May 18, 2008
See what can happen with some public energy? The bill that would have had the PDA putting the finishing touch on the harbors takeover has been buried. Good. Now the Pease Development Authority can get to improving the golf course, their next critical project. They have received some cost numbers on the project of about 3.5 million. Are golf numbers up or down nationally? Ah, the magic of the net gives me and you the answer, golf is down. I thought so. A new feature are these links that are generated below my posts, some are spot on! Golf is fading. If you own a plane though you can land for 5 bucks and play at old rates at Pease. I bet they will soon buy a shuttle for you too!
http://leisureguy.wordpress.com/2008/02/21/golf-fades/
Mike
May 16, 2008
http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=8314992&nav=4QcS
Please take a moment to read the above news link.
I was not surprised by this poll. The media in NH does a very poor job reporting, and even if they did , no one is reading, or watching, or voting. That’s why I have an inner smile at all the Presidential race news. “Really? I had not heard that”. That seems to be the mantra of many around Town and in this State. If you are reading this you are capable of being very informed, it takes a few minutes a day. You are then able to go off story and do your own research, form your own opinions on issues affecting you here , at home, where you live. You can dash off a note to your legislator, view public meeting schedules, you can be a citizen. The role of an informed, engaged citizen is just, if not more important than those in elected office.
Mike
May 16, 2008
That’s how I feel regarding the water & sewer advisory group and the current issue. On April 24th I expressed surprise and posted on the Crier, trying to be nice. A one line comment. I called and expressed my concern to a Selectman. Today I read the paper and we have a junior selectman who I guess represents the rank & file of Exeter voters (we had 1800 vote) opining, incredulous it seems at the outcry. How is it that everyone that I have spoken to regarding this issue thinks this appointment not appropriate? What is this “moving on” I frankly think there is way too much of this “moving on” attitude.
I am also surprised that the working group that is shepherding the St Mikes campus does not discuss such matters in their meetings, prior to any missteps. Plain talking here now folks. If this is not resolved with a withdrawal , and a whole new group of volunteers is selected, are people to assume it was not a misstep?
Why was Jim Tanis quoted in the paper as using the term “sabotage” ? Why is Brian Griset concerned about litigation? That’s the place that I am sure no one wants to go. Perhaps the junior member and the others will save us from this drama and accept a withdrawal from the appointee or rescind the appointment and “move on”
Mike
May 14, 2008
This is DPW appreciation week. There was a proclamation read and plaque given to our DPW. You may have noticed the crews this week painting all the crosswalks.The 39 de facto crosswalks were not painted How about this for an idea. We demonstrate our appreciation by using the crosswalks. Traffic would move more smoothly if drivers were not having to stop every twenty feet for someone leaping out, or staring you down forcing you to stop. So, let’s make an effort to use the crosswalks and always when with children. You will not be holding their hands forever.
Mike
May 14, 2008
Last night the engineers were in to the Conservation meeting and I tuned in. There was a long presentation on the latest technological advances in parking lots. I took the dog for a walk. When I came back they were still presenting the nuts and bolts of this startling technology. I thought this was used some time ago at the now shuttered nursing home on the Exeter Hospital campus. My eyes were glazing over, an education in paving was a waste of time. I guess we are now on notice that development can proceed on any site, even a swamp. That’s the message I was getting from the presenters. All the pipes including the ones placed by our own State DOT will be upgraded, enlarged. Now we can be assured that the water will flow even faster into the Squamscott. “Hey, how’s your striped bass honey? ” Oh it’s wonderful, there’s just a hint of parking lot!” mmmm
Mike
May 4, 2008
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2006/SB0394.html
If you have time skim through the above file and read about changes to Trust law in NH. It’s aim to is make NH an “attractive” place to register your trust. Many are talking about a great transfer of wealth from one generation to another. Some have set this amount way out there, 44 trillion. I understand it’s the largest transfer of wealth from one generation to another in World history. This bill was passed last year, I was not blogging last year and it was approved fast,in 3 months. In fact I guess it represents one of the quickest approvals of any bill at our State House. The 3 months included all committee meetings too! Previous to this change Alaska, Delaware, and South Dakota, were the places to register your trust. I do not believe those States enjoyed any influx of jobs related to family trusts. We are now the top dog! Perhaps this same Chicago law firm could write us some Education legislation.
Some highlights
It was sponsored by millionaires, a few from the Seacoast. The legislation was written by a Chicago law firm and pushed through by a consortium of legal talent here in NH. I found an interview on NHPR and will include the link, the interviewer Laura Knoy asks the same questions that I would have asked. I particularly enjoyed the question of the Chicago lawyer regarding bricks and mortar here as a result of passage. He went on a little bit. After he rang off the Banking Commissioner of NH quickly dispelled that notion. He did say “if it brings one job to NH its a good thing” Our State House will approve major legislation for the gain of one job? Oh by the way the General Fund will not see a dime, the 5000.00 fee to set up the minimum 500K trust will go to the Banking Commission. Probably to monitor all these trusts, though you will see language in the bill to keep this to a minimum. Here is the interview, use the link and then click the MP3 icon.
http://www.nhpr.org/node/10953
It is not the activities of millionaires and possible tax funny business that irks me about this bill. It is the continuing problems in this State relative to our own residents and the failure to address them. Yet a bill drafted by a law firm in Chicago has everyone sitting up straight and voting yes. In three months.
Mike
May 3, 2008
http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080503/NEWS/805030311
I was under the impression that Carol was a renegade. It is interesting she can adapt and bring home the pork like all the rest. Read the article, a puff piece for local consumption. This will go nowhere for a host of reasons not the least of which is asbestos and lead paint. The prison is full of it. Estimates are as high as 10 million to remove it. Thats number one and the list goes on. You can add your own. I would appreciate this important facility be placed in an area with qualified citizens and the facility be built new, state of the art, not some rehab. You can do many things over the net, countries power grids are vulnerable, probes by Foreign Countries of Pentagon computers have been detected. I am sure we are also doing the same thing to them. So moving forward let’s do the right thing and build the right facility that reflects our national interests.
Note to Porters staff, Pease means nothing, a true cyber command really doesn’t reguire much face to face. I would have held this puff piece till Carol had spoken to more than one other Congressman about it.
UPDATE
I just found this and it illustrates how late she is on this deal
http://www.washi.hngtontechnology.com/online/1_1/32148-1.html
Mike
April 24, 2008
I made the mistake of heading up RT 33 to Portsmouth yesterday. There is road widening project at the Truck Stop. Avoid it, take 95. It’s too bad the State was unable to give the truck stop an exit off 95. The new mall going in in Greenland will forever be a traffic issue with the trucks headed for the truck stop.
UPDATE
More elderly drivers on the horizon, in fact a whole bunch! If that new elderly, retirement, second life, life care, facility is approved in Stratham. Since these facilities seem to face no real opposition, it will happen.
To insure the safety of someone else’s parents the road will have to be studied , hard.
So, are the plans for the new traffic lights , turn lanes, lighting at least being tossed around at the State level? The mouth of this driveway will require a significant investment and decision. We could not get a traffic light for the new high school where one is sorely needed.
Mike
Mike
April 24, 2008
I think a gentle push back on the latest member was in order.
Mike
UPDATE
I just read the news and feel the members of the board did the right thing. It was a misstep to appoint the latest member. What were the Selectmen thinking? There will be significant issues moving forward on the St Mikes campus and they have to do with water & sewer. The line going past the campus is a pressure line and will not be a simple tap . It could require a new pumping station or some other significant engineering. Since the St Mikes hearings were conducted without a hint of impropriety this could possibly introduce some. It is most unfortunate that the Selectmen did not think harder on this appointment. I also feel that there are many involved that could have “counseled” on the timing and merits of seeking the open slot.
Mike
April 18, 2008
This is a House Bill in NH to complete the takeover of the Ports of NH by an independent agency, the PDA. I attended a meeting this past Tuesday in Rye. It was well attended and got a bit hot at times. Many people struggled to frame their issues with this plan. Whenever I witness people struggling to overcome their fear of public speaking and doing it, tremors and all, you know this is the real deal. This bill must be defeated in the Senate. There is a meeting in Concord on the 30th and another chance for public input. Everyone living in NH has an interest in keeping the Port a working port. A harbor ringed with hotels and non marine related business will be a failure. I can assure you your access to the water will also be limited should this come to fruition. . Is there one Hotel complex proposed? No, not at this time. Should you consider this prospect?
I think you should consider such a development. I was able to take a look at the players in this battle on Tuesday night . It confirmed for me several problems that I have with the PDA. We simply do not have the right people in place at that industrial park. Thats what I am calling it from now on. The Pease Industrial Park. Let’s drop all this grandiose posturing. The airport portion is a dead duck. I suggest the PDA focus on their own issues and leave the Maritime group alone. The PDA has no expertise at all in marine issues.
The PDA should focus on their own property. Here is a “little ” project for them. They have an intersection in front of the ANG base, it is a dangerous intersection and the site of many accidents. In fact there have been some horrific traffic accidents at the Industrial Park. Why doesn’t the agency that thinks it can handle more land giveaways take care of a stoplight?
Mike
