|
|
|
|
 HelloReturn to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. A sex offender on the payroll prompts calls for an Executive Councilor's resignation. A move to teach Abstinence in NH schools, and a state Budget Surplus. Is it here today, gone tomorrow? Here to talk about all this and more from Concord:Tom Fahey from the Union Leader, and Colin Manning from Fosters Daily Democrat. And, here with me in Durham, Edith Tucker from the Coos County Democrat. Welcome to all of you. |
| Burton Aide Return to index of stories... |
We Begin with the big story that made headlines this week. Executive Councilor Ray Burton under fire for hiring an aide who he knew was a convicted child sex offender. The entire state's congressional delegation have called on Burton, a fellow republican, to resign. But, Burton says he's staying put. Governor John Lynch joinng the chorus -- releasing a statement this week -- calling for Burton to step down. "Councilor Burton's actions were an inexcusable abuse of the public trust. For the best interests of the state and his constituents, Councilor Burton should resign his position as Executive Councilor from District 1. In this state, children should be safe in their homes, their schools and their communities. And it is incumbent on all of us to make sure that happens. No sexual offender should be able to walk away, as apparently happened in this case, with simply a slap on the wrist." All this came to light when 45-year-old Mark Seindensticker -- a campaign aide for Burton, was arrested last month accused of inappropriate contact with teenage boys. Q TOM: Give us some background on this case. Seindensticker and Burton go back a long way. . He has a criminal history?? Q COLIN: What about Fellow Councilors --are they calling for his Resignation? Q The latest accusations TROUBLING. What happened? |
| N Country reax Return to index of stories... |
Ray Burton -says he'll run for Re-Election for a 15th term next year. But, will the NORTH country send him back. Q EDITH: What's been the reaction in the North Country, a district he's served for 27 years?? Q Many Republicans in the North Country --NOT too happy with the states Congressional Delegation. One local lawmaker was quoted as saying: "WE voted him IN, If we vote him OUT, it will be US, not Washingon. Q One of longest serving Councilors. Many in North Country don't want to lose his voice in Concord. Can he survive this??? But bi-partisan -leaders all calling for him to go. Q Former Republican lawmaker Brien Ward of Littleton -- said of the Governor's statement. "Lynch is a southern-tier politician who knows little to nothing about the North Country". Q Many agree it was WRONG to hire an aide with a long criminal record -- but WON'T call for him to step aside. Q Defenders say: Ray made a mistake and APOLOGIZED - he was just trying to give someone a second chance. Q How significant is it for the Cong Delegation, the Governor, fellow councilors and others to CALL for his resignation. Is there precedent for that. Q COLIN: Seindensticker -- also failed to REGISTER as a convicted sex offender. |
| Sex Offender Return to index of stories... |
This week the Governor unveiled the Child Protection Act -- which toughens state laws on Sex Offenders. It has the backing of Lawmakers, Prosecutors and Police. It calls for more prison time for those who prey on children --and increases penalties for offenders who DON'T register. Q TOM/COLIN: What would have happened to Burton's former Campaign aide under that law? Q Proposed Bill would allow POLICE to inform community when Convicted sex offender moves in. Q Lawmakers are back in January. Should we expect to see a flurry of bills that deal with sexual assault this session. Q Bill calls for Min of 25 years for 1st Offenders. 2ND Time Offenders -- would face LIFE without parole. If passed,. would that make NH's sex-offender laws -- among the TOUGHEST in the nation. |
| Ethics Return to index of stories... |
IN the shadow of the Burton controversy --the Governor has renewed his call to set up an ETHICS commission for employees and elected officials in the executive branch. Q COLIN/TOM: Where does this measure stand? Already approved by Senate, appeared before House committee this week Q COLIN/TOM: What exactly would this do? Is this going to fly.and will the Burton controversy help that along???? Or did it already have the needed support?? |
| Sex Ed/abstinence Return to index of stories... |
Sex- Education in School. That's the subject of another bill to go before lawmakers. Under the measure teachers would be required to emphasize abstinence as the norm until marriage. Students would also be educated on the prevention of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. Parents would be allowed to remove their children from sex ed classes. Q EDITH: Critics say this would WEAKEN local school board's control of the curriculum. Having the state.mandate curriculum.would that fly in the north country??? Q TOM/COLIN: This measure does NOT have the support of the Dept of Ed. Why??? Q TOM/COLIN: Does this have SUPPORT at the State House? Q Do we know where Governor Lynch stands on this? |
| Stephens/Medicaid Return to index of stories... |
At odds over Medicaid for months -- Governor Lynch and State Health Commissioner John Stephen finally reached a compromise on Rules that make it HARDER for the elderly to give away homes and then get Medicaid to pay their nursing home costs. Q What's the GIST of the compromise?? Q Stephen -- was going to move ahead on a Medicaid waiver, with or without the Governor. NOW, doesn't have to. How did the meeting of the MINDS happen?? Q Meidcaid waiver -- now off to Washington -- A federal Review could take YEARS. |
| Gov Prescription Return to index of stories... |
The Governor got the green light from a Legislative Committee on a bill to REDUCE prescription drug costs for those without insurance. The measure would allow the state to use its bargaining power to reduce costs. Q TOM/COLIN: Governor Lynch looking to fulfill a campaign promise. Is there anyone openly OPPOSING this measure? Q EDITH; This issue must resonate in the North Country, where we have the largest number of un-insured. |
| Surplus Return to index of stories... |
The state ended the 2004-2005 bi-ennium with an Unexpected budget SURPLUS: 82-million. But - the question is - How Long will that last. Q COLIN/TOM: So, How did the state end up with extra funds? Q TOM/COLIN: IS it gone already? Q Rising Energy Costs.take a major chunk of it?? Q EDITH: A lot of concern about fuel Assistance Funds this winter. North Country nervous about Low income elderly and families getting by this year??? Q Sen President Gatsas.says this SHOULD not be an early Christmas gift to special interests -- at expense of Taxpayers. Q COLIN/TOM: Will this help keep us in line for another surplus for 2006? |
| Delay & Bradley Return to index of stories... |
Congressman Jeb Bradley is returning 15-thousand dollars in campaign funds from former House Majority Leader Tom Delay's political action committee. DeLay -- a prolific fundraiser -- was indicted this week by a Texas grand jury on a charge of conspiring to violate political fund-raising laws. The Texas Republican says he's done nothing wrong but he still stepped aside as House majority leader. Q TOM/COLIN: No suprise that State Democratic leaders called on Bradley and Congressman Bass to return funds. They've done it before -- This time Bradley complied. WHY?? Q Edith: Congressman Bass says won't give back the money because the group isn't involved in the investigation. Will that HURT him? Q TOM/COLIN: Could there be a bigger impact on Bradley/Bass here in NH? |
| Senator Feingold Return to index of stories... |
Let's talk Presidential Politics. Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold expected in NH this Friday to do a little campaigning for Manchester Mayor Bob Baines -- and to meet and greet NH Democratic Party Leaders. Is he eyeing a possible run for President in 2008? Q TOM/COLIN: It's Feingold's first visit to New Hampshire since the spring of 2001. He has a busy agenda -- what can we expect to see? Q The "official" word from Senator Feingold is he's "committed to help build the Democratic Party in every state." |
| Pennant Race Return to index of stories... |
Let's not forget the PENNANT race. Will the Red Sox or Yankees win the American League East. We'll know by Sunday night as the 2 teams square off in Fenway for 3 straight. Q COLIN/TOM: Can the Red Sox pull it off against the Yankees?? Q EDITH: Yanks up by one game heading into fridays game. Any predictions. Q Massive police presense is planned outside Fenway Park. Let's hope for a PEACEFUL celebration this weekend. |
| New Outlook Tease Return to index of stories... |
My thanks to Tom Fahey & Colin Manning in Concord & Edith Tucker in Durham. And thank you for watching. Before we go.a program note. NH Outlook now has a new time slot. Beginning Monday, October 3-rd, we're moving to 7:30 p.m. each weeknight! Our "Journalists Roundtable" discussion is re-airing during NHPTV's Sunday public affairs lineup at 11 a.m. We hope you'll join us at our new times. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
I'm Beth Carroll. We'll see you next time. |
| ethics Return to index of stories... |
CONCORD, N.H. - Governor John Lynch continues promoting his plan to set up an ethics commission for employees and elected officials in the executive branch. Yesterday, he appeared before a committee of House legislators to lobby for the bill, which has already been approved by the Senate. The panel would judge ethics complaints against members of the executive branch, which is made of the governor's office, the Executive Council and state agencies. Committee members would be appointed by the governor. A similar committees already exists for the Legislature. Lynch told the House Election Laws Committee that the people of New Hampshire deserve to know that members of the executive branch are being held to the highest ethics and integrity standards. AP-NY-09-27-05 0755EDT |
| Avian flu Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Avian Flu State to discuss preparations for avian flu DERRY, N.H. - State health officials will hold a town meeting in Derry today to discuss preparation for and the potential impact of an avian flu pandemic in New Hampshire. The virus, spread by chickens, ducks and other birds, has been a problem in southeastern Asia for years and some strains of the virus have jumped to humans, raising concerns about a pandemic. Sixty-five people have died in southeastern Asia from bird flu during the past two years. New Hampshire Health and Human Services Commissioner John Stephen and other health officials will discuss the state's preparedness and answer questions about the disease. AP-NY-09-29-05 0540EDT |
| Tonight at 10 Promo Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook: Journalists from around the state join us to talk about this week's top stories. Join us tonight at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Public Television. ============================================ Monday on New Hampshire Outlook: The debate over HOW doctors tell their obese patients they need to lose weight. Join us Monday night at our new time 7:30 only on New Hampshire Public Television. |
| key: State Politics / Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 09/30/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. A sex offender on the payroll prompts calls for an Executive Councilor's resignation. A move to teach Abstinence in NH schools, and a state Budget Surplus. Is it here today, gone tomorrow? Here to talk about all this and more from Concord:Tom Fahey from the Union Leader, and Colin Manning from Fosters Daily Democrat. And, here with me in Durham, Edith Tucker from the Coos County Democrat. Welcome to all of you. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Tom Fahey\Union Leader, Colin Manning\Foster's Daily Democrat, Edith Tucker \Coos County Democrat |
| key: Crime / Legal Issues / Law Enforcement Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 09/30/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. A sex offender on the payroll prompts calls for an Executive Councilor's resignation. A move to teach Abstinence in NH schools, and a state Budget Surplus. Is it here today, gone tomorrow? Here to talk about all this and more from Concord:Tom Fahey from the Union Leader, and Colin Manning from Fosters Daily Democrat. And, here with me in Durham, Edith Tucker from the Coos County Democrat. Welcome to all of you. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Tom Fahey\Union Leader, Colin Manning\Foster's Daily Democrat, Edith Tucker \Coos County Democrat |
| key: Education Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 09/30/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. A sex offender on the payroll prompts calls for an Executive Councilor's resignation. A move to teach Abstinence in NH schools, and a state Budget Surplus. Is it here today, gone tomorrow? Here to talk about all this and more from Concord:Tom Fahey from the Union Leader, and Colin Manning from Fosters Daily Democrat. And, here with me in Durham, Edith Tucker from the Coos County Democrat. Welcome to all of you. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Tom Fahey\Union Leader, Colin Manning\Foster's Daily Democrat, Edith Tucker \Coos County Democrat |
| key: Youth Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 09/30/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. A sex offender on the payroll prompts calls for an Executive Councilor's resignation. A move to teach Abstinence in NH schools, and a state Budget Surplus. Is it here today, gone tomorrow? Here to talk about all this and more from Concord:Tom Fahey from the Union Leader, and Colin Manning from Fosters Daily Democrat. And, here with me in Durham, Edith Tucker from the Coos County Democrat. Welcome to all of you. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Tom Fahey\Union Leader, Colin Manning\Foster's Daily Democrat, Edith Tucker \Coos County Democrat |
| key: UNH Return to index of stories... |
no UNH stories |
| Burton Return to index of stories... |
The long-time councilor -- employed 45-year-old Mark Seidensticker of Concord and Ogunquit, Maine, was arrested last month, accused of inappropriate contact with teenage boys. Burton kept Seidensticker on the job even though he knew the aide had been arrested previously on sex charges. The long-time councilor dropped Seidensticker from his staff after the latest arrest. CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire Governor John Lynch, lawmakers, prosecutors and police are all backing a plan to increase prison time for people who sexually abuse children. The plan, unveiled today, would create a minimum mandatory sentence of 25 years in prison for any adult who sexually assaults a child under the age of 13. LITTLETON, N.H. - North Country residents are speaking out about calls for their long-time executive councilor, Raymond Burton, to resign. Former Republican legislator Brien Ward of Littleton and North Country Democratic Committee Chairman Jerry Sorlucco agreed Burton was wrong to hire an aide with a lengthy criminal record, but they stopped short of asking him to step down. Ward said Burton is the one person who makes government work for the North Country. Without Burton, he said, northern New Hampshire will become the portion of the state that time has forgotten. Sorlucco said he'd rather defeat Burton in an election, on the issues, not see him resign. Yesterday, Governor John Lynch, and the four Republicans in the congressional delegation called on Burton, also a Republican to quit for keeping an aide on his staff, knowing he was a convicted sex offender. Ward said Lynch is a southern-tier politician who knows little to nothing about the North Country. AP-NY-09-27-05 1002EDT P-NY-09-26-05 1653EDT Ray Burton Has Bipartisan North Country Support Despite Calls For His Resignation BY PAUL HAYES, Staff Writer - Executive Councilor Ray Burton, R-Bath. retains bipartisan North Country support amid calls for his resignation. Former Republican state Rep. Brien Ward of Littleton and North Country Democratic Committee Chairman Jerry Sorlucco agreed Burton was wrong to hire an aide with a lengthy criminal record, but they stopped short of asking him to step down. Ward said 66-year-old Burton, who has served on the Executive Council since 1977, should remain in office despite making "a serious mistake" because of his political importance to the northern part of the state. "We don't have a lot of political capital up here," Ward said. " is the one person who makes government work for the North Country, he's done it time and again." He continued, "If we lose Ray Burton, we will become the portion of New Hampshire that time has forgotten." Sorlucco, meanwhile, said Burton's decision to employ 45-year-old Mark Seidensticker, a known sex offender, was "unfortunate" but did not warrant his resignation from the Executive Council. "I'd rather defeat him on the issues," Sorlucco said. "I would not call for his resignation." Burton was asked to resign his office on Monday by Gov. John Lynch, a Democrat, and U.S. Sen. John Sununu, a Republican, for committing acts which Lynch described as an "inexcusable abuse of the public trust." Burton allegedly employed Seidensticker as a campaign aide despite knowledge of his convictions for indecent exposure, attempted sexual assault on a boy, failing to register in Maine and New Hampshire as a sexual offender, stalking a former boyfriend and violating probation, according to wire reports. Seidensticker was arrested last month in Concord and charged with inappropriate contact with teenage boys. Burton represents 98 towns and four cities in Council District One and is poised to become the longest serving councilor, surpassing Bernard Streeter of Nashua who served 30 years. Earlier this year Burton said he would continue to serve as long as he retained his health and the support of his constituents. He could not be reached for comment. Former state Rep. Ned Densmore of Franconia said Burton's political struggle was due to a lack of support from Republican leadership. "The Democrats aren't going to bring Ray down," Densmore said. "What will bring him down is his inability to prove his credibility with Republican leadership. If he doesn't have that, he's a no-go for the next election." Ward criticized Lynch's and Sununu's calls for Burton's resignation. He said Lynch was a "southern tier politician who knows little to nothing about the North Country," and was surprised Sununu called for Burton's resignation without "contacting others in the North Country to get a sense of their beliefs." Grafton County Republican Committee Vice Chairman Ralph Doolan of Bethlehem said he was surprised by the bipartisan call for Burton's resignation, but said the voters should be allowed to determine Burton's fate. "I haven't made up my mind which way I would vote, and at this point I'm not encouraging anyone to vote one way or the other," Doolan said. "But if everyone Ray has helped out over the years voted for him, I don't think there would be many people left to vote against him." The Caledonian-Record is a daily newspaper serving Northern Vermont and Northern New Hampshire. Visit our website updated daily at ### — Executive Councilor Ray Burton has said he has no plans to resign and some of his constituents say they agree that the current scandal does not warrant him stepping down after 27 years of service. Despite calls for him to resign by both Democratic and Republican leaders, a number of area residents said Wednesday that they still support Burton despite what many described as a serious lapse in judgment. "It shouldn't negate all the good things he has done in the past," said Marilyn Johnson of Gilford. The longtime executive councilor has come under fire for hiring a campaign aide who was also a convicted child sex offender. The aide, Mark Seidensticker, 45, of Con-cord and Ogunquit, Maine, was arrested last month and accused of inappropriate contact with teenage boys. He is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail at the Merrimack County jail. Burton has said that he did not know the precise details of Seidensticker's criminal history, but was aware that a history existed. On Monday, news of the situation prompted Gov. John Lynch and N.H.'s Congressional delegation to call for the resignation of Burton, who is among the longest-serving state politicians in history, having held his seat for 27 years. But interviews with Burton's constituents in the Lakes Region Wednesday showed support for Burton. Johnson said she doesn't think his actions change his ability to serve the people of District 1. "I don't think that should change how effectively he can do his job," said Johnson. Former Laconia state Rep. Bob Holbrook agreed, and said Burton has always proven to be an excellent representative for the people of the North Country. Holbrook, who served 24 years in the Legislature, said Burton would always come through no matter what was asked of him. "He has done a fantastic job. I would like to stop all the and let him get back to the business of being an executive councilor," said Holbrook. The former representative admitted that many would view Burton's decision to employ a sex offender as a serious misjudgment, but he said the councilor appears not to have thought much of it until now. "My outlook on it is that he didn't think it was of any importance," said Holbrook. Others were unsure of what Burton should do regarding the matter. Pat Reed of Gilford said she thinks Burton simply made a bad decision. "I don't think it reflects on what he's done. It just shows a lack of judgment," said Reed. But, Plymouth resident Mark Younger no longer feels Burton can be trusted because of recent events. "He has done a tremendous amount for his district, but I think he should step down," said Younger. "I don't think people can trust him anymore. It's time for him to go." Lynn Rudmin Chong of Sanbornton said she can sympathize with Burton's willingness to give a second chance to Seidensticker. "Burton should attempt re-election and risk being defeated," said Chong. "To have a lively Republican primary would be terrific. Ray just appeals to a strata of people, I think a lot of people think Ray just gave someone a second chance." A Tuftonboro man who asked not to be identified said everyone has a right to a job, including sex offenders and parolees. "I think should stay where he is," he said. But the man's wife said she believes that Burton supporters would feel differently if Burton's hiring of Seidensticker empowered him to assault a child. "How would you feel if he had molested your child while he was working for Councilor Burton?" she asked rhetorically? However, a number of people who wished to remain anonymous said Burton should step down based on what they know about the situation. One man from Sanbornton said his actions show a problem in his ability to make sound decisions. "I would have to think he should resign. I think it was incredibly poor judgment to hire someone with that kind of a record," said the individual. Another agreed saying simply that "I think he should give it up and go away." Burton said during a Tuesday stop in Gilford that the support from his constituents has been extremely strong, and he looks forward to the 2006 election. "I will be looking to the people in Council District 1," he said of the upcoming election. ### Granite Status What will the GOP do about Ray Burton? By JOHN DiSTASO Senior Political Reporter Executive Councilor Ray Burton's declaration that he will not resign, despite calls to do so by senior Republicans, surprised no one in political circles. Neither did the show of support by his friends in his district. The question of the day is whether the Republican Party — that is, the leadership and the rank-and-file — will do anything about it. Three years ago, the GOP hierarchy saw to it that U.S. Sen. Bob Smith got "primaried" by John E. Sununu. And the rest is history. Smith's offense was that he dissed the Republican Party on the U.S. Senate floor. What, if anything, will the hierarchy do about Burton? Will anyone from Burton's district step up and take him on, even if it's an uphill primary battle? The delegation has not crossed that bridge — at least not yet. But at least one Republican "of stature," as it was described to us, has privately made it known there should be a primary. Certainly, the congressional delegation took into account the probability that Burton would ignore their calls for his resignation. They know Burton is, as his Executive Council colleague Ruth Griffin put it, "a stubborn Yankee." They made their statements based on principle, regardless of the potential political ramifications. U.S. Rep. Charlie Bass took the biggest political risk because a large portion of his district overlaps Burton's territory and he has campaigned in the past with Burton. ANOTHER COUNCILOR HEARD FROM The lone Democrat on the five-member Executive Council, freshman Debora Pignatelli of Nashua, says Burton should resign. Out of touch lately for personal reasons, Pignatelli returned to Concord yesterday. In a telephone interview, she joined Republican councilors Raymond Wieczorek and Griffin. Pignatelli said she has spent "most of my life in the business of protecting children, and even though I'd like to separate Ray and what he's done for the North Country, in the final analysis, he's hired someone who he knew was a pedophile." She said that by hiring Mark Seidensticker for campaign work, Burton was "enabling him to continue to attempt to abuse children. "But in the end," Pignatelli said, "it's up to Ray." CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire Governor John Lynch, lawmakers, prosecutors and police are all backing a plan to increase prison time for people who sexually abuse children. The plan, unveiled today, would create a minimum mandatory sentence of 25 years in prison for any adult who sexually assaults a child under the age of 13. The plan strengthens requirements for sexual predators to register and increases the penalties if they don't. It also prohibits sexual predators from living near schools, daycare facilities and parks. The measure also creates a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years for adults who purposely injure a child physically. Lawmakers will consider legislation that would turn these proposals into law when they reconvene in January. AP-NY-09-29-05 1240EDT CONCORD, N.H. - Calls are increasing for Executive Councilor Raymond Burton to resign for employing an aide he knew was a convicted child sex offender. Yesterday, all four members of the state's congressional delegation said fellow Republican Burton should resign. Governor John Lynch also called for him to step down. Burton said he plans to stay in office. Burton refusing to resign, says too much work to do avbhmrflsho Burton says refusing to resign CONCORD, N.H. - Executive Councilor Raymond Burton says he will not resign his long-time office even though all four fellow Republicans in the congressional delegation say he must go. Burton is under increasing bipartisan pressure to resign for employing a convicted child sex offender. In an interview this morning with The Associated Press, Burton said he does not intend to resign, because there is too much work to do in his district. He also said he will look to his constituents for guidance, and that so far, they are urging him to hang in there. Burton is in the hot seat because a top aide, 45-year-old Mark Seidensticker of Concord and Ogunquit, Maine, was arrested last month, accused of inappropriate contact with teenage boys. Burton kept Seidensticker on the job even though he knew the aide had been arrested previously on sex charges. The long-time councilor dropped Seidensticker from his staff after the latest arrest. Burton says if he knew all of the details of Seidensticker's past, he would not have employed him. He said his knew Seidensticker professionally and as a friend. He said he was trying to help someone who needed help, and got burned. Yesterday, Governor John Lynch, a Democrat, and all four members of the congressional delegation called for Burton to resign. Burton said it's their right to say what they think. For Immediate Release: Contact: Pamela Walsh Monday, September 26, 2005 271-2121 491-7124 Statement of Gov. John Lynch Gov. John Lynch issued the following statement today on Executive Councilor Ray Burton: "Councilor Burton's actions were an inexcusable abuse of the public trust. For the best interests of the state and his constituents, Councilor Burton should resign his position as Executive Councilor from District 1. "In this state, children should be safe in their homes, their schools and their communities. And it is incumbent on all of us to make sure that happens. No sexual offender should be able to walk away, as apparently happened in this case, with simply a slap on the wrist. That is why I intend to propose legislation to strengthen our child protection laws." # # # AP-NH--Burton Aide Burton refusing to resign, says too much work to do avbhmrflsho Burton says refusing to resign CONCORD, N.H. - Executive Councilor Raymond Burton says he will not resign his long-time office even though all four fellow Republicans in the congressional delegation say he must go. Burton is under increasing bipartisan pressure to resign for employing a convicted child sex offender. In an interview this morning with The Associated Press, Burton said he does not intend to resign, because there is too much work to do in his district. He also said he will look to his constituents for guidance, and that so far, they are urging him to hang in there. Burton is in the hot seat because a top aide, 45-year-old Mark Seidensticker of Concord and Ogunquit, Maine, was arrested last month, accused of inappropriate contact with teenage boys. Burton kept Seidensticker on the job even though he knew the aide had been arrested previously on sex charges. The long-time councilor dropped Seidensticker from his staff after the latest arrest. Burton says if he knew all of the details of Seidensticker's past, he would not have employed him. He said his knew Seidensticker professionally and as a friend. He said he was trying to help someone who needed help, and got burned. Yesterday, Governor John Lynch, a Democrat, and all four members of the congressional delegation called for Burton to resign. Burton said it's their right to say what they think. Pamela Walsh Communications Director Office of Gov. John Lynch 271-2121 pamela.walsh@nh.gov AP-NH--Burton Aide URGENT Sununu calls for Burton's resignation avbflsho CONCORD - New Hampshire U-S Senator John Sununu is calling for the resignation of Executive Councilor Raymond Burton for having hired an aide with an extensive criminal record. Forty-five-year-old Mark Seidensticker of Concord and Ogunquit, Maine, was arrested last month in Concord, accused of inappropriate contact with teenage boys. Based on that arrest, Burton said last week he no longer will employ Seidensticker, who is being held on 50-thousand dollars bail at the Merrimack County jail. But Sununu said this afternoon the fellow Republican should resign because court and campaign records make clear Burton continued to employ Seidensticker even though he know of his criminal record. Sununu said Burton's continued service undermines public confidence and distracts attention from important issues facing the state. The Executive Council is an elected five-member body that deals with state contracts and appointment of state officials. A |
| Burton -2- Return to index of stories... |
LITTLETON, N.H. - North Country residents are speaking out about calls for their long-time executive councilor, Raymond Burton, to resign. Former Republican legislator Brien Ward of Littleton and North Country Democratic Committee Chairman Jerry Sorlucco agreed Burton was wrong to hire an aide with a lengthy criminal record, but they stopped short of asking him to step down. Ward said Burton is the one person who makes government work for the North Country. Without Burton, he said, northern New Hampshire will become the portion of the state that time has forgotten. Sorlucco said he'd rather defeat Burton in an election, on the issues, not see him resign. Yesterday, Governor John Lynch, and the four Republicans in the congressional delegation called on Burton, also a Republican to quit for keeping an aide on his staff, knowing he was a convicted sex offender. Ward said Lynch is a southern-tier politician who knows little to nothing about the North Country. AP-NY-09-27-05 1002EDT P-NY-09-26-05 1653EDT Ray Burton Has Bipartisan North Country Support Despite Calls For His Resignation BY PAUL HAYES, Staff Writer - Executive Councilor Ray Burton, R-Bath. retains bipartisan North Country support amid calls for his resignation. Former Republican state Rep. Brien Ward of Littleton and North Country Democratic Committee Chairman Jerry Sorlucco agreed Burton was wrong to hire an aide with a lengthy criminal record, but they stopped short of asking him to step down. Ward said 66-year-old Burton, who has served on the Executive Council since 1977, should remain in office despite making "a serious mistake" because of his political importance to the northern part of the state. "We don't have a lot of political capital up here," Ward said. " is the one person who makes government work for the North Country, he's done it time and again." He continued, "If we lose Ray Burton, we will become the portion of New Hampshire that time has forgotten." Sorlucco, meanwhile, said Burton's decision to employ 45-year-old Mark Seidensticker, a known sex offender, was "unfortunate" but did not warrant his resignation from the Executive Council. "I'd rather defeat him on the issues," Sorlucco said. "I would not call for his resignation." Burton was asked to resign his office on Monday by Gov. John Lynch, a Democrat, and U.S. Sen. John Sununu, a Republican, for committing acts which Lynch described as an "inexcusable abuse of the public trust." Burton allegedly employed Seidensticker as a campaign aide despite knowledge of his convictions for indecent exposure, attempted sexual assault on a boy, failing to register in Maine and New Hampshire as a sexual offender, stalking a former boyfriend and violating probation, according to wire reports. Seidensticker was arrested last month in Concord and charged with inappropriate contact with teenage boys. Burton represents 98 towns and four cities in Council District One and is poised to become the longest serving councilor, surpassing Bernard Streeter of Nashua who served 30 years. Earlier this year Burton said he would continue to serve as long as he retained his health and the support of his constituents. He could not be reached for comment. Former state Rep. Ned Densmore of Franconia said Burton's political struggle was due to a lack of support from Republican leadership. "The Democrats aren't going to bring Ray down," Densmore said. "What will bring him down is his inability to prove his credibility with Republican leadership. If he doesn't have that, he's a no-go for the next election." Ward criticized Lynch's and Sununu's calls for Burton's resignation. He said Lynch was a "southern tier politician who knows little to nothing about the North Country," and was surprised Sununu called for Burton's resignation without "contacting others in the North Country to get a sense of their beliefs." Grafton County Republican Committee Vice Chairman Ralph Doolan of Bethlehem said he was surprised by the bipartisan call for Burton's resignation, but said the voters should be allowed to determine Burton's fate. "I haven't made up my mind which way I would vote, and at this point I'm not encouraging anyone to vote one way or the other," Doolan said. "But if everyone Ray has helped out over the years voted for him, I don't think there would be many people left to vote against him." The Caledonian-Record is a daily newspaper serving Northern Vermont and Northern New Hampshire. Visit our website updated daily at ### — Executive Councilor Ray Burton has said he has no plans to resign and some of his constituents say they agree that the current scandal does not warrant him stepping down after 27 years of service. Despite calls for him to resign by both Democratic and Republican leaders, a number of area residents said Wednesday that they still support Burton despite what many described as a serious lapse in judgment. "It shouldn't negate all the good things he has done in the past," said Marilyn Johnson of Gilford. The longtime executive councilor has come under fire for hiring a campaign aide who was also a convicted child sex offender. The aide, Mark Seidensticker, 45, of Con-cord and Ogunquit, Maine, was arrested last month and accused of inappropriate contact with teenage boys. He is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail at the Merrimack County jail. Burton has said that he did not know the precise details of Seidensticker's criminal history, but was aware that a history existed. On Monday, news of the situation prompted Gov. John Lynch and N.H.'s Congressional delegation to call for the resignation of Burton, who is among the longest-serving state politicians in history, having held his seat for 27 years. But interviews with Burton's constituents in the Lakes Region Wednesday showed support for Burton. Johnson said she doesn't think his actions change his ability to serve the people of District 1. "I don't think that should change how effectively he can do his job," said Johnson. Former Laconia state Rep. Bob Holbrook agreed, and said Burton has always proven to be an excellent representative for the people of the North Country. Holbrook, who served 24 years in the Legislature, said Burton would always come through no matter what was asked of him. "He has done a fantastic job. I would like to stop all the and let him get back to the business of being an executive councilor," said Holbrook. The former representative admitted that many would view Burton's decision to employ a sex offender as a serious misjudgment, but he said the councilor appears not to have thought much of it until now. "My outlook on it is that he didn't think it was of any importance," said Holbrook. Others were unsure of what Burton should do regarding the matter. Pat Reed of Gilford said she thinks Burton simply made a bad decision. "I don't think it reflects on what he's done. It just shows a lack of judgment," said Reed. But, Plymouth resident Mark Younger no longer feels Burton can be trusted because of recent events. "He has done a tremendous amount for his district, but I think he should step down," said Younger. "I don't think people can trust him anymore. It's time for him to go." Lynn Rudmin Chong of Sanbornton said she can sympathize with Burton's willingness to give a second chance to Seidensticker. "Burton should attempt re-election and risk being defeated," said Chong. "To have a lively Republican primary would be terrific. Ray just appeals to a strata of people, I think a lot of people think Ray just gave someone a second chance." A Tuftonboro man who asked not to be identified said everyone has a right to a job, including sex offenders and parolees. "I think should stay where he is," he said. But the man's wife said she believes that Burton supporters would feel differently if Burton's hiring of Seidensticker empowered him to assault a child. "How would you feel if he had molested your child while he was working for Councilor Burton?" she asked rhetorically? However, a number of people who wished to remain anonymous said Burton should step down based on what they know about the situation. One man from Sanbornton said his actions show a problem in his ability to make sound decisions. "I would have to think he should resign. I think it was incredibly poor judgment to hire someone with that kind of a record," said the individual. Another agreed saying simply that "I think he should give it up and go away." Burton said during a Tuesday stop in Gilford that the support from his constituents has been extremely strong, and he looks forward to the 2006 election. "I will be looking to the people in Council District 1," he said of the upcoming election. ### Granite Status What will the GOP do about Ray Burton? By JOHN DiSTASO Senior Political Reporter Executive Councilor Ray Burton's declaration that he will not resign, despite calls to do so by senior Republicans, surprised no one in political circles. Neither did the show of support by his friends in his district. The question of the day is whether the Republican Party — that is, the leadership and the rank-and-file — will do anything about it. Three years ago, the GOP hierarchy saw to it that U.S. Sen. Bob Smith got "primaried" by John E. Sununu. And the rest is history. Smith's offense was that he dissed the Republican Party on the U.S. Senate floor. What, if anything, will the hierarchy do about Burton? Will anyone from Burton's district step up and take him on, even if it's an uphill primary battle? The delegation has not crossed that bridge — at least not yet. But at least one Republican "of stature," as it was described to us, has privately made it known there should be a primary. Certainly, the congressional delegation took into account the probability that Burton would ignore their calls for his resignation. They know Burton is, as his Executive Council colleague Ruth Griffin put it, "a stubborn Yankee." They made their statements based on principle, regardless of the potential political ramifications. U.S. Rep. Charlie Bass took the biggest political risk because a large portion of his district overlaps Burton's territory and he has campaigned in the past with Burton. ANOTHER COUNCILOR HEARD FROM The lone Democrat on the five-member Executive Council, freshman Debora Pignatelli of Nashua, says Burton should resign. Out of touch lately for personal reasons, Pignatelli returned to Concord yesterday. In a telephone interview, she joined Republican councilors Raymond Wieczorek and Griffin. Pignatelli said she has spent "most of my life in the business of protecting children, and even though I'd like to separate Ray and what he's done for the North Country, in the final analysis, he's hired someone who he knew was a pedophile." She said that by hiring Mark Seidensticker for campaign work, Burton was "enabling him to continue to attempt to abuse children. "But in the end," Pignatelli said, "it's up to Ray." |
| pres.drugs Return to index of stories... |
Governor Applauds House HHS Committee for Supporting Legislation to Help NH Citizens Save on Prescription Drug Costs CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today applauded the House Health and Human Services Committee for supporting, with a large bipartisan majority, legislation that would allow the state to use its bargaining power to reduce prescription drug costs for New Hampshire residents without health insurance. The Health and Human Services Committee voted 17-4 to recommend the full House pass SB 110, legislation establishing the New Hampshire RX program, when it reconvenes in January. "Too many of our citizens are struggling to pay for the prescription drugs they need to stay healthy and to live full productive lives. Research has shown that among low-income individuals, 16 percent do not take their medications because of the cost," Gov. Lynch said. "New Hampshire state government is a big customer for prescription drug companies. Just as businesses do, we should take advantage of the bargaining power we have as a big customer," Gov. Lynch said. "We should use our bargaining power as a state to directly negotiate with drug manufacturers to get lower prices for our citizens who need the help the most. That is what this legislation will allow us to do." The bill was sponsored by Sen. Sylvia Larsen, Senate President Ted Gatsas; Sen. Peter Burling Sen. Lou D'Allesandro, Sen. Andre Martel, Sen. Maggie Hassan, Sen. Iris Sen. David Gottesman, Sen. Joe Foster. Rep. John DeJoie sponsored similar legislation. The bill is modeled after similar legislation in Hawaii. The legislation would allow the state to provide prescription discount cards - with potential savings of 15 to 60 percent - for nearly 110,000 New Hampshire citizens, between the ages of 18 and 64 who lack health insurance and who earn less than 300 percent of the federal poverty level. # # # |
| Medicaid Return to index of stories... |
CONCORD, N.H. - Governor John Lynch says an agreement has been reached on the issue of old people giving away homes and other assets and then needing government-paid health care. He said making sure vulnerable seniors get health care they need has been his top priority. He said language finally agreed to in a Medicaid waiver will combat fraud while assuring health care for elderly people who cannot afford it. Lynch and state health Commissioner John Stephen have been at odds on the issue for months. Stephen recently said Lynch's proposal was so broad any good lawyer could exploit it. Lynch said Stephen's plan was too narrow and would have unfairly penalized some vulnerable seniors. The Medicaid waiver goes to Washington for approval. Such federal reviews can be lengthy, sometimes lasting years. - Governor John Lynch says an agreement has been reached on the issue of old people giving away homes and other assets and then needing government-paid health care. He said making sure vulnerable seniors get health care they need has been his top priority. He said language finally agreed to in a Medicaid waiver will combat fraud while assuring health care for elderly people who cannot afford it. Lynch and state health Commissioner John Stephen have been at odds on the issue for months. Stephen recently said Lynch's proposal was so broad any good lawyer could exploit it. Lynch said Stephen's plan was too narrow and would have unfairly penalized some vulnerable seniors. The Medicaid waiver goes to Washington for approval. Such federal reviews can be lengthy, sometimes lasting years. |