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The bigger question is: Why on earth would a State Employees Association endorse the kind of candidate who doesn't believe in government as a source of public good in the first place?
In my dysfunctional family, there use to be a mindset that I could call my brother an asshole, but if someone from the outside called him one, it was on. Well a member of my other D family - the Democrats is pissing me off today.
There is a lovely article in the Nashua Telegraph (with pictures!) which features Governor Lynch helping a single mom and her son carry a turkey from the Food Bank to their apartment complex in Manchester.
http://www.nashuatelegraph.com...
This morning a bunch of members of the State Employees' Association, SEIU Local 1984, put food baskets together for the state workers who were (unnecessarily) laid off a few weeks ago. These were the Governor's employees. He was their boss. Sorry to say Lynch didn't show up to help these folks get their turkeys home. He didn't contribute to our Benevolent fund, which helps with the utility bills, rent, gasoline, etc, for these folks.
I understand that times are tough all over and that that mother and her son are also his constituents, but try to imagine how a laid off employee felt upon seeing that picture. I was there this morning and talked to a few people who were disheartened that Lynch hasn't once reached out to them and shown sympathy. He didn't go into the Employment Security office and come out with their checks.
He can do something.
For the first time ever, Operation Santa Claus, an SEA institution for over 40 years, has wish lists for the children of our own members rather than just the lists we get from DHHS offices.
I would like to challenge Governor and Dr. Lynch (and any other Democratic legislator for that matter) to ask for a wish list and shop for one of these children. This is a hell of a time of year to be out of work. The kids shouldn't have to go without holiday gifts and warm winter clothes.
Now, if any Republican has anything to say about this.. it's on like Donkey Kong!
At the risk of having Kevin Landrigan think he had anything to do with this post, this from Pindell is just about the only news more absurd than spending union members' money on lobbyist fees for Bob Abolish the Dept. of Ed, the IRS, and S-CHIP Clegg:
State Employees Association president Gary Smith said in an interview there was "a pretty good chance" that his union would endorse a Republican for governor in 2010 if Democratic Gov. John Lynch seeks re-election.
If the SEA wants a future beyond John Lynch, they're not going to find it at the GOP's doorstep.
I can't believe I even had to type that last line. It's like typing: in order to live, I need to eat and drink.
By a vote of 2708 to 1875 the SEA rejected a contract that would have preserved jobs but implemented furloughs.
As a result, Governor Lynch will begin laying off state workers:
"Over the last few weeks, agencies have been developing plans for layoffs in the event the union rejected the contract. I will be meeting with department heads tomorrow morning to begin implementing those plans, which include notifying impacted employees this week and completing most layoffs by the end of October."
How did we get here?
I suspect that in the court of public opinion, and in the midst of a "jobless recovery" from the recession, more will side with the Governor than the SEA on this. Whether it is fair to do so, I have no idea.
The Sunday state politics columns this week are mostly about Kelly Ayotte's bid for the Republican nomination for US Senate. Tom Fahey opens with a report about negotiations between the State Employees Association and the state. Lauren Dorgan's column is mostly about the Kelly Ayotte Senate bid saga, which also took up the lion's share of Kevin Landrigan's column.
There has been ample discussion here on BH of Ayotte's exploration of running for higher office.
NH gov takes gaming off table in budget debate (Norma Love, AP)
CONCORD, N.H.-Gov. John Lynch is taking video slots off the table in hopes of wooing support from New Hampshire lawmakers disappointed gaming wasn't in the budget package they will vote on Wednesday. Lynch told reporters Tuesday he will appoint a commission to study gaming, but he won't support expanding gambling in New Hampshire this year.
The vote tomorrow is expected to be very close. Everyone knows Governor Lynch has been doing the rain dance the last few days to get the needed votes to pass the bill. On the other side of the issue is the State Employees Association/SEIU Local 1984, which held a press conference today calling for the budget to be sent back to the conference of committee.
SEA President Gary Smith:
"We are gathered here today to ask our State Legislators to reconsider the proposed State Budget. This budget doesn't work. It doesn't solve the real problem of providing adequate funding for public services. It fails because it adds taxes and fees onto residents who can least afford them. It fails because it adds to the burden of property taxpayers by downloading state obligations. It fails because it hurts people who need help during this tough time."
