On Air News Read for June 20, 2017

Quote:

Gaudet: Files complaint.

“As a 27 year resident of Ward 8, I am appalled by the flagrant disregard of City Charter provisions concerning Conflicts of Interest by Ward 2 Alderman Ron Ludwig and Ward 11 Alderman Norm Gamache at the Tuesday, June 13th, 2017 meeting of the Board of Mayor & Alderman in public session and on the public record.”

That’s the opening paragraph of a complaint filed with Mayor Ted Gatsas earlier this week by Jim Gaudet, who just happens to be our Public Safety This Week segment anchor here on the Girard at Large Radio Show.  Gaudet sent the letter following the vote taken by the aldermen on whether or not to adopt the fact finder’s report recommending the city provide its firefighter and supervisor  unions with the same whopping pay raise,  new holiday and other goodies it conveyed to the city’s police unions.

The charter prohibits aldermen from voting on matters where an immediate family member has a personal or financial interest.  Ludwig and Gamache both have sons on the job with the Manchester Fire Department who are covered by the contract.

Gaudet wrote, quote:

“A clear and plain reading of the charter would indicate that both aldermen are elected officials, their children are immediate family members, and the provisions of the Conflict of Interest article are quite clear that they may not discuss, deliberate or vote on these matters…It is my expectation as a citizen and taxpayer that this matter will be investigated and referred for administrative procedures as set forth in the Charter.  I expect that both aldermen are to be publicly sanctioned, fined and even removed from office as this is a penalty prescribed by R S A 49-C:13.”

If the city fails to take appropriate action to sanction Ludwig and Gamache, Gaudet said the matter should be referred to the Attorney General to be investigated, noting the penalties for violating the charter in state law.  We’ve linked to Gaudet’s letter, which we published yesterday afternoon, from this news read at Girard at Large dot com.

In announcing he’d sent the letter to Gatsas on his Facebook page, Gaudet, a retired Marine and police prosecutor, said, quote: 

“I’m done with the arrogant and unethical, “screw the taxpayers” attitude of elected officials – particularly in Manchester.  Prepare to be boarded.”

He will make (made) a special appearance on this morning’s show during the six o’clock hour to discuss his complaint and how far he’s prepared to go to see it through. (Click here for the relevant segment)

Comments on our post to Facebook sharing the article ranged from Shawn, who said, quote:

“Good, it’s time to start holding these men accountable.  The B O M A is out of control!”

to Lisa who said, quote:

“Vote vote vote in November folks…change starts with us!”

Yes it does!  Amen to that!

News from our own backyard continues after this.

Girard at Large has obtained an email from the Republican leadership of the New Hampshire House of Representatives to the Republican Caucus regarding the increase in Meals and Rooms Tax distributions to cities and towns.  According to the email, the proposed committee of conference budget increases the distribution to municipalities by five million dollars over the current budget.  A total of one hundred thirty seven point six million dollars would be sent by the state to local governments over the biennium.   Attached to the email was a list of just how much more each community would get.  We’ve published it with this news read at Girard at Large dot com. 

The email comes as G O P leaders put the full court press on its members to support the budget, and nothing presses like more aid for the folks back home!  Democrats are threatening to oppose the budget en-masse, which means G O P leaders will have to secure enough votes from their own ranks to pass the budget.  Their ability to do that is in doubt as the Freedom Caucus, a group of approximately fifty conservative House members, has criticized the budget for spending too much money and continuing to expand the size and scope of state government. 

We’ll get the latest on the budget battle from Senate Finance Committee Chairman Gary Daniels, who’ll be in studio during the seven o’clock hour this morning. (Click here to view the archive)

The Central New Hampshire Walk to End Alzheimer’s Committee, in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Association, Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter will offer a  free screening of the new P B S documentary Alzheimer’s: Every Minute Counts on Wednesday, July 12th at Chunky’s Cinema Pub in Manchester.

The documentary illuminates the social and economic consequences for the country unless a medical breakthrough is discovered for Alzheimer’s disease.  The film also puts a spotlight on the unique challenges facing New Hampshire residents living with the affliction.  

After the screening, a brief discussion will follow along with the opportunity to learn more about the Walk to End Alzheimer’s event taking place in Manchester this September.  The event begins at 6:00 p.m., and is free and open to the public.  We have the number you need to call to register with this news read at Girard at Large dot com.  Call 800.272.3900.

The Manchester Department of Public Works announced it is now accepting wet latex paint at the Dunbarton Road Drop Off Facility.  There is a one dollar fee per can and the number of cans is limited to what the department calls a “residential quantity.”  The notice said that wet paint still will NOT be collected at curbside.  We’ve got the link you need to get more information with this news read at Girard at Large dot com.  Click manchesternh.gov/dropoff

That’s NEWS from our own backyard!  Girard at Large hour ___ is next!

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/328980227″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]