STOP!

Installation has begun on the traffic signal at the intersection of Routes 4 and 107 in Epsom. New England Signal Systems of Northwood has been awarded the contract for the work. [Our own little ARRA project?]

If all goes as planned with the several subcontractors involved, it is anticipated the project will be completed by the end of June.

UPDATE: The light is in and functioning and traffic is flowing smoothly. This, along with the Forum and one February day in the legislature are my proudest moments in public service.

Honorable Robert A. Johnson Highway Signed into Law

Jeanne Johnson [center] and family, as well as bill sponsors and some former colleagues, surround Governor Lynch as he signs HB1181.

On Tuesday, May 25, Governor John Lynch signed HB1181, a bill naming the portion of Route 43 from Route 4 to the Deerfield line for the Honorable Robert A. Johnson. Johnson, who died in January 2009, was a beloved public figure who served Northwood, his state and nation in multiple capacities for seventy years.

Several members of Johnson's family were able to attend the signing ceremony as were some of the representatives with whom he served in the State House. The prime sponsor of the bill was Representative Maureen Mann. Co-sponsors included Senator Jack Barnes and Representatives Frank Case, Susi Nord, John Reagan and James Sullivan.

The design and size of the memorial sign will be determined by the Bureau of Traffic in the Department of Transportation. When that is finalized the signs will be fabricated at the state prison in Concord. They should be installed within a few months.

Budget Woes

On Wednesday May 12, one bill, SB450, an effort to deal with the budget deficit, took almost seven hours to debate in the New Hampshire House. While many of the votes on the 14 amendments which were introduced along the way followed party lines, this was not always the case. People in both parties, let alone the Libertarians, had concerns about different sections of the bill which included substantial cuts, new revenue sources and bonding-"the good, the bad, and the ugly" according to Representative Neal Kurk of the Finance Committee.

For a detailed explanation of the process, and to see how your representatives in Rockingham 1 voted, click here .

Then, click here to see what happened in the Senate.

Finally, an Adequate, if not Excellent Education.

The issue which most occupied the legislature from 2006 through 2009 was defining, costing, funding and establishing accountability measures for an adequate education of New Hampshire's children. The funding formula, which was to be put in place for fiscal 2012, faced a challenge in the legislature on May 5.

Click here to see how your representatives voted on funding education-and the effect on your property taxes if the state does not assume its fair share.

Report from the Legislature: Energy and Speed Limits

A lot of work, but not many roll call votes are taking place in the NH House. On May 6, small scale energy projects and Winnipesaukee speed limits got the most attention. Check it out right energy projects here.

NH Gets on Board?

SB515, voted on this week, would allow the Commissioner of the Department of Employment Security to participate in the Local Employment Dynamics [LED] Program. The Program provides online information for economic development, transportation planning, emergency management and workforce development. It is used by companies across the nation and the world seeking to expand as a first step in relocation consideration. All the other states plus Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands already participate. Because New Hampshire does not, it receives no consideration from those using the tool.

Check how your representatives in Rockingham 1 voted on this proposal to support economic development by clicking here.

You can also read how your reps voted on land parcels and DWI as well as concurence issues.

Report from the Legislature: Gambling on Water

This week those who feel gambling will solve all New Hampshire' financial woes had their chance to present their case to the 'full House. This week also saw a vote on whether the state will support local control of resourses, particularly water.

For a full report, click here.

Next time you see them, ask your Republican reps how they voted on the water issue that so affects their Nottingham and Northwood constituents.