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 Hello |
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| Intro Profiles |
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| Benson profile |
WEB PROMO |
| Fernald Profile |
key: State Politics / Government |
| Intro Discussion |
key: |
| Discussion |
Tonight 10:00 |
| Tomorrow |
website |
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| Hello |
Goodnight |
| Intro Profiles |
founders |
| Benson profile |
WEB PROMO |
| Fernald Profile |
key: State Politics / Government |
| Intro Discussion |
key: |
| Discussion |
Tonight 10:00 |
| Tomorrow |
website |
| Hello Return to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Richard Ager sitting in tonight for Allison McNair. Welcome to NH Outlook. |
| Intro Profiles Return to index of stories... |
In two weeks time we'll know who the voters have chosen to be the next Governor of New Hampshire. And we'll also know what they think about campaign issues like a proposed income tax to pay for education. Tonight, we have profiles of both major party gubernatorial candidates and their stands on the issues. We begin with Republican Craig Benson. |
| Benson profile Return to index of stories... |
Soundup: Benson primary night tape 3 23:04:13 "Craig, Craig, Craig." Track: He's the $10 million man, that being the amount of his personal fortune that Craig Benson has spent so far to run for governor. Bite: Benson runs tape 4 01:17:49 A lot of people have asked why are you running for governor? You're pretty well off, you've been successful in your own life - much more successful than I ever thought I was going to be. Truth be told. But the fact is, long ago my parents told me if you're going to take something, you have to give something back. Track: Benson says he wants to create a newer, more efficient state government but keep the old pledge to veto any broad-based tax such as the income tax proposed by his Democratic opponent, Mark Fernald. Bite: BIA/NHPTV Debate tape 19;00:55 It is time for a change - and not one that devastates our economy. I moved my business here when it was 17 people and grew it to 7000. I can tell you for a fact that I wouldn't have come here if there had been a sales or income tax in the state of NH. Track: Benson made his fortune building Cabletron, a company that was split last year into four parts, the largest being the troubled Enterasys corporation, on whose board he still sits. Benson says he has been fighting excessive business taxes since he sued the state a decade ago. Bite: Benson runs tape 1 00:18;15 My little business in Rochester was paying almost 7% of the total business profits taxes in this state and I said it was unfair and I stood up for it when the legislature turned the crank one more time and raised the rate to 9%. Track: In their debates, Fernald has made much of Benson's lawsuit, claiming it led directly to the legislature imposing the business enterprise tax. Bite: BIA/NHPTV Debate tape 18;15:44 "I'd like to ask Mark what part of the business enterprise tax I had. Did I vote for it? Did I lobby for it? What part do you think I had?" You had a lot. Your lobbyist Ed Dupont said there were issues of fairness raised in the Cabletron suit that are addressed by the BET. After the BET was introduced, you dropped your lawsuit. It was clearly what you were attempting to do - to shift some of your taxes onto somebody else and it worked. Bite: Benson runs tape 1 00:18;40 He also knows that he voted for the business enterprise tax to raise the rate from a quarter of 1% to ˝ %. He also voted to raise the business profits tax. We're going the wrong way when we keep trying to tax businesses. Soundup: Benson runs tape 3 00:35:44 Applause shot - DISSOLVE TO: Soundup: Benson runs tape 3 00:38:18 A lively debate - and now this is the best part is going out and seeing companies, seeing what you're doing. Soundup: Benson runs tape 3 00:46:40 I ran Cabletron - I started it. Just two of us in a garage - we got it to 7000." "I've heard the story." Track: In many ways, as was evident on this day filled with visits to NH businesses, Benson's most natural constituency is the business community. Soundup: Benson runs tape 4 01:02;00 I think it's time we cut out some of this darned paperwork and go electronic. Track: Benson says he'll make that happen with new internet sites. Bite: Benson runs tape 3 00:40:05 One which you may have seen on my website is MY NHBIZ.com which allows you as a biz to do every single transaction you do with the state through the web. Right now, you have to wait in line to do all your transactions. If you're able to do that, you'll be more efficient and effective, but also, it won't allow you to run foul of the law. Bite: Benson runs tape 2 00:37:42 WHERE DOES THE BUSINESS OF GOVT. DIFFER FROM THE BUSINESS OF BUSINESS? Well, organizations are all run by people, so whether it's a business, a family or govt., it's made up of people. And you've got to motivate and excite people and get them passionate towards the goals and objectives of that particular organization. So there's a common thread. Bite: Benson runs tape 5 00:02:42 WHAT WOULD BE YOUR FIRST PRIORITY IN OFFICE? We've got to fix the education system. But simultaneously, we can start to recruit the kinds of companies we need to make the 21st century in NH a great place - biotechs, pharmaceuticals, financials, some high-mix manufacturing companies as well. Soundup: Benson runs tape 4 01;21:20 I like to talk about the education thing together because it has two components. One is quality, the other is cost. Bite: Benson runs tape 4 01:23:00 **Every child is interested in something and we have to figure it out. We gotta make parents part of this - I call it making partners. We do that by giving them choice. We also do that by grading the schools. I happen to think parents in NH will come to the aid of schools that have problems if they know what to help fix. But if they don't know, they can't help. So let's tell them. Let's be honest about it. Track: Choice would include establishment of specialized charter schools and more…. Bite: Benson runs tape 2 00:45:50 What we need to have is choice between public schools - and see if we can't find a voucher system that works for everybody. That doesn't take away from what we already have but adds to the opportunity. WOULD IT INCLUDE RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS - OR HOME SCHOOLS? Why not? And I don't think we give home schools a fair shake. Our school systems are reimbursed for home schools whether they show up or not, yet we don't even provide them with textbooks or curriculum or a lot of other materials they need to be successful as home schoolers. Track: As for the cost of education, Benson wants to freeze state education funding at the current level and target any new money to the neediest students, not communities. And he wants to limit the property tax paid by seniors. Soundup: Benson runs tape 5 00:08;14 "We're going to cap her property tax." "That's good." "So she doesn't get driven out of her home. That's happened way too often." "That's true." "going to cap it at a percentage of her income - 6, 8 or 10% so she can stay there. Bite: Benson runs tape 2 00:47:58 WHY JUST SENIORS? WHY NOT ALSO FOR POORER FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN WHO WOULD ALSO BE IN TOUGH CIRCUMSTANCES? Well, the seniors are in the toughest circumstance because their income doesn't change very much with time. So those are the ones who need the help right now, especially when they're 85 years old and being pushed out of their homes at a time when they really can't look at another place to live. Track: Benson is also pushing for a yes vote on ballot question number 2 in order to convene a constitutional convention that could tackle long-standing issues. Bite: Benson runs tape 2 00:49:30 School funding is one thing - and I'd like to see that changed and clarified, but I'd also like to see court reform take place - I'd like to give terms to judges in the state so that they're up for reviews say, on a 7 year basis, so that they don't get a lifetime appointment to the court. Soundup: Benson runs tape 4 01;04:34 "What's the money out for?" "It's going to be put away." "How are you - I thought we were having a little raffle or gambling issue going here." Track: Jokes aside, Benson does not support any expansion of gambling. Bite: BIA/NHPTV Debate tape 18:44:30 Gambling would raise about $200 million for the state of NH right now. That's unless Massachusetts decided to pass gambling laws as well. Then $200 million would become $50 million and try putting the state of NH on a $150 million diet. It would be very tough. Soundup: Benson runs tape 3 00:55:40 phone rings - Hi, Craig Benson, can I help you Track: And when there are regulatory and other issues, Benson promises a less confrontatory approach. Bite: Benson runs tape 4 01;30:10 Verizon has been a very good partner to me as a business, and you could probably be doing a lot more if we let you. And as I said to Mike Hickey, we'll sit behind closed doors and talk about all those opportunities, and you won't see me railing in the press about it, because I happen to think you're a great company with a lot of great employees who want to do the right thing, but sometimes it's hard to know what the right thing is, and somebody just needs to sit down and go over those priorities. Soundup: Humphrey ad Track: During the Republican primary, Benson's opponents - chiefly Gordon Humphrey - ran many negative ads about Benson. Soundup: Benson runs tape 3 00:32:37 Jean Scarfo sued Mr. Benson for sexual discrimination. The jury believed her. Track: His current opponent says it's a matter of trust. But Benson says the issues are the issue. Bite: Benson runs tape 2 00:53:05 I think people are pretty sick and tired of hearing about Craig Benson and what he did or didn't do in his past life. They want to know what Craig Benson is going to do as governor, and I've always run my life where I don't look in the rear view mirrors, I look ahead because that's where the opportunity is. So I happen to think the people are sick of it, they dismissed it, they've allowed me to be the candidate for the Republican Party which I'm very thankful for, and I think it's time to get on with it and talk about the issues. Soundup: Benson runs tape 5 00:07;20 ** "Good luck." "thank you." |
| Fernald Profile Return to index of stories... |
WS ext of house Fernald clip - 1-:5- "This is my son Matthew. Can you say hi to Phil and Jason…" Narr 1 - Introductions have become a natural reflex for Mark Fernald. Montage of "Hi, I'm Mark Fernald" sound bites Narr 2 - Fernald is a lawyer, a Democratic and a two-term Senator from Sharon. He's now running for governor. Fernald clip - 1-320 "What drew you into politics - the Claremont decision I could see in that decision that we were going to have to change the way we tax in this state - |
| Intro Discussion Return to index of stories... |
Joining us to discuss the gubernatorial candidates are Andy Smith of the UNH Survey Center and Dante Scala from the Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College. |
| Discussion Return to index of stories... |
1: What does this race look like now? 2: Each brings a different message - Craig Benson opposes the income tax, while it's Fernald's main plank. 3: Fernald wanted to make this a campaign about the property tax, not the income tax - has that message been getting through? 4: Benson hasn't advertised as much as during the primary - but is still outspending Fernald by far. Does the money factor hurt him in any way? 5: We've seen national and state party ads for all the Congressional candidates. Benson doesn't need any advertising help. So Fernald is the only major office candidate who could benefit from party ads - but isn't getting them. Why? 6: Have you noticed any serious campaigning for a constitutional convention? 7: Contrast the education planes - Fernald wants to strengthen public system - Benson supports vouchers - even for private, religious, or home schoolers. |
| Tomorrow Return to index of stories... |
On the next New Hampshire Outlook - The NH Attorney General and the Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence have launched a new campaign against Teen Dating Violence. We'll talk about the prevalence of Teen Dating Violence and the new ways the campaign is using to reach out to young people. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
That's it for this edition of our program. For all of us here at New Hampshire Public Television, I'm Richard Ager. Thanks for joining us. We'll see you next time on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| founders Return to index of stories... |
Thanks to our founding sponsors who have provided major funding for the production of New Hampshire Outlook: New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Public Service of New Hampshire Alice J. Reen Charitable Trust Putnam Foundation Stratford Foundation |
| WEB PROMO Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. There's a new campaign against Teen Dating Violence. We'll talk about its prevalence and the new ways the campaign is reaching out to young people. Tonight at 10pm on New Hampshire Public Television. |
| key: State Politics / Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK AIR DATE/TIME: 10/23/02 22:00 HOST: Richard Ager LENGTH: 26:46 MINUTES In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly new magazine, we continue our NH Votes 2002 coverage, with profiles of the Gubernatorial Candidates. Andy Smith of the UNH Survey Center and Dante Scala of the Institute of Politics at St. Anselm join us for analysis. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager and Phil Vaughn PARTICIPANTS: Craig Benson\R - Gubernatorial Candidate Mark Fernald\D - Gubernatorial Candidate Larry Burdick\Owner, Burdick's Chocolates Bob Metcalf\Charlestown Resident Cecil Fisk\Charlestown Resident Rep. Jack Pratt\Walpole Loretta Seibert\E. Alstead Resident Doris Burroughs\Charlestown Resident Andy Smith\UNH Survey Center Dante Scala\Institute of Politics |
| key: Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: **/**/02 / 2200 HOST: Allison McNair Length: In addition to a summary of the day's top New Hampshire stories, this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, included a PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: |
| Tonight 10:00 Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. The new campaign to target Teenage Dating Violence. We'll see just how widespread the problem is. Join us tonight at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| website Return to index of stories... |
For information on our program, and links to our guests and interviews, visit our web site at nhptv.org. You can see and hear streaming video of our broadcasts. If you've got a story idea or comment on our program, click the feedback button on our website. Or, call us at 800-639-2721. |