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 HelloReturn to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to New Hampshire Outlook. In this program -- we look at the week-in-review. Among the stories making news: The mad dash to return the AY-bruh-mauf Cash, The 2006 Legislative Session kicks off, Coping with a North Country Mill closing, and what to do with all those highway tokens. Here to talk about all this and more from Concord: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph and Jeff Feingold from NH Business Review. And here in Durham, James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com and Edith Tucker from Coos County Democrat. Welcome to all of you. |
| Abramoff money Return to index of stories... |
We begin with the scandal "rocking" Washington involving convicted lobbyist Jack AY-bruh-mahf and alleged influence peddling. Members of Congress -- including NH Senators Judd Gregg and John Sununu -- are scrambling to return AY-brah-mauf linked campaign contributions -- and to distance themselves from the disgraced lobbyist. Both have donated the money to charity. Q KEVIN/JEFF: How big an issue is this for NH's delegation. JAMES/EDITH: your thoughts. Q How Much Money in NH are we talking about?? Q JAMES: A big push now in Congress to clean-up the relationships between lobbyists and lawmakers. Americans may loathe the wheeling and dealing of lobbyists -- but, that's the way Washington works. As one reporter wrote: at the end of the day there should be enuf scandal to go around. Q Broad corruption investigation into members of Congress-- what are we likely to see? |
| Ethics Commission Return to index of stories... |
The role of Lobbyists -- was also a point of contention as NH's 2006 Legislative Session kicked off on Wednesday. A vote on an Ethics Commission for the executive branch -- sparked a predicted "partisan debate". IN: I came here to vote on an ethics.bill OUT: whole bill.gotcha IN: some of those who would like. OUT: we will In the end the House approved the bill that tightens rules about gifts to public officials and the role of lobbyists. Q KEVIN/JEFF: Why such rancor? Q Senate version only set up an ethics commission for the executive branch. House version includes rules on lobbyists, volunteers, gifts, and changed the way the panel was appointed. Why so many changes? Q Gov Lynch says he won't allow the bill to become law without major changes. what's he holding out for?? Q Make up the ethics panel still an issue? Q Any sense as to what a conference committee might do with this bill?? Whalley says he remains open to change.and expects negotiations to include senators and the governor. Q What happens next? Q At one point Rep DeJoie.mentioned having a list of those convicted or charged or being tried for ethics violations. Several Dozen Republicans had to be restrained from walking out of the chamber. |
| Michelle's Law Return to index of stories... |
Passing "Michelle's Law" was one of the first acts of the house. The measure is aimed at helping college students keep health insurance if they get sick and need to leave school. It was inspired by the life and death of 22-year-old Michelle Morse, who attended Plymouth State University after being diagnosed with colon cancer. The vote brought an emotional response from Michelle's mom. The bill requires insurers to cover students under their parent's plan for a year -- if a student takes a medical leave of absense. Q KEVIN/JEFF: Was there any talk that Michelle's Law might raise INsurance rates? No DEBATE? Q Obviously an emotional issue. Michelle-- apparently went against doctors and worked a full course load to maintain affordable health care coverage for her family. ** Any predictions on what the SENATE might do with this? Under this law.would a student who broke a leg be able to take advantage of this?? |
| Juveniles Return to index of stories... |
The House also endorsed a plan to treat 17-year-old offenders as juveniles instead of adults. Currently, 17-year-olds who commit crimes are sent to the state prison and county jails along with adults. The measure raises the age of a juvenile in serious crimes -- from 17 to 18. Q Kevin: Wasn't it only years ago that the age was LOWERED? Whats the argument for keeping a youngster in the juvenile justice system for an EXTRA year. Q The bill passed -- what happens next. Goes to finance committee to determine cost --and then back to house for a 2nd vote? |
| Alstead Money Return to index of stories... |
ALL-stead residents who lost property in last fall's floods -- are looking to the Legislature for help. A bill is being proposed to spend 4-million dollars on a buyout plan to purchase up to 28 properties destroyed or damaged in the floods. If approved, the state would own the property and a commission would look into possible uses for the land, including parks, conservation lands or agriculture. Q KEVIN: Legislation was slated to be introduced this week. Did that happen. Money come from rainy day fund?? Typically -- when would a bill introduced in January get to the Senate? Q Any likely opposition. Sen Pres Ted Gatsas has pledged support to flood ravaged areas. Will this be FAST TRACKED?? Politically difficult to oppose??? |
| Groveton Paper VO Return to index of stories... |
The North Country may soon need a state assist with the Groveton Paperboard Mill closing in March. It will cost 108 employees their jobs. The shutdown will affect far more than those workers.spilling over to the logging and trucking industries and suppliers. During a meeting in the Executive Council Chambers, the Governor promised state help to laid off workers. Governor Lynch also re-iterated the need to diversify the North Country's economy. He's applied for 13-million dollars in federal grants to do just that. Q Edith: How devastating is this to the local economy? Q EDITH: Governor expected to travel to the region this week to deal with this issues and others facing the North Country. Q JEFF/KEVIN: From a political perspective -- is the Governor striking the right note on this one? Q JAMES: A UNH poll in Novermber showed 71% of the state approved of the job he's doing. ** It sounds like Bruce Keough, who many believed to be the Republicans best chance of knocking out Lynch -- WON'T be running for Governor. Q KEVIN/JEFF: It being 2006 -- no longer too early to ask who Republicans might put up against LYnch??? JAMES: Also in the way of Politics.Manchester's New Mayor Frank Guinta gave his Inaugural Address this week, While out-going Mayor Bob Baines gave his farewell speech. Anything of note -- ?? ===== Q The town of Troy is giving the green light for an abandoned mill complex to be turned into condos and stores. The town has approved a zoning change to allow the Troy Mills manufacturing plant to be renovated. The plant was the town's largest employer for more than a century before it closed in 2001, leaving the town with a huge empty building and a hefty tax deficit. Construction is scheduled to begin in September. The project will include as many as 150 condos, underground parking, stores, a health club, restaurant, movie theater and offices. |
| Tokens Return to index of stories... |
An end of an era this week in NH -- with the death of the highway token. On Sunday, the state stopped accepting the token at tollbooths. Some drivers tried to sneak tokens in by sandwiching them between quarters -- others, who obviously were a bit more frustrated, actually threw tokens at toll takers. Ouch!! All this leads to the question: what to do with all those left over highway tokens now worthless pieces of metal. Q State feeling the heat from Residents on Highway Tokens. Does the Dept of Transporation have any plans to BUY-back tokens? Q Heard talk they might buy back ROLLED tokens -- which has some up in arms. Anyone who's bought tokens knows that collectors generally open your roll take the toll and give you what's left. Q Any left over tokens?? What do you plan to do with them? What should state do? What about a CREDIT on your e-z pass account??? ** just discovered a stash the other day -- waiting to find out if they're worth trading in. |
| NH Pumpkin Bill Return to index of stories... |
Finally, make way for the "Great Pumpkin!" A group of New Hampshire fourth graders from Harrisville want lawmakers to name the pumpkin the state fruit, they testified before lawmakers on Thursday. Lawmakers did hear some opposition from a Concord apple grower. Q Pumpkins/apples, any chance we'll see a new state fruit named this session?? |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
My thanks to Kevin Landrigan and Jeff Feingold in Concord. And James Pindell and Edith Tuckier here in Durham. And, thank you for watching. I'm Beth Carroll. I'll see you next time. |
| aLSTEAD Return to index of stories... |
fall's floods in Alstead may get some relief from the Legislature. Lawmakers will see legislation to have the state spend four million dollars to help buy flood-damaged property. CONCORD, N.H. - Residents of flood-ravaged Alstead are looking to the Legislature for some help getting back on their feet. Stoddard Democrat Daniel Eaton plans to introduce legislation to have the state spend four million dollars toward a cooperative buyout of flood-damaged land. The money would cover the purchase of up to 28 properties destroyed or severely damaged in the October flood. In some cases, homes and the property they sat on were washed away, leaving behind only bedrock or a widened streambed. If approved, the state would own the property and a commission would look into possible uses for the land, including state or memorial parks, conservation lands or agriculture. |
| tokens Return to index of stories... |
By Colin Manning Democrat Staff Writer statehouse@fosters.com CONCORD — The end of the year will mark the end of an era for New Hampshire. By Jan. 1, the state's turnpike tokens emblazoned with the profile of the Old Man of the Mountain will no longer be accepted at the tolls. The state stopped selling the coins, which give users a 50 percent discount, in September to make way for E-ZPass, the electronic toll collection system. Tokens first appeared in the state in 1955, and gave users a 30 percent discount, the same break drivers get now by using E-ZPass. As tokens come into the tolls now, they are seized and stockpiled in "an undisclosed location." Transportation Commissioner Carol Murray said she's keeping the location of the 9.5 million cache of tokens secret because they are still worth a pass through the toll plazas and she doesn't want anyone trying to loot the stash. The biggest question will be what to do with all those tokens, which cost the state about 3.5 cents each to mint. "That's a discussion I will be having with Administrative Services, the governor's office and ultimately the Legislature," Murray said Monday, three weeks before the final phaseout of the tokens. "If someone has an idea for another use for them I would love to hear about it." Rep. Liz Hager, R-Concord, has already begun an alternative use for the tokens. The longtime state representative has created "token of appreciation" earrings. Hager jokes the real cost is $16, but keeping with the spirit of the 50 percent discount, she's only charging $8. They're for sale at the Statehouse Visitor's Center. Murray said there may be a market for those who want to purchase tokens turned into jewelry such as earrings, cufflinks and tie tacks. The problem is no one has jumped forward to mass produce such items. "There may be a charitable organization that could be interested in doing something like that, and that certainly is one option," Murray said. As for the bulk of the token piles, Murray foresees the coins being sold for scrap. Since E-ZPass was launched this summer, the collection system continues to grow in popularity. The latest numbers show 48 percent of motorists statewide are using E-ZPass, while token usage has dropped to just 8 percent. The commissioner said it is likely there are very few tokens left in circulation. Meanwhile, the state has sold more than 250,000 E-ZPass transponders. Drivers using cash — meaning those paying the full toll — is at about 40 percent which is helping increase turnpike revenues. "E-ZPass is actually ahead of what we were predicting, which is a good thing. We would like to see it jump up over 50 percent," Murray said. "Will we get there? I think we will." E-ZPass usage varies tremendously across the state. The Bedford Plaza along the F.E. Everett Turnpike continues to see the highest E-ZPass volume with 56 percent usage. The Dover and Rochester toll plazas, which had been lagging behind the rest of the state in terms of E-ZPass usage, has now caught up registering about 48 percent at both locations along the Spaulding Turnpike. As for the Spaulding, Murray said the revenue trends should allow construction on widening the turnpike through Rochester to begin sometime next fall. "I feel cautiously optimistic. The trends are tracking what we predicted," Murray said. "I'm much more optimistic now about starting Rochester than I was before. I'm not sure we'll be ready to issue a bond by spring because that would be really fast." The $100 million widening project has already been delayed about six months, but Murray said that has nothing to do with E-ZPass. Because turnpike revenues were flat before E-ZPass, construction projects throughout the state were in danger of stalling. Once tokens are gone for good, Murray said her agency will have a better idea of what the revenue picture will look like. "We're in a better position now than we were even before we launched E- ZPass. Before it was business as usual with no hope of increasing revenue," the commissioner said. "We always knew E-ZPass would carry a cost, but we were facing a real revolt from turnpike users if we did not implement an electronic toll collection system." Sen. Dick Green, a Rochester Republican, is more optimistic about starting the widening project. "I think the turnpike fund is in good shape. The revenue structure is going to accommodate what we need to do by springtime," Green said. "The commissioner is cautious because she has to be. What I'm basing my comment on is the fact the trends are showing the fund should be strong enough to get bonding for the widening of the Spaulding Turnpike by springtime. By then the state will be able to show it has the capacity to pay back bonds." Green added political posturing between the Legislature and the governor and Executive Council led to some saying E-ZPass would delay projects like the Spaulding. "That whole debate was over legislation and whether the Legislature should get involved in setting tolls which has always been up to the governor and council," Green said. "Now, if someone wants to make the case the revenue picture is not as positive as they'd like to see it in terms of the entire 10-year highway plan, I would have to agree. But I'm only focused on projects in my district." With the elimination of tokens, Murray said Department of Transportation officials will further refine the look at the tolls, including improved signage when approaching the plazas. Also, the department will look at allowing all lanes to accept E-ZPass, even if they are manned by attendants accepting cash. "I think that might be the right answer. That way if you're an E-ZPass user, you can use any lane," Murray said. "We're going to see where the market share settles and we're going to give that some time." There are also those with stacks of tokens who want the state DOT to refund their money. "That would be an incredible administrative burden to undertake. Plus, we want to see how many are actually out there before we talk about redeeming tokens," Murray said. "I would just encourage people to use their tokens up before Jan. 1." Confusion takes its toll after highway tokens terminated By Katharine Webster, Associated Press Writer | January 3, 2006 HOOKSETT, N.H. --Confusion took its toll on drivers on Interstate 93 at the end of the New Year's holiday weekend, a day after the state stopped accepting discounted highway tokens. Southbound traffic backed up two miles behind the Hooksett toll plaza late Monday afternoon during the final phase of the transition to E-ZPass transponders. Baskets in four exact-change lanes were covered; instead, attendants in the normally unstaffed lanes accepted cash, made change if necessary, and told drivers their tokens were no longer valid. Cash and E-ZPass were accepted as usual in three right-hand lanes, while two lanes in the middle were for E-ZPass users only. Bill Boynton, spokesman for the state Department of Transportation, said no backups were reported at the state's other toll plazas Monday evening. "There were some problems with tokens being whipped at the attendants," Boynton said Tuesday. "Some of them were being handed to attendants sandwiched between quarters to hide them -- kind of an innovative Oreo cookie with quarters." YOUR VIEW: What did you think of the change? Some people even tried to hand in their unused tokens. The department hopes to have a rebate or refund plan set up for unused tokens within a week. State transportation officials plan to keep attendants in the exact-change lanes for another week to ease the transition, while signs continue warning drivers that tokens are no good. Next week, the exact-change baskets will be uncovered again and will accept only quarters. People who pay with tokens will not get a green light and could face a $25 fine. After that, as E-ZPass usage climbs, some of the exact-change lanes will probably be converted to E-ZPass, Boynton said. Nearly half of all drivers going through the state's toll plazas now have E-ZPass transponders. "Exact change lanes have mostly been used for tokens. so we'll be taking another look at those lanes," Boynton said. "The last thing we want to do is make E-ZPass customers sit." © Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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| LEGISLATION Return to index of stories... |
When New Hampshire lawmakers return to Concord for the 2006 session tomorrow, leaders expect to focus on managing an unexpected budget surplus, tightening laws to keep predators away from children and protecting property owners from the use of eminent domain for economic development. Energy and health-care issues top the agendas for both parties, but priorities could shift if the state Supreme Court forces the Legislature to revisit education funding. And controversy could arise over issues as varied as voter identification and whether to amend the Constitution to ban same-sex marriage. The hundreds of bills and resolutions under consideration include plans to ban smoking in restaurants and bars, extend health-care benefits to college students on medical leave and lower the drinking age to 18 for members of the military. But even in an election year, the Senate president, House speaker and governor predict more bipartisan cooperation, not political sniping. "My hope is not to see any partisanship until after June 15," said Senate President Ted Gatsas, a Manchester Republican, referring to the expected end of the session and traditional beginning of the campaign season. Democratic Gov. John Lynch - who so far faces no clear challenger in November's election - ran on a platform of ethics, integrity and collaboration, all of which will remain his themes this year, said Pam Walsh, a spokeswoman for the governor. "He's been very adamant that he wants to work in a bipartisan way, and he has no intention of changing that just because it's an election year,"Walsh said. "The Legislature approached last year that way, for the most part, and hopes they continue to do that this year." The 2005 fiscal year ended with a surplus that exceeded expectations by about $50 million. Deciding what to do with that money is the most important decision facing the Legislature, said House Speaker Doug Scamman, a Stratham Republican. Putting that money in the rainy-day account would send a message to Wall Street that the state is fiscally responsible, potentially improving New Hampshire's bond rating and saving the state money in the long run, Scamman said. Scamman supports spending some of the surplus on unanticipated expenses such as fuel increases, but not on adding extra money to items already debated last year. The Legislature's final budget for the biennium diminished some of Lynch's proposals, such as giving the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program $1.5 million instead of $10 million. Lynch has not made a pitch to restore his budget proposals and believes in saving as much of the surplus as possible, Walsh said. The governor supports spending some of the surplus on helping southwestern New Hampshire communities rebuild from the damage wrought by October's floods, Walsh said. Senate Democratic Leader Sylvia Larsen of Concord said she would like to consider saving a "healthy portion" of the surplus and applying the rest - perhaps a half-and-half split - on a mix of unanticipated costs and program restoration, such as LCHIP funding. Gatsas said the Legislature would move swiftly to save the money before it could be diverted. "You will see that bill move at a very quick rate," he said. Lynch's top two legislative priorities both have gained bipartisan support. One is the Child Protection Act, a multifaceted bill that would lengthen prison sentences for child molesters, tighten monitoring laws for sex offenders and allow communities to prohibit registered offenders from moving near schools, day cares and public parks. The other is a proposal to raise the mandatory attendance age for education from 16 to 18, in an effort to reduce the high school dropout rate. The governor also supports legislation to reduce mercury emissions from the state's coal-fired power plants and hopes legislators will reach a compromise on an executive branch ethics bill, which would create a committee to oversee the actions of the governor and Executive Council. Lynch proposed the bill when he ran for office, and a version he supports passed the Senate last year. But the House Election Law Committee wanted to revise the process for naming members to the ethics committee; it also added other provisions, such as stricter financial-disclosure requirements for lobbyists and limitations on who can volunteer to serve the executive branch. Both sides accused the other of playing politics with the bill, and the committee endorsed the amendments along party lines, 11-6, with Republicans favoring the changes. The Election Law Committeehas endorsed a series of measures aimed at fighting voter fraud. They include marking the ballots of same-day registrants with codes so they could be traced in the event a particular voter's residency affidavit is challenged during a recount. "That's the same issue we've had year after year, in different clothing," said Rep. John DeJoie of Concord, communications director for the House Democrats, calling the various measures an attempt at disenfranchising voters. "We might as well take the curtains down and have people call out who they're voting for if we're going to put numbers on the ballots." The Senate Republicans, who outnumber Democrats 16-8, have set a six-point agenda: enhance public safety, with a specific focus on children; prohibit the employment of illegal aliens and define illegal trespassing; clarify existing laws to prevent the taking of land by eminent domain for private benefit; require all voters to produce a valid state driver's license or government ID on election day; address alternative means of energy production and work to make utility rates more affordable for families; and support businesses with credits to reduce the costs on their energy bills. The Senate Democrats have a seven-point plan with what they say is a focus on families: expand home-heating assistance; improve access to affordable health care and prescription drugs; offer a state-funding match for municipal spraying against mosquito-borne viruses such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis; protect seniors by tightening the penalties for consumer fraud against the elderly; safeguard children by passing the Child Protection Act; and protect privacy rights, including at the voting booth. The Republican House leadership has divided its priorities into five categories: economic development/fiscal responsibility, which includes saving the budget surplus and reducing government restrictions on business; ethics and voting, which includes the House Election Committee amendments; safety, rights and liberties, which includes eminent-domain, child-protection and illegal-alien issues; education initiatives, such as increasing school-choice options for parents and students; and health care accessibility, with measures designed to keep the cost down for consumers and businesses. House Democrats will roll out their official agenda this week, but the priorities are expected to be issues that benefit working families, seniors and the disabled, DeJoie said. Among other issues, the Democrats will work on a prescription-drug plan and call for the state Office of Energy and Planning to play a more active role in helping towns craft zoning ordinances to cope with growth, DeJoie said. And House Democrats will try to defeat a bill that would allow employees to opt out of paying union dues. Proponents call it a right-to-work law. Opponents say it would undercut employees' ability to organize and bargain collectively. A proposed smoking ban could prompt interesting debate. New Hampshire is the last state in New England to allow smoking in restaurants and bars. The House defeated a similar proposal soundly a few years ago, when the New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Association opposed it. But public opinion has shifted, and the association adopted a neutral position after a recent member poll. The marriage amendment -which would make male-female marriages the only legally recognized unions in the state - would need to pass several steps to take effect, requiring three-fifths approval in both the House and the Senate and two-thirds approval on a statewide ballot. Rep. Michael Balboni, a Nashua Republican, is the lead sponsor on the amendment resolution, which will start with a review by the House Judiciary Committee. Balboni expects wider support from the public than from his fellow legislators, which is why he wants his colleagues to approve the resolution even if they disagree with its intent. "That's really what we're all about as representatives, is the people," Balboni said. "It's important for representatives to allow their constituents, the people they represent, to have a say on this issue." DeJoie said House Democrats would fight the resolution. "We don't believe the Constitution is the right document to enshrine discrimination," he said. "It's a document of liberties and freedoms, not a document of exclusions." Balboni isn't sure what to expect. "We're going to have to do some major convincing" in the Legislature, he said. The House Republican leadership has not taken a position on the amendment. Scamman said he expected individual legislators would "vote their conscience," not take direction from the committee or the party. "Legislators know how they're going to feel about that,"he said. And Sen. Jack Barnes, a Republican from Raymond and one of the cosponsors of the resolution, isn't sure senators will get to vote on it, much less citizens at the polls. "It might not even get over here," Barnes said. In November, a Monitor poll of 600 likely voters from across the state showed 58 percent supported an amendment to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman, 31 percent opposed it and 11 percent were not sure. End-of-life bills among those facing Legislature this week By NORMA LOVE The Associated Press 12 hours, 16 minutes ago CONCORD — The Legislature convenes for its 2006 session this week, with nearly 100 pieces of legislation, including Michelle's Law, expected to be considered tomorrow. Just as many should come up in the coming weeks. The Senate will act on the bills later. End-of-life decisions and who has a right to make them is one of the more contentious issues facing lawmakers. The House Judiciary Committee is divided over a proposed update of laws governing living wills and powers of attorney giving a relative or someone else legal authority to make health care decisions for the person. To some degree, the debate parallels last year's legal battle over removing Terri Schiavo's feeding tube to allow her to die. Schiavo died in a Florida hospice after her husband won numerous court battles to have the tube removed. Doctors said she had been in a persistent vegetative state for 15 years, but her parents fought to get the tube reinserted. The House will consider amending the rules and forms used by people to designate someone to make health care decisions for them if they no longer can communicate. A new section will make it clearer when a person does not want to be resuscitated. The new section allows a person — or designated agent if he or she cannot communicate — to create a do-not-resuscitate order with a doctor or nurse practitioner. Rep. Maureen Mooney, R-Merrimack, said the section would put into law a practice now arranged with individual doctors, hospitals and other facilities. She said the change would strengthen a person's ability to have his or her wishes followed. Supporters say the bill also updates the definitions of "near death" and "permanently unconscious." Critics say the bill would give designated decision-makers the authority to make decisions not covered by the directive that could result in death. They argue the definition of "permanently unconscious" is too broad and could be applied to many elderly patients. A partisan battle is expected over a bill that would create a commission to deal with executive branch ethics issues and complaints. The bill also would tighten rules about gifts to public officials and the role of lobbyists. Gov. John Lynch wants the commission created, but objects to the way appointments would be made, said spokesman Pam Walsh. "There's still no absolute guarantee of partisan balance," she said. Lynch also is concerned provisions applying to volunteers could make it harder for people to participate in government, Walsh said. Rep. Mike Whalley, chairman of the House Election Law Committee, disagrees. He believes the commission would be balanced between the parties. Whalley, R-Alton, also says the bill would not deter volunteers. The House also will take up a change to the latest education aid distribution formula to allow all communities to keep the money raised through the state education tax. Currently, three school districts generate more revenue from the tax than they spend and must send a portion to the state. Print Article | Email a FriendSite Search |
| Guinta Return to index of stories... |
A new era in Manchester -- with Frank Guinta now at the helm. The city's new mayor was sworn into office on Tuesday. MANCHESTER, Jan. 3 - Even now, two months after Republican Frank Guinta defeated over incumbent Manchester Mayor Bob Baines, the shock that Guinta would actually be the mayor of the state's largest city only began to set in for Guinta as he took the oath. "It is only beginning to set in to be honest," Guinta said. But here he was, a year after being an aide to a politician, to becoming one of the most important politicians in the entire state; less than a decade after he and his wife moved to the state in a hip, but small downtown mill condo to becoming mayor. By taking office today Guinta becomes the second youngest mayor in Manchester history and the youngest in a century. Speaking in front of Gov. John Lynch, state Supreme Court Chief Justice John Broderick, Congressman Jeb Bradley, and four former Mayors including Baines, Guinta pledged to improve schools, lower crime, and fight to lower taxes. The ceremony, with nearly 200 in the audience, was as non-partisan and respectful as could be expected given some of the nastiness involved in last year's campaign and the shock of Guinta's victory. Baines has contended that Guinta ran a negative campaign in defeating him, but even Guinta aides say Baines has been gracious and helpful in the transition. In his address Guinta called for a complete review of the city schools curriculum and a the implementation of new crime tracking software. On taxes, the signature issue of his campaign, Guinta pledged to offer a zero-based budget. "I will cut taxes," Guinta said despite saying last month that because of property value re-assessments in booming Manchester that cutting taxes could become more difficult. |
| Immigration Return to index of stories... |
CONCORD, N.H. - A group of New Hampshire lawmakers is proposing laws to give the state authority to arrest illegal immigrants. The proposals include increasing penalties for employing illegal aliens and defining being in the state illegally as trespassing. CONCORD, N.H. - A group of New Hampshire lawmakers is proposing laws to give the state authority to arrest illegal immigrants. The lawmakers are following up on highly publicized incidents last year in New Ipswich and Hudson, in which police charged illegal immigrants with trespassing. A judge threw the cases out, saying enforcing immigration laws was a federal responsibility. The bills would increase penalties for employing illegal aliens, make it a crime to aid illegal immigration and define being in the state illegally as trespassing. They also prohibit services for illegal immigrants except in emergencies, make it a crime to use false documents to get a job or services and make it a crime to provide false information to register the car of a foreign national. |
| Border dispute Return to index of stories... |
MILFORD, N.H. - It's going to take the Legislature, the governor and voters in two towns to put a town border back where everyone already thinks it is. Recent land surveys showed that nine houses that for decades have been listed as being in Milford actually are in Amherst. MILFORD, N.H. - It's going to take the Legislature, the governor and voters in two towns to put a town border back where everyone already thinks it is. For decades, maps have shown the border between Milford and Amherst as running behind nine houses on Milford's Summer Street. But recent surveys done for a subdivision show that the line actually runs in front of the homes, putting them in Amherst. Milford has refunded the latest property taxes paid by the households, and Amherst is getting ready to send out new bills. But to make it official, the Legislature will have to pass a bill putting the boundary back, the governor will have to sign it and voters in both towns will have to approve the change at Town Meeting this spring. |
| Abramoff Money Return to index of stories... |
-NH--Lobbyist-Gregg FEC Records Show $10,000 Received From the Indian Tribes Abramoff Pled Guilty of Defrauding CONCORD, NH - The New Hampshire Republican Party must return the $10,000 that was directed to it in 2002 by Jack Abramoff, the Washington lobbyist who pled guilty today to multiple counts of fraud, conspiracy, and tax evasion. "New Hampshire Republican leaders have a choice: reject the culture of corruption and return the tainted money, or accept the consequences in November," said Kathy Sullivan, Chair of the New Hampshire Democratic Party. According to the Associated Press, "Prosecutors say Abramoff and Scanlon conspired to defraud Indian tribes in Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas of millions of dollars... In a five- year span ending in early 2004, tribes represented by the lobbyist contributed millions of dollars in casino income to congressional campaigns, often routing the money through political action committees for conservative lawmakers who opposed gambling." These tribes include the Mississippi Choctaw tribe and the Aqua Caliente tribe, both of which contributed $5,000 - the maximum legal limit - to the NH Republican Party in the fall of 2002. WASHINGTON - President Bush's re-election campaign is giving up $6,000 in campaign contributions connected to lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who faced more guilty pleas as part of a broad-ranging political corruption investigation. The once-powerful lobbyist was due in federal court in Miami later Wednesday to plead guilty to fraud charges stemming from his purchases of a Florida gambling boat fleet called SunCruz. The plea is part of an agreement with prosecutors requiring him to cooperate in a broad corruption investigation into members of Congress. In a plea agreement with government prosecutors Tuesday, Abramoff agreed to tell the FBI about alleged bribes to lawmakers and their aides on issues ranging from Internet gambling to wireless phone service in the House. The full extent of the investigation is not yet known, but Justice Department officials said they intended to make use of the trove of e-mails and other material in Abramoff's possession as part of a probe that is believed to be focusing on as many as 20 members of Congress and aides. "The corruption scheme with Mr. Abramoff is very extensive and we will continue to follow it wherever it leads," said Assistant Attorney General Alice Fisher, head of the Justice Department's criminal division. Bush joined several lawmakers, including House Speaker Dennis Hastert and former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, who have announced plans to donate Abramoff's campaign contributions to charity. Abramoff raised at least $100,000 for the Bush-Cheney '04 re-election campaign, earning the honorary title "pioneer" from the campaign. But the campaign is giving up only $6,000 directly from Abramoff, his wife and one of the Indian tribes that he worked to win influence for in Washington. Abramoff, his wife and the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan each donated $2,000 to the Bush campaign, said Republican National Committee spokeswoman Tracey Schmitt. The rest of the money that Abramoff brought in was from other individuals whom he encouraged to donate to Bush. "At this point, there is nothing to indicate that contributions from those individual donors represents anything other than enthusiastic support for the BC-04 relection campaign," Schmitt said. White House press secretary Scott McClellan said Wednesday that Bush does not know Abramoff personally, although it's possible that the two met at holiday receptions. Abramoff attended three Hanukkah receptions at the Bush White House, the spokesman said. DeLay will give campaign contributions connected to Abramoff to charities, his spokesman, Kevin Madden, said in an e-mail Wednesday. The Texas Republican received at least $57,000 in political contributions from Abramoff, his lobbying associates or his tribal clients between 2001 and 2004. DeLay is now awaiting trial in Texas on charges of laundering campaign money used in races for the state legislature. Court papers in Abramoff's case refer to an aide to DeLay who helped stop anti-gambling legislation regarding the Internet during a time in which DeLay was in the House Republican leadership. Abramoff, the papers state, paid the staffer's wife $50,000 from clients that benefited from the actions of the staffer, identified by a person close to the investigation as Tony Rudy, DeLay's former deputy chief of staff. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the probe is ongoing. Rudy did not return a phone call Tuesday at his lobbying firm. DeLay, R-Texas, voted against his party on the Internet anti-gambling legislation which was designed to make it easier for authorities to stop online gambling sites. DeLay attorney Richard Cullen said he believes that when the investigation is completed and the truth is known that the Justice Department will conclude that his client, who had risen to House majority leader before stepping down from the post last year, did nothing wrong. Abramoff pleaded guilty Tuesday to conspiracy, mail fraud and tax evasion, with his conduct outlined in court papers that refers to "a stream of things of value to public officials in exchange for a series of official acts and influence." The political ramifications of the Abramoff probe were apparent, with minority Democrats intending to make ethics a campaign issue in this election year. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi said Abramoff's confession in court was "not a surprise because this Republican Congress is the most corrupt in history and the American people are paying the price." Some political consultants and analysts are comparing potential damage from the Abramoff investigation to the 1992 House banking scandal that led to the retirement or ouster of 77 lawmakers. Abramoff's cooperation has made lawmakers nervous. The court papers in the Washington case refer to Rep. Bob Ney , R-Ohio, saying that regarding SunCruz, the congressman placed a statement drafted by Abramoff partner Michael Scanlon in the Congressional Record. The statement, the court papers say, was calculated to pressure the owner of SunCruz to sell on terms favorable to Abramoff. Ney denies wrongdoing, saying that "at the time I dealt with Jack Abramoff, I obviously did not know, and had no way of knowing, the self-serving and fraudulent nature of Abramoff's activities." Abramoff and his former partner, Adam Kidan, are charged with concocting a false $23 million wire transfer making it appear they contributed a sizable stake of their own cash into the $147.5 million purchase of cruise ships. The court papers released Tuesday in Washington raised questions about Ney's former chief of staff, Neil Volz. The documents say the ex-staffer contacted the congressman on behalf of an Abramoff client that won a lucrative deal from Ney to improve cell phone reception in House buildings. Volz contacted his ex-boss within one year of leaving the congressman's staff, the court papers say, a possible violation of federal conflict of interest laws which impose a one-year lobbying ban. Volz referred questions to his attorney, who was not immediately available for comment. Abramoff was once a well-connected lobbyist able to command almost unimaginable fees: A Louisiana tribe once paid Scanlon and him more than $30 million over 26 months. Now facing up to 11 years in prison, Abramoff apologized after pleading guilty. "Words will not ever be able to express my sorrow and my profound regret for all my actions and mistakes," Abramoff said. "I hope I can merit forgiveness from the Almighty and those I've wronged or caused to suffer." ___ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: NH Democratic Party, 557-4704 SULLIVAN CHALLENGES NH CONGRESSMAN TO DEMAND NH GOP RETURN ABRAMOFF MONEY Gregg, Sununu, Bush, Delay, and other State Republican Parties Have Returned Abramoff money - but NHGOP clings to $20,000 CONCORD, NH - New Hampshire's all-Republican congressional delegation must demand that their state party return the $20,000 it has taken from the clients of corrupt lobbyist Jack Abramoff, said New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Kathy Sullivan today. In the past two days, dozens of Republican lawmakers and party committees - including Judd Gregg, John Sununu, and other state parties like the Republican Party of Maryland - have been successfully pressured to give away over $500,000 in tainted funds. But in this morning's Union Leader, the NH Republican Party Chair said he will not return the $20,000 in tainted money. "The New Hampshire Republican State Committee continues to show a tin ear when it comes to disassociating itself from Washington's culture of corruption," said New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Kathy Sullivan. "Our all-Republican congressional delegation has a duty to step in and tell their hand- picked chairman to give the money back, since their campaigns benefited from the state party's efforts in 2002 and 2004. It is not enough for Charlie Bass, Jeb Bradley, John Sununu and Judd Gregg to say they oppose to the culture of corruption in Washington - they need to clean up their own house here in New Hampshire by telling their state party to return this tainted money." The New Hampshire Republican Party has taken at least $20,000 from Indian tribes represented by Abramoff, including $10,000 from the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe in 2004 and $5,000 each from the Agua Caliente Band and Mississippi Band of Choctaws in 2002. Despite this limited documentation, only the NHGOP can give a full accounting for the amount of money they received from these Abramoff clients. According to the Associated Press, "Prosecutors say Abramoff and Scanlon conspired to defraud Indian tribes in Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas of millions of dollars... In a five-year span ending in early 2004, tribes represented by the lobbyist contributed millions of dollars in casino income to congressional campaigns, often routing the money through political action committees for conservative lawmakers who opposed gambling." Although the New Hampshire Republican Party platform opposes expanded gambling, the New Hampshire Republican State Committee saw fit to accept money from known gaming interests. ### Q WASHINGTON - Senators Judd Gregg and John Sununu say they are donating contributions tied to convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff to charity. Abramoff pleaded guilty to fraud, corruption and tax-evasion charges yesterday. Gregg and Sununu say their campaigns or political action committees received donations from Indian tribes represented by Abramoff's firm in the past few years. AP-NH--Abramoff-N.H. Dems criticize state GOP over Abramoff money dewho CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire's state Democratic Party is blasting the state G-O-P for saying it will not return money tied to convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Senators Judd Gregg and John Sununu say they are donating money from two Indian tribes once represented by Abramoff to charity, but state G-O-P Chairman Warren Henderson says any money the party got from Abramoff came before he was in charge, and already has been spent. Democratic Chairwoman Kathy Sullivan says the state G-O-P received 20 thousand dollars from clients of Abramoff. She says Gregg, Sununu and the rest of the congressional delegation must demand that the G-O-P return it. Abramoff pleaded guilty this week to three federal charges as part of an agreement requiring him to cooperate in a broad corruption investigation into members of Congress. |
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FYI: TROY - Town vote on zoning change to enable redevelopment of Troy Mills. TROY, N.H. - Residents of Troy are voting today on a plan that could transform a major town landmark. They are being asked to change zoning regulations to allow the vacant Troy Mills manufacturing plant to be turned into condominiums and commercial space. *** TROY, N.H. - Residents of Troy are facing what some say is the biggest vote in the town's history. Voters are deciding today whether to change zoning regulations to allow the vast and vacant Troy Mills manufacturing plant to be turned into condominiums and commercial space. The plant was the town's largest employer for more than a century before it closed in 2001, leaving the town with a huge empty building and a hefty tax deficit. A developer is planning a 30--million-dollar renovation including as many as 100 condos, underground parking, stores and office space. GROVETON, N.H. - State employment officials are mobilizing to help more than a hundred papermill workers who have lost their jobs in Groveton. The Groveton Paper Board company has stopped production and will close on March First. Groveton Paperboard Ceases Production and Will Close Mill Today, the shareholders of Groveton Paperboard Inc. have decided to suspend production at the Groveton, NH mill by December 31, 2005 and permanently close the mill by March 1, 2006. As of December 29, 2005, the shares previously owned by Liberty Diversified Inc. have been redeemed by Groveton Paperboard Inc. and as of that date, Liberty Diversified is no longer a shareholder of Groveton Paperboard Inc. Shareholders now include International Paper and Smurfit-Stone Container. The decision to cease production is because of high energy and freight costs and the mill's limited operations capability. The mill produces 150,000 tons per year of corrugated medium and has been for sale since July, 2005. A WARN Act notice is being issued to all employees of the Groveton mill. Pursuant to WARN Act guidelines, the mill will not be permanently closed any sooner than 60 days from this announcement. "We know this decision is very tough for the employees of the Groveton mill. This is a facility with hard working employees who provide a good corrugating medium product to their customers, "said Tom Pitts, the Groveton mill manager. Groveton Paperboard will work with all affected employees to discuss the impact of the decision as it pertains to employee benefits, Pitts added. -###- Governor Promises State Government Will Provide All Possible Help to Groveton Paperboard Workers CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch promised that state government will provide all possible assistance to the employees of Groveton Paperboard, which informed its workers today of plans to shut down in March. "Today's news that Groveton Paperboard plans to close in March is a tremendous loss for the economy of the North Country and our state and, most importantly, to the company's workers and their families," Gov. Lynch said. "I am committed to making sure that New Hampshire state government does everything possible to help these workers through this difficult period and to help them re-enter the workforce as quickly as possible." The state's Rapid Response Team, including representatives from the Governor's Office, Employment Security, Economic Development, Labor Department and the Workforce Opportunity Council held a conference call today to coordinate plans for assisting workers. Members of the team will be at the company next week to meet with management and employees. Representatives from the Department of Employment Security were at the company today to answer questions. Additionally, in coordination with the area's Business Enterprise Development Corporation , state Economic Development Director Stuart Arnett will conduct a joint strategy session Tuesday in Groveton with local officials. # # # GROVETON, N.H. - State employment officials are in Groveton today meeting with workers laid off from the Groveton Paper Board Company. The company announced Friday that it had stopped production and would close on March First, putting 108 employees out of work. Representatives from the state Employment Security were at the company Friday to answer questions and members of the team will be there this week. The state economic development director is in town today to meet with company and community officials. TROY MILLS AP-NH--North Country Grants Lynch applies for federal grants to help North Country economy hmrho CONCORD, N.H. - Governor John Lynch is trying to get 13 million dollars to diversify the economy in northern New Hampshire. Lynch has applied for two federal grants from the U-S Labor Department. One asks for nine million dollars for training and educational programs from kindergarten to high school. The money also would help expand the training and business development center at the New Hampshire Community Technical College in Berlin and would pay for retraining programs for adult workers. The second request asks for four-point-five million dollars to offer specialized training for North Country manufacturers. AP-NY-01-04-06 0536EST |
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A University of New Hampshire poll in November showed 71 percent of Granite Staters approved of the job he is doing. By JOHN DISTASO It’s been all good for Gov. John Lynch in his first year in office. Or has it? The soft-spoken freshman governor isn’t exactly a dynamo. He doesn’t sweep you off your feet with charisma. His mild demeanor and cautious style have led state Republican Chairman Warren Henderson, his chief political foe, to call him indecisive and lacking substance. And it is true that John Lynch doesn’t make a lot of headlines. Some find it difficult to figure out his agenda. But, says state Democratic Chairman Kathy Sullivan: “People don’t want to worry about the government. If people aren’t talking about the government, it means it’s running well.” People may not talk much about John Lynch but they apparently like him. A University of New Hampshire poll in November showed 71 percent of Granite Staters approved of the job he is doing. “How do you argue with that?” asked poll director Andrew Smith. Lynch’s greatest political asset may be the man he defeated in November 2004. The contrast between Lynch and Craig Benson is clear. “John Lynch is laid back, non-confrontational and he is willing to give other people credit for accomplishments,” Smith says. Adds 11-term Republican Executive Councilor Peter Spaulding, “He hasn’t made any big blunders. He hasn’t alienated a significant number of people.” Indeed, it’s been such a smooth first year for John Lynch that the Republicans are having a hard time finding a well-known person to challenge him in 2006. But there have been a few speed bumps, and the governor’s biggest political problem looms large. It has nothing to do with his work at the State House. The Presidential primary How much clout does Lynch have within his own party? Can he convince national establishment Democrats to stop their effort to diminish the state’s most prized political possession, the first-in-the-nation Presidential primary? So far, he hasn’t. A party advisory commission recently voted overwhelmingly to recommend that the national party schedule one or two caucuses between the leadoff Iowa caucus and the New Hampshire primary in 2008. The plan has been passed to the Democratic National Committee’s Rules and ByLaws Committee, which is expected to consider the change in February before passing it to the full DNC for a vote expected in April. Lynch said he lobbied the commission members — 40 influential party insiders from across the country — against the plan. Yet, on Dec. 10, New Hampshire’s commissioners were the only two votes against the change. New Hampshire’s law mandating the primary be held at least a week ahead of any similar election may end up saving it. Lynch supports Secretary of State William Gardner’s promise to schedule the primary as early as necessary to conform with the law. But the question now is: How much influence will state Democratic officials, led by Lynch, have with the DNC in 2006? Can he head off a confrontation? Following the commission vote, GOP chair Henderson said Granite Staters “were hoping the governor would have some influence, but he did not. His claim to fame is not substance, anyway. It’s just style.” Smith of UNH said, “He’s a first-term governor of New Hampshire. He’s new to elective politics. He doesn’t seem to have major pull.” Yet, said Smith, Lynch “is not in a bad position. “He can say, ‘Look at these people trying to hurt New Hampshire, and we’re the little guys trying our best to stand up to the big guys.’” Smith said. “If he pulls it off, he looks like a hero, and if he doesn’t, well, the odds were stacked against us from the beginning.” The Ayotte appointment Lynch upset the pro-choice community by nominating Kelly Ayotte to a four-year term as Attorney General in September. She had been in “holdover” status since March 31, after Benson had appointed her to fill the unexpired term of predecessor Peter Heed. Lynch’s decision came after the U.S. Supreme Court decided last May to review the state’s controversial parental notification law for minors seeking abortions. Ayotte, Benson’s former legal counsel, has never given her personal view of abortion. But she took on the appeal with zeal. Executive Councilor Spaulding said Ayotte had strong support on the five-member council, which has the power to approve or reject gubernatorial nominees. The governor’s hands were tied, but, said Spaulding, “I never got the impression that the governor did not want to re-appoint her, although I think there were certainly people on his staff who did not want her re-appointed.” Pro-choice activists wanted a new attorney general who would withdraw the appeal before the Supreme Court could hear it. Activists were especially unhappy with Ayotte — and Lynch’s failure to replace her — when they learned that she appeared to be coordinating her legal arguments with national pro-life organizations. An ethics glitch? Lynch campaigned for governor promising to “return ethics” to the governor’s office, focusing on controversies that had haunted Benson. They included a disclosure that a health policy volunteer in Benson’s office was actually paid $187,000 in brokering commissions. Soon after taking office, Lynch said, “It is critical to avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts.” But in April, it was reported that his own health policy volunteer adviser, former Health and Human Services Commissioner Ned Helms, was continuing to be paid by the University of New Hampshire after taking a leave from the UNH-affiliated Institute for Health Policy and Practice. The potential conflict was disclosed after the institute was awarded a $100,000 no-bid state contract to provide health costs data to the state insurance department. Lynch placed the contract before the Executive Council for approval. Although Lynch, executive councilors and insurance department and UNH officials insisted Helms had nothing to do with the contract and there was no conflict, Helms was quickly taken out of the governor’s office and returned to UNH. In July, Lynch and Republican former Senate President Thomas Eaton argued over the timing of the turnpike system transition to E-ZPass and the price to consumers of E-ZPass transponders. Lynch wanted to sell them at a cut rate for several months, while Eaton wanted them sold to motorists at cost, in order, Eaton said, to keep the turnpike account healthy. Caught in the middle was Commissioner of Transportation Carol Murray, who contended that during a meeting with Lynch and his staff, she felt “pressure” to find a way to continue selling the transponders for $5, despite a new law mandating that they be sold at the cost to the state of $24. Lynch spokesman Pamela Walsh denied Murray’s claim, saying the governor had simply asked her “to think about ideas to continue to successfully promote and implement the system after the price increase goes into effect.” Mount Sunapee The governor had a tug-of-war with Okemo Inc., the private operator of the state-owned Mount Sunapee ski resort, over its proposed use of 125 acres of state park land to connect the ski area to a 250-unit condominium development on Okemo property. In exchange, Okemo would give the state 520 acres owned by Okemo principals with a conservation easement to block future development. Okemo says it lease agreement with the state allows the expansion. Although the governor opposes the plan, the company asked him to at least bring it to the Executive Council for discussion and a vote. Lynch has the authority to veto a council vote in favor of the plan. But Lynch has refused to submit the plan to the council. Okemo’s attorneys have discussed court action, but so far none has been taken. Spaulding said Lynch’s stand is popular with environmentalists and unpopular with the ski and tourism community. But, he said, “For most of the business community, it’s not a front-burner issue.” |
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Still have some left-over highway tokens? FYI-Legislature: 9 a.m., HB1155, establishes penalities for not paying highway tolls, House Transportation, LOB203. HOOKSETT, N.H. - State transportation officials say drivers tried some interesting ways to get rid of highway tokens in New Hampshire this weekend. The state stopped accepting the tokens as of Sunday, but transportation spokesman Bill Boynton says some drivers threw tokens at toll takers and others tried to sneak tokens in by sandwiching them between quarters. Confusion takes its toll after highway tokens terminated dewst HOOKSETT, N.H. - Confusion took its toll on drivers on Interstate 93 at the end of the New Year's holiday weekend, a day after New Hampshire stopped accepting highway tokens. Southbound traffic backed up two miles behind the Hooksett toll plaza late yesterday afternoon. Baskets in four exact-change lanes were covered and attendants were in the booths to accept cash, make change and tell drivers their tokens were no longer valid. Transportation Department spokesman Bill Boynton said no backups were reported at the state's other toll plazas. Boynton said some drivers threw their worthless tokens at toll takers and some drivers tried to sneak tokens in by sandwiching them between quarters. |
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AP-NH--Ethics Commission CONCORD, N.H. - After a lengthy partisan fight, New Hampshire's Republican-controlled House today voted to create a commission to deal with executive branch ethics issues and complaints. The bill also would tighten rules about gifts to public officials and the role of lobbyists. Democratic Governor John Lynch spearheaded efforts to create the commission, but objected that the bill crafted by a Republican-dominated committee had fatal flaws. A last-minute effort at compromise failed to avert a fight over two key issues: who selects commission members and provisions applying to volunteers who participate in government activities. Lynch and Democrats said the commission's membership should be balanced, not tilted to one political party or the other. They also don't want an ethics law to serve as too high a hurdle to volunteerism. Representative Mike Whalley, chairman of the House Election Law Committee, argued the commission would be balanced between the parties. Whalley also said the bill would not deter volunteers from participating as long as their activities were subject to the state's right-to-know law. |
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BERLIN, N.H. - Officials in Berlin hope a 75-hundred-acre state park devoted to all-terrain vehicles will turn the blue-collar city into a tourist destination. The land purchase for the park is expected to be final in a few weeks, with the first trails opening as early as this spring. BERLIN, N.H. - Officials in Berlin are eagerly awaiting the opening of a 75-hundred acre state park dedicated to all-terrain vehicles. The land purchase is expected to be final in a few weeks, with the first trails open as early as this spring. For Mayor Bob Danderson, the park represents a chance to turn his blue-collar city into a tourist destination and to reduce its historic reliance on the pulp and paper industry. The area already attracts snowmobilers in winter, but Danderson believes ATVs will be an even bigger, year-round business. He envisions new hotels, stores, restaurants and cabins springing up near the park. TOWN BORDER Getting town line issue straightened out will require state, |
| key: State Politics / Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 1/6/06 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:00 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to New Hampshire Outlook. In this program, we look at the week-in-review. Among the stories making news: The mad dash to return the Abramoff Cash, The 2006 Legislative Session kicks off, Coping with a North Country Mill closing, and what to do with all those highway tokens. Here to talk about all this and more from Concord: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph and Jeff Feingold from NH Business Review. And here in Durham, James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com and Edith Tucker from Coos County Democrat. Welcome to all of you. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Jeff Feingold\NH Business Review, James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com, Edith Tucker\Coos County Democrat |
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