Hooksett Banner : Banner

Hooksett Banner letters to the editor for April 24, 2008

Hooksett Editor — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 18:38:00 GMT

Editorial

Informed voters make the best choices

Hooksett votes on town candidates and warrants on May 13. In order to give people enough information to make informed decisions, we are covering controversial issues like the drive for public-access cable TV and whether the Hooksett sewer system expansion bond should pass.
On May 1, we plan to run profiles of the candidates in contested races. We sent questionnaires to Nancy VanScoy, Jason Hyde, Michael Pischetola, Stu Werksman and Carl Hebert Sr., who are running for two Hooksett Town Council seats. We’ve heard from a few; to those we haven’t heard from, we hope you got our questionnaire. Let us know if you didn’t. Answers are due now to appear in the May 1 issue. This is an ideal and free way to get your message out to the Hooksett voters.
One dilemma this newspaper has is that it takes an enormous amount of space to print the entire ballot. We will do so when we report the vote results, but it is even more important that voters get to see those warrant articles before the day they walk into the voting booth. Rather than take up valuable news space, we will be happy to e-mail a copy of the ballot to anyone who is interested. Just send a note to editor Ginger Kozlowski, at editor@hooksettbanner.com, and she will be happy to help you become a better-informed voter.

Letters

Information is power, so vote for public access TV on May 13

To the Editor:
Dear Hooksett residents,
Please vote for Article 26 on May 13 at Cawley School. The polls are open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Article 26 is a petitioned warrant article presented by citizens of Hooksett to establish public television access to Hooksett.
The major reason I am supporting this article is for information purposes. I am a firm believer one cannot gather enough information. Information is knowledge and knowledge is power. You will have access from the comfort of your home to view how local government runs this community. So many are in the dark about what is going on in the community.
It will be a message board: for example Raymond, during their spring floods, kept the viewers update on the roads that were closed and any other emergency that occurs in town.
Please support Article 26.
Pat Rueppel
Councilor District 1
Hooksett

Voting ‘no’ on sewer expansion will not hinder Hooksett growth

To the Editor:
Have you tried to sort out the arguments of those who either favor or oppose approval of Warrant Article 3, which Hooksett voters will see on the ballot when they go to the polls on May 13?
Article 3 asks us if we are in favor of completing upgrades to the Hooksett Wastewater Treatment Plant in the amount of $1.5 million.
I have, and I urge you to vote “yes” on this very important issue.
Some have argued that defeat of Article 3 will serve to control growth in Hooksett. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
Most folks who have taken the time to study the issue agree that expansion of the sewer treatment plant is vital to Hooksett’s future. Failure to expand the sewer plant will not hinder residential growth! Residential development will continue with the installation of less desirable septic systems in the event that sewer capacity is no longer available. In such a case, the added expense to the town for educating more kids, and providing other essential services will not stop.
In my view, failure to approve Article 3 allowing sewer plant expansion will adversely affect commercial development, which Hooksett sorely needs in order to maintain and improve our tax base. There will be little chance that we can lure the larger taxpaying commercial establishments to our community. Without them, your taxes and mine are likely to rise dramatically in the years to come.
I urge you to vote “yes” on Article 3 as recommended by both our Town Council and Budget Committee.
Frank Kotowski
Hooksett

West High School Destination Imagination team needs help

To the Editor:
West High School’s Destination Imagination Team is going global ... and we need your help! Destination Imagination is a program that encourages and develops creative problem solving for students of all ages. Our team placed first at States, which secures us a place at the global competition. We are selling 50/50 raffle tickets, one for $5 or five for $20, to help finance our trip to global finals at The University of Tennessee, where we will compete against hundreds of other D.I. teams from across the U.S. and from 20 other countries.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please contact: Kay Penney at 485-2249, or kaypenney@comcast.net. The drawing will be held on May 19 and the winner will be announced.
Thanks for your support~

Kristin Johnson
Brianna Levenstein
Laura O’Dea
Kay Penney

Separate fact from propaganda, no matter where it comes from

To the Editor:
Rep. Boutin’s letter in the April 17 Banner expressed some opinions about actions being taken in the state Legislature this session. As many of the bills that he refers to came out of the committee that I serve on, I feel somewhat qualified, and compelled, to provide counterpoint to the political rhetoric.
The bottle bill with the 5-cent deposit attached to it was HB1621. It was killed (14-0) by a bipartisan vote in the committee and the House concurred by voice vote at the Feb. 6 session. The Legislature remains unconvinced that the benefits of a bottle bill outweigh the concerns expressed by the retail establishments about the added costs and effort necessary to effectively implement it.
The other bill relating to beverage containers, HB503, was passed out of committee (15-2) with an amendment that would have added a 1-cent distributor fee for all beverage containers brought into the state. It would have generated several million dollars for local recycling efforts, reducing the mountains of plastic and aluminum that litter our landscape and fill up our landfills and lowering our local property tax bills. The House, at the Feb. 6 session, killed the amendment to the bill by a narrow (148-158) margin and then killed the original bill, which would have raised your taxes, with a voice vote.
HB1426 increases the 3-cent fee that you’ve been paying with your gas tax since 1988. It is used to pay for mitigation costs associated with leaky gas and oil tanks. I believe it’s a legitimate exercise to study why, after all these years, we still have leaky tanks and why we have to pay for them. HB1594, in addition to protecting the public safety from accidental or deliberate hazardous material spills and getting your local fire department the information that will help to keep our emergency personnel safe when they have to respond to a hazardous material incident, also has a study commission to look into who pays and who benefits from those fees.
The surcharge added to the real estate deed transfers is the dedicated funding source for LCHIP that was overwhelmingly passed by the Legislature in 2007. I find it ironic that this is being raised as an issue in the same edition of the Banner that talks about the possibility of Hooksett’s population growing from 13,000 to the 40,000 in the foreseeable future. Anyone that doubts the commitment of our residents to preserve and protect our forests and fields has only to count the number of “Moose” plates on the cars going by. New Hampshire Advantage, indeed!
Some of us serve in Concord to solve problems, some to rehash old, tired tax-and-spend slogans. Solving problems costs money, takes time and requires significant effort. In my time in the Legislature, I have met many very bright, experienced and talented individuals. I haven’t found any correlation between their good (or bad) points and their party affiliation.
As a Democratic House member. I have listened to everybody, worked hard to accomplish good things and to ensure that the taxpayers get their money’s worth from state government.
Come November, the voters will give us our report cards. Until then, I’m going to encourage you to separate fact from propaganda, no matter where it comes from.

Rep. Richard H. Snow,
Rockingham One
Candia, Deerfield,
Northwood, Nottingham

Girl Scouts urged to let their leaders know they’re appreciated

To the Editor:
If you are a girl in Girl Scouting – or ever were – I would like to remind you that April 22 was Leader Appreciation Day. I know you have done some great things as a Girl Scout! But please take a minute to remember the people who helped you accomplish your activities and goals – your leaders.
You are a member of a large group of girls in Swift Water Council (more than 14,000) who are facing the world with inspiration and determination. In Hooksett, you are one of over 170 girls who are making a difference in our community and exploring your world. I am seeing your troops doing fantastic projects such as sharing our birthday with our town’s family services office, supplying a neonatal ward in a Boston hospital with eye covers for preemies, creating birthday party kits and donating to CMC’s family services, making new mother/infant lovies for maternity wards, supporting animal shelters, and providing grocery store gift cards to neighbors in need.
You’re exploring some wonderful things like events at the SEE Science Center, learning photography at Clix, needlework at Bonnie’s Stitchery, sky and wildlife exploration, recycling, the theater arts, ice harvesting, maple sugaring, all about our police and fire departments, and what it means to be your best. Our olympic festival coming up will “take us around the world” learning new things from far away countries. And, each of you are starting to take on more leadership roles in your troops and beyond.
I know you are proud of all you have accomplished with your troop. You were very ambitious this year selling cookies to do all these thing - more than 17,000 boxes in Hooksett alone! I know the community appreciates all you are doing to make our world a better place. I also know how much your leaders care about you and want to help you succeed in all you do.
Please take a minute (well, maybe a little more than a minute) to write a note, draw a picture or send an e-mail to your leaders to let them know you appreciate their help. Tell them what you have had fun doing or something that was especially meaningful to you. Just as you know to write a thank you note when someone gives you a present, think of all your experiences in Girl Scouting like a gift that will be with you forever, and the people who helped make them happen.
Thank you, girls! Miss Robin thinks you are awesome!
I, too, want to say thank each of our 46 adult volunteers here in Hooksett for the amazing things our girls are doing because of your support. I am inspired by your dedication in bringing the Girl Scout program to our girls. Your efforts are definitely making a difference in their lives as they grow to be young women of courage, confidence and character. Indeed, awesome!

Robin Boyd
Service Unit Manager
Hooksett

letters to the editor of The Hooksett Banner, Feb. 28, 2008

Hooksett Editor — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 18:10:00 GMT

Editorial:

We must make math education a priority

Half, yes, half, of the 11th-graders tested by the state were listed as “below proficient” in math. That’s the politically correct way of saying they failed. They weren’t even close to being able to do the math expected of them. Yes, the 11th-grade test is harder than simple addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. But if half the students taking the test fail, you have to wonder if it’s the students or it’s the test.
In this case, having looked at the test preparation booklet available online (http://www.ed.state.nh.us/Education/doe/organization/curriculum/NECAP/PracticeTest.htm), we think it’s the students. Which means they are either not taking the test seriously – a point worth considering – or they have not been adequately taught. You can’t do algebra or geometry without a strong basic foundation, and our elementary schools are also struggling to meet the state’s proficiency requirements. This problem started when these students were much younger.
We need to make sure our students are well educated in the fields of math and science. Our futures all depend on our children’s ability to solve complicated problems. China is graduating far more math and science students than the U.S. is – a point often hammered home by FIRST founder Dean Kamen. This isn’t to be taken lightly. We must find a way to teach our children and make them care about it.

letters:

Epsom should return to a five-member board of selectmen

To the Editor:
A committee to study whether the town would be better served by a five-member board was appointed by the town moderator. They met in 2001, four times in three months. They interviewed town officials from four towns that were about the size of Epsom and had changed from three to five members (Bow, Deerfield, Hinsdale and Bethlehem) and approximately 30 current and former town leaders.
The major concern was if we stayed at three we would need to hire a town administrator. And if we went to five, it would need to increase the office staff because of the extra work. At that time, we had one full-time and one part-time employee in the office. When the board went to five members, the staff doubled. We now have three full-time employees, who have been working in the office for the past four years.
There are over 18 departments and committees that the BOS is responsible for. Each one has to have a liaison from the BOS. Some committees require that a board member attend each meeting as a member of that committee. That’s six departments or committees for each selectperson.
The truth is that our town is growing, and the work load is increasing not decreasing. I am very concerned that if it stays at three, next year we will see an article for a town administrator.
Remember, if it doesn’t pass this year, it will take two years before we can change it back. That’s why I support voting to go back to a five-member board this year.
Richard Frambach
Epsom

I endorse Fred Kelly and Joe Duarte for selectmen

To the Editor:
There will be a “Meet the Candidates” night on Friday, March 7.
I would like to express my views on two of the candidates running this year.
One is Mr. Fred Kelly, who is running for re-election for chairman of selectmen’s board. I would like people to know that this man has served and delivered great things to our town for many years. He is truly dedicated to the people, interests and safety of our town and proves his dedication time after time. Even when the pressure is overwhelming, he always remains calm, open-minded and objective. He is also a resident of Candia, which I feel is important for our town.
The second is Mr. Joe Duarte who is running for re-election for selectman. I would like people to know that he also is dedicated and has delivered great things to our town. Mr. Duarte is always dedicated to the people of this town and always is truly interested in the issues of our residents. He never lets the small voice go unheard and is open-minded, objective and patient. He is also a resident of Candia.
Thank you for your time.
Jennifer Haggett
Candia

Please vote for Trisha Korkosz for Hooksett School Board

To the Editor:
My name is Trisha Korkosz. I am a resident of the town of Hooksett and I am running for the Hooksett School Board. I would like to ask people to go to the polls and vote for me on March 11.
I would like to represent each of you on the Hooksett School Board. I will work with the School Board, the SAU administration and the school administrators to help us all educate the students of the town of Hooksett. I believe that we, as a town, need to work together to make the best choices for our students. I feel what I may lack in political experience, I make up for in that fact I represent a sector of the population that may not have a strong voice. By this I mean that I have young school-aged children within our system. I can bring fresh ideas and new energy to the board.
I feel that the School Board needs to work with the SAU administration, the other towns within our SAU and the school administration in a collaborative manner to enact what is best for our students. In our very changing economy, we need to be fiscally responsible and spend money in a manner that gets us the best results. I think this year the School Board and the Budget Committee worked very hard at having positive communication and doing what is best for our students while being as frugal as possible. I would like to help continue this improved communication.
When people ask why I am running, I answer that my husband and I are trying to teach our children that we each have a responsibility to do our part to make our community better. We believe, as we were raised, that the one of the most important things we give our children is a great education. We feel that Hooksett has a great school system and we would like to help make it better. The manner in which we think we can do that is by my running for School Board.
I can promise each member of the Hooksett community, when you vote for me on March 11, I will do my best to represent you on the Hooksett School Board.

Trisha Korkosz
Hooksett

Thank you for allowing me to serve the town of Epsom

To the Editor:
To the residents of Epsom:
Thank you for allowing me to serve you as selectman for the past year. I have certainly learned a lot about Epsom; budgets, RSAs, tax rates and many other important things.
I have also learned what a great town Epsom is, especially the people. I am overwhelmed sometimes at how eager people are to help, donate, volunteer and generally assist the town.
Although I will be running unopposed, as are the other two selectman candidates for their positions, it is important that you make the effort to vote on March 11.
Vote yes on Article 1 and carefully consider each article on the ballot. Each warrant article has many hours of thought and consideration behind it, including cost considerations.
It is important to support our police and fire departments, as well as the work that needs to be done on our roads and for our Highway Department.
Thank you for continuing to support our great town!
Joanne Randall
Selectman, Epsom

Snowmobilers and four-wheelers make park a raceway

To the Editor:
On Sunday afternoon, my daughter and I went for a snowshoe hike to Hayes Marsh in Bear Brook State Park. But it felt more like we were at the Loudon Raceway with all the snowmobiles and four-wheelers flying full throttle down the trails. Firsthand we learned why snow vehicles should not be allowed in the same area of the park that hikers and skiers use.
Following a trail parallel to Podunk Road (which goes from Deerfield Road to the 4-H camps), we came to a wide roadbed leading from Podunk Road to Hayes Marsh. There were 15 to 20 vehicles revving their engines so much that we could hardly hear each other talk. They all took off at full speed toward the marsh. We walked along the edge of the road looking for the next foot trail to escape to. A four-wheeler sped past us and suddenly veered to the right as three snowmobiles came racing from the other direction.
At the place where the road narrowed, a sign said “No motorized vehicles allowed,” but they all drove past it without slowing down to look.
On our return trip, we took the Hayes Farm Trail to save time, but had to keep stepping aside for each group of machines that was apparently trying to set a new speed record. When we were about a quarter mile from the parking lot, we went down Podunk Road and had to suddenly evade a snowmobile that was racing full throttle up the road around a curve at what seemed like 40 to 50 mph.
I am disappointed in the behavior of all these people. In the summertime, you can walk along a roadway and feel safe that passing cars will slow down and give you wide berth. But that does not seem to be the mindset of the snowmobile/four-wheeler crowd. Full throttle seems to be the only way to travel.
Michael Frascinella
Allenstown

No need to be disagreeable when disagreeing with someone

To the Editor:
Apparently, the young Mr. Ross mistook what I intended as advice for admonition.
For the record, Rep. Snow stands behind his votes. As a candidate I was, hopefully, clear about how I would represent my constituents, if elected. I have, again hopefully, consistently attempted to do what I said I would do: listen to everybody, attempt to understand all the sides of every issue and vote for what I believe best serves the needs of all the people.
Inasmuch as there are many sides to every issue, some people will inevitably disagree with any particular vote. It would be nice if we could disagree without being disagreeable.
As always, I’m available for discussion on any issue. I’m old enough to have gained the wisdom to know that there are more questions than there are answers and that I, like Mr. Ross, have opinions, but that neither of us have infinite wisdom.
Richard H. Snow
Candia

Epsom needs recording system

To the Editor:
I am writing this letter in support of Article 17. This article addresses the purchase of an audio/video system for the various town board meetings.
For years, the Board of Selectmen and other boards have had to rely on handwritten notes and transcribed minutes to record their meetings. For those who cannot attend the meetings, it is difficult to keep up with business in town.
This equipment will allow Metrocast subscribers to view the meetins from your home. It will supplement record keeping and could be made available for public use and would be in invaluable in future litigation.
Many towns are now broacasting their town meetings. Let’s bring Epsom into the 21st century.
John Campbell
Epsom

Things not done

To the Editor:
I regret not being able to accomplish the following tasks:
1. An exit exam for the eighth grade, done independently from the school.
2. State and federal government to pay for unfunded educational mandates.
3. State and federal government to pay for unfunded non-educational mandates.
4. The state to allow schools to refuse the mandate moneys and not comply, as is done on the federal level.
5. Stop the demasculinization of our youth.
6. An understanding of where our rights come from and what they are in the Constitution.

Gordon R. Ellis
School Board member
Epsom

Editorial and letters to the editor of The Hooksett Banner, week of Feb. 21, 2008

Hooksett Editor — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:14:00 GMT

Editorial:One more town considers SB2

Auburn residents have a big decision to make: whether to change from the old style of Town Meeting or move to the official ballot law, commonly called SB2 for the bill it began as.
For larger towns, the official ballot law makes more sense. It is simply impossible to gather a representative sample of voters into a single room and have them discuss the town or school district’s issues in a meaningful way. Opening up voting on warrant articles to the entire population of a town allows everyone to voice their opinion on issues and spending – or at least to those willing and able to travel to the polls or get absentee ballots. That’s only fair. Everyone should have a say.
But in smaller towns, like Auburn, it’s a little trickier. Yes, there’s the advantage under SB2 of not having to attend the Town Meeting or School District Meeting and still getting your vote. But towns like Auburn typically have a pretty good turnout at their traditional meetings, enjoy the chance to debate the issues and see this civic duty as a tradition they want to keep.
It is unfair to say people go to the polls and make uninformed votes under SB2. Under both forms of government, special interests can reword warrant articles so their intent is totally destroyed, and not all articles are explained at every meeting so voters are sufficiently informed at their public meetings. What SB2 offers, though, is an opportunity for greater participation in the process. That, alone, is reason enough for us. We’ll soon see if Auburn agrees.

Letters:

Please vote in favor of new middle school and kindergarten

To the Editor:
I am writing this to you to give you the heads up for the Auburn School District Meeting. The date is Friday, March 14, at 7 p.m., at Auburn Village School. I realize it is a few weeks away, but planning ahead is of the utmost importance.
There are six warrant articles to be voted on that night and your vote could be crucial to the education of Auburn’s children. I would like to recommend that all voting members of your household take part in this very important night. If babysitting is an issue, there will be babysitting provided. Hopefully this notice will give you enough time to make arrangements, if necessary.
Over the next few weeks, you will be receiving a lot of specific information about the warrant articles, so this letter is to merely stress the importance of to casting your vote. The new Auburn/Candia Middle School, the two-year teachers contract and the addition of the public kindergarten program are being voted on.
The new Auburn/Candia Middle School is a bond vote. This means that we need 67 percent to pass the article. This school plan was done with the due diligence that the Auburn community deserves and expects. It is a great plan. It gives the students a chance to be true middle school students. The programming and social opportunities are endless.
This school also gives the taxpayers the best benefit. It is financially responsible to merge with another community to share the costs and gain more state aid. It also gives the Auburn community a new building to use and be proud of.
Public kindergarten will also be a hot item for voting. The state has mandated the program to be offered by September 2008 and the School Board intends to comply with this law.
The board has looked at the current school and has decided to renovate the technology education area for the two classrooms needed to add the program. Tech. Ed. will not be eliminated but will be redefined and relocated to another area in the building.
The School Board has also applied for and been granted kindergarten construction aid. This aid gives the district 75 percent of the construction/renovation costs related to adding the program. This is the last year for the money and we need to take advantage of it while it is available.
Public kindergarten is extremely important to the children’s education. We are currently one of 11 districts in the nation without it and further, it has been 18 years since the other 49 states have required the program. It is high time for us to step up and start our 5-year-olds off on the right track.
Thank you for your continued support. The children of Auburn deserve it. I only can encourage you to mark your calendars and make Friday, March 14, an important night for doing your civic duty by voting. This may be a night where history in made in the community we love and will move Auburn’s educational system to new heights.

Elaine Hobbs
School Board Chairman
Auburn

It’s important to vote for Epsom’s selectmen this year

To the Editor:
I would like to thank the residents of Epsom who made it out for the deliberative session. Many important things were discussed and some were modified.
My biggest surprise was that after the Budget Committee chair was quoted in the paper as saying the budget would probably be cut and slashed at the deliberative session, the town actually added $15,000! Why is this? It is because the town finally has a Board of Selectmen they feel they can trust.
So let’s review. The last three years, our town has voted for a default budget. The last three years our town has faced numerous lawsuits and, let’s just call it what it is, bad press about the Board of Selectmen. There were rumors of impropriety, conflicts of interest, violations of the code of ethics, and general bickering and mudslinging.
One year ago, Epsom overwhelmingly supported a vote of no confidence for Kitson, McKechnie and Bosiak, and also voted out the other two, Frambach and Weaver. Then you elected two new people who you felt might make a difference. And you told the selectmen you thought the new five-member board didn’t work, and reduced the number back to three.
Today, three people are running for the three selectmen positions, two who have worked hard for you and one who has worked many years in different capacities for the town for many years. All unopposed.
Does this mean you don’t need to show up on election day on March 11? No. Now you can do what you have been wanting to do for three years but hesitated. Vote “yes” on Article 1, the proposed budget. It’s time to get back to business.
Thank you!

Joanne Randall
Epsom

Check *** Snow’s votes; his colors show plainly

To the Editor:
Was that supposed to be return fire? It was rather bland and impotent, but “par for the course” with liberals. I will give Representative Snow a nod for answering, but must point out his patently partisan adhesion to the evil lock-step marching orders from the liberal masters on his side of the aisle. His voting record is “right in tune.” The state Web site www.NH.gov is an awesome tool. Check on your representative’s voting records; review the bills, compare the votes, etc. Check *** Snow’s votes; his colors show plainly.
The “Baby Tax” on milk was taking our money to save someone else’s cows! The “Bottle Bill” was an attempt at adding another new tax and department we would pay for. Those are broad-based taxes he has spent time on, and the difference between 3 percent and 17 percent is 14 percent, ***. They will not stop trying, folks. Anything “gambling” is getting fast-tracked, no pun intended. They also know better than to let the people decide about the definition of marriage, or to let them decide about prohibiting income taxes. No amendments will be allowed to our Constitution while he and his “demoncrat” friends hold the majority, unless it is to their benefit.
He agreed with those evil people that requiring parental notice of a minor child’s abortion (not approval, mind you), was bad and had to be repealed. He voted with them to limit debate to 10 minutes too! Ten minutes!? That is how important he thought parent’s rights were. He voted more than a couple times against any possible reconsideration, amendment, delay, etc. No, like the masters told him; repeal parental notification immediately. He also agreed that enhancing our minimal laws regarding abortion, to protect viable fetuses from destruction, (partial birth? birth by accident?), is too cumbersome to the contract killers at Planned Parenthood and elsewhere, to be considered, even though the bill specifically prohibited prosecuting the would-be mother.
They also decided that parents do not have the right to know when some reprobate organization plans to instruct children about (promote) homosexual sex acts. A common-sense bill requiring public schools to notify parents, and allow them to opt out before any “sexual orientation” classes (indoctrination) was effectively killed by him and his cohorts. Heads up, parents!
I am proud to be a partisan, on the right side. It’s not “bickering,” it’s standing and fighting for principles. To be non-partisan is to be AWOL, or in the way. Mr. Snow is living up to the old label quite well. How old is he anyway? The lies are older than us both. The truth is self-evident. Look it up.

David Ross
Hooksett

It’s the economy, not politics

To the Editor:
I would like to thank the approximately 60 Epsom residents for coming out to the deliberative session. Among them were four from the select board, 10 from the Budget Committee, two secretaries, the police chief, the fire chief, the road agent, the town counsel, two supervisors of the checklist, and three members of the press.
It was the chairman of the ZBA, who made a motion to increase the line item for the legal fees $15,000 in anticipation of increased litigation expected this coming year. This increase had nothing to do with anyone trusting the present BOS or not trusting the previous one. Out of the 60 people, one third had to be there.
The reason that the town has been on a default budget for the last three years is economical and not political. It was a reaction to the change in the tax base to a 100 percent valuation. It has nothing to do with last year’s election.
Reducing the positions on the BOS is not going to change the fact that we all are experiencing a financial crunch. Even the Budget Committee has voted not to recommend Article 1.

Richard Frambach
Epsom

A job well done

To the Editor:
I am writing to commend the Hooksett Highway Department for a job well done. In this year of record-breaking snowfall, our roads have been remarkably clear.
I have driven in other town and cities and their roads are terrible. They have ice grooves in lanes and the potholes could swallow up a small car.
Thank you again for a great job.
Alyssa Zapora Ehl
Hooksett

Pembroke’s school budget is one for the history books

To the Editor:
While it certainly will not be on the best seller’s list, this year’s Pembroke School District budget reads like a novel, with each page putting forth a new set of challenges, and the ending yet to be determined.
The Pembroke School Board’s requested operating budget, exclusive of the food service program, grant funded programs and warrant articles for specific additional items, shows an increase of $1,324,154. This number is arrived at despite the fact that the board added no new initiatives and has level-funded or actually decreased all discretionary line items within the budget. By now, any rational reader is probably asking the simple question, “Why?”
Major areas of increase include:
Special education expenses: $791,194 (60 percent of increase).
Insurance/salary-related expenses: $296,314 (22 percent of increase)
Teacher contract: $170,103 (13 percent of increase)
The common thread running through these line items is that they are all areas over which the district has essentially no control.
There’s even more to the story. The Pembroke School District is asking for a deficit appropriation to balance a serious shortfall in special education expenses in the current (2007-08) budget year. This request is not an easy one. In fact, the district has already frozen about $100,000 from other budget lines and plans to use its entire $267,458 special education trust fund, but it’s not enough.
As it stands right now, we will still fall short of balancing the budget. And, unfortunately, this is simply one chapter of this novel. We are also asking voters to discontinue the existing Roadway Trust Fund and re-appropriate the money it contains into the Special Education Trust Fund to help offset some of the additional special education expenses anticipated for 2008-09.
Compounding the problem is the fact that special education expenses are very difficult to estimate as they fluctuate with the needs of students. There is no way to know if a student with special needs will move in or out of the district, and the costs of that can, as we have seen this year, be staggering.
An out-of-district placement for one student alone can cost $200,000 or more, and because we don’t know if students will move in or out of the district, these expenses are both unanticipated and unbudgeted.
This year, we have seen students move in with very serious needs resulting in very expensive services. As you may or may not know, the federal government is supposed to fund 40 percent of special education costs. The reality of the matter is that they currently fund approximately 15 percent, making it, for all intents and purposes, an unfunded mandate.
Having served on the Pembroke School Board for 21 years, I can say with confidence that this year’s budget request is unusual. In fact, over the past three years, the Pembroke School District portion of the tax rate has averaged a zero percent increase.
The Budget Committee asked the School District to cut its budget by $310,000. The School Board made $80,000 in reductions in technology and the requested deficit appropriation. The result – a $23,154,452 budget that the School Board recommends. It is the Budget Committee budget that gets put forth for a vote at the annual School District meeting, however; and though the Budget Committee recognizes that the School Board has no control over special education costs, the committee feels that it cannot endorse such a large tax rate increase, thus their recommended budget of $22.9 million.
If voters approve the Budget Committee’s full decrease, the School Board will eliminate one instructional position each at Pembroke Academy, Three Rivers and Village/Hill, reduce co-curricular programs and reduce custodial time. No matter which budget total prevails, the School Board will also seek the lowest possible deficit appropriation amount.
What will be the ending of this story? Like any good reader, I wouldn’t want to jump ahead to the last three pages of the book. I would, however, want to pay close attention to the fundamental elements of the tale – understanding that this budget has as many twists and turns as a John Grisham novel.
In the end, the facts and the way that voters accept those facts will determine the conclusion of this story. Make sure you are present to help turn the pages at the annual School District Meeting, Saturday, March 8, at 10 a.m., at Pembroke Academy.
Clint Hanson
Chairman
Pembroke School Board

We need to change status quo

To the Editor:
I have two big questions for Sen. John Sununu and Sen. Judd Gregg. Why, in these times of heightened awareness of the effects of global warming, would they vote against tax incentives crucial to renewable energy and energy efficiency in the Senate Economic Stimulus Package?
This initiative might have created over 820,000 new jobs worldwide, including 5,000 here in our state. This poor decision needs to be rectified – and quickly.
Senators! What will you do in the coming months to turn this negative vote into some positive action for our world and for our beautiful state of New Hampshire?
We need to change the status quo. It isn’t working!
Judi Lindsey
Candia

Hooksett Banner letters to the editor for Jan. 10, 2008

Hooksett Editor — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 20:31:00 GMT

Hooksett Salvation Army says thank you to volunteers
To the Editor:
Thanks to the generous donation of time by countless Hooksett citizens and the equal generosity of shoppers in Hooksett, over $17,000 was raised through bell ringing from collection points at Kmart, Wal-Mart and Shaw’s in Hooksett during the holiday season.
We are extremely gratified that our total exceeded that of 2006, thanks to an outstanding response on the last few days before Christmas.
The Salvation Army Kettle Campaign in Hooksett is one of the very few in the state that is totally staffed by volunteers and this is a significant factor in our success each year. The volunteer coordinators of the bell-ringing drive, Mary and Jane, wish to thank all who gave so generously of their time.
We would also like to thank Shaws, Wal-Mart and Kmart for their community spirit in allowing our Hooksett volunteers to stand near their exits to enable their customers to participate in this vital holiday effort. In addition, BJ’s Wholesale Club participated in the Salvation Army Angel Tree program, with their generous customers donating several hundred wonderful toys and articles of clothing to the Hooksett Adopt-A-Family program. Ken from Aubuchon repaired our bells when vigorous ringing rendered them inoperable.
We are especially grateful to the Hooksett Fire Department which manned the kettles for several days including a four-hour stint the day before Christmas. The Hooksett Kiwanis Club was equally generous in giving of their time all day on Saturdays between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Other organizations which participated include the great folks at CB Sullivan’s, the Builders Club at Cawley Middle School, Boy Scout Troop 292, Cub Scout Pack 292, Town Hall employees, and teachers and principals at the Hooksett schools.
There were many other individuals, couples and families who willingly gave two hours of their time during this very busy season to help others less fortunate.
One mom who was ringing with her children said, “This is what I want my children to remember about Christmas – that our family, which is so blessed, can take the time to help other families that may be experiencing hard times. In addition, the children get very positive feedback from the donors who praise them for volunteering.”
Another example of volunteerism in action is the David Pearl family. They were hosting a holiday party to which many family friends and their children were invited. David interrupted their party time to bring all of the girls to Shaw’s on a Saturday afternoon to ring bells and sing Christmas carols to busy shoppers. The girls had a great time and the shoppers loved their spirit. Not all of the girls were Hooksett residents, but they want to ring again next year!
The willingness of so many citizens to donate precious hours during this busy time of year is a testament to the wonderful volunteer spirit that is alive and well in Hooksett.
Every year the dollars available to our Hooksett Salvation Army come from the holiday bell-ringing conducted from Thanksgiving till Christmas. These dollars are spent to assist the Hooksett Adopt-A-Family program so that needy Hooksett families with children can have a happier holiday.
In addition to this vital holiday support, the Salvation Army is there to help all year long. Without this money it would be much more difficult to help our fellow Hooksett citizens in emergency situations. Again, thanks to everyone for a job well done!

Mary Farwell
Human Service Secretary
Hooksett Salvation Army Chapter

Many thanks to those who helped Hooksett holiday programs
To the Editor:
I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to everyone who helped make the 2007 Hooksett holiday programs a huge success. Thanks to the incredible generosity of the many Hooksett community organizations, businesses, and individuals, we were able to provide Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets to 80 Hooksett families as well as gifts for 175 children through the Adopt-A-Family program.
This unbelievable generosity came in many forms, from many sources. Some gave food, toys or children’s clothing. Others provided gift certificates, cash donations or offered their time to sort or distribute.
Once again this year, Hooksett Wal-Mart and the Hooksett Salvation Army provided considerable financial support for the Adopt-A-Family program. Patrons of BJ’s Wholesale Club donated dozens of toys and gifts through their Angel Tree program. United Health Care employees provided major support to this year’s program by adopting 30 Hooksett families. Central High School student Lindsay Jarnutowski coordinated a food drive, which raised an incredible $1,200, that was donated in grocery store gift cards. The Hooksett Boy Scouts helped to fill our food baskets with food donations gathered from their incredibly successful food drive. The students at Cawley Middle School raised an astonishing $1,900 from their turkey drive and an additional $255 from a student run community yard sale to benefit HERC. Students at Memorial School raised an amazing $635 through their change donations. Underhill School, along with the help of the Lions Club, provided age appropriate books for every child in the Adopt-A-Family program.
Thanks to the combined efforts of so many individuals, we were able to brighten the holidays for many Hooksett families in need. On behalf of these appreciative families, thank you again for your generosity and for making Hooksett such a special place.
Extra thanks to Hooksett Suspension Coordinator, Bethany Chase, Chief Steve Agrafiotis, United Health Care employee, Lisa Paquin, PTA members Claudette Knieriem and Kim Steger and the amazing Barb Brennan and for all of your hard work.
Best wishes for health and happiness in the New Year!

Joy Buzzell
Hooksett Family Services Director

Don’t let ultra liberals raise age for criminal responsibility
To the Editor:
I should be amazed, but I am not. What I should be amazed about? It’s that Democratic controlled Legislature passed HB584, which would protect drug dealers and violent criminals from prosecution! Why I am not amazed? It’s because the ultra-liberal Democrats keep pushing their radical left-wing agenda down our throats. They support letting your minor children getting abortions without your knowledge or consent; they support gay marriage; they support letting the state decide what you can and can’t do regarding seatbelts, smoking and food; and now they support letting violent, drug-dealing criminals be charged as juveniles so they can get a slap on the wrist, a hug and sent on their way to commit some other violent crime.
Back in early 1990s, when these juvenile drug dealers were crossing the border into New Hampshire committing violent crimes, police in this state pushed for a law to prosecute these violent offenders as adults. The law passed, and for over 10 years it has worked, just ask Manchester Deputy Police Chief Gary Simmons!
Now the ultra-liberals want to change that. Even the liberal bastions of Massachusetts and New York put the age of criminal responsibility threshold at 17 and 16 respectively. But here in New Hampshire, the left wing will have you believe these violent drug dealers are just a bunch of silly kids who just need a hug to straighten themselves out. How out of touch with reality are these uber-liberals? After one of these young violent criminals gunned down a police officer in Manchester, one would think they would listen and support law enforcement, which wants to keep the law.
This is another example why we need to get these left-wing radicals out of the Legislature before another one of these poor “juveniles” grows up to commit an even more violent crime.
Ray Miclette
Hooksett

Thanks, Epsom Planning Board
To the Editor:
I would like to thank the members of Epsom Planning Board on having the wisdom and foresight to adopt the Department of Environmental Services Best Management Practices of the Greenyard Program as the standard for inspection for junkyard licensing in the town of Epsom. You have brought our town up to a new and better standard that can allow Epsom to be seen in the future as the town that expects and enforces basic environmental standards as a basis for issuance of junkyard licenses. We continue to move in a new and better direction.
Joanne Randall
Selectman, Epsom