Folks, To keep you as informed as much as possible. This legislative newsletter which came my way is very interesting. Please see below
Greetings:
On Friday, March 9, NHMA's Municipal Advocacy Committee (MAC) voted unanimously to support the Retirement Working Group proposal. As we announced in the last Legislative Bulletin, the proposal is available for review and was considered at a joint meeting of MAC and NHMA's Committee on Government Affairs Friday before the vote. NHMA staff will now advocate for the elements of the proposal at the Legislature.
It is critical that all municipalities review the proposal and contact their respective legislative delegations to ask for their support of the proposal. Currently, the plan is to have the proposal drafted as an amendment to a retirement bill that is now before the House Executive Departments and Administration Committee. We do not know at this time which bill that will be.
Included here is a direct link to the LGC website Retirement Working Group Proposal which contains the proposal and explanatory documents. We will periodically update the website and add documents, such as the amendment, as they become available. You will need Adobe Reader to be able to read, save, and/or print any of it. If you do not have Adobe Reader, simply click here to download that program.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Thank-You Dist 4 Voters
I would like to extend a very big thank-you to all who voted for me to represent you again as your district 4 councilor. Thank-you!
It has been an anti-incumbent year in politics. The Dems beat out the Republicans on the national scene.
Closer to home we see that the incumbent in Salem lost his race
In Londonderry the chairman who some consider a taxpayer advocate actually as of this writing is in a tie vote ( re-count will be coming and if still a tie, a coin toss will decide the race) Very Close race!!!
And as you can see no matter what your politics may be- Incumbents are getting the heave -ho.
So, In my race, I was able to be re-elected again for a three year term.
My opponent, Joe Dichairo ran a very good race and did a good job. I would like to thank him for running a good race! I did not see Joe at Town hall when they announced the results and so I wish to say so in this blog.
I would also like to congratulate Rick Metts and Brent Carney for their wins to the council and look forward to working with them and the rest of the council this year.
And Lastly, the charter was defeated! I want to thank the voters for recognizing the fact that this was very bad for our community the way that it was proposed, however I want to thank the commissioners and the community for a better Derry in accomplishing getting more voters to the polls!
It has been an anti-incumbent year in politics. The Dems beat out the Republicans on the national scene.
Closer to home we see that the incumbent in Salem lost his race
In Londonderry the chairman who some consider a taxpayer advocate actually as of this writing is in a tie vote ( re-count will be coming and if still a tie, a coin toss will decide the race) Very Close race!!!
And as you can see no matter what your politics may be- Incumbents are getting the heave -ho.
So, In my race, I was able to be re-elected again for a three year term.
My opponent, Joe Dichairo ran a very good race and did a good job. I would like to thank him for running a good race! I did not see Joe at Town hall when they announced the results and so I wish to say so in this blog.
I would also like to congratulate Rick Metts and Brent Carney for their wins to the council and look forward to working with them and the rest of the council this year.
And Lastly, the charter was defeated! I want to thank the voters for recognizing the fact that this was very bad for our community the way that it was proposed, however I want to thank the commissioners and the community for a better Derry in accomplishing getting more voters to the polls!
Sunday, March 11, 2007
How to reach more citizens.
I would like to hear from our citizens on how we can engage them more into the process of getting information, sharing information, asking questions of your government. I do understand that sometimes issues are being addressed and you will hear CIP and GMO and Master Plan or how about TIF, COLA or MDR.
There are alot of people that know a few of these, but do they really know these items as they pertain to how it effects them.
It's not that people discuss these things on a daily basis at the coffee shop and it is understandable that some of these issues are just too complex to give a short description about.
Having spent the last 10 years on Planning Board and Town Council I do see the importance that these items have. However I feel that the public should be able to learn about these doctrine at least in it's simplest form to appreciate just what these items do for us in the town of Derry.
For instance, The GMO or Growth Management Ordinance was talked about in the late 90's. The planning board at that time understood that residential growth was happening at a very fast pace. In fact, so fast it was putting a burden on our school system, our roadways, and our police, fire, public work services. Something had to be addressed because taxes were climbing at a very fast pace. Now we all know that land owners have tremendous rights in the US.
If you own the land, you have the right to do what you wish with that land as long as it conforms to zoning laws.
In Derry in the mid 80's and early nineties. large parcels of land were being bought for top dollar and developed- At a very fast clip. ( chester is now experiencing this ) And the Growth Management Ordinance that we now have, which the courts have allowed says that we can limit the residential growth accordingly (so that we don't get a spike which effects the tax rate quickly, however in exchange for being allowed to do this we have to have a Master Plan and CIP. Both are road maps of how and when residential development takes place. Without following this PLAN. The courts will basically say that we will not be able to control residential as we want.
This is a very scary scenario: With 93 coming we all know that more pressure to build residential WILL BE COMING!! No MATTER WHAT. so do we follow a plan that planners worked very hard on or do we let this development happen? The facts are this: we are getting very close to "build out" meaning within the next 20 years Derry will be what we allow it to become.( one with a plan the other without)
And if we are more residential- NOTHING will be done to lower taxes. Our fate will be sealed. And for me and many others who plan on staying in Derry for the rest of out lives will be footing the bill for being shortsighted.
So the more our citizens know, the better we will be. I hope this blog forum is just one way to get some message out. What would you recommend?? Click om to the bottom panel to comment. I'm interested in what you have to say!
There are alot of people that know a few of these, but do they really know these items as they pertain to how it effects them.
It's not that people discuss these things on a daily basis at the coffee shop and it is understandable that some of these issues are just too complex to give a short description about.
Having spent the last 10 years on Planning Board and Town Council I do see the importance that these items have. However I feel that the public should be able to learn about these doctrine at least in it's simplest form to appreciate just what these items do for us in the town of Derry.
For instance, The GMO or Growth Management Ordinance was talked about in the late 90's. The planning board at that time understood that residential growth was happening at a very fast pace. In fact, so fast it was putting a burden on our school system, our roadways, and our police, fire, public work services. Something had to be addressed because taxes were climbing at a very fast pace. Now we all know that land owners have tremendous rights in the US.
If you own the land, you have the right to do what you wish with that land as long as it conforms to zoning laws.
In Derry in the mid 80's and early nineties. large parcels of land were being bought for top dollar and developed- At a very fast clip. ( chester is now experiencing this ) And the Growth Management Ordinance that we now have, which the courts have allowed says that we can limit the residential growth accordingly (so that we don't get a spike which effects the tax rate quickly, however in exchange for being allowed to do this we have to have a Master Plan and CIP. Both are road maps of how and when residential development takes place. Without following this PLAN. The courts will basically say that we will not be able to control residential as we want.
This is a very scary scenario: With 93 coming we all know that more pressure to build residential WILL BE COMING!! No MATTER WHAT. so do we follow a plan that planners worked very hard on or do we let this development happen? The facts are this: we are getting very close to "build out" meaning within the next 20 years Derry will be what we allow it to become.( one with a plan the other without)
And if we are more residential- NOTHING will be done to lower taxes. Our fate will be sealed. And for me and many others who plan on staying in Derry for the rest of out lives will be footing the bill for being shortsighted.
So the more our citizens know, the better we will be. I hope this blog forum is just one way to get some message out. What would you recommend?? Click om to the bottom panel to comment. I'm interested in what you have to say!
Friday, March 09, 2007
Ask Yourself this Question
Who is Joe DiChiaro??????
No experience on Derry boards or government.
Does he really know the issues here in Derry???
(Only an 8yr resident of Derry- Joe is an ex-lawyer from california)
Chirichiello is a 23 year Derry resident with 13 years of dedication on towns cable committee, Planning Board ( 7 yrs) and Town Council (3yrs).
Brian grew up in Salem NH.( from age 6 to age 21) and is knowledgable in the issues important to us here in Derry. He is someone who both lives and works in Derry and has a vested interest here!
Who do you want representing you, District 4 citizens?
I need your help, please come out and vote for me on March 13th 2007 at Gilbert H Middle School.
Your comments and concerns matter! I have always kept my district in the forefront on any decisions I've made.
No experience on Derry boards or government.
Does he really know the issues here in Derry???
(Only an 8yr resident of Derry- Joe is an ex-lawyer from california)
Chirichiello is a 23 year Derry resident with 13 years of dedication on towns cable committee, Planning Board ( 7 yrs) and Town Council (3yrs).
Brian grew up in Salem NH.( from age 6 to age 21) and is knowledgable in the issues important to us here in Derry. He is someone who both lives and works in Derry and has a vested interest here!
Who do you want representing you, District 4 citizens?
I need your help, please come out and vote for me on March 13th 2007 at Gilbert H Middle School.
Your comments and concerns matter! I have always kept my district in the forefront on any decisions I've made.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Derry News Endorses Chirichiello 3/7
I sincerely appreciate the endorsement from the Derry News Today. They have printed some very kind words in their editorial about me and I was very happy, that they stated I deserve another term as councilor dist#4 and that it was clear to them that I care about Derry.
Many people try and label some councilors through-out the year as " the good old boys" or this person doesn't listen to citizens or just try and paint you with a broad brush to score some political points.
I have tried very hard this year to not let the "naysayers", the people who say negative things about us get to me. I do understand that it's politics but at the end of the day, it sometimes gets frustrating when you are working on doing the very best you can for your community and not looking at this as politics per Se, but as doing my part for my community.
To read the editorial for all to see.... and the very kind words printed, says to me that yes, I am not perfect and I do have my faults just like every other councilor, but they can see that I do care about Derry, and that I can make a difference. This means a great deal to me.. Thank You Derry News.
I will share with you the editorial from Wed 3/7
Chirichiello
deserves another term in office
The Derry News hasn't always agreed with decisions made by Derry Town Council Chairman Brian Chirichiello. In fact, in the past year we quite often disagreed with him, on matters ranging from his decision to ask police to staff council meetings, to starting up his own blog on town issues without identifying himself as the author, to asking taxpayers to pick-up his $900 legal bill. Neither were we thrilled when he went about initiating a search for an interim town administrator via private e-mail, rather than discussing it at a council meeting.
Disagreements aside, it's very clear to us just how much Chirichiello cares about Derry. Why else would he agree to serve as chairman during such a volatile a time in the town's history?
During the past year, Chirichiello has shown he can take the heat, and that he understands sometimes it's worth taking criticism to heart.
Chirichiello has shown signs of developing into a strong leader. And at a time when the town is divided into pro- and anti-charter change camps and about to embark on a new search for a town administrator, the council needs someone with strong experience and leadership skills at the helm. For these reasons, Brian Chirichiello is our choice for Derry's District 4 Town Councilor.
Thanks again Derry News and to all of the citizens who have given me encouragement throughout this year.
Many people try and label some councilors through-out the year as " the good old boys" or this person doesn't listen to citizens or just try and paint you with a broad brush to score some political points.
I have tried very hard this year to not let the "naysayers", the people who say negative things about us get to me. I do understand that it's politics but at the end of the day, it sometimes gets frustrating when you are working on doing the very best you can for your community and not looking at this as politics per Se, but as doing my part for my community.
To read the editorial for all to see.... and the very kind words printed, says to me that yes, I am not perfect and I do have my faults just like every other councilor, but they can see that I do care about Derry, and that I can make a difference. This means a great deal to me.. Thank You Derry News.
I will share with you the editorial from Wed 3/7
Chirichiello
deserves another term in office
The Derry News hasn't always agreed with decisions made by Derry Town Council Chairman Brian Chirichiello. In fact, in the past year we quite often disagreed with him, on matters ranging from his decision to ask police to staff council meetings, to starting up his own blog on town issues without identifying himself as the author, to asking taxpayers to pick-up his $900 legal bill. Neither were we thrilled when he went about initiating a search for an interim town administrator via private e-mail, rather than discussing it at a council meeting.
Disagreements aside, it's very clear to us just how much Chirichiello cares about Derry. Why else would he agree to serve as chairman during such a volatile a time in the town's history?
During the past year, Chirichiello has shown he can take the heat, and that he understands sometimes it's worth taking criticism to heart.
Chirichiello has shown signs of developing into a strong leader. And at a time when the town is divided into pro- and anti-charter change camps and about to embark on a new search for a town administrator, the council needs someone with strong experience and leadership skills at the helm. For these reasons, Brian Chirichiello is our choice for Derry's District 4 Town Councilor.
Thanks again Derry News and to all of the citizens who have given me encouragement throughout this year.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Long Range Planning.
Its very hard to answer some good questions about the issues facing Derry in a condensed 30 second answer on a 60 minute TV show. I have listened to many of either mis-guided or mis-perceived statements that can not be answered in a sound bite and so I'm happy to be able to share more of what I'm thinking out to anyone who cares.
First, I heard Mr Carney say that because of lack of poor planning from councilors in the last 2-5 years, we will have a budget that will be at a 300K deficit.
Believe it or not, the reason for this is not the councilors lack of planning but the mere fact that the tax cap, which allows for an average of around 3% increases per year has finally come to where it is putting a squeeze on the budget.
Remember the towns budget is 80% personnel driven. With that in mind, health care for our employees has risen at double digits each and every year. Also, the COLA's and step increases has contributed to this issue as well.
These uncontrollable costs are not due to lack of planning!
I'm sure us older folk remember the old proposition 2.5 in Massachusetts back in the late 80's. The people voted to limit spending at an annual increase of no more 2.5% and the same problem they had are ending up here which the town face today.
Having said all of this, the tax cap has keep us in a financial check and balance by scrutinizing the budgets and making sure we spend on what is essential in running town government. This is a good thing and now the rubber has hit the road- meaning each year that passes, it will be harder and harder budgets to deal with and some very tough decisions to be made- Do we sacrifice services or capital projects- where we had no problems in the past by having enough for both- now it becomes harder to get both at current levels. This is where experience in the town will make a difference!
Having said that, all the candidates say that we need to bring economic development as a priority to this town. My question to them would be what is your plan? Some are already committed to not funding DEDC. OK then what would you do? Hire an director at 100K per year? coordinator for 50K? Once you have done that they will want a budget line to do the things they need to bring business in how much for that???
Need a secretary at 30K a year with that position don't you.
Folks, The three years as a councilor I have seen a net decrease in employees by 2.5 people. DO you support candidates that want to add more employees???
You can't just wave a magic wand and POOF businesses are up and running.
I suppose by being a councilor the last three years I can see the way things are going to come out. I do also understand that mis-conceptions can happen to some who have never seen the full picture from the inside.
This is not the fault of the present or past councilors and to say so is not a fair statement. They don't control health care costs or retirement costs for that matter and every town and city are having the very same issues and each year brings a new set of issues, hard issues and big decisions. However the election goes, it will be very interesting to see how things end up for FY08.
First, I heard Mr Carney say that because of lack of poor planning from councilors in the last 2-5 years, we will have a budget that will be at a 300K deficit.
Believe it or not, the reason for this is not the councilors lack of planning but the mere fact that the tax cap, which allows for an average of around 3% increases per year has finally come to where it is putting a squeeze on the budget.
Remember the towns budget is 80% personnel driven. With that in mind, health care for our employees has risen at double digits each and every year. Also, the COLA's and step increases has contributed to this issue as well.
These uncontrollable costs are not due to lack of planning!
I'm sure us older folk remember the old proposition 2.5 in Massachusetts back in the late 80's. The people voted to limit spending at an annual increase of no more 2.5% and the same problem they had are ending up here which the town face today.
Having said all of this, the tax cap has keep us in a financial check and balance by scrutinizing the budgets and making sure we spend on what is essential in running town government. This is a good thing and now the rubber has hit the road- meaning each year that passes, it will be harder and harder budgets to deal with and some very tough decisions to be made- Do we sacrifice services or capital projects- where we had no problems in the past by having enough for both- now it becomes harder to get both at current levels. This is where experience in the town will make a difference!
Having said that, all the candidates say that we need to bring economic development as a priority to this town. My question to them would be what is your plan? Some are already committed to not funding DEDC. OK then what would you do? Hire an director at 100K per year? coordinator for 50K? Once you have done that they will want a budget line to do the things they need to bring business in how much for that???
Need a secretary at 30K a year with that position don't you.
Folks, The three years as a councilor I have seen a net decrease in employees by 2.5 people. DO you support candidates that want to add more employees???
You can't just wave a magic wand and POOF businesses are up and running.
I suppose by being a councilor the last three years I can see the way things are going to come out. I do also understand that mis-conceptions can happen to some who have never seen the full picture from the inside.
This is not the fault of the present or past councilors and to say so is not a fair statement. They don't control health care costs or retirement costs for that matter and every town and city are having the very same issues and each year brings a new set of issues, hard issues and big decisions. However the election goes, it will be very interesting to see how things end up for FY08.
Friday, March 02, 2007
Right on schedule!
You knew it was coming as you see the same thing over and over each and every year around this time- election time. Letters to the editor are trying to paint a picture of a councilor for someone who may no nothing about the political landscape and will just go into the voting booth and vote ( not knowing the person whom one is voting for)
more on this in a minute....
First thing first
Although i have not seen eye to eye with the editorial staff in past weeks, I must say the last 2 editorials were dead-on from the Derry News
The editor has done their homework and realizes that the proposed charter change should be rejected!!!
Folks its ok to vote NO. Thecharter commissioners can try again another time maybe next time they will have better turn-outs at the meetings with more input from the citizens- you see, I was at all but 2 meetings and although well attended at the very first and the very last meeting nobody but nobody was there ( except Mr Dimmock, who was at every meeting)
This proposal of thiers was from mostly the 7 commissioners- making all the decisions and without much input. Hmmm.
Anyways Kudos to the Derry News for calling this one for what it is. VOTE NO!!
Next up is all the nice letters that come -out and well orchastrated mind you. most of these letters are from the same people week in and week out. I don't have to tell you the names, people know who they are only this time it was like someone went to the derry news and delivered all of these letters at the same time. interesting
I need to set the record straight on some of these accusations:
#1 that I berate the people who elected me on my blog.
show me where in this blog i do that please!
#2 One hotline comment said they were disappointed in the council chair because he canceled the march 6th meeting on plowing roads and on Brady Ave sewer they took a vote and got out voted to cancel the meeting
wrong! the only thing on the agenda was the well ordinance- thats it- The meeting was canceled but no vote was taken on that.
#3 that I was on the council in 2004 that voted to keep the petition away from the public
Big lie! the petitioners came with the petition late and it was the town clerk who messed it up not the council-
#4 that i canceled the march 6th meeting in an attempt to muzzle any final public comments prior to election and is an ongoing attempt to limit taxpayers public input
Ahh excuse me, the town council meeting is to conduct the towns business it is not the political connection show. If you want to get on a soapbox, why don't you use c17 and have your own weekly show? with limited agenda items it was best to move the item to the next meeting.
I could go on and on and on with this stuff. unbelievable.
The interesting thing though is most of my critics are not even in my district. Take a look and see the names who jump all over me and look up thier addresses- most are from East Derry- I'm not saying i have no detractors from my district- I will tell you that in three years I have had alot more positive comments from people in my district than negative- Check it out for yourself most are the same people over and over again.
more on this in a minute....
First thing first
Although i have not seen eye to eye with the editorial staff in past weeks, I must say the last 2 editorials were dead-on from the Derry News
The editor has done their homework and realizes that the proposed charter change should be rejected!!!
Folks its ok to vote NO. Thecharter commissioners can try again another time maybe next time they will have better turn-outs at the meetings with more input from the citizens- you see, I was at all but 2 meetings and although well attended at the very first and the very last meeting nobody but nobody was there ( except Mr Dimmock, who was at every meeting)
This proposal of thiers was from mostly the 7 commissioners- making all the decisions and without much input. Hmmm.
Anyways Kudos to the Derry News for calling this one for what it is. VOTE NO!!
Next up is all the nice letters that come -out and well orchastrated mind you. most of these letters are from the same people week in and week out. I don't have to tell you the names, people know who they are only this time it was like someone went to the derry news and delivered all of these letters at the same time. interesting
I need to set the record straight on some of these accusations:
#1 that I berate the people who elected me on my blog.
show me where in this blog i do that please!
#2 One hotline comment said they were disappointed in the council chair because he canceled the march 6th meeting on plowing roads and on Brady Ave sewer they took a vote and got out voted to cancel the meeting
wrong! the only thing on the agenda was the well ordinance- thats it- The meeting was canceled but no vote was taken on that.
#3 that I was on the council in 2004 that voted to keep the petition away from the public
Big lie! the petitioners came with the petition late and it was the town clerk who messed it up not the council-
#4 that i canceled the march 6th meeting in an attempt to muzzle any final public comments prior to election and is an ongoing attempt to limit taxpayers public input
Ahh excuse me, the town council meeting is to conduct the towns business it is not the political connection show. If you want to get on a soapbox, why don't you use c17 and have your own weekly show? with limited agenda items it was best to move the item to the next meeting.
I could go on and on and on with this stuff. unbelievable.
The interesting thing though is most of my critics are not even in my district. Take a look and see the names who jump all over me and look up thier addresses- most are from East Derry- I'm not saying i have no detractors from my district- I will tell you that in three years I have had alot more positive comments from people in my district than negative- Check it out for yourself most are the same people over and over again.
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