Search results matching tag 'political'

Survey

Ron Bryson — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:40:00 GMT

This is a survey to find out if the National Guard or the police would honor the US Constitution that they had took an oath to defend.

The Constitution said that the people have the right to keep and to bear arms

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a Free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Also George Washington said,

Firearms stand next in importance to the constitution itself; they are American people’s liberty, teeth and keystone under independence. To ensure peace security, and happiness, the rifle and the pistol are equally indispensable; the very atmosphere of firearms everywhere restrains evil interference…’

Thomas Jefferson said,

If that right is ever being threatened, that people should be vigilant and take stand and defend that right, because that would be the final sign that our rights and freedoms are about to be taken from us.”

I love my country, but I fear my government…’

I was presented with this scenario:

If a state of a emergency was declare and the government or the state order all fire arms to be confiscated from the public, (in this scenario no looting or violence) would the National Guard or the police not honor their oath to the US Constitution, or would they say it’s their job or duty to carry out the order, and use deadly force to take the gun from the law abiding citizens if the citizens refused to give up their legal guns, and if deadly force was used to take said guns, is it the right for the citizens to return such force to protect itself from the illegal gun confiscation. As a reminder of what Jefferson said: because that would be the final sign that our rights and freedoms are about to be taken from us.”

So what say you, to this scenario?

Survey

Ron Bryson — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:36:00 GMT

This is a survey to find out if the National Guard or the police would honor the US Constitution that they had took an oath to defend.

The Constitution said that the people have the right to keep and to bear arms

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a Free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Also George Washington said,

Thomas Jefferson said,

I love my country, but I fear my government…’

I was presented with this scenario:

So what say you, to this scenario?

Pembroke Police Arrest Logs: October 1 to October 31, 2009

MertzMHz — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:20:00 GMT

PEMBROKE POLICE DAILY LOGS

TO PROTECT AND SERVE

OCTOBER 1, 2009 TO OCTOBER 31, 2009

Officers responded to 1,101 calls for service, including the following arrests:

FRIDAY OCT. 2

9:20 a.m.-Pembroke St., Officers Nickerson and Hanson served arrest warrant for Merrimack County Sheriffs Office on Corey Miller, 17 of Pembroke St. Pembroke, Miller was transported to the PD, processed and released to Merrimack County Sheriff;

5:20 p.m.-PD, Officer Cunha served arrest warrant for simple assault and disorderly conduct on Tyler Hutchinson, 17 of Fifth Range Rd. Pembroke, Hutchinson was processed and released on PR bail, Hutchinson is scheduled to appear at Hooksett District Court on October 27, 2009 at 8:15 a.m.;

SUNDAY OCT. 4

3:17 a.m.-Route 3, received report of suspicious subjects, Officer Bergeron responded to investigate, placed David Banning, 20 of Canton Circle Concord under arrest for unlawful possession of alcohol, Banning was transported to the PD, processed and released on PR bail, Banning is scheduled to appear at Hooksett District Court on November 10, 2009 at 8:15 a.m.

Officer Bergeron also placed Justin Parmenter, 21 of Renarl Ave. Pembroke under arrest for acts prohibited and prohibited sales of alcohol, Parmenter was also transported to the PD, processed and released on PR bail Parmenter is also scheduled to appear at Hooksett District Court on November 10, 2009 at 8:15 a.m.;

7:51 p.m.-Front St., received report of suspicious activity, Sgt. Gaskell responded to investigate, placed Joshua Simard, 21 of Houle Ave. Allenstown under arrest for theft, Simard was transported to the PD, processed and released on PR bail, Simard is scheduled to appear at Hooksett District Court on October 27, 2009 at 8:15 a.m.;

TUESDAY OCT. 6

11:30 a.m.-PD, Officer Cunha served arrest warrant for simple assault and criminal trespass on Matthew Knapp, 30 of Depot St. Pittsfield, Knapp was processed and released on PR bail, Knapp is scheduled to appear at Hooksett District Court on November 10, 2009 at 8:15 a.m.;

WEDS. OCT. 7

10:41 p.m.-Academy Rd., Officer Cunha and Sgt. Gaskell initiate motor vehicle stop, placed Mohamet Kamara, 20 of Devans MA under arrest for outstanding bench warrant for Manchester District Court, Kamara was transported to the PD, processed and released;

FRIDAY OCT. 9

7:15 p.m.-Broadway, received report of domestic dispute, Sgt. Gaskell and Officer Cunha responded to investigate, placed Steven Beauregard, 23 of Broadway, Pembroke under arrest for simple assault x 2, Beauregard was transported to the PD, processed and released on PR bail, Beauregard is scheduled to appear at Hooksett District Court on November 10, 2009 at 8:15 a.m.;

MONDAY OCT. 12

6:25 p.m.-PD, Officer Allen served arrest warrant for false report to law enforcement x 3 to Sara Harrison, 43 of Pembroke St. Pembroke, Harrison was processed and is scheduled to appear at Hooksett District Court on December 1, 2009 at 8:15 a.m.;

TUESDAY OCT. 13

1:25 p.m.-Pembroke St., received report of domestic dispute, Officer Hanson, Det. Sgt. Shea and Lt. Gilman responded to investigate, placed Amanda Martin 23 of Pembroke St. Pembroke under arrest for simple assault, Martin was transported to the PD, processed and released on PR bail, Martin is scheduled to appear at Hooksett District Court on December 8, 2009 at 8:15 a.m.;

9:11 p.m.-PD, Officers Allen and Xenakis placed Kevin Amyot, 39 of Bridge St. Ext. Pembroke under arrest for 2 outstanding bench warrants, Amyot was processed and released;

THURS. OCT. 15

10:00 a.m.-Route 106, Det. Sgt. Shea and Officer Xenakis initiated motor vehicle stop, placed Terasa Asselin, 30 of Sheep Davis Rd. Pembroke under arrest for outstanding arrest warrant for Amherst PD, Asselin was transported to the PD, processed and released to Amherst PD;

SUNDAY OCT. 18

7:35 p.m.-PD, Sgt. Gaskell and Officer Xenakis placed Alicia Mullavey-Rix, 23 of Pembroke St. Pembroke under arrest for outstanding bench warrant for Concord District Court, Mullavey-Rix was processed and released;

8:05 p.m.-PD, Officer Cunha placed Chad Gokey, 32 of Fourth Range Rd. Pembroke under arrest for two outstanding bench warrants, one for Concord District Court and one for Hooksett District Court, Gokey was processed and released;

WEDS. OCT. 21

7:27 p.m.-PD, Officer Cunha served outstanding arrest warrant for 2 counts of conduct after an accident to Margarita Vigneau, 18 of Center Hill Rd. Epsom, Vigneau was processed and released on PR bail, Vigneau is scheduled to appear at Hooksett District Court on November 24, 2009 at 8:15 a.m.;

THURS. OCT. 22

2:17 a.m.-Route 3, received report of suspicious motor vehicle, Officer Bergeron responded to investigate, placed Christopher Demicco, 27 of Pembroke St. Pembroke under arrest for carrying weapons (switchblade), Demicco was transported to the PD, processed and released on PR bail, Demicco is scheduled to appear at Hooksett District Court on November 24, 2009 at 8:15 a.m.;

7:30 p.m.-Broadway, Officers Allen and Cunha placed Katherine Hutchins, 23 of Broadway, Pembroke under arrest for outstanding arrest warrant for Allenstown PD, Hutchins was transported to the PD, processed and released to Allenstown PD;

SUNDAY OCT. 25

12:03 a.m.-Glass St., received report of suspicious subject, Officer Allen responded to investigate, placed Jonathan Annis, 35 of Turnpike St. Allenstown under protective custody, Annis was transported to the PD, processed and released;

MONDAY OCT. 26

9:11 a.m.-Broadway, received report of suspicious activity, Officer Bergeron responded to investigate, placed Larry Edward, 27 of Broadway, Pembroke under arrest for outstanding bench warrant from Hooksett District Court, Edward was transported to the PD, processed and released;

Pembroke Police Arrest Logs: September 1 to September 30, 2009

MertzMHz — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:17:00 GMT

PEMBROKE POLICE DAILY LOGS

TO PROTECT AND SERVE

SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2009

Officers responded to 1,214 calls for service, including the following arrests:

THURS. SEPT. 3

12:30 p.m.-Glass St., Officer Cunha placed Michael Silver, 32 of Main St. Pembroke under arrest for outstanding bench warrant, Silver was transported to the PD, processed and transported to Merrimack County House of Corrections pending arraignment at Hooksett District Court;

SUNDAY SEPT. 6

5:35 p.m.-Front St., Officer Nickerson served outstanding warrant for Hooksett PD for the charge of receiving stolen property on Donna Servitelli, 33 of Front St. Pembroke, Servitelli was transported to the PD, processed and released to Hooksett PD;

TUESDAY SEPT. 8

6:00 a.m.-Front St., Lt. Gilman served outstanding warrant for possession of controlled drugs x 2 on Jonathan Williams, 27 of Main St. Stewartstown, NH, Williams was transported to the PD, processed and released on PR bail, Williams is scheduled to appear at Hooksett District Court on October 27, 2009 at 8:15 a.m.;

WEDS. SEPT. 9

9:41 p.m.-Pembroke St., Officer Nickerson investigated suspicious activity, placed Sean Hunter 30, of Pembroke St. Pembroke under arrest for possession of controlled drug, unlawful dealing in prescription drugs and falsifying physical evidence, Hunter was transported to the PD, processed and released on PR bail, Hunter is scheduled to appear at Hooksett District Court on October 27, 2009 at 8:15 a.m.;

SUNDAY SEPT. 20

9:51 p.m.-Route 106, received motor vehicle complaint, Officer Allen and Sgt. Gaskell responded to investigate, placed William Allen, 57 of Dawson Ave. Manchester under arrest for DWI, Allen was transported to the PD, processed and transported to Merrimack County House of Corrections pending arraignment at Hooksett District Court;

TUES. SEPT. 22

8:31 p.m.-PD, Officer Allen served arrest warrant for receiving stolen property on Amy Loeser, 23 of Granite St. Hooksett, Loeser was processed and released on PR bail, Loeser is scheduled to appear at Hooksett District Court on October 27, 2009 at 8:15 a.m.;

WEDS. SEPT. 23

2:00 p.m.-Pembroke St., Det. Sgt. Shea served arrest warrant for Duty to Report on Khamphet Mounsamlouath, who was transported to the PD, processed and released on PR bail, Mounsamlouath is scheduled to appear at Hooksett District Court on October 27, 2009 at 8:15 a.m.;

SUNDAY SEPT. 27

9:58 a.m.-PD, Officer Hanson served arrest warrant for conduct after an accident to Kenneth McGarr, 45 of Dearborn Rd. Pembroke, McGarr was processed and released on PR bail, McGarr is scheduled to appear at Hooksett District Court on October 27, 2009 at 8:15 a.m.;

9:37 p.m.-Broadway, received report of domestic dispute, Officer Allen and Sgt. Gaskell responded to investigate, placed Joanne Johnson, 35 of Broadway Pembroke under arrest for simple assault, Johnson was transported to the PD, processed and released on PR bail, Johnson is scheduled to appear at Hooksett District Court on October 27, 2009 at 8:15 a.m.;

7:51 p.m.-Front St., received report of suspicious activity, Sgt. Gaskell responded to investigate, placed Joshua Simard, 21 of Houle Ave, Allenstown under arrest for theft, Simard was transported to the PD, processed and released on PR bail, Simard is scheduled to appear at Hooksett District Court on October 27, 2009 at 8:15 a.m.;

TUES. SEPT. 29

12:55 p.m.-PD, Officer Cunha served arrest warrant for issuing bad checks on Richard Cybenko, 24 of Ella Court Rochester, NH Cybenko was processed and released on PR bail, Cybenko is scheduled to appear at Hooksett District Court on November 3, 2009 at 8:15 a.m.;

Pembroke Police Arrest Logs: August 1 to August 31, 2009

MertzMHz — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:07:00 GMT

PEMBROKE POLICE DAILY LOGS

TO PROTECT AND SERVE

AUGUST 1, 2009 TO AUGUST 31, 2009

Officers responded to 1,440 calls for service, including the following arrests:

SAT. AUGUST 1

8:43 p.m.-N. Pembroke Rd., Officer Allen initiated motor vehicle stop, placed William Morel, 38 of Crescent St. Pittsfield under arrest for driving after suspension and criminal mischief, Morel was transported to the PD, processed and transported to Merrimack County House of Corrections on cash bail, Morel was subsequently re-arrested on new charges of acts prohibited and falsifying physical evidence, Morel was held at Merrimack County House of Corrections pending arraignment;

SAT. AUGUST 8

7:00 p.m.-Broadway, received report of suspicious activity, Officer Cunha investigated, placed Jared Jensen, 23 of Broadway Pembroke under arrest for second degree assault x 2 counts, Jensen was transported to the PD, processed and transported to Merrimack County House of Corrections pending arraignment;

FRI. AUGUST 14

11:35 p.m.-Route 28, Sobriety Checkpoint, officers placed Donald Gosselin, 23 of Wood Cote Rd. Epsom under arrest for DWI, Gosselin was transported to the PD, processed and released on PR bail, Gosselin is scheduled to appear at Hooksett District Court on September 15, 2009 at 8:15 a.m.

SAT. AUGUST 15

12:16 a.m.-Route 28, Sobriety Checkpoint, officers placed Stephen Bradford Clifton, 25 of Webster St. Allenstown under arrest for driving after suspension, possession of controlled drug, and possession of drugs in a motor vehicle, Bradford Clifton was transported to the PD, processed and released on PR bail, Bradford Clifton is scheduled to appear at Hooksett District Court on September 15, 2009 at 8:15 a.m.;

2:15 a.m.-Route 28, Sobriety Checkpoint, officers placed Norman Vallee, 40 of Province Rd., Gilmanton under protective custody, transported to the PD and later released;

MON. AUGUST 17

2:43 a.m.-Nadine Rd., Officer Bergeron initiated motor vehicle stop, placed Daniel Paradis, 48 of Sherwood Dr. Hooksett under arrest for DWI, Paradis was transported to the PD, processed and released on PR bail, Paradis is scheduled to appear at Hooksett District Court on September 15, 2009 at 8:15 a.m.;

Officer Bergeron also placed Melissa Driesse, 35 of Broadway, Pembroke under protective custody, Driesse was also transported to the PD, processed and later released;

SAT. AUGUST 22

9:26 p.m.-Memorial Field, Old Home Festivities, the following arrests were made:

Officer Allen placed Jonathan Folsom, 18 of River Rd. Bow under protective custody, Folsom was transported to the PD, where he was processed and later released,

Officers Allen and Nickerson placed Corey Miller, 17 of Pembroke St. Pembroke under arrest for possession of controlled drug, Miller was transported to the PD, processed and released on PR bail, Miller is scheduled to appear at Hooksett District Court on September 22, 2009 at 8:15 a.m.;

Officers Allen, Hanson and Adinolfo placed Barry Scheffer Jr., 19 of Foster Rd. Canterbury under arrest for disorderly conduct, simple assault and unlawful possession of alcohol, Scheffer was transported to the PD, processed and released on PR bail, Scheffer is scheduled to appear at Hooksett District Court on September 22, 2009 at 8:15 a.m.;

SUN. AUGUST 23

12:18 a.m.-Turnpike St., Officers Allen, Adinolfo and Hanson placed Timothy Constant, 46 of Prospect Mountain Rd. Alton under arrest for aggravated DWI, DWI, failure to obtain NH driver’s license, Constant was transported to the PD, processed and released on PR bail, Constant is scheduled to appear at Hooksett District Court on September 22, 2009 at 8:15 a.m.;

2:45 p.m.-Buck St., received report of unwanted subject, Officer Cunha responded to investigate, placed Cherryl Hutchins, 55 of Buck St. Pembroke under arrest for default of bail conditions, Hutchins was transported to the PD, processed and transported to Merrimack County House of Corrections pending arraignment at Hooksett District Court;

WEDS. AUG. 26

4:25 p.m.-Buck St., Chief Lane and Officer Allen placed Alexander Veseskis-Esch, 20 of Pine St. Pembroke under arrest for driving after suspension, revocation for default, license prohibitions, unregistered motor vehicle, Veseskis-Esch was transported to the PD, processed and released on PR bail, Veseskis-Esch is scheduled to appear at Hooksett District Court on September 22, 2009 at 8:15 a.m.;

THURS. AUG. 27

8:35 p.m.-PD, arrest warrant for conduct after an accident was served on Joseph Allen, 17 of Rosedale Lane Pembroke, Allen was processed and released on PR bail, Allen is scheduled to appear at Hooksett District Court on September 29, 2009 at 8:15 a.m.;

10:30 p.m.-Route 106, Officer Allen spoke with suspicious subject, placed Harry Donovan, 43 of Airport Rd. Concord under arrest for outstanding bench warrant for Hooksett District Court, Donovan was transported to the PD, processed and transported to Merrimack County House of Corrections pending arraignment at Hooksett District Court;

SAT. AUGUST 29

7:15 p.m.-PD, arrest warrants for indecent exposure, harassment and disorderly conduct were served on Jeffrey Gelinas, 17 of Donna Dr., Pembroke, Gelinas was processed and released on PR bail, Gelinas is scheduled to appear at Hooksett District Court on September 29, 2009 at 8:15 a.m.;

11:01 p.m.-Academy Rd., Officer Allen received motor vehicle complaint, responded to investigate, placed Christopher Horrocks, 31 of Buck St. Pembroke under arrest for DWI, Horrocks was transported to the PD, processed and released on PR bail, Horrocks is scheduled to appear at Hooksett District Court on September 29, 2009 at 8:15 a.m.;

SUNDAY AUG. 30

6:47 p.m.-PD, arrest warrant for disorderly conduct and simple assault was served on Corey Clark, 17 of Deerfield Rd. Allenstown, Clark was processed and released on PR bail, Clark is scheduled to appear at Hooksett District Court on September 29, 2009 at 8:15 a.m.;

MON. AUGUST. 31

6:50 p.m.-PD, arrest warrant for disorderly conduct and simple assault was served on Jacob Collinge, 17 of Front St. Pembroke, Collinge was processed and released on PR bail, Collinge is scheduled to appear at Hooksett District Court on September 29, 2009 at 8:15 a.m.;

VERY SCAREY!

Ron Bryson — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:38:00 GMT

VERY SCAREY!
Our democracy is unraveling in full view of the public, but no one seems to care enough to stop it or know how!.
You don't believe the Democrat corruption?

Anyone who looks at this, Republican or Democrat should be outraged. What has happened to our country?
This is like watching a movie to show how corrupt the chairman is...OH WAIT this Washington DC 2009...Murtha should be impeached - he is a transparent power monger in this clip.

This man's actions clearly demonstrates his abuse of his position and power. One wonders why he didn't hold the meeting in his office since the outcome was predetermined before he even asked for a vote. After some of his other comments and actions, why is he still allowed on the floor. He obviously doesn't care about "we the people" one bit. Rep. Jack Murtha is the Boss in this House, he says what is to be. We sent this to Foxs News ( Check this Movie out ) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywgUCdefSW8

VERY SCAREY!

Ron Bryson — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:33:00 GMT

VERY SCAREY!
Our democracy is unraveling in full view of the public, but no one seems to care enough to stop it or know how!.
You don't believe the Democrat corruption?

Christian Perspectives?

mogabe — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:57:00 GMT

Remarkable! That is the word most accurately attributable to the opinions composed by the two Bishops in the Manchester Union Leader regarding the "Healthcare Reform" legislation being considered. I must offer these remarks.

The first Bishop claims that there are no Christian voices being raised. Perhaps his definition of Christian is flawed. The true Christians, Christ-followers, have been out in front defending the lives of the innocent and powerless who are targeted for death by the current forms of this new legislation. Therefore, they are standing up and crying out in defense of the Lord Jesus Christ, who IS life. To even consider forcing believers to join in the commission of the most heinous sin conceived by the hearts of men - ABORTION - by compelling all citizens to pay for it, not only violates the First Amendment but treads upon the grounds where God overrules the state and true Christians are obligated to resist and disobey such governments.

Of course, this first Bishop dismisses God's Word in many ways by claiming authority while openly and proudly violating His explicit laws and requirements of leaders. I hear changing what God defined as Marriage (one man and one woman) is also permissible and taught as such to his followers. For those who want to debate whether homosexual behavior is sin, or what the definition of Marriage is, their argument is with The Bible and God, not me.

The second Bishop makes many good points, but mixes in the leaven of the world by misapplying what it means to care for the least of God's people. We are commanded to help those in need, but not to forcibly compel others to join our efforts. That is a tenet of a conflicting religion, which allows for murder in the effort of proselytizing. Christ didn't and doesn't ask us to force anyone into doing or not doing anything, except as it applies to raising our children, (which is another front in the battle with our government today).

The answer to that oft-quoted rhetorical question defiantly uttered by Cain is NO! We are NOT our brother's KEEPERS. We are brothers and sisters, loving and helping one another, but not owning or controlling each other. Even during God’s suffering of human slavery in the world, obedience to Him was an act of free will.

But then, this second Bishop has also dismissed some parts of God's Word by deciding that compromise with the world is sometimes necessary, as evidenced by his actions - and lack thereof - in the past and currently. The scandals surrounding the molestation cases called for forgiveness, but also for his stepping down. Now, the proposed partnership of Catholic Medical Center with Dartmouth Hitchcock (abortionists and promoters of embryonic mass murder) is the most unholy of matrimonies. It certainly resembles what could be described as the "abomination that brings desolation standing in the Holy of Holies". What place today could be more holy than the womb? Whose hospital is CMC supposed to be? "You cannot serve man and God".

For these two leaders to be supporting the government's takeover of our most basic rights, and in that process promote the notion that allows the use of God's money for the destruction of human life, is the most disturbing testimony in memory. Don't they fear God? What would Jesus have to say about this? I don't need a PhD, nor any other anointing by men to recognize mortal sin. How's that for a Christian perspective?

Again, their arguments are with God's Holy Word; The Bible, not me. No matter where It peeled open, The Bible offered testimony affirming these remarks. Just before ironing this out I peeled, and It opened to Titus. This is one of the shortest of Paul’s letters. Those Bishops should read it again. Then, browse Revelation, particularly the ‘letters to the churches‘. The resemblances to today’s churches are undeniable. The times we are living in are unmistakable.

Don't trust human interpreters to read for you. Most versions are written at an eighth-grade reading level and God needs no man to interpret His Word. Any willing and contrite soul can approach and claim the promises Jesus made; “seek and you shall find”, “ask and you shall receive”, “knock and the door will be opened”. Read the Book of books, written by the King of kings who will be back for HIS church. The truth does not require your belief to be true. Either God is God, or He isn’t.

Oct. 8, 2009

AIN'T NUTHIN' LIKE A HOME-COOKED MEAL by Bob Montgomery

Bob Montgomery — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:26:00 GMT

EVEN IN THE BIG CITIES where sophistication rules how people behave, the most urbane of our fellows will openly admit there ain't nuthin' like a home-cooked meal to calm a person down and make him think clearly after dealing with the stresses of living in today's world. Especially here in New Hamp-shire, "Ain't nuthin' like home cookin'," one of the widas who lives in the same complex I do, advises me on cold winter days at the mail box.

That likely homespun advice kept popping into my mind Saturday (October 3) as I sat in the small audience of a sparsely attended "charrette," sponsored by Hillsborough County (NH) Commissioners Toni Pappas, Carol Holden, and Michael Clemons, the solons who direct our county guvmint. Right off the bat, I had a problem: I didn't know the meaning of the word "charrette," so I did a computer search, where I learned that a "charrette" is, "a final intensive effort to finish a project, especially an architectural design project, before a deadline." This was, of course, a little puzzling inasmuch as the two-day Hills-borough County charrette was neither an architectural design project nor was there any announced deadline that had to be met. But what the hey, "charrette" sure sounds a lot better than, say, "rap session" when it comes to the county hosting a swell get-together like this. Its purpose was find out what the citi-zens would like to have happen to a huge swatch of undeveloped county land in a highly desirable neigh-borhood. That is, all the the pristine acreage surrounding the beautifully restored complex of county buildings and the women's prison.

It wasn't until our early-morning Saturday session got under way that we learned that our group, numbering maybe 30 or so, made up the encore squad. During the opening introduction, we were told that the same program had been acted out by the county's high-ranking dignitaries--those being elected officials and the heads of the operational departments--the day before, on Friday, October 2. No one in our Saturday group seemed to believe we had intentionally been left to suck hind teat, even though it crossed my mind that it would have added considerable luster to the event if we plain folk had been given a shot at speaking with the uppity-ups who run the county facilities, a privilege denied us in the normal course of day-to-day operations. It's a matter of record, don'tcha know, that some of those who snuffle from the county trough simply don't answer mail calls. A unified charrette would have been a great time to talk with these vaporous folk, face-to-face.

County Administrator Gregory Wenger, who is always as candid as it's allowable for a public employee to be, was the program moderator. He opened the meetup with a clear description of the county owned property along Mast Road, from the nursiing home site at the eastern front, to the Blue Canoe gas station at the west. A huge, topographical map provided the details of the site, most of which were unknown to the audience before the program started. It was interesting to note that many of the big-time operations--like the county slammer, for instance--were not subject to our consideration.

Following the opening, Dan Reidy, the feisty director of the county's extension service, hosted the work-shop session. Dan holds a portfoliio of notably successful programs of this kind, performed by his depart-ment for New Hampshire cities and towns, from Coos to the sea. Saturday's charrette was divided into four groups, each of which then assembled around individual tables for 15-minutes of brainstorming about a subject in regard to county propoerty, assigned to that table by the charrette committee. These topics ranged from what should future developments of the county site encompass, to what future uses should the historic buildings be put? Answers to the formatted questions ranged broadly, including comments like, "Build a nice stone wall along Mast Road," to "put in a huge swimming pool at the county home." One good natrured lady suggesed bringing back "some big, ol' pigs" to what used to be the wallow east of the county buildings."To remind us of the old days," she argued.

The county solons did a remarkable job of planning and producing this first-ever pair of charrettes. That the citizens of Hillsborough County were only mildly motivated to attend, is regrettable. Although it's impossible to yet measure the effectiveness of the program, nor to predict how much of the two-day event will affect the commission's actions in the future, the program was an exceptional example of democratic government at its best.

Now, if we can just get the commissioners to sponsor a similar event focused on county operations, we'll lead the applause.

Parties seek guidelines for public meetings

Salem Editor — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:01:00 GMT

BY DERRICK PERKINS

When it comes to adopting an overarching set of guidelines on whether town property could play host to political events, local political parties are reaching across the aisle.

According to Laurel Redden, chairman of the Salem Democratic Town Committee, her organization received varying responses from town officials when they have sought to rent public space for political events in the past. On Sept. 28, Redden joined Jeff Hatch, chairman of the Republican Town Committee, in asking that the Board of Selectmen determine whether such a policy is in place or, if not, draw up a set of guidelines.

“Depending on what staff person is in charge and who they’re asking or who they’re talking to, we’ve gotten different answers to use a townowned facility for political purposes,” Redden said. “What I’m after is one specific set of rules and regulations that all staff persons could apprise.”

Most recently, a forum on health care sponsored by the organization to be held in the Kelley Library in August was canceled due to its political nature, according to Redden, though she said the cancellation was not the motivation behind her request to the selectmen.

“I want to be clear, I am not specifically after the library. They are just one of a couple of town entities that we have approached over the years,” she said “This has been going on for a number of years.”

While the selectmen have no say over any policy the library might have in place – that would be under the purview of the library trustees – Redden would like to see the board work with whomever necessary to create a blanket set of guidelines for all of the town’s facilities.

According to Hatch, such an overarching policy would make it clear when and where town facilities could be used for political activities from any political or social organization in town.

“I would like to see some type of consensus townwide that you can hold a political function in these places and these are where you can’t,” he said.

The Republican Town Committee has not had many problems trying to rent space from the town in the past, mainly because the group rarely tried to rent or use public property, according to Hatch. He said it has been unofficial town policy to turn down requests to use public property for political events, though that had changed depending on who is running any given department.

“There’s no central location, no central figure of authority who has control of everything. That’s really our issue,” Hatch said.

On Sept. 28, Town Manager Jonathan Sistare told selectmen that the town required a certificate of insurance from an organization seeking to use public property. According to Sistare, the town had no formal set of guidelines or policy to use when deciding whether to rent a facility to an organization.

According to officials, Sistare is currently reviewing similar policies adopted by other communities.

“This is one issue that does cross party lines,” Hatch said. “We’re taxpayers too. We just want a place that we can meet. We want a place that we can feel safe, pass out information and just be accepted.”