|
|
 Preshow |
flynn |
| Hello/Intro Conv |
no snow |
| Ed Funding |
Cannon MT |
| Conversation |
ed funding |
| Thanks/Goodbye |
marriage law |
| Web Promo |
conservation |
| min wage |
Key: state government / politics |
|
|
| Preshow |
flynn |
| Hello/Intro Conv |
no snow |
| Ed Funding |
Cannon MT |
| Conversation |
ed funding |
| Thanks/Goodbye |
marriage law |
| Web Promo |
conservation |
| min wage |
Key: state government / politics |
| Preshow Return to index of stories... |
We'll hear from the new leadership team at the State House on politics, priorities and the looming deadline on education funding. That's NOW on NH Outlook, where NH talks. |
| Hello/Intro Conv Return to index of stories... |
This week we're broadcasting from the NH Political Library, inside the State Library in Concord, as we look at the 2007 legislative agenda and those in power to push it through. Hello, I'm Beth Carroll and Welcome to NH Outlook. In NH, November's election swept democrats into power for the first time in ages.making state history. They took over the house, the senate, the executive council and re-elected a governor. The official change in power was certainly evident at the podium on Inauguration Day at the State House. Not only is there a different party in charge, women are now at the helm in both the house and senate. In fact, a record number of women will be serving in the state Legislature over the next two years. Will that result in a shift of priorities in state government? Here to talk about that and MUCH more: Senate President Sylvia Larsen, and House Speaker Terie Norelli -- and, on the Republican side: Senate Leader Ted Gatsas, and Deputy House Leader David Hess. Welcome. Q Speaker Norelli: At beginning of the session: You spoke about "extending a hand of friendship across the aisle" that lawmakers could disagree w/out being disagreeable. Session is young but How's it going? Q Senator Larson: Dynamics have changed -- how is the transition going? Q Senator Gatsas: Republicans are now the MINORITY party, a new experience for former sen pres. Is everyone getting along? Q Represenative Hess: Will their be bi-partisan cooperation in this session? Q SPEAKER NORELLI, SEN LARSEN: So much made of women in power. Will there be a difference with WOMEN at the helm? ** About 1300 Bills -- things seem to be off to a SLOW start??? Speaker Norelli: Today, on behalf of the majority I Larson: We've got issues related to. education, job growth housing .lot of energy in Senate we cannot promise the universe can't do everything in two years. |
| Ed Funding Return to index of stories... |
Two priorities TOP the legislative agenda this year: balancing the state budget and of course, defining and costing out an adequate education by the Supreme court's imposed June 30th deadline. There's keen interest in the topic.some 200 people -- nearly half of them legislators-- turned out at a recent forum on Education funding sponsored by The Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy. The main topic: whether NH needs a Constitutional Amendment to fix the school funding problem. In his inaugural speech, the Governor urged lawmakers to be open to a narrow amendment that would allow the state to direct aid to communities where it's needed the most. Q Will we see a FAIR and EQUITABLE bill this year that DEFINES & COSTS OUT an adequate education? |
| Conversation Return to index of stories... |
is there political will to also COST out that education? Sen Larsen: what's going on in the Senate? ** Gov Lynch has repeatedly said. the DEFINITION.is the only agenda item that has to be dealt with in 07. What about FUNDING. will that be put off and isn't there a danger that the court might step in again if its not addressed? ** Gov wants NARROW amendment to constitution to target aid to needy students. Is their a WILL for that in the Legislature???? Q Sen Gatsas --you were among those who stood and applauded as Governor Lynch announced his support for a constitutional amendment in his inaugural speech? Rep Norelli -- democrats GATSAS: On friday, The Josiah Barltett Center held a forum on Education Funding and the Constitution Governor has indicated he'll likely revive his school funding plan that failed to make it thru both chambers. It targeted aid to needy schools, eliminated donor towns and statewide property tax. Better shot this year ** The governor, who two years ago ran on a promise to not support changing the constition to deal with school funding, didnt elaborate about what kind of amendment he might now be game to stomach ** Gov mum on his willingness to raise other taxes to fund schools Senator Ted Gatsas has supported ed fudning constitutional amendments in past authored plan that produced the new deadline. He insists it does define adequacy. WOMEN in POWER Q SPEAKER NORELLI, SEN LARSEN: So much made of women in power. Will there be a difference in the House, or Senate with a WOMAN at the helm? Q SEN GATSAS/REP WHALLEY: Republicans in the MINORITY party -- is a new experience. How is the transition going?? FINANCES Q Lack of Snow hurting businesses in the North Country, from ski resorts, to retailers, to hotels, even loggers. Talk of declaring a federal disaster. NO snow, no green. Any sense as to how bad the problem is and what the state is doing to help affected businesses? q NH's Retirement system: According to the Union Leader the state has a $2 billion dollar unfunded liability in its annuity for retired public workers -- and, then there's health insurance coverage What's the game plan for dealing with the looming financial problems in the system? q Ted Gatsas filed a bill to help flood-damaged towns. Some discussion about whether the state has the money to PAY for additional costs in the bill. LCHIP funding the state conservation program known as LCHIP drew strong applause. That would be expensive? How do you pay for that? Q The Legislature will hold hearings on more than 1300 bills this session. BUSY. Q Ted Gatsas.no longer onSen Finance committee.but continue to attend them??? For the first time in decades , Republicans filed into the house as the minority party on Organization Day. |
| Thanks/Goodbye Return to index of stories... |
My thanks to Sen. Sylvia Larsen, Speaker Terie Norelli, Sen. Ted Gatsas and Rep. David Hess. We'll be following the legislative agenda with great interest. Special thanks to our hosts here at the NH Political Library and thank you for watching NH Outlook, where NH talks. I'm Beth Carroll. I'll see you around NH. |
| Web Promo Return to index of stories... |
VERSION ONE: Did you know that New Hampshire Outlook is available online on demand at nhptv.org? We've been streaming our broadcasts since the program premiered in September 2000. Whether you want to watch this show again, email it to a friend, search and watch past programs or get more information on thousands of stories and topics, you'll find it all at nhptv.org/outlook. VERSION TWO: Would you like to watch this show again? Maybe you want to email it to a friend? Are you looking for more information about our New Hampshire stories and interviews? You can do all that and more at nhptv.org/outlook. VERSION THREE: Would you like to watch this show again or email it to a friend? You can do all that and more at nhptv.org/outlook. |
| min wage Return to index of stories... |
Governor John Lynch, Senate President Sylvia Larsen and Speaker Terie Norelli have all pledged to make increasing New Hampshire's minimum wage a priority in the first legislative session of 2006. |
| flynn Return to index of stories... |
Concord Safety Commissioner Richard Flynn, the longest-serving appointed official in state government, will not get another four-year term running one of the state's largest bureaucracies. FLYNN Gov. John Lynch said he met with Flynn, 78, on Tuesday and told him he will not reappoint him when his term expires on March 31. Lynch becomes the first governor out of the last eight to refuse Flynn a reappointment. Lynch told reporters he thinks it is time to reassess how the department operates and find ways to improve it. "In the private or public sector, it's helpful to have someone come in with different ideas and different perspective," he said. Flynn oversees the State Police, fire marshal's office, Marine Patrol, Homeland Security and Department of Motor Vehicles. His policies touch everything from car inspections, driver's licensing and boat registrations to arson investigations, EMT training and flood responses. Lynch praised Flynn for his work, saying "he deserves to leave office with all the respect and admiration he has earned in four decades of public service." He said he did not ask Flynn to resign, just told him his days in office are numbered. The two plan to meet again today. Attempts to reach Flynn, who would turn 82 before a new four-year term expired, were unsuccessful yesterday. He sent a delegate to fill in at a planned presentation to the House Finance Committee. Flynn is a former Dover police chief, and was appointed to his post in 1972 by Gov. Walter Peterson. He has survived by a combination of administrative efficiency and the art of personal politics. He made a point of cultivating not only lawmakers of all stripes, but political powers outside state government who can bring their influence to bear. Flynn reappointments have been almost automatic under previous administrations, both Republican and Democratic. By refusing to follow suit, Lynch flexed the new political muscle he earned in November in a landslide Democratic sweep to power. The election also gave Democrats control of the Executive Council, which must confirm Lynch's nominations for any appointed post. In his first term, Lynch was at times hamstrung by a 4-1 Republican majority on the Executive Council. He had to fight hard to win confirmation of nominees to head the departments of Corrections and Environment. Flynn used his influence with the council to press Lynch into reappointing Virginia Beecher as head of the Division of Motor Vehicles, despite administrative problems in the division. The three Democratic Executive Council members, two of whom are new to the council, said yesterday they are open to a replacement. Councilor Beverly Hollingworth, D-Hampton, said that she is keeping an open mind and that she'll listen to constituents and the governor. "Whether it's time for him to step aside, I'll have to wait until I hear more information," she said. So far, the former Senate president said, she's gotten a single letter of support for Flynn, who was among the first to call and congratulate her on election night. Freshman councilor John Shea, D-Keene, said he has never met Flynn, but has heard plenty from Flynn supporters. "I've had tons of phone calls and letters from everywhere. It's still coming," he said. Shea said Flynn's age is a consideration for him. "It's gotten to the point where something could happen here, and that department is a huge operation," he said. "At some point we've got to have some young blood in there." Councilor Debora Pignatelli, D-Nashua, starting her second term on the council, said: "It might be time for Commissioner Flynn to exit, and exit well, and exit successfully, and for us all to thank him for his many, many years of service." Councilor Raymond Wieczorek, R-Manchester, said the news is "a terrible, terrible disappointment to me." He said Lynch should have mentioned his decision at a council breakfast yesterday. The subject never came up. He credited Flynn for his work ethic, saying, "He's at his desk every day before the cows wake up." When Councilor Raymond Burton, R-Bath, asked Lynch about Flynn's status, he said he was told the situation was in flux. "I believe he deserves to continue," Burton said. Lynch said yesterday he has not decided on a process for choosing a successor. He said that his decision wasn't influenced by Flynn's age. He also said it was not by concern over increases in urban crime or by Flynn's role in convincing former attorney general Peter Heed to resign before an investigation into his behavior at a North Country conference was still in progress. Flynn's departure would mark the end of an era that began before the Watergate scandal drove President Richard Nixon from office. When he started in office, the department handled state police and the DMV. He has built that to include fire, emergency services, including the 911 system and Homeland Security. The Department of Safety has 1,100 full-time workers and hundreds of part-timers. It spends $126 million a year on operations that include the licensing of electricians. It collects $230 million a year in taxes and fees, from sources like gasoline and diesel fuel taxes, driver's licenses and car registrations. ****** Granite Status: More will head out the door By JOHN DISTASO Senior Political Reporter 9 hours, 17 minutes ago FEELING HIS OATS. Other state department heads will follow Safety chief Dick Flynn out the door. HHS Commissioner John Stephen is certainly one. However, Transportation Commissioner Carol Murray is next. Her departure is expected soon. We've learned that Chuck Douglas' law firm is representing the embattled Murray in negotiations with the Gov. John Lynch's office on a financial arrangement that would result in her exit. Administrative Services Commissioner Don Hill and Revenue Commissioner Phil Blatsos are being mentioned as potential targets for next year. THE NEW CHAIR. Republicans will choose a new leader Saturday at the state committee's annual meeting at the Palace Theater. The candidates to succeed Wayne Semprini are Reps. Fran Wendelboe and Will Infantine, businessman/activist Fergus Cullen and young activist Eric Estevez. Wendelboe supporter Sam Pimm supplied us with his first-ballot vote count: Wendelboe 162, Cullen "about 100," and Infantine 30. He says he's also identified about 40 people as Wendelboe "leaners." In the past week, Wendelboe has unveiled a sample of an e-newsletter, the N.H. GOP Voice, that she would set up as chair. She says she is "within striking distance of a win on the first ballot," which requires more than 50 percent of the 400-plus members of the committee who vote. Cullen says he is feeling "confident, but not cocky," and has a "whip count" of more than 150. Infantine says he has Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta, GOP gubernatorial candidate Jim Coburn, Manchester GOP Chair Gerry Thibodeau and former Rep. Mike Biundo of Manchester whipping for him. "My opinion is it could come down to Fergus and me," Infantine said. The state committee will also take up about two dozen proposed bylaw changes. Wendelboe will recommend sending them to her proposed new by-laws committee, which would make recommendations for the September meeting. WORKING THE CROWD. A healthy dose of Presidential politicking will surround that state committee meeting. Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani will get plenty of national coverage as the keynote speaker. It's an important stop in an important weekend for Rudy. He arrives Friday night. After a private meeting with Berlin Mayor Bob Danderson, he appears at a sold-out Littleton Chamber of Commerce dinner at the Mount Washington Hotel. Before the state committee meeting, Giuliani has private meetings planned with two key Manchester Republicans, Guinta and Executive Councilor Ray Wieczorek. A John McCain backer, Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, will host a post-meeting reception at the Merrimack Restaurant. The New Hampshire Conservative Network will host a lunch at the Taste of Europe featuring Presidential hopeful Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore. Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo will have his own event at the Chateau Restaurant. Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney returns to New Hampshire next Thursday for a North Country swing including a visit with Gale Thomson and her family in Orford and receptions in Grafton, Lancaster and Gorham. LYONS ON BOARD. The McCain campaign will announce later today that John Lyons of Portsmouth will head an Educators for McCain committee in New Hampshire. Lyons is a member of the state Board of Education and president of the Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce. NO CHANCE. Bill Shaheen thinks the world of John Kerry but wasn't surprised he decided not to run for President. Shaheen, who chaired Kerry's state campaign in 2004, doesn't think the Massachusetts senator would have made it to top-tier status. "I think the worse that President Bush drops, the more angry people get at John Kerry for losing," Shaheen said. "One-third of his supporters were Kerry supporters and two-thirds were for anybody but Bush. They can't forgive him for losing." Still, "I'm proud I was with him," said Shaheen, who said he is now a "free agent" and will play the Presidential field before deciding who to endorse. Kerry friend and supporter Joe Keefe, a former state Democratic chair, also praised Kerry and said the now-legendary "botched joke" regarding the education level of troops in Iraq "was blown way out of proportion." AN OBAMA ENCORE? On the heels of Hillary Clinton's announcement that she'll be in the state Feb. 3 and 4, and again on March 10, the Barack Obama camp is discussing a return visit to New Hampshire. Local supporters hope it happens next month. State Obama adviser Jim Demers says he has forwarded at least 75 resumes from throughout the country to Obama headquarters. "I expect the Obama campaign will have additional New Hampshire staff hired by next week," he said. Last week, we reported the hiring of Matt Rodriguez as his state campaign manager. We've also learned that John Edwards' campaign is working on a New Hampshire visit for the middle of next week with a stop at Dartmouth College probably included. HUNTER'S ANNOUNCEMENT. California Republican U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter will announce his Presidential run at Wilcox Industries in Newington on Monday. Wilcox, which designs and manufactures tactical equipment for the military, has a facility in Hunter's district. HMMM. Massachusetts media consultant Ben Kilgore brought GOP Presidential hopeful John Cox to the New Hampshire Union Leader for a chat with editors and reporters Tuesday. Cox called himself an optimistic "Jack Kemp" Republican and said he is the only true conservative in the GOP race. Near the end of the interview, Cox said he has four staffers on the ground in New Hampshire and nine regional coordinators in Iowa. "I think we have the best grass-roots operations, bar none, of any of the candidates" in Iowa, he said. He went on to say, still on the record, "Mitt Romney has spent a whole lot of money in Iowa. He's offering people, I've heard, $20,000 a month to work for his campaign." "He is?" deadpanned Kilgore. "I'll be right back." **** PRAISE FROM BYRD. Senate Appropriations Chairman Robert Byrd, D-W. Va., doesn't agree with Judd Gregg very often, but he likes the guy. Byrd opposed Gregg's semi-line-item veto amendment, but in a floor debate this week, said, "I like him. As Shakespeare said, he's a man after my own kidney. That about says it all I guess." QUICK TAKES: Lynch and Secretary of State Bill Gardner said they saw nothing new in Politico.com columnist Roger Simon's report Wednesday that they won't let Nevada hold its caucus before New Hampshire. GOP activist and strategist Jack Heath has a new gig. He's live from 4 to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays on Hillsborough's WTPL and six other New Hampshire stations that Great Eastern Radio recently purchased from Clear Channel. Guinta's former public affairs adviser, Craig Smith, recently joined veteran GOP activist Paul Young's Portsmouth-based Calypso Communications public relations firm as an account services director. The state Democratic Party is mourning the death last week of long-time grassroots activist George Der Koorkanian of Manchester. Rep. Paul Hodes has hired Lisette Morton, formerly of Rep. Jerry Nadler's office, as legislative director and Lauren Oppenheimer, formerly of Rep. Mel Watt's office as senior legislative assistant. Democratic state chair candidate Betty Hall has a new Web site, www.Hall4Chair.net. Several Granite State political activists are headed to a national conference for independents Sunday at John Jay College in New York City. John DiStaso is senior political reporter of the New Hampshire Union Leader and Sunday News. |
| no snow Return to index of stories... |
No-snow 'disaster' sought in N. Country By PAULA TRACY Union Leader Staff Saturday, Jan. 13, 2007 CONCORD With a dearth of snow and cold days hurting North Country tourism, recreation and logging businesses, the governor has been asked to declare an emergency and request federal disaster aid for those five northern counties. Yesterday, Gov. John Lynch met at the State House with more than 40 North Country business leaders. He was told: Hotels and motels in the North Country saw business down 40 percent to 60 percent during the holidays and have on average an 80 percent vacancy rate. Ski areas are down 40 percent to 60 percent in the year-to-date visitor numbers, with 30 percent of the season over. Snowmobile dealers are not able to sell last year's stock, let alone this year's. They are laying off workers and, in some cases, closing. A lack of snow to groom has forced the layoff of trail groomers. The lack of sled registrations will hurt next year's trail-maintenance budgets. Loggers are not able to get timber out of the woods because the ground is not yet frozen. This will affect supply at mills, particularly in spring, when the traditional mud season hits. Retailers are reporting business down 25 percent to 30 percent in the North Country. There is no ice fishing because the lakes are not frozen, and that is affecting retailers who rely on selling bait and supplies. "I wish we could have 10 feet of snow on the ground, but we don't," Lynch said. George Bald, commissioner of the state Department of Resources and Economic Development, who directed the meeting, began it by introducing Bill Phillips of the U.S. Small Business Association. He outlined what would be needed to get a declaration of a disaster so that low-cost, long-term loans could be released to help businesses survive. He noted that Vermont, facing a similar scenario, is also looking to a possible disaster declaration. Phillips said Lynch would have to request such a declaration by county and would have to show that at least five businesses have suffered from the lack of snow and cold for a disaster to be declared. ?ATV trails reopening for business "That should not be difficult to prove," Phillips said. "One of the things that needs to occur is a group from the state should be visiting businesses to determine how many are economically injured by this occurrence," Phillips said. Business leaders went around the table in the Executive Council chamber and outlined the effect. It included layoffs of workers, businesses being refused credit lines, others facing franchise problems and log supply issues that could lead to layoffs in the spring if this becomes a perpetual mud season. "You can't make up for lost time," state Forester Phil Bryce said. Jim Tibbetts, president of First Colebrook Bank, said he met yesterday with 26 lodge owners in the Pittsburg area who said they have held on as long as they can and are beginning to lay off workers because of the shortage of snowmobilers. He said the effect is not just on lodging but also on retailers who rely on a steady stream of winter business. Loggers, he said, are idling their equipment, which they purchased with bank loans, and while they have a bit of a time cushion, they will not be able to get in the woods when March's mud season comes. Bald asked the group to talk about some positive steps that might be taken to improve the situation while noting that weather forecasts for the coming weeks call for snow and cold temperatures. One suggestion was to get help from the state in the form of a reprieve from paying rooms and meals taxes for affected businesses. Another suggestion was to gather political and regional pressure to help snowmobile dealers with some relief from their franchise agreements. Another idea was to declare February school vacation week a tax-free week to attract visitors. Opening some ATV trails to ATV use in the North Country was discussed. Working with ski areas to allow snowmobilers to use the man-made snow trails and perhaps have hill-climb competitions at night was another idea. Working collectively to get the message out when snow arrives was also discussed by Alice DeSouza, director of travel and tourism. The media blitz would focus on southern New Hampshire and Massachusetts. "We do understand there is a sense of urgency here," Bald said. "There are a lot of people impacted by this." CommentNH blogosphere & eventsPrintEmailPage topSite Search PRIOR EDITIONS All trademarks and copyrights on this page are owned by their respective owners. © 1997-2007. |
| Cannon MT Return to index of stories... |
Lynch opposes leasing of Cannon Mountain By STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS 9 hours, 29 minutes ago CONCORD Cannon Mountain ski area should not be leased to a private operator as a way to save the state money, Gov. John Lynch said yesterday. In a letter to the Resources, Recreation and Development Committee, Lynch wrote that he has asked parks officials to compare the ski area, which is part of Franconia State Park, to privately run areas to find where financial improvements can be made. "Cannon should be a top-notch, competitive resort that is developed and improved for the people of New Hampshire and our visitors," wrote Lynch. "Franconia Notch is the crown jewel of New Hampshire's state park system and a unique part of our heritage," wrote Lynch, who opposes House Bill 52, which could lead to leasing Cannon. Under the bill, the commissioner of the Department of Resources and Economic Development would solicit proposals to lease the resort. A legislative committee would advise the commissioner. If the committee recommended leasing Cannon, approval from a second committee would be required. Bill supporters testified that Cannon loses money and, as a result, is a drain on the parks system. They said leasing the ski area would generate more money for other parks. Rep. Fred King, a Colebrook Republican and the bill's prime sponsor, said efforts to get more state funding to upgrade the ski area never succeed. "Courthouses and prisons have higher priority than ski areas," King said. He said the state's lease of Mount Sunapee ski area in 1998 shows the benefits of private operation. Not only does the state collect annual payments and property tax, but the operator has invested $14 million for improvements Ski areas are a business and the state should treat Cannon as one, said Sen. Ted Gatsas, R-Manchester. Rep. Gene Chandler, R-Bartlett, said the idea of leasing Cannon has been studied enough. "Were it up to me, I'd say let's just go ahead and do it," he said. "It's a no-brainer." Opponents said Cannon can't be easily split out from Franconia Notch State park. They also said a recent study recommended that a comprehensive master plan be developed of the entire parks system. Parks and Recreation Director Allison McLean urged giving her agency more time to develop a plan. Republican state Sen. Bob Odell, who chaired the parks study group, said Cannon should be included in that planning. "All of ought to be on the table at the same time," said Odell, of Lempster. Will Abbott, speaking for the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, said the society supported leasing Sunapee because it would provide income for improvements at Cannon. But it opposes leasing Cannon because it is part of the state park system, dedicated in the 1920s as a living war memorial. Rep. Martha McLeod, D-Franconia, said the bill would undermine the original intent of preserving the land from industry and commercialization. Sally Pratt of Lancaster, an avid skier for 30 years, said the state parks are meant for the use and enjoyment of the people of the state of New Hampshire. "Trust is being violated when the state parks are being turned over to private enterprise," she said. Pratt said there are certainly areas where profits could be increased, adding that the state needs to spend more on advertising and increase snowmaking. She also said it's time for the state to open and enhance adjacent slopes on Mittersill, which are underdeveloped. |
| ed funding Return to index of stories... |
The HRA- 3 pronged agenda -- business and investment tax cuts, school choice vouchers and a bill declaring that recent Supreme Court rulings in the Claremont case are not binding on the Legislature. EDUCATION FUNDING FORUM Lawyers from all corners will be part of a forum this Friday on the education funding issues that have followed the state Supreme Court's 1997 Claremont decision. The Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy plans "Education Funding and the Constitution," for 8:30 a.m. Jan. 19 at the Capitol Center for the Arts. Bartlett Center President Charlie Arlinghaus said last week that Attorney General Kelly Ayotte has been added to the list of constitutional experts it has signed up. Others will be Claremont Coalition attorney Scott Johnson, former Supreme Court Justice Charles Douglas, former Speaker of the House Donna Sytek, and three attorneys who have weighed in on the issue at various stages, Martin Gross, Edward Mosca and Eugene Van Loan. Arlinghaus describes the panel as "the broadest and most knowledgeable group assembled to discuss this critical issue since the original Claremont decision was handed down." He said he expects the discussion to run from the court's role to the need for a narrow or broad amendment, or no amendment at all. The center moved the program to this new date to avoid conflicts with the legislative schedule and to be able to meet growing interest, he said. Details are at www.jbartlett.org. |
| marriage law Return to index of stories... |
Critics call bill to change marriage law homophobic By BEVERLEY WANG The Associated Press 9 hours, 34 minutes ago CONCORD Critics mocked a proposed change to New Hampshire's marriage law Tuesday, calling the bill ludicrous, homophobic and silly, and urging legislators to toss it out. Opponents of Fremont Republican Daniel Itse's bill worry it breaches the divide between church and state, taking aim at liberal clerics who perform marriage and commitment ceremonies for same-sex couples. Itse, sponsor last year and this year of a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage, denied that's the point of the bill, which had a hearing yesterday before the House Judiciary Committee. He said the bill's intention is to extend an exemption that so far has only been given to Quakers and rabbis. The exemption makes clear that Quakers and rabbis have the right to perform marriages according to their custom, even though both religions do not have ordained clergy. Itse's bill would change the law to allow all "religious officiants authorized by their church, religion, sect, or denomination to solemnize marriages in the way usually practiced among them" -- with a catch. Those ceremonies would only be allowed "provided that such marriages do not conflict with existing state law prohibiting marriage between persons of the same sex." He said there should be a clear distinction between civil and religious marriage, and doesn't believe the state should regulate religious ceremonies. "This makes it a purely religious ceremony and hopefully those who enter into such an arrangement will really think of it as before God and not before the governor," Itse said outside the committee room. Liberal ministers say they want the same thing, which is why they're angered by the bill. Unitarian Universalist ministers told the committee the bill violates their religious freedom because they regard same-sex couples joined in ceremonies as married in the eyes of their church. The Rev. Mary Edes, pastor of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Eastern Slopes in Tamworth, said Itse's proposal -- House Bill 69 -- is "ludicrous." She urged lawmakers to reject it and focus on pressing issues of education funding, health care and the economy. "It seems to me that House Bill 69 is wholly unconstitutional," she said. "I believe the introduction of House Bill 69 to be motivated by homophobia and quite frankly a waste of our precious time." Church member Susan Bruce questioned why the bill is needed since state law already bans same-sex marriage. "How many more new laws must be added to shore up that law before the gay haters feel secure?" she said. The Rev. Emily Burr, pastor of Mount Kearsarge Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Andover, asked how the law would be enforced. "Will police be marching into sanctuaries, arresting ministers and rabbis?" she asked. Betsy Janeway, wife of Democratic state Sen. Harold Janeway, said lawmakers should keep the bill if they're in need of a good laugh. "The world is so serious right now," she said. "This is the silliest bill I have ever heard." She sarcastically suggested the bill be amended to ban gays from church bingos, suppers and food pantries. "We're allowing gay people to church suppers," she said. Itse was the only person to speak in favor of the bill during the 45-minute hearing. He said it also would protect religious officials from a $60 fine for marrying a couple who don't present a marriage certificate, although the bill does not contain any language about that. CommentNH blogosphere & eventsPrintEmailPage topSite Search PRIOR EDITIONS All trademarks and copyrights on this page are owned by their respective owners. © 1997-2007. |
| conservation Return to index of stories... |
CONSERVATION GROUPS Conservation groups outline legislative priorities klmho CONCORD, N.H. - A group of New Hampshire conservation groups are releasing their legislative priorities for the year. State Senator Martha Fuller Clark, House Speaker Terie Norelli and other members of the Legislature will be participating in a news conference this morning. The group also is hosting a legislative preview breakfast where Governor John Lynch is speaking. |
| Key: state government / politics Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 01/28/07 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 25:00 Now on New Hampshire Outlook -- where NH talks. This week we're broadcasting from the NH Political Library, inside the State Library in Concord, as we look at the 2007 legislative agenda and those in power to push it through. Hello, I'm Beth Carroll and welcome to NH Outlook. In NH, November's election swept democrats into power for the first time in ages -- making state history. They took over the house, the senate, the executive council and re-elected a governor. Here to talk about shift in power and MUCH more: Senate President Sylvia Larsen, and House Speaker Terie Norelli -- and, on the Republican side: Senate Leader Ted Gatsas, and Deputy House Leader David Hess. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Rep. Terie Norelli\ House Speaker, Sen. Sylvia Larsen\ Senate President, Sen. Ted Gatsas\Senate Republican Leader, Rep. David Hess\Deputy House Republican Leader |