|
|
|
|
 HelloReturn to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. |
| Roundtable Return to index of stories... |
One-way Tolls, The Death Penalty, Taxes, and School Vouchers. All on the political agenda this week. Joining us to talk about these issues and more are: James Pindell of POLITICS NH.com and Colin Manning from Foster's Daily Democrat in Concord, and here in Durham with me, Mike Pomp, Host of WTSN's Open Mike" Talk show. Hello.and welcome everyone. Let's begin with Gubernatorial politcs -- this week we've seen some interesting developments on that front. |
| dem gov primary Return to index of stories... |
Democratic challengers are making their intentions known. House Minority Leader Peter Burling still "very serious" about running against Republican Governor Craig Benson -- as is fellow Democrat and former attorney general Phil McLaughlin. Q James: Bring us up to speed on what looks like a countdown to a primary? Q Colin: Are party leaders still trying to talk Burling out of running? Q James: What about the money game -- who is in better shape on that front? Gov Benson spent 10-million of his own to get elected in 2002. Q Mike -- what's your read on the situation? |
| one way tolls Return to index of stories... |
One-way tolls -- at the Hampton tollbooths-- are back in the news. The Governor wants to repeat last year's experiment. That means from Memorial to Columbus Day -- Southbound motorists on 95 would get a free pass, while northbound traffic would pay 2-bucks. The Governor says the E-Z pass is not a "cure" for all the huge back-ups on Interstate -95. He met with the Executive Council this week to review the matter. A vote to implement one-way tolls is scheduled to be taken May 1st. Q Mike-- How did last year's experiment go? Q Colin: Where does the Executive Council stand on this one? Q James: Summer traffic jams at toll booths has long been a problem. The one-way tolls was considered a "quick-fix". Is this a good political issue for the Governor. Q Mike: Gov says he wants input from surrounding communities. My sense is they were not too keen on it. There were a lot of complaints about diverting traffic onto Rte 1? Police chief said traffic unbearable due to the one-way test. Q Should state just wait for E-Z Pass to kick in next year --as some have suggested? Benson said there are not enough lanes in the one heading in the northbound direction to safely merge down to four toll free lanes. Jerry Dignam of Hampton said he has lived in town since 1956 and said there has always been a problem at the Hampton tolls. The state should just wait for E-ZPass next year. The governor said the state is shooting for a goal of 20 percent of traffic traveling through the tolls to be using the electronic transponders. The state is looking at offering incentives or partnering with other businesses, hypothetically a drive-through fast food restaurant, where people can get some additional benefit by having a transponder. "But we don’t think we’re going to be able to go back to a two-way toll system and have no backups," he said. He also said the state has been recently cited by the Environmental Protection Agency for having too much air pollution and needs the one-way toll experiment. Mark Collins of Rye, who lived for 10 years in Hampton, spoke in favor of the one-way tolls because it would be good for businesses and tourism. He did an unscientific survey of about 15 business owners along Route 1, a majority of whom said they did not notice a substantial increase in traffic along Route 1 during the one-way tolling test. The governor and Executive Council is scheduled to review the matter at its April 22 meeting and vote on May 1. |
| Intro Pepin Return to index of stories... |
More finger pointing in the scandal over the state's health insurance contract. The state Insurance department is trying to get to the bottom of the case in which Linda Pepin, a state volunteer, improperly received a brokers fee for the state insurance contract. This week the blame game featured Joe D'Allesandro, the State's Personnel Director who resigned, and Administrative Services Commissioner Don Hill. Linda Pepin isn't expected to testify until next week. Q Colin: These hearings go on for hours. Paint us a word picture of what goes on in one of these sessions? Q James: What's your take on all this? Q Mike: Is this scandal on the radar screen of your listeners? Q Colin- What are the expectations regarding Linda Pepin's testimony? |
| estate tax Return to index of stories... |
Action was taken on the ESTATE Tax.this week. There was a lot of debate over whether it was a new tax, or not --but, in the end lawmakers voted against it "overwhelmingly". The 4-percent tax was intended to replace revenue that will be lost as federal law changes. Q Colin: This is going to leave a HUGE hole in the budget, isn't it? Q James: At least the Governor didn't have to deal with coming out and supporting something that clearly would have been a new tax. Q Mike: I can't imagine your listeners would be mourning the loss of this bill. One lawmaker had said it was "robbing the dead to balance the state budget". Not very popular -- even with a state budget crisis looming. Opponents say the state shouldn't solve its budget crisis on the backs of people who die and want to leave money to their loved ones. House votes down plans for state estate tax amsstlklm -- New Hampshire lawmakers could not agree whether a proposed estate tax was a new tax or not today. In the end, they voted against it overwhelmingly. The four-percent tax was intended to replace revenue that will be lost as federal law changes. Currently, the state keeps a share of estate taxes owed the federal government. But that credit is being phased out, and the federal tax is due to be repealed in 2010. If the state takes no action, revenues will dwindle as the federal tax is eliminated. The state faces a projected 52 million-dollar budget deficit by mid-2005 and the proposed state tax on estates would help provide needed revenue. AP-NY-04-22-04 1346EDT |
| Death Penalty Return to index of stories... |
A bill that would RAISE the age for the Death Penalty from 17 to18 passed both houses. It cleared the house by a 3-to 1 margin, but only passed in the Senate by ONE Vote. Governor Benson says he plans to VETO the bill. Q Colin -- There's certainly been emotional debate for raising the age --which would be consistent with the majority of states. Why does the Governor oppose raising the age. Q Will they be able to override a veto. Q Mike: Raising the Age of the Death Penalty -- has that been an issue with your listeners? |
| Intro Gay Marriage Return to index of stories... |
The debate over Senate Bill 427, a bill that would ban gay marriage, continued at the statehouse this week. The bill, which defines define marriage as a union between a man and a woman, has been one of the most contentious issues this legislative session. It has already passed the Senate, but the House Judiciary Committee had much to say about it this week. Committee chairman Henry Mock tried to defuse the emotion surrounding the debate. He argued the bill is only intended to close a loophole in current law that could force recognition of gay marriages performed elsewhere. with the biggest concern being Massachusetts starting next month. Not all members agreed with that interpretation. |
| gay marriage bill Return to index of stories... |
The bill is in response to a Massachusetts Supreme Court decision giving gay couples the right to marry there, May 17th. Many lawmakers fered NH would be forced to honor those marriages. Q Colin: What's the status on this bill? Q Any sense on the Likely outcome next week? Q Mike: This has been a contentious issue in the Legislature. Have callers on your program sounded off on this one? q James: With what's happened in Massachuesetts -- and the push on in other states to legalize gay marriage. How big an issue is this going to be for NH candidates? Q Colin: Aren't lawmakers trying to deal with this before lawsuits push the issue into the courts, where you might see a divisive fight over a constitutional amendment, like in mA. Same-sex marriage already prohibited in state. Q A lot of debate over having law expire in 2 years to force lawmakers torevisit the issue of gaymarriage. A "sunset" provision -- that was STRIPPED from bill. Will we likely see that POP up again. |
| intro choice Return to index of stories... |
Lawmakers this week breathing new life into the school choice issue. A bill to establish a school voucher system in the state squeaked by the Senate. The measure that would give lower-income parents a choice of where to send their children passed by ONE vote. Here's a sample of the debate: |
| school choice Return to index of stories... |
10:34:12 I'd ask you to imagine a situation.if that's the choices we're creating. Q Colin: Opponents questioned the constitutionality of vouchers in this state. What is that all about? Q James; I imagine School funding and vouchers would be issues you'd likely see in a gubernatorial race? q Colin: Opponets say state’s inability to resolve the education funding dilemma should put vouchers on hold? Would this leave another hole in the budget. Q Mike: Have school vouchers been an issue that resonates with your callers? Q The house tried to pass a similiar measure --that was a close one too, What was the biggest sticking point there. q Has the Governor taken a stand on this issue? |
| Drug Pool Approved Return to index of stories... |
The FDA this week gave New Hampshire approval to join a multi-state prescription drug purchasing pool. New Hampshire would join Alaska, Michigan, Nevada and Vermont in negotiating directly with drug manufacturers. The pool benefits people on Medicaid. New Hampshire has been out front on this issue: it has a preferred drug list and is helping people purchase Canadian drugs through the internet. Q James: Is this a victory for Governor Benson who continues to champion the issue of lowering prescription drug prices-- to save taxpayers money? Q Colin: This comes when state is looking to close a significant SHORTFALL in Medicaid costs. In that sense its a big win for Benson? Q Mike: What's your read on this one? |
| Bun Ban Return to index of stories... |
Here's a story that got people talking this week. In an effort to give kids healthier food choices, Fosters writes this week that the district is no longer serving buns with its hotdogs or hamburgers. They already cut out french fries from the cafeterias and potato chips and candy bars have been replaced with healthier choices in the vending machines. Cutting out the buns, they say emphasizes protein. The Woodman Park School is emphasizing exercise along with healthier eating options. Is the bun ban going too far? |
| boston marathon Return to index of stories... |
The 107th running of the Boston Marathon took place on Monday. Runners tested their endurance -- and speed. Some 350 of them from the Granite state attempted to run the 26-point-2 mile course -- that's practically in their backyard. Q Mike Pomp -- so many stories out of that race. Any stick out in your mind? |
| Cross Promotion Return to index of stories... |
More than 140 years after his death, a Civil War soldier from New Hampshire is a step closer to getting a promotion. Colonel Edward Cross, a Lancaster native, commanded the fifth Regiment of the New Hampshire Volunteers and died at Gettysberg in 1863. At a Statehouse ceremony, Governor Craig Benson signed a resolution calling on Congress to promote Cross to brigadier general. Benson arrived at the ceremony atop a horse with members of the Governor's Horse Guards, a Civil War re-enactor's group that is a ceremonial arm of the state National Guard. Some say Cross was denied a promotion in his lifetime because he was a difficult man to deal with and was a Democrat. Tape#:OL#133 |
| earth day/dems Return to index of stories... |
We Marked Earth Day this week -- a time for the nation to focus on environmental issues. On the National Scene we saw Pres Bush and John Kerry using the day to contrast their positions. In NH.Democrats used the day to create what they call Governor Bensons's "Earth Day Power Plant Presentation". Q James: What's that all about? broke state wetlands laws --not getting permit for bulldozing sand on his ocean front yard transfer of employee who caught him Q Colin: The Governor continues to get razed on his "hummer". Q Mike: There were some non-political observances of Earth Day in NH. Some local companies gave workers a nice gift that day, like Timberlane? |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
Thanks to James Pindell, Colin Manning in Concord, and Mike Pomp in Durham. I'm Beth Carroll.Thanks for watching. See you next time. |
| Tonight at 10 Promo Return to index of stories... |
I'm Beth Carroll. Monday on New Hampshire Outlook. News and views from around the Granite state. Join us Monday at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Outlook. I'm Beth Carroll. Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. News and views from around the Granite state. Join us Tonight at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| lap top initiative Return to index of stories... |
Finally, Governor Craig Benson is headed back to class. It's all part of his laptop in the schools initiative. Tuesday he taught a group of 7th graders at the Armand Dupont School in Allenstown about the stock market. The laptop lessons with the Governor continue. On Wednesday, the Governor will connect with laptop users at Winnisquam School from his desk at the State House. |
| key: State Politics/ Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 04/23/04 22:00 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:46 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, One-way Tolls, The Death Penalty, Taxes, and School Vouchers. All on the political agenda this week. Joining us to talk about these issues and more are: James Pindell of POLITICS NH.com and Colin Manning from Foster's Daily Democrat in Concord, and here in Durham with me, Mike Pomp, Host of WTSN's Open Mike" Talk show. Democratic challengers are making their intentions known. House Minority Leader Peter Burling still "very serious" about running against Republican Governor Craig Benson as is fellow Democrat and former attorney general Phil McLaughlin. One-way tolls at the Hampton tollbooths are back in the news. The Governor wants to repeat last year's experiment. That means from Memorial to Columbus Day Southbound motorists on 95 would get a free pass, while northbound traffic would pay two bucks. The Governor says the E-Z pass is not a "cure" for all the huge back-ups on Interstate -95. He met with the Executive Council this week to review the matter. A vote to implement one-way tolls is scheduled to be taken May 1st. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: |
| key: Crime/ Legal Issue/ Law Enforcement Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 04/23/04 22:00 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:46 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, One-way Tolls, The Death Penalty, Taxes, and School Vouchers. All on the political agenda this week. Joining us to talk about these issues and more are: James Pindell of POLITICS NH.com and Colin Manning from Foster's Daily Democrat in Concord, and here in Durham with me, Mike Pomp, Host of WTSN's Open Mike" Talk show. More finger pointing in the scandal over the state's health insurance contract. The state Insurance department is trying to get to the bottom of the case in which Linda Pepin, a state volunteer, improperly received a brokers fee for the state insurance contract. This week the blame game featured Joe D'Allesandro, the State's Personnel Director who resigned, and Administrative Services Commissioner Don Hill. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com, Colin Manning\Foster's Daily Democrat, Mike Pomp\WTSN "Open Mike", Joe D'Allesandro\Former State Personnel Director, Don Hill\Commissioner of Administrative Services |
| key: State Politics/ Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 04/23/04 22:00 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:46 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, One-way Tolls, The Death Penalty, Taxes, and School Vouchers. All on the political agenda this week. Joining us to talk about these issues and more are: James Pindell of POLITICS NH.com and Colin Manning from Foster's Daily Democrat in Concord, and here in Durham with me, Mike Pomp, Host of WTSN's Open Mike" Talk show. More finger pointing in the scandal over the state's health insurance contract. The state Insurance department is trying to get to the bottom of the case in which Linda Pepin, a state volunteer, improperly received a brokers fee for the state insurance contract. This week the blame game featured Joe D'Allesandro, the State's Personnel Director who resigned, and Administrative Services Commissioner Don Hill. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com, Colin Manning\Foster's Daily Democrat, Mike Pomp\WTSN "Open Mike", Joe D'Allesandro\Former State Personnel Director, Don Hill\Commissioner of Administrative Services |
| key: State Politics/ Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 04/23/04 22:00 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:46 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, One-way Tolls, The Death Penalty, Taxes, and School Vouchers. All on the political agenda this week. Joining us to talk about these issues and more are: James Pindell of POLITICS NH.com and Colin Manning from Foster's Daily Democrat in Concord, and here in Durham with me, Mike Pomp, Host of WTSN's Open Mike" Talk show. The debate over Senate Bill 427, a bill that would ban gay marriage, continued at the statehouse this week. The bill, which defines define marriage as a union between a man and a woman, has been one of the most contentious issues this legislative session. It has already passed the Senate, but the House Judiciary Committee had much to say about it this week. Committee chairman Henry Mock tried to defuse the emotion surrounding the debate. He argued the bill is only intended to close a loophole in current law that could force recognition of gay marriages performed elsewhere with the biggest concern being Massachusetts starting next month. Not all members agreed with that interpretation. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Rep. Henry Mock\Chair - House Judiciary Cmte, Rep. John Pratt\D - Walpole |
| key: Crime/ Legal Issues/ Law Enforcement Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 04/23/04 22:00 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:46 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, One-way Tolls, The Death Penalty, Taxes, and School Vouchers. All on the political agenda this week. Joining us to talk about these issues and more are: James Pindell of POLITICS NH.com and Colin Manning from Foster's Daily Democrat in Concord, and here in Durham with me, Mike Pomp, Host of WTSN's Open Mike" Talk show. The debate over Senate Bill 427, a bill that would ban gay marriage, continued at the statehouse this week. The bill, which defines define marriage as a union between a man and a woman, has been one of the most contentious issues this legislative session. It has already passed the Senate, but the House Judiciary Committee had much to say about it this week. Committee chairman Henry Mock tried to defuse the emotion surrounding the debate. He argued the bill is only intended to close a loophole in current law that could force recognition of gay marriages performed elsewhere with the biggest concern being Massachusetts starting next month. Not all members agreed with that interpretation. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Rep. Henry Mock\Chair - House Judiciary Cmte, Rep. John Pratt\D - Walpole |
| key: State Politics/ Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 04/23/04 22:00 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:46 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, One-way Tolls, The Death Penalty, Taxes, and School Vouchers. All on the political agenda this week. Joining us to talk about these issues and more are: James Pindell of POLITICS NH.com and Colin Manning from Foster's Daily Democrat in Concord, and here in Durham with me, Mike Pomp, Host of WTSN's Open Mike" Talk show. Lawmakers this week breathing new life into the school choice issue. A bill to establish a school voucher system in the state squeaked by the Senate. The measure that would give lower-income parents a choice of where to send their children passed by onevote. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Sen. Robert Boyce\R- District 4, Sen. Joe Foster/D- District 13 |
| key: Education Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 04/23/04 22:00 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:46 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, One-way Tolls, The Death Penalty, Taxes, and School Vouchers. All on the political agenda this week. Joining us to talk about these issues and more are: James Pindell of POLITICS NH.com and Colin Manning from Foster's Daily Democrat in Concord, and here in Durham with me, Mike Pomp, Host of WTSN's Open Mike" Talk show. Lawmakers this week breathing new life into the school choice issue. A bill to establish a school voucher system in the state squeaked by the Senate. The measure that would give lower-income parents a choice of where to send their children passed by onevote. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Sen. Robert Boyce\R- District 4, Sen. Joe Foster/D- District 13 |
| key: Health/ Health Care Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 04/23/04 22:00 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:46 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, One-way Tolls, The Death Penalty, Taxes, and School Vouchers. All on the political agenda this week. Joining us to talk about these issues and more are: James Pindell of POLITICS NH.com and Colin Manning from Foster's Daily Democrat in Concord, and here in Durham with me, Mike Pomp, Host of WTSN's Open Mike" Talk show. The FDA this week gave New Hampshire approval to join a multi-state prescription drug purchasing pool. New Hampshire would join Alaska, Michigan, Nevada and Vermont in negotiating directly with drug manufacturers. The pool benefits people on Medicaid. New Hampshire has been out front on this issue: it has a preferred drug list and is helping people purchase Canadian drugs through the internet. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: |
| key: Health/ Health Care Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 04/23/04 22:00 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:46 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, One-way Tolls, The Death Penalty, Taxes, and School Vouchers. All on the political agenda this week. Joining us to talk about these issues and more are: James Pindell of POLITICS NH.com and Colin Manning from Foster's Daily Democrat in Concord, and here in Durham with me, Mike Pomp, Host of WTSN's Open Mike" Talk show. Here's a story that got people talking this week. In an effort to give kids healthier food choices, Fosters writes this week that the district is no longer serving buns with its hotdogs or hamburgers.They already cut out french fries from the cafeterias and potato chips and candy bars have been replaced with healthier choices in the vending machines. Cutting out the buns, they say emphasizes protein. The Woodman Park School is emphasizing exercise along with healthier eating options. Is the bun ban going too far? PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: |
| key: Recreation/ Leisure/ Sports Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 04/23/04 22:00 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:46 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, One-way Tolls, The Death Penalty, Taxes, and School Vouchers. All on the political agenda this week. Joining us to talk about these issues and more are: James Pindell of POLITICS NH.com and Colin Manning from Foster's Daily Democrat in Concord, and here in Durham with me, Mike Pomp, Host of WTSN's Open Mike" Talk show. The 107th running of the Boston Marathon took place on Monday. Runners tested their endurance and speed. Some three hundred and fifty of them from the Granite state attempted to run the 26.2 mile course that's practically in their backyard. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: |
| key: Environment Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 04/23/04 22:00 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:46 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, One-way Tolls, The Death Penalty, Taxes, and School Vouchers. All on the political agenda this week. Joining us to talk about these issues and more are: James Pindell of POLITICS NH.com and Colin Manning from Foster's Daily Democrat in Concord, and here in Durham with me, Mike Pomp, Host of WTSN's Open Mike" Talk show. We Marked Earth Day this week -- a time for the nation to focus on environmental issues. On the National Scene we saw Pres Bush and John Kerry using the day to contrast their positions. In NH, Democrats used the day to create what they call Governor Bensons's "Earth Day Power Plant Presentation". PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: |
| priests Return to index of stories... |
-- The Roman Catholic diocese in New Hampshire says recruiting new priests is a top priority. It is setting up a task force to come up with a recruitment plan and will appoint three priests to be recruiters. They will visit churches and church schools to promote the priesthood. |