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 RoundtableReturn to index of stories... |
Hello, I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to New Hampshire Outlook's Friday Roundtable edition. It's been a BIG week for news. From the Tyco Mistrial, to the Violence in Iraq and death of a local soldier, to the battle over Health Care premiums. Here to talk about it -- from Concord: Colin Manning of the Foster's Daily Democrat and our own Richard Ager. And here in Durham, Edith Tucker of the Coos County Democrat. |
| TYCO Mistrial Return to index of stories... |
We begin with "stunning" news of a Mistrial in the case against 2 former Tyco bosses -- accused of looting the company. The New York judge cited intense pressure placed on one of the jury members. The jury was in the 12th day of deliberations. The trial had lasted about six months. Former C-E-O Dennis Kozlowski and former chief-financial-officer Mark Swartz were accused of stealing 600 million dollars from the conglomerate. A source says the juror in question got a threatening or coercive letter. She's the same juror identified in some news reports as having nearly brought the case to a mistrial last week.following alleged gestures she made to the defense. The case is certain to be tried again. It's a high-interest story in New Hampshire where Tyco had its domestic headquarters. Q Edith: I know the story is still unfolding. What's your reaction to this latest development. Q Colin: Has the Tyco story been on the radar screen of state officials? Q Richard: Suprised by today's news? |
| Pepin Meeting Return to index of stories... |
Another Money Matter clearly on the state radar screen -- is the state's "ChoiceLinx" contract and ensuing controversy. Linda Pepin, a volunter adviser to Governor Benson -- is accused of improperly taking money for negotiating a state contract. New Hampshire's Attorney General is looking to recover more than 150-thousand dollars in fees paid to Pepin and the State Insurance department is looking to fine her. An initial insurance hearing was held today. Richard, what was the thrust of the meeting? Q Colin -- I know you've been following this closely. This week Linda Pepin was on the air saying she did nothing wrong taking money for work she'd done for the state. Has she been cooperating with the Attorney General? Q Richard: Pepin says Administrative Services Commissioner Don Hill knew she was receiving brokers's fees. His attorney says No. Has this been reduced to a HE SAID, SHE SAID. Q Edith: Pepin-- was a high-ranking employee of Cabletron, the Governor's now defunct hi-tech company. She was handpicked by the Governor. This is yet More controversy over some of Governor's Benson's hires for his adminstration. Is that likely to be a major issue in any campaign to Un-SEAT the Governor? Do people in the north country care? QColin/ Richard: What about the Governor's race. Is this latest controversy likely to bring some democrats or even Republicans out of the woodwork? |
| Pres. Drugs Return to index of stories... |
This week, Governor Benson tried to make a case that Canadian pharmacuticals are safe. He wants the state and New Hampshire citizens to be able to puchase Canadian prescription drugs on-line. Q Colin: I know you covered this story. Did the Governor make a sound case for safety? -- and where does things stand with the waiver from the Federal government -- after all, still illegal to buy drugs from Canada. q Edith: Any anecdotal evidence you can share on the issue of buying Prescription drugs on Canada. It's been a major issue in the presidential campaign and more states are seeking to do deals in canada. Q Richard: The Governor had made this an important issue. In his state-of-the state address he talked about it being a PRIORITY.and alluded to a web site, which I don't believe is up yet. |
| Insurance SB419 Return to index of stories... |
The Cost of Health Insurance continues to stir Controversy. Double-Digit Increases in premiums for small businesses have brought a record number of complaints to the Department of Insurance. This week -- A bill that would set CAPS on increases worked its way through the statehouse. Q RICHARD: I know you were there for the hearing -- any sense of what the sentiment is in the House? Q Colin: Would a CAP have the support of the Governor -- if the house joins the Senate in passing the reform to SB 1-10. Q EDITH: I would imagine you see a lot of support from the public for any kind of break in health care costs. |
| Telephone Poles Return to index of stories... |
A vote yesterday in the senate extends the state property tax on utility poles and wires. It was a real fight this time. Colin. |
| Iraq Return to index of stories... |
Another HOT topic this week. Violence flaring-up in Iraq. This week 4 American contractors were killed in a grisly ambush! Their vehicle was torched and --a cheering mob dragged their burned bodies through the streets. The attack raised anti-occupation violence to a new level of brutality. Hours earlier 5 U-S soldiers were killed when their Humvee rolled over a bomb -- including a local soldier. It's been a deadly week for American forces in Iraq. |
| Soldier Killed Return to index of stories... |
27-year-old Jeremiah Holmes of North Berwick Maine was killed in that truck explosion. Holmes was a member of the New Hampshire Army National Guard 7-44th Transportation Co. His family was notified Tuesday afternoon. Holmes is the first soldier from southern Maine and the New Hampshire Seacoast region to die in combat in Iraq since the war began a year ago. Another New Hampshire solider was injured in that same attack 41-year-old Randal Frotton of Newcastle. Q EDITH: the graphic images were broadcast everywhere, and on the front page of almost every newspaper. Will this test the resolve of the American public to stay in Iraq-- as the death toll mounts? Q COLIN: The death of Jeremiah Holmes made headlines in Foster's Daily Democrat this week. Holmes was no stranger to the paper. |
| Next OutlookTease Return to index of stories... |
On the next New Hampshire Outlook, Granite State reaction to the TYCO mistrial. Plus, we'll meet two newcomers who've moved here as part of the Free State movement. Until then -- I'm Beth Carroll. Thanks for watching.See you next time. |
| Monday Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook, the TYCO mistrial, ethics and the future. Tonight at 10 only on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| Tonight at 10 Promo Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. Join us tonight at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| Outsourcing Return to index of stories... |
Let's talk about Outsourcing. It's been a huge issue on the campaign trail -- and a hot issue in New Hampshire as well -- with more work being sent overseas!!!!! The migration of jobs to low-wage countries like India and China has thrown thousands of Americans out of work. A recent survey by the "Information Technology Association" argues the trend will -- in the end -- lower inflation, create new jobs and boost U-S productivity. Not comforting news for those out of work. This week State Senator Burt Cohen of Newcastle called for a BAN on state contracts with companies who outsource work to other countries. This, after learning that a call center in India was being used to field questions about New Hampshire's food-stamp program. Cohen wants to require call centers used by the state to be located in the U-S to keep jobs from going overseas. Q COLIN: What about that.-- you followed this issue-- what are the specifics of Senator Cohen's bill? q RICHARD: Taxpayer dollars shouldn't be going to provide jobs abroad when they're needed at home. Is this an issue resonating with voters -- after all Sen Cohen is expected to challenge U-S Senator Judd Gregg this fall. q EDITH: Sen Cohen wants awards to be given to bidders who agreed to work in areas of state where more jobs are needed. That certainly would be the North country. I imagine there would be strong support there. q COLIN: Is this a measure likely to have strong support at the Legislature? The Republican stand has always been that outsourcing will in the end benefit our country? |
| Next: 9/11 Return to index of stories... |
Could the Bush Administration have done more to combat terrorism before 9/11? That's been the thrust of 9-11 Hearings in Washington. Bowing to pressure, the President's National Security Advisor will testify in public, possibly next week. How might this affect us? Q Colin-- any thoughts? |
| Terror Warning Return to index of stories... |
A new terror warning from the government. In a bulletin to law enforcers across the nation, F-B-I and Homeland Security officials say terrorists may try to bomb buses and rail lines in major U-S cities this summer. The bulletin didn't name specific cities. But it suggests that local transportation officials more closely monitor parking lots, remove trash cans, and beef up the overall law enforcement presence. New Hampshire's Homeland Security Infrastructure just received a financial boost from the Federal Government. Q Edith: Do you get the sense that people have become LAX about security.lulled into complacency? Q COLIN: Is there a sense of urgency at all at the state capital when it comes to Homeland security? Q RICHARD: |
| Durant /Somalia Return to index of stories... |
To many -- the recent pictures from Iraq evoked memories of disturbing scenes from Somalia -- where soldiers bodies were dragged through the streets. The killing of 4 U-S contractors in Iraq and the brutalizing and burning of their bodies may test the American public's resolve for the U-S Policy in Iraq -- as it did in Somalia. Michael Durant -- an army pilot shot down in Somalia -- who wrote about his "Black Hawk Down" experience disagreed with the decision to pull out of "that" region. |
| Next: Gay Marriage Return to index of stories... |
Not to be outdone by Massachusetts or legislatures throughout the country. Next Wednesday New Hampshire State Senators will take up the gay marriage issue. Senate Bill 427 defines marriage as a union between a man and woman. It also declares that the state will not recognize same sex marriages or civil unions from other states. Q Richard, you've been covering this story. What's your sense of where this bill is going? Q Edith -- What's the pulse of the people on this one? |
| key: Crime/ Legal Issues/ Law Enforcement Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 04/02/04 22:00 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:46 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, It's been a BIG week for news. From the Tyco Mistrial, to the Violence in Iraq and death of a local soldier, to the battle over Health Care premiums. Here to talk about it -- from Concord: Colin Manning of the Foster's Daily Democrat and our own Richard Ager. And here in Durham, Edith Tucker of the Coos County Democrat. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS:Colin Manning\Foster's Daily Democrat, Edith Tucker\Coos County Democrat, Richard Ager\NH Outlook |
| key: War/ Veterans Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 04/02/04 22:00 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:46 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, It's been a BIG week for news. From the Tyco Mistrial, to the Violence in Iraq and death of a local soldier, to the battle over Health Care premiums. Here to talk about it -- from Concord: Colin Manning of the Foster's Daily Democrat and our own Richard Ager. And here in Durham, Edith Tucker of the Coos County Democrat. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS:Colin Manning\Foster's Daily Democrat, Edith Tucker\Coos County Democrat, Richard Ager\NH Outlook |
| key: Health/ Health Care Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 04/02/04 22:00 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:46 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, It's been a BIG week for news. From the Tyco Mistrial, to the Violence in Iraq and death of a local soldier, to the battle over Health Care premiums. Here to talk about it -- from Concord: Colin Manning of the Foster's Daily Democrat and our own Richard Ager. And here in Durham, Edith Tucker of the Coos County Democrat. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS:Colin Manning\Foster's Daily Democrat, Edith Tucker\Coos County Democrat, Richard Ager\NH Outlook |