Today's headlines in the UL today confirms what Derry's planners had planed about 10 years ago. With run away population growth in Derry in the mid 80's and early 90's and tax rates adjusting higher to accommodate this growth, something needed to get done to keep everything in a "manageable" manner.
Derry's population has DECREASED over the last 5 years. Down 455 people or -1.3% from years 2002-2007. ( second in loss only to Nashua )
While surrounding communities such as Hudson, Windham, Auburn and Londonderry ADD more people. Hudson added 1375, Windham added 1262,
It is interesting to note that the largest communities, Manch, Nashua,Portsmouth and Derry all lost population.
The articles go on to say that in some communities like Hudson feel that things could just explode over there, More Housing, More Roads, More Taxes, will be needed to keep up with service demands.
Our GMO has been instrumental in keeping our populations in check and it is finally paying off. Towns exploding, must now spend more in a bad economy. Tough choices ahead for those towns won't make life any easier there.
Another interesting note was that from 2000-2006 New Hampshire's 55-64 age group grew by 41% 65 plus rose 10% and 45-54 grew 18% and the biggest loses were 35-44 -6% and 25-34 was -3%. The article goes on to say Long term trends could have impacts on communities.
So, we have some mixed news in this area. The spenders who spend on roadways for less traffic or spending taxpayers dollars for a private group to build a bike path or to tax shift burden on others while giving breaks to some may looks good. Think of the long term affects that could affect our communities.
I mean I liked Santa when I was young, but there comes a time when reality needs to set in.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Prayers Needed!
Our thoughts and Prayers for a local hero who was injured in Iraq serving his country's call to duty.
Derry's Joshua Caruso is being treated for burns in a Maryland hospital.
We wish Joshua a speedy recovery and hope he is home soon.
Open Forum!
Time for an Open Forum. This is where you pick the topic to discuss.
I appreciate the readers who leave comments and want to talk about issues important to all.
I appreciate the readers who leave comments and want to talk about issues important to all.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Nadeau Settlement
Anyone reading the NN this last week, looked at the headline article about the settlement of the ex-fire chief of the now defunct East Derry Fire Dist. At the time, The reporter did call me for comments, however I thought that the records were sealed. I was surprised to see comments form Councilors Carney and Coyle and Metts on the subject.
Since they have made their feeling known, I want to let the taxpayers of Derry know that I voted to NOT settle for anything less than 100% of what he owed. At the initial vote, their was one councilor who agreed with me that this more than anything was more of a principle issue and not a monetary one.
Although, some of Nadeaus old allies( on the council) tried to convince other councilors that we should go for less money.
After much talk about the issue and to see what money could be return 6 councilors voted to accept the small amount of money to get it off the table.
One Councilor said No WAY I want ALL the taxpayers money returned. ( give you 1 guess who.)
After all, What message do you want to send out to the outside world!
Too bad the taxpayers got robbed again!
Since they have made their feeling known, I want to let the taxpayers of Derry know that I voted to NOT settle for anything less than 100% of what he owed. At the initial vote, their was one councilor who agreed with me that this more than anything was more of a principle issue and not a monetary one.
Although, some of Nadeaus old allies( on the council) tried to convince other councilors that we should go for less money.
After much talk about the issue and to see what money could be return 6 councilors voted to accept the small amount of money to get it off the table.
One Councilor said No WAY I want ALL the taxpayers money returned. ( give you 1 guess who.)
After all, What message do you want to send out to the outside world!
Too bad the taxpayers got robbed again!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Fresh off the Press!
Hate to say I told you so, but I told you so.
The Manning Street issue is not over. I know alot of you are sick and tired about hearing the issue over the years however, at the last public hearing we had on the subject, I specifically asked whether or not the $80,000 was enough to do this wasteful road. The reason being it ( the dollar amount $80K) had been placed in the CIP for years.
We all know and have read stories about the escalating gas and oil prices right?
And we all know that Asphalt is made with oil right?
Ok now here is what happened.
The 80K project went out to bid
5 bids came in to pave this new road
Low Bid comes in at $124,400.
Almost 50 K more than budgeted.
You all know how I will vote especially if I thought 80K was a waste of taxpayers money
The question really is lets see what the taxpayers associations heroes on the council do with their votes
And then lets see the same association defend their approval votes to spend an additional 50K for a personal agenda!
Stay tuned! and watch your tax dollars being flushed!
Oh and by the way, on the agenda is the renaming of the Manning St Ext because we alread have another Manning St 50' away.
What name can you come up with for the new road?
I like Waste Rd. or how about Dumb Ass Lane!
You have a good name to Share for this road. I'd like to hear from you!
The Manning Street issue is not over. I know alot of you are sick and tired about hearing the issue over the years however, at the last public hearing we had on the subject, I specifically asked whether or not the $80,000 was enough to do this wasteful road. The reason being it ( the dollar amount $80K) had been placed in the CIP for years.
We all know and have read stories about the escalating gas and oil prices right?
And we all know that Asphalt is made with oil right?
Ok now here is what happened.
The 80K project went out to bid
5 bids came in to pave this new road
Low Bid comes in at $124,400.
Almost 50 K more than budgeted.
You all know how I will vote especially if I thought 80K was a waste of taxpayers money
The question really is lets see what the taxpayers associations heroes on the council do with their votes
And then lets see the same association defend their approval votes to spend an additional 50K for a personal agenda!
Stay tuned! and watch your tax dollars being flushed!
Oh and by the way, on the agenda is the renaming of the Manning St Ext because we alread have another Manning St 50' away.
What name can you come up with for the new road?
I like Waste Rd. or how about Dumb Ass Lane!
You have a good name to Share for this road. I'd like to hear from you!
Friday, July 04, 2008
Report on taxpayer waste
Is there something going on in town that you feel is a complete waste of taxpayer dollars and that you would like to share with the rest of us? let other blog readers read what you deem to be a big taxpayers waste of money.
In these tough times, we all know how hard it is to make ends meet and it looks like it will become even tougher in the next few months. Lets enjoy the fact that summer is here ( although, the everyday rain and storm thing is getting crazy) and winter will no doubt be challenging for most.
Also reports on a tough 2010 town budget has possible major cutbacks on the horizon. We (the town of Derry) will need to make sure we get the "biggest bang" for every dollar.
Understanding that the town will never be perfect. I want to hear from you, what you feel is the biggest waste of taxpayers dollars and please be specific in detail.
It can be something very small or something very obvious. And lets see what peoples views are on this subject.
Maybe, we can see if we can save us some money in these upcoming rough times.
In these tough times, we all know how hard it is to make ends meet and it looks like it will become even tougher in the next few months. Lets enjoy the fact that summer is here ( although, the everyday rain and storm thing is getting crazy) and winter will no doubt be challenging for most.
Also reports on a tough 2010 town budget has possible major cutbacks on the horizon. We (the town of Derry) will need to make sure we get the "biggest bang" for every dollar.
Understanding that the town will never be perfect. I want to hear from you, what you feel is the biggest waste of taxpayers dollars and please be specific in detail.
It can be something very small or something very obvious. And lets see what peoples views are on this subject.
Maybe, we can see if we can save us some money in these upcoming rough times.
Big Boost Coming
By now you may of read in local news that Tupelo Music Hall is moving to Derry. What this means to not only Derry but specifically the Downtown is something most can't fully appreciate.
Tupelo being moved to a 10,000 sq ft music hall will not only bring better music venues it will bring in Out of towners to the area to shop & eat and spend money right here in Derry. I also heard rumors of a possible hotel that may want to come in. This is great news for Derry. Is it the magic pill that so many critics of Derry looking for? No, however it will be a positive contribution no doubt.
Tupelo owners will also be interested in building a retail building as well so I would imagine you may see some additional businesses coming in as well that would compliment Tupelo.
Now we need to get more interested businesses locating in the downtown area by letting them know that more pedestrian traffic will be coming there way.
We should also be hearing back from the Study group who recently did a downtown study for us soon.
Tupelo being moved to a 10,000 sq ft music hall will not only bring better music venues it will bring in Out of towners to the area to shop & eat and spend money right here in Derry. I also heard rumors of a possible hotel that may want to come in. This is great news for Derry. Is it the magic pill that so many critics of Derry looking for? No, however it will be a positive contribution no doubt.
Tupelo owners will also be interested in building a retail building as well so I would imagine you may see some additional businesses coming in as well that would compliment Tupelo.
Now we need to get more interested businesses locating in the downtown area by letting them know that more pedestrian traffic will be coming there way.
We should also be hearing back from the Study group who recently did a downtown study for us soon.
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