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key: State Politics / Government |
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| Hello |
Goodnight |
| Preshow #1 |
Tonight 10:00 |
| Intro Benson |
Gov Laptops |
| Benson 1 Year |
key: State Politics / Government |
| Intro Discussion |
WEB PROMO |
| Web Pointer |
Laptops |
| Tomorrow |
| Hello Return to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm. Welcome to NH Outlook. |
| Preshow #1 Return to index of stories... |
In this edition - looking back on Craig Benson's first year as New Hampshire's governor. We'll see some highlights from the past and talk about the future. |
| Intro Benson Return to index of stories... |
It has been exactly one year since Craig Benson was elected governor of New Hampshire. His victory in the general election over Democrat Mark Fernald came after a tough Republican primary that Benson won by a narrow margin. Following his win, Benson had 2 months to gather a team and decide how and where to lead the state. Tonight, we'll talk about how the governor has done, but first, we take a look back at Craig Benson's first year in office. We'll begin by resolving an obvious question. |
| Benson 1 Year Return to index of stories... |
Sen. Green - I'm wondering why you're so fixed on that issue where we spent 5 months going over all of these positions, all of these programs and wanted to make sure the services were being provided to the people of the state. And I think what you're proposing is not consistent with what your original pledge was when you gave us a committment to help people when you first became governor. And I'm very concerned that you're back there again. What is it that is gnawing at you that you want to cut Health and Human Services? Bite: Budget conference 7/23 tape 1 09;23;45 Benson - I am not fixated on cutting anything. What I want to do is make sure we use our resources as wisely as possible. Track: Shortly after Labor Day, the governor signed a compromise budget, even though it spends $50 million more than the one he vetoed. Budget Finale tape 3 13:59:20 This budget actually gives me a lot of flexibility.all of those." Standup: Benson tours tape 3 15:12:49 Not surprisingly, the members of Republican leadership were reluctant to go on the record again, criticizing the governor. But if you look at the words that were exchanged during the budget fight, you'll find many of the feelings that still exist. Soundup: Budget Finale tape 2 12:33:06 DURING THE SUMMER, WHEN YOU HAD SOME WORDS FOR THE GOVERNOR - IS IT ALL FORGIVEN NOW? I forgive him. Track: Democrats are less reluctant to speak out. Bite: Burling/ D'Allesandro tape 12:16:04 The Benson administration has created a lot of turmoil. Sometimes that's good and sometimes it's bad. He talks about bringing the spirit of business to the government but in that he's forgotten to cover the bases losing communication with people, bringing the legislature in support of his proposals and as a result chaos has reigned in the session of the legislature. Track: Though the budget dominated the session, other issues were important, including modernizing the state's use of technology. Bite: Benson interview tape 12:29:21 The whole website for the state of NH has been revamped. It used to be very hard for someone to navigate unless you understand the inner workings of state govt. Now it's broken out so that if you don't know anything about state govt, you can find the services you're looking for. We're starting to put applications on the web so that you don't need to wait in line to get something done. For instance, if you want to register a business now, you can do that from your living room instead of having to come to the Secretary of State's office. You want a vanity plate, a simple thing - you can get that online now. Track: One high-profile issue was a bill Benson testified in favor of, requiring parental notification before a minor could get an abortion. Soundup: Benson tours tape 1 09;18;05 You all know I am prolife…. Track: During a recent visit to Magdalen College in Warner, Benson recalled his decision. Bite: Benson tours tape 1 09:18:45 The issue to me was simple. Should we allow the state of NH to have the rights to decide what happens in my children's life, or should we give the parents - who God gave the right to be parents - the right to have some influence in their children's life. And it was a pretty straightforward answer. Bite: Benson tours tape 3 14:33:41 DO YOU THINK WE'RE PRETTY MUCH WHERE WE SHOULD BE RIGHT NOW, OR WOULD YOU SUPPORT A MORE PRO-LIFE AGENDA? I think we have to look at each bill on their own merit and see what makes sense. The thing that caught me on this bill was just the ability to give parents their rights back - especially as the father of two daughters. Standups tape 11:14:30 If there is a single act that most exemplifies Craig Benson's approach to govt., it is probably his decision to institute one-way tolls at the Hampton toll plaza on Interstate 95. Pay $2 to go north and no stopping on the way south. The idea had been considered and studied for years, but a week after the governor got caught in a traffic jam, the change was made. Track: The one-way toll sped up traffic but preliminary numbers show a loss of revenue. The Governor remains optimistic about the numbers. Benson Tolls tape 10:14:10 I don't think it's caused a revenue drop. On the other hand, it's definitely worth it. Track: Benson will ask the Executive council to make the change permanent next year - a rare instance of quick change. Benson interview 12:27:40 I guess the biggest disappointment is not moving as fast as I had hoped when I first took office. You know when you come into this bureaucracy…it's a cloud… NOT LIKE BEING A CEO, IS THAT WHAT YOU'RE SAYING? No, it's a cloud of dust in three yards, and you know, you say I wish I could have gotten a little bit more than that. Track: Benson continues to put out constant proposals for big change. Benson/education tape 1 09;21:45 I think there needs to be a sea change in the way we educate our children, and that's what we're proposing here. A huge change. Bite: Benson interview tape 12;38:00 I think the bigger departments such as Health and Human Services and Dept. of environmental services have some work to do to align their resources to what their main mission is, and then extract those things that don't, and put them in places that do. Track: That includes reductions called for in the back of the budget. Bite: Benson interview tape 12:36:30 Those are going to be real cuts that we see and real adjustments to the budget. Track: This week the Dept. of Health and Human Services announced $20 million in cuts. The head of the NH Endowment for Health says the cuts will hurt the neediest citizens. Bite: Jim Squires tape 01:04:40 Substance abuse in NH - and the lack of treatment facilities to take one example, is a major problem. And to think of a 14-15 year old - it's not uncommon in some counties in NH - as some sort of customer who is buying service is not a view of govt. that I agree with or that I think about govt.'s responsibilities to its citizens. Bite: Burling/D'Allesandro tape We've also seen a year where most of the experienced state government leaders have left. The people who really knew what they were doing running the state agencies. The people who knew how to get federal funds to help do the work we need to do have either been pushed out or let go and it's very hard to know how the state is going to function without them. Track: Halfway through Craig Benson's first term, he has made critics at the state house, but also supporters. Bite: Benson/Tolls tape 10:38:12 There have been lots of political people who will run for office and make grandiose promises - promise you the world if you'll give me that one vote. He has made promises but he hasn't forgotten those promises he made and in many instances he is keeping them. Track: One thing seems clear: Craig Benson will continue his anti-tax campaign. Bite: Taxpayer Bill of rights tape 00:01:23 The NH Taxpayer bill of rights is very simple. It's a constitutional amendment that makes sure we keep the legislative requirement to keep a balanced budget, it limits the spending growth to inflation plus population change, and any changes in that could happen, but it would require a supermajority of legislators to vote for that and of course the governor as well. Taxpayer Bill of rights tape 00:04:17 And I will walk over and everyone else can sign it with me. Taxpayer Bill of rights tape 00:11:25 A constitutional amendment requires 3/5 of legislature to put on ballot. That's going to be our immediate goal - to make sure we have 3/5 support. Part of the idea with the pledge is to go to every legislator and get their vote counted now. I think it's going to be difficult for people to say they're against the taxpayer bill of rights. It seems to be common sense to me. Soundup: Benson tours tape 1 09;23:12 ** choir sings "Going to run all night, going to run all day. Track: There are many issues Craig Benson ran on last time, that went nowhere. His competitive spirit ensures he wants another try - which he can easily afford. Benson tours tape 2 10:15:22 * "How you doing?" "Great." "This is for the newsletter, right?" "Yes - it's called the Ruger Insight." Bite: Benson interview tape 12:46:04 YOU SPENT A LOT ON ADS LAST TIME INTRODUCING YOURSELF. I'M WONDERING IF YOU'RE THINKING OF PUTTING ANY LIMITS ON YOUR AD BUDGET THIS TIME AROUND. Since I don't know who I'd be running against, I'd hate to handicap myself so I can't see why I would do that. Bite: Benson interview tape 12:46:20 HOW ABOUT DOWN THE ROAD? YOU GOT ON A RIDE ON AIR FORCE ONE, DIDN'T YOU? PUT ANY THOUGHTS IN YOUR HEAD? No. No. It's a nice plane but… END OF SCRIPT |
| Intro Discussion Return to index of stories... |
Joining us to talk about Craig Benson's first year in office are Dante Scala of the NH Institute of Politics at St. Anselm's College, and Andy Smith of the UNH Survey Center. Thanks to you both for coming in. |
| Web Pointer Return to index of stories... |
For more information on our program and links to our guests and interviews, connect with us on-line at nhptv.org. Join our online discussion and tell us what's on your mind. You can also find streaming video of all our broadcasts. |
| Tomorrow Return to index of stories... |
On the next New Hampshire Outlook - the Democratic Presidential Candidates address women's issues. Hear what they have to say to a crowd of Granite State voters. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
We'll see you next time. Thanks for watching. |
| Tonight 10:00 Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. the Democratic Presidential Candidates address women's issues. Hear what they have to say to a crowd of Granite State voters That's tonight at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| Gov Laptops Return to index of stories... |
-NH--Classroom LaptopsCORRECTS Six N.H. schools to get laptops in computer program -- Spurred by the success in Maine and more than one million dollars in business contributions, New Hampshire is putting computers in the laps of about 700 seventh-graders at six schools. Twenty-four businesses have donated a total of one-point-three million dollars to lease the computers for four years. The computers are going to the Armand R-Dupont School in Allenstown, Indian River Middle School in Canaan, Haverhill Cooperative Middle School, The Paul School in Wakefield, Thornton Central School and Winnisquam Regional Middle School in Tilton. Governor Craig Benson says the program in Maine improved grades and dropped absenteeism, tardiness and disciplinary problems. Fifteen New Hampshire schools submitted proposals on how they would use laptops. Benson, three teachers and three business people picked the six winners. Benson is now choosing which laptops to get for the school. He says Hewlett-Packard, Apple and Dell have each submitted bids. The schools get the computers in January. AP-NY-11-05-03 1416EST |
| key: State Politics / Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 11/05/03 22:00 HOST: Richard Ager Length: 26:46 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, we look back on Craig Benson's first year as New Hampshire's governor. We'll see some highlights from the past and talk about the future. It has been exactly one year since Craig Benson was elected governor of New Hampshire. His victory in the general election over Democrat Mark Fernald came after a tough Republican primary that Benson won by a narrow margin. Following his win, Benson had 2 months to gather a team and decide how and where to lead the state. Tonight, we'll talk about how the governor has done, but first, we take a look back at Craig Benson's first year in office. NH Outlook had a discussion in the studio about Benson's first year. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Craig Benson\NH Governor, Rep. Paul Spiess\R - Amherst, Rep. Fran Wendelboe\R - New Hampton, Sen. Robert Clegg\R - District 14, Rep. Mike Whalley \Deputy House Speaker, Sen. Richard Green\Chairman - Senate Finance Committee, Sen. Lou D'Allesandro\D - District 20, Dr. Jim Squires\President - NH Endowment for health, Rep. Peter Burling \Democratic House Leader, Ruth Griffin\Executive Councillor - Dist. 3, Keith Herman\Senior Policy Aide Dante Scala \NH Institute of Politics, Andy Smith\UNH Survey Center |
| WEB PROMO Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. . Tonight at 10pm on New Hampshire Public Television. |
| Laptops Return to index of stories... |
-- Spurred by the success in Maine and more than one million dollars in business contributions, New Hampshire is putting computers in the laps of about 700 seventh-graders at six schools. Twenty-four businesses have donated a total of one-point-three million dollars to lease the computers for four years. The computers are going to the Armand R-Dupont School in Allenstown, Indian River Middle School in Canaan, Haverhill Cooperative Middle School, The Paul School in Wakefield, Thornton Central School and Winnisquam Regional Middle School in Tilton. Governor Craig Benson says the program in Maine improved grades and dropped absenteeism, tardiness and disciplinary problems. Fifteen New Hampshire schools submitted proposals on how they would use laptops. Benson, three teachers and three business people picked the six winners. Benson is now choosing which laptops to get for the school. He says Hewlett-Packard, Apple and Dell have each submitted bids. The schools get the computers in January. |