4 - December 10, 2010 Salem Community Patriot


The Word Around Town... Letters to our Editor


Obama Needs New Direction


They say, “You get what you pay for!” We Americans are hardly getting much from our elected President and Democratic officials; let’s hope the new Conservative Congress will reverse this Socialist trend! Some examples of this misadventure in policy making are Obamacare and the BP oil clean up. One, they did not read the health bill and passed it with price tag of over $1 trillion and less coverage for most Americans with a bill for increased taxes. The lack of preparedness in the Gulf region to contain the oil spill, causing no future oil drilling. The unemployment is still 9.5 percent or more. Big government increases employment and decreases employment in private business. Housing refinancing is slow with 35 percent of all old mortgages refinanced going in a second default (according to Fannie Mae). More increased federal debt! Democrats this fall enacted a new $50 billion debt to bail out the wasteful states of this country! How much more can the American taxpayers take with $13.8 trillion stimulus and giveaway money to Obamacare, condoned losses in


Medicare and Medicaid of $1 billion a week in fraud, and our huge debt owed primarily to countries like China? This can lead to a socialist, dependent country! Is it a design for the future like Europe? This does not include Social Security debt owed by the government. Millions of illegal aliens crossing the border are a major problem throughout America! We only have to look at New England to see major problems that illegals cause. Taxpayers continue paying the price for their crimes, housing, welfare benefits, paid schooling, including college; driver’s licenses, and unemployment benefits—some through fraud or even condoned by some states! When are the states going to stop condoning these actions and send them back to their home countries instead of illegals sending millions of American dollars back to their countries each week? America welcomes all legal aliens— citizens that play by the rules established!


Ed Brooks - Salem Resident’s Tax Stays


by S. Aaron Shamshoyan A citizen’s petition to eliminate the town’s $10 annual resident’s tax was brought before the selectmen on Monday night by John Sytek. Salem is one of the remaining 11 towns in New Hampshire that still maintains the tax. “When I came to town 40 years ago, 10 dollars might have meant something,” said Sytek, speaking against the tax. He continued on to say how many other towns in the state have abolished it. The tax currently raises $190,000 for the town. The cost to send out and print the bills is $8,000.


Eliminating this tax would mean adding about four cents to the tax rate. Selectman Susan Covey was opposed to the petition, saying that the list of citizens the tax creates is invaluable. The list is often used to check residency for welfare applications. The remainder of the board agreed with Selectman Covey, but the petition can still be presented in front of the town at the Deliberative Session. The bill provides a net income of $182,000 to


the town.


Greater Salem Young Professionals Group Hosts Holiday Dance


by S. Aaron Shamshoyan Greater Salem Helping Young Professionals Excel (HYPE) held a holiday dance on Saturday evening in conjunction with The Salem Contractor’s Association and the Greater Salem


Great Clips Salon Raises Toys for Tots


submitted by Great Clips Salon During the month of December, Salem and Plaistow-area Great Clips Salons are giving a 50-percent off


haircut ($6.99) with a new unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. Consumers receive a $6.99 haircut for each new toy donated at the local salons. Great Clips has a strong belief in giving back to the communities where they operate. “The generosity of all the people associated with Great Clips, either as an owner, employee, or customer, help make this campaign a success,” said Terri Miller, Vice President of Marketing. We are thrilled to be a part of Toys for Tots. “Great Clips has always been a very charitable organization centered on the needs of their local community, and we are happy to be a beneficiary of the customers’ generosity.”


Chamber of Commerce. The event was well attended and included a DJ, live band, and lots of dancing. The Salem Contractor’s Association is a group of local businesses and trades people who specialize in construction and related services. HYPE, a sub-committee of the Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce, is an organization for young professionals to network and accelerate their careers within the community through social events and educational seminars. The dance was held at the Castleton Banquet Facility in Windham, with about 160 guests in attendance.


Artist Holly Bedrosian Receives Award in National Fine Art Exhibition


submitted by The American Artists Professional League, Inc. The American Artists Professional League (AAPL), a leading national organization dedicated to recognizing, encouraging, and promoting traditional realism, today announced the award winners of its 82nd Grand National Exhibition. Holly Bedrosian of Salem has been selected to


receive the Vera Sickinger Award for Figure for her colored pencil drawing entitled Next. The award was presented by AAPL President Larry Mallory at the AAPL’s annual meeting and awards reception held in New York City on November 7. The AAPL, a not-for-profit organization, has been devoted to the cause of fine arts in America since 1928. Each year, the organization hosts its Grand National Exhibition, a show that highlights major and emerging professional artists in oil, watercolor, pastel, graphics, and sculpture. Entries are accepted from all 50 states as well as internationally, and judged by a selection committee consisting of professional artists. This year, the American Artists Professional League’s 82nd Grand National Exhibition highlighted the achievements of 180 artists. The paintings and sculptures were on display through November 12.


Above: Erin Cianciolo, Ginger Murphy, and Steve Nadeau with the Salem Contractor’s Association enjoy the evening


Right: HYPE Committee Members Kathryn Ferguson, Geremy Ayers, and Heather LaChance greet guests


photos by S.Aaron Shamshoyan


House Republicans Announce Leadership Team


submitted by House Republican Office A blend of veteran lawmakers and newcomers make up the House Republican leadership team announced by recently elected House Majority Leader Representative D.J. Bettencourt of Salem. Representative Shawn Jasper of Hudson, starting his ninth term at the State House, will serve as his Deputy Majority Leader.


he will bring a fresh prospective to the majority office,” said Bettencourt. Representative Betsey Patten of


Jasper has served in


a number of leadership roles during his tenure in Concord and will work closely with Bettencourt in establishing the Republican agenda. “Representative Jasper brings a wealth of


Holly Bedrosian with her colored pencil drawing that won the Vera Sickinger Award for Figure award


PREMIER ROOFING & PAINTING 603-235-5731


By Jonathan Lee


603-890-9019 FULLY INSURED


Residential & Commercial Rubber (EPDM) Roofing Fiberglass Shingles Composite Shingles Chimney Repair


FREE ESTIMATES


Interior & Exterior Painting Interior Trim Work Water Damage Repair Wall & Ceiling Repair Mortar Work


www.premierroofingnh.com T J


knowledge and experience to the majority office,” said Bettencourt. “He has earned the respect of our caucus over the years through his hard work and dedication to the legislative process and will be a tremendous asset to our team,” he added. Bettencourt also named five assistant majority leaders to work with Representative Jasper, including Reps. David Hess of Hooksett (11th term); Beverly Rodeschin of Newport (11th term); Edwin Smith of Hinsdale (seventh term); Dick Drisko of Hollis (sixth term); and Joe Fleck of Wakefield (second term). Relative newcomer Representative Peter Silva of Nashua, who distinguished himself in just his first term as a member of the House Judiciary committee, has been tapped by Bettencourt to serve as the Majority Whip. “I believe that it is important that we bring a mixture of both veteran legislators and newcomers onto our team. Representative Silva impressed many of us as a first-year member last session and I know that


Moultonborough, also entering her ninth term in the House, will join the leadership team as the Deputy Majority Whip. In naming Patten, Bettencourt pointed to her experience as both a former committee chair and member of leadership. “I have seen firsthand over the last few years how hard Representative Patten works on legislation and I am excited to have her part of our leadership team.” Joining Representative Patten as Assistant Majority Whips are Representatives David Welch of Kingston (14th term), Mary Griffin of Windham (eighth term), John Tholl of Whitefield (eighth term), Mike McCarthy of Nashua (second term), and Representative Molly Smith of Hooksett (first term).


Representative Paul Mirski of Enfield, who returns for his sixth term following a four-year absence from the House, has been named the Majority Policy Advisor to the leadership team. “Representative Mirski is one of the most respected members of the Republican caucus and I will count heavily on his advice and counsel as we move forward in the legislative session,” said Bettencourt. Finally, Representatives Phil Greazzo of


GENERATORS INSTALLED


Malley Electric 8KW Natural or Propane Generator Electrically installed for a great price! $3,995.00 some restrictions apply


Authorized GENER DealerAC ® 24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE 603-595-2970


Manchester and Michelle Peckham of North Hampton, both newcomers to the State House, will fill the role of Majority Freshman Liaison. “With such a large incoming freshman class, it is important that they have a strong voice within the entire caucus. Both Representatives Greazzo and Peckham will work as liaisons between the freshmen caucus and leadership,” concluded Bettencourt. Representative Bettencourt will gather his leadership team this month to begin mapping out the coming session. It is anticipated that the Chair and Vice Chairs of the House standing committees will be announced later this month.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12