NHRSTA Minutes
September 15, 2004
The fall meeting of the New Hampshire Retired State Troopers Association was held on September 15, 2004 at the Red Blazer in Concord, New Hampshire.
Our guest speaker was John Lynch, Democratic candidate for Governor. Mr. Lynch spoke to the group about his background and reasons why he is running for Governor. He feels the Governor should be a role model and questioned the integrity of the present Governor. He stated that he would not touch our retirement funds as our current Governor has tried and will do all that he can to protect retiree health insurance. In regard to education funding, he would eliminate the statewide property tax and “donor towns”. He feels that every child should have the opportunity of an education and he resolves to end the school funding crises. He would like to reduce the cost of health insurance for small businesses. Mr. Lynch was very personable and informative.
After Mr. Lynch's departure, discussion was held concerning the endorsement of Mr. Lynch for Governor. The Troopers Association and various police departments throughout the state have endorsed Mr. Lynch. The endorsement of a candidate for office will not affect our non-profit status. After much discussion, motion was made by Paul MacLean and seconded by Roger Mailhiot that the New Hampshire Retired State Troopers Association endorses John Lynch for Governor. Motion carried.
Kevin O'Brien and Kit Marshall explained to the group the basics of forming a PAC (political action committee). This committee would deal with the issues of COLA's and health insurance and any other issues that are brought forth by legislation. The Association itself can not be a PAC nor donate to any candidate. The Association can form a PAC and donate to any candidate. We need to help those who are willing to support us. There are currently over 400 PACS registered with the Secretary of State's office. The PAC would have a County Coordinator in each county -- someone who is familiar with their senators and representatives and who is willing to work for the support of our issues. Dennis Parker reiterated that we need the support of the legislative leadership and to maintain an ongoing dialogue with the legislature. He as our lobbyist will be doing that but the Association also needs to reach out to the legislature for their support. They need to know who we are. Members wanted to know how the donations would be decided. Donations would be in relatively small amounts such as two or three hundred to a candidate and the Association will have to trust the PAC committee that they will be donating to the candidates who support us and will continue to do so. After further discussion, motion was made by Joe Broderick and seconded by Paul MacLean that the Association form a PAC (political action committee) and that the Board of Directors will serve as that Board. Motion passed.
Kevin also spoke on the Federal Firearms Bill which was recently passed. Major Craig Wiggin has been in touch with Kevin concerning how this bill will affect retirees to carry a weapon throughout the United States. The State Police will be running the program -- every retiree will have to qualify with his firearm of .380 caliber or larger and they will have to bring their own ammunition. There will be further information on this on the web site once more is known as to the exact procedures.
Anyone who wants to access the web site at nhrsta.org must provide Pat MacLean with a user name and a password. Enclosed with the minutes are step-by-step instructions on how to access the web site. Remember to access the members only site you must have a user name and a password.
In the past the Association has hired Dennis Parker as our lobbyist. There was some question as to Dennis Parker's involvement with SEA and could he be our lobbyist as well. Mr. Parker spoke to the members and explained that there was no conflict of interest. As our lobbyist he will act in our best interest . Joe Broderick made a motion to retain the services of Dennis Parker as our lobbyist for the next year at the rate of $3,200.00. Motion was seconded by Paul MacLean and the motion was passed in the affirmative.
The Secretary's report was accepted and at this time there is $8,160.17 in the checking account and the Association has CD's in the amount of $5,000.00 and $6,136.49 at Citizens Bank. They both mature in January and will be reinvested at the best rate.
The Association welcomed new members Gary Sloper and Mike Doucette who were attending our meeting. We also want to welcome Kevin Hamilton, Raymond Burke and Jim Bennett as new members. We hope to see them all at our future meetings.
The Association has a new address -- we have obtained a --Post Office Box in Concord so any correspondence should be mailed to NHRSTA, PO Box 848, Concord, NH 03302-0848.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia MacLean
Secretary/Treasurer
If you are interested in becoming a County Coordinator for our PAC, please email Pat at nhrsta@earthlink.net