Frank Guinta
Encyclopedia
Frank Guinta is the U.S. Representative
for . 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.
, 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.
Guinta has also served on several non-profit boards of directors, including Neighbor Works, Intown Manchester, Helping Hands and the SEE Science Center.
, 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.
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. During Guinta's first term as mayor, the city raised the complement of Manchester's police force by 22 officers to 225 and added a police substation on Manchester's west side. 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, Envy and Fish, resulting in their closure. 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.
Guinta was elected to a second term as mayor on November 6, 2007, defeating Democrat Thomas Donovan, a former school board member. 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."
In June 2009, Mayor Guinta announced his plan to lower property taxes by reducing school funding by 7 million dollars. 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."
The Manchester mayoral election of 2009 determined his successor, Alderman and State Senator Ted Gatsas
.
in 2010.
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. In May 2009, he filed the paperwork and made his official announcement that he had decided to run for the House. On September 14, 2010, Guinta won the New Hampshire
Republican primary election.
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. The issue was first raised by Guinta's fellow Republicans during the Republican primary. 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. According to the New Hampshire Union Leader, on December 15, 2011, the general counsel for the U.S. House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct informed Guinta that the committee reviewed his candidate financial disclosure reports “and subsequent amendments thereto, and have determined that they are in substantial compliance” with the federal government ethics law.”
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%.
. He believes that the U.S. 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.
, 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!" 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."
," and favors a ban on abortions with no exceptions.
includes Guinta on its list of "Most Corrupt Members of Congress," claiming that beginning in 2009, Guinta "...made several shady loans to his campaign committee, claiming the money was his own despite an income that seemed to preclude that possibility."
United States House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
for . He is a member of the Republican Party
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
. He previously served as the mayor of Manchester, New Hampshire, an alderman, a state representative
New Hampshire House of Representatives
The New Hampshire House of Representatives is the lower house in the New Hampshire General Court. The House of Representatives consists of 400 members coming from 103 districts across the state, created from divisions of the state's counties. On average, each legislator represents about 3,300...
and a congressional aide.
Early life, education, and business career
Guinta, the son of Richard and Virginia Guinta, was born in Edison, New JerseyEdison, New Jersey
Edison Township is a township in Middlesex County, New Jersey. What is now Edison Township was originally incorporated as Raritan Township by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 17, 1870, from portions of both Piscataway Township and Woodbridge Township...
, on September 26, 1970. He graduated from the Canterbury School, a Catholic boarding school in New Milford, Connecticut
New Milford, Connecticut
New Milford is a town in southern Litchfield County, Connecticut, United States north of Danbury, on the Housatonic River. It is the largest town in the state in terms of land area at nearly . The population was 28,671 according to the Census Bureau's 2006 estimates...
, and Assumption College
Assumption College
Assumption College is a private, Roman Catholic, liberal arts college located on 185 acres in Worcester, Massachusetts. Assumption has an enrollment of about 2,117 undergraduates...
, a private, four-year liberal arts college in Worcester, Massachusetts
Worcester, Massachusetts
Worcester is a city and the county seat of Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. Named after Worcester, England, as of the 2010 Census the city's population is 181,045, making it the second largest city in New England after Boston....
, where he met his wife, Morgan.
After their marriage, the couple moved to Boston
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
, 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
Franklin Pierce Law Center
The University of New Hampshire School of Law, formerly the Franklin Pierce Law Center, is an American Bar Association-accredited law school located in Concord, New Hampshire. It is the only law school in the state. It was founded in 1973 by Robert H...
in New Hampshire
New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state was named after the southern English county of Hampshire. It is bordered by Massachusetts to the south, Vermont to the west, Maine and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Canadian...
, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Intellectual Property.
Guinta has also served on several non-profit boards of directors, including Neighbor Works, Intown Manchester, Helping Hands and the SEE Science Center.
Early political career
On November 7, 2000, Guinta was elected to a seat in the New Hampshire House of RepresentativesNew Hampshire General Court
The General Court of New Hampshire is the bicameral state legislature of the U.S. state of New Hampshire. The lower house is the New Hampshire House of Representatives with 400 members. The upper house is the New Hampshire Senate with 24 members...
, representing Manchester
Manchester, New Hampshire
Manchester is the largest city in the U.S. state of New Hampshire, the tenth largest city in New England, and the largest city in northern New England, an area comprising the states of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. It is in Hillsborough County along the banks of the Merrimack River, which...
. He was re-elected November 5, 2002, to the same seat. On November 6, 2001, Guinta was elected Alderman
Alderman
An alderman is a member of a municipal assembly or council in many jurisdictions founded upon English law. The term may be titular, denoting a high-ranking member of a borough or county council, a council member chosen by the elected members themselves rather than by popular vote, or a council...
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
Jeb Bradley
Joseph E. "Jeb" Bradley is a Republican member of the New Hampshire State Senate, currently serving as Senate Majority Leader. He represents his hometown of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire and 16 other towns in east-central New Hampshire. He was formerly a U.S...
, a job which he held until March, 2005, when he left to run for mayor of Manchester on a full-time basis.
Mayor of Manchester
Guinta defeated three-term Democratic incumbent mayor Robert A. BainesRobert A. Baines
Robert A. Baines is a former mayor of Manchester, New Hampshire. He served in that office from 2000 - 2006. A Democrat, he was first elected in November 1999, defeating incumbent Republican Raymond Wieczorek. Manchester mayoral elections are held every other year - in his last successful bid for...
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
Manchester, New Hampshire
Manchester is the largest city in the U.S. state of New Hampshire, the tenth largest city in New England, and the largest city in northern New England, an area comprising the states of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. It is in Hillsborough County along the banks of the Merrimack River, which...
’s neighborhoods, promoting fiscal responsibility, and reducing property tax rates. He was inaugurated on January 3, 2006. During Guinta's first term as mayor, the city raised the complement of Manchester's police force by 22 officers to 225 and added a police substation on Manchester's west side. 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, Envy and Fish, resulting in their closure. 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.
Guinta was elected to a second term as mayor on November 6, 2007, defeating Democrat Thomas Donovan, a former school board member. Guinta received the backing of the New Hampshire Union Leader
New Hampshire Union Leader
The New Hampshire Union Leader is the daily newspaper of Manchester, the largest city in the state of New Hampshire. As of September 2010 it had a daily circulation of 48,342 and the circulation of its Sunday paper, the New Hampshire Sunday News, was 63,991. It was founded in 1863.It was called...
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."
In June 2009, Mayor Guinta announced his plan to lower property taxes by reducing school funding by 7 million dollars. Guinta explained his budget by telling WMUR-TV
WMUR-TV
WMUR-TV is the ABC-affiliated television station for the state of New Hampshire that is licensed to Manchester. It broadcasts a high definition digital signal on VHF channel 9 from a transmitter on the south peak of Mount Uncanoonuc in Goffstown. Owned by Hearst Television, the station has studios...
, "We've got to find ways to be more effective, more efficient so we can keep money in taxpayers' and property owners' pockets."
The Manchester mayoral election of 2009 determined his successor, Alderman and State Senator Ted Gatsas
Ted Gatsas
Theodore "Ted" Gatsas is an American Republican politician. He is currently the Mayor of Manchester, New Hampshire. He was a member of the New Hampshire Senate, representing the 16th District from 2000 until he resigned in 2009 after being elected Mayor.Gatsas was educated at Manchester Central...
.
2010 election
Guinta's Democratic opponent, incumbent Carol Shea-Porter, had represented 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 EnglandNew England
New England is a region in the northeastern corner of the United States consisting of the six states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut...
in 2010.
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. In May 2009, he filed the paperwork and made his official announcement that he had decided to run for the House. On September 14, 2010, Guinta won the New Hampshire
New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state was named after the southern English county of Hampshire. It is bordered by Massachusetts to the south, Vermont to the west, Maine and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Canadian...
Republican primary election.
In October, 2010, the New Hampshire Democratic Party filed formal complaints with the Federal Election Commission
Federal Election Commission
The Federal Election Commission is an independent regulatory agency that was founded in 1975 by the United States Congress to regulate the campaign finance legislation in the United States. It was created in a provision of the 1975 amendment to the Federal Election Campaign Act...
and the Clerk of the House
Clerk of the United States House of Representatives
The Clerk of the United States House of Representatives is an officer of the United States House of Representatives, whose primary duty is to act as the chief record-keeper for 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. The issue was first raised by Guinta's fellow Republicans during the Republican primary. 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. According to the New Hampshire Union Leader, on December 15, 2011, the general counsel for the U.S. House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct informed Guinta that the committee reviewed his candidate financial disclosure reports “and subsequent amendments thereto, and have determined that they are in substantial compliance” with the federal government ethics law.”
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%.
Committee assignments
- Committee on the BudgetUnited States House Committee on the BudgetThe U.S. House Committee on the Budget, commonly known as the House Budget Committee, is a standing committee of the United States House of Representatives, the lower house of Congress...
- Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
- Subcommittee on Government Organization, Efficiency and Financial Management
- Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs, Stimulus Oversight and Government Spending
- Subcommittee on TARP, Financial Services and Bailouts of Public and Private Programs (Vice Chair)
- Committee on Transportation and InfrastructureUnited States House Committee on Transportation and InfrastructureThe U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure is a standing committee of the United States House of Representatives. John Mica currently chairs the committee.-History:...
- Subcommittee on AviationUnited States House Transportation Subcommittee on AviationThe Subcommittee on Aviation is a subcommittee within the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The Subcommittee has jurisdiction over civil aviation, including most aspects of the Federal Aviation Administration , the Transportation Security Administration, and the National...
- Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime TransportationUnited States House Transportation Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime TransportationThe Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation is a subcommittee within the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The Subcommittee has jurisdiction over maritime safety, security, law enforcement, and defense. Additionally, the Subcommittee exercises jurisdiction over...
- Subcommittee on Highways and TransitUnited States House Transportation Subcommittee on Highways and TransitThe House Transportation Subcommittee on Highways and Transit is a subcommittee within the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The subcommittee oversees highway, transit, and highway safety programs in the United States, as well as policy governing how highway and transit projects...
- Subcommittee on Aviation
Economy
Congressman Guinta believes small business is the engine that drives the U.S. 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 the U.S. economy back on track.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.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 IsraelIsrael
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
. He believes that the U.S. 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.
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 U.S. citizens and to reduce the burden of cost, Congressman Guinta believes small businesses should be allowed to pool employees to reduce administrative expenses, 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.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. In May, 2010, in RochesterRochester, New Hampshire
Rochester is a city in Strafford County, New Hampshire, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 29,752. The city includes the villages of East Rochester and Gonic. Rochester is home to Skyhaven Airport and the annual Rochester Fair....
, 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!" 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."
Veterans
Congressman Guinta firmly believes honoring the commitments made to American veterans should be 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.Abortion
Guinta describes himself as "pro-lifePro-life
Opposition to the legalization of abortion is centered around the pro-life, or anti-abortion, movement, a social and political movement opposing elective abortion on moral grounds and supporting its legal prohibition or restriction...
," and favors a ban on abortions with no exceptions.
Corruption Allegations
The liberal-leaning Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in WashingtonCitizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington is a nonprofit 501 organization that describes itself as "dedicated to promoting ethics and accountability in government and public life by targeting government officials – regardless of party affiliation – who sacrifice the common good to...
includes Guinta on its list of "Most Corrupt Members of Congress," claiming that beginning in 2009, Guinta "...made several shady loans to his campaign committee, claiming the money was his own despite an income that seemed to preclude that possibility."
Electoral history
Sources
- http://www.politicker.com/new-hampshire/14785/2009-rising-republican-stars December 30, 2008
- New Hampshire Union Leader editorial, "Guinta Ready to Lead City," January 2, 2006
- New Hampshire Union Leader article, "Guinta Sworn In, Seeks School Reforms," January 3, 2006
- New Hampshire Union Leader article, "It's Election Day," November 6, 2007
- http://www.guintaformayor.com/about.htm – Campaign website biography
External links
- Congressman Frank Guinta official U.S. House site
- Guinta for Congress official campaign site