I was very disappointed that the Valley News chose to splash sensationalized details of JoAnne Ladd’s court hearing in the paper on Tuesday (“Mascoma Administrator Pleads Guilty to Theft”).
I happened to be at the Lebanon District Court Monday and heard a young man with prior convictions plead a DUI down to negligent driving; a young woman with a DUI and prior speeding violations required to pay a fine; a young man and a young woman with traffic violations and multiple priors that included drug possession, driving without a license and previous DUIs, receive fines and a lecture from the judge; and Ladd, who received a fine for shoplifting and was required to pay $6.75 in restitution. Yes, that’s correct, $6.75.
I also heard the judge issue bench warrants for the arrests of five people who didn’t bother to show up at court. Not one of those cases was reported in the paper. If you wish to cover court cases, perhaps you could create a chart that lists the person, the offense and the outcome and publish information about each case . . . or since you are not the National Enquirer, you could leave out misdemeanor hearings altogether and allow people who have ended up in court to maintain some dignity.
Nancie Murphy Lebanon
In four terms as a Grafton County Commissioner, I have met many outstanding county leaders and residents who are making a difference. One of these is Democrat Charlie Chandler. Voters have an opportunity to elect a new face with Chandler running for the seat in New Hampshire Senate District 2. This is a huge district running from Wilmot to Holderness and Piermont to Center Harbor — 27 towns.
Chandler is a native of Laconia now residing in the small town of Warren, where he is on the Selectboard. His past and present experiences include being a member of the state House of Representatives and the Cannon Mountain Advisory Commission. He has served on many community boards. Chandler’s experience, judgment and temperament make him an ideal candidate. He is a graduate of UNH and Suffolk Law School. His 45 years in both elective and appointed positions makes him the most qualified candidate to lead our region and the state to a better educational system, stronger economy and alternative energy sources. He has a big commitment to fighting the opioid crisis now devastating our state.
By electing Charlie Chandler and achieving a Democratic majority in the state Senate, we will uphold a positive vision for New Hampshire. I hope my neighbors and friends join me in supporting Chandler at the ballot box this fall. He will make a difference.
Martha Richards, Grafton County Commissioner, District 3 Holderness
My response to Rep. Susan Almy’s Forum letter on Thursday is one of appreciation and congratulations for the thorough civics lesson she has given on the New Hampshire budget, a governor’s responsibility and legislative action.
At 93 and a 20-year resident of New Hampshire, I have been well informed by the honorable services Rep. Almy has provided citizens willing to listen and learn.
So complete was her instructive letter (“Governor Has Big Role in Budget”) that I urge public school teachers to present it in their civics classes in our new school year. What a celebratory way to prepare upcoming voters to begin their first vote. Thank you, Rep. Susan Almy.
Linn Duvall Harwell New London
At Lebanon High School, another school year has begun and with it begins another year of community service through Youth in Action. YIA enables our high school students to make a difference in the Lebanon community. During the past year, dozens of students contributed hundreds of hours participating in projects such as Listen community dinners, food drives, the Skip Matthews Memorial Race, Halloween at the Lebanon Fire Station, Holiday on the Mall, the Shamrock Shuffle, Glow Run and so many more.
This year, we hope to continue our service and expand our role in matching students and service projects. Community groups requesting our volunteers are urged to contact me at Lebanon High School at 603-448-2055 or nmenard@sau88.net.
We wish to thank those who have donated to our scholarship fund; our work and scholarship awards would not be possible without your support. We look forward to another year of service.
Nancy Menard, for the YIA BoardWilder