sent: 8/26/2009 2:03:48 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time
Fwd: Frank Guinta Health Care Forum August 31, 2009!
“I believe we need quality health care coverage that is affordable, portable and accessible. What we don’t need is a massive health care takeover that, like the tax code, is confusing, massive, and unintelligible.” Frank Guinta
First District Congressional Candidate Frank Guinta has announced a “Real Health Care Town Hall” Forum to be held at the Exeter Town Hall at 6:00pm on Monday, August 31, 2009.
Sign up now to reserve your seat at this important event by clicking this link.
http://teamguinta.com/signup.php
Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter, after intense public scrutiny, finally gave in to the citizens of New Hampshire and has reluctantly agreed to hold two limited seating controlled Town Halls for citizens to discuss the Health Care take over program proposed in Washington.
Ironically, however, she chose to let people discuss their concerns about government control and bureaucracy at the home of the least trusted bureaucracy in the country--the Internal Revenue Service Offices in Portsmouth. Since our current Congresswoman refuses to hold an open forum to meet face-to-face with the people of New Hampshire, please take this is a tremendous opportunity to have your voices heard on this crucial topic!
You can also offer financial support to Guinta for Congress by clicking this link.
http://teamguinta.com/contribute.php
Sign up now to reserve your seat at this important event by clicking this link.
http://teamguinta.com/signup.php
If you can’t make the forum, but still want your voice to be heard, please fill out Frank Guinta’s Health Care Petition by clicking this link.
http://teamguinta.com/signup.php
Paid for and Authorized by Friends of Frank Guinta
PO Box 877, Manchester, NH 03105
See me on:
www.facebook.com/pages/Frank-Guinta/111799732192
http://twitter.com/frankguinta
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www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2wlH02DMfQ
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www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4K9YhPzAeY&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efacebook%2Ecom%2Fposted%2Ephp%3Fid%3D1066573381%26share%5Fid%3D153855764828%26ref%3Dnf&feature=player_embedded
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www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wAXNKzzkUM&NR=1
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www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwKVrn9p078&NR=1
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Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta, a Republican holding a town hall meeting on health care in Exeter on Monday night (8/31/2009), plans to challenge for Democratic U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter's seat in 2010. (Beth LaMontagne Hall photo)
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"Manchester Mayor Guinta blasts Shea-Porter on health care reform"
By Beth LaMontagne Hall - news@seacoastonline.com - August 31, 2009
EXETER — Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta's town hall meeting on Monday was as much about bashing Democratic U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter as it was about health care.
Guinta, a Republican who plans to run for Shea-Porter's seat in 2010, told the audience of about 150 people in Exeter Town Hall he decided earlier in the month to hold the meeting because he was worried Shea-Porter wasn't going to hold any constituent meetings during Congress' August break.
“We have a right and responsibility to question our elected officials,” said Guinta. “It (had) become increasingly concerning to me our congresswoman decides not to hold this kind of forum, so I thought, ‘Let's have one and see what people have to say.'”
Shea-Porter scheduled and held over the weekend two town hall meetings, one in Manchester and one in Portsmouth.
Guinta wasn't the only one taking shots as Shea-Porter. A number of people who took the microphone criticized the congresswoman for not holding the two meetings in larger venues and for not answering questions to their liking. Their largest complaint, however, wasn't with Shea-Porter, but with what they saw as the increase in government interference in their lives.
The crowd was passionate, but largely respectful, occasionally breaking into cheers for those who criticized Shea-Porter, the health insurance reform bill and the Obama administration. The scene outside the forum was quiet as well, with only a handful of protesters holding signs and handing out pamphlets.
Guinta said he not only opposes the bill now being discussed before the House, but thinks it contains elements that are unconstitutional. The bill is too long, too confusing, and does nothing to reduce costs, he said. As he spoke, Guinta held up the 1,000-plus page bill before the audience, garnering a few gasps and groans.
“First thing I have to say is I read it,” said Guinta, “And it's so convoluted I'll probably have to read it a second time. … Anything this long can't be good for America.”
Instead, Guinta wants a health insurance cooperative in which small businesses could band together to negotiate for lower premiums. He also supports lifting restrictions on buying health insurance from other states, promoting health care saving accounts and giving individuals tax breaks for buying their own insurance.
Guinta said he would push for easier access to health care, and disagreed with allowing insurance companies to continue denying coverage to people with preexisting conditions.
“That situation should not happen because I think we should all have access to quality care, and if you can't get in you feel like a second-class citizen.” said Guinta. “That particular situation can be resolved not by this legislation, but by enacting short-term assistance for that person who shouldn't have to go without an option for care.”
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"Take your time and do it right"
By Frank C. Guinta, Opinion, seacoastonline.com - September 27, 2009
How many of us remember our parents, our teachers or our coaches telling us repeatedly to "Take your time and do it right."
It might have been about a homework project or test, a directive for cleaning our rooms, or learning a new play in football. Whatever it was, I remember it. Now, as an adult, I realize it wasn't just about that exam or cleaning project. It was a life lesson and that's why all those "leaders" in my life were telling it to me. What I'm wondering today is, why our "leaders" in Washington never remember this important value.
Let's look at the track of the Democrats' health care bill, H.R. 3200. President Obama told Congress he wanted health care legislation and he wanted it fast. His goal was to muscle the bill through all the committees and the House and Senate chambers before the August recess. Democrats in Congress did their best to dutifully oblige, but fortunately for the American people, they could not.
At the start of the summer, H.R. 3200 was released in all of its 1,017 pages of convoluted glory and wrapped up in a deceptive public relations title of "The America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009." People all across the state of New Hampshire had questions. They wanted to understand how it would impact their families and their children. The bill and the so-called public option has become a lightning rod, and rightly so: it's too long, too expensive and too intrusive.
Congress missed its pre-recess deadline and the American people did their homework. Congressional members home on August recess got an earful and now the bill is getting the proper scrutiny it deserves.
However, while many Democrats, even the president, are backing off from total government control of health care, U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter is not. Despite the public backlash against it, Shea-Porter, during her controlled forum in Portsmouth in August, told the crowd she would "fight" for the public option: That's poli-speak for the socialization of health care.
Armed with the opinion of the public, Shea-Porter and her colleagues returned to Washington — unfortunately, she and too many of her colleagues are still trying to force feed us a government control of health care. Congress needs to scrap this legislation and start again. Congress needs to lay forward proposals that are clear and focus on common sense solutions.America needs health care reform, but we do not need the government running the system. We need to allow people to cross state lines and purchase insurance in any state; this opens up competition and drives down costs.
We need to stop frivolous lawsuits so doctors can afford to practice medicine in places such as Carroll County, which is dangerously short on OBGYNs due to the high cost of medical malpractice insurance. Reforming malpractice laws will also drive down costs by making sure the test a doctor orders is actually necessary or helpful to the patient; not ordered solely to protect him or her from being sued.
Why is big business given a tax break for health insurance costs and not individuals? People deserve the same tax credit that corporations receive, that puts more money in the pockets of the citizen.
Most importantly, Congress needs to stop following false, politically motivated deadlines and "Take its time and do it right." If it's an important lesson for an 8-year-old's math test, shouldn't it be a lesson followed by people making the largest, most sweeping and costly legislation in America's history?
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Frank Guinta, mayor of Manchester, is a Republican running for the N.H. 1st District congressional seat currently held by Carol Shea-Porter.
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"What Guinta really wants is to kill health care bill"
seacoastonline.com - Opinion: Letter - October 3, 2009
Sept. 28 — To the Editor:
I am writing in response to Frank C. Guinta's column, which appeared in the Sept. 27 edition of Seacoast Sunday.
Often, when dealing with professional politicians like Mr. Guinta, it is necessary to decode their words to understand their true meaning.
With regard to proposed health care reform legislation, Mr. Guinta tells us that "Congress needs to scrap this legislation and start again."
Of course, the underlying idea is that if we go back to Square 1, the bill will be further delayed to the point where it will not pass this year. Next year is an election year, when traditionally no important piece of legislation passes. Voila, by following Mr. Guinta's plan, health care reform will be killed.
Of course, this demise of health care reform is exactly what Guinta wants. He wants to maintain the status quo and defend the obscene profits made by his friends in the insurance industry. Delay is not an option. Every day, the cost of health care is increasingly weighing down both family finances and our nation's economy to the point where both will break.
Next time, Mr. Guinta, try being honest. Tell us what you really mean.
Elaine Zitomer
Greenland, New Hampshire
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Frank Guinta: "Improving health care by focusing on 'the three As'"
The New Hampshire Union Leader (Online), OPINION: Opposition-Editorial, September 29, 2009
This summer has proved to be an important season for our leaders in Washington. Members of Congress returned home last month to find that the people were not happy. Moreover, the people were not happy that while Congress was busy concocting a government takeover of health care and creating one of the largest new tax burdens our nation has ever seen, the people were being left in the dark about the details.
At the request of her leaders, Rep. Carol Shea-Porter worked hard to push through a government-run health plan -- and massive tax and deficit increase -- before Congress' summer recess and before the public knew what was going on.
The problem was that we, the people, were smarter than Rep. Shea-Porter and her colleagues gave us credit for being. We did our homework and realized this was not the plan for us.
The congresswoman tried to avoid her citizens while home in August, agreeing to zero town hall meetings until I announced I would hold one in her stead. Only then did she agree to two controlled, taxpayer-funded, small-audience sessions at secure federal buildings. Rep. Shea-Porter got an earful from citizens. People do not want this big-government takeover, yet our congresswoman is still demanding one.
The fact is that we do need reform, but we should start over with a focus on common-sense solutions. We need to use what I call the "Three A's" -- accessibility, affordability and accountability -- and get some plans moving that help people. We don't need more government to achieve that.
Here are some things we can do now to start fixing the problems in our system:
1. Medical malpractice reform: Reform our legal system to cut down on frivolous lawsuits that cost hospitals and doctors millions of dollars a year, which translates into fewer doctors in rural areas and more expensive costs for everyone. This also will take the defense attorney out of the exam room and allow for more medically based and quality care.
2. Health information technology: Online pricing by health insurance providers would allow people to determine with their family and medical professional what is best for them. Electronic medical records would streamline paperwork, reduce duplication and make sure doctors and medical staff are informed about an individual patient.
3. Portable health insurance: Individuals should be able to take their policy with them when they leave a job or move to another state.
4. Interstate purchasing: Competition will increase when more agencies are allowed to sell to people. If I can get a better-fitting and more affordable plan in Massachusetts, I should be able to buy it there.
5. Small business pooling: Individuals, small businesses and other groups should be allowed to join together to get health insurance at lower prices, the same way large businesses do.
6. Parental coverage for post-college-age kids: Young people can't always find work right out of college -- or work that offers immediate insurance -- so they end up using emergency rooms for non-emergency treatment.
7. A health insurance tax credit for individuals: Companies get a tax deduction for buying insurance, so should individuals. These ideas are not getting enough attention in Washington. We need to ask our members of Congress to work on plans to increase affordability, accountability and accessibility.
We need to urge Congress to abandon the idea that more government is the answer. American ingenuity and innovation can lead the way.
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Frank Guinta is the mayor of Manchester. He is a Republican candidate for Congress in the 1st District.
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READERS' COMMENTS:
Tom,
I think Martin just proved your point!
- Ryan, Hooksett
Conservatives want government out of health care. Fine but their blustery rhetoric does not match the plans they offer. In fact, plans from both liberals and conservatives involve more, not less, government regulation of the health insurance industry. Liberals, at least, are honest about the belief for more regulation. If conservatives really want government out of health care, they should propose the end of Medicare and Medicaid which constitute about 30% of the USA federal budget. Government is already in the health care business. There are some tweaks that can be made but the discussion should be focused on the uninsured and those needing to declare bankruptcy to pay medical bills. Liberals may have their hands in my pocket but they are up front while conservatives distort the truth in order to win back seats in Congress come 2010. No wonder the American people are cynical about politics.
- Ken, Bedford
What I find most laughable about this column is that Frank Guinta claims to have figured out how to reforming healthcare nationwide. That’s right, a plan to improve the more than $2 trillion dollar a year healthcare industry. How is it possible that
1. Guinta could not oversee a group to determine whether and where to put a dog park in Manchester?
2. Guinta could not figure out how to make many citizens life in Manchester better by eliminating even odd parking and the other insane things this city does that makes it a worse city?
3. Guinta could not craft a workable budget for Manchster? That’s only a $250 million dollar problem, not more than $2 trillion. Manchester’s budget is very, simple and small in comparison. This year and last, Gatsas (R) and Lopez (D) worked together to create and get passed a budget for the city. They did this after reviewing and rejecting the mess Guinta called a budget. Their budgets might not have been great, but they worked. Guinta failed to achieve a budget for the city that would be approved.
4. under Guinta our taxes increased every year he was in office, and our services did not? Some will say that is the aldermen’s fault, no doubt they contributed, but an effective elected official has to perform. Performing means persuading those whose support you need, so that you can achieve your goals. Guinta could not achieve his goals in Manchester with the board of Alderman. What evidence do we have that if Guinta ever gets out of the bush league and actually makes it to the majors in Washington, that he can perform there?
Exactly what is Frank Guinta’s legacy as the Mayor of Manchester? Sadly for Frank, his tenure in Manchester has not provided great examples of what he thinks he can achieve in the Federal Government.
Sorry Frank. You’re a nice guy, and I used to support you, but the writing is now on the wall.
- Peter Sorrentino, Manchester
What Frank Guinta wants us to ignore is that his half-hearted proposals won't get many more people health care and they won't stop insurance companies from making life and death decisions based on their profits. What about so-called "pre-existing conditions"? What about Americans who get sick, go broke, and even die because they can't afford health care?
Representative Shea-Porter and President Obama have been very clear about their goals regarding health care reform, and that is part of the reason why New Hampshire voters elected them.
A few rude loudmouths who tried to drown out the debate don't outnumber the majority of voters who realize that real health care reform is necessary. American companies have a harder time competing with foreign companies because of the outrageous cost of providing health care, and that needs to change.
- Martin Fox, Manchester, NH
(1) Government healthcare is sexist healthcare, as has been my own blatant experience at the VAMC Manchester. In their mental health care it appears to be amongst the worst, so I'm hardly surprised soldiers and vets have had embarassing numbers of suicides as a national issue. And not surprising in a State where average male life expectancy in years compared to female is tied from 5th from lousiest on this planet. (Sources: NH DHHS; World Health Report 2006, pp. 187 -192) In 1901, NH males and females had the same life expectancy ... then among other things, women (the majority of voters), got the vote.
Politicians care about power and the expansion of their power far more than anyone's healthcare.
- Mike, Hampton
Isn't it the usual Democrat's tag line to say that Republicans never have sollutions and are just "the party of no?" Well, here you go! Here is a Republican with ideas that sound great and don't involve a public option.
Who wants to bet that Rep. Shea Porter wouldn't even consider any of these options just because they didn't come from Nancy Pelosi's mouth!
- Thomas Ginder, Milford, NH
This is not a perfect analogy because health care is far more important than auto care, but the following may be illuminating for some...if our auto insurance policies covered preventive services, collision and accident repair, and many other services that our mechanics deemed necessary (or that legislators decided to mandate), including diagnostic tests performed solely for the mechanics to avert "malpractice" lawsuits, and then each year auto body shops and service stations increased their charges by double-digit percentages, what do folks think would happen to our auto insurance premiums? And, then, if the policy-makers' response was to further regulate auto insurance companies and mandate coverage for even more services provided by auto body shops and mechanics, what would that do to address the underlying cost drivers? If you were a mechanic, and your revenue was directly related to the number of services you provided to your customers and you were paid by a third party, what would you do? Probably perform more services. We can beat up on the health insurance companies, but until we address the costs in the system and the way we pay doctors and hospitals, i.e., for volume instead of performance, health insurance premiums will necessarily continue to rise.
- John, Manchester
PS to Betsy--In your hypothetical situation, you don't want "insurance coverage"; you want me to be forced to buy you things. If it were you and you pitched this to me, you would be a BEGGAR, which still carries a stigma. That is why you pitch it to candidates; now you are a hero, "raising awareness."
But you aren't the recipient; you are the "advocate," or the caregiver who winds up with the loot, or the legislator or party hack who gets to use the "crisis" as a way to accumulate power over us. Republicans need to find candidates who will not sacrifice our liberty to the GUILT TRIPS of such special interests. Perhaps Mr. Guinta is such a candidate. Perhaps he isn't. If he's reading the feedback to his own op-ed, perhaps he could check back in and clarify.
- Spike, Brentwood NH
So many of you people live in your velvet lined closets and just don't see or care about folks living on the outside. Spike-not covering pre-existing conditions is a #1 problem!!! If I've got diabetes and I have had health insurance with a company for years, then get laid off, sure I can pay COBRA (with my unemployment benefits, yeah, right!) and continue my coverage. But when I get another job and am denied insurance coverage because of my pre-existing condition - how is that taking advantage?!?!? You people who only care about your own little world make me sick!
- Betsy, Manchester
I couldn't agree more- I don't understand why more Democrats can't look towards some of these kinds of reforms before looking at taking over such a massive part of our economy to fix the problem.
- Roger Stanton, Bedford
PS--Jim of Madbury notes that Mr. Guinta didn't address "pre-existing conditions." This is in fact to Mr. Guinta's credit. If I fail to insure myself until I am sick, then go to a risk-sharing company not to share risk but to get other people to pay my bills, this is misconduct. And even widespread misconduct does not argue for a reform of the system to accommodate it. Kudos to the Mayor for not buying into this aspect of the Democrats' "health-care crisis."
- Spike, Brentwood NH
See, this is exactly what I want to yell out every time I hear Shea-Porter saying that the only way to drive down costs is through a total and complete government take over of the healthcare system.
Its refreshing to hear some straight forward ideas on the subject from a Conservative. I'm impressed.
- Ginger Jenkins, Merrimack, NH
I like this conservative approach to dealing with reforming health care.
- Bill Simmons, Rye Beach
An earlier poster raised a good point about a tax credit versus a tax deduction. An open-ended tax credit would encourage people to buy more health insurance than they would need and not force them to value shop and create competition, since the entire cost would be reduced from their tax bill.
What a tax credit would do is encourage businesses to drop health coverage, since their employees would get better tax treatment than the business would receive. This would move more people into the individual market, which might enhance options.
However, with middle class and wealthier Americans overbuying health insurance, it would result in a massive drop in income tax revenue which would likely result in Congress raising other taxes to compensate.
A better plan would be to simply offer the same tax deduction to individuals that businesses get, or better give the deduction to individuals exclusively, which would create an extraordinarily competitive individual health insurance marketplace.
- Greg Moore, Manchester
The editorial by Frank Guinta into an interesting but seriously flawed advertisement for his Congressional candidacy.
1. Tort reform is being considered as part of the current health care debate and is nothing new. Moreover, it is somewhat more rationale in Canada under a single-payer system.
Affordability and Accessibilty
2. Sharing health information technology is reasonable, but it ultimately does nothing to end the endless amount of paperwork related to whether you can pay for care. Moreover, without regulation, it would do nothing to end discrimination and denial of health care for pre-existing conditions.
3. Unregulated portable health insurance does nothing to reduce health care cost, especially for individuals between jobs. See Cobra as an example ($1300 per month for a family).
4. Interstate purchasing does nothing without regulation. Companies can operate from states with the fewest restrictions. We are not talking mom and pop competition. See credit card companies in Montana and Delware charging over 30% interest as an example (up from the pre-Reagan limit of 18%).
Accountability
5. If insurance companies cared, they could pool all of their current customers now to reduce costs. They have had no interest in doing so. It is more profitable to increase costs and deny coverage.
6. Tax credits do nothing for the uninsured and the unemployed.
Honesty
Without government oversight, private--for profit--insurance companies are monopolies controlling over 75% of the market and they do not deserve any more back-door federal subsidies and support. Private insurance companies are about as cost-effective as the private security companies that rake in more than 2.5 billion per week in no-bid handouts. Perhaps if we cut back on the parties in Afghanistan, we could afford health care.
- David, Manchester, NH
One point I guess I missed in Mr.Guinta's article was the question of pre-existing conditions.
Also, Carol Shea-Porter has always been in the public sector, as a military spouse and then as a social worker. The difference is that the Public Sector spends money on those things that they think they need. The Private sector spends money on those things they can afford. I will be voting for a fiscal conservative.
- Jim, Madbury
Mr. Guinta once again doesn't let the facts get in the way of a campaign slogan. First, there is very little in any of the proposed legislation which constitutes a "government take over of health care". Simply not true. Read the bill Frank, before you blather on. Second, Carol Shea-Porter DID hold meetings with her constituents way before you offered one. I know, I attended one and she offered clear, informed and intelligent reasons for legislative changes. Third, there is very little in your 7 points which would make any real difference in the actual costs. Tort reform you say? That is by far a tiny fraction of the health cost involved. Interstate purchasing? Who will regulate /hold accountable if your out of state plan doesn't honor its contract? The government? Which one? Pooling is a viable option and some risk pools have already been created in the public sector. Nothing offered here is going to make any significant difference to the millions who are uninsured or under insured.
- JPKANT, Northwood
As a small business owner myself, I like what I'm reading here from Guinta. Other small businesses like myself absolutely should be able to pool together to bring costs down. That's an exellent point and one that should be focused on more often.
- George Pellitier, Manchester, NH
I see nothing here that equates to bigger government. Every option the mayor puts forward empowers the private sector. I like what he has to say here and I would like to see some of these ideas tried before jumping to a public option.
- Heidi Kelly, Bedford, NH
I like Frank Guinta but I read his seven points and agree with Glen from Manchester. I was looking for substantive conservative reforms and all I found was lightweight moderate positions. Nothing about health savings accounts? Frank takes the "safe" moderate approach like most if not all Republicans today. They agree with radical premises (CRISIS) that the left poses and simply offer less offensive bureaucratic solutions. I'm disappointed but will accept the better of the two choices for the 1st District. Shea-Porter is NOT AN OPTION.
- Chuck Sink, Contoocook
This article just shows that for any real reform we have to focus on reform that has the best benefit for the public not powerful Democrats in Washington. Real reform starts with American people not in a Chicago back room.
- Chris, Merrimack
Guinta is far closer to the answer than Barack Obama. These changes would certainly lower the cost of health care and improve accessibility. Bring it on.
- Gary, North Woodstock
Electronic records saves relatively little money. The provision already snuck into the stimulus package requiring all our medical data to be reported to Washington and included in our cradle-to-grave dossier, is dangerous.
Despite the cuteness of a slogan with three As, one of them, affordability, is unmeasurable. I know someone for which a lot would become affordable if it weren't for Budweiser 30-packs and scratch tickets. Affordability in this case is not the duty of the government.
And Glen of Manchester is exactly right: despite the claim, a couple of Mr. Guinta's proposals are not common-sense and are bigger government.
- Spike, Brentwood NH
Mayor Guinta missed the boat again. How do any of his plans cover the millions of people in this country that can not, at all, afford health care? Just because he had some people go yell at Rep. Shea Porter's town halls does not mean there is no support for the bill. The numbers do not back him up. And his "plan" is unoriginal and too much like the right-wing talking points we hear from his side. And the congresswoman did NOT avoid anybody from NH at ANY point, stop saying that and stop saying on your Facebook page that you were not allowed into her town hall when this paper reported you WERE offered a seat, but refused.
- Patrick, Rollinsford
Mr. Guinta forgot about the most critical component of reducing the cost of health care: cutting health insurance mandates. In fact, he advocates for a new mandate, forcing insurance companies to cover children after college graduation, which would make health insurance more unaffordable.
Also, he is making a big mistake in advocating for a tax credit for individuals and not tax deductability, like companies get today. A tax credit would remove the incentive to make health insurance more affordable, since individuals would get a dollar for dollar reduction.
While it's good to see the Mayor has some good ideas, like interstate buying, it is a shame he let his more moderate tendencies take over. I wish he would have a little more faith in empowering people to allow the free market to work.
- Glen, Manchester, NH
Just wait and see how many Democrats still post on this board saying that the only option is the Public Option. Here is an awesome set of Republican ideas to fix healthcare but the ultra liberals refuse to implement them primarily because they really don't care about fixing the problem. They just want to take away more and more of our personal liberties and health care is the best means for them to do so.
- Jane C., Manchester, New Hampshire
This was one of the most insightful editorials I have read in a long time. Not only did Frank Guinta explain the complete ineptitude of Rep. Shea Porter, but he did what more Republicans NEED to do all the time and that is offering up good solutions to a problem such as healthcare reform.
- Reggie Henderson, Merrimack, NH
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www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Frank+Guinta%3a+Improving+health+care+by+focusing+on+%27the+three+As%27&articleId=441dab35-857f-4e6d-aee8-8f8cb89e15f8#commentspanel
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"Guinta stumps in East Kingston: Candidate for 1st Congressional District ramps up campaign"
By Valerie Cellucci - newsletter@seacoastonline.com - April 9, 2010
EAST KINGSTON — Republican Frank Guinta, 39, the former mayor of Manchester and candidate for the 1st Congressional District seat currently held by Democrat Carol Shea-Porter, held a Town Hall meeting April 6 at the Pound School.
“I got into elected service as a state legislator back in 2000 and I’ve been fortunate to win every race that I’ve run for,” Guinta said.
Guinta has served in Manchester as a state representative, as an alderman and for the past four years as mayor. Guinta said while in office he reduced the violent crime rate in the Queen City by 17 percent, helped improve the way the Police Department operates and defended the rights of law-abiding gun owners to protect their families and properties from dangerous criminals.
He said it was a very humbling experience for him to serve as mayor in Manchester and it was difficult to not run for re-election (Ted Gatsas was elected to the post last fall).
“I enjoyed being mayor, it was a great job and a great city but, there were also things going on at a national level that I think, like many other people, I was concerned about,” Guinta said.
The candidate wants to lower taxes and cut spending by focusing on specific line items of the budget.
“I’ve been very disappointed as an American that there has been a new Congress, a new president and a new administration and all that has been done is deficits have increased, government is taking over different sectors of business, the economic conditions have not changed but have been getting worse and more and more people are deeply concerned about their rights and their opportunities.”
Guinta said he is focused on solution-based approaches to decrease funding to or even cut specific line items in the budget that are not necessary.
Guinta said what sets him apart from the other candidates is that he has been through the stresses of being on a ballot and has won.
He believes that the way to win is a strong campaign team, meeting people face to face and listening to what people have to say, regardless of party affiliation.
“You have to show who you are as an individual and that’s getting out there and talking to as many people who will talk to you,” he said.
Guinta has spent the last year campaigning and asking people for their support.
He said he believes he knows what it takes as a candidate to be effective. Through his experience in service he has found that people support him for governing with experience, knowledge and logic. By continuing to do this Guinta believes he can get the support of people from all parties.
“I do have the ability to bring in crossover votes, I’ve done it,” he said.
Guinta is strongly against government-run health care, increase in taxes and overall government interference.
“The one thing that has to happen when republicans win in November is that they have to be true to their campaign and promises,” he said. “I do what I say I can do.”
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John DiStaso's Granite Status: "Guinta to launch 'listening tour' focusing on Obamacare"
By John DiStaso, Senior Political Reporter, NH Union Leader, January 29, 2014
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 29 (2014): GUINTA'S LISTENING TOUR. In his first high-profile campaign activity, Frank Guinta next week will begin a "health care listening tour" to listen to and discuss with health care professionals, seniors and other Granite Staters what he views as the failure of Obamacare.
Guinta, a Republican who is running to regain the 1st District U.S. House seat he held before losing in 2012, will visit hospitals in the district excluded from the state's network under the Affordable Care Act.
Guinta will begin with a visit to Frisbie Memorial Hospital in Rochester and will also visit senior centers and businesses affected by the health care law.
His campaign says he'll hear from professionals, patients and clients about the "solutions needed to fix the broken health care system."
Guinta will visit Frisbie Hospital on Feb. 5 from 2 to 3 p.m. It is among the 10 hospitals excluded from the state network by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield's network.
Additional planned stops include the Londonderry Senior Center on Feb. 11; Portsmouth Regional Hospital on Feb. 17; the Dover Community Center on Feb. 26; Core Physicians at Exeter Hospital, March 5; and Parkland Hospital, March 12.
"Obamacare offers New Hampshire residents plans they don't want, don't need and can't afford," Guinta says in a statement.
"Thousands of Granite Staters have lost their health insurance, access to hospitals in their backyard while their premiums skyrocket. It is long past time to focus on solutions to decrease costs and increase access to health care. Obamacare has failed New Hampshire."
Guinta is running in a Republican primary against former UNH business school dean Dan Innis, while Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter is seeking reelection.
Guinta's campaign said, "Granite Staters deserve a health care system that offers access to health insurance that won't bankrupt them, offers choice and easy access to health care services they need. Obamacare offers none of this. Solutions are within our grasp if Washington politicians would simply listen to those they represent and implement policies consistent with the needs of their constituents."
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"Carol Shea-Porter is Failing New Hampshire Seniors"
Posted by Frank Guinta, Opinion - merrimack.patch.com - June 25, 2014
AARP Ranks NH 32nd in the Nation for Providing Long-Term Care Services to Seniors
The American Association of Retired Persons recently released a report scoring the state in several different areas. All told, despite having the 4th largest population of individuals 65 and older, New Hampshire ranks in the bottom half of the country in caring for our seniors.
Frank Guinta released the following statement:
“Earlier this year I set out on a Health Care Listening Tour after having heard from Granite Staters that ObamaCare was failing New Hampshire. We toured senior centers, long-term care facilities, nursing homes and more. The message was striking. Our seniors are hurting.
Carol Shea-Porter believes in a one-size fits all, top down, government run approach to health care. This approach is not working. Her stubborn refusal to listen to or meet with Granite Staters is doing a grave disservice to us all. New Hampshire deserves better."
Comments:
June 25, 2014
Oh, no, you've got it all wrong. The Alliance for Retired Americans recently gave Carol Shea Porter a rating of 100 out of 100 on their 2013 Voting Scorecard, as well as a lifetime rating of 100 as well. http://retiredamericans.org/issues/congressional-voting-record. Seniors in NH are very grateful to Carol for her work on the ACA, especially in getting the donut hole in Medicare D closed over this decade. I know my husband and I have saved a thousand dollars or more because of this over the last three years. You said you wanted to repeal the ACA, remember? And the Alliance for Retired Americans gave you a rating of ZERO, Mr. Guinta, in 2011 and 2012. ZERO! No thanks, no trade, we'll keep our Carol.
- Lucy C. Edwards
June 25, 2014
Frank Guinta voted to cut Medicare when he was a Member of U.S. Congress in April of 2011. Frank Guinta's vote would have also increased the age at which seniors get Medicare. The plan to cut Medicare, which was one of the most controversial aspects of the budget blueprint that was drafted by Representative Paul Ryan, a Wisconsin Republican, was approved by the House in April of 2011. Frank Guinta voted to turn Medicare into a voucher program. You would receive some allotment of money to help buy your health insurance from an insurance company. What if the voucher doesn't cover the entire cost of the person's health insurance? Do you go into debt? Do you become uninsured? Under today's Medicare, seniors are typically responsible for 25 percent of their total costs. Stuck with having to purchase private insurance with a voucher of diminishing value, future Medicare beneficiaries could have to pay up to 68 percent of their health care costs (source: Congressional Budget Office). A Spring of 2011 Washington Post/ABC poll reported that 78 percent of those polled oppose cutting Medicare. While Frank Guinta voted for tax cuts for the wealthy, he voted to eliminate Medicare as a guaranteed benefit program for Senior Citizens.
- Jonathan A. Melle
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"Seniors should be wary of Guinta"
Letter to the Editor of the Concord Monitor, July 14, 2014
It has been brought to our attention at the New Hampshire Alliance for Retired Americans that Frank Guinta is claiming he would be a better congressman for the senior citizens of our state than Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter.
He bases this on a study by AARP, which rated how well individual states provided long-term care. Long-term care services are administered in New Hampshire by state and county governments, not by Congress.
The Alliance for Retired Americans rated Congress on senior issues for a number of years, including those years when Frank Guinta served New Hampshire for one term.
Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter has a 100 percent lifetime record for the ARA. Guinta did not do so well during his one term.
In fact, his voting records in 2011 and 2012 were zero, worse than New Hampshire’s other congressman at that time, Charlie Bass, who was rated 0 percent in 2011 and 30 percent in 2012.
Both lost their seats in 2012.
Shea-Porter voted for the Affordable Care Act. Guinta calls it government-run. But, in reality, the ACA is heavily free-market based, and the changes to Medicare in the law have provided seniors with more preventative care at less cost, savings on brand name drugs (a provision championed by Shea-Porter), more support for providers and cost-savings that keep Medicare solvent for years to come.
The New Hampshire Alliance for Retired Americans urges seniors to do their homework before they vote!
LUCY EDWARDS
Northwood, New Hampshire
(The writer is president of the executive board of the New Hampshire Alliance for Retired Americans.)
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