City Council Incumbents Eye Running for Reelection
LACONIA — Although Mayor Mike Seymour remains undecided, all six incumbent city councilors said yesterday that they intended to stand for election again in November.
Seymour, who has served two terms as mayor, said that he was still weighing his decision whether to seek re-election. "I don't feel that during last six months or so I have done the best job I can do," he confessed, explaining that the demands of his position as senior vice-president of marketing and retail services at Franklin Savings Bank have consumed a growing share of his time and energy. In making his decision, he said that he would ask himself "can I do the job appropriately?"
Having cast the deciding vote to introduce mandatory recycling for a trial period of six months beginning on July 1, he acknowledged that should he choose to step down the restructuring of the curbside collection of trash and recyclables would be left to his successor. "I do understand that," he said, but added "there are decisions that the council makes every day that carry on after terms expire. There could always be something hanging out there."
If re-elected five of the six councilors — Matt Lahey (Ward 2), Henry Lipman (Ward 3), Brenda Baer (Ward 4), Bob Hamel (Ward 5) and Armand Bolduc (Ward 6) — would serve their fifth terms together. The sixth, Ava Doyle (Ward 1) was appointed to complete the unexpired term of Greg Knytych, then elected in her own right in 2012.
"As its stands now, I plan on running again," said Doyle, a native Texan who with her husband David has owned and managed Sun Valley Cottages at The Weirs since 1993 and is a founding member of the Weirs Action Committee.
Something of a fixture in city government since 1991, Lahey, a local attorney, has been returned as either mayor or councilor at ten of the twelve elections since, serving five terms in each office. After leading the effort to acquire the former Laconia State School property, he said that he would like to see that initiative through to its conclusion.
Lipman, Baer and Hamel joined the council in 2005. Lipman, senior vice-president of LRGHealthcare, chairs the Finance Committee and is expected to run and contribute to steering the city through fiscally trying times.
"I plan on running," Baer remarked, "as long as I have that fire in the belly. You have to have one anti person." At 87 with an artificial knee, she said "the legs don't bother me if the brain is working." Baer sees herself as a representative of senior citizens as well as those of modest means, who she believes deserve a strong voice on the council.
A city councilor for three decades, Bolduc said he was ready to begin another "unless the people of Ward 6 tell me it's time for you to go. I enjoy doing it," he continued, I really do and I'm not a quitter. If they want me there, I'll be there." He said that he would like to see this set of councilors "finish everything we started," particularly the renovation and expansion of the high school and the acquisition of the state school property.
The filing period for candidates for city council opens on Wednesday, June 5 and closes on Friday, June 14. City Clerk Mary Reynolds reminded all residents and candidates that no changes can be made to their voter status during the filing period.
Seymour, who has served two terms as mayor, said that he was still weighing his decision whether to seek re-election. "I don't feel that during last six months or so I have done the best job I can do," he confessed, explaining that the demands of his position as senior vice-president of marketing and retail services at Franklin Savings Bank have consumed a growing share of his time and energy. In making his decision, he said that he would ask himself "can I do the job appropriately?"
Having cast the deciding vote to introduce mandatory recycling for a trial period of six months beginning on July 1, he acknowledged that should he choose to step down the restructuring of the curbside collection of trash and recyclables would be left to his successor. "I do understand that," he said, but added "there are decisions that the council makes every day that carry on after terms expire. There could always be something hanging out there."
If re-elected five of the six councilors — Matt Lahey (Ward 2), Henry Lipman (Ward 3), Brenda Baer (Ward 4), Bob Hamel (Ward 5) and Armand Bolduc (Ward 6) — would serve their fifth terms together. The sixth, Ava Doyle (Ward 1) was appointed to complete the unexpired term of Greg Knytych, then elected in her own right in 2012.
"As its stands now, I plan on running again," said Doyle, a native Texan who with her husband David has owned and managed Sun Valley Cottages at The Weirs since 1993 and is a founding member of the Weirs Action Committee.
Something of a fixture in city government since 1991, Lahey, a local attorney, has been returned as either mayor or councilor at ten of the twelve elections since, serving five terms in each office. After leading the effort to acquire the former Laconia State School property, he said that he would like to see that initiative through to its conclusion.
Lipman, Baer and Hamel joined the council in 2005. Lipman, senior vice-president of LRGHealthcare, chairs the Finance Committee and is expected to run and contribute to steering the city through fiscally trying times.
"I plan on running," Baer remarked, "as long as I have that fire in the belly. You have to have one anti person." At 87 with an artificial knee, she said "the legs don't bother me if the brain is working." Baer sees herself as a representative of senior citizens as well as those of modest means, who she believes deserve a strong voice on the council.
A city councilor for three decades, Bolduc said he was ready to begin another "unless the people of Ward 6 tell me it's time for you to go. I enjoy doing it," he continued, I really do and I'm not a quitter. If they want me there, I'll be there." He said that he would like to see this set of councilors "finish everything we started," particularly the renovation and expansion of the high school and the acquisition of the state school property.
The filing period for candidates for city council opens on Wednesday, June 5 and closes on Friday, June 14. City Clerk Mary Reynolds reminded all residents and candidates that no changes can be made to their voter status during the filing period.
Last Updated on Saturday, 04 May 2013 02:56
Hits: 84
Flashing yellow school zone signs planned at intersection of Messer & Opechee streets
LACONIA — City officials are moving quickly to place signage warning motorists they may encounter students as they approach the intersection of Messer Street and Opechee Street, where Lily Johnson lost her life and Alyssa Miner was severely injured when they were struck by an SUV last month.
Within days of the tragedy, the City Council, on the recommendation of the Police Commission, directed City Manager Scott Myers to oversee the installation of appropriate signals. Yesterday Myers informed city councilors and school officials that, after discussions with a traffic consultant, solar-powered signs designating a school zone fitted with a flashing yellow beacons have been chosen. The signals can be programmed and set to operate during specific spans of time in the morning and afternoon.
State law requires motorists to reduce their speed in designated school zones when children are present and/or warning signs are flashing. The speed in these zones is 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit. Currently the posted speed limit on Messer Street is 30 mph.
Specifications are being prepared to solicit accurate bids. Myers said that in place of the normal bidding process, Jon Gardner, the city purchasing agent, will contact qualified vendors directly, leaving them "a very short turnaround time for response." He said that bases and poles, which are prefabricated stock items, will likely be installed before the flashing beacons.
"Everyone is working diligently to move this along as quickly as possible," Myers stressed.
Within days of the tragedy, the City Council, on the recommendation of the Police Commission, directed City Manager Scott Myers to oversee the installation of appropriate signals. Yesterday Myers informed city councilors and school officials that, after discussions with a traffic consultant, solar-powered signs designating a school zone fitted with a flashing yellow beacons have been chosen. The signals can be programmed and set to operate during specific spans of time in the morning and afternoon.
State law requires motorists to reduce their speed in designated school zones when children are present and/or warning signs are flashing. The speed in these zones is 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit. Currently the posted speed limit on Messer Street is 30 mph.
Specifications are being prepared to solicit accurate bids. Myers said that in place of the normal bidding process, Jon Gardner, the city purchasing agent, will contact qualified vendors directly, leaving them "a very short turnaround time for response." He said that bases and poles, which are prefabricated stock items, will likely be installed before the flashing beacons.
"Everyone is working diligently to move this along as quickly as possible," Myers stressed.
Last Updated on Saturday, 04 May 2013 03:17
Hits: 182
Wayward parakeet finds haven at car dealership
TILTON — An adventurous, headstrong parakeet owes its life to Kamal Gosine of AutoServ, who as a native of Trinidad and Tobago — "the Land of the Hummingbird" — is likely among the few car salesmen in the state with an intimate knowledge and genuine affection for these birds.
Gosine said it is not uncommon for birds to fly into glassed facade of the showroom, which he paints in hopes of deterring them, but most are not as fortunate as the parakeet that struck near his desk last week. "I have a tropical plant at my desk and he was trying to land on a branch," Gosine said. "I saw him hit the window and fall into the shrubbery. If he hadn't been trying to land, he would have broken his neck.'' He said that had the bird been left outside he would have fallen prey to a hawk or the cold of the night by morning.
"When I went outside," Gosine continued, "he was trying to climb onto the bush and he walked right on to my hand. As soon as I brought him inside he started puking, just water, and afterwards I fed him water from the tip of my finger and bread.'' He said one of the other employees brought a crate and they rigged it up as a cage and covered it overnight.
"Then we went shopping for bird seed," said Gosine, explaining the bird quickly became an attraction in the showroom, especially for children. "Everyone said hello to the bird." Gosine noticed that the parakeet responded with particular enthusiasm to children. "He talks up a storm and chirps a lot more when kids are around." He also suspected he was one of a pair and is missing his mate.
"You could tell he was a pet," Gosine said. "I'm sure someone is heartbroken."
Consequently, another employee, Brian Odum, whose family has animals, including chickens, around their home, took the bird home to care for it until its owner could be found.
Anyone with a lost parakeet or seeking more information should contact the AutoServ dealership near Exit 20 on I-93 in Tilton at 1-888-711-1427 or 286-3141.
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AutoServ in Tilton is looking for the owner of a parakeet which flew into a window at the dealership last week. (Courtesy photo)
Gosine said it is not uncommon for birds to fly into glassed facade of the showroom, which he paints in hopes of deterring them, but most are not as fortunate as the parakeet that struck near his desk last week. "I have a tropical plant at my desk and he was trying to land on a branch," Gosine said. "I saw him hit the window and fall into the shrubbery. If he hadn't been trying to land, he would have broken his neck.'' He said that had the bird been left outside he would have fallen prey to a hawk or the cold of the night by morning.
"When I went outside," Gosine continued, "he was trying to climb onto the bush and he walked right on to my hand. As soon as I brought him inside he started puking, just water, and afterwards I fed him water from the tip of my finger and bread.'' He said one of the other employees brought a crate and they rigged it up as a cage and covered it overnight.
"Then we went shopping for bird seed," said Gosine, explaining the bird quickly became an attraction in the showroom, especially for children. "Everyone said hello to the bird." Gosine noticed that the parakeet responded with particular enthusiasm to children. "He talks up a storm and chirps a lot more when kids are around." He also suspected he was one of a pair and is missing his mate.
"You could tell he was a pet," Gosine said. "I'm sure someone is heartbroken."
Consequently, another employee, Brian Odum, whose family has animals, including chickens, around their home, took the bird home to care for it until its owner could be found.
Anyone with a lost parakeet or seeking more information should contact the AutoServ dealership near Exit 20 on I-93 in Tilton at 1-888-711-1427 or 286-3141.
CAPTION;
AutoServ in Tilton is looking for the owner of a parakeet which flew into a window at the dealership last week. (Courtesy photo)
Last Updated on Saturday, 04 May 2013 01:34
Hits: 33
‘Boo-Boo’ Giuffrida appears in both circuit & Superior courts yesterday
LACONIA – A Lowell, Massachusetts man associated with former boxer Dicky Eklund appeared in two local courts yesterday for violating a circuit court protection order and failing to appear for a date in Superior Court.
Gary "Boo-Boo" Giuffrida, 58, of 339 High St. First Floor in Lowell appeared yesterday morning by video before Judge Jim Carroll in the 4th Circuit Court, Laconia Division for the violation of a protection order.
According to paperwork obtained from the circuit court, Giuffrida violated a protective order in November of 2012 by contacting a Tilton woman he had been ordered to stay away from. The violation is in the jurisdiction of the 6th Circuit Court, Franklin Division.
He appeared yesterday morning before Carroll who ordered him held on $1,000 cash-only bail until his May 6 trial for the violation.
During his arrest and subsequent transport for three counts of receiving stolen property and two counts of fraudulent use of a credit card, offenses that occurred at the Belknap Mall in November of 2012, Giuffrida allegedly spit through a mask into the face of a Belmont Police officer.
Giuffrida is HIV positive and was indicted by a Belknap County grand jury for one count of simple assault with an enhanced penalty because he knew he was allegedly spitting on an officer who was acting in the line of duty.
He pleaded guilty in December in the 4th Circuit Court, Laconia Division to the receiving stolen property and fraudulent use of credit card charges and was sentenced by Carroll to one year in prison – all suspended.
Yesterday afternoon Giuffrida appeared in Belknap County Superior Court for failing to appear for a court date in February relating to the alleged assault on the Belmont Police officer.
His attorney argued he should be released on personal recognizance bail because he was unable to appear in Superior Court in February because he was incarcerated in Massachusetts.
Giuffrida, according to his attorney, was arrested in Lowell on February 19 and was incarcerated in Billerica, Mass. He was transported three days ago to Belknap County House of Corrections from the Middlesex County Jail.
Judge James O'Neill ordered he be held on $1,000 cash or $10,000 corporate surety for not appearing in February bringing Giuffrida's total cash bail to $2,000.
The 2010 movie "The Fighter" was based on the life of Giuffrida's friend Dicky Eklund, also of Lowell. Eklund and Giuffrida were also the subject of an HBO documentary "High on Crack Street: Lost Lives in Lowell."
Gary "Boo-Boo" Giuffrida, 58, of 339 High St. First Floor in Lowell appeared yesterday morning by video before Judge Jim Carroll in the 4th Circuit Court, Laconia Division for the violation of a protection order.
According to paperwork obtained from the circuit court, Giuffrida violated a protective order in November of 2012 by contacting a Tilton woman he had been ordered to stay away from. The violation is in the jurisdiction of the 6th Circuit Court, Franklin Division.
He appeared yesterday morning before Carroll who ordered him held on $1,000 cash-only bail until his May 6 trial for the violation.
During his arrest and subsequent transport for three counts of receiving stolen property and two counts of fraudulent use of a credit card, offenses that occurred at the Belknap Mall in November of 2012, Giuffrida allegedly spit through a mask into the face of a Belmont Police officer.
Giuffrida is HIV positive and was indicted by a Belknap County grand jury for one count of simple assault with an enhanced penalty because he knew he was allegedly spitting on an officer who was acting in the line of duty.
He pleaded guilty in December in the 4th Circuit Court, Laconia Division to the receiving stolen property and fraudulent use of credit card charges and was sentenced by Carroll to one year in prison – all suspended.
Yesterday afternoon Giuffrida appeared in Belknap County Superior Court for failing to appear for a court date in February relating to the alleged assault on the Belmont Police officer.
His attorney argued he should be released on personal recognizance bail because he was unable to appear in Superior Court in February because he was incarcerated in Massachusetts.
Giuffrida, according to his attorney, was arrested in Lowell on February 19 and was incarcerated in Billerica, Mass. He was transported three days ago to Belknap County House of Corrections from the Middlesex County Jail.
Judge James O'Neill ordered he be held on $1,000 cash or $10,000 corporate surety for not appearing in February bringing Giuffrida's total cash bail to $2,000.
The 2010 movie "The Fighter" was based on the life of Giuffrida's friend Dicky Eklund, also of Lowell. Eklund and Giuffrida were also the subject of an HBO documentary "High on Crack Street: Lost Lives in Lowell."
Last Updated on Friday, 03 May 2013 03:02
Hits: 188
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