The two republican gubernatorial candidates, Ovide Lamontagne and Kevin Smith, presented their views of the challenges facing NH and the role of nonprofit sector at the June 5th Nonprofit Capitol Exchange hosted by the Center. The democratic candidates spoke in May.

Lamontagne emphasized the importance of the three sectors:  charitable, government and business. He expressed that it is critical to support the current model of services being delivered by the sector and that he recognizes that nonprofits are guided by the same principals as businesses.

Lamontagne said that if elected governor, he plans to leave his “republican label” at the door and be the “people’s” representative by focusing at the things that unite us, not the things that divide us.

Smith shared his view that New Hampshire is at a critical point now and that his vision is that by 2020, New Hampshire should be economically competitive with a focus on the creation of sustainable jobs in a variety of sectors.

Smith emphasized the state’s heavy reliance on the nonprofit sector since the state runs on a frugal budget. He referred to nonprofits as “being taken advantage of”, especially considering the low compensation levels they receive from the state for the delivery of Medicaid services.

The candidate forums are bi-partisan events and are strictly educational. The goal is to provide the candidates with information about the sector and provide an opportunity for nonprofit leaders was to learn about the candidates’ views. Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates Maggie Hassan and Jackie Cilley were featured in the May forum.

Those invited to speak at the  Nonprofit Capitol Exchange Gubernatorial Candidates forums included everyone who for was a declared candidate by June 1, 2012.  The filing period with the NH Secretary of State office is currently open with a June 15 deadline.  The state’s Primary Election is September 11, 2012 with the General Election taking place November 6, 2012. New Hampshire is one of 11 states to hold gubernatorial election this year.

See more photos from the event...