|
|
|
|
 pre-showReturn to index of stories... |
Next on New Hampshire Outlook. Details about the brutal assault on State Supreme Court Justice John Broderick. It's a done deal as northern New Hampshire land is saved from development. And we examine the challenge of providing and paying for special education. |
| Headlines Return to index of stories... |
Welcome to New Hampshire Outlook. I'm Richard Ager. Allison McNair is on assignment. |
| Broderick Return to index of stories... |
More details were released Monday about the brutal assault on State Supreme Court Justice John Broderick. He was attacked in his sleep early Sunday morning. Investigators say Christian Broderick, the justice's 30-year old son had beaten his father around the face with a guitar. It was not the first time the two had had a violent confrontation. In 2000, Justice Broderick was charged with assaulting his son, after Christian allegedly threatened him. Those charges were later dropped. This time, the family's troubles are more serious. |
| Broderick Return to index of stories... |
Soundup: NECN tape: 05:40:58 "John Broderick." Track: John Christian Broderick appeared this morning in Manchester District Court to be arraigned on first degree assault charges - which could carry up to 15 years in prison on conviction. He entered no plea - and his cash bail is set at $100,000. Bite; Delker 05:38:45 The state is alleging that John Christian Broderick entered his father's room and struck him repeatedly in the head and caused facial injuries and lacerations. Bite: 05:39:56 It's one of the most severe attacks that we have seen - our office has seen - and we deal with a lot of serious cases. The extent of the victim's injuries is almost indescribable and - the lacerations, the broken bones - it is extremely severe. Track: The attack is said to have followed an argument between father and son on Saturday night. The justice's wife called 911 - and Broderick was transported to Elliot Hospital in Manchester. Bite: Kiernan tape 01:41:35 His vitals are rock solid - and he had a restful night and so we're waiting for his recovery. Track: The court has just completed three months of hearing oral arguments - and was set to spend April in deliberations. That work will go on without Broderick. bite: Kiernan tape 01:41:52 We expect him to come back. So the court can take a number of steps when any justice is disabled. In fact, Justice Broderick himself was out for about 3 months when he had a very serious eyesight problem which he is fully recovered from, and thank goodness in this instance his eyesight is secure to which we're happy to report. So the court is going to meet later in the week or early next week to decide about how oral arguments will be arranged in May. Track: President Bush - and former President Clinton have called to wish Justice Broderick well. Christian Broderick will have a probable cause hearing April 10, after which the case is expected to go to a grand jury for indictment. |
| Tulloch Plea Return to index of stories... |
In another story that has shaken the public concience. one of the Vermont teenagrs accused of murdering Dartmouth professor Half Zantop and his wife Susanne is apparently going to change his plea in the case. There's no work on what the plea will be. There are two options under New Hampshire Law: plead guilty or no contest. His current plea is not guilty by reason of insanity. A former district attorney told the associated press that if that is the case, Tulloch could be sentenced on the spot. Co-defendant James Parker has already pleaded guilty to reduced charges and has agreed to testify against Tulloch. |
| IP Land Return to index of stories... |
A huge chunk of northern New Hampshire land including the headwaters of the Connecticut River will be saved from development. That's thanks to a deal completed today among logging companies, the state and the nonprofit Trust for Public Land. International Paper Company or I-P sold 171 thousand acres- about one quarter the area of Rhode Island - to the Trust for Public Land. Trust officials say the I-P Land project is halfway completed. |
| IP Land Return to index of stories... |
36:21 now we need to go into the selling phase, we bought now we sell. one of those steps is house bill 1000 and that would allow the state to acquire 25,000 mile natural area from the nature conservancy and that would put money into acquisition of the conservation easement. and the easement allows for public access and makes sure that the foresting done up there is sustainable, etc. and that will be state money as well as forest legacy money from congress. 36:54 rt 33 |
| Tag IP Return to index of stories... |
House Bill one- thousand calls for a special bond appropriation of 10 Billion dollars in the 2002 budget and is expected to pass. If that happens, most of the land- over 146 thousand acres- will be resold to a logging company with easements that will allow for snowmobiling, hunting, hiking and fishing. |
| Intro Unity School. Return to index of stories... |
This Wednesday, the Senate Education Committee is hearing a house bill that would fund two advocacy positions in the department of education to serve the needs of parents or guardians with special needs children. Among other duties: the advocates would intervene in disputes between parents and school districts over how to serve the needs of the children. The department of education currently has no one in that ombudsman role. Yet the need is there. To examine the importance of special education, and take a measure of how its costs can sometimes create dissension between educators and overburdened taxpayers, we recently visited the town of Unity, where we spent some time in the elementary school and at the annual school district meeting. |
| Unity School Return to index of stories... |
Soundup: Unity school tape 3 03:04:10 Track: Unity Elementary is the only school Cheri Lemere's children have ever known. The two youngest, Rachel and Douglas are in regular classes. But her oldest, Jeremy, has always needed special attention. Bite: Unity school tape 2 02:00:45 Jeremy has been in the special ed system since he was about 4. We don't have a name for what he needs help for. We do know he had trouble processing information, he has trouble retrieving information. It may take him anywhere from 5 to 30 seconds to find an answer in his head and tell you what it may be. He has motor skills problems. Socially he has younger friends. He doesn't have many friends his own age. The kids are pretty good to him. They know he is different, they've known him since first grade most of them. Track: It has taken a long time to sort through the medical and behavioral puzzle that Jeremy presented. Bite: Unity school tape 2 02:04:22 We've gone from stressing him too much, trying to teach him too much too fast, to totally backing off and he wasn't learning anything so his skills were deteriorating to now, where we have hit the happy middle. Soundup: Unity school tape 3 03;10:48 "He took a deep breath" Track: Currently, Jeremey spends most of his day in the school's learning center, where teaching aids help him focus on skills such as reading. Soundup: Unity school tape 1 01;10;21 "Now pick the teams." Track: The rest of Jeremy's day is spent in regular classes including physical education, which helps him develop social skills. Soundup: Unity school tape 1 01:16:40 Jeremy yells Soundup: Unity school tape 3 03:13:03 ** "You guys - all right, head on in." Track: When he isn't mediating playground disputes, Principal Mike Cirre monitors the difference special education makes. Bite: Unity school tape 2 02:24:40 A student like Jeremy well we were going to say we are just going to put you in the regular ed room and sink or swim, he'd sink. Knowing Jeremy I don't think he would be a serious behavioral issue, but school would be a very unhappy, unpleasant experience for him and he wouldn't gain very much from it at all. However getting the support he needs, having the opportunity to work in the learning center as well as be with his peers is from what I've seen extremely beneficial to him. My experience has been that kids truly don't like being in school for whatever reason generally don't come to school. Jeremy is here with rare exceptions. Everyday he has always got that good morning smile for me. Track: Cheri says while the discovery of Jeremy's needs was painful, getting them recognized was a long process with many setbacks. Bite: Unity school tape 2 06:48 "The biggest on that I remember was being told by someone that Jeremy couldn't have help because we could 't afford it. The school system could not afford to hire help." WHAT POSITION WAS THAT PERSON IN?" "That position would have been the special education teacher. That was the biggest down where I was fighting to try and get him to help, showing him that he was not learning, he was struggling, he was frustrated and they said we can't help him because we can't hire anyone to help him." "WHAT WAS NEXT AFTER THAT?" "What was next was to try to ignore that person and go around and up. And from that teacher to the director, I went to people who can do testing to prove basically, that he needs help. And eventually we got there. He went from a total classroom, to some help, and each year he got more help the more he proved he needed it. Track: Cheri learned to advocate for Jeremy - something every parent with a special needs child must do, no matter where they live. Standup: Unity school tape 3 03:16:30 Richard - probably the most important thing for parents of special needs children to understand is that they are not alone. Track: In fact, according to the 2000 New Hampshire education test results, about 13% of New Hampshire students are classified as having educational disabilities. Bite: Unity school tape 2 02:17:42 Get help, there are so many support systems out there. At the state level at the local level at the community level, friends, family, services, get help. Track: And one of the paradoxes of special needs education is that success is not necessarily desirable - particularly in testing. Bite: Unity school tape 2 02:09:40 This is his third year testing period, where if he does well enough on the test, they will say he doesn't need it anymore. THAT PUTS YOU IN A PECULIAR SITUATION DOESN'T IT? 09:54 well the best thing for me, and it might sound terrible, is he won't do well on the test. That's the thing, no matter how much you teach him, he does get slightly better, but he doesn't do well enough so that the state says he doesn't need help anymore. I'm sure there are kids that do get that, that fall off the ladder and don't get what they need. Track: There are 22 special needs students at Unity Elementary - and 8 placed out of district. And even though Unity does not have the money for kindergarten, a gymnasium and many other amenities other schools take for granted - Mike Cirre says the district strongly supports special ed. Bite: Unity school tape 2 02:30;00. I think it is just that they would like some answers. Soundup: Unity meeting tape 1 12:43:40 Ken bangs gavel Track: And the annual school district meeting is where answers are called for. It's an affair that can last for several hours - where the food can serve to raise a few more dollars for a town cause. Standup: Unity meeting tape 3 16:50:12 Last year, after Unity had set its budget, new residents whose children had special needs moved into town. The result was an unexpected $165,000 in special education costs which forced the town into a deficit. Track: In fact, over the past four years… Bite: Unity meeting tape 3 16:21:10 Our high school tuition has gone up about 38%, our special ed costs have gone up about 46%. Our elementary school budget - that part which is the only part we have the power to control the costs of - has gone up 7%. So what you can see is a 4-year increase of 7% is well below the cost of inflation. What is says is we are squeezing the elementary school budget. Track: This year, the school board got tired of acrimonious debate, and hired two education lawyers to come and explain why Unity pays more for special ed than its regular students. Unity meeting tape 2 14:37:00 "I'm Andy Volinsky - we've heard about your discussions last year." Track: For about half an hour, Volinsky and his law partner Scott Johnson - well known for the Claremont lawsuit - affirmed much of what the Unity residents suspected… Unity meeting tape 2 14:40:49 You're spending a little higher than the state average on special education programs. Track: …and they explained why - beginning with how the state funds education through property taxes. Bite: Unity meeting tape 2 14:46:29 Except for Vermont, which is over here, no other state in the nation counts their statewide property tax as state money. The money is collected locally and it is spent locally so everytime you hear - particularly the Business and Industry Association - say we spend more than the state average - more than the national average in state contributions - it's a lie. Bite: Unity meeting tape 2 15:08:07 If a student is identified or coded as requiring special education, you get $6600 for that. If a student is not coded, you get $3300. So fund it through that way - and then there's a program called catastrophic aid - which applies to some students. Not very many through the state. Graphic: The formula for Catastrophic aid means school districts pay the first $23,100 of a student's special ed costs, plus 20% of costs up to $66,000. The state picks up the rest. Track: Not everyone agreed with the analysis criticizing the property tax. Unity meeting tape 2 15:31;08 I think that's what you judge fair - I can live and move wherever I wish in the state of NH and I think that's pretty fair. Track: But most focused on ways to save money… Unity meeting tape 2 15:39;28 would you be able to take the out of district placements and service them here? Track: Others said the federal government should pay its share. Bite: Unity meeting tape 2 15:25:08 They say they're going to pay 40%, and here they're paying 12 or 17 or whatever the new figure is, but it's still nowhere near what they promised to pay. And if they say we should do it, why should we pay for it? Track: Thanks to the new federal budget, there is one piece of good news. Bite: Unity school tape 4 3:00:39 For the first time we have locked in a plan to fully fund special ed -for the federal share of special education which should be 40 percent do it in 10 years by 2012. I have a bill that would propose to do it in 5 years but we've gotten the congress on record now as supporting a plan fully fund within 10 yrs. Bite: Unity school tape 4 3:01:15 This is an enormous milestone because now not only do we have the numbers in our budget plan but we have a funding mechanism that could guarantee that funding no other factors withstanding. Track: The only hurdle left is for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to be reauthorized - but Bass says that has overwhelming support and is no longer an issue. Bite: Unity meeting tape 3 15:49:07 The minute that the feds increase their amount, you can bet the state is going to drop their amount because why should they pay more if the feds are going to chip in more? Bite: Unity school tape 4 03:15:46 The answer is simple, the program itself doesn't allow it. The funds have to go directly to the school districts and directly into filling individual plans , IEP. Money is fungable, but not with special education, the money from the federal gov't can go nowhere but to meet the needs of developmentally disabled or coded children in the school system. Track: Bass says the only money that full federal funding could free up - would be local tax dollars that could go, for example, to regular education needs. Bite: Unity meeting tape 2 15:27:20 I would like to know how much professional schooling - college-wise - what professional degrees they have to come in here and teach the special ed kids. I have been told they are hiring some of the people right out of high school with no specific training in special education at all. Track: There are many issues in special education - and many seem to center around an unresolved issue. Bite: 12:00:00 What do we regard as important? Is it people? Is it the 3rd car or the 2nd car and take a look at that and the state has to look at the wealthy communities and those that are struggling, and what are the value systems the supreme court said the state is responsible for equal education and the framers of our constitution said that before us, the question is do we still have those values? I'm not so sure that we do. Soundup: Unity meeting tape 3 16:47:24 ** Has everyone voted who wants to vote? Track: And as for the Unity school budget…. Soundup: Unity meeting tape 3 16:52:2 36 yes, 25 no. Track: It passed - for another year - with an increase of just under 2.5% for the regular education budget. Soundup: Unity meeting tape 3 16:54:28 **Is there any discussion - …gavels. |
| Business Outlook Return to index of stories... |
There was some good economic news as the Institute for Supply Management reported that its index of business activity rose in March, signifying growth in manufacturing. Also, construction spending posted its biggest increase in a year in February. |
| Wall Street Stocks Return to index of stories... |
The Dow Jones ended down 41 points. The Nasdaq ended up 17. And the AMEX was up nearly four and a half points. Dow Jones\10362.70\-41.24\NYSE\598.38\-2.05\American Stock Exchange\914.75\+4.26\Nasdaq\1862.62\+17.27\S&P 500\1146.54\-0.85\Wall Street\ |
| NH Stocks Return to index of stories... |
Here's a look at stocks of interest to New Hampshire investors. Lockheed Martin was up a dollar and a half. Texas instruments was up 99-cents. Bottomline Technologies\8.99\+0.54\Jefferson Pilot\49.52\-0.56\Lockheed Martin\59.09\+1.51\Raytheon\41.75\+0.70\Texas Instruments\34.09\+0.99\NH Stocks\Source: yahoo.com |
| Intro Call Block Return to index of stories... |
A new proposal by the Federal Trade Commission soon may eliminate those annoying calls from telemarketers during the dinner hour. The plan would allow people to put their phone numbers on a special list, designed to block such calls. But while the idea is resonating with the public, telemarketers say it has an illegal ring to it. CNN's Brooks Jackson has more. |
| Call Blocking Return to index of stories... |
Christa Harden isn't buying -- but the telemarketers just keep calling anyway. As many as 10 per day -- morning to night -- so many, she kept a log. CHRISTA HARDEN TODAY I ALREADY GOT ONE TWO THREE FOUR FIVE SIX SEVEN OF 'EMTODAY! Telemarketers may be the most despised industry in America -- judging by the public response to a plan to block their calls. The Federal Trade Commission says it has received more than 32,000 comments on its proposal for a national 'do not call' registry. And still counting. Overwhelmingly in favor: "Where do I sign up?!". "It would be wonderful". "Finally an equivalent of a 'NO SOLICITORS' sign -but for my phone!" Telemarketers say the proposal would cramptheirfreedom of speech. JERRY CERASALE DIRECT MARKETING ASSOCIATION THE FTC PROPOSED 'DO NOT CALL' LIST IS MORE RESTRICTIVE THAN NECESSARY TO MEET THE GOVERNMENT NEEDS AND THEREFORE IT VIOLATES THE FIRST AMMENDMENT. But consumers saytheirright toprivacyis more important. Example: "the Constitution doesn't say anything about anyone having the right to invade my home and talk to me just because he wants to." Lotslike that. Telemarketers are orchestrating opposing comments -- 973 mostly identical messages from this one Oklahoma firm's workers alone. "This new rule will impact my job" goes the script. But consumers bristle at that: "Those people need to get real jobs." The telemarketers' boilerplate says consumersliketheir services: "The people we call are pleasant. I am proud of what I do." But consumers say the telemarketers should be ashamed. "I feel I am being stalked by these people." "In the name of a suffering humanity, make it stop." The proposal would let consumers list their phone numbers on anational'do not call' list maintained by the F-T-C. Telemarketers calling those numbers anyway could be fined up to $11,000 per call. But many telemarketers wouldnotbe covered -- including the phone company salesman pressuring Christa Harden. Others not covered: national banks. nonprofits such as colleges. state-regulated insurance companies. local businesses calling within a state. political candidates and parties. all fall outside the F-T-C's jusrisdiction. The industry says that means the rule won't work. JERRY CERASALE DIRECT MARKETING ASSN YOU'RE LOOKING AT, PROBABLY, 50 PERCENT OF THE CALLS AREN'T EVEN COVERED BY IT. And many consumers agree -- butthey'dlike evenstrongeraction: "Telemarketing should be illegal," said many: outlawed completely. You can already sign up for anindustry-sponsored 'don't call' list -- send a letter or pay five bucks at their web site. |
| Tag Call Blocking Return to index of stories... |
To reach the Direct Marketing Association website to begin the process to opt out of the telemarketing service, go to their website at www-dot-the-hyphen-dma-dot-org and look for the button that says Remove My Name From Those Lists. |
| Intro Mt. Washington Return to index of stories... |
It's been cold and snowy in the north and spring-like in the south. Katie Hess from the Mount Washington Observatory has the view from the rockpile. |
| Mt. Washington Return to index of stories... |
Mt. Washington Observatory\Monday on the Summit\Light Snow, blowing snow, freezing fog\Visibility: 100-200 feet\High: 28 \Peak Gust: W 86 mph Overnight\North and Mountains\Winter weather advisory\Snow showers taper to flurries \Accumulation: 3 to 6"\Lows: Mid 20s Overnight\South of White Mountains\Scattered light snow showers\Clearing overnight\Lows: Near 30\Winds: NW 15 to 25 mph Overnight\Central and South\Becoming clear\Lows: Lower 30s\Winds: W 15 to 25 mph\ Tuesday\North\Mostly cloudy \Chance of rain showers\Highs: Upper 40s\Winds: W 10 to 15 mph Tuesday\South\Mostly sunny \Increasing clouds\Highs: Lower 50s\Winds: W 10 to 20 |
| Intro Legis. calendar Return to index of stories... |
Conserving water, scanning drivers' licenses and figuring out the cost of education - those are just some of the issues at the state house this week. Here's a preview. |
| Legislative calendar Return to index of stories... |
On Tuesday, The House Education committee hears a senate bill that would allow parents to spend a day in their child's classroom. The House Resources, Recreation and Development committee takes up two senate bills. One would protect public water supplies during an emergency; the other mandates water conservation planning. The Senate Transportation committee will examine a house bill that would prohibit the scanning of drivers' licenses. On Wednesday, The Senate Education Committee will hear a house bill that would tie adequate education costs to the consumer price index. And the Senate Judiciary committee will take up a house bill that would mandate review of judges every 7 years. Day in School\SB 444\House Education Cmte.\LOB Room 207\April 2 10:00am Emergency Water\SB 437\Senate Resources Cmte.\LOB Room 305-307\April 2 10:00 am Water Conservation\SB 440\Senate Resources Cmte.\LOB Room 305-307\April 2 1:30pm License Scanning\HB 1456\Senate Transportation Cmte.\LOB Room 104\April 2 10:00 am Education Costs\HB 1259\Senate Education Cmte.\State House 105-A\April 3 2:30 pm Judicial Review\HB 1100\Senate Judiciary Cmte.\LOB Room 102\April 3 11:30 am |
| Red Sox Return to index of stories... |
Okay - new owner - new manager - even new, higher ticket prices. Everything was set for the very first baseball game of the new season, as everyone asked, yet again, is this the year? It wasn't the day. Instead, it was the same old, exciting, roller-coaster ride to - a Red Sox loss. Pedro Martinez - the team's finest pitcher - allowed eight runs in the first three innings - not the kind of season opener many fans had hoped for. Still, the Sox fought back - and were leading at one point in the game. But the Blue Jays managed to score the game winning run in the ninth inning. Final score: Toronto twelve, Boston eleven. The Sox play the Blue Jays again on Wednesday night, at which point, hope can begin anew. |
| Tomorrow Return to index of stories... |
On the next New Hampshire Outlook - step inside the state's crime lab for a lesson in forensics. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
That's it for this edition of our program. For all of us here at New Hampshire Public Television, I'm Richard Ager. Thanks for joining us. We'll see you next time on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| founders Return to index of stories... |
Thanks to our founding sponsors who have provided major funding for the production of New Hampshire Outlook: New Hampshire Charitable Foundadtion Public Service of New Hampshire Alice J. Reen Charitable Trust Putnam Foundation Stratford Foundation |
| tonight Return to index of stories... |
tonight on NH Outlook.The debate over how to pay for and provide an education for children with special needs. Tonight at 10 only on NH Outlook |
| WEB PROMO Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. we step inside the state's crime lab. The science of forensics tonight at 10pm only on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| tues pm/adults Return to index of stories... |
OnCam:Richard Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. we step inside the state's crime lab. The science of forensics tonight at 10pm only on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| tues am/kids promo Return to index of stories... |
OnCam:Richard Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. we step inside the state's crime lab. The science of forensics tonight at 10pm only on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| Intro Leadership NH Return to index of stories... |
Leadership New Hampshire, a group dedicated to building a network of civic leaders in New Hampshire, recently held a unique kind of "working" reunion for 50 of its graduates. They came together recently at the New Hampshire Technical Institute to deliberate on the education funding issue. But, they didn't just talk about it, they had to develop a statewide education policy and a speech for an imaginary governor's campaign. And, they had to do it all in 90 minutes. They used a process facilited by the New England Center for Civic Life called "deliberative dialogue". |
| Berlin Budget Return to index of stories... |
It looks as though the city of Berlin may ask for a temporary bailout from the state. The state has already offered to loan the city - which is running out of money - at least two million dollars. Monday, the city council discusses whether to accept the loan. The money would be repaid from overdue taxes on the mills that shut down last year - but which are expected to be sold soon. |
| Chemical Spill Return to index of stories... |
It was a scary situation Monday at Pease Tradeport where a chemical explosion occured. The Portsmouth Fire Department responded to the incident at the Lonza company shortly before eleven-thirty in the morning. A fire department spokesman says two people were transferring sodium bisulfate solution from one container to another, when the chemical spill - possibly caused by a contaminated electric pump - occured. The two employees - who have not been identified - were airlifted to Boston area hospitals. One victim - who inhaled a significant amount of chemical fumes - has first degree burns over seventy-five percent of his body. The other man has second degree burns over twenty-five percent of his body. The Portsmouth Fire Department says the Lonza company response team cleaned up the area at Pease and it was determined to be all clear. |
| Block that Call Return to index of stories... |
OC:-WEB SITE. SUPERS- Christa Harden Jerry Cerasale Direct Marketing Association Brooks Jackson Senior Correspondent --LEAD IN-- A NEW PROPOSAL BY THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION MIGHT ELIMINATE THOSE ANNOYING CALLS FROM TELEMARKETERS DURING THE DINNER HOUR. THE PLAN WOULD ALLOW PEOPLE TO PUT THEIR PHONE NUMBERS ON A SPECIAL LIST, DESIGNED TO BLOCK SUCH CALLS, WHICH MANY CONSIDER A NUISANCE. WHILE THE IDEA'S RESONATING WITH THE PUBIC, TELEMARKETERS SAY IT HAS AN ILLEGAL RING TO IT. BROOKS JACKSON HAS MORE. --REPORTER PKG-AS FOLLOWS-- Christa Harden isn't buying -- but the telemarketers just keep calling anyway. As many as 10 per day -- morning to night -- so many, she kept a log. CHRISTA HARDEN TODAY I ALREADY GOT ONE TWO THREE FOUR FIVE SIX SEVEN OF 'EMTODAY! Telemarketers may be the most despised industry in America -- judging by the public response to a plan to block their calls. The Federal Trade Commission says it has received more than 32,000 comments on its proposal for a national 'do not call' registry. And still counting. Overwhelmingly in favor: "Where do I sign up?!". "It would be wonderful". "Finally an equivalent of a 'NO SOLICITORS' sign -but for my phone!" Telemarketers say the proposal would cramptheirfreedom of speech. JERRY CERASALE DIRECT MARKETING ASSOCIATION THE FTC PROPOSED 'DO NOT CALL' LIST IS MORE RESTRICTIVE THAN NECESSARY TO MEET THE GOVERNMENT NEEDS AND THEREFORE IT VIOLATES THE FIRST AMMENDMENT. But consumers saytheirright toprivacyis more important. Example: "the Constitution doesn't say anything about anyone having the right to invade my home and talk to me just because he wants to." Lotslike that. Telemarketers are orchestrating opposing comments -- 973 mostly identical messages from this one Oklahoma firm's workers alone. "This new rule will impact my job" goes the script. But consumers bristle at that: "Those people need to get real jobs." The telemarketers' boilerplate says consumersliketheir services: "The people we call are pleasant. I am proud of what I do." But consumers say the telemarketers should be ashamed. "I feel I am being stalked by these people." "In the name of a suffering humanity, make it stop." The proposal would let consumers list their phone numbers on anational'do not call' list maintained by the F-T-C. Telemarketers calling those numbers anyway could be fined up to $11,000 per call. But many telemarketers wouldnotbe covered -- including the phone company salesman pressuring Christa Harden. Others not covered: national banks. nonprofits such as colleges. state-regulated insurance companies. local businesses calling within a state. political candidates and parties. all fall outside the F-T-C's jusrisdiction. The industry says that means the rule won't work. JERRY CERASALE DIRECT MARKETING ASSN YOU'RE LOOKING AT, PROBABLY, 50 PERCENT OF THE CALLS AREN'T EVEN COVERED BY IT. And many consumers agree -- butthey'dlike evenstrongeraction: "Telemarketing should be illegal," said many: outlawed completely. You can already sign up for anindustry-sponsored 'don't call' list -- send a letter or pay five bucks at their web site. |
| Keene Grocer Return to index of stories... |
It looks as though Keene has won the battle with Brattleboro. The fight was over who would be the home to the headquarters of C and S Wholesale Grocers. The company has decided to keep its warehouse in Brattleboro, Vermont, but will move its corporate headquarters - and 400 jobs - to Keene. |
| Energy Delay Return to index of stories... |
Work on the new natural gas power plant in Newington is behind schedule. The new plant was expected to begin producing electricity next month, but it now looks as though that won't happen until August. When it's completed, the plant will be the second-largest power plant in New Hampshire, after the Seabrook nuclear plant. |
| Tag leadership Return to index of stories... |
The education report compiled from this event will be presented to the legislature at a news conference on April 11. |
| key: consumer Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time:4/1/02 / 2200 HOST: Allison McNair Length: 2:51 In addition to a summary of the day's top New Hampshire stories, this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, included a report on a new proposal by the Federal Trade Commission that could eliminate calls from telemarketers during the dinner hour. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Brooks Jackson NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Christa Harden\Consumer Jerry Cerasale\Direct Marketing Association |
| key: Crime / legal issues / law enforcement Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time:4/1/02 / 2200 HOST: Allison McNair Length: 1:56 In addition to a summary of the day's top New Hampshire stories, this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, included a report on the status of The State Supreme Court after one of the justices was hospitalized after being attacked over the weekend. The attack comes at a time when the court is deciding cases that have already been heard. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: John Christian Broderick Will Delker\NH Assistant Attorney-General Laura Kiernan\NH Supreme Court |
| key: education Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time:4/1/02 / 2200 HOST: Allison McNair Length: 12 minutes In addition to a summary of the day's top New Hampshire stories, this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, included a report on special education in New Hampshire. The Senate Education Committee heard a house bill that would fund two advocacy positions in the department of education to serve the needs of parents or guardians with special needs children. Among other duties: the advocates would intervene in disputes between parents and school districts over how to serve the needs of the children. The department of education currently has no one in that ombudsman role. To examine the importance of special education, and take a measure of how its costs can sometimes create dissension between educators and overburdened taxpayers, we recently visited the town of Unity, where we spent some time in the elementary school and at the annual school district meeting. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Cheri LeMere\Jeremy's mother Mike Cirre\Principal, Unity Elementary School Chris Eaton\Chairman, Unity School Board Andru Volinsky\Attorney Scott Johnson\Attorney Ken Hall\Unity resident Rep. Charles Bass\R - 2nd Congressional Dist. Randy Bragdon\Unity resident Dr. Robert Patterson\Superintendent, Unity School District |
| website Return to index of stories... |
For information on our program, and links to our guests and interviews, visit our web site at nhptv.org. You can also see and hear streaming video of our broadcasts. If you've got a story idea or comment on our program you can call us at 800-639-2721. |