Give Bill Gardner the Benefit of the Doubt

40 Years of Outstanding Public Service and Integrity have to Mean Something.

A lot of criticism has been levied at NH Secretary of State Bill Gardner for agreeing to an appointment to President Trump's Commission of Electoral Integrity. Critics say he is just encouraging a false narrative that Trump has promulgated for his own narcissistic reasons.

I Trust NH Secretary of State Bill Gardner. He has demonstrated during 40 years of public service that he is a fair and diligent arbiter and protector of a citizens right to vote and a fair, streamlined process for registering and voting.

While I would have been inclined not to accept an appointment to Trumps Commission on voter fraud because it is focused on trying to prove an assertion that is widely disputed by experts from all sides of the political spectrum. Nonetheless, I see the potential benefit to having a voice of reason among the members, many of whom have their hair on fire over the matter and are not expected to act rationally. Of course there is a danger to this approach. Gardner may find himself isolated and in the final analysis the story may be a lopsided vote for a report that has no bearing in reality. However, as a member of the commission Gardner will have credibility when he speaks out if this is the case. . . and I believe he will speak out.

In the final analysis, this was a judgement call. I trust Bill Gardner to fight for what is right not what is expedient.

On a Wing and a Prayer