Jump to content

Frank Guinta

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 66.44.78.19 (talk) at 15:17, 8 May 2011 (→Foreign policy). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Frank Guinta
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from New Hampshire's 1st district
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 3, 2011
Preceded byCarol Shea-Porter
54th Mayor of Manchester, New Hampshire
In office
January 3, 2006 – January 3, 2010
Preceded byRobert A. Baines
Succeeded byTed Gatsas
Personal details
Born (1970-09-26) September 26, 1970 (age 54)
Edison, New Jersey[1]
Political partyRepublican
SpouseMorgan Smith Guinta

Frank Guinta (/[invalid input: 'icon']ˈɡɪntə/; born September 26, 1970) is the U.S. Representative for New Hampshire's 1st congressional district. He is a member of the Republican Party. He previously served as the mayor of Manchester, New Hampshire, an alderman, a state representative and a congressional aide.

Early life, education and career

Guinta, the son of Richard and Virginia Guinta, was born in Edison, New Jersey, on September 26, 1970. He graduated from the Canterbury School, a Catholic boarding school in New Milford, Connecticut, and Assumption College, a private, four-year liberal arts college in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he met his wife, Morgan.

After their marriage, the couple moved to Boston, where Guinta worked for Travelers Insurance and other entities in the insurance industry. He also began his own insurance consulting firm helping reduce costs for small- to medium-size businesses. He attended Franklin Pierce Law Center in New Hampshire, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Intellectual Property.[2]

Guinta has also served on several non-profit boards of directors, including Neighbor Works, Intown Manchester, Helping Hands and the SEE Science Center. [citation needed]

Early political career

On November 7, 2000, Guinta was elected to a seat in the New Hampshire House of Representatives, representing Manchester. He was re-elected November 5, 2002, to the same seat. On November 6, 2001, Guinta was elected Alderman representing Manchester’s Ward 3 and was reelected to that office on November 4, 2003. In 2004, he resigned his House seat to take a position as senior policy advisor to Congressman Jeb Bradley, a job which he held until March, 2005, when he left to run for mayor of Manchester on a full-time basis.[2]

Mayor of Manchester

Mayor Guinta in 2008

Guinta defeated three-term Democratic incumbent mayor Robert A. Baines in the November 8, 2005 election, becoming Manchester's youngest mayor in over 100 years. He ran on a platform of improving education, increasing public safety and security, revitalizing Manchester’s neighborhoods, promoting fiscal responsibility, and reducing property tax rates. He was inaugurated on January 3, 2006.[3] During Guinta's first term as mayor, the city raised the complement of Manchester's police force by 22 officers to 225[4] and added a police substation on Manchester's west side.[5] Guinta also tackled violence at local nightclubs. In 2006, at the urging of Guinta, neighbors, and other city officials concerned about violent crime, the state Liquor Commission refused to renew the liquor licenses for clubs Omega and Envy, resulting in their closure.[6][7][8] Guinta emphasized community policing and cooperation between law enforcement and the community. With regards to taxes and spending, Guinta takes credit for Manchester's first tax cut in a decade.[9]

Guinta was elected to a second term as mayor on November 6, 2007, defeating Democrat Thomas Donovan, a former school board member.[10] Guinta received the backing of the New Hampshire Union Leader during his re-election bid. The paper's editorial board praised Guinta as "a tax-cutting crime fighter...[who] has pushed bureaucratic reform and improved services."[11]

In June 2009, Mayor Guinta announced his plan to lower property taxes by reducing school funding by 7 million dollars.[12] Guinta explained his budget by telling WMUR-TV, "We've got to find ways to be more effective, more efficient so we can keep money in taxpayers' and property owners' pockets."[13]

The Manchester mayoral election of 2009 determined his successor, Alderman and State Senator Ted Gatsas.

U.S. House of Representatives

2010 election

Main article: United States House of Representatives elections in New Hampshire, 2010 § District 1*

Guinta's Democratic opponent, incumbent Carol Shea-Porter, had represented New Hampshire's 1st congressional district for two terms. The race received national attention because some analysts had rated it as one of the best chances for a Republican pick-up in New England in 2010.[14]

On April 2009, Guinta announced that he would run for higher office in the next year instead of seeking a third term as mayor. He stated that he had been asked to run for governor, Congress, and the Senate.[15] In May 2009, he filed the paperwork and made his official announcement that he had decided to run for the House.[16] On September 14, 2010, Guinta won the New Hampshire Republican primary election.[17]

In October, 2010, the New Hampshire Democratic Party filed formal complaints with the Federal Election Commission and the Clerk of the House concerning $355,000 Guinta loaned to his own campaign from a bank account that had not been disclosed in any of his previous financial statements, including those filed during his time as mayor of Manchester.[18][19] The issue was first raised by Guinta's fellow Republicans during the Republican primary.[20] Guinta dismissed speculation that the money represented an illegal campaign donation, stating that the money came from his own earnings and savings but refusing to make public the related bank statements.[21][22] These accusations have remained politically motivated without any action from the Federal Election Commission.

On November, 2, 2010, Frank Guinta defeated incumbent Representative Carol Shea-Porter by 12 percentage points, by a vote of 54% to 42%, with third party candidates receiving the remaining 4%.[23]

Committee assignments

Political positions

Economy

Congressman Guinta believes small business is the engine that drives our economy. More than 94 percent of businesses in New Hampshire employ fewer than 100 employees and about 85 percent of those businesses employee fewer than 20. As a result, Guinta believes in lessening the burden on individuals and small businesses by providing tax incentives that will allow them to increase their workforce, invest and create jobs. He believes that their innovation and ingenuity will get our economy back on track. [24]

Taxes and Spending

Congressman Guinta’s believes in lowering taxes and reining in government spending. As a signee of the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, he has signed a contract to defend taxpayer interests and vote against all efforts to increase taxes. Also, he believes government spending cannot exceed revenue income and firmly stands for a balanced budget constitutional amendment. [24]

Foreign policy

Guinta believes in pulling the United States out of United Nations in response to questions about growing U.N. demands on the U.S. He has advocated stronger support for Israel. He believes that our country needs to remain focused on the "War on Terror," and be "strategic and surgical" about any threats to U.S. citizens on American or foreign soil. [24]

Security

Guinta voted to extend various expiring provisions of the Patriot Act. [25]

Health care

Congressman Guinta supports repealing and replacing the Health Care Reform Act passed during the 111th Congress. He opposes any government-run health care system that increases the debt and lessens the quality of care. To improve health care for our citizens and to reduce the burden of cost, Congressman Guinta believes small businesses should be allowed to pool employees to reduce administrative expensive, increase bargaining power and lower overall costs. He also believes any health care reform must include meaningful and comprehensive tort reform and consumers should be able to purchase health insurance beyond state lines. [26]

Social Security

Guinta has stated that he supports Social Security benefits for those currently receiving them, but has not proposed any specific measures for sustaining the program.[27] In May, 2010, in Rochester, Guinta said, "We have to honor the obligations that have been made to those who are reliant on the federal government - older generations. But future generations should seek different private sector solutions and have personal responsibility start to lead the way. My kids are 6 and 5. They shouldn't know what Social Security is!"[28][29] In September, Guinta defined his position on Social Security this way: "The only way to ensure Social Security's future is to cut federal spending, so we can maintain the commitments we've made to our nation's seniors. I believe we need a solution to preserve Social Security which does not privatize the system, does not raise taxes, and does not cut existing benefits."[30]

Veterans

Congressman Guinta firmly believes honoring the commitments made to our veterans is a top priority. He believes that we must work hard to ensure this country is placed on a path of economic success so we can fulfill the promises made to those that have served. In addition, he believes that Congress must diligently work to improve the quality of care and benefits so veterans receive the care they need, when they need it. [31]

Abortion

Guinta describes himself as "pro-life," and favors a ban on abortions with no exceptions.[24]

Electoral history

New Hampshire's First Congressional District General Election, 2010
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Frank Guinta 121,575 54
Democratic Carol Shea-Porter (Incumbent) 95,503 42
New Hampshire First Congressional District Republican Primary 2010
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Frank Guinta 22,237 31.8
Republican Sean Mahoney 19,418 27.8
Republican Richard Ashooh 19,376 27.7
Republican Robert Bestani 5,337 7.6
Manchester Mayoral Election 2007
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Frank Guinta (Incumbent) 10,381 53.9 + 2.6
Democratic Tom Donovan 8,894 46.1
Manchester Mayoral Election 2005
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Frank Guinta 10,125 51.3
Democratic Robert A. Baines (Incumbent) 9,597 48.7 − 18.0

See also

Sources

References

  1. ^ a b Yanchin, Jennifer (November 3, 2010). "112th Congress: Frank Guinta, R-N.H. (1st District)". Congressional Quarterly. Retrieved November 7, 2010.
  2. ^ a b "Project VoteSmart candidate biography". Votesmart.org. 1970-09-26. Retrieved 2011-03-06.
  3. ^ "Guinta sworn in, seeks school reforms - Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2006". Theunionleader.com. 2006-01-03. Retrieved 2010-08-23.
  4. ^ "Crime colors Manchester mayor's race - Monday, Oct. 8, 2007". Unionleader.com. Retrieved 2010-08-23.
  5. ^ http://www.nwgm.org/uploads/pdf/news/UL-02272007.pdf
  6. ^ [1][dead link]
  7. ^ http://www.courts.state.nh.us/supreme/opinions/2007/omega146.pdf
  8. ^ [2][dead link]
  9. ^ "Guinta takes eight-way race". Concord Monitor. September 16, 2010. Retrieved 2010-10-05.
  10. ^ "It's election day - Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007". Theunionleader.com. 2007-11-06. Retrieved 2010-08-23.
  11. ^ "Guinta for mayor: The right leader for Manchester - Thursday, Oct. 25, 2007". Unionleader.com. Retrieved 2010-08-23.
  12. ^ "Manchester Mayor's Draft Budget Cuts School Funding | New Hampshire Public Radio". Nhpr.org. 2008-05-09. Retrieved 2010-08-23.
  13. ^ POSTED: 6:00 pm EDT June 23, 2009 (2009-06-23). "Manchester Schools Consider Pay-To-Play - Project Economy News Story - WMUR Manchester". Wmur.com. Retrieved 2010-08-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  14. ^ "Friday House Cleaning: Tie-ing Up Loose Ends - Hotline On Call". Hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com. 2009-04-03. Retrieved 2010-08-21.
  15. ^ Associated Press. "Manchester, NH, mayor to seek higher office". SeacoastOnline.com. Retrieved 2010-08-23.
  16. ^ "Guinta says Congress avoids tough decisions - Monday, May. 11, 2009". Unionleader.com. 2009-05-11. Retrieved 2010-08-23.
  17. ^ U.S. House District 1 Republican (2010-09-14). "Ashooh Concedes 1st District Race To Guinta - Politics News Story - WMUR Manchester". Wmur.com. Retrieved 2011-03-06.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  18. ^ ""Formal complaints filed against Guinta" (October 6, 2010) ''Concord Monitor''". Concordmonitor.com. 2010-10-06. Retrieved 2011-03-06.
  19. ^ ""Assessing Frank Guinta's Finances" (October 12, 2010)". NHPR. Retrieved 2011-03-06.
  20. ^ ""Legitimate questions about Guinta" (August 24, 2010)". Fosters.com. 2010-08-24. Retrieved 2011-03-06.
  21. ^ "Guinta: Funds Didn't Violate Campaign Laws". 2010-10-13. Retrieved 2010-10-13.
  22. ^ ""Guinta explains source of his campaign loans" (August 18, 2010) Drew Clines ''NH Union Leader'' blog". Blogs.unionleader.com. Retrieved 2011-03-06.
  23. ^ "Guinta Beats Shea-Porter In 1st District - Politics News Story - WMUR Manchester". Wmur.com. 2010-11-03. Retrieved 2011-03-06.
  24. ^ a b c d {{cite web|url=http://guinta.house.gov/issue/economy Cite error: The named reference "fospos" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  25. ^ ""House Roll Call Vote on HR 514"". Clerk.house.gov. 2011-02-14. Retrieved 2011-03-06.
  26. ^ http://guinta.house.gov/issue/health. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  27. ^ ["http://www.concordmonitor.com/article/220144/debate-matter-of-social-security" "Debate a Matter of Social Security"]. 2010-10-13. Retrieved 2010-10-13. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  28. ^ ["http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20100926-OPINION-9260312" "Guinta doesn't get the reality of governing"]. 2010-09-26. Retrieved 2010-10-21. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  29. ^ Posted by Skip on May 24, 2010 8:10 PM (2010-05-24). "Embedded video hosted by GraniteGrok.com; Guinta's remarks begin at 6:52". Granitegrok.com. Retrieved 2011-03-06.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  30. ^ Guinta, Team (2010-09-29). ""Guinta Statement on Preserving Social Security" (September 29, 2010) Guinta for Congress blog". Guinta2010.blogspot.com. Retrieved 2011-03-06.
  31. ^ {{cite web|last=house |first=guinta |url=http://guinta.house.gov/issue/veterans
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from New Hampshire's 1st congressional district
January 3, 2011 – present 		Succeeded by
Incumbent
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded by United States Representatives by seniority
380th 		Succeeded by

Template:Persondata

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Frank_Guinta&oldid=428087327"