|
|
|
|
 HelloReturn to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Allison McNair. Welcome to NH Outlook. |
| Intro Phil McLaughlin Return to index of stories... |
Attorney-General Phillip McLaughlin has ended his six years of service as New Hampshire's chief law enforcement officer. At 5pm Wednesday, he walked out of the AG's office for the last time. Throughout McLaughlin's tenure, the state has had to wrestle with many legal dilemmas - including legislative battles over school funding, heinous murder cases, and crises in the highest court. Producer Richard Ager spent some time with the attorney-general and has this profile. |
| Phil McLaughlin Return to index of stories... |
SCRIPT: Soundup: McLaughlin newser tape 1 phone rings, McLaughlin answers Track: It's just minutes before the resolution of the state's investigation into abuse in the Catholic church. As the media gather across the street, Phil McLaughlin is getting ready to pass judgement on the church he was raised in. Bite: McLaughlin newser tape 2 12:31:10 I think they simply made choices that reflected what they perceived to be in the interests of the diocese with regard to the protection of its reputation, and in making those decisions, put other children at risk and in many, many, many instances, that risk resulted in their being sexually molested. Track: In ending the case against the church, McLaughlin won the first-ever admission from the church that it would have been found criminally liable for the abuse by its priests. Bite: Diocese newser tape 1 13:38;55 In my agreement with the Attorney General, who ensures the public safety of our State, I, as the Bishop of our Church in New Hampshire, acknowledge the Church's failings to protect children. Track: McLaughlin's term is ending the way it began in 1997 - dealing with heart-wrenching crimes. Bite: McLaughlin Profile tape 2 02;17:34 WHAT'S BEEN THE TOUGHEST SITUATION TO DEAL WITH? Bite: McLaughlin Profile tape 2 02:17:56 The first thing that came to mind was the death of a little child named Elizabeth Knapp who was five years old who was raped and murdered. I think all normal adults respond the same way to murder situations but you asked the question and that flashed to mind. That was just such a stunning - such a stunning event. It imprinted itself on me and I've never really gotten past that in a way. soundup: Colebrook 97 tape 3 59:13 ? Roadblock video "He's going to show you a picture.don't pick up any hitchhikers.he's about 69 years old. ***" Track: Three months after McLaughlin's took office, Carl Drega went on a murderous rampage in Colebrook. Drega killed two state troopers, a judge and newspaper editor, before being killed in a shootout. Less than a week later, Epsom police officer Jeremy Charron was murdered during a traffic stop. Soundup: Police Memorial tape 2 02:14:26 "Trooper Scott Phillips of the NH State Police" Bite: Police Memorial tape 1 01:20:45 Jeremy Charron and the troopers - Troopers Phillips and Lord - did not live to die….On a thousand occasions, they answered the calls to do the small things. On a thousand occasions, they gave a sense of security to people who called upon them. soundup: Police Memorial tape 2 02:20:00 All the bagpipes join in Amazing Grace Track: Many, including governor Jeanne Shaheen, criticized McLaughlin for not seeking the death penalty in any of his cases, but he says New Hampshire's capital punishment law demands proof that was not obtainable. Bite: McLaughlin profile tape 4 04:10:20 DO YOU THINK THE STATE WILL EVER EXECUTE SOMEBODY AGAIN? I don't know. I do know that if we were to ever again have a Drega situation, that I fully believe that case would be indicted as a capital case. Bite: Death Penalty Hearing tape 3 00:02:15 I think that law operates as a deterrent. Track: And although he didn't invoke it, McLaughlin testified at the legislature in favor of keeping NH's death penalty statute. Another issue he handled personally was arguing the state's case in the Claremont education lawsuit. Bite: McLaughlin profile tape 7 07:17:17 When it came time for the case to be argued, the general goes and does it himself. I can't remember another attorney-general going to argue a case personally, but it was no avail. That time, or the next time, or the next time. Bite: McLaughlin profile tape 5 05:18:17 *** I have really experienced the Claremont case mostly from a level of frustration because it's my role to argue the law, and yet I keep asking myself: is it possible that the vast majority of citizens in this don't have the same view? Which adult do you know is going to stand up and say it's all right for a kid in Allenstown or Pittsfield or Lisbon or Franklin to have an education materially inferior to a kid in Wolfeboro or Kingswood or in Amherst. Track: Another high-profile and lengthy case began with a note from Supreme Court Clerk Howard Zibell. Bite: McLaughlin Profile tape 2 02:20:10 I found that - stunning. Track: The memorandum outlined allegations of improper conduct at the New Hampshire Supreme Court. The ensuing investigation led to the resignation of Supreme Court Justice Stephen Thayer and the impeachment of Chief Justice David Brock, who was later acquitted in the Senate trial. Track: McLaughlin also oversaw the border dispute case against Maine in the U.S. Supreme Court. Bite: U.S. Supreme court tape 00:29;37 I don't think it's wise to predict. I'm hoping that however it goes, it will be resolved by June. Track: It was, but Maine won the case and retained ownership of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. This year, the murders of Dartmouth professors Half and Suzanne Zantop attracted national attention to how two teenagers could commit cold-blooded murder. Soundup: OT-494 01:00:54 "How do you plead - guilty or not guilty." "Guilty." Track: Although Robert Tulloch appeared unrepentant, his accomplice James Parker broke down at the sentencing. Soundup: OT-494 00:59:18 I'm sorry… Bite: McLaughlin profile tape 6 06:06:34 *** You say thank God he appeared to be conscience-stricken, he could barely speak. And I thought to myself thank goodness I'm seeing conscience there, because there were other times in that case that you didn't see conscience looking back at you. Track: McLaughlin has entered the state in a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency for its recent relaxation of power plant emission standards. Bite: McLaughlin Profile tape 2 02:05:04 So we say, oh, we're creating a clean skies initiative. The contempt that demonstrates for the ordinary American is incredible. We'll just give it a name. We'll give it a name. The bottom line is, there's political power out there, there's influence out there, and there's less in New England, and that's it in a nutshell. Track: Such blunt words are no surprise to Bob Hemeon, who was Phil McLaughlin's law partner for nearly two decades until his appointment. Bite: McLaughlin profile tape 3 03:05:00 His ability to maintain his work ethic, his own ethics and his family are the basis for Phil McLaughlin. That's what he exists for, and he doesn't exist for what other people think he should do to be frank with you. Track: And what is Phil McLaughlin proudest of? Bite: McLaughlin profile tape 2 02:15:38 ***Writing the civil rights law of the state and gathering legislative support and the help of legislators to have that proposal become law in the state of NH. Another thing that is personal to me and that is getting legislative support to write a law that allows doctors to prescribe pain-killing medication - palliative care to people who are in extremis. Again - I know about that - I don't think in any sense it's a public thing. Track: McLaughlin also points to other successes such as the establishment of the Endowment for Health and keeping both the Elliot Hospital and Catholic Medical Center open by ending their merger. Bite: McLaughlin profile tape 3 02:31:07 WHAT'S COMING UP FOR YOU NEXT? Leave at 5 pm on the 18th. Jack Kenny who works for the Union Leader has asked if he can buy me a beer at 5 pm. I told him he could. BYGONES BE BYGONES, EH? Well, that's never been an issue for me. It's their paper. And then some time off - AND THEN BACK INTO PRIVATE LAW PRACTICE? Back into private law practice, yeah. For the immediate future. For the long-term future, I haven't a clue. Track: McLaughlin will again practice law with his wife Janice. Bite: McLaughlin Profile tape 1 01;07;40 The number of issues he'll be dealing with - not so much policy issues, he enjoys that a lot. He's going to need to refocus on slowing down, although I'm not sure that's possible for him. Soundup: McLaughlin profile tape 6 06:17:25 "Sir, can I get you to button your jacket?" Soundup: McLaughlin profile tape 6 06:18:09 "Nice smiles, looking good." - flash Track: Amid the laughter at this departmental farewell were personal stories. State Representative Saghir Tahir had returned to the US shortly after 9/11. Bite: McLaughlin profile tape 7 07:01;42 I found every Muslim family confined to their homes, terrified. Because in some states, the natural reaction had occurred. McLaughlin profile tape 7 07:02:10 And we told him we are scared. McLaughlin profile tape 7 07;02:20 ** He had directed his chiefs of police in the state of NH to protect the lives, liberty and freedom and properties of all Muslim Americans. I've never found a person in my 30 years in the United States, so honest, passionate, visionary, proactive. Enforcer of law - as Mr. Philip McLaughlin. McLaughlin profile tape 7 07;03:10 *** I salute you. For the rest of my life, I will remember you. Track: As he said goodbye, McLaughlin summed up how he felt about those in the front lines of law enforcement. McLaughlin profile tape 7 07;09:37 There is a culture of response in the public safety community of this state - our police, our EMTs, our firemen - upon which in the worst of times, we can absolutely depend. Think about that for a second. In the worst of times, when called, they respond. They will not turn away. And in my view, in that sense, they are symbolic of the best spirit of the American people. Track: For NH Outlook, I'm Richard Ager. Soundup: McLaughlin profile tape 6 06:18:23 "Looking right this way - 1,2,3 " "Does it come with Phil's autograph? That's extra. |
| McLaughlin tag Return to index of stories... |
Phil McLaughlin will re-enter private law practice with his wife Janice in her law office in Laconia. |
| Intro Discussion Return to index of stories... |
Those front line emergency workers McLaughlin was talking about are preparing for another risky mission: protecting the people of New Hampshire from a bioterrorism attack. Bioterrorism: the word wasn't even part of most people's vocabularies until about a year ago. Last week, President Bush announced the federal government's plan to vaccinate Americans against smallpox. The plan is designed to prevent massive outbreaks should bioterrorists attempt to use the virus as a weapon. This marks the first time in more that two decades that the smallpox vaccine has been made available. According to the President's plan, 500 thousand military personnel and about the same number of medical and emergency workers will be the first to be vaccinated. The World Health Organization declared that smallpox had been erradicated in 1980. But cultures of the disease still exist for medical research. And federal officials fear the virus exists in other places and could end up in the hands of terrorists. New Hampshire also has a Smallpox Response Plan - which was submitted to the Centers for Disease Control earlier this month. Joining us to talk more about that.from Portsmouth Regional Hospital,Doctor David Heller, Dr. William Kassler the State Medical Director Department of Health and Human Services and Don Bliss, from the New Hampshire Office of Emergency Management. **HOT CHANGE*** |
| Small Pox Discussion Return to index of stories... |
Is this a real threat? Why? What is smallpox? How do we get it? Not always fatal? Symptoms? How long symptoms show up - couldn't person have exposed many people before diagnosed? Under Smallpox Response Plan for NH - what would happen if a case of smallpox? Can smallpox be detected before pox? Labwork ? What if mass vaccinations needed - who would give them and where would people go to get them? Will schools be involved? Don, do we know who has smallpox virus ? Could the virus have been altered so current vaccine would not be as effective? Who vaccinated first and why? That adds up to how many people in phase one? Phase two? What's in the vaccine - smallpox? What about the public and vaccination? What are the risks of vaccine? Who should get it who shouldn't? If vaccinated as a child not still protected? If I was vaccinated as a kid and had no adverse response, couldn't I conclude that I will do okay with this vaccine? How much of the vaccine is on hand here in the state? Do we have enough now for every man, woman, child, and housepet? Where is the vaccine stored that would be used? Are hospital personnel trained to recognize symptoms? Would person with smallpox be kept at hospital? |
| Tomorrow Return to index of stories... |
On the next New Hampshire Outlook - The voice of the Faithful and the future of the Roman Catholic Church. |
| 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 Ally McNair. 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. Voices of the Faithful and the future of the Roman Catholic Church. Tonight at 10pm on New Hampshire Public Television. |
| key: Crime / Legal Issues / Law Enforcement Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 12/18/02 22:00 HOST: Allison McNair Length: 26:46 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, we began the program with a profile of Phil McLaughlin the retiring New Hampshire Attorney General. Throughout McLaughlin's tenure, the state has had to wrestle with many legal dilemmas - including legislative battles over school funding, heinous murder cases, and crises in the highest court. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Bishop John McCormack\Diocese of Manchester Phil McLaughlin\NH Atty Gen '97-'02 Donna Sytek\Spkr, NH House '96-'00 Bob Hemeon\Former Law Partner Janice McLaughlin\Wife Rep. Saghir Tahir\R - Manchester |
| key: Health Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 12/18/02 22:00 HOST: Allison McNair Length: 26:46 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, following the profile of the retiring Attorney General. We moved to a discussion on federal government's plan to vaccinate Americans against smallpox. New Hampshire also has a Smallpox Response Plan - which was submitted to the Centers for Disease Control earlier this month. Joining us to talk more about that.from Portsmouth Regional Hospital,Doctor David Heller, Dr. William Kassler the State Medical Director Department of Health and Human Services and Don Bliss, from the New Hampshire Office of Emergency Management. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Allison McNair NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Don Bliss\Office of Emergency Management Dr. William Kassler\State Medical Director, NH Dept of Health & Human Services Dr. David Heller\Portsmouth Regional Hospital, Emergency Medicine |
| Tonight 10:00 Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. Join us tonight at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Outlook. |