NHPrimary.com: Forbes offers variety of choices at meeting By Molly McCarthy
Correspondent, The Telegraph of Nashua
December 22, 1999
Web posted at: 12:24 p.m. EST (1724 GMT)
MERRIMACK, New Hampshire -- Choice was the optimum word at presidential hopeful Steve Forbes' town hall meeting Tuesday night.
Forbes said that, if elected, he'll offer the American public the greatest number of choices in education, health care and social security systems; while approximately 90 people attending the meeting said it was an opportunity for them to decide who they'll choose to lead the country and make important public
policy decisions.
The stop at the Merrimack Hotel capped off a day of active campaigning for Forbes, who also went to Goffstown and Concord.
"We can be optimistic about the future of our country," he said before outlining specific policy plans and answering questions. "We can show the world what a free, vibrant and moral group of people can be."
Forbes began outlining his policy by saying that doctors and patients should make decisions regarding health care. He said he's in favor of a system that allows individuals to decide whether to pay for medical services they receive or join an HMO.
"Why do we have these silly experts bemoaning the fact that we're living longer?" Forbes asked. "As I live longer longevity seems better and better to me."
He also said that he is opposed to abortion and is in favor of a pro-life amendment to the constitution.
Americans should also be able to make choices when it comes to their child's education, he said. He's a proponent of vouchers that allow parents to choose which school their children attend.
"Good teaching will then truly be recognized," he said.
He cited the system in place in Milwaukee as an example. Parents were allowed to choose the school their child attended. Eventually the public school system made a pledge to parents that if their children were not reading at grade level by the time they were in second grade, the school system would pay for the additional education needed to catch them up.
Forbes said that he would stop what he called "raids" on the Social Security trust fund and enable people to accumulate $1.6 million for retirement, compared to the present average accumulation of $33,394.
"It's the bear in the honey phenomenon," he said. "If you put a big pot of honey in the woods, a bear will eat it. If you put a big pot of money in Washington, the political bears are going to eat it. "
He also outlined his tax plan, which would replace the current federal income tax code with a 17 percent flat tax rate. The plan includes an exemption of $13,000 for adults and $5,000 for children. Therefore, a family of four with an income of $36,000 a year or less would not have to contribute income taxes.
In response to a question from an audience member, Forbes defended his ability to tackle foreign relations matters.
"In terms of personal experience in world affairs, I'll match mine against any other candidate's," Forbes said, noting that his business travels have taken him to 60 countries over three decades.
Those attending the event said it will help them make an important decision.
"I like to learn as much as I can about the candidates and this is a perfect opportunity to see Mr. Forbes in the flesh and form an opinion," said Merrimack resident Lisa Chaloner, 44.
"I'm in the process of elimination," said Rick Leary of Bedford, 52, who will cast his ballot for either Forbes or Arizona Sen. John McCain. "I'm leaning toward Steve Forbes, but I'd like to hear him in person."
They also said they were fortunate to live in a small state with a first in the nation primary.
"It affords us an opportunity most of the country doesn't have," said Nancy LeBoutillier of New Boston. "We get to see the candidates on a level most other people don't."
"Having the opportunity to be involved in the small town process is something I never had before," Leary said.
Forbes said that's something no New Hampshire resident should take lightly.
"The whole world, the whole nation, will be looking at New Hampshire in February," Forbes said. "You have a unique opportunity to lay the ground work for a new era, a new millennium."
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