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 Preshow #1 - EthicsReturn to index of stories... |
"HE LIED IN THE FIRST VOICE MAIL. HE DID SO TO INTIMIDATE THE PEOPLE THAT WERE GOING TO LISTEN TO THE TAPE." Legislative ethics. How far is too far? A hearing begins for one state lawmaker. |
| Preshow #2 - Death Penalty Return to index of stories... |
Plus. the death penalty debate. The Legislature reviews a new bill that would prohibit the execution of juveniles. We'll have analysis. |
| Preshow #3 - Anemones Return to index of stories... |
And later. a family who has found a niche in the wholesale trade -- growing their business one flower at a time. |
| Hello Return to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to NH Outlook. |
| Intro Ethics Hearing Return to index of stories... |
For the first time in 7 years, a member of the state house of representatives is facing possible expulsion on ethics charges. Representative John Kerns of Bedford is serving his first term. In the past few months, he has drawn numerous complaints from citizens and fellow legislators that he is abusing his authority. And in the last month, he has been arrested for passing bad checks. Today, the House Ethics Committee held a formal hearing into his conduct. Richard Ager has this report. |
| Ethics Hearing Return to index of stories... |
soundup: weapons search Track: It's been a strange affair at the statehouse, leaving legislative officials so concerned, they ordered the first weapons search in memory on everyone entering the hearing. At the center of it all is Rep. John Kerns - one of the youngest members of the legislature - and certainly the most controversial. Rep. Shawn Jasper/Chair - Ethics Committee - "The recommended action may range from reprimand to expulsion." Track: Kern's troubles began with a series of calls to the Dover school board last summer. He left several voicemails after a flyer was put on his car to notify him he could not park his car on school property. The committee played those voicemails. ".I will have a letter sent to you indicating that lot is a public lot and may be used for this purpose after hours and that you are not permissible - it is not permissible for your agency to regulate that. So I want to hear back from whoever is putting flyers on state vehicles and I want a callback by tomorrow." "End of message" ".What I will promise you, and this is off the record - and just to you, Commissioner, and not Foster's Daily Democrat. I can't wait to strike down your bill in the legislature and your program because it discriminates against the poor. And if you have evidence that suggests otherwise, please provide it. That way, it saves me from introducing the bill to shut you down." Nick Skaltsis/ Former Chair - Dover School Board - "That was the threat. The intimidation was the first voice mail, the threat was the third. We sat as you did after labor day and played all three tapes as elected members of the school board.wasn't acting the way he should." Rep. Ray Buckley - "Our ability to attract quality people from every community across this state to serve in the legislature and make the tough decisions that affect everything in this legislature is seriously impacted when they read in the newspapers the behavior of Rep. Kerns." Track: Several state reps added their testimony to the evidence against Kerns, as did this locksmith whom Kerns paid with a bad check. Troy Hartson/ H& H Locksmith - "Being that he wrote the check - that said "state of NH" on the check - Representative - I expected a little more than that." "My dispatcher was threatened by him as well - the same type of threat - "I'm a representative of the state of NH, it's a small business, I can make things very difficult for you. - and that's the same threat he made when I talked to him last time." Track: Kerns did not appear. Nor did anyone testify in his favor. We first encountered Kerns on primary day of 2002 as he made his second run for election. Richard Ager - "WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO INTRODUCE THAT'S NOT BEING HEARD?" John Kerns - "I think a lot of issues relative to minors and abortion are some of the hot topic issues right now. Parental consent. " Track: Kerns won the primary and election and wrote the first bill restricting abortion to pass the NH legislature in decades, though it was overturned in December by a federal court. Kerns had other anti-abortion bills slated for this term, but he may not get the chance. Rep. Shawn Jasper/ Chair - House Ethics Committee - "I think the conclusion of all of this should be the recommendation of this committee to the House for the expulsion of Rep. Kerns - further because he has made it clear to others that no matter what happens, he will be able to use the term 'honorable' - that he should also be stripped by the House of that right and privilege.he is anything but honorable and the record clearly demonstrates that." Track: The committee concluded with closed deliberations - and should make its recommendation before the next meeting of the House. For NH Outlook, I'm Richard Ager. |
| Intro Death Penalty Return to index of stories... |
The Death Penalty was also under debate at the State House. Senators reviewed a bill which would raise the age a person could be executed. Senate bill - 513 would raise the age from 17 to 18. Supporters argued that 29 other states as well as the federal government.do NOT allow the execution of those under 18. Testimony before the Judiciary committee centered on the clinical development of an adolescent. |
| Death Penalty Return to index of stories... |
Dr. Fassler - "From the clinical developmental stand point. "Our objection is routed in the fact that the brains of adolescents function in fundementally different ways than the brains of adults. We frequently recognize this fact in law when we establish minimum ages for certain rights responsibilities and independent judgements. Examples often cited - the right to vote drive, sit on a jury, purchase alcohol, marry, make independent medical decisions, or enter military service. You have the opportunity to make a statement that the citizens of New Hampshire will not execute people for crimes committed as adolescents. I certainly realize this is a controversial topic and urge you put emotions aside and take a look at the research on this issue. If you do I think you'll decide that it's time to recognize that adolescents are not the same as adults and it's time for NH to join the growing list of states that have aknowledged this fact and have passed legislation banning executions for crimes committed by juviniles." |
| Death Penalty Tag Return to index of stories... |
There was little opposition to Senate Bill 513 during Monday's hearing. The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police we're the only group to voice their opposition -- but, did not testify at the hearing. |
| Intro Discussion Return to index of stories... |
Joining us to discuss the Death Penalty: Renny Cushing, the Executive Director of Murder Victims’ Families for Reconciliation, which represents those who've lost a family member to murder or state execution. The national group opposes the death penalty. And Senator Frank Sapareto of Derry -- who "supports" the Death Penalty. |
| Discussion Return to index of stories... |
BETH CARROLL - "SINCE THE HEARING WAS FAIRLY ONE SIDED TODAY, LET'S BEGIN WITH YOU, SENATOR. YOU'RE ON THE COMMITTEE THAT HEARD TESTIMONY ON THIS JUVENILE BILL. YOU ARE A SUPPORTER OF THE DEATH PENALTY. WHERE DO YOU STAND ON THIS BILL?" SEN. FRANK SAPARETO - "WELL, THIS BILL IS MORE SPECIFIC. I DO SUPPORT THE DEATH PENALTY AND HAVE DONE SO SINCE I SERVED THREE TERMS IN THE HOUSE AND NOW MY TERM IN THE SENATE. I HAVE THREE CRITERIONS. ONE, THAT PERSON HAS TO BE THE PERSON THAT COMMITTED THE CRIME WITHOUT ANY QUESTION WHATSOEVER. SECOND, THE PERSON HAD TO INTEND TO TAKE A LIFE WITHOUT QUESTION, UNLIKE THE EPSON CASE. THE THIRD IS THAT THE PERSON HAS TO HAVE THE POSSIBILITY OF KILLING AGAIN OR MAY HAVE A PROPENSITY TO KILL AGAIN." BETH CARROLL - "LET ME INTERRUPT YOU. CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE EPSOM CASE FOR THOSE UNFAMILIAR WITH IT." SEN. FRANK SAPARETO - "IT WAS A SITUATION WHERE TWO MEN WERE ACCUSED OF KILLING A POLICE OFFICER AND WASN'T SURE WHICH ONE OF THE TWO WERE. I THOUGHT IT WAS WRONG THAT BOTH OF THEM COULD BE SUBJECT TO THE DEATH PENALTY. ONE OF THEM DID INTEND TO TAKE A LIFE AND THE OTHER DIDN'T. THAT DOESN'T MEET THAT CRITERION. SO THE LAST PART THAT THE PERSON HAS THE PROPENSITY TO KILL AGAIN. THERE WAS A WOMAN IN TEXAS WHO WAS ON THE DEATH PENALTY AND 13 YEARS FROM HER TRIAL TO HER EXECUTION HAD BECOME A VERY DIFFERENT PERSON, BECOME VERY RELIGIOUS AND WAS SOMEONE WHO TRULY TURNED THEIR LIFE AROUND. IN THIS SITUATION WE'RE TALKING ABOUT MINORS, PEOPLE WHO ARE 17. YOU SAW TESTIMONY ABOUT THEIR DEVELOPMENTAL ABILITIES. SOMEONE AT 17 CAN BE A VERY DIFFERENT PERSON IN THEIR 30s, 40s, 50s AND 60s. FOR ME THAT'S ENOUGH TO SAY WELL WHAT IS THE PURPOSE BEING SERVED HERE?" BETH CARROLL - "WILL ONE YEAR MAKE THAT MUCH OF A DIFFERENCE FROM 17 TO 18?" SEN. FRANK SAPARETO - "WE HAVE TO MAKE THE LINE SOMEWHERE RIGHT NOW. THE QUESTION IS DO WE MAKE IT 17 OR 18? THERE MAY BE DISCREPANCIES IN THE AGE WHERE WE CONSIDER TO BE TO BE AN ADULT. DRINKING AT AGE 18, SERVICE AT AGE 18. OPERATING A CAR AT 16. DRINKING AT AGE 21. THERE'S A LOT OF DISCREPANCY IN AGES BUT 18 I THINK IS THE FAIR PLACE TO CALL WHERE SOMEONE IS AN ADULT." BETH CARROLL - "YOUR ORGANIZATION HAS DONE A LOT OF RESEARCH ON THIS ISSUE. WHERE DO YOU STAND ON THIS ONE?" RENNY CUSHING - "WELL, I OPPOSE THE DEATH PENALTY BUT. AND WE SUPPORT THIS BILL. I THINK WHAT FRANK REPRESENTS IS KIND OF A MIDDLE GROUND ON THIS. I'D LIKE TO REFER TO IT AS A DAVID SOUTER POSITION. PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT THE DEATH PENALTY GENERALLY BUT RECOGNIZE THAT YOU WANT TO MAKE A STATEMENT ABOUT HOW WE RESPECT CHILDREN IN OUR SOCIETY. IT'S REALLY A CHILDREN'S ISSUE MORE THAN A DEATH PENALTY ISSUE. I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THE ONLY MEDICAL DOCTOR IN THE LEGISLATURE, DR. PILLIER, IS ONE OF THE CO-SPONSORS OF THE BILL, THAT A LOT OF THE SUPPORT FOR THIS BILL COMES FROM ORGANIZATIONS WHO DON'T HAVE A POSITION ON THE DEATH PENALTY BUT WHO ARE CONCERNED ABOUT CHILDREN-- THE CHILD WELFARE LEAGUE, THE CHILDREN YOUTH PSYCHIATRISTS-- AND IT'S REALLY ABOUT WHETHER WE IN THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE WANT TO COMPORT WITH NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS STANDARDS ON HOW WE TREAT CHILDREN." BETH CARROLL - "THE WHOLE ISSUE OF THE STATE'S DEATH PENALTY IS BACK ON THE FRONT BURNER IN THE WAKE OF THE GARY SAMPSON CASE. CONVICTED OF KILLING TWO MASSACHUSETTS MEN, SAMPSON WAS GIVEN THE DEATH SENTENCE. SINCE MASSACHUSETTS HAS NO DEATH PENALTY, THE FEDERAL JUDGE ORDERED SAMPSON BE EXECUTED IN NEW HAMPSHIRE WHERE NO ONE HAS BEEN PUT TO DEATH SINCE 1939. JUST FOUR YEARS AGO THE LEGISLATURE NEARLY REPEALED THE DEATH PENALTY BUT IT WAS VETOED BY FORMER GOVERNOR JEANNE SHAHEEN. RENNY CURBING, YOU LOST YOUR FATHER TO MURDER. SO YOU KNOW HOW FAMILIES OF SAMPSON'S VICTIMS ARE FEELING. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THEM?" RENNY CUSHING - "WELL, FIRST OF ALL I ONLY KNOW MY OWN PAIN. BUT I DO UNDERSTAND THE PAIN OF THE FUNERAL PARLOR. I KNOW THE EMPTINESS OF THE GRAVEYARD. I KNOW THAT IN THE AFTERMATH OF MURDER IT TAKES A WHILE TO SORT THINGS OUT. I ALSO KNOW THAT THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS CLOSURE. I THINK THAT THE HEALING PROCESS IS ONE THAT GOES ON FOREVER. CERTAINLY MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE FAMILIES OF THE VICTIMS OF MR. SAMPSON. BUT THE QUESTION IS NOT WHAT DO WE DO. THE QUESTION REALLY IS WHAT DO WE AS A SOCIETY HOLD UP TO OUR VALUES? I THINK THAT IN THE AFTERMATH OF KILLING, THE AFTERMATH OF MURDER, A RITUAL KILLING BY THE STATE DOES NOTHING TO HONOR THE LOSS OF OUR LOVED ONES." BETH CARROLL - "WOULD YOU SAY IT'S AN ASSUMPTION THAT PEOPLE BELIEVE THAT VICTIMS' FAMILIES SUPPORT CAPITAL PUNISHMENT." RENNY CUSHING - "I THINK IT'S A COMMON ASSUMPTION. I THINK OFTEN PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD SOMEONE MURDERED AND WHO OPPOSE THE DEATH PENALTY GET DISMISSED AS BEING PSYCHOS OR SAINTS. THE REALITIES IS WE'RE PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THE UNTHINKABLE ACTUALLY HAPPEN TO US AND WE TRY TO MUDDLE FORWARD AND FIGURE OUT A WAY HOW TO GET BEYOND THAT AND HOW TO LEAD OUR LIVES IN A WAY THAT REALLY HONORS THE LAW. I THINK THAT WHAT YOU SEE FOR MANY PEOPLE, WE WANT MORE THAN AN INVITATION TO AN EXECUTION. WE'D LIKE TO SEE MEANING TO OUR LOSS GIVEN BILL EFFORTS TO REDUCE CRIME AND TO ACTUALLY REACH OUT AND EMBRACE SOME OF THE NEEDS OF VICTIMS. THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE DOES A GOOD JOB, I THINK, IN MEETING THE NEEDS OF VICTIMS BUT THERE'S MUCH MORE THAT WE CAN AND SHOULD BE DOING. WE SHOULD BE LIFTING THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS ON ELIGIBILITY FOR COMPENSATION FOR INSTANCE WHICH IS JUST A SIMPLE MATTER BUT ONE THAT WE OUGHT TO TAKE AND REACH OUT TO HELP PEOPLE REGAIN CONTROL OF THEIR LIVES." BETH CARROLL - "SENATOR, PROSECUTORS HAD SAID THAT THEY INITIALLY WANTED THIS CASE TO GO TO INDIANA WHERE THEY HAVE THE FEDERAL DEATH ROW BUT IT CAME HERE TO NEW HAMPSHIRE. WERE YOU SURPRISED?" SEN. FRANK SAPARETO - "WE HAD TIES BECAUSE OF THE ONE OF THE VICTIMS WAS FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE. HE SERVED MY FIRST TERM IN THE HOUSE WAS THERE WHEN THAT THEN REPRESENTATIVE CURBING WAS THERE. I WOULD SAY THAT PROBABLY THE MOST MOVING ARGUMENT IN SUPPORT FOR HIS POSITION HE GAVE AT THE PODIUM WHICH WAS VERY COMPELLING. HELPED ME DEVELOP MY OPINION. THE ONLY PLACE WE DIFFER IS IN THE OVERALL SENSE OF GIVING A DEATH PENALTY AND THE QUESTION I'VE ASKED OF THE DIOCESE AS WELL OVER THE YEARS AND I HAVEN'T GOTTEN AN ANSWER TO THIS, AND THAT IS THAT IF WE INCARCERATE SOMEONE FOR LIFE WHO TOLD US THAT THEY'RE GOING TO KILL AGAIN, THAT THEY HAVE THAT PROPENSITY TO DO SO THAT IT'S IMPOSSIBLE, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR US, FOR THE REMAINDER OF THAT PERSON'S LIFE TO ISOLATE THEM SO THAT THEY ARE NEVER IN A POSITION WHERE THEY COULD EVER KILL AGAIN. NOW THE QUESTION I PUT TO THE DIOCESE THEN IS IF THAT PERSON GOES IN AND 30 YEARS DOWN THE ROAD THEY KILL TWO INMATES AND A PRISON GUARD, I WOULD CONSIDER THAT WOULD BE MY FAULT AS A LEGISLATOR THAT I ALLOWED THAT PERSON, PUT THEM BACK THERE TO DO THAT. IF THAT PERSON IS A POTENTIAL DANGER AND HASN'T. MANSON IS A GOOD EXAMPLE. ALTHOUGH HE WASN'T ELIGIBLE FOR THE DEATH PENALTY. THERE'S SOMEONE WHO WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER FOR THE DEATH PENALTY. NOW LOOKING AT THE SAMPSON CASE I WOULD PROBABLY SUPPORT THAT. HERE'S A PERSON WHO MET ALL THREE CRITERION I PREVIOUSLY DESCRIBED. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT IS A BENEFIT TO SOCIETY TO HAVE THIS PERSON GONE." BETH CARROLL - "BUT SAMPSON WOULD NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR OUR DEATH PENALTY." ALTHOUGH HE KILLED SOMEONE HERE. THAT IS POSSIBLE. I THINK THAT COULD BE. |
| Discussion #2 Return to index of stories... |
RENNY CUSHING - "I ACTUALLY THINK YOU COULD MAKE A CASE FOR THAT. BUT THAT'S BESIDE THE POINT. I THINK THE FLIP SIDE OF WHAT FRANK TALKS ABOUT IS A NEED TO RECOGNIZE THAT IF YOU HAVE THE DEATH PENALTY THAT INEVITABLY IT'S GOING TO BE APPLYED TO THE WRONG PERSON, THAT INNOCENT PEOPLE ARE GOING TO BE PUT TO DEATH. ONE OF THE THINGS ABOUT THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE THAT THANKFULLY WE'RE HONEST ABOUT IS OUR OWN HISTORY. THE HISTORY OF THE DEATH PENALTY IN THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE IS THAT THE LAST WOMAN WHO WAS EXECUTED WAS WRONGFULLY EXECUTED. ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE OUGHT TO DO IS MAKE SURE THAT THAT DOESN'T GET REPLICATED BECAUSE WHEN YOU EXECUTE THE WRONG PERSON. " SEN. FRANK SAPARETO - "THAT'S 210 YEARS AGO." RENNY CUSHING - "THAT'S THE REASON WE DON'T USE THE DEATH PENALTY. THAT'S PART OF WHAT THE DISCUSSION IS ABOUT. I DON'T THINK WE OUGHT TO CREATE ANOTHER GRIEVING FAMILY TO BEGIN WITH. I DON'T THINK WE OUGHT TO CREATE GRIEVING FAMILIES OF PEOPLE WHO ARE INNOCENT." BETH CARROLL - "YOUR GROUP HAS TRIED TO REPEAL THE DEATH PENALTY BUT HAS BEEN YOU CAN SUCCESSFUL. GOVERNOR SHAHEEN VETOED THAT AND OF COURSE CRAIG BENSON SUPPORTS THE DEATH PENALTY AS WELL. DO YOU THINK THE POLITICAL CLIMATE HAS CHANGED? DO YOU THINK THAT THIS WILL GALVANIZE PEOPLE AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY THIS WHOLE SAMPSON CASE?" RENNY CUSHING - "I THINK THERE'S A. THE DEBATE THAT'S GOING ON ABOUT THE DEATH PENALTY ISN'T JUST TAKING PLACE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE. IT'S TAKING PLACE THROUGHOUT UNITED STATES. IT'S TAKING PLACE THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE WORLD. IT'S IT REALLY COMES DOWN TO A QUESTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS. I THINK HERE IN THE UNITED STATES, HERE IN THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE WE HAVE A TRADITION OF RESPECTING AND OF WANTING TO ELEVATE HUMAN RIGHTS. FOR MOST OF THE WORLD, THE IDEA THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ENGAGE IN A RITUAL KILLING OF SOMEBODY, NO MATTER HOW HEINOUS THAT PERSON MAY HAVE ACTED, IS SEEN AS JUST A FUNDAMENTAL VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND IT'S NOT SO MUCH WHAT THE DEATH PENALTY DOES TO THE PERSON UPON WHOM IT'S APPLIED IT'S WHAT IT DOES TO THE REST OF US. IT MAKES US KILLERS. I DON'T THINK THAT'S WHAT WE WANT TO BE IN THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE." BETH CARROLL - "SENATOR, FOR THOSE WHO SAY IT COULD MAKE NEW HAMPSHIRE THE EXECUTION STATE." SEN. FRANK SAPARETO - "WHAT IF WE INCARCERATE THIS PERSON FOR THE REMAINDER OF HIS LIFE AND A FEW YEARS DOWN THE ROAD HE WAS ABLE TO KILL A FEW VISITORS TO THE PRISON OR KILL SOME PEOPLE, SOME PEOPLE THAT WERE THERE? I MEAN YOU CANNOT ISOLATE A PERSON FOR THE REMAINDER OF THEIR LIFE. WHOSE FAULT IS THAT WHEN WE GRANT THAT? I CONSIDER IT TO BE OUR FAULT. WE ALLOWED THAT TO HAPPEN. AS A BENEFIT TO SOCIETY, SOCIETY IS BETTER OFF WITHOUT THIS PERSON IN OUR WORLD. THAT'S THE WAY I LOOK AT IT." BETH CARROLL - "WHAT ABOUT THE CLIMATE OF THE CAPITAL? DO YOU SEE THAT ANYTHING IS GOING TO CHANGE IN THIS COMING SESSION?" SEN. FRANK SAPARETO - "NOT REALLY. I KNOW THE DEATH-PENALTY ISSUE HAS COME UP NUMEROUS TIMES OVER THE LEGISLATURE'S HISTORY SINCE 1939, THE LAST TIME WE EXECUTED SOMEONE; BUT OF COURSE THAT WAS. I BELIEVE TWO YEARS AGO WAS THE ONLY TIME WE HAD EVER PASSED ACTUALLY PASSED BOTH BODIES. I HAVEN'T DONE A CONSENSUS OF THE SENATE. WHO KNOWS WHERE THE HOUSE IS ON MANY ISSUES. AS FAR AS THE SENATE, I'M NOT REALLY SURE. BUT ONE THING THAT'S IMPORTANT TO NOTE IS THAT THE SENATE IS MADE UP. OVER HALF OF THEM OF FORMER HOUSE MEMBERS. SO YOU PROBABLY COULD TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT THEIR VOTING RECORD WAS ON THE DEATH PENALTY AND EXTRAPOLATE FROM THERE MAYBE WHERE THE LEAN TO. " BETH CARROLL - "ANY KIND OF EXECUTION IN THE SAMPSON CASE WOULD STILL BE QUITE A WAYS AWAY WITH ALL SORTS OF APPEALS. DO YOU THINK IT'S LIKELY TO HAPPEN HERE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE?" SEN. FRANK SAPARETO - "DEPENDS HOW MUCH IT COST." RENNY CUSHING - "I ACTUALLY THINK THAT THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, BEFORE SAMPSON APPROACHES THE GALLOWS, WILL ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY. AGAIN I THINK IT'S A LONG WAYS AWAY BEFORE MR. SAMPSON FACES IT." SEN. FRANK SAPARETO - "THAT WOULD REQUIRE THREE FIFTHS, I'M SORRY, A MAJORITY OF THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE AND THEN YOU'D REQUIRE TWO-THIRDS OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO OVERRIDE A GOVERNOR'S VETO." BETH CARROLL - "AND THE. AS FAR AS THE EXECUTION OF MR. SAMPSON, IT WOULD BE BY LETHAL INJECTION UNDER OUR STATE STATUTES?" SEN. FRANK SAPARETO - "WE'RE NOT EQUIPPED FOR IT." RENNY CUSHING - "OR HANGING." SEN. FRANK SAPARETO - "THE JUDGE ORDERED AND THE FEDERAL LAW PROVIDES THAT THE INDIVIDUAL COULD BE PUT TO DEATH DEPENDING UPON THE METHOD THAT'S USED IN STATE THAT HAS THE DEATH PENALTY." BETH CARROLL - "DOES THE STATE HAVE THE STOMACH FOR AN EXECUTION LIKE THAT?" SEN. FRANK SAPARETO - "IF IT CAME DOWN TO IT, IT WOULD BE A VERY CONTROVERSIAL ISSUE BUT I WOULD SAY YEAH." BETH CARROLL - "DOES NEW HAMPSHIRE HAVE A SAY AS TO WHETHER OR NOT THEY WANT TO BE THE SITE FOR THIS EXECUTION?" SEN. FRANK SAPARETO - "I WOULD SAY THEY DO. MY OPINION." RENNY CUSHING - "I THINK THAT MAY BE DISCUSSED. I WANT TO GO BACK BECAUSE I'M FUNDAMENTALLY AN OPTIMISTIC PERSON. I THINK OF THE WORDS OF NELSON MANDELA WHO SAID THAT THOSE WHO SUPPORT THE DEATH PENALTY HAVE NOT YET EVOLVED POLITICALLY. AND I THINK THAT PEOPLE IN THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, PEOPLE IN THE LEGISLATURE, WHEN THEY GIVE CAREFUL CONSIDERATION TO WHAT'S AT STAKE, WHEN THEY THINK ABOUT WHAT KIND OF SOCIETY THEY WANT TO LIVE IN, WHAT KIND OF LEGACY THAT THEY WANT TO LEAVE FOR THEIR CHILDREN, I THINK THEY'RE GOING TO COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT RITUAL KILLINGS DON'T HAVE TO BE PART OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AND WE'LL MOVE TO ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY AS IT HAS BEEN DONE IN A DOZEN OTHER STATES, AS IT HAS BEEN DONE IN MOST OF WHAT WE RECOGNIZE AS THE DEMOCRATIC AND CIVILIZED WORLD." SEN. FRANK SAPARETO - "I HAVE A FRIEND OF MINE WHO WORKS AT THE CORRECTIONS FACILITY IN MASSACHUSETTS. HIS WIFE HAS FREQUENTLY THANKED ME FOR SUPPORTING THE DEATH PENALTY. OF COURSE, THERE ISN'T ONE IN MASSACHUSETTS. I CAN THINK OF OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE FRIENDS AND RELATIVES AND LOVED ONES WHO WORK IN THE SITUATIONS THAT WOULD LIKE TO SEE THEIR LOVED ONES PROTECTED." BETH CARROLL - "JUST AS A FINAL THOUGHT ON THE JUVENILE BILL THAT WE HEARD ABOUT TODAY, WHERE DOES THAT GO NEXT?" SEN. FRANK SAPARETO - "TO THE SENATE. IF WE PASS IT, IT WILL GO TO THE FLOOR OF THE SENATE. COULD BE KILLED THERE. IF WE PASS IT, ON TO THE HOUSE AND THE HOUSE WOULD TAKE IT UP AND THEN TO THE GOVERNOR." BETH CARROLL - "WE'LL CONTINUE TO WATCH THIS ISSUE WITH INTEREST. FRANK SAPRETO, RENNY CUSHING THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR BEING HERE. GOVERNOR CRAIG BENSON, WHO SUPPORTS THE DEATH PENALTY, SAYS THE STATE WILL COMPLY WITH THE COURT'S EXECUTION ORDER. OPPONENTS SAY APPEALS WILL TAKE YEARS, GIVING THEM TIME TO ATTEMPT ANOTHER REPEAL OF THE DEATH PENALTY. STAY TUNED." |
| Tag Discussion Return to index of stories... |
Governor Craig Benson, who supports the Death Penalty says the state will comply with the court's execution order. Opponents say appeals will take years giving them time to attempt another REPEAL of the state's Death Penalty. Stay tuned. |
| Intro Anemone Return to index of stories... |
And finally, New Hampshire's small businesses are the backbone of the state's economy. And in this next story, you'll see how diverse these businesses can be. Producer Susan Hajdu spent last year meeting some of the people who make these businesses thrive. In this report she revisits a family who has found a niche in the wholesale trade. They're growing their business one flower at a time. |
| Anemones Return to index of stories... |
Reporter: OUTSIDE, THE AIR IS COLD. BUT INSIDE SPRING-LIKE TEMPERATURES AND MOISTURE ARE HELPING FLOWERS GROW. IF YOU DON'T RECOGNIZE WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING AT, YOU'RE NOT ALONE. I GUESS ANEMONES ARE EXCLUSIVE ENOUGH THAT NOT EVERY FLORIST KNOWS WHAT THEY ARE. Reporter: GARY AND SABRINA MATTESON GROW AND BREED ANEMONES-- HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF THEM-- EVERY YEAR. THESE FLOWERS, NATIVE TO THE MIDDLE EAST, RESEMBLE POPPIES WHEN IN BLOOM. ALTHOUGH NOT RARE, ANEMONES ARE NOT AN UNCOMMON FLOWER IN NORTH AMERICA. IN THE NORTHEAST THERE ARE TWO OTHER GROWERS IN THE HUDSON VALLEY THAT GROW EXCLUSIVELY ANEMONES AND BREED THEIR OWN VARIETIES OF SIMILAR TYPE AND SCALE AND TYPE OF BUSINESS. GARY WAS WORKING AT AN ANEMONE FARM IN UPSTATE NEW YORK. WHEN THOSE FARMERS RETIRED, WE DECIDED THAT WE WANTED TO MOVE TO NEW HAMPSHIRE BECAUSE WE WANTED TO CATER TO THE BOSTON FLOWER MARKET. Reporter: GARY AND SABRINA MOVED TO NEW HAMPSHIRE 21 YEARS AGO. ALONG WITH SOME FURNITURE, THEY BROUGHT ENOUGH SEED STOCK FOR ONLY ONE YEAR OF PRODUCTION. THAT FIRST YEAR THAT THE SEED STOCK THAT WE PLANTED IS CALLED RED 3 AND ALL OF THE RED 3 PLANTS DIED EXCEPT FOR ONE. THAT RED 3 IS ACTUALLY THE BASIS OF THIS BLUE VARIETY THAT WE'RE LOOKING AT AND THE BASIS OF THIS RED VARIETY. IT'S OUR MOST IMPORTANT PLANT. ALL OF THEM DIED EXCEPT FOR ONE. WE HAD OUR GENETICS SMASHED DOWN TO THAT ONE PLANT. IF THAT ONE PLANT HAD NOT SURVIVED SO THAT WE COULD MAKE SEED ON IT AND GET POLLEN FROM IT FOR MAKING CROSSES, WE WOULDN'T BE HERE TALKING WITH YOU. Reporter: AND FROM THAT ONE FLOWER 21 YEARS AGO CAME THIS. OUR NICHE IN THE MARKET IS TO GROW VERY HIGH QUALITY FLOWERS. IN ORDER TO EMPHASIZE THE HIGH QUALITY THAT WE CAN GROW, WE GROUP ALL THE VERY BEST FLOWERS TOGETHER AND WE END UP THROWING AWAY THE MEDIOCRE ONES AND ACTUALLY WE DON'T THROW THEM AWAY, WE TRADE THEM WITH THE DENTIST AND DUNKIN' DONUTS AND THEY GO TO MEETINGS WITH ME. WHAT I'M DOING NOW IS SORTING BY LENGTH. BECAUSE THE HIGHEST PRICES ARE FROM THE LARGEST FLOWERS ON THE LONGEST STEMS. THIS IS A VERY NICE SPECIMEN. WE HAVE A VERY LONG STEM, BIG STEM AND A NICE FLOWER. ANEMONE CROP IS UNUSUAL IN THAT IT'S A 14-MONTH CROP SO WE HAVE AN OVERLAP OF TWO MONTHS DURING THE YEAR WHEN WE HAVE TWO CROPS. THE CROP YEAR STARTS IN SPRING IN APRIL WHEN WE PLANT SEEDS IN A SEPARATE GREENHOUSE FROM THIS PRODUCTION GREENHOUSE, AND THOSE SEEDLINGS ARE BROUGHT DOWN HERE AND TRANSPLANTED INTO THIS GREENHOUSE IN JUNE. Reporter: THE PLANTS CONTINUE TO GROW ALL SUMMER. FROM OCTOBER UNTIL MAY, THE ANEMONES BLOOM. THEY ARE HARVESTED EVERY SECOND DAY BEFORE THE SUN COMES UP AND THE FLOWERS OPEN. WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE PICK THEM BEFORE THE POLLEN HAS MATURED BECAUSE THE FLOWER IS STILL THINKING IT'S GOING TO GROW UP AND BE SUCCESSFUL IN MAKING SEEDS. WE SORT OF INTERRUPT THAT PROCESS AND SEND IT TO A LUCKY FLOWER BUYER AND THEY GET TO WATCH THE PROCESS. WHEN WE SEE OUR FLOWERS OUT IN PUBLIC, IT IS ALWAYS VERY HEARTWARMING. WE'VE SEEN THEM IN "TIME" MAGAZINE, ON THE MANTLE OF THE WHITE HOUSE WHEN MARGARET THATCHER CAME TO VISIT RONALD REAGAN IN THE WHITE HOUSE. THE NEXT WEEK WE GOT AN ORDER FROM THE CHINESE EMBASSY FOR A WHOLE BUNCH OF RED ANEMONES BECAUSE THEY LIKE THE COLOR RED TOO. Reporter: GARY AND SABRINA ARRIVED IN NEW HAMPSHIRE WITH A DREAM AND A HANDFUL OF SEED STOCK. TODAY THAT DREAM SURROUNDS THEM IN FULL BLOOM. I GROW FLOWERS FOR A LIVING BUT I DON'T SELL FLOWERS. I SELL WARMTH AND COMPASSION AND KINDNESS. THAT'S WHAT PEOPLE ARE BUYING WHEN THEY BUY FLOWERS. I KNOW THAT THESE FLOWERS CAN MAKE YOU FEEL THAT WAY. I MEAN, THEY CAN DEFINITELY EVOKE EMOTIONS. I GUESS THAT'S ANOTHER BENEFIT OF BEING IN THE FLOWER BUSINESS IS THAT I KNOW THEY WORK. I KNOW THAT THEY CAN MAKE SOMEBODY HAPPY OR SPARK A ROMANCE. THAT'S WHAT I'D LIKE TO THINK OF IT DOING ANYWAY. I KNOW THAT THE FLOWERS CAN DO THAT IF I DO MY JOB RIGHT. Reporter: FOR NEW "HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK" I'M SUSAN HAJDU. |
| Web Pointer Return to index of stories... |
That is it for this edition of our program. For more information 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. |
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On the next New Hampshire Outlook - The high cost of prescription drugs. Why are granite staters paying more than some people in the rest of the country? We hope you'll join us Tuesday. |
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I'm Beth Carroll. Thanks for watching. We'll see you next time. |
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Thanks to the Stratford Foundation which has provided continuing major funding for the production of NH Outlook. |
| key: State Politics / Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 02/09/04 22:00 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 4:30 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, legislative ethics. How far is too far? A hearing begins for one state lawmaker. Plus. the death penalty debate. The Legislature reviews a new bill that would prohibit the execution of juveniles. We'll have analysis. And later. a family who has found a niche in the wholesale trade -- growing their business one flower at a time. For the first time in 7 years, a member of the state house of representatives is facing possible expulsion on ethics charges. Representative John Kerns of Bedford is serving his first term. In the past few months, he has drawn numerous complaints from citizens and fellow legislators that he is abusing his authority. And in the last month, he has been arrested for passing bad checks. Today, the House Ethics Committee held a formal hearing into his conduct. Richard Ager has this report. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Nick Skaltsis\Former Chair, Dover School Board, Rep. Ray Buckley\D - Manchester, Troy Hartson\H & H Locksmith, Rep. Shawn Jasper\Chair, House Ethics Cmte |
| key: Crime / Legal Issues Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 02/09/04 22:00 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 4:30 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, legislative ethics. How far is too far? A hearing begins for one state lawmaker. Plus. the death penalty debate. The Legislature reviews a new bill that would prohibit the execution of juveniles. We'll have analysis. And later. a family who has found a niche in the wholesale trade -- growing their business one flower at a time. For the first time in 7 years, a member of the state house of representatives is facing possible expulsion on ethics charges. Representative John Kerns of Bedford is serving his first term. In the past few months, he has drawn numerous complaints from citizens and fellow legislators that he is abusing his authority. And in the last month, he has been arrested for passing bad checks. Today, the House Ethics Committee held a formal hearing into his conduct. Richard Ager has this report. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Nick Skaltsis\Former Chair, Dover School Board, Rep. Ray Buckley\D - Manchester, Troy Hartson\H & H Locksmith, Rep. Shawn Jasper\Chair, House Ethics Cmte |
| key: State Politics / Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 02/09/04 22:00 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 14:00 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, legislative ethics. How far is too far? A hearing begins for one state lawmaker. Plus. the death penalty debate. The Legislature reviews a new bill that would prohibit the execution of juveniles. We'll have analysis. And later. a family who has found a niche in the wholesale trade -- growing their business one flower at a time. The Death Penalty was also under debate at the State House. Senators reviewed a bill which would raise the age a person could be executed. Senate bill - 513 would raise the age from 17 to 18. Supporters argued that 29 other states as well as the federal government.do NOT allow the execution of those under 18. Testimony before the Judiciary committee centered on the clinical development of an adolescent. Joining us to discuss the Death Penalty: Renny Cushing, the Executive Director of Murder Victims’ Families for Reconciliation, which represents those who've lost a family member to murder or state execution. The national group opposes the death penalty. And Senator Frank Sapareto of Derry -- who "supports" the Death Penalty. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Dr. David Fassler\Psychiatrist, Univeristy of Vermont, Renny Cushing\Murder Victims' Families for Reconciliation, Sen. Frank Sapareto\R - Derry |
| key: Crime / Legal Issues / Law Enforcement Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 02/09/04 22:00 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 14:00 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, legislative ethics. How far is too far? A hearing begins for one state lawmaker. Plus. the death penalty debate. The Legislature reviews a new bill that would prohibit the execution of juveniles. We'll have analysis. And later. a family who has found a niche in the wholesale trade -- growing their business one flower at a time. The Death Penalty was also under debate at the State House. Senators reviewed a bill which would raise the age a person could be executed. Senate bill - 513 would raise the age from 17 to 18. Supporters argued that 29 other states as well as the federal government.do NOT allow the execution of those under 18. Testimony before the Judiciary committee centered on the clinical development of an adolescent. Joining us to discuss the Death Penalty: Renny Cushing, the Executive Director of Murder Victims’ Families for Reconciliation, which represents those who've lost a family member to murder or state execution. The national group opposes the death penalty. And Senator Frank Sapareto of Derry -- who "supports" the Death Penalty. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Dr. David Fassler\Psychiatrist, Univeristy of Vermont, Renny Cushing\Murder Victims' Families for Reconciliation, Sen. Frank Sapareto\R - Derry |
| key: Tuttle Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 02/09/04 22:00 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 4:41 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, legislative ethics. How far is too far? A hearing begins for one state lawmaker. Plus. the death penalty debate. The Legislature reviews a new bill that would prohibit the execution of juveniles. We'll have analysis. And later. a family who has found a niche in the wholesale trade -- growing their business one flower at a time. And finally, New Hampshire's small businesses are the backbone of the state's economy. And in this next story, you'll see how diverse these businesses can be. Producer Susan Hajdu spent last year meeting some of the people who make these businesses thrive. In this report she revisits a family who has found a niche in the wholesale trade. They're growing their business one flower at a time. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Susan Hajdu NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Gary Matteson\New England Anemones; Sabrina Matteson\New England Anemones |
| key: Environment Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 02/09/04 22:00 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 4:41 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, legislative ethics. How far is too far? A hearing begins for one state lawmaker. Plus. the death penalty debate. The Legislature reviews a new bill that would prohibit the execution of juveniles. We'll have analysis. And later. a family who has found a niche in the wholesale trade -- growing their business one flower at a time. And finally, New Hampshire's small businesses are the backbone of the state's economy. And in this next story, you'll see how diverse these businesses can be. Producer Susan Hajdu spent last year meeting some of the people who make these businesses thrive. In this report she revisits a family who has found a niche in the wholesale trade. They're growing their business one flower at a time. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Susan Hajdu NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Gary Matteson\New England Anemones; Sabrina Matteson\New England Anemones |
| key: Economy / Business Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 02/09/04 22:00 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 4:41 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, legislative ethics. How far is too far? A hearing begins for one state lawmaker. Plus. the death penalty debate. The Legislature reviews a new bill that would prohibit the execution of juveniles. We'll have analysis. And later. a family who has found a niche in the wholesale trade -- growing their business one flower at a time. And finally, New Hampshire's small businesses are the backbone of the state's economy. And in this next story, you'll see how diverse these businesses can be. Producer Susan Hajdu spent last year meeting some of the people who make these businesses thrive. In this report she revisits a family who has found a niche in the wholesale trade. They're growing their business one flower at a time. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Susan Hajdu NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Gary Matteson\New England Anemones; Sabrina Matteson\New England Anemones |
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Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. . Tonight at 10pm on New Hampshire Public Television. |
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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. We want to know what's on your mind. Join our discussion forum and tell us what you're thinking. If you have a story idea or comment on our program, click the feedback button. Or, call us at 800-639-2721. |