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 HelloReturn to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. Governor-Elect John Lynch gets a dose of the budget this week, Senator John McCain was back in NH -- The Ralph Nader Re-count gets underway in NH -- and, a team of SEGWAY film-makers journey to the devices NH birthplace. Here to talk about all this: James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com in Concord, and here in Durham, Mike Pomp, NewsDirector & talk show host at WTSN- AM-1270, Edith Tucker of the Coos County Democrat and Jeff Feingold of New Hampshire Business Review. |
| Lynch/Budget vo Return to index of stories... |
We begin with the budget hearings at the State House on Friday. Governor-elect John Lynch, along with outgoing Governor Craig Benson, attended the start of budget hearings Friday morning where department heads made their case for funding over the next 2 years. Lynch says the state faces serious fiscal challenges. Both the Outgoing Governor and the Incoming Governor urged RESTRAINT in the budget requests. Q JAMES: With a change in administration, Agencies often push SPENDING that the Outgoing administration didn’t ALLOW. Is that likely what we'll see. WISH lists ??? Q JEFF/EDITH: John Lynch wants agencies to submit "ZERO-BASED" budgets. The New Governor will be TESTED by those who felt "overly constrained" under Benson. EXAMPLE: L-CHIP wants 12-million dollars for conservation grants. Their funding was CUT to 1.5 Million in the current budget. Any EXPECTATIONS???? Q Lynch will be facing a potential $300 million SHORTFALL in the new budget. Stricter Federal controls on MEDICAID -- account for 1/3rd of that shortfall. Both Benson and Lynch maintained the GAP could be handled without new taxes or deep program cuts. Is that REALISTIC???? Lynch supports increase in tobacco tax to fund school-aid plan. Q JEFF/EDITH What's the BIGGEST challenge he faces in the budget. Q Lynch's budget will be FOCUS of the Education Funding debate. He says he'll call for REPEALING the statewide PROPERTY TAX -- and work on a new formula that distributes SCHOOL aid based on need. Q Lynch releases his budget this winter. The House and Senate take a crack at it and send it back to him in the Spring. You'll recall Benson VETOED his first budget -- and locked horns with Lawmakers. Will LYNCH be doing his best to AVOID that??? |
| Chandler Return to index of stories... |
Republicans met in secret caucus this week to nominate a House Speaker. As expected, Embattled Speaker Gene Chandler was re-nominated for a 3rd term -- This -- despite "troubles" over 64-thousand dollars he raised and failed to report. The Leglislative Ethics Committee and the attorney general's office are now investigating. Q JAMES: Chandler received 178 out of 239 votes. He was the favorite to win -- despite all the controversy. Members obviously NOT holding the controversy against him? WHY?? or did we have some defections possibly due to the ethics CONTROVERSY ? Q His challenger Anthony DiFrisca of Windham -- DID not get support he was hoping for. Is he giving up ? or wait for results of investigations??? Q EDITH/JEFF: Union Leader Editorial read: Chandler has NOT earned another term. Said he drags with him a rain cloud of impropriety and record of ineffectiveness. Harsh Judgement --or Fair call??? Q The full House vote is Dec 1st. Could we see any defections -- if CHARGES surface between now and then. Q DEMOCRATS pick their nominee this SATURDAY. I believe 4 candidates in the running. Is there a frontrunner?? -- so, Their nominee most likely will become the MINORITY leader. The Democrats running are Terie Norelli of Portsmouth, Jim Craig, of Manchester, Dan Eaton, of Stoddard, and Jay Phinizy of Acworth. *** Chairman of the Legislative Ethics Committee is calling for an INVESTIGATION into donations given to Executive Councilor RUTH GRIFFIN |
| John McCain vo Return to index of stories... |
Presidential politics still in the news. The 2004 Election --just barely over and already potential 2008 candidates are being spotted in NH. Arizona Senator John McCain, NH's primary winner in 2000, was in Manchester Thursday for the Nackey S. Loeb First Amendment awards dinner. This year's winner: Tom Kearney, the executive editor of the Keene Sentinel. McCain -- spoke to those attending -- about the need for National unity. McCain's former campaign director says a lot of people would like to see his NH visit as the beginning of the NEXT campaign --but says its premature to be talking about that. Q JAMES: Could this be the FIRST round of the next presidential PRIMARY? Q EDITH/JEFF: When asked about a 2008 Run, McCain was COY, said: "I'm not ruling it out, but I'm not ruling it in." Q JAMES: Spoke highly of NH -- said he had happy memories of his time here. Q McCain is already considered the gop FRONTRUNNER. Has a lot of political capital and pop culture appeal. Q His APPEAL: Calls it like he sees it. Candid -- genuine, people like that in a politician. Q He has national exposure and star power. That combination of policy and persona is needed against the media-savvy Hillary Clinton, who is being touted as the No. 1 choice for Democrats in 2008. Clinton-McCain matchup??? Q If HEALTH holds up --could become the GOP candidate? |
| Nader Recount Return to index of stories... |
Ralph Nader back in the News. The Independent Presidential candidate called for a RECOUNT of the state's paper backup ballots in 11 precincts. He wants to test the "accuracy" of optical scan "vote-counting" -- NH has become a "test-case". Based on the results -- Nader could ask for recounts in other states. Q JAMES: State officials have already begun the RECOUNT. Any News on that front?? Q JEFF/EDITH/MIKE: What do you make of this request. Q Nader wants to address concerns these machines are INACCURATE or can be TAMPERED with. State election officials are SKEPTICAL-- saying they've found NO significant miscounts by Accu-vote machines. What's the MOTIVATION? Q The good news.Ralph Nader is PAYING for the RE-COUNT. Will likely DISPROVE any tampering claims favoring George Bush. Presidential Recount may not be completed until AFTER Thanksgiving. |
| Gop Chair Return to index of stories... |
NH Republicans are looking for a new leader. Chairwoman Jayne Millerick is stepping down. Says she needs to devote more time to her public relations firm. Q How much of a role did Gov Benson's Loss and Democrat John Kerry's WIN in the state have in her decision? Q Any names being tossed about as far as Replacements? Q What did she bring to the job? |
| Segway Trip Return to index of stories... |
The makers of the Segway Human Transporter celebrated this week in Bedford as a team of enthusiasts-- returned HOME to the Segway's Birthpace -- after completing a cross-country trip riding these 2-wheeled, electric powered, self-balancing devices. The team was called "America at 10 miles per hour" which also happens to be the "speed" of the Segway. The team of 5 film-makers are putting together a documentary on American life-- they were joined for the last mile of their trip by employees and local riders. Q The team says -- the SEGWAY is an attention grabber --an icebreaker. The makers of Segway did not SPONSOR the trip and they're not promoting it. Q Segway forces you to slow down -- take the backroads. Q Segways came to market in 2001 -- after a lot of hype and mystery. Sales were NOT as rosy as forecasted. Last year -- there was a MAJOR recall of its product. Potential buyers slow to move from TESTING phase to BUYING phase. there was backlash over SAFETY of devices on city streets. Will SALES take off --or more a curiosity item.??? Meter readers in Ohio |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
I'm Beth Carroll. Thanks for watching. We'll see you next time. |
| nader Return to index of stories... |
mccain MANCHESTER, N.H. - The dust still hasn't settled from the 2004 election, and some believe the 2008 primary campaign may be starting tonight in Manchester. Arizona Senator John McCain, who won the primary in 2000, is appearing at an awards dinner honoring the First Amendment. Mike Dennehy, McCain's 2000 campaign director in New Hampshire and New England, says a lot of people would like to see the appearance as the beginning of the next campaign, but he says it's premature to be talking about that. He said McCain will be talking about national unity. McCaine is being mentioned as a possible candidate for president in 2008. AP-NY-11-18-04 1401EST Machines. New Hampshire is about to become a test case for the accuracy of optical scan vote-counting machines. Third-party presidential candidate Ralph Nader seeks a recount of the paper backup ballots in eleven precincts to test the accuracy of Diebold Accuvote machines. A Nader spokesman says that based on the results, his campaign could ask for recounts in other states. In New Hampshire, Democrat John Kerry defeated President Bush, 50 percent to 49 percent, while Nader got less than one percent. Zeese says Nader wants to address concerns that the machines are inaccurate or can be tampered with. He says the recount either will allay fears about fraud or help spur reforms. State election officials are skeptical, saying they have found no significant miscounts by Accuvote machines. Election officials in New Hampshire will recount some votes in the presidential race on Thursday. Ralph Nader asked for the recount of the paper backup ballots in eleven precincts that use Diebold Accuvote machines. Nader says he wants to address concerns that the optical scanning machines are inaccurate or can be tampered with. He says the recount either will allay fears about fraud or help spur reforms. The Secretary of State's office says it has found no significant miscounts by Accuvote machines. --- MANCHESTER, N.H. - A recount starts today in five wards in Manchester and Litchfield to check the accuracy of certain machines used to scan votes. The recount was requested by presidential candidate and consumer advocate Ralph Nader who says he's concerned the Diebold optical scanning machines are inaccurate or could be tampered with. Conducting a recount in New Hampshire is considered ideal because the state requires paper ballots. Nader has asked for recounts in 11 wards in the state. Nader says the recount will either rule out the possibility of machine error or reveal discrepancies. Either way, he says, voters need to know. Nader is paying for the recount. |
| millerick Return to index of stories... |
CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire Republican Chairwoman Jayne Millerick is not running for a second term. Millerick said she must devote more time to her public relations business. New Hampshire Republicans are looking for a new leader. State G-O-P Chairwoman Jayne Millerick announced this morning that she is not seeking a second term. At a news conference in Concord, Millerick said she is very proud of the grassroots organizing of the last two years, but said she must devote more time to her public relations business. Millerick denied her departure had anything to do with Republican Governor Craig Benson's loss and Democrat John Kerry's New Hampshire victory over President Bush. |
| Tonight at 10 Promo Return to index of stories... |
Monday on New Hampshire Outlook: A look at the arts in New Hampshire-- a little poetry, music and photography. Join us Monday at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Public Television. ======================================= Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook: A look arts in New Hampshire-- a little poetry, music and photography. Join us tonight at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Public Television. |
| ed funding Return to index of stories... |
CONCORD, N.H. - A lawmaker who helped draw up New Hampshire's education aid formula says aid amounts released by the Department of Education are based on a false assumption. Deputy House Speaker Michael Whalley says the department should not have doubled an inflation rate in calculating the figures. Under the new figures announced yesterday, the department assumed the rate per child would rise from just less than 34 hundred dollars to nearly 36 hundred dollars. Education Commissioner Nick Donohue acknowledges the department assumed lawmakers would change the law next year to double the inflation rate. Governor-elect John Lynch wants to repeal the statewide property tax and distribute aid through a new formula. Others also want to change the law. AP-NY-11-16-04 0926EST The Education Department has released aid amounts that it says depend on a law change. But Deputy House Speaker Michael Whalley said today that lawmakers and the department have not discussed a possible fix to the state aid law used in calculating the aid amounts. At issue is how an inflation rate is used to adjust aid amounts every two years. The department says aid would be cut dramatically if the inflation factor is applied as called for by the law. Education Commissioner Nick Donohue acknowledged in releasing the calculations that the department assumed lawmakers would change the law to clarify that they meant to double the inflation rate and apply it to the per pupil amount the first year of the two-year budget cycle. Governor-elect John Lynch wants to repeal the statewide property tax and distribute aid through a new formula. Others also want to change the law. |
| McCain Sot Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--McCain-N.H. McCain back in New Hampshire dew MANCHESTER, N.H. - The dust still hasn't settled from the 2004 election, and some believe the 2008 primary campaign may be starting tonight in Manchester. Arizona Senator John McCain, who won the primary in 2000, is appearing at an awards dinner honoring the First Amendment. Mike Dennehy, McCain's 2000 campaign director in New Hampshire and New England, says a lot of people would like to see the appearance as the beginning of the next campaign, but he says it's premature to be talking about that. He said McCain will be talking about national unity. McCaine is being mentioned as a possible candidate for president in 2008. |
| region: Return to index of stories... |
today told state department heads that they will be expected to justify every dollar they hope to spend in the upcoming budget. Lynch, as well as outgoing Governor Craig Benson, attended the start of budget hearings this morning, when the departments present and justify proposed spending for the next two years. Lynch said the state faces serious fiscal challenges and that he expects departments to continue observing a hiring freeze ordered by Benson just days after taking office in 2003. Lynch also said that balancing the budget will require careful examination of all spending, and can't be done by simply adding or subtracting from last year's budget. Benson told the committee that the state has worked hard during the past two years to live within its means, but said work remains to be done, especially on how the state delivers and pays for Medicaid services. AP-NY-11-19-04 1029ES Lynch opens transition office. Gov.-elect John Lynch officially opens his transition office today. It is located in Jefferson Pilot, 1 Granite Place, in Concord. NOT EVEN sworn in, and Gov.-elect John Lynch is being hailed as a savior of public education in New Hampshire. Based on his public statements so far, we expect him to be no such thing, though there is hope. Lynch thus far has adamantly opposed serious reform of public education. He is against vouchers, would restrict or possibly halt the expansion of charter schools, and even has indicated that he might not support state school board chairman Fred Bramante’s real world learning reforms. When he speaks of public education, he sounds more or less like a mouthpiece for teachers unions. That does not bode well for parents or students. When teachers union bosses and school administration union heads praise Lynch for supporting public education, what they mean is that he supports keeping them in control of public education. He does not support giving parents the authority to make more decisions over their children’s schooling. When Lynch expresses concern that vouchers and charter schools would drain money from public education, he shows that either he is simply toeing the party line, or he lacks any understanding of either concept. Charter schools drain nothing from public schools because they are public schools. Voucher money, which does go from public to private schools, is always less than a student’s per-pupil allotment, so the public school is left with a surplus when a child leaves on a voucher. Plus, that school no longer has to educate the child. If Lynch truly is pro-education, as opposed to pro-education unions, he can prove it by supporting reforms that empower parents and add value to the school day. He can push giving teachers merit pay, ending tenure, and providing students with alternatives to the traditional public school. Each of those things helps students and parents. But each is opposed by the education bureaucracy. Which side Lynch will take on those issues will tell a lot about just how pro-education he is. Email This Page | Return to Opinion | Print This Page The information on this site is copyrighted and cannot be reused without the permission of The Union Leader. Lynch opens transition office. Gov.-elect John Lynch officially opens his transition office today. It is located in Jefferson Pilot, 1 Granite Place, in Concord. NOT EVEN sworn in, and Gov.-elect John Lynch is being hailed as a savior of public education in New Hampshire. Based on his public statements so far, we expect him to be no such thing, though there is hope. Lynch thus far has adamantly opposed serious reform of public education. He is against vouchers, would restrict or possibly halt the expansion of charter schools, and even has indicated that he might not support state school board chairman Fred Bramante’s real world learning reforms. When he speaks of public education, he sounds more or less like a mouthpiece for teachers unions. That does not bode well for parents or students. When teachers union bosses and school administration union heads praise Lynch for supporting public education, what they mean is that he supports keeping them in control of public education. He does not support giving parents the authority to make more decisions over their children’s schooling. When Lynch expresses concern that vouchers and charter schools would drain money from public education, he shows that either he is simply toeing the party line, or he lacks any understanding of either concept. Charter schools drain nothing from public schools because they are public schools. Voucher money, which does go from public to private schools, is always less than a student’s per-pupil allotment, so the public school is left with a surplus when a child leaves on a voucher. Plus, that school no longer has to educate the child. If Lynch truly is pro-education, as opposed to pro-education unions, he can prove it by supporting reforms that empower parents and add value to the school day. He can push giving teachers merit pay, ending tenure, and providing students with alternatives to the traditional public school. Each of those things helps students and parents. But each is opposed by the education bureaucracy. Which side Lynch will take on those issues will tell a lot about just how pro-education he is. Email This Page | Return to Opinion | Print This Page The information on this site is copyrighted and cannot be reused without the permission of The Union Leader. |
| segway Return to index of stories... |
ers CONCORD, N.H. - A team of Segway enthusiasts who crossed the country on one of the two-wheeled, self-balancing devices will visit the Segway's birthplace today in Bedford. The team wrapped up a roughly 100-day, coast-to-coast trip from Washington State to Boston, Massachusetts Tuesday. Their stop at Segway's headquarters will be an extra, final leg of the journey. The team is named America at Ten Miles Per Hour after the speed of their Segway. It includes five people. They kept up a Web site while they traveled and are making a documentary about the trip. Segway employees and local riders plan to join the team for the last mile. The company also plans to celebrate the arrival by giving the cross-country riders gifts and cake. BEDFORD - Arrival of "America at 10 mph," a team of riders completing first journey across America by the Segway Human Transporter, Segway LLC headquarters, front parking lot, 14 Technology Drive, 2 p.m. |
| Post Show Log Return to index of stories... |
Friday, November 19, 2004:a We started at 2:30pm because one of our guests was running late. All went well. We finished just after 3pm. |
| bills Return to index of stories... |
Sure, they'll be debating how to pay for schools, but when New Hampshire lawmakers return to Concord next session they'll also be talking about things like parking, importing liquor and fire-safe cigarettes. Lawmakers in Portsmouth want to study ways to force the Liquor Commission to import its liquor through the port in Portsmouth. Keene Representative Timothy Robertson is introducing a plan to shrink the 400-member House of Representatives to 100. Hopkinton's Richard "Stretch" Kennedy wants the Legislature to find better parking for its members. And Seabrook Republican Richard Morris has proposed requiring fire-safe cigarettes. |
| chandler Return to index of stories... |
Gene Chandler is the favorite to win a nomination for a third term as House speaker despite ethics complaints. The 57-year-old Chandler is from Bartlett. He's one of only two announced candidates. Sixty-four-year-old Anthony DiFruscia of Windham is the other. Chandler's troubles stem from 64-thousand-dollars he raised, but didn't report. He says it was a mistake he'll correct if he can. The legislative Ethics Committee and the attorney general's office are investigating. Republicans go into a secret caucus Thursday to pick the nominee. The full House votes December first. Democrats pick their nominee Saturday. They could have a say in who becomes speaker if Republicans are divided. Gene Chandler is favored to be nominated for a third term as House speaker. That's despite two investigations into 64-thousand-dollars he raised, but didn't report. He says it was a mistake he'll correct if he can. Chandler is one of only two announced G-O-P candidates for speaker. Republicans pick their nominee Thursday. Democrats choose theirs Saturday. =================== CONCORD - House Speaker Gene Chandler is favored to win his party’s nomination this week for a third term as speaker, despite unresolved ethics complaints against him. Chandler, 57, of Bartlett, and Rep. Anthony DiFruscia, 64, of Windham are the only two announced candidates going into Thursday’s secret GOP caucus to pick a speaker nominee. The full House votes on Dec. 1. If Republican representatives can’t decide between the two, former House Speaker Doug Scamman, 63, of Stratham, may step in as a compromise candidate. Scamman led the House for two terms in the late 1980s. He left the House and ran unsuccessfully for Congress, then became former Gov. Steve Merrill’s budget adviser. He later worked at the state Department of Transportation before winning a new term to the House this month. Meanwhile, Democrats will meet on Saturday to pick their nominee to the post. Democrats only hold 147 of the 400 seats, which means their nominee most likely will become the minority leader. If Republicans fail to support their nominee with sufficient numbers, Democrats could join forces with Republicans to elect the speaker. The Democrats running are Terie Norelli, 52, of Portsmouth, Jim Craig, 53, of Manchester, Dan Eaton, 48, of Stoddard, and Jay Phinizy, 57, of Acworth. "If no one has a majority on the first ballot on , then Democrats certainly will have some input," said Norelli. In the Senate, Keene Republican Tom Eaton has enough support to be assured a second term as president when votes are cast Dec. 1. Chandler’s troubles stem from $64,000 he raised, but did not report receiving. Lawmakers are required to fill out a disclosure form each year listing major donors and sources of income. Chandler filled one out in 1999 that included donations from the Friends of Gene Chandler, but stopped doing so when he became speaker. Chandler received donations over several years at annual Corn Roast Galas sponsored by the Friends Committee. Chandler said he used the money mostly for car expenses, although he said he may have used some of the money to make a mortgage payment. Much of the money came from lobbyists, corporations, interest groups and others with a stake before the Legislature. Chandler acknowledges it was a mistake not to report the gifts and said he will do whatever he can to correct it. The legislative Ethics Committee is investigating whether he broke ethics rules; and the Attorney General’s Office is investigating whether he broke state campaign finance or gift laws. DiFruscia asked the Attorney General’s Office to investigate to lift "an intolerable cloud of suspicion, not merely on Speaker Chandler, but the entire House." DiFruscia wants the investigation to include whether lobbyists and business groups violated state laws governing donations. The "gifts, testimonials, and honorariums" law requires annual disclosure of gifts over $50. The law does not require officials to report how the money is spent, however. Violating the law is a misdemeanor. Rep. Ken Weyler, a Kingston Republican who chairs DiFruscia’s speaker’s campaign, and Keene Democrat Charles Weed asked the Ethics Committee to conduct a separate investigation. The committee can recommend that a legislator be expelled, reprimanded, censured or denied certain privileges. The committee meets Monday and many expect it to call for a public hearing. A hearing probably would not be held until after a new ethics committee is appointed. The current members’ terms expire Dec. 1. Chandler wants the committee to hold off until the Attorney General’s Office completes its investigation. |
| key: State Politics / Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 11/19/04 HOST: Beth Carroll LENGTH: 26:15 Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. Governor-Elect John Lynch gets a dose of the budget this week, Senator John McCain was back in NH -- The Ralph Nader Re-count gets underway in NH -- and, a team of SEGWAY film-makers journey to the devices local birthplace. Here to talk about all this: James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com in Concord, and here in Durham, Jeff Feingold of New Hampshire Business Review, and Edith Tucker of the Coos County Democrat. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAMES OF PARTICIPANTS: James Pindell \PoliticsNH.com Jeff Feingold \NH Business Review Edith Tucker\Coos County Democrat |
| key: National Politics / Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 11/19/04 HOST: Beth Carroll LENGTH: 26:15 Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. Governor-Elect John Lynch gets a dose of the budget this week, Senator John McCain was back in NH -- The Ralph Nader Re-count gets underway in NH -- and, a team of SEGWAY film-makers journey to the devices local birthplace. Here to talk about all this: James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com in Concord, and here in Durham, Jeff Feingold of New Hampshire Business Review, and Edith Tucker of the Coos County Democrat. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAMES OF PARTICIPANTS: James Pindell \PoliticsNH.com Jeff Feingold \NH Business Review Edith Tucker\Coos County Democrat |
| key: Technology Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 11/19/04 HOST: Beth Carroll LENGTH: 26:15 Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. Governor-Elect John Lynch gets a dose of the budget this week, Senator John McCain was back in NH -- The Ralph Nader Re-count gets underway in NH -- and, a team of SEGWAY film-makers journey to the devices local birthplace. Here to talk about all this: James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com in Concord, and here in Durham, Jeff Feingold of New Hampshire Business Review, and Edith Tucker of the Coos County Democrat. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAMES OF PARTICIPANTS: James Pindell \PoliticsNH.com Jeff Feingold \NH Business Review Edith Tucker\Coos County Democrat |