Mitt Romney Speaks

In southeastern New Hampshire news media, former Massachusetts governor, Mitt Romney, was covered by reporters as he gave a talk on the current state of Obama's presidency. He did not mince words when he listed topics such as the ballooning deficit, stubborn high unemployment, the Health care law and all its controversy, and the fact he will not announce a run for the White House---it's too early.
New Hampshire is a bell weather state and, despite the cold winter weather here, Romney seemed prepared to chat and press the flesh at a GOP function. Good for him. No doubt, Newtie Gingrich is jump starting the campaign season and it'd hard for those interested parties to shy away when confronted with an early starter .
The Mayor arrived in New Hampshire to look at small town politics, up close and personal. Saturday morning was the day to visit with the mayor of Dover, New Hampshire, Scott Myers, at his morning Q & A in a local coffee located in the heart of town. A seasoned crowd of townspeople showed up to throw questions and enjoy the informal atmoshere of the setting with the full attention of Scott. Scott was assisted by the City manager who ably clarified details and certain numbers related to questions posed by those in attendance. In this old city(fd. in 1632), local folks are not shy about speaking up or speaking out. Perhaps that's why it has the reputation of making and breaking those pols seeking higher office. It was not as frigid as Wednesday or Thursday, so the curious and the concerned turned out for some old fashioned public participation-American style! I think Tahoma and El Dorado county could learn something from Doverites: get involved.
Dover is an old mill town, a town along the Fall Line-one of those eastern cities, not too far west of the coast, that benefitted from falling water power. The mills produced cotton fabric, thread, and other textiles in large, multi-storied brick buildings that straddled or channeled local rivers and streams that often tumbled over "falls" found in the region. One of the first mills in Dover was built in 1801. Others followed, and with them came workers, managers, owners, and their families. With the establishment of the Portsmouth Naval installation on the coast, these two contiguous cities prospered side by side for many years.
I walked the streets of the city for two days, observing details, inspecting buildings, listening to locals describe issues of concern. It was an education in small city geographical analysis. The library was hopping on Thursday, but it also was very cold outside- in the 20's and colder with the wind chill. It was a suitable refuge from the cold.
The double-rinked Dover Ice Arena was hosting a weekend long tournament- the New England Youth(girls) for U14,U12, U10 with 22 teams participating. It appeared that everybody was enjoying the experience. Dover is a sports loving town, especially at the youth level.
More later.