Salem Community Patriot | February 10, 2012 - 5 More Letters to our Editor


continued from page 4 Keller is the Answer


to Salem’s Infrastructure Woes


Our Town of Salem is at a critical crossroad. Salem has an aging infrastructure that needs attention, a high operating budget that needs to be managed and a rising tax bill that needs to be controlled. We find ourselves in this situation at a time when the economy is struggling to emerge from a recession. Indeed, these are challenging times when we need real leaders that can make the smart, tough and informed decisions that will shape the future of Salem. On Tuesday, March 13, the voters of Salem have an opportunity to elect such a leader to the Board of Selectmen (BOS). I believe Jim Keller has the knowledge of the issues, the inquisitive nature, the independent spirit, ethics, drive and sense of duty that we need to help take Salem through this crossroad successfully. Jim Keller’s experience as a member and Chairman of


the Salem Planning Board provides me with confidence that he has a deep, strong understanding of the issues that face our town. Jim’s involvement in shaping our youth in his various youth volunteer roles demonstrates his genuine care for our future. When I say this, I know that Jim Keller will strive to make Salem a great place to live for families and seniors alike. Jim Keller understands that our diverse population of families and seniors is part of what makes Salem a very special place to live. What also sets Jim Keller apart in this election is he is deeply experienced, yet, he would be a new and independent voice on the BOS. Anyone who watches the BOS meetings or reads the opinions in this newspaper knows how urgently we need a new, rational, informed, strong and independent voice on the BOS to help turn the sniping and bickering into productive conversation and decision-making. I often hear people saying they wish a new, smart, independent person from Salem with no hidden agendas would step up and run for Selectman. Well don’t look now, but this is what we have with Jim Keller. Tank you for reading my thoughts and please join


me in voting for Jim Keller for Selectman on Tuesday, March 13.


Rob Hazelton - Salem


Social Programs Do Not Create Socialism


In his letter of February 3, Ed Brooks plays foot-loose and fancy-free with words that are emotionally charged, deceiving and incorrect. To begin, he talks about the forces of “progressive radicalism,” an oxymoronic phrase because progressivism and radicalism are mutually exclusive terms. Moreover, he uses language irrationally so as to poison the well and distort the very essence of


what Obama has done and is trying to do. Using Ed’s processes of thinking, I could say that Santa Claus is a home invader and destroy the image of a kind, bearded man. Clearly, accepted definitions need to be used in the war of ideas.


Te socialism that Ed fears is coming is defined as


follows: “Te state of the people as a whole owning the means of production of goods for the sake of equality and egalitarianism.” Te fact is that as long as we have a Constitution, armed forces and periodic elections, socialism isn’t likely ever in America, so let’s take that off the table. Next in Ed’s armory of complaints is over-regulation. When mankind grows wings, then we can remove all government over site of foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, business and banking practices and a whole array of enterprises. It is important to know the past in order to understand the present. Te following quote is derived from a book written by a highly respected economist. Author Ravi Batra, who has written 12 books and is


a respected economist, puts it all out in no uncertain words in his most recent book, published in 2008, Te New Golden Age, A Revolution Against Political Corruption and Economic Chaos. Batra writes: “Who helped write the Bush-Cheney energy policy? Te oil companies. Who authored their health care policy? Te pharmaceutical companies. Who ghost wrote their environmental policy? Te industrial polluters. Who designed their tax policies? Te CEOs. Who articulated their trade policy? Te multi-nationals and the out-sourcers. It’s no secret that hefty campaign contributions are made with the hope that a candidate will influence policy. Did Bush-Cheney design anything themselves? Yes, the Iraq War, which sacrificed soldiers while helping the likes of Exxon-Mobile and Halliburton mint war profits.” Isn’t it ironic that the current welfare state was


increased due to former Republican policies, making it very clear that laissez faire capitalism had best be saved for Nirvana. And a reminder to Ed that social programs do not spell socialism.


Dante Ippolito - Norwell, MA


Support Union Contracts, Save Taxpayers Money


As President of the Salem Professional Administrators Association (SPAA) I feel compelled to write to the residents/taxpayers of the Town of Salem with the purpose of getting the facts out in order for people to make properly informed decisions at the upcoming elections. All five Unions in Town representing Town Employees from each and every Department entered into negotiations earlier this year with the Town Manager. Most Town Employees haven’t had a Cost of Living Adjustment [COLA] since 2008 and the


Legislative Rep. Bob Elliott The Bates Bill Bigotry


by Rep. Bob Elliott There is a bill before the House of Representatives , HB 437, sponsored by Rep. David Bates, District 4 and others, that has two parts. Part I defines marriage “as a union between a man and a woman.” Most of my Christian friends, and all 13 of our Salem/Windham representatives agree on that. That is a fact. No problem. The problem exists in Part II, which most of my Catholic and Protestant constituents are not aware of and have never read. It is the Bates amendment to HB 437 and it is causing a furor in the Republican Party by representative like myself who want no part of his blatant, bigoted, homophobic, fanaticism. It is Rep. David Bates’ definition of “Civil Unions,” an entirely different issue. It simply says, “if you are gay, I can break the present State and Federal laws against discrimination by saying that my “religion” will protect me from being punished by the present laws.” This is clear and unmistakably a bigoted attempt to get away with breaking the law, and it is definitely anti-Christian. It also gives all Republicans a black, bigoted eye that will cost us the election in November by the Independent voters who believe we have other more important issues to worry about, as well as the Catholic voters who are not aware of Rep. Bates’ “hidden agenda.” Rep. Bates gave me his word last Wednesday [Feb. 1] in Concord that


he would remove this horrible part of his bill. Let’s see if he is a man of his work. The complete bill can be read at, http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/ house/members/m_billtext.aspx?billnumber=HB0437.html


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members of SPAA haven’t had a COLA since 2007 and 6 of the last 7 years. Tis predates the current economic climate. During the downturn, each of the unions signed contracts for zero percent increases and minor language changes in good faith. Tis year, all of the unions came to the negotiating table prepared to again bargain in good faith. For small COLAs ranging from 1-3 percent each of the next three years, Town Employees gave up benefits that are historical in nature: Health Care Carrier, Health Insurance Cost Share, Sick, Vacation, and Personal Days, as well as other language directly benefiting the Town. In order to achieve this level of concessions, it was necessary to enter into a multi-year contract which would be guaranteed by both sides (Sanbornization). “Sanbornization” simply means both parties to the contract will be required to fulfill the contract and the taxpayers will be informed and vote on the total cost of the entire contract. Tis is not only common sense but fair, legal, and utilized in most cities and towns in New Hampshire. Who in their right mind would sign a contract in the public or private sector in which only one party had the option every year not honor the contract? Te first year savings (nine months) to the town/


taxpayer if all of the contracts pass is clearly noted on Article 15 at nearly a quarter of million dollars. Yes – nearly $250,000 will be cut from the 2012 Operating Budget if these contracts pass. In the budget presentation and projections for years two and three, the cost savings of the Health Insurance changes are not calculated in as the insurance rates are not out for those years. However, if one were to project out full year savings at today’s rates the town/taxpayer would be projected to save $300-350,000 per year for the cost of employee Health Insurance. In addition to the substantial savings on employee Health Care costs and other concessions, the time and labor costs to negotiate/ mediate with five Unions for the next several years was projected at $50-75,000 per year. A couple members of the local electorate are now


reduced to talking about the “Strait of Hormuz” and picking and choosing which concessions they think should count and which don’t. Tese so called fiscal conservatives have no factual argument or basis to not support these contracts – remember - at $250,000 cut from the 2012 Operating Budget if these contracts pass as well as potential savings of another $600,000- plus in the consecutive years of the contract. It makes one question the true motives of these narrow minded individuals when presented with these facts. In closing, town employees are hard working middle class people who are your friends, neighbors, coaches, etc., who haven’t had so much as a COLA in many, many years. Tese people have essentially given up numerous benefits to offset small COLA’s over the next three years at a total savings to the town/taxpayer. Please vote yes on Articles 15-20 and not only reduce the 2012 Operating Budget and further shrink Town costs in


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future years, but support the people who work hard to make Salem the desirable place to live and raise a family that it is. If anyone has questions and would like factual answers please do not hesitate to contact me.


Shawn J. Patten, President, Salem Professional Administrators Association – Salem


Equal Opportunities for Every Child


As a parent of a child at Barron Elementary School, I would like to thank all those who came out to support the renovation of our Phase 1 schools. Tey are beautiful and much more conducive to a positive learning environment. Now it’s time to return the favor and vote in support of Phase 2 to ensure that all the elementary school children in Salem are provided with the same learning opportunities as ours. It wasn’t too long ago that many of our students with special needs, as well as small groups, were being taught in hallways, closets, and stairwells. Remember when P.E. class was being taught in the “café-gym-atorium” which also doubled as storage space along every wall? Te remaining elementary schools are still facing these issues and more. Children with special education needs are expected to learn in shared spaces while teachers attempt to provide “individualized instruction.” Children shouldn’t have to be educated in stuffy closets, hallways or overcrowded spaces with multiple distractions. Don’t you think it’s reasonable that when parents attend a chorus or band concert that they are able to actually see their children perform? Te current setup at the unrenovated schools doesn’t allow for this. Due to space restrictions, many parents can’t fit in the cafeteria to see their children. Instead they must take turns peaking in the doorway just to catch a glimpse. Tis isn’t how it should be. On March 13, I’m asking all of the parents of the


newly renovated schools to please remember what our schools were like before the renovation. Tink about how the atmosphere for both students and staff has changed for the better. Now it’s our responsibility to get out and support the Phase 2 schools to ensure that their children receive the same benefits as ours. I am appealing to all parents who benefited from the Phase 1 schools to please come out to vote in support of Phase 2 on March 13.


Stacey Plante - Salem


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