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 HelloReturn to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Richard Ager. Beth Carroll is off. Welcome to this week in review edition of New Hampshire Outlook. Making headlines this week: Speed limits on NH lakes, emergency powers for the health commissioner, and putting our motto where our signs are. Here to talk about all this and more from the State House in Concord, Kevin Landrigan State House reporter for the Telegraph and Josh Rogers of New Hampshire Public Radio. And, here in Durham James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com and his first visit in several years: Charlie Jordan, editor of the Colebrook Chronicle and Executive Editor of the Lancaster Herald. Welcome all. |
| Boat Speed Limit Return to index of stories... |
If I had to characterize this week, I'd say it was busy but less about final resolutions and more about movement on several issues facing the state. One question that has been prominent this week - should there be speed limits on our lakes? The House has already passed a bill mandating a 45 mph daytime limit - and 25 mph at night. On Friday the Senate held its own hearing in Reps Hall. Q Any early indications of how the Senate may vote on this? Q How is this seen in North Country? Q Been tried before - why did it pass this time? |
| Ethics Agreement Return to index of stories... |
One issue Governor Lynch threatened a veto on - an ethics commission for the executive branch of government - has apparently been settled. The House and Senate have come up with a compromise that seems to have met the Governor's demands - members will be three Democrats, three Republicans, and one independent. Governor names 3 members, Secretary of State names 2 and Treasurer names 2 - those are elected only by Legislators - not the public. Is that more democratic than having Councilors - who are elected - have a say? What were the principles involved in this fight? Did anyone win? |
| Pandemic Powers Return to index of stories... |
If a pandemic struck, do state officials have enough powers to manage it? Legislators want to make sure - the Senate just passed a bill to give the Health & Human Services Commissioner - John Stephen - broad authority to handle a health emergency. He could seize and ration pharmaceutical drugs and ban public events. When asked to comment, Governor Lynch stressed he would be the one in charge. |
| Confessions Bill Return to index of stories... |
A complex church/state issue got put off on Wednesday. A bill requiring clergy to report instances of child abuse revealed in confidence such as confession - was sent for further study. Q This has come up before - was opposed by the Diocese of Manchester - the vote was 2-1 - why not just kill it? |
| Online court records Return to index of stories... |
For the past several months, a committee assembled by the Supreme Court has been looking at the issues involved in putting court records on-line. It's part of a modernization drive at the state's 65 trial courts. Q Josh - for a time, you served on that task force - how did they decide what's public, what's private - and what's in between? Journalists in the minority on this one. The State Constitution states our government should be open, accessible, accountable and responsive. Scenario painted by Committee Chair Larry Smukler - fear of computer whiz kids looking up the sordid details of divorces and spreading them around |
| Romney/McCain Return to index of stories... |
James we can't have a show without you talking about presidential politics: Q JAMES: Romney visits - McCain later - first town hall here since 2000 Q JAMES: Jim Craig made it official - will run for Jeb Bradley’s seat - saying this is the year for Democrats |
| Wacky Winter Wx Return to index of stories... |
Where, oh where is winter? The conditions at this golf course in East Kingston are typical of this atypical winter. Everywhere it's been unseasonably warm. January was the warmest ever recorded across the country. It even rained on top of Mt. Washington. Q Charlie - you ran a story this week of two people surviving separate plunges in Lake Francis. Take two snowmobiles, add thin ice and presto! Big economic impact on the north |
| live free or die/signs Return to index of stories... |
And speaking of tourism and attracting visitors to the state. How does this message strike you? What’s your first impression? Welcoming? Inspiring? Do you just love it? Well, a lot of lawmakers don't and the Senate has just passed legislation to put "Live Free or Die" on our state highway welcome signs. Q Shouldn’t our signs say "Only in NH?" Q What are the costs involved? |
| 10 year plan Return to index of stories... |
Our 10 year transportation plan is in trouble - financial trouble. It seems there's not enough money to build or fix all the roads and bridges that need attention. So do we raise gas taxes, add tolls - or live with it? Q Kevin? |
| Steve Barba Return to index of stories... |
Charley - a familiar face is leaving Dixville Notch - tell us about it? |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
That's it for this edition of New Hampshire Outlook. I'm Richard Ager. For Beth Carroll and all of us here, thanks for watching. We'll see you next time. |
| Tonight at 7:30 Return to index of stories... |
Monday on New Hampshire Outlook: Join us Monday at 7:30 only on New Hampshire Public Television. =============================== Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook: Join us tonight at 7:30 only on New Hampshire Public Television. |
| key: State Politics / Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 2/24/06 HOST: Richard Ager Length: 26:00 minutes Hello. I'm Richard Ager. Beth Carroll is off. Welcome to this week in review edition of New Hampshire Outlook. Making headlines this week: Speed limits on NH lakes, emergency powers for the health commissioner, and putting our motto where our signs are. Here to talk about all this and more from the State House in Concord, Kevin Landrigan State House reporter for the Telegraph and Josh Rogers of New Hampshire Public Radio. And, here in Durham James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com and his first visit in several years: Charlie Jordan, editor of the Colebrook Chronicle and Executive Editor of the Lancaster Herald. Welcome all. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com, Josh Rogers \NHPR, Charles Jordan\Editor, Colebrook Chronicle\Executive Editor, Lancaster Herald |
| key: National Politics / Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 2/24/06 HOST: Richard Ager Length: 26:00 minutes Hello. I'm Richard Ager. Beth Carroll is off. Welcome to this week in review edition of New Hampshire Outlook. Making headlines this week: Speed limits on NH lakes, emergency powers for the health commissioner, and putting our motto where our signs are. Here to talk about all this and more from the State House in Concord, Kevin Landrigan State House reporter for the Telegraph and Josh Rogers of New Hampshire Public Radio. And, here in Durham James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com and his first visit in several years: Charlie Jordan, editor of the Colebrook Chronicle and Executive Editor of the Lancaster Herald. Welcome all. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com, Josh Rogers \NHPR, Charles Jordan\Editor, Colebrook Chronicle\Executive Editor, Lancaster Herald |
| key: Crime / Legal Issues / Law Enforcement Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 2/24/06 HOST: Richard Ager Length: 26:00 minutes Hello. I'm Richard Ager. Beth Carroll is off. Welcome to this week in review edition of New Hampshire Outlook. Making headlines this week: Speed limits on NH lakes, emergency powers for the health commissioner, and putting our motto where our signs are. Here to talk about all this and more from the State House in Concord, Kevin Landrigan State House reporter for the Telegraph and Josh Rogers of New Hampshire Public Radio. And, here in Durham James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com and his first visit in several years: Charlie Jordan, editor of the Colebrook Chronicle and Executive Editor of the Lancaster Herald. Welcome all. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com, Josh Rogers \NHPR, Charles Jordan\Editor, Colebrook Chronicle\Executive Editor, Lancaster Herald |
| key: Health / Health Care Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 2/24/06 HOST: Richard Ager Length: 26:00 minutes Hello. I'm Richard Ager. Beth Carroll is off. Welcome to this week in review edition of New Hampshire Outlook. Making headlines this week: Speed limits on NH lakes, emergency powers for the health commissioner, and putting our motto where our signs are. Here to talk about all this and more from the State House in Concord, Kevin Landrigan State House reporter for the Telegraph and Josh Rogers of New Hampshire Public Radio. And, here in Durham James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com and his first visit in several years: Charlie Jordan, editor of the Colebrook Chronicle and Executive Editor of the Lancaster Herald. Welcome all. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com, Josh Rogers \NHPR, Charles Jordan\Editor, Colebrook Chronicle\Executive Editor, Lancaster Herald |
| key: Environment Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 2/24/06 HOST: Richard Ager Length: 26:00 minutes Hello. I'm Richard Ager. Beth Carroll is off. Welcome to this week in review edition of New Hampshire Outlook. Making headlines this week: Speed limits on NH lakes, emergency powers for the health commissioner, and putting our motto where our signs are. Here to talk about all this and more from the State House in Concord, Kevin Landrigan State House reporter for the Telegraph and Josh Rogers of New Hampshire Public Radio. And, here in Durham James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com and his first visit in several years: Charlie Jordan, editor of the Colebrook Chronicle and Executive Editor of the Lancaster Herald. Welcome all. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com, Josh Rogers \NHPR, Charles Jordan\Editor, Colebrook Chronicle\Executive Editor, Lancaster Herald |
| key: UNH Return to index of stories... |
No UNH stories |
| highway sign info Return to index of stories... |
This is a printer-friendly version of an article from the Concord Monitor at http:/www.concordmonitor.com. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Article published Feb 22, 2006 Welcome sign addition pitched 'Live Free or Die' could greet drivers By ERIC MOSKOWITZ Monitor staff -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- N ew Hampshire's official motto, "Live Free or Die," adorns state license plates, the state emblem and the state quarter - but not the state's highway welcome signs. State Sen. Robert Letourneauwants to change that. The Derry Republican, a longtime champion of the fierce call for liberty, is the primary sponsor of a bill that would require the Department of Transportation to "prominently display"the motto on all highway welcome signs. "It's our tradition; it's our heritage; it's General John Stark,"Letourneau said. The signs would give a boost to residents returning from work at out-of-state jobs and remind tourists of New Hampshire's independent spirit and Revolutionary War history, he said. "Had not John Stark gone over to the Battle of Bennington and basically stopped the British from coming down from Canada, those troops would have backed up the troops down at Valley Forge and Washington would have been in deep poo-poo," Letourneau said. "We probably would have lost the war. We'd probably be singing 'God Save the Queen' now instead of 'God Bless America.'" Letourneau submitted the bill after hearing from several constituents who were surprised to see the motto missing on the new welcome signs that have been installed along the state's borders. Those signs feature a New England village motif and a "You're Going to Love it Here" message; the slogan and image double as the state's new tourism logo. ---ADVERTISEMENT--- The old signs didn't include the "Live Free or Die" message either, but the replacement probably caused the constituents to consider the matter with fresh eyes, Letourneau said. The bill is scheduled to come before the Senate tomorrow. The Senate Transportation Committee recommended passage but split along party lines, voting 3-2. Democrats who opposed it said they were not protesting the state motto but expressing reservations about interfering with the work of state tourism and transportation officials. "We just invested $10,000 or more in a new set of signs, and the signs that we put up are very attractive," said Sen. Peter Burling of Cornish. Furthermore, he said, "does anybody think we underplay the state motto?" Letourneau is not worried about the bill's fate. Thirteen of 24 senators - all but two of them Republicans - have signed on as co-sponsors, basically assuring its passage in the Senate. Letourneau expects significant support in the House, he said. New Hampshire has 43 welcome signs posted at border crossings on interstate highways and secondary roads, according to Bill Boynton, a spokesman for the Department of Transportation, which has not taken an official position on the bill. The state Division of Travel and Tourism developed the new "You're Going to Love it Here"signs in conjunction with the DOT, and Gov. John Lynch unveiled the prototype at a tourism conference last May. The new highway signs were designed to replace the blue-and-yellow "Bienvenue" models that had been a fixture at border crossings into New Hampshire since the 1970s. After public outcry, the DOT agreed to retain that nod to the state's French-Canadian heritage and incorporate "Bienvenue"into the "You're Going to Love it Here" signs. The state has a multi-year plan for replacing those old signs incrementally, based on wear, Boynton said. So far, five of the new "You're Going to Love it Here" signs have gone up: on Interstate 95 at the Maine and Massachusetts borders, on I-93 at the Vermont and Massachusetts borders, and on Everett Turnpike/Route 3 at the Massachusetts border. Letourneau's bill does not target specific signs but would have the effect of requiring the message on all highway welcome signs at border crossings. He does not foresee full-scale overhaul; the "Live Free or Die" message could be painted on or otherwise amended to existing signs and incorporated into the design for new signs, he said. The office of the legislative budget assistant estimated that the measure would cost the state less than $10,000 a year over two years. In four terms in the House and one in the Senate, Letourneau has established himself as a champion of the "Live Free or Die" creed, which became the state's official motto in 1945, through an act of the Legislature. In the late 1990s, Letourneau sat on the House committee that added the motto to all license plates, not just those for passenger cars, and cosponsored the bill that secured the saying on the state quarter. Last year, he cosponsored an unsuccessful bill that would have added "Live Free or Die" to the state flag, in a golden arc under the laurel leaves of the state seal - which, unlike the state emblem, lacks the motto. Stark, the Londonderry native who commanded the American forces at the 1777 Battle of Bennington in Vermont, coined "Live Free or Die" in 1809. When failing health forced him to decline an invitation to a reunion commemorating the battle's 32nd anniversary, the brigadier general answered with this note: "Live free or die; death is not the worst of evils." His men wrote to tell him that the toast would "continue to vibrate with unceasing pleasure in our ears." In addition to serving as a reminder of the heroism of Stark and his troops, the saying has acquired iconic status. It is instantly identifiable with New Hampshire, Letourneau said. "It's unique to us. Everywhere I've been in the country, when you tell them you're from New Hampshire, they always say, 'The "Live Free or Die" state?'" Letourneau said. "We love that motto. It shows the character of this wonderful Granite State of ours." ------ End of article By ERIC MOSKOWITZ Monitor staff |
| Business energy Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH-XGR--Business Energy Bill aimed at helping small businesses with their energy costs dewst CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire lawmakers are considering a tax break to take some of the sting out of higher heat and power bills for small businesses. Senator Chuck Morse's plan would give businesses a tax credit of up to 500 dollars for fuel costs or any upgrades to improve energy efficiency. Morse says it's not an exorbitant sum of money, but enough to make a difference. The credit would reduce payments businesses on the business enterprise tax for one year. The plan would cost the state about 18 million dollars, but Revenue Administration Commissioner Philip Blatsos supports it. He says investing in small business means investing the state. AP-NY-02-22-06 1119EST |
| Bald Confirmed Return to index of stories... |
CONCORD, N.H. - George Bald was confirmed today to return to his old job as New Hampshire's resources and economic development commissioner. Bald was commissioner from 1998 to 2004, when he left to become director of the Pease Development Authority. He will return to the state job in early April. AP-NH--Bald Confirmed Bald confirmed as economic development commissioner dewho CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire's Executive Council today confirmed George Bald as the state's resources and economic development commissioner, returning Bald to a job that won him praise several years ago. Bald was commissioner from 1998 to 2004, when he left to become director of the Pease Development Authority. He will return to the state job in early April. Governor John Lynch said he's pleased to have Bald back to help businesses in the state compete around the world, bring new businesses to the state and protect New Hampshire's natural resources. As commissioner, Bald worked to re-open paper and pulp mills in Berlin and Gorham. For that work, Bald was made an honorary citizen of both communities. AP-NY-02-22-06 1233EST |
| smoking ban Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Smoking Ban Restaurant smoking ban advances in Legislature dewdov CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire is one step closer to a statewide ban on smoking in restaurants and bars. The House Commerce Committee voted yesterday to recommend the full House approve a ban. Current state law allows smoking in restaurants with fewer than 50 seats. Larger restaurants must have ventilation systems and a segregated non-smoking area. But supporters of the ban say that does not protect workers. If approved, New Hampshire would be the 12th state to institute a statewide ban. All the other five New England states have a statewide smoking ban. AP-NY-02-23-06 1339EST |
| Bode Miller Return to index of stories... |
SESTRIERE, Italy - New Hampshire's Bode Miller has one more chance at an Olympic medal. The Franconia resident came to the Olympics hyped as a medal contender in virtually all five Alpine events. So far he is oh-for-four, with the final race, the slalom, on Saturday. BODE MILLER Bode Miller has one more shot at medal avbap SESTRIERE, Italy - New Hampshire's Bode Miller has one more chance at an Olympic medal in the Turin Games - his weakest event. The Franconia resident came to the Olympics hyped as a medal contender in virtually all five Alpine events. But he continued his run of mediocrity yesterday in the giant slalom, finishing in a tie for sixth. Miller's best finish so far is fifth, in the downhill. He failed to finish the combined event, and skied off the course in the super-G. His only remaining race is the slalom on Saturday. Miller owns two silver medals from the Salt Lake City Olympics four years ago. AP-NY-02-21-06 0216EST |
| Bush Poll Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Bush Poll Bush's popularity in N.H. dropping dewho DURHAM, N.H. - The nation's economy is improving but President Bush's approval ratings in New Hampshire are not. The latest Granite State Poll shows 57 percent of those surveyed say they disapprove of the president's performance, 39 percent approve and 3 percent are neutral. Andrew Smith, director of the University of New Hampshire Survey Center, says the conflict in Iraq and the president's handling of the economy continue to drag down his ratings. The poll included 506 adults interviewed between February tenth and 17th. It has a margin of error of four-point-four points. AP-NY-02-21-06 0517EST |
| Lynch Poll Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Lynch Poll Lynch flying high in approval ratings dewho DURHAM, N.H. - Governor John Lynch is flying high. In a new poll, nearly nearly three-quarters of residents questioned say they approve of the way Lynch has been doing his job. The University of New Hampshire poll shows Lynchs approval rating is at 72 percent, with 6 percent saying they disapprove of the job he is doing and 22 percent being neutral. The poll was based on a survey of 506 New Hampshire adults between February 10th and 17th. It has a margin of error of four-point-four percent. AP-NY-02-23-06 0647EST |
| confessions info Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Confessional Bill Bill requiring priests to report child abuse confessions shelved amsavbstfls CONCORD, N.H. - The House today effectively killed a bill that could have required priests and other religious leaders to report suspicions of child abuse even when revealed in confession. The House voted to send the proposal to interim study, which means the proposal cannot surface before next year. The state's Roman Catholic diocese opposed the measure. The Diocese of Manchester says all priests, deacons and other church personnel are required to report suspected child abuse or neglect, except if the information is learned during confession. AP-NY-02-22-06 1648EST CONFESSIONAL BILL Catholics oppose confessional bill avbfls CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire House members today vote whether religious leaders should be made to report child abuse revealed in confidence, such as in confession. The House Children and Family Law Committee recommends more study on whether a 1979 law exempting clergy from the law should be modified. A minority of the committee wants to kill the bill. Under state law, officials, including priests, must report instances or suspicions of child abuse. But another provision exempts clergy from having to report the information if revealed in confidence. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Manchester opposes the bill. It says church personnel are required to report suspected child abuse or neglect, except if the information is learned during confession. CONFESSIONAL BILL Catholics oppose confessional bill avbfls CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire lawmakers this week will debate whether religious leaders should be required to report instances or suspicions of child abuse revealed in confidence, such as in confession. The House Children and Family Law Committee is recommending more study on whether a 1979 law exempting clergy from the reporting law should be modified. A minority of the committee wants to kill the bill. The state's Roman Catholic diocese opposes the bill. Under state law, officials, including priests, must report instances or suspicions of child abuse. However, another provision exempts clergy from having to report the information if revealed in confidence. The Diocese of Manchester says priests, deacons and other church personnel are required to report suspected child abuse or neglect, except if the information is learned during confession. |
| romney visit Return to index of stories... |
ROMNEY Romney takes advantage of school vacation week to hit road again avbap BOSTON - Governor Mitt Romney is taking advantage of a slow school vacation week and making political visits, including to New Hampshire. Romney will be the keynote speaker Friday at the Carroll County Republican Committee's Lincoln Day Dinner in Ossipee. Romney -- weighing a run for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination -- also is stopping in Ohio and South Carolina after returning from a swing through Utah. Critics say the trips are proof Romney is spending too much time on the road and not enough in Massachusetts. |