My Turn
I remember that day in 1984 when I first learned that Geraldine Ferraro was to be the Democratic nominee for vice president. I was on a plane from Washington D.C. to San Francisco as one of the "delegate trackers" for Walter Mondale's presidential campaign. Somewhere over Colorado our boss pulled us together and announced that once we arrived in California we would go directly…
March 28, 2011
Letter
I was offended to read Allison Caldwell's letter. I was born and raised in Concord and born and raised in the Christian Church. I was taught that this time of year is when Concord shines. We celebrate the love and joy of peace that surrounds the season of Christmas. Concord is proud of the holiday food basket program and the state employees' incredible toys for children program.…
December 17, 2009
Our Turn
As law enforcement leaders, our first priority is to protect public safety and put criminals in jail. However, it is also our duty to work to prevent crime before more innocent people are hurt. Right now in New Hampshire, there are 5,000 men and women behind bars, costing our state $100 million every year. Stopping criminality before it takes hold is clearly an advantage in the…
September 22, 2009
My Turn
To Gov. John Lynch: Please sign HB 436, the marriage equality bill, into law.
Last November I was elected by the citizens of Merrimack County to serve as county attorney and enforce the laws of the state. I am a strong believer in the system of laws that govern our community. I am especially proud of New Hampshire and our strong history of laws that protect and defend everyone's…
May 13, 2009
Letter
I am writing to urge you to vote for Michael Bartlett for state representative for Concord's Wards 4, 8, 9 and 10.
Michael Bartlett is a descendant of New Hampshire's first governor, Josiah Bartlett. He has a family tradition of standing up for the people of his community. Michael understands the problems facing Concord and the state. He wants to work with the entire community…
October 21, 2008
The Mayor's Race: Are Concord homeowners facing taxing times?
Concord's assessed valuation is not keeping pace with the growth of expenditures. This can't continue. The city must seek to responsibly expand our property tax base while examining our budget with the assistance of the entire community.
I will call together a budget reduction task force consisting of city councilors and employees, conservatives and liberals, professionals and laborers,…
November 4, 2007
The Mayor's Race: Can't Concord do something to ease the traffic jams?
Taming traffic is like herding cats: It involves a little luck and a lot of faith in people's ability to conform to new rules.
October 28, 2007
Letter
Whoops! I made a mistake. A postcard was mailed to Concord voters that listed the many groups and individuals who had endorsed my vision for the city in the future. The printer unfortunately misprinted one of my supporters as the Concord Fire Department instead of the firefighters union. I know that the fire department would never endorse a candidate for office. I want to apologize…
October 23, 2007
The Mayor's Race: Why can't Concord do a better job recycling its trash?
One of my first acts as a city councilor 16 years ago was to organize a series of community forums to discuss solid waste removal. Those forums brought out hundreds of interested people. We talked about a number of alternatives for the collection and disposal of the city's trash. I heard a resounding "no" to the pay-as-you-throw system from the citizens of Concord. I was told that…
October 21, 2007
The Mayor's Race: A community challenge: improving the city library
The Concord library is important to the community. It can serve as an economic engine to drive the development of downtown as a residential and business community. It is an important resource for both citizens and businesses. It is also the source of first impression and linkage to the community for many new residents to Concord. For all these reasons, it must be a continued priority…
October 14, 2007
The Mayor's Race: How important is preserving Concord's open space?
Land conservation is a valuable part of Concord's planning for future growth. The preservation and protection of open spaces will enhance Concord as a regional center for future development and economic growth; maintain and enhance the quality of life in our neighborhoods; provide opportunities for passive recreation, solitude and reflection and provide educational and recreational…
October 7, 2007
The Mayor's Race: Can Concord make housing more affordable?
The need for affordable housing is a key factor in business growth and tax-base expansion within our community. This must be a priority for the next mayor.
Concord is not unique; housing costs are high and affordable housing is scarce throughout the state. I will challenge the newly established Concord Housing Commission to bring to the council, within the next six months, a series…
September 30, 2007
