An Innovative Idea For The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard From Carol Shea-Porter
There has been a clear difference between the Republican politicians who were "in power" in the New Hampshire 1st Congressional District for the past few years, and Congressperson Carol Shea-Porter -- who won an unexpected victory in November, 2006. She has done a lot of good things since then, and still is thinking outside-the-box.
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When I was President of the Seacoast Shipyard Association back in the 1990s during the first serious closure threats, I suggested that our long-term strategy to keep the facility open AND active would be to explore diversification.
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I wrote a "paper" as I was finishing my term on the SSA Board suggesting we look toward building the next generation of wind power turbines, high-speed mag lev trains, and military-scientific research and tourist submarines, bringing together public-private relationships.
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That was at a time when it appeared we were entering an era of world peace and reducing our military. Of course, 9/11 changed our thinking, and it's clear that we have to continue to be on guard. Homeland security is important, and will be for decades. Hopefully we'll maintain a balance and find ways to make friends throughout the world, but terrorism is an ever-present threat.
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The unique proposal by Carol Shea-Porter to re-use the "old" but still "new" and certainly structurally-solid navy prison for the Air Force Cyber Command is visionary diversification at its best. It would bring over 500 good-paying jobs, as well as perform a vital national service since the Command works to identify and stop efforts to sabotage the Internet or hack into our military services and the Pentagon.
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Locating the Command here makes special sense because of our high quality workers, the location of Pease Tradeport, and the security of the shipyard itself.
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Carol Shea-Porter's innovative thinking and dedication to bringing jobs to our state is much needed. She should be thanked by all of us concerned about protecting the jobs and expanding the use of our shipyard, as well as all who want to guarantee our nation will be strong in our efforts against terrorism throughout the 21st Century.
Rep. Jim Splaine
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Reader Comments (3)
Instead of creating jobs with the government how about policies that don't destroy them in the first place? How about not taxing entrepreneurs into extinction?
Now THAT would be thinking outside the box.
I agree
The Cyber Command proposal is as win win as we can get.
It's not pork by the way. Someone or some state is going to land this one.
Let's put the prison building to good use and assure the shipyards viability far into the future.
I bet you read Popular Science.
I wrote a "paper" as I was finishing my term on the SSA Board suggesting we look toward building the next generation of wind power turbines, high-speed mag lev trains, and military-scientific research and tourist submarines, bringing together public-private relationships.
NH won't contribute a nickel to keep the Downeaster running!
I suggest an expansion of Maple Sugaring.
Mike
Exeter, NH