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 Preshow Return to index of stories... |
Next on New Hampshire Outlook. the fight over redistricting. redrawing the lines at the state supreme court. |
| Hello Return to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Allison McNair. Welcome to NH Outlook. |
| Intro re-district primer Return to index of stories... |
Every ten years, following a federal census, the state of New Hampshire must update its electoral map to reflect changes in the population. That process began last year with a series of public hearings around the state. But in the end, the legislators could not agree on a plan for either the House or Senate and so, redistricting, like other contentious issues, has ended up in the state Supreme Court. Tuesday the court heard oral arguments from all the parties. We'll have highlights and a discussion in a moment, but first, Richard Ager begins our coverage with some background. |
| redistrict primer Return to index of stories... |
Track: It's probably just as well that redistricting only comes once a decade. Even by election year standards, the debate has turned unusually acrimonious. Bite: Redistricting newser tape 11:19;00 Every time I felt we had found the key to redistricting, the Democrats changed the locks. And I have a real big problem with that. I've come to the conclusion that the Democrats, especially Peter Burling, never wanted to resolve the redistricting issue, that he wanted this to go to court. Bite: Redistricting tape 2 15:11 First, I've very cognizant of the fact that republicans have chosen to make this a let's attack Peter Burling issue that somehow turning it into an ad homonym attack on me. Bite: Redistricting newser tape 11:38:45 Representative Burling spoke about hiring a mediator. Us hiring a mediator. Well we don't do that. Track: The fight has been on for months, beginning when Republican leadership in both chambers ensured passage of each other's bills along party-line votes. Bite: tape 45 00:33:39 I think the Senate did their work the same way we did our work on our House redistricting bill. I think they got a majority of votes. It was 13-11. That's the way it goes. Graphic: Governor Shaheen promptly vetoed the Senate redistricting bill, stating it "violates the principle of one person, one vote; splits apart strong communities of interest; and favors one party over another." Shaheen also vetoed the House redistricting bill, stating: "it grossly deviates from the constitutional requirement that districts be as equal in population as possible." Track: That's because there was a 22% deviation between the population size of the most populous and least populous district. The latest House plan has a 5.8% deviation - which the Democrats say is still too high. Bite: Redistricting tape 2 11:15 The federal constitution really means it they say one person one vote, its not like you can park on the left side of the road every 3rd Thursday, this is a fundamental principle, they are bound by federal constitutional law. Standup: Redistricting tape 3 02;34:03 Essentially, there are two conflicting principles at play here. The first is one person, one vote, which is enshrined in federal law. But the second is language in the NH Constitution that guarantees right of towns to elect their own representatives. It states that when it comes to apportionment, "no town, ward or place shall be divided." Bite: Redistricting tape 1 01:03:55 Our state was created by the towns in the beginning. The towns were independent, had their own government. They decided to join together and have a state and so we have a very strong town government structure in NH. Track: The state Supreme Court has already stated it would apply a de minimus standard, which means any plan it draws up would aim for less than 1% deviation between districts. Bite: Redistricting newser 11:29:49 The only way to do that is to violate our state laws and state constititution in my opinion. There's no other way they can do it. Which is why we've done the best we can to get to 5.8. Track: Each side has sought to blame the other for this impasse. House Republicans say they almost had a deal until the Democrats made new demands unrelated to redistricting. Redistricting tape 2 22:15 They walked in they said they would eliminate straight ticket voting, they said they would like to see towns with more than 5 representatives forcibly split into wards, there are a couple of other issues, we weren't even going to go into these issues. Track: And Democrats say Republicans ignored their warnings all along. Redistricting tape 2 12:39 The USA is the longest surviving republic in the history of man kind it is that because we cherish the individuals right to vote, what the democrats in this struggle have been fighting for is the principle of equality in voting. Track: A redistricting fight has only gone to the NH supreme court once before - in 1981. That was also the last time there was a Democratic governor - Hugh Gallen - to veto redistricting bills passed by a Republican legislature. Bite: Redistricting tape 1 01;11:22 In 1981, the third redistricting - that did have quite a bit of controversy. We had two cases in state supreme court plus one in the federal court that year. We had several vetoes and we had partisan debates on the floor of the Senate in particular. And we began the filing period that year without Senate districts. And it was a court-ordered plan that became the plan for the state. Election night 98 tape 1 01;04:22 "I'll take your ballot sir." Track: And unless both parties can reach an agreement that the Supreme Court would approve, history may repeat itself. For NH Outlook, I'm Richard Ager. |
| Toss Richard Return to index of stories... |
Richard you were at the court for today's hearings. What were the highlights? |
| Richard ad lib Return to index of stories... |
It was a historic day. - the first time both legislative chambers have had to take their redistricting plans to the state supreme court. Eight different attorneys argued the merits of 6 different plans. Throughout, the Democrats have welcomed the court's intervention while the Republicans have opposed it - but both parties got a stern warning during today's session. |
| SUPCO highlights Return to index of stories... |
The piece was a series of soundbites from the following people: John Kakavas\Atty for Senate Democrats, Chuck Douglas\Atty for Senate President, Joseph Nadeau\Associate Justice, Betsy Miller\Atty for House, Christopher Carter\Atty for House Speaker and David Brock\Chief Justice. |
| redistrict discussion Return to index of stories... |
The deadline is June 24th for the Senate.mid-July for the house.Can you do it, will you do it? Everyone is saying they're willing to talk and listen - so what's it going to take to make this a done deal. Justices were clear one person one vote would be their overiding principle That would put NH constitutional concerns about town boundries a distant second. Justices reacted negatively to the lack of single-member districts and the legislature's reliance on multi member districts and floaterials where voters in underpresented towns combine votes for a shared member. Mike, given what you heard today what do you fear about a court plan. They seemed t be exploring all possibilities including starting from scratch? Some of the arguments were about how long court plan would be in effect.some say every ten years.will that motivate the legislature to get things done? |
| Intro Mt. Washington Return to index of stories... |
Finally, some severe thunderstorms roared across the state tuesday. Chris Peruzzi has the wet weather word from the Mt. Washington Observatory. |
| Mt. Washington Return to index of stories... |
Mount Washington Observatory\Tuesday on the Summit\In the fog with rain\High: 49\Peak Gust: W 51 mph\Visibility: 150 Feet Wednesday\North\Rain tapering to \scattered showers \Highs: 60 to 65\Winds: NE around 5 mph Wednesday\South\Scattered showers\Highs: 63 to 68\Winds: NE around 5mph\ |
| Tomorrow Return to index of stories... |
On the next New Hampshire Outlook - homeland security and your civil rights |
| 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 Ally McNair. 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 Foundation Public Service of New Hampshire Alice J. Reen Charitable Trust Putnam Foundation Stratford Foundation |
| Tonight 10:00 Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. the fight over redistricting. redrawing the lines at the state supreme court Tonight at 10pm only on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| WEB PROMO Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. homeland security and your civil rights Tonight at 10pm only on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| key: state politics / government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time:6/11/02 / 2200 HOST: Allison McNair Length: 5:10 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 redistricting of the state's electoral map. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Mike Whalley\R - Former Deputy Speaker Peter Burling\House Democratic Leader Robert Clegg\R - District 23 Bill Gardner\Secretary of State Gene Chandler\R - House Speaker |
| key: state politics / government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time:6/11/02 / 2200 HOST: Allison McNair Length: 14:00 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 discusion on the redistricting of the state's electoral map. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Mike Whalley\R - Former Deputy Speaker Peter Burling\House Democratic Leader |
| Anesthesia Return to index of stories... |
Soon specially trained nurses will be able to administer anesthesia in the state without a doctor's supervision. Gov. Jeanne Shaheen notified the government today that she has decided to exempt New Hampshire from federal rules that require the nurses to be supervised by doctors, usually anesthesiologists or surgeons. Anesthesiologists and the state Board of Medicine argued against the change, saying exemption would compromise patient safety. The plan was backed by nurses and the New Hampshire Hospital Association. |
| Verizon Return to index of stories... |
New Hampshire regulators said tuesday Verizon can offer long distance telephone service in the state. Verizon needs federal approval to offer long distance service in the Northeast because it is a former regional Bell company and provides most local phone service. The company will file an application with the F - C - C later this month. |
| Dartmouth Return to index of stories... |
Dartmouth Athletic Director msrdewkwsthofls Dartmouth's new athletic director resigns Updates with reason for Harris resignation -- Less than a week after being hired, the new athletic director at Dartmouth College has resigned because of questions about his resume. Dartmouth officials say Charles Harris resigned last night because his resume indicates he has a master's degree from the University of Michigan. Harris enrolled in the master's of journalism program but didn't complete it. College Dean James Larimore says Harris was completely candid with Dartmouth officials during the hiring process about his lack of a master's degree. But when a previous employer called Larimore last night and brought the discrepancy to his attention, he called Harris to ask about it and Harris offered to resign. Harris was commissioner of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference since 1996. He was athletic director at Arizona State from 1985 to 1996 and at Penn from 1979 to 1985. He also held a number of athletic administrative positions at Michigan in the 1970s. AP-NY-06-11-02 1507EDT ___________ New Dartmouth AD abruptly quits Associated Press HANOVER, N.H. -- Dartmouth's new athletic director resigned abruptly Tuesday after questions were raised about his resume. Charles Harris stepped down just hours before he was to have been officially introduced as the school's new AD. In a statement, college dean James Larimore said questions arose about Harris' "representation of his educational record to a previous employer. Charles decided that it would be difficult to accept this appointment under these circumstances.'' The statement gave no details, and the college scheduled a news conference for later Tuesday to discuss the case. Harris was not immediately available for comment. The resignation is the latest in a series that began in December, when George O'Leary, the former football coach at Georgia Tech, lost his job at Notre Dame within a week of his hiring. He falsely claimed on his resume that he had a master's degree in education and had earned three letters as a University of New Hampshire football player. He attended UNH only two years and didn't play in any games. Last month, U.S. Olympic Committee president Sandra Baldwin resigned after admitting she lied about her academic credentials. Harris, who had been commissioner of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference since 1996, was hired as Dartmouth's athletic director last Thursday after a nationwide search. Harris was the athletic director at Arizona State from 1985 to 1996 and at Penn from 1979 to 1985. He held a number of athletic administrative positions at Michigan from 1973 to 1979, from sports information and marketing to facilities and labor negotiations. He also has been on numerous NCAA committees, including the men's basketball selection committee, the committee on financial aid and several negotiating committees for television contracts. In January, he completed a term as chairman of the NCAA Management Council, the most senior position held by anyone other than a school president. He has won the Asa Bushnell Commissioners Award, the Athletic Directors Lifetime Achievement Award and the Urban League Citizenship Award. |
| Shipyard Cleanup Return to index of stories... |
The Porstmouth Naval Shipyard broke ground on an environmental cleanup Tuesday. The ten million dollar cleanup of the contaminated landfill represents the first phase of a project which will be used for recreation, parking and boat storage. The landfill was created by the Navy between the 1940s and the 1970s as the Navy filled in the tidal mudflats between Jamaica Island and Seavey Island. |
| Mt. Monadnock Return to index of stories... |
NH--Mount Monadnock The state is looking for ways to protect Mount Monadnock from the wear and tear of thousands of hikers who hit the trails every year. Mount Monadnock is the most hiked mountain in the country. But, as one environmentalist puts it - people ae " loving the mountain to death." A steering committee is ready to present its ideas and is asking for comments from the public next week. |
| West Nile Discussion Return to index of stories... |
****First Q - Where do we stand? Need to key when live. Keys were checked need to put them in. ****Need phone and website fs/cg. West Nile Virus/Lyme Disease Discussion Tuesday June 11, 2002 What is the current status of West Nile Virus and Lyme Disease this year? Have there been any cases in NH this year? Is the situation any different from last year? What affect did the drought have, specifically on West Nile Virus? Has that changed with recent rain? Who is susceptible? What can people do to protect themselves? What are symptoms? What is the treatment? Can pets/animals get West Nile Virus and/or Lyme Disease? What is the treatment for them? |
| 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 see and hear streaming video of our broadcasts. If you've got a story idea or comment on our program, click the feedback button on our website. Or, call us at 800-639-2721. |
| Intro discussion Return to index of stories... |
Those were strong words from Chief Justice Brock. House Democratic Leader Peter Burling and Former Deputy Speaker Mike Whalley. The deadline is June 24the for the Senate, mid July for the House. Can you do it? Will you do it? |
| Sprawl Return to index of stories... |
P-NH--Urban Sprawl dewap N.H. to participat in policy academy on transportation and land use -- New Hampshire is one of six states chosen by the National Governors' Association to participate in a policy academy on promoting community and economic development through transportation and land-use planning. The academy will study the effective land-use plans of leading states to help other states develop their own plans for managing sprawl. The academy also will help states develop new tools and strategies to manage growth sensibly. The policy academy is scheduled to convene this summer in Washington, D-C. The other states involved are Illinois, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Utah. AP-NY-06-11-02 1410EDT |