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 HelloReturn to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. It's been a week of New Beginnings as the state ushers in a New Governor.and the 2005 Legislative session gets underway. Here to talk about what we can expect in the days ahead: Norma Love from the Associated Press, and James Pindell of PoliticsNH.com in Concord -- and, here in Durham, Edith Tucker from the Coos County Democrat, and Mike Pomp, WTSN-News Director and Talkshow Host. Welcome & Happy New Year. |
| Intro Lynch Return to index of stories... |
We begin with the inauguration of John Lynch -- who began his first full day as Governor this friday. His Inaugural address -- outling his agenda -- spoke to the issues of Education Funding and Health Insurance amid promises of high ethics and honesty in his administration. Richard Ager has more on the new Governor's speech and reaction from state lawmakers. |
| Inauguration Tag Return to index of stories... |
NOw, the real works begins. Governor John Lynch -- has already hit the ground running. He held a news conference in Council Chambers just a short time ago. Q NORMA: You were there -- what did Mr Lynch have to say? Q JAMES: You've seen your share of Inaugurations -- start us off what were your observations about Lynch's Inaugural Address? Q EDITH/MIKE: How'd he do -- how was his message received? Q How much will things change with a DEMOCRAT in office? Q How would you Compare the LYNCH Inauguration to BENSONS'? Speech lasted about 25 minutes -- wrapped up early -- had about a dozen Standing Ovations- Lynch quoted DANIEL Webster.Benson quoted Winston Churchill "We've run out of money -- now, its time to think" Q SB-110 the HEALTH-CARE REFORM measure that brought more INSURERS into the state. Lynch wants it REPEALED. Is their POLTICAL will for repeal? Q STATE EMPLOYEES: Contract talks were stalled under the Benson Administration -- are now back on. Lynch obviouslyTrying to "reach out" to the Union. ** But -- given state's FISCAL problems, how can the STATE afford to pick up the entire tab for health costs? Lynch has NOT ruled out LAYOFFS? **The EASTER EGG HUNT for employee's kids is back on. Q ETHICS: A big theme. He talked about an Ethics Commission -- requring employees to sign finanical disclosure forms. He believes he's got a MANDATE of sorts when it comes to ethics. DOES HE? Q Did he OVERPLAY the ethics references. Some Took OFFENSE to the references to an HONEST Government -- they say it implied Craig Benson was DISHONEST. He may have made some misjudgements but was not DISHONEST. Q FORMER GOVERNORS Walter Peterson, Steve Merrill, and John Sunnunu there. Bill Shaheen was there representing his wife Jeanne Shaheen. Couldn't help but notice the SEATING arrangment. BILL SHAHEEN -- placed next to Governor Craig Benson. Had to be mighty uncomfortable for Benson during the numerous references to ETHICS. Q BENSON: Some didn't expect him to show for the InAuguration -- SUPRISED? ** NORMA: What are Craig Benson's plans for the future. MOVED his famous 3 legged desk from the statehouse the other day Tough being the exiting governor?? Q EDUCATION: Gov Lynch says he wants to solve the Education FUNDING dilemma THIS YEAR. Hasn't every Governor wanted to do that. What does LYNCH need to do to make that happen? Q JOHN LYNCH inherits some of the same problems BENSON faced: a budget shortfall & an impasse over school funding, increasing Medicaid costs. He's got some TOUGH decisions ahead? DOESN'T SEEM TO BE A BIG FAN OF GRANITE care Q The LEGISLATURE kicked off its 2005 Session this week. The budget is one of their top priorities. John Lynch repeatedly spoke of BIPARTISANSHIP -- will he be able to get lawmakers cooperation -- something Craig Benson was unable to do? weekly breakfast meeting Scamman & Eaton. Q SLOT MACHINES: Being proposed at NH race tracks to deal with the budget deficit. NOT in Speech. Does EXPANDED gaming have a chance here in NH? * Scammon says it's not the right direction for the state Q TIMBERING: Governor Lynch talked about preserving the ENVIRONMENT. Some lawmakers worry New Hampshire's LOGGING industry is growing too quickly -- there's talk of TIGHTER Restrictions. Timbering is big business in the North Country. What are County Commissioners HOPING for from GOVERNOR LYNCH. Q APPOINTMENTS: Lynch needs to appoint an EDUCATION commissionier. One paper reported that Manchester Mayor Bob Baines name has surfaced. Lynch has been closed lipped. Any BUZZ on replacement. ATTORNEY GENERAL: Kelly Ayotte's term up in March. Wants to stay but is a Republican appointed by Benson. Q Bruce Keough -- said to be laying groundwork for another run. Narrowly lost in 2002. Q A portsmouth Atty called on Lynch to scale back on Inaugural fluff - use money for Tsunami Relief. Tough Criticism to counter. Inaugural ball this Saturday.in North County. HOW important are these events? |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
MY thanks to Norma Love and James Pindell in Concord, and Mike Pomp and Edith Tucker in Durham. And, thank you for watching. I'm Beth Carroll. We'll see you next time. |
| Tonight at 10 Promo Return to index of stories... |
Monday on New Hampshire Outlook: The role a UNH scientist is playing in studying recent activity at Mount Saint Helens. Join us Monday at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Public Television. =========================== Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook: The role a UNH scientist is playing in studying recent activity at Mount Saint Helens. Join us tonight at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Public Television. |
| Video Poker Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Eaton-Gambling Eaton supports video poker at race tracks nmlstfls CONCORD, N.H. - Senate President Tom Eaton today said he supports legalizing video poker at New Hampshire's four race tracks. Eaton said he also would consider expanding gambling in the future to include the state's grand hotels. Eaton said state Senator Lou D'Allesandro -- a Manchester Democrat -- is working on a gambling bill. D'Allesandro estimates putting state-operated video poker machines at the four tracks will raise 200 million dollars a year for the state. D'Allesandro has tried unsuccessfully to pass the bill, but the composition of the House and Senate has changed since his last attempt. Eaton said he doesn't know if gambling will have fare better this time, but there are not many other alternatives to raising money to help pay for spending in the next state budget. Governor-elect John Lynch says the state faces a 300 million revenue shortfall if it continues all the existing programs at their same levels. He's also said he would have to be persuaded that expanding gambling is the right thing for New Hampshire. AP-NY-01-03-05 1341EST |
| Shaheen/Mideast Return to index of stories... |
MADBURY, N.H. - Former Governor Jeanne Shaheen is headed to the Mid-East to be part of an international team monitoring the Palestinian elections this weekend. Shaheen is one of the team's five leaders. She says she hopes a smooth election will lay the groundwork for peace in the region. The election is to replace Yassir Arafat, who died in November. The 80-member team is led by former President Jimmy Carter. |
| Tsnumami Relief Return to index of stories... |
CONCORD, N.H. - A Portsmouth lawmaker wants political leaders to scale back inaugural activities so more money can be spent aiding tsunami victims. Democratic Representative Jim Splaine says governors and the president should reduce - what he called - the "usual fluff and puff" of inaugural balls and related activities. He says the ceremonial expense around the country is an elaborate waste. He says much of the money could be given to relief agencies instead. Pam Walsh, a spokeswoman for Governor-elect John Lynch, said Lynch has not lost sight of the tragedy and will give people at his inaugural events the chance to help in tsunami relief. |
| contract talks Return to index of stories... |
CONCORD, N.H. - Representatives of New Hampshire's state workers' union and Governor-elect John Lynch's administration have met to resume stalled contract talks. The union has been working under an expired contract. |
| Timber Return to index of stories... |
I will have been up in an airplane to look at liquidation harvesting that is taking place between Berlin and Errol. County planning board and county commissioners are concerned, and the work of these cut-and-run operators will likely spark a debate on whether NH should follow the lead of VT and ME in passing some timbering restrictions. LANCASTER, N.H. - Some state lawmakers are concerned that northern New Hampshire's logging industry is growing too quickly and eventually could cripple itself. They are calling for tighter restrictions. Colebrook state Representative Fred King says this year's logging plans call for sharp increases, threatening the industry's future health. Charlie Niebling, of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, says rapid cutting threatens wetlands and wildlife, could prompt the government to intervene and opens the door to development. But some industry officials and legislators said the concerns were unfounded. Berlin State Senator John Gallus says private property rights are involved. He says he doesn't want to see any over-regulation. |
| Nick Donohue Return to index of stories... |
Commissioner Donohue is available for questions at 271-3144. To: Media Outlets From: Nicholas Donohue, NH Commissioner of Education Re: Decision on Position as Commissioner Date: December 20, 2004 Out of respect for the relationship we have developed over the years, I wanted to personally inform you of a decision I have come to relative to my position. After much deliberation, I have decided not to pursue reappointment as New Hampshire's Commissioner of Education. Therefore, I am resigning my position as of the end of the day Thursday, January 6, 2005. My four years as Commissioner and three years as Deputy Commissioner represent a wonderful time for me, both personally and professionally. As we all know, any transition brings with it mixed emotions. And while I have a deep sense of loss on account of the day to day personal relationships- and will miss many aspects of the Commissioner's job - I am completely clear about the correctness of my decision for my family, myself as a person and my career. The friendships I have developed will stay with me as I move on to pursue other endeavors. I want to thank each and every person who works at the Department for their contribution and for allowing me the honor of supporting their efforts. I am proud of our many accomplishments. We have worked hard to begin to put into place a school accountability and improvement system that is strong and fair. We continue to strive to establish a broad, credible set of measures that define quality and respond decisively when these standards are not met. Our historic multi-state work on student assessment systems is just one example of the creative approaches we take to achieve excellence in education. We have begun a serious look at our high schools, how they are organized and toward what ends. Moving forward, we must commit ourselves to a student assessment system that is not just about standardized test scores, but one that measures gains over time and includes evidence-based, competency-based demonstrations by students of what they know and do. The demonstrations should focus on complex problems that model challenges students will face in the "real world." We also need to review and radically revise the way we compensate educators. Our state's teachers are a true treasure, and right now education is an underpaid profession. In addition, school funding must move away from a debate concerning how to distribute available resources toward a real analysis of how an adequate education is defined and its costs. As I reflect on what stands out most brightly for me in my years at the Department, it is our commitment to the whole child rather than simply a test score. Moving forward, we need to continue in this direction and stay focused on what really matters - student learning and success. While I have no firm career plans at this time, my background in education will clearly effect the path I pursue in the future, but my immediate plans are simply to enjoy an extended winter holiday with my family. Thank you for the opportunity to work with you over the years. David Donohue Media Relations Specialist High Point Communications Group, Inc. 553 Route 3A, Building #3 Bow, NH 03304 ddonohue@highpointcommunications.com www.highpointcommunications.com 603.226.3000 - voice 603.228.3003 - fax |
| legislature info Return to index of stories... |
The session's top priority is to get a new budget by July first. A new poll finds that 63 percent of New Hampshire residents favor cutting the budget rather than raising taxes to cover spending. CONCORD, N.H. - House Speaker Doug Scamman began the new legislative session today by promising lawmakers they will be heard, whether they are concerned about big or small issues. The Legislature convened mostly to introduce bills and do other housekeeping duties. LANCASTER, N.H. - Some state lawmakers are concerned northern New Hampshire's logging industry is growing too quickly, threatening the industry's future. They want tighter restrictions. But others say private property rights are involved and they don't want to over-regulate timber cutting. |
| key: State Politics / Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 1/7/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 20:45 Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. It's been a week of New Beginnings as the state ushers in a New Governor and the 2005 Legislative session gets underway. Here to talk about what we can expect in the days ahead: Norma Love from the Associated Press, and James Pindell of PoliticsNH.com in Concord and, here in Durham, Edith Tucker from the Coos County Democrat, and Mike Pomp, WTSN-News Director and Talkshow Host. Welcome & Happy New Year. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Norma Love\Associated Press, James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com, Edith Tucker\Coos County Democrat, Mike Pomp\News Director, WTSN-1270 AM |
| key: State Politics / Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 1/7/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 5:15 minutes We begin with the inauguration of John Lynch who began his first full day as Governor this friday. His Inaugural address outlining his agenda spoke to the issues of Education Funding and Health Insurance amid promises of high ethics and honesty in his administration. Richard Ager has more on the new Governor's speech and reaction from state lawmakers. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Gov. John Lynch\ New Hampshire, Sen. Tom Eaton\NH Senate President, John Sununu\NH Governor , Bill Shaheen\NH Democratic Party, Rep. Doug Scamman\NH House Speaker |
| Post Show Log Return to index of stories... |
Friday, January 7, 2005: We had to wait a few minutes for one of our guests to arrive. We started around 2:15pm. We had to stop briefly to make an edit because of a wrong key. We finished by 3pm. |