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Layoffs = Fewer Kids Tested for Lead Poisoning

by: Dean Barker

Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 07:29:33 AM EDT


This is appalling, especially in a state where so many of the homes are older:
New Hampshire's lead-poison prevention program is being cut back as part of state government layoffs.

The program run by the state's Public Health Department inspects properties for the presence of lead paint and tests children who are exposed to it.

...He said three inspectors and two lab workers were let go. The program will continue to operate on federal funds, Montero said, "But that only gets us so far."

It would be easy to blame this on SEA leadership, or Lynch's choices.

But I pin it squarely on William Loeb, Mel Thomson, and the pledge politics that have poisoned all thinking about state revenue.

Dean Barker :: Layoffs = Fewer Kids Tested for Lead Poisoning
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There is long term blame and immediate blame (4.00 / 2)
It's easy to blame Loeb and Thomson but it appears to me that the immediate blame has to go to the governor's office - this way Lynch can blame the union for defeating the contract.

This is not the way to govern.


Mel Thomson & John Lynch (0.00 / 0)
each received enough votes to be governor for three terms. Democracy. Will of the people.

[ Parent ]
I wonder, to what extent is this (4.00 / 1)
part of our Fragmentary Executive.

The Governor doesn't appoint his/her own team as the President does. We are usually chock full of commissioners and department heads who were appointed years ago and may be in office years after the Governor leaves.

Lynch has had longer to put his stamp on the agencies, and for three years has had a Democratic Executive Council that will consider replacing ancient Republican holdovers. So, this excuse may be wearing thin.

And this is NOT aimed at the PHD - it's a general observation / question.


As far as appointments (4.00 / 1)
John Lynch is the most influential governor since Mel Thomson.

Conveniently, most of Thomson's appointees are getting on in years for this new wildly popular three term governor to replace them.


[ Parent ]

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