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 HelloReturn to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. It's been a week of pagentry and politics -- with Inaugural activities in Washington and here at home. And, at the statehouse: talk of Mandatory Seatbelts, Morning after pills and what to do about Education. Joining us this week from Concord: James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com, and Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph. And, here in Durham, Edith Tucker from the Coos County Democrat, and Jeff Feingold from the NH Business Review. WELCOME |
| Bush Inaugural Return to index of stories... |
We begin with the Inauguration of George W Bush. The nation's 43rd president was sworn into office Thursday amid great pomp, pageantry and un-precedented security. Even though this was a war-time Inaugration --there was no mention of Iraq. This was also the first Inauguration since 9-11. Ironically, potential terror threats in neighboring MA -- put NH on stand-by Inauguration day -- prompting Governor John Lynch and Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney to "skip" the inaugural activities in Washington -- and head home. Q Governor Lynch, of course, downplayed the threat -- said no cause for alarm. JAMES: The right political move for Gov Lynch to return home. ** Governors not coming home during blizzards -- or simliar crisis -- having to go into damage control on their return. What would that have signaled if he had NOT come home. Q NH was asked to put its RADIOLOGIAL response teams on standby -- those are people who would respond to nuclear incidents, such as a dirty bomb that releases radioactive material. The FBI tip mentioned a dirty bomb attack. Will this alert put NH's homeland security plans on the front burner again? =================== THIS A big Inaugural weekend for John Lynch as well in NH -- with another ball slated for this Saturday in the North Country. Q Edith: How Significant is it that Mr Lynch will be celebrating his 2nd Inaugural Ball in the North Country? ** Is this an indication he plans to be more sensitive to the needs of that part of the state? Q KEVIN: Attendance STRONG Q JAMES: A North country Ball -- Is this standard for Governors -- or New. What message is Mr Lynch hoping to send? |
| Education Forum Return to index of stories... |
Education Funding -- back in the news this week with lawmakers getting a history lesson about past funding formulas in New Hampshire. An the education forum on Tuesday -- lawmakers heard from Attorney General Kelly Ayotte and from members of the Department of Education about the history of school funding -- and legislators proposing NEW funding formulas shared their ideas. Q KEVIN: There are a half-dozen proposals likely to go before lawmakers. Any leading CONTENDERS? ** The Coalition Communities still pushing for repeal of the statewide property tax and donor-towns. Still a lot of concern about making up the revenue STREAM if property tax is elminated. Q JAMES: Some lawmakers question whether eliminating the statewide property tax --which Gov Lynch supports -- would pass constitutional muster? Q Targeting AID to the neediest communities -- getting a lot of attention. Speaker Doug Scammon has been lobbying for that? Q EDITH: Any scenario more palatable than another to the The North Country? Q HOw soon can we expect these formulas to go before the Education Committee? Q HOUSE Republicans say figuring out how to pay for public schools and balancing the state budget are their top priorities. KEVIN: Any sense of where Mr lynch stands on the Budget PROCESS? |
| Gambling Indictment Return to index of stories... |
Given the rising costs of Education and social services Governor Lynch has not ruled-out expanded gambling as a way to raise state revenue. This week, 2 top Executives at the Lakes Region Greyhound park in Belmont were INDICTED on illegal gambling charges and money laundering. Both have proclaimed their innocence. But, the development prompted Churchill Downs to yank the dog-tracks broadcasting rights to horse races in Louisiana. Q JEFF: I understand the Governor has called for a STATE investigation into the activities at the Belmont track? Q KEVIN/ JAMES: If the Governor was warming to the idea to expanded gambling at the state's 4 race tracks -- I would imagine this certainly would give him PAUSE. What's been the buzz on this one? Q JEFF/EDITH: Doesn't this play into Law Enforcements argument that expanded gambling would give "UNDESIRABLE elements" and organized crime, a stronger FOOTHOLD in the state. Q KEVIN: The Governor said he wanted clear EVIDENCE that gambling would not hurt the state's quality of LIFE --- before taking a position. How are the indictments likely to SWAY discussion on the matter. Q Will this SHUT-OUT debate on expanded gambling in the foreseeable future. |
| E-Z Pass Ads Return to index of stories... |
E-Z PASS --May be tapped as a revenue source as well. Coming this summer to NH -- Transponders that will allow motorists to pass through tollbooths without stopping preventing lengthy back-ups during peak travel times. It's also being looked at as a MONEY MAKER for the state. Q KEVIN: You were at the hearing this week -- How would the money be generated -- and how much are we talking about? Q EDITH: Our cars could become mobile bill-boards. My sense is that NH is not exactly bill-board friendly? Q Kevin: There's a history to this Anti-Bill Board Sentiment in NH? Q JEFF: Would we even be talking about this -- if we weren't in such financial straits? |
| Seatbelts Return to index of stories... |
Talk of Mandatory Seatbelts has surfaced again. New Hampshire is the only state in the country where adults are not required by law to buckle up. Forced seat-belt use has not been warmly embraced when introduced in the past. Under a new bill introduced this week -- Police -- pulling you over for another offense could also site you for failing to wear a seatbelt. Q EDITH/JEFF: WHY such resistance? This is a state that values its personal freedom. ** Police can't pull you over JUST for not wearing a seat belt. Could write tickets for UNBELTED DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS pulled over for another reason. Q JAMES: IT's been Defeated in the past. Any sense that there might be more support for this -- this time around. Political climate any different Q KEVIN: Why the about-face from The State's Police Chiefs --who used to believe in VOLUNTARY seat-belt use. Now, support MANDATORY seat belts for all. WHY the turn-around? The bill filed by Rep. James Pilliod, a pediatrician from Belmont -- who believes the measure will safe lives. BUT -- even with increased fatalities -- Will mandatory seatbelts FLY with the public? Q Opponents argue voluntary useage is high. Do an unscientific poll - do you wear a seatbelt? |
| Cell Phones Return to index of stories... |
Personal freedoms involving Cell phone use while DRIVING -- are also being targeted. A new bill is aimed at cutting down distractions for TEENAGE drivers by getting them to "hang-up" the phone. while behind the wheel. The measure was filed by a lawmaker -- who had a close-encounter --with a 16-year-old motorist on the phone. The Transportation Committee heard testimony on Wednesday. Q KEVIN: You were there -- STRONG support for this bill? Q JEFF: In the past --measures to restrict Phone Use -- did NOT fly? No political will for including ADULTS in this restriction? Q KEVIN: Where does the TELECOMMUNICATIONS Industry stand on this? ** Want EXCEPTIONS for youth using phone in case of an emergency-- victim of road rage, threatened by another driver ** WOULD police be able to PULL over young drivers to cite them? Q EDITH/JAMES: The State seems to have NO Problem in Placing Restrictions on YOUNG drivers. MAINE has a similiar measure |
| Morning After Pill Return to index of stories... |
Emergency Contraception -- was another hot topic of debate at the capital. A new measure seeks to allow pharmacists to distribute what's commonly called "The Morning After" pill which prevents pregnancy -- without a prescription. At a legislative hearing this Tuesday -- Supporters argued it would reduce un-wanted pregnancies and abortion. Q KEVIN: No Age Limit on this bill -- That seems to be the big sticking point? KIDS -- having access to this pill? Q JEFF/EDITH: Some argued for Parental Involvement -- but, there are issues with that as well, aren't there. Cases of Incest -- and RAPE. Q KEVIN: Who are the big SUPPORTERS of the bill? Rape crisis centers --abortion rights groups. Catholic Church obviously against this? Q JAMES: This bill is similar to a bill passed last year, but vetoed by former Gov. Craig Benson. Where does Governor Lynch stand on this one? Q Is EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION likely to pass this year? =========== A SEPERATE HEARING -- TOOK UP LEGISLATION TO REQUIRE SEX EDUCATION CLASSES THAT STRESS ABSTINENCE. New Hampshire legislators are considering a bill that would have schools teach that abstinence from sex before marriage as "the expected" norm. The sponsor, Rochester Republican Russell Albert, says the state must set strict guidelines on sex education classes to fight increasing rates of sexually transmitted diseases. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
My thanks to James Pindell and Kevin Landrigan in Concord, and Jeff Feingold, and Edith Tucker in Durham. And thank you for watching. I'm Beth Carroll. Thanks for watching. |
| water winter snow shots Return to index of stories... |
BUNDLE Up if you're heading outside. Wind chills are dangeroulsy LOW all over the state. High Winds and below-zero temps -- make it feel like anywhere from 15 to 30 below depending on where you go. |
| seatbelts Return to index of stories... |
CONCORD, N.H. -- Will New Hampshire drivers "Live Free or Die" with the aide of mandatory seatbelts in the near future? They will, if a state Republican lawmaker and the Association of Police Chiefs have their way. According to a bill introduced by Rep. James Pilliod, of Belmont, police officers who pull someone over for a different offense could also charge the driver for not wearing a seatbelt. Pilliod, a physician, told the Concord Monitor he has already received angry phone calls from constituents, who complain he is trying to take away their freedom of choice. New Hampshire is the only state in the country where adults are not required by law to buckle up. The Association of Police Chiefs supports the measure. "To cut down on the number of accidents, the Association of Police Chiefs and myself think that maybe a seatbelt law should be mandatory," said Hanover Chief of Police Nick Giaccone. Last year, 168 people died in car accidents on New Hampshire roads, according to the Legislature's highway committee, representing a 31 percent increase over the previous year. According to the New Hampshire Highway Council, seatbelt use is already going up. Surveys done by the group show that about 63 percent of motorists reported wearing seatbelts last year, compared to 16 percent in 1984. === The state police chiefs' association has switched sides in the debate over broadening New Hampshire's seat-belt law. For the first time, the chiefs support making seat-belt use mandatory for all, not just those under 17. ``Times change and I guess people do,'' says Stephen Savage, the association's president. ``There is compelling evidence that it is necessary including an alarming rise in fatalities.'' Last year, 167 people died in traffic accidents in New Hampshire, up from 119 the year before. New Hampshire, whose motto is ``Live Free or Die,'' has long resisted a universal seat-belt law, though every other state has one. It claims 63 percent usage from encouraging people to buckle-up voluntarily. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration said its own survey in 2003 found 50 percent usage. Savage, the police chief in Plaistow, said the association's change of heart came in a vote last fall. ``We have not been in support of seat-belt legislation in the past. We felt it ought to be voluntary,'' he said. State Department of Safety figures through October indicated that at least 41 of the people killed in accidents last year could have lived if they had been wearing seat belts. Dr. Joseph Sabato Jr., a seat-belt advocate, said the number almost certainly is higher because in many accidents, investigators could not tell whether victims were belted. An emergency room doctor for 23 years, Sabato said people who aren't buckled up tend to have more serious injuries and more broken bones than other car-crash victims. ``The state and its citizens pick up the extensive cost of the freedom to not use seat belts,'' he said. ``In fact, everyone else is subsidizing those who are injured or die when they could have been saved by seat belts. The fiscally responsible move is to look for every opportunity to reduce costs and save lives. Increasing seat-belt use would save many lives.'' This year's seat-belt bill was introduced by Rep. James Pilliod, a pediatrician from Belmont. Police still would not be able to pull people over for not wearing a seat belt, but could write tickets for unbelted drivers and passengers in vehicles pulled over for another reason. Peter Thomson, coordinator of the Governor's Highway Safety Agency, said he strongly favors seat-belt use, but had not seen the bill and would need to discuss the state's position on the bill with freshman Gov. John Lynch. |
| cell phones Return to index of stories... |
Q Would Police be able to pull you riving is Another Issue that's Transportation issue that's CONCORD — Teenage drivers may soon have to hang up their cell phones when they get behind the wheel of a car. Members of the House Transportation Committee heard testimony Wednesday regarding House Bill 165, which would prohibit cell phone use by drivers 16 and 17 years old. "We really should get these kids to learn how to drive without all of these distractions," said the bill’s sponsor Rep. Michael Scanlon, R-Bedford. "With cell phones in wider use, we should realize that they are a distraction." New Hampshire does not have any laws pertaining specifically to cell phone use in motor vehicles. In 2001, the Legislature did pass a law which allows police to charge a driver with a violation if they cause an accident arising from "negligent driving," also referred to as driver inattention. A person could be charged under that law if they cause an accident because of cell phone use, eating or adjusting the radio. The original bill which produced that law had originally sought to prohibit cell phone use by all drivers, but objections from the telecommunications industry and others led to the heavy amending of that legislation. Scanlon said he was aware of the negligent driving law. "I understand that’s the law, but it’s a law used after the fact. I am trying to be preventative in this," Scanlon said. Restrictions on youth operators, defined in the statutes as driver’s under 18, is not a new idea. Currently in New Hampshire it is against the law for a 16- or 17-year-old driver to operate a vehicle between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. Also, a youth operator must have an adult 25 years or older with them if they have more than one passenger in the vehicle that is under 25 and not a family member. Scanlon said he has no plans to seek banning cell phone use by all drivers. "Cell phones have become such a big part of society, and realistically, I don’t think we could get it through the Legislature," he said of expanding the prohibition. Scanlon also gave the committee a letter from the National Transportation Safety Board urging passage of the measure. Only New York and the District of Columbia ban cell phone use by all drivers. Maine and New Jersey are the only other two states which have any restrictions, and prohibit cell phone use only by teen drivers. Kathy Veracco, lobbyist for Verizon Wireless, said the company is staying neutral on the subject. She did ask the committee to amend the bill to allow teens to use cell phones in emergency situations, such as road rage incidents. Scanlon said he didn’t object to that amendment. Veracco was quick to also point out cell phones are not necessarily the leading cause of driver inattention. "There’s a lot of distracting behavior that could go on in a vehicle," Veracco said. She added one study found "rubber necking" and driver fatigue have been found to be the leading causes of many accidents, with cell phone use near the bottom of a lengthy list. Peter Thomson, coordinator of the New Hampshire Highway Safety Agency, supports the bill. Last year the state saw the total number of deaths on roads rise to 167, up from 127 in 2003. That’s the highest fatality rate since 1989. Thomson said driver inattention can be blamed for many of the accidents on the state’s roads. While he doesn’t support banning cell phone use for all drivers, he did say it is a good idea for those who are just getting used to driving. "Your talking about young people just getting used to driving, enough distractions already," |
| Tonight at 10 Promo Return to index of stories... |
Monday on New Hampshire Outlook: New Hampshire school children work to save a bit of state history --- the White Island Lighthouse off the coast on the Isles of Shoals. Details Monday at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Public Television. ================================= Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook: New Hampshire school children work to save a bit of state history --- the White Island Lighthouse off the coast on the Isles of Shoals. Details tonight at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Public Television. |
| retirees Return to index of stories... |
CONCORD, N.H. - A legislative committee postponed action until next week on whether to give retired state and local workers a cost of living increase. Senate Finance Chairman Charles Morse proposed giving a one-and-a-half percent increase to retired firefighters and a one percent increase to retired state workers, teachers, police and other local government retirees. But the joint Legislative Fiscal Committee instead scheduled time next Wednesday afternoon to discuss whether to approve the plan. Lawmakers are concerned that the 26-point-three million dollar annual cost will put too great a strain on the special retirement fund used to pay for the increases. |
| abstinence Return to index of stories... |
within a few days of unprotected sex -- was the subject of a legislative hearing on Tuesday. - CONCORD — Advocates from rape crisis centers and women’s shelters urged passage of a bill yesterday that would allow pharmacists to distribute emergency contraceptives without a prescription. Senate Bill 30 would not only reduce the number of unintended pregnancies, but eliminate the incidence of abortions, they argued. The bill would let pharmacists provide women with an elevated dose of hormones, similar to birth control pills, that prevent pregnancy from occurring after sex. Pharmacists would operate under procedures developed by the state pharmacy board, and would be allowed to opt out of the provision, said sponsor Sen. Lou D’Allesandro, D-Manchester. There is no age limit in the bill, which raised concern among members of the Senate committee considering the proposal. They also felt the bill should require parents to be involved in the process. Sen. Robert Letourneau, R-Derry, said after the hearing, “There needs to be parental involvement. For adults it’s a whole different story, but for kids, I think it’s a mistake.” SB 30 is similar to a bill the Legislature passed last year, but it was vetoed by former Gov. Craig Benson. Senate Health and Human Services Committee members questioned proponents on why parents should not be included in a daughter’s decision to obtain the contraceptive, commonly referred to as the morning-after pill. Parental involvement might not always be helpful, several advocates said. In cases of incest, asking a parent or step-parent to intervene with a pharmacist could cause problems. Sen. Andre Martel, R-Manchester, said he worried that some women would begin depending on the pill instead of using other forms of birth control or modifying their behavior. Attorney Brad Cook, representing the Diocese of Manchester, said the Roman Catholic Church, which opposes birth control in general, opposes the measure. “It encourages behavior that, frankly, shouldn’t be encouraged,” Cook said. But victim advocates argued the bill is an important tool for women and teenagers who have been raped. Liza Dube, political director for NARAL-Pro Choice NH, said that because the pill is most effective within 24 hours of intercourse, “it is imperative to remove barriers to access.” She said doctors offices are often closed on weekends and women in rural areas do not have easy access to health care clinics. “Reducing unintended pregnancy and abortion is a goal that is shared by people on both sides of the abortion debate and one that we should all work together to achieve,” she said. Sponsors said women who try to obtain the pill could be young victims of rape or incest. Others may be medically frail women whose birth control method has failed. The hormones do not cause abortions, proponents said. They prevent an unwanted pregnancies. “That should be a goal that every member of this committee aspires to,” said co-sponsor Rep. Terie Norelli, D-Portsmouth. Email This Page | Return to Politics | Print This Page The information on this site is copyrighted and cannot be reused without the permission of The Union Leader. ADVANCED SEARCH NEWSPAPER ARCHIVE Site map · Online advertisers · Copyright © 2005 · Privacy statement · Home New Hampshire legislators are considering a bill that would have schools teach that abstinence from sex before marriage as "the expected" norm. The sponsor, Rochester Republican Russell Albert, says the state must set strict guidelines on sex education classes to fight increasing rates of sexually transmitted diseases. CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire legislators are considering a bill that would have schools emphasize abstinence from sex before marriage as "the expected" norm. The bill's sponsor, Rochester Republican Russell Albert, told a legislative committee that setting strict guidelines on the content of sex education classes is necessary to stem increasing rates of sexually transmitted diseases. Albert says sex education courses that tell students how to avoid pregnancy and infection if they have sex send a conflicting message at a time when health risks are rising. No one argued against the idea that abstinence is an effective way to avoid pregnancy and disease. But opponents of Albert's bill said teenagers need complete and accurate information about contraception to help them learn safe and proper behavior. The state Board of Education has drafted proposed new public school standards that emphasize abstinence. CONCORD — Debate began yesterday on a bill that would set out strict guidelines on content of sex education classes, directing schools to emphasize abstinence from sex as “the expected norm.” Sponsor of House Bill 39, Rep. Russell Albert, R-Rochester, told the House Education Committee the bill is necessary to stem increasing rates of sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS. Sex education courses that tell students how to avoid pregnancy and infection if they have sex send a conflicting message, he said. At the same time, health risks are rising, Albert said. “AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases have become an epidemic,” he said. No one argued against the idea that abstinence is an effective way to avoid pregnancy and disease. But opponents of Albert’s bill said teenagers need complete and accurate information to help them shape safe and proper behavior. “It is essential they get information that fortifies them against potential negative outcomes,” said Rep. Hilda Sokol, D-Hanover. She argued students need “correct and truthful” information on contraception. The state Board of Education has drafted proposed new public school standards that include an emphasis on abstinence in family life and sex education courses. The standards are now in the public hearing phase and also have to pass review by the Legislature. HB 39 allows students to opt out of sex education course without penalty, if a parent objects in writing The law would still allow discussion of birth control. But the emphasis would be on avoiding sex until marriage. In addition to abstinence, the bill would require that sex education courses teach honor and respect for traditional marriage, discussion of emotional and psychological consequences of premarital sex and teen pregnancy, legal responsibilities of parent of children born out of wedlock and details of the state’s safe haven law on abandoning infants. Albert noted that abstinence has received special emphasis from President George W. Bush, who doubled the amount of federal money available for abstinence-based education to $270 million annually. Co-sponsor Harriet Cady, R-Deerfield, said schools have swung too far away from teaching abstinence as part of sex education. A U.S. Supreme Court opinion stated that schools must teach both sides of an issue, Cady said. That would seem to require schools to include abstinence in their sex education curriculum, she said. Mark Joyce, executive director of the New Hampshire School Administrators Association, said the bill was “wholly unnecessary. School districts now teach abstinence and have opt-out provisions and a unique community approval process.” He said a state law mandating certain procedures would cut into the power of parents and school boards to act at the local level. Email This Page | Return to Politics | Print This Page The information on this site is copyrighted and cannot be reused without the permission of The Union Leader. ADVANCED SEARCH NEWSPAPER ARCHIVE Site map · Online advertisers · Copyright © 2005 · Privacy statement · Home |
| liquor/port Return to index of stories... |
CONCORD, N.H. - Liquor experts are lining up against a suggestion that New Hampshire require all liquor coming into the state be delivered through the port of Portsmouth. Portsmouth Democrat Laura Pantelakos has proposed a study committee to look into whether the state could save money by bringing liquor into Portsmouth Harbor before distributing it around the state. She says the state must deal with too many middlemen before the liquor reaches state stores. She says that increases costs. However, state Liquor Commissioner John Byrne says a Portsmouth requirement would cost the state money, not save any. He said the state buys its liquor from brokers who receive shipments up and down the Eastern seaboard, then truck it around the country. He said percentage of liquor sales in the state is not enough to prompt distributors to ship directly to Portsmouth. Liquor experts are lining up against a suggestion that New Hampshire require all liquor coming into the state be delivered through the port of Portsmouth. Portsmouth Democrat Laura Pantelakos has proposed a study committee to look into whether the state could save money by bringing liquor into Portsmouth Harbor before distributing it around the state. She says the state must deal with too many middlemen before the liquor reaches state stores. She says that increases costs. However, state Liquor Commissioner John Byrne says a Portsmouth requirement would cost the state money, not save any. He said the state buys its liquor from brokers who receive shipments up and down the Eastern seaboard, then truck it around the country. He said percentage of liquor sales in the state is not enough to prompt distributors to ship directly to Portsmouth. |
| broadband Return to index of stories... |
By Erik Stetson, Associated Press Writer | January 19, 2005 CONCORD, N.H. -- Rural areas without broadband Internet access are being left behind as governments and companies across northern New England do more business online, economic development officials say. ADVERTISEMENT "If we want to position the North Country to be economically competitive, we need to create at a minimum what's called a backbone system," said Nancy Berliner, executive director of the New Hampshire Rural Development Council. Such systems usually include ultra-high speed cabling and specialized computers called routers. A committee led by the council is to unveil a telecommunications master plan next month, offering New Hampshire its first big-picture strategy for tackling rural broadband needs. In Vermont, a project is underway to design and build an $8.7 million fiber-optic network across six rural northern counties. In Maine, which already has a statewide fiber-optic network, U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud is working to establish an economic development commission that would include all three states and New York. "We have a lot of companies that rely on the Internet to do defense contract bidding," said Maureen Connoloy, an economic specialist with the Economic Development Council of Northern Vermont. "They need to be able to do it in real time. They can't afford to have a satellite go out, or to miss a last-minute update because they're on dial-up." Berliner and Connoloy said reliable statistics on the level and quality of broadband Internet access in their region are scarce. But there's no doubt access needs to be improved, they said. Broadband growth has largely been piecemeal in New Hampshire's rural North Country. Businesses and individual entrepreneurs often have independently established isolated high-speed Internet links, occasionally with government loans or grants. In a few cases, such links have been the projects of white-collar professionals in creative fields who want a home with rural charm, but also need to live and work in a wired world. One example is a plan by John York, a software writer who works from his Dalton home. He has been talking with the Dirigo Paper mill in Gilman, Vt., to put an antenna on a smokestack to help give the surrounding area wireless Internet access. It would tap excess capacity from the mill's high-speed connection. But demand may be too large for the mill's current connection, York said Tuesday, and talks have been centering around an upgrade. "We may have to go bigger," he said. Berliner said rural parts of northern New England should work to attract more people like York, who can replace middle-class residents leaving the region as manufacturers move elsewhere. She said backbone systems are an essential starting place. "It's the small business sector, and it's the creative area, that really needs to be supported," she said. "Access to high-speed broadband is critical to making that happen." Continued. New Hampshire's master plan is due in mid-February. A draft proposes linking the state's future broadband network to Maine, Vermont and Canada from Colebrook. Additional links would run through Conway to Maine, and Orford to Vermont. ADVERTISEMENT Berliner said access must be affordable to spark economic growth, which she said will require regional cooperation and solutions. Vermont's fiber-optic "ring," named North-Link, will connect to New York, New Hampshire and Canada near Montreal, Connoloy said. She predicted construction would begin this summer and take three years. "It has international impact," Connoloy said. "It's a huge project." She said staple Northern Vermont industries, including agriculture and timber-dependent businesses, are declining while technology-dependent businesses, like health care companies, are growing. She estimates that information services already are nearly 17 percent of northern Vermont's economy, perhaps more. "What that identified for us was a significant opportunity to grow the economy with jobs paying more than minimum wage if we could grow high-speed access," she said. She predicted early phases of the project would generate more than 500 new jobs and help the state keep another 2,000. Vermont's network will be built with excess capacity. "We're not just talking a cable modem here," Connoloy said. "We're talking about real-time video teleconferencing, the ability to participate in international events." Maine is ahead of both states. It already boasts a statewide fiber-optic network, which reaches all libraries and schools, said Elaine Scott, Maine Department of Economic and Community Development marketing manager. But Michaud, a Democrat, said more can be done. His proposed commission would control about $40 million annually in economic development funds. The money would be available for a range of projects, including technology initiatives. "Many of the jobs we have lost in recent years have been in traditional, natural resource-based industries, and this commission could help us to revitalize those sectors," he said Tuesday. "In addition, though, we will also need to invest in high-tech infrastructure to create the jobs of tomorrow." Co-sponsors of the bill include Reps. Charles Bass, R-N.H., and Bernard Sanders, a Vermont independent. "Regional economic development commissions have been successful in helping economically depressed regions to invest and create jobs," Michaud said, "and that is exactly what we need to do in the northeast." |
| gambling Return to index of stories... |
opponents argument that one of the strongest voices against such a move has come from the law enforcement community which has argued such a development would invariably let various "undesirable elements" such as organized crime, prostitution and drug dealing gain an even stronger foothold in the state. These indictments--likely says he wants clear evidence that gambling will not hurt the state’s quality of life before taking a position on the matter. But last’s week’s indictment of Richard Hart and Jonathan Broome, the Belmont track’s general manager and assistant general manager respectively, are certain to sway any discussion of the matter. Will this close the door on expanded Lakes Region case brings additional gambling concerns Gov. John Lynch says he is willing to consider expanded gambling as a way to raise new money for the state — a state under pressure to confront spending challenges, particularly for education and social services. But news that two upper tier officials of the Lakes Region Greyhound Park in Belmont have been indicted on federal charges is bound to give any effort to open the doors to more forms of gambling at the state’s four racetracks a chilly reception in the corridors of Statehouse. The governor is quick to stress that he is far from ready to jump on the gambling bandwagon — he says he wants clear evidence that gambling will not hurt the state’s quality of life before taking a position on the matter. But last’s week’s indictment of Richard Hart and Jonathan Broome, the Belmont track’s general manager and assistant general manager respectively, are certain to sway any discussion of the matter. It is important to note that an indictment is not an indication of guilt. And Belmont track owner Allan Hart, Richard Hart’s uncle, has said that neither he nor the track are under investigation by federal authorities. But these disclaimers notwithstanding, there can be no escaping the reality that in the past when Legislature has dealt with proposals to expand gambling — whether it be slot machines at the state’s racetracks or casinos at grand resort hotels — one of the strongest voices against such a move has come from the law enforcement community which has argued such a development would invariably let various "undesirable elements" such as organized crime, prostitution and drug dealing gain an even stronger foothold in the state. Gov. Lynch may want to get a fresh examination of the pros and cons of legalizing more forms of gambling in the state. But it is unrealistic, especially in light of these recent allegations of money laundering and illicit gambling, to expect lawmakers to have anything approaching an detached discussion. The state’s Pari-Mutuel Commission has asked the state Attorney General’s Office to conduct its own investigation into whether the Belmont track was in any way involved into the alleged dealings of Richard Hart and Broome and Gov. Lynch has called for a state investigation into the men’s activities. It has been and continues to be our view that increased gambling will do the state more harm than good. And certainly at this time we think it would be a waste of time for lawmakers to take up the expanding gambling debate any time in the foreseeable future. The expansion of gambling in New Hampshire is more of a crapshoot than ever before. Greyhound park loses its rights to broadcast horse races The Lakes Region Greyhound Park in Belmont lost its right yesterday to continue broadcasting horse races from a Louisiana race track owned by Churchill Downs Inc. because two of the track's employees were indicted on illegal gambling charges. The gambling charges do not involve the Lakes Region track, but a spokeswoman for Churchill Downs Inc. said the company suspended its business relationship with the Belmont track and other wagering services named in the indictment to protect the interest of their customers. "We are doing this to protect our product and the interests of our customers," said Julie Koenig Loignon. The Belmont park races dogs but also broadcasts and takes bets on horse races from other tracks. Currently, only one of Churchill Downs Inc.'s seven tracks are running live racing, but Loignon said the suspension could extend to the other tracks when they begin racing in the spring. Last week, two track employees, Richard Hart and Jonathan Broome, were accused in a federal indictment of placing illegal bets at a overseas wagering operation. Al Hart, owner of the Belmont track, said yesterday it was unfair of Churchill Downs Inc. to penalize the track because the track has not been charged. He said he believes the decision is a violation of his contract with Churchill Downs Inc. and anti-trust laws === NH dog track execs plead innocent From Staff and Wire Reports Two New Hampshire racetrack executives pleaded innocent in a New York City federal courtroom yesterday to charges related to money laundering and participating in an illegal gambling conspiracy. Richard Hart and Jonathan Broome, recently suspended from their top jobs at Lakes Region Greyhound Park in Belmont, were released on personal recognizance under the pre-trial supervision of the U.S. District Court in Concord, Hart’s attorney said. A spokesman for the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of New York said a pre-trial conference for all 17 defendants in the alleged massive illegal gambling conspiracy was set for March 23. Hart’s attorney, Harry Manion of Boston, said yesterday’s proceeding was “pretty routine.” He said he remains “pretty confident that things are going to work out OK for Mr. Hart.” Hart is the general manager and Broome, the assistant general manager, at Lakes Region. Both were suspended by track owner Allan Hart, Richard’s uncle, last Friday, a day after indictments were unsealed. They and others were allegedly involved in an operation that spanned four years and allegedly brokered more than $200 million in bets on horse racing and other sporting events. According to the indictment, Richard Hart and Broome allegedly transferred illegal gambling wagers and proceeds through a Concord business, International Players Association LLC. Prosecutors say Richard Hart is a principal in that company. State records list attorney Michael McLaughlin, a lobbyist for Lakes Region, as the company’s registered agent, as well as a manager and member. Allan Hart has refused to say whether he has any financial interest in IPA. The state Pari-Mutuel Commission and Attorney General’s Office are also investigating to determine if the alleged scheme involved Lakes Region Greyhound. “We’re working with the Attorney General’s Office and have begun our own investigation,” Paul Kelly, the pari-mutuel commission executive director, said yesterday. Senior Assistant Attorney General Wynn Arnold said, “Certainly there is no indication in the indictment that the track is involved in any illegal activity, but obviously, it is a concern and we are looking at it to ensure that the integrity of gaming at the track is not adversely affected.” The federal prosecutors charged that three of the 17 people indicted last week, but not Hart or Broome, are alleged associates of the Gambino organized crime family. Prosecutors charged that the scheme allowed bettors to set up anonymous accounts for illegal gambling at off-site facilities, including operations in Great Britain, Curacao, North Dakota and Oklahoma. The owner and president of the North Dakota operation, Susan Bala of the now-defunct Racing Services Inc., is currently a defendant in a federal trial on separate federal illegal gambling charges. Yesterday in Fargo, N.D., Bala’s company’s former vice president pleaded guilty to helping run the illegal off-track horse betting operation that authorities said pulled in $99 million in wagers and attracted high rollers from out of that state. In a deal reached with prosecutors about an hour after his federal trial was to begin, Raymundo Diaz Jr. agreed to testify against Bala. In return, prosecutors dropped nine of 12 charges against him, including money laundering. Diaz, who served as vice president of Racing Services, pleaded guilty to three charges, including conspiracy to conduct an illegal gambling business, and faces up to 12 years in prison at sentencing April 1. Prosecutors said Diaz, 39, and Bala, 50, set up an unlicensed parlor for off-track horse betting in Fargo and created an organization called “Brixcorp” to disguise the business and avoid paying taxes or state fees. Each had faced 12 charges, including money laundering and conspiracy to conduct an illegal gambling business. Nine of the counts carry a maximum penalty of 20 years each. Bala has pleaded innocent. Racing Services was licensed to provide broadcast signals from out-of-state horse races, such as the Kentucky Derby, to betting parlors in the state. But the company was not licensed to run its own betting parlor, authorities said. Only charities and other non-profit organizations may run such establishments in North Dakota. According to the federal indictment, $99 million was wagered at Diaz and Bala’s unlicensed betting site between Oct. 1, 2002, and April 28, 2003, resulting in $19.7 million in revenue. Authorities said gamblers were attracted to the parlor by cash rebates, which are legal in North Dakota. The case is one that has already had a significant effect on North Dakota racing. Industry insiders told The Associated Press that big bettors moved to other sites in other states after the investigation into Racing Services. |
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NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 1/21/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:00 Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. It's been a week of pagentry and politics with Inaugural activities in Washington and here at home. And, at the statehouse: talk of Mandatory Seatbelts, Morning after pills, and what to do about Education. Joining us this week from Concord: James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com, and Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph. And, here in Durham, Edith Tucker from the Coos County Democrat, and Jeff Feingold from the NH Business Review. Welcome. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com, Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Edith Tucker\Coos County Democrat, Jeff Feingold\NH Business Review |
| key: National Politics / Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 1/21/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:00 Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. It's been a week of pagentry and politics with Inaugural activities in Washington and here at home. And, at the statehouse: talk of Mandatory Seatbelts, Morning after pills, and what to do about Education. Joining us this week from Concord: James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com, and Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph. And, here in Durham, Edith Tucker from the Coos County Democrat, and Jeff Feingold from the NH Business Review. Welcome. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com, Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Edith Tucker\Coos County Democrat, Jeff Feingold\NH Business Review |
| key: Education Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 1/21/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:00 Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. It's been a week of pagentry and politics with Inaugural activities in Washington and here at home. And, at the statehouse: talk of Mandatory Seatbelts, Morning after pills, and what to do about Education. Joining us this week from Concord: James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com, and Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph. And, here in Durham, Edith Tucker from the Coos County Democrat, and Jeff Feingold from the NH Business Review. Welcome. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com, Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Edith Tucker\Coos County Democrat, Jeff Feingold\NH Business Review |
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Friday, January 21, 2005: We started shortly after 2pm. All went well. We finished just before 3pm. |