Hillside: In lock-down due to relocated problem kid from Parkside
Manchester’s Hillside Middle School was placed in lock-down yesterday and you’ll never guess why. Remember the kid that was responsible for causing Parkside to go into so called “secure mode” three times last year? You know, the one who jumped off the school’s roof and punched Principal Forrest Ransdell in the stomach as he attempted to remove him from a class for disruptive behavior yet again? Well, he’s now Hillside’s problem. He got loose in the school yesterday, just like he used to get loose at Parkside, running randomly through the school, refusing to obey authorities. Several police units were dispatched to the school. Sources tell Girard at Large he was arrested for attacking a staff member prior to running wild. Of course, no-one in officialdom will confirm anything, but as one source asked, quote “Why are problems just shuffled around?” The boy’s mother blamed Parkside staff for failing to properly implement her son’s special education plan and pulled her kids from the school. Who’s she going to blame now? Perhaps it’s time for this kid to be put somewhere where he can get the help he needs and everybody else in the school can get the education they deserve. Clearly, he doesn’t belong in a regular school.
Arnold: Announces endorsements
Ward Two Alderman Ron Ludwig and Ward Nine Alderman Barbara Shaw are supporting mayoral candidate Patrick Arnold. The announcement was made last night in a press release issued by the Arnold campaign. The release quotes Ludwig saying quote “Patrick brings determination, passion and vision to his campaign for mayor of Manchester.” Arnold said he was honored to have continued support from his former colleagues on the board. Last week, Arnold announced he’d hired veteran campaign workers Rémi Francoeur and Paul Cote as Field Coordinators. Both are well known political operatives, at least in campaign circles.
Mara: Hosting diversity discussion
The Manchester Police Department, along with multiple community leaders, will host a discussion tonight about “living in a peaceful and harmonious environment within the city.” Refreshments will be served from five thirty to six to provide a little social and gathering time before the event begins at six in the Officer Michael Briggs Center at the corner of Beech Street and Lake Ave. A candid and open discussion about policing in a diverse community is planned by the panel, which hopes to have several breakout groups in an attempt to narrow down hot topics that may prompt immediate discussion. The goals and objectives are simple say the police, share information while listening and discussing all points of view from their constituents.
News from our own backyard continues after this.
Hess: To chair committee on pension reform
New Hampshire House Speaker Shawn Jasper announced the formation of a fourteen member committee tasked with revision and reform of the state’s financially troubled public employee pension system. Noting that the New Hampshire Retirement System has one of the worst unfunded rates in the country, Jasper said quote “We need to find ways to reduce that unfunded liability and reform our public employee pension system in a way that protects our retirees and ensures a solvent retirement system for future generations.” Veteran lawmaker David Hess Republican of Hooksett has the unenviable task of chairing the special committee which will look at pension funding, eligibility and alternative public employee pension plans and programs. We’ve listed all those named to the committee with this newscast at Girard at Large. There are several from our listening area, including: Rep. John Sytek (R-Salem) as the Vice Chair. Rep. Neal Kurk (R-Weare); Rep. William Infantine (R-Manchester); Rep. Gary Azarian (R-Salem); Rep. William Ohm (R-Nashua); Rep. Frank Byron (R-Litchfield); Rep. Mark Proulx (R-Manchester); Rep. Jeffrey Goley (D-Manchester); Rep. Daniel Sullivan (D-Manchester); Rep. Patricia Lovejoy (D-Stratham); Rep. Dianne Schuett (D-Pembroke); Rep. Len DiSesa (D-Dover); and Rep. Frank Edelblut (R-Wilton).
Boutin: Sponsors Right to Know law improvements
Two bills affecting the state’s Right to Know Law are before the House Judiciary Committee today. House Bill one oh eight declares that minutes for nonpublic sessions under the right-to-know law shall be kept as provided for public session minutes and that a vote to seal nonpublic session minutes shall be taken in public session. State Senator David Boutin, Republican from Hooksett, is a sponsor of the bill. It will be heard at eleven this morning in room two oh eight of the Legislative Office Building. House Bill one thirty eight clarifies that a public body or agency shall not charge a fee to make a governmental record available for public inspection; provided, that a fee may still be charged for the actual cost of copying a public record. It will be heard at ten this morning in the same room. This bill, also sponsored by Boutin, seems to be generating controversy.
Cady: NHMA sabotaging proposed changes
Our Right to Know Watchdog, Harriet Cady, is reporting that the New Hampshire Municipal Association is lobbying for an amendment that would essentially scuttle the bill by allowing communities to charge for making documents available, whether or not they’re copied by those who’ve requested the information. At some point, could we please NOT have taxpayer funded organizations like the New Hampshire Municipal Association, lobbying against the citizens who also pay the taxes that pay for the personnel and documents they should have a right to access without paying for it again? Good grief! We’ve linked to these very simple and sensible bills for your review. Oh, and our thanks to Senator Boutin for putting them forward.
That’s news from our own backyard, Girard at Large hour ___ is next.
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