Jon Lavoie in 2016 NH Governor's race

On Abortion: Pro-choice because it's none of my business

Contrary to what the media and the presidential candidates want you to believe, the topic of abortion is not completely a national issue. It is very much a State to State decision. In my opinion, personal or religious beliefs on this issue should not be made into law. So as Governor, what will be my stance on the topic? "It's none of my business." Now I'll explain:

Why should myself or anyone else have a say in what others do in their personal lives? This can't be an easy decision to make for most people, and in the end, they alone will have to come to terms with it and live with their decision.

Am I pro-life or pro-choice? In a black and white world, I suppose I am a Republican who tends to lean a bit to the left on this issue. If that makes me pro-choice, then ok. In a perfect world, I would wish that there was no need for abortion, but this world is not perfect. There are instances where people are going to make this choice, and it's simply none of my business.

Source: 2016 New Hampshire Governor campaign website, JonLavoie.org Nov 4, 2015

On Drugs: Fund heroin interdiction, but fund treatment too

Stopping the trafficking of heroin into our state should be our #1 priority, but it's a very difficult proposition. How do you stop something that can fit in someone's pocket? Our state and town police departments are doing everything they can to help rid our state of harmful drugs like heroin. I believe the state government should aid them with whatever they may need to maximize their effectiveness in doing so. This will require some funding.

I believe that those who need help and want help, should have the opportunity to receive treatment. Proper pharmaceutical and behavioral treatment are typically required. As Governor, I would push to have medical insurance companies include this treatment in their plans, some already do. For those without medical insurance, I am in favor of having the state provide funding for treatment.

Source: 2016 New Hampshire Governor campaign website, JonLavoie.org Nov 4, 2015

On Drugs: Learn from Colorado and collect marijuana tax dollars

Colorado is banking $12 million per month from legalizing and taxing marijuana. Now let me preface this with the fact that I don't smoke anything. But we all know that buying marijuana these days is almost as easy as buying cigarettes or alcohol. From everything I've read, it's less harmful than both. Colorado has come to the realization that it costs more to prosecute someone for marijuana possession than the fine brings in. Marijuana is easy to find, and I'm not even looking for it! So CO made it legal and taxed it like tobacco and alcohol, and from what I've read, it seems to be going ok. We are the "Live Free or Die" state. Perhaps it's time to learn from Colorado and start collecting tax dollars on something that people are going to do whether it's legal or not.

All I ask is that you don't label me as the guy who wants to legalize pot. These are just ideas that I believe this state should take a serious look at.

Source: 2016 New Hampshire Governor campaign website, JonLavoie.org Nov 4, 2015

The above quotations are from 2016 New Hampshire Gubernatorial race: debates and news coverage. Click here for other excerpts from 2016 New Hampshire Gubernatorial race: debates and news coverage. Click here for other excerpts by Jon Lavoie. Click here for other excerpts by other Governors.
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Page last updated: Dec 09, 2018