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 HelloReturn to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to NH Outlook. In this program --we take a look at the top stories of the week. A first-in-the nation Avian Flu Drill in NH, A special session to deal with RISING fuel costs, A shake-up in the Corrections Dept, and Virginia Governor Mark Warner pays a visit to NH. Here to talk about all this and more from Concord: Kevin Landrigan from The Telegraph, and Norma Love from the Associated Press. And, here in Durham with me James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com. Welcome to all of you. |
| Avian Flu Return to index of stories... |
We begin with the Avian Flu -- which has been dominating the news of late. NH is the first state to run a Life-Life avian flu drill. On Thursday, members of the media and some legislators toured a mock-up command center in Concord. This weekend -- the state plans to dole out 5-thousand flu shots in 3 communities - Manchester, Portsmouth and Colebrook. While not effective against the avian flu -- it's an opportunity to test the state's ability to vaccinate thousands of New Hampshire residents in one-day. Q We keep hearing this is a "First-in-the-Nation" event. Did any of you take the tour? Q Has there been much BUZZ about this event. Q Expectations. Q Was there talk of a REGIONAL Approach to this issue? BETH: On Tuesday -- NH Outlook will take a look at how that drill went. And what lessons can be learned from it. |
| heat intro Return to index of stories... |
Rising fuel costs another state concern. This week lawmakers voted to DOUBLE the amount of home heating assistance to the state's needy. In a special session -- the House and Senate agreed to allocate 33-million dollars for home heating fuel. That's up from 16-million dollars in assistance last winter. It was a bi-partisan vote, particularly in the House which passed the measure by a margin of 332-4. The measure also increases the aid available to low-income households in paying their electric bills. Governor Lynch --signed it almost immediately. Q KEVIN/NORMA: Does the state KNOW.how much fuel assistance they'll need this winter.I heard one quote of 30-million.with Congress promising 15-million in grants. Q The Plan passed by NH lawmakers called for 10-million for heating bills.7 for electricity bills. There seems to be a GAP? Q Where is money coming from? The heating aid would come from the state’s estimated $50 million budget surplus. . Borrows money from an energy efficient program for 6 months to help poor pay electric bills. Q 4 voted against in both chambers. WHAT was their objection?? Q JAMES: The Gov said he wanted to send the message: We're not going to leave citizens out in the cold CONGRESS apparently NOT inclined to do the same. The House REJECTED legislation thurs.that would have included MORE money to help the poor heat their homes. Q KEVIN/NORMA: We keep hearing this is a SHORT-term fix.for a long-term problem -- and that a STUDY is needed -- of what?? ** Senate Majority Leader Robert Clegg -- called for study looking into the energy efficiency money -- some large, profit-making corporations have received large grants from it.?? Q Where is the ELECTRICITY money coming from? There still are questions about where to get the electricity money. Some argue it should come from an electricity surcharge on all utility bills that now goes toward energy-efficiency projects in homes and businesses. Others are looking at a business-tax BETH: Haven't heard the end of this issue. Just now starting to feel like NOv. |
| Corrections Cmsr Return to index of stories... |
We could soon have a new Corrections Commissioner. It would be the 8th in 10 years prompting some to call Corrections a "revolving door". This week the Governor tapped Hampton Police Chief William Wrenn to take over the post. Q KEVIN/NORMA: 8 Commissioners in 10 years.that's a lot of TURNOVER? Q Current Cmsr Stephen Curry wanted to STAY on the Job -- why is he on the outs? ** ** Curry says another CHANGE-OVER will hurt the dept, and employees? Q JAMES: Curry was a BENSON appointee. Is that a factor in Lynch's desire to make a change. Q Relations between Curry and the state workers' union have been strained since he took the job. WHY?? ** How is Gov Lynch's nominee, William Wrenn doing with the Hampton Police Union? Q The governor says Wrenn is a proven manager, with 30 years of law enforcement experience and deep knowledge of public policy in the state. WILL he be confirmed? Q Executive Council needs to sign off on this. - Ruth GRIFFIN says she'd vote agains WRENN. Do we know WHEN the Exec Council will VOTE on the nomination of Wrenn? Q Any bets on WHO will win out??? UNCERTAIN OUT. .Councilor Ray Burton calls it one of the TOUGHEST jobs in state government. Stay TUned. |
| Benson Return to index of stories... |
Issues in the Corrections Department -- also haunted Craig Benson while he was in office. In an interview this week on "New England Cable News" the former Governor says he enjoys being out of Government. But, when asked if he would seek Public Office again.he said: "NEVER, say never. Q KEVIN/NORMA: Should we read anything into that? Q JAMES: Benson -- is teaching at Babson College, his alma mater. Can you envision him running for office again. Q Benson suggested there were several Republicans would make good gubernatorial Candidates -- but, NO NAMES. As for John Lynch --he's got RECORD approval ratings. He's gearing up for another run -- holding a fundraiser Thurs night in Bedford. He's in GOOD shape at this juncture-- Any STIRRINGS out there on the gubernatorial front?? ** Bruce Keough?? |
| Guinta team Return to index of stories... |
The Big Suprise in recent Municipial Elections was the UPSET in Manchester -- with Frank Guinta unseating 3-term Mayor Bob Baines. Some Democrats were hoping Baines could use his RE-Election as a SPRINGboard for a run against Congressman Jeb Bradley. Didn't happen. Q James: What NOW for Mayor Baines? ** Has he talked about what his plans are at end of his term? Q KEVIN/NORMA: Will House Democratic Leader Jim Craig go after Bradley's SEAT. Was he waiting to see what BAINES might do -- before announcing his intentions. Q JAMES: CRAIG would be UNKNOWN outside of his home city of Manchester and the state house. What would he need to do to POSITION himself for Bradley's seat. He desribes himself as a moderate Democrat -- how else would you describe him? Q Would he mount a formidable campaign? |
| VA Governor in NH Return to index of stories... |
The Governor of Virginia in NH this friday --taking part in an Education Roundtable in Nashua with Governor Lynch. Warner is past chairman of the National Governors' Association, where he led an initiative on high school reform. Governor Lynch -- recently proposed legislation to increase the state's drop-out age from 16 to 18 -- in hopes of reducing the state's highschool drop out rate. Warner says Virginia raised its DROP out age to 18 about 15 years ago. He supports Lynch's proposal to do the same in New Hampshire. Q KEVIN/NORMA: We'll get to Gov Warner in a moment -- FIRST: What's been the REACTION to Gov Lynch's Proposal to keep kids in school until 18. Difficult to IMPLEMENT? ** Most teachers say just UPPING the limit won't work -- kids would act up -- & affect educ of others? ** suggestive alternative programs.to keep them in school -- would cost MONEY. Q Right Now, Students can LEAVE after their 16th birthdays -- with parents written permission. So, NEED buy-in from parents as well? BETH: Lynch has also called for a STATEWIDE SUMMIT to help schools develop a curriculum to keep kids in school. More on that in the days ahead. Supporters of Mark Warner credit him with leading Virgina out of a 6-billion dollar revenue shortfall while at the same time INVESTING in Virginia schools to transform them into what they need to be. |
| Warner Democrats Return to index of stories... |
Getting back to Governor Warner-- who is soon to become citizen Warner. C-SPAN is expected to cover his NH stop -- his first visit to the state I believe. It comes on the heels of his successful support of Gov-Elect Tim Kaine. Warner -- was limited to ONE-term as Governor. He's often mentioned as a possible Democratic contender -- along with Sens. Kerry and Hillary Rodham Clinton, Former senator John Edwards and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson -- Most of whom -- have been here in the state in recent days Q JAMES: How is it WARNER, has proved so popular in a conservative REPUBLICAN state? Q Warner's Lt Governor Tim Kaine -- won a solid victory. Of course that had Democrats CROWING that BUSH'S election-eve rally for the Republican Candidate spurred more KAINE supporters to the polls. Certainly made WARNER'S prestige soar. Q PAINT us a picture of Warner: He's a multi-millionaire. Hmm. that sounds familiar. He's limited to ONE term as Governor. Now meeting with DEMOCRATS across the country -- as he makes transition from governor to private citizen. JAMES: Warner Had No national profile for the first 3 years of his administration. But, In 2004 -- VA was declared the best managed state in the nation by Governing Magazine. Not a BAD endorsement? Q Would face significant DISADVANTAGE in a Dem Primary. Little known nationally, centrist, much of party behind Hillary Clinton. ** Governors have ben far more successful than legislators in presidential races.no lengthy voting records to be distorted. He's proved popular in a conservative Republicn State -- territory dems must win if they are to regain the white house. |
| Romney Return to index of stories... |
MA Governor Mitt Romney is doing some presidential exploration of his own. He's been to the state several times already this year -- and will be the featured speaker at the Manchester Republican Committee's Holiday Party on December 7th. Q James: I know its not quite official but does anyone think he's NOT running for President? |
| Bass & gop Return to index of stories... |
Congressman Charlie Bass says its time for the Republican Party to re-examine itself. Bass says with the party's fortunes down and with most Americans saying they'd rather see a more "moderate" form of leadership, it's time to govern from the middle. Q Sounds like Congressman Bass is trying to DISTANCE himself from GOP woes Q Democrats say: Congressman Bass's newfound criticism of GOP leadership contradicts his record of voting in lockstep with them almost 90% of the time. VALID? ** All this came as Rep-controlled Congress last week over budget negotiations. Republican leaders halted plans for a vote on a 51--billion-dollar budget cut, saying they were short of votes. Moderates said the cuts were too severe. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
My thanks to Kevin Landrigan and Norma Love in Concord, & James Pindell here in Durham. And, thank you for watching. I'm Beth Carroll. We'll see you next time. |
| Michelle's Law Return to index of stories... |
CONCORD, N.H. - In the Statehouse, a legislative committee has endorsed a proposed law born out of a Manchester mother's desire to protect her daughter. AnnMarie Morse has been lobbying the Legislature to pass Michelle's Law in honor of her 22-year-old daughter, who died last week of colon cancer. The bill would require health insurance companies to continue covering college students who leave school temporarily because of illness, an option Michelle didn't have. The bill was promoted by 22-year-old Michelle Morse, a Plymouth State University student who died last week. She was diagnosed with colon cancer in December 2003 but was forced to stay in school to keep her health coverage. |
| rules veto Return to index of stories... |
CONCORD, N.H. - The New Hampshire House voted today to uphold Governor John Lynch's veto of a bill dealing with administrative rules. It was the only bill Lynch vetoed this year. The House voted 203 to 131 to override the veto but that fell short the two-thirds needed to send it on to the Senate. The bill gave the Legislature more control over rules promulgated by agencies. Lynch said it would create delays and increase inefficiency. |
| primary Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE Democrats are sending their national party a direct message: Don’t mess with the first-in-the-nation primary. State party Chair Kathy Sullivan and other top Dems have endorsed former state chair Joe Keefe‘s new letter telling the Democratic National Committee’s calendar commission that any proposal to place more caucuses — even one — between the leadoff Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary won’t cut it. “I cannot stress how unwise it would be to undermine New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation status, nor how strongly New Hampshire Democrats will fight against the Commission’s recommendations,” Keefe says, adding that “there is no acceptable compromise.” If the commission ignores the warning, “I will do whatever I can to encourage New Hampshire Democrats and others to oppose the Commission’s recommendations and to prevent such an outcome by whatever means necessary.” Sullivan agrees because “as a member of the DNC, I can’t stand by and watch a commission that’s been derailed from its original purpose take steps to guarantee the defeat of a Democratic candidate in 2008.” The commission is scheduled to meet on Dec. 10 to recommend a 2008 nominating schedule to DNC Chair Howard Dean, who is expected to then send it to the DNC rules committee. The full DNC is the final decision-maker, but New Hampshire’s position is set out in a state law mandating that we remain “seven days or more” ahead of any “similar event.” Secretary of State William Gardner, who by law sets the primary date, has said even a caucus could be construed as similar to the primary, triggering a jump forward in the date. The commission’s stated purpose is to address caucus/primary calendar front-loading and bring more racial diversity up front. Michigan’s delegation, led by commission member Sen. Carl Levin, strongly opposes the “privileged” positions of Iowa and New Hampshire. Levin recently told The Associated Press it is essential to have additional contests before New Hampshire. Presumably, these would be in small states from different regions with large black or Hispanic populations in the South and the West. “What I’m looking for is a change in the system that gives two states such a huge impact on who is nominated,” he said. Adding early events “actually would open things up. More candidates would have an opportunity to win at least one caucus.” Web and news reports surfaced last month alleging a growing commission consensus on a plan to place two to four caucuses between Iowa and New Hampshire. Since then, local Democrats have had increasing “great concern that there is momentum behind the recommendation,” said Judy Reardon, who co-chairs a state party primary task force with Keefe. Privately, other Democrats say that while there is no evidence of a concrete anti-New Hampshire proposal, task force members and the state’s members of the commission, Jeanne Shaheen and Terry Shumaker, had discussions with other commissioners and DNC members — and became concerned. Sullivan and Keefe said New Hampshire has proposed addressing diversity and front-loading by having diverse states come at least a week after New Hampshire and then spreading out the remainder of the calendar over three to four months. “But if we see the commission heading down this path, we will go to the mat,” Sullivan said. Keefe’s letter says the primary means as much to New Hampshire as the Kentucky Derby does to Kentucky and the Statue of Liberty does to New York. “It is part of who we are,” Keefe says. “We will not part with it.” He says, “the Commission’s focus, perhaps in deference to Senator Levin, seems to have devolved into a concentrated effort to undermine New Hampshire’s historic first-in-the-nation primary, which has the potential to create chaos in the calendar and jeopardize Democratic chances of winning the White House in 2008.” Keefe says commissions “may come and go,” but the New Hampshire primary, established by “history” and time-tested, “is not something that is negotiable every four years.” —— |
| Tonight at 7:30 Return to index of stories... |
Monday on New Hampshire Outlook: Join us Monday at 7:30 only on New Hampshire Public Television. =============================== Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook: Join us tonight at 7:30 only on New Hampshire Public Television. |
| fuel Return to index of stories... |
Article published Nov 16, 2005 Lawmakers move on fuel assistance By Kevin Landrigan Telegraph Staff CONCORD – Looking to help more poor people pay their electric bills this winter, House and Senate leaders announced bipartisan support Tuesday for a plan to divert money from energy efficiency projects. Today the Legislature is expected to endorse the electricity aid, while it also gives a $10 million boost to a federal program for home heating aid for low- and moderate-income families. The heating aid would come from the state’s estimated $50 million budget surplus. An existing monthly fee on electric bills generates $34 million a year, financing aid for low-income and energy efficiency programs. Money from the energy efficiency program will be diverted to help the poor for only the next six months. Only about one-fifth of the money would be diverted. “We aren’t shutting down any energy efficiency program,” said Senate President Ted Gatsas, R-Manchester. Gatsas said that Public Service of New Hampshire, the state’s largest utility, has agreed to borrow about $3.5 million to support the low-income assistance. PSNH would have three years to pay back that money, Gatsas said. Bowing to criticism, key senators agreed to make changes that reduce the impact on two of the state’s four utilities, and to lessen the blow to a popular energy-efficiency program.Gatsas agreed to alter his plan after learning that the two utilities – Granite State Electric and Unitil – were already subsidizing aid to low-income customers of PSNH and the New Hampshire Electric Cooperative. “We have two donor utilities participating already with a portion of their low-income citizens,’’ Gatsas said. The bill caps at $3 million how much can be taken from the energy efficiency program and would trigger a legislative review of spending once 30,000 people received assistance paying their bills. Senate Majority Leader Robert Clegg, R-Hudson, said lawmakers should study where the energy efficiency money is going, because large, profit-making corporations have received large grants from it. “The corporations with big bucks who know how to play the system ought to step aside for six months so we can get money for the low-income citizens,’’ Clegg said. The state expects to need at least $30 million in fuel assistance this winter, and Congress has promised only $15 million in grants to date. “We can’t let our citizens freeze in the winter months,’’ said House Majority Leader Michael O’Neil, R-Hampton. The state’s congressional delegation is working on a federal spending bill that would give New Hampshire another $7 million. It’s not clear how long it will take Congress to act. Low-income citizens have some protection from having their electricity or natural gas shut off, but oil and propane companies can refuse to deliver if they’re not paid. Several critics of the original bill said they could live with the compromise, and predicted lawmakers would endorse it today. “We’ve got a deal and appreciate all the cooperation we’ve gotten from the Senate leadership on this,’’ said Sen. Peter Burling, D-Cornish. For Immediate Release: Contact: Pamela Walsh Tuesday, November 15, 2005 271-2121 491-7124 Governor Lynch Urges Legislature to Pass Heating Assistance Legislation Tomorrow CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today urged members of the House and Senate to pass proposed heating assistance legislation when they meet tomorrow. "Thousands of New Hampshire citizens will struggle to pay their energy bills this winter because of the dramatic increases in energy costs. We must act now to help them," Gov. Lynch said. "I applaud the Republican and Democratic leadership of the House and Senate for bringing this important legislation forward. I urge all members of the legislature to support this effort." The legislation would provide up to $10 million in additional assistance for the Low-Income Home Energy Program in case the federal government does not meet its responsibility to provide adequate LIHEAP funding. Without action, as of December all of the state's current LIHEAP funding will be obligated. The legislation also provides additional funding for the state's Electric Assistance program. "I'm pleased that Democrats and Republicans are working together to find a practical way to provide additional help to New Hampshire citizens that need it the most, while sustaining the energy efficiency programs that will help our citizens, communities and businesses reduce their energy costs for the long term," Gov. Lynch said. # # # Pamela Walsh Communications Director Office of Gov. John Lynch 271-2121 pamela.walsh@nh.gov AP-NH--Fuel Aid CONCORD - 11 a.m., Senate, and 1 p.m., House, to vote on money for fuel assistance programs. Fuel aid plan coming up for a vote CONCORD, N.H. - Wednesday will be a big day for thousands of New Hampshire residents who need help paying their electricity and heat bills. Legislators will vote on a plan that includes seven million dollars to help with electricity bills and ten million for heating bills. The heating money would come from a state budget surplus and cover any heating assistance beyond the state's federal allocation from the low-income heating-assistance program. That program provides low-income households with an average of 570 dollars, based on income. There still are questions about where to get the electricity money. Some argue it should come from an electricity surcharge on all utility bills that now goes toward energy-efficiency projects in homes and businesses. Others are looking at a business-tax windfall the state recently received. AP-NY-11-14-05 0543EST AP-NH-XGR--Fuel Assistance House, Senate approve money for fuel assistance programs nmlavbstfls xxx House passes fuel assistance bill xxx CONCORD, N.H. - The House voted 332 to four today to do what the Senate did unanimously a few hours earlier -- spend more money helping New Hampshire's poor pay their winter fuel bills. The Legislature approved the bill after a short discussion in each chamber about the lack of partisanship shown in coming up with the solution to a problem caused by rising fuel prices. Governor John Lynch supports the spending. The bill sets aside ten million dollars from the state's surplus to pay for fuel assistance if federal aid doesn't cover the costs. It also borrows money from an energy efficiency program for six months to help the poor pay electric bills. Senators said they know the help is a short-term fix to a long-term problem. They said they hope a study contained in the bill will help them better address the problem in the future. AP-NY-11-16-05 1404EST CONCORD, N.H. - On what may be one of the last mild days before winter, New Hampshire's Senate voted unanimously to spend more money helping the poor pay their winter fuel bills. The House takes up the spending this afternoon. The bill sets aside ten million dollars from the state's surplus to pay for fuel assistance if federal aid doesn't cover all of the costs. It also borrows money from an energy efficiency program for six months to help the poor pay electric bills. Senators said they know the help is a short-term fix to a long-term problem. They said they hope a study contained in the bill will help them better address the problem in the future. CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today signed legislation to provide additional heating assistance to New Hampshire families this winter. "I want to thank Democrats and Republicans in the legislature for coming together to provide critical help for our citizens this winter. The dramatic increases in energy costs that we have seen are hurting are families and our seniors, and thousands of New Hampshire citizens will struggle to pay their energy bills this winter as a result," Gov. Lynch said. "Today, we are sending a clear message that we are not going to leave our citizens out in the cold. We are going to give them the help they need to stay warm this winter." ** Senators said they know the help is a short-term fix to a long-term problem. They said they hope a study contained in the bill will help them better address the problem in the future. |
| Cohen Campaign Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Cohen Campaign, TOPS Cohen's ex-campaign manager pleads guilty to false statements bywdewstfls XX UPDATES with hearing details, CORRECTS time reference of first graf, last year NOT two years ago XX CONCORD, N.H. - The former campaign manager for Burt Cohen pleaded guilty today in a scandal that ended Cohen's hopes for a New Hampshire U-S Senate seat last year. Jesse Burchfield pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of making false statements to the Federal Election Commission. By pleading guilty, Burchfield admits understating campaign expenses and overstating cash on hand in filings to the commission. The false reports ended the Democrat's campaign to unseat Republican Senator Judd Gregg. Burchfield faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a 250-thousand dollar fine. But the prosecutor recommended Burchfield serve one year of probation in exchange for continued cooperation in the commission's civil investigation. The F-E-C is looking into whether other campaign staffers were involved in what happened. Sentencing is scheduled for February 22nd. AP-NY-11-14-05 1555EST |
| key: Health / Health Care Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 11/18/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 25:27 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to NH Outlook. In this program, we take a look at the top stories of the week. A first-in-the nation Avian Flu Drill in NH, A special session to deal with RISING fuel costs, A shake-up in the Corrections Dept, and Virginia Governor Mark Warner pays a visit to NH. Here to talk about all this and more from Concord: Kevin Landrigan from The Telegraph, and Norma Love from the Associated Press. And, here in Durham with me James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com. Welcome to all of you. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Norma Love\Associated Press, James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com |
| key: State Politics / Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 11/18/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 25:27 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to NH Outlook. In this program, we take a look at the top stories of the week. A first-in-the nation Avian Flu Drill in NH, A special session to deal with RISING fuel costs, A shake-up in the Corrections Dept, and Virginia Governor Mark Warner pays a visit to NH. Here to talk about all this and more from Concord: Kevin Landrigan from The Telegraph, and Norma Love from the Associated Press. And, here in Durham with me James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com. Welcome to all of you. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Norma Love\Associated Press, James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com |
| key: National Politics / Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 11/18/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 25:27 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to NH Outlook. In this program, we take a look at the top stories of the week. A first-in-the nation Avian Flu Drill in NH, A special session to deal with RISING fuel costs, A shake-up in the Corrections Dept, and Virginia Governor Mark Warner pays a visit to NH. Here to talk about all this and more from Concord: Kevin Landrigan from The Telegraph, and Norma Love from the Associated Press. And, here in Durham with me James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com. Welcome to all of you. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Norma Love\Associated Press, James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com |
| key: UNH Return to index of stories... |
no UNH stories |
| Post Show Log Return to index of stories... |
Friday November 18: We started very late because the Gov. Warner event in Manchester went late so we had to wait for James to come here. He got stuck in traffic and left late. We finally got going at 3:15. The only major thing that went wrong is the cable input to the floor monitor broke so we exchanged the monitor for another one before the show began. Everything else was fine. |
| CORRECTIONS Return to index of stories... |
CONCORD, N.H. - Governor John Lynch has nominated Hampton Police Chief William Wrenn to be New Hampshire's corrections commissioner. Lynch offered Wrenn's name to the Executive Council this morning. There was no discussion. Council members will review the nomination and vote on whether to confirm him at a future meeting. Meanwhile, the current commissioner says replacing him will continue a revolving door, and hurt the department and its employees. Stephen Curry's term expired last month. He took over in July of 2004 to finish the term of Philip Stanley. If confirmed, Wrenn would be the eighth person to lead the agency in the last decade. Curry says with the constant turnover, employees build themselves up to meet the expectations of one leader, then get a new leader and new expectations. Eventually, he said, they stop trying. ** Meanwhile, the current commissioner says replacing him will continue a revolving door, and hurt the department and its employees. Stephen Curry's term expired last month. He took over in July of 2004 to finish the term of Philip Stanley. If confirmed, Wrenn would be the eighth person to lead the agency in the last decade. Curry says with the constant turnover, employees build themselves up to meet the expectations of one leader, then get a new leader and new expectations. Eventually, he said, they stop trying. CONCORD, N.H. - Governor John Lynch is shaking up New Hampshire's Corrections Department. The governor says he will nominate Hampton Police Chief William Wrenn to replace Corrections Commissioner Stephen Curry, whose term expired last month. Curry took over in July of 2004 to finish the term of Philip Stanley. The governor says Wrenn is a proven manager, with 30 years of law enforcement experience in New Hampshire and deep knowledge of public policy in the state. He says he'll nominate Wrenn at tomorrow's Executive Council meeting. ## Lynch to nominate Hampton chief as corrections commissioner November 15, 2005 CONCORD, N.H. --Gov. John Lynch said he will nominate Hampton Police Chief William Wrenn to replace Corrections Commissioner Stephen Curry, whose term expired last month. Relations between Curry and the state workers' union have been strained since he took the job. The union took two votes of no confidence in him and has filed two unfair labor practice complaints with the Public Employee Labor Relations Board. Lynch said Wrenn is a proven manager, with 30 years of law enforcement experience in New Hampshire and deep knowledge of public policy in the state. |
| guinta Return to index of stories... |
New Hampshire House Democratic Leader Jim Craig was thinking about it last spring but stepped aside to see what Baines and perhaps others would do. But now, Craig has made it known to party leaders that he will run. The party’s executive committee was given the news in a conference call on Tuesday night. Craig, 54, is a four-term representative who became caucus leader a year ago. A U.S. Army veteran, he is an attorney with Craig Wenners Craig and Capuchino in Manchester. Craig will run as a moderate Democrat and state House member. He’ll be unknown outside of the State House and his home city of Manchester. But how well-known was moderate state House member Bradley when he began a campaign? Not very. The difference is, Bradley sought an open seat. Still, expect Craig to mount a campaign more formidable than those waged by Democratic candidates for that seat in the recent past. —— COUNCIL CANDIDATES Former U.S. House candidate Bob Bruce of Candia is not the only Democrat focusing on GOP District 4 Executive Councilor Ray Wieczorek. The Status has learned that Manchester welfare commissioner Paul Martineau, the top vote-getter in last week’s city election, has decided to run. —— SETTING UP SHOPS There are some key changes on the lobbying and political strategy scene: Elizabeth Murphy, a “State Household” name and one of Concord’s most successful lobbyists, has decided to sell her business to the Sheehan Phinney Capitol Group, effective in January. “I’ve had a number of offers on my business over the years,” Murphy said. She said the acquisition will “free me up from the business side and allow me to do what I love, working at the State House.” Murphy employees Henry Veilleux, Kathy Veracco and Beth Sargent will go with her, joining the Capitol Group’s Bruce Berke and Valerie Acres. Jack Heath, Mike Biundo and Alicia Preston will try to parlay their much-heralded work for Mayor-elect Frank Guinta into bigger things. Heath says Meridian Communications will set up a Manchester-based “political group,” ready to handle 2006 and 2008 campaigns. Heath says Preston’s expertise in “media services,” Biundo’s experience in grassroots organizing and his own work on “the message” combined to help Guinta campaign and will work again in the future for others. Concord lobbyists Rick Newman and Mike McLaughlin have broken up. Newman has formed his own firm, Government Solutions Group, and McLaughlin stays with Capitol Insights. Newman says his client list, including Phillip Morris, Kraft, independent pharmacies and Belmont Gaming, Inc., remains intact, while McLaughlin will keep their lone joint client, the Property and Casualty Insurance Association. “There is no animus,” says Newman. “It was a business decision.” —— GETTING SQUEEZED The increasing power of moderates in the U.S. House Republican conference has put Bradley and 2nd District Rep. Charlie Bass in interesting positions. A key Republican believes Bass is tempting a primary challenge by distancing himself from Tom DeLay and the leadership. Bradley sits on the House Budget Committee and is in the thick of the battle over deficit reduction, which he supports, and drilling for oil in Alaska, which he opposes. He supported Bass’s successful effort to have the House leadership drop the drilling provision from the budget reconciliation plan last week. As this battle plays out, where will Jeb end up? Bass says his problem is not with philosophy as much as with attitude as leaders load up bills with pet projects and “seem to be more concerned with the bridge to nowhere in Alaska and earmarks in appropriations than we are about what our fundamental principles are, which is less government, lower taxes and a strong national security.” Moderates, he says, “are sending a message to our leadership that we want them to shape up and stop thinking about what they can do for themselves and start thinking about the country and what our agenda is and what our priorities are.” Democrats say Bass’s “new found criticism” doesn’t hide a voting record that puts him in lockstep with leadership nearly 90 percent of the time. “Sorry, Charlie,” Dem chair Sullivan says. “You dance with the one that brung ya.” The national Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee this week said that while paying lip service to consumers on the big oil and gas profits issue, Bass has taken more than $200,000 and Bradley $65,000 from the energy industry. At the same time, Bass’s constituents are getting automated “Oil Profit Alert” phone calls on the same topic. Bass says his constituents know he can’t be bought. —— WRENN AND THE UNION Relations between outgoing state corrections commissioner Stephen Curry and the state workers’ union are certainly strained, but how is Gov. John Lynch’s nominee, Hampton Police Chief William Wrenn, doing with the Hampton police union? According to The Hampton Union, the police union complained to the Public Employees Labor Relations Board after Wrenn wrote a memo to all town police officers on negotiations between the union and the town. The union said the chief had no right to bypass the union’s leaders and communicate directly with members. The PELRB ruled the town committed an unfair labor practice and town selectmen are appealing to the state Supreme Court. —— QUICK TAKES State Republican Chair Warren Henderson says Guinta wasn’t the only big GOP victory on Nov. 8. The Nashua city Republican committee reports the GOP gained control of that city council, jumping from seven to 11 of the 15 seats. In Concord, Henderson says, the checklist shows that Republicans on the new city council went from five to seven of 14. Henderson calls it evidence of “a pretty substantial trend in cities statewide.” Probably to the chagrin of Sen. Levin, C-SPAN will cover Virginia Gov. Mark Warner’s visit to the state tomorrow. He’ll lunch with Senate Democrats in Manchester and attend an education forum in Nashua. It will be Warner’s first visit to the state and comes on the heels of his successful support of Gov.-elect Tim Kaine. John DiStaso is senior political reporter of the New Hampshire Union Leader and Sunday News. Email This Page | Return to Front Page | 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 |
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MAYOR-ELECT FRANK GUINTA ANNOUNCES TRANSITION TEAM Manchester, NH – Frank Guinta has announced his team to aid him with transition to the Mayor’s Office over the next two months. Meridian Communications will head up the transition. Comprised of Mike Biundo, Jack Heath and Alicia Preston, Meridian, led the Guinta Mayoral Campaign. “I think it important to have a transition team of people who already know my goals in office and the landscape here, “said Guinta. Also joining transition will be city hall veteran Sean Thomas and Kristen Van Horn formerly of Governor Benson’s office. Both also aided with the campaign. A transition office has been set up in City Hall’s Economic Development Office. In the weeks Mayor–elect Guinta will be announcing policy committee’s to address specific areas of focus in the Guinta Administration. ===== |
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Gov. John Lynch, Virginia Gov. Mark Warner To Hold Roundtable On Dropout Prevention, High School Reform At Nashua South High School Friday Morning Governor Also Address New Hampshire School Board Summit, Proclaim Boston Bruins Day CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch and Virginia Gov. Mark Warner will hold a roundtable discussion tomorrow morning at Nashua South School on dropout prevention and high school reform. Gov. Lynch recently proposed legislation to increase the state's compulsory attendance age from 16 to 18, as part of a broader effort to prevent high school dropouts. Gov. Warner is past chair of the National Governors Association, where he led an initiative on high school reform. At lunchtime, Gov. Lynch will address the New Hampshire School Boards Association. At 3 p.m., Gov. Lynch will proclaim Boston Bruins Day in New Hampshire. Saturday is New Hampshire day at the Bruins. ADVISORY/CREDENTIALS CONTACT: NH Dem Party, 225-6899 FRI, 11/18: VA GOV MARK WARNER TO SPEAK AT LUNCH FOR NH SENATE DEMOCRATS *** Radio & TV Must Register for Credentials *** Virginia Governor Mark Warner will speak at a luncheon with New Hampshire's Senate Democratic Caucus on Friday, November 18th at the Puritan Backroom Conference Center in Manchester, NH. The event is a private lunch hosted by the NH Senate Democratic Caucus with party and elected leaders attending. Credentials are required for radio or television reporters. For credentials, just reply to this email with the name of the reporter and the name of the media outlet, or call Katie List at 225-6899. WHAT: NH Senate Democrats Luncheon WHO: Gov. Mark Warner New Hampshire Senate Democrats WHERE: Puritan Backroom Conference Center 245 Hooksett Rd. Manchester, NH WHEN: Noon, Friday, November 18, 2005 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Room open for media set-up at 11am. Mult. box available. ~35 foot throw. For an in-room telephone line, please call Verizon directly. To reserve satellite truck parking or fiber line connection, please call Chris Pappas with the Conference Center at 603-669-6890. ### ADVISORY/CREDENTIALS CONTACT: NH Dem Party, 225-6899 FRI, 11/18: VA GOV MARK WARNER TO SPEAK AT LUNCH FOR NH SENATE DEMOCRATS *** Radio & TV Must Register for Credentials *** Virginia Governor Mark Warner will speak at a luncheon with New Hampshire's Senate Democratic Caucus on Friday, November 18th at the Puritan Backroom Conference Center in Manchester, NH. The event is a private lunch hosted by the NH Senate Democratic Caucus with party and elected leaders attending. Credentials are required for radio or television reporters. For credentials, just reply to this email with the name of the reporter and the name of the media outlet, or call Katie List at 225-6899. WHAT: NH Senate Democrats Luncheon WHO: Gov. Mark Warner New Hampshire Senate Democrats WHERE: Puritan Backroom Conference Center 245 Hooksett Rd. Manchester, NH WHEN: Noon, Friday, November 18, 2005 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Room open for media set-up at 11am. Mult. box available. ~35 foot throw. For an in-room telephone line, please call Verizon directly. To reserve satellite truck parking or fiber line connection, please call Chris Pappas with the Conference Center at 603-669-6890. ### Education Roundtable TIME: 10 a.m. DATE: Friday, November 18, 2005 WHERE: Career Center Nashua South High School 36 Riverside Drive Nashua Address NH School Boards Association TIME: 12:30 p.m. DATE: Friday, November 18, 2005 WHERE: Center of New Hampshire Elm Street Manchester Proclaim Boston Bruins Day TIME: 3 p.m. DATE: Friday, November 18, 2005 WHERE: Governor and Council Chambers State House Concord # # # |