Author: rich green

Setting the Record StraightDebora B. Pignatelli, Executive Councilor, District 5www.debpignatelli.com The governor is playing politics with important appointments to state agencies and boards.Instead of consulting with the Executive Council, he is choosing people he knows cannot be confirmed because they are not good fits, and then blames the Democrats on the Council for failing to confirm them. I am not going to sit quietly while the governor and his nominees distort what is happening.  The most recent examples of his appointments to the Board of Education and the Office of State Licensure Certification - both with very important responsibilities. In those two cases, the nominees were African American men. They were prepared for various positions in state government such as the governor’s GOFERR Commission or others that would have taken advantage of their business backgrounds, just not the positions at hand. I offered to help one of the nominees if he wanted to explore possibilities. We Democrats have proposed using Representatives Hall for our...

Next round – March 15 - 8PM - hosted by CNN Due to concerns over the coronavirus, there will be no live audience. Former Vice President Joe BidenVermont Sen. Bernie SandersHawaii Representative Tulsi Gabbard (not qualified) ...

Once again, this event was held in the NCC gym. Since it was conducted on a Saturday, we just had to attend. It appeared as though attendance was similar to that for Joe Biden, roughly 1,000 people. It was hard to know exactly because Pete had a much simpler configuration - a stage at the front and a small area for ADA folks. Every one else stood. I've got to say that we had a much better view than for the Biden event. Mayor Pete was introduced by Alderman-At-Large Ben Clemons. To me, Pete started a bit rehearsed, but the more he got into it, the more impromptu and inspirational he became. In general, he comes across as very smart and very articulate. He covered many elements of his platform equally, not focusing on a handful like others. His approach to questions was different than the others we'd attended. Rather than calling on people in...

My wife and I had a second opportunity to attend a Presidential Town Hall on Sunday Dec 8. This one was for Joe Biden, with an introduction from Annie Kuster and an endorsement from John Kerry. This event drew much more attention than the one we'd attended prior. It was held in the NCC gym to a full house. Annie truly provided only an introduction. John spoke off of the podium for about 30 minutes, taking no questions. Joe spoke for less time, then fielded 4-5 questions from the audience. The theme of the town hall was the value of Joe Biden's experience and his concerns around the state of America's "moral compass". Climate change was probably the single most discussed topic, though immigration, the electoral college and America's standing in the world were also discussed at some length. A great experience! Photos below - they're not the best as we sat behind the podium, but...

I'll start off this brief post by stating that NDCC does not endorse any particular Presidential candidate. This town hall was held on Sunday Oct 27, so your webmaster and his wife were able to attend. One of the best things about living is NH is the incredible access that we have to the candidates. This town hall was conducted in the atrium at NCC for about an hour. There were maybe 100 people in attendance. Many were very into two of Tom's signature issues - climate change and impeachment. Tom looks exactly as he does on those TV ads - down to the belt. He took a number of questions during the formal meeting and stayed well after for brief questions and photos. I was one of those who stayed, asked a question, and shook his hand. I wouldn't say that he disclosed anything new, but having him state his positions in person has a different...

This was the 2nd straight convention that my wife and I attended - and we're glad we did. Both times, in my opinion, the biggest excitement was outside the SNHU Arena, though there was plenty of activity all around from 7AM well into the afternoon. If you think of the event as an elaborate Democratic pep rally, you'll be pretty close to understanding the day. Outside, from 7AM, there were groups of supporters for almost every candidate and cause positioned somewhere on the front lawn holding signs and chanting a slogan. It was packed and loud, but under control. Tickets are available for sale, but if you have a connection to a candidate, they often provide tickets, as was the case with us. We were part of the Warren delegation. The event was Sold Out, though some of the higher sections of the arena had open seats. Once inside, the aisles are surrounded by vendors selling Democratic wares...

16% voted during the Nov 5 municipal local elections. MayorJim Donchess (unopposed)Three Alderman-At-Large seatsAll three incumbents wonBen ClemonsMichael O'BrienLori WilshireWard AldermanThe following Aldermen were elected:W1 - Jan SchmidtW2 Rick DowdW3 Patricia Klee (unopposed)W4 Thomas LopezW5 Ernest Jette (unopposed)W6 Elizabeth LuW7 June M. CaronW8 Skip CleaverW9 Linda Harriott-Gathright Board of Public WorksKevin MoriartyShannon SchonemanBoard of EducationJen BishopPaula JohnsonSandra ZiehmSharon GiglioJessica BrownFire CommissionerKevin BurgessDonald DavidsonPaul Garant Ballot questions: NO - Offering retail sports betting (non-charitable).YES - Changing the city charter ending the requirement for Special Elections if an elected officer cannot complete their term until end of that term. ...

About 100 local Democrats got together on July 25 to enjoy an evening with the Silver Knights. They lost (had a tough season in general) but it was a beautiful night with good company. You'll know most of the folks in these photos. ...