New Hampshire

Maryland, New Hampshire governors urge bipartisanship and empathy

Published

1 year ago

December 1, 2023

Maryland, New Hampshire governors urge bipartisanship and empathy

Maryland governor Wes Moore and New Hampshire governor Christopher Sununu spoke with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on garnering public trust in American institutions, at a Thursday event hosted by the Hoover Institution.

The governors were introduced by Brandice Canes-Wrone, the director of the newly-established Center for Revitalizing American Institutions at Hoover. Moore is the first Black governor of Maryland and third elected Black governor in the U.S., and Sununu received more votes than any candidate in New Hampshire history to become its 82nd governor.

Rice said the event was organized to address Americans’ growing distrust in political institutions.

“We understand that Americans are reportedly less confident in their institutions, losing faith in them, but they’re pretty spectacular institutions,” Rice said.

Sununu, though, expressed his own disdain for domestic political affairs.

“I am incredibly disheartened by Washington, D.C. and that’s the nicest way I’ve ever put it. I think it’s an absolute disaster,” Sununu said. “I think a lot of our citizens share that [opinion]. There’s no sense of trust, there is no sense of accountability.”

Moore said many of his constituents want a government that can deliver services efficiently.

“People just want you to see them and they want you to show up. They want you to be able to have ideas, listen to their thoughts, show a measure of concern and be able to do something about it instead of screaming about how the other side views this,” he said.

Though Moore said implementing and sustaining a bill without bipartisan partners and advocates can be very difficult, he expressed pride in the ten bills his office introduced in its first legislative session. “We had Democrat and Republican support on every single bill we introduced. And we had to work for it, but it was important,” he said.

The governors also discussed public mistrust in the judicial system. American trust in the Supreme Court is at its lowest in 50 years, with only 18% of respondents saying they “have a great deal” of trust in the institution.

Moore said the current Supreme Court is overly politicized and lacks decisions backed properly in the law. Sununu, though, said that despite his disdain for many of the Court’s judgments, he believed the justices did not benefit from politicizing their decisions.

Both governors also addressed the Israel-Gaza war following a question from an audience member about healing from high levels of hatred and fear in the U.S.

Sununu said he was shocked by levels of antisemitism. “I’ll say this to all the cultural problems. I hate wokeism. I hate cancel culture,” he said.

The solution, he said, lies in “every single one of us” having “person to person” interactions in our communities to solve this “cultural crisis.”

Acknowledging both antisemitism and Islamophobia, Moore said he has stood firm on protecting Maryland’s places of worship and prioritized educating the public on the realities of the conflict.

Speaking on political polarization, Sununu said that one of his favorite parts of the governor role was bipartisanship, particularly with other governors.

“We really all get along … I can pick up the phone to almost any governor in the country, say, ‘Hey, I saw you did this. How does that work?’ It’s an amazing sense of team, which I personally love,” he said.

Moore, who was recently inaugurated in 2023, praised Sununu for reaching across party lines to offer him help in transitioning into the role.

To encourage more collaboration across the political spectrum, both governors urged empathy — “one of the biggest things lacking in this country,” according to Sununu.

“Empathy is a skill you have to practice,” Sununu said. “In tough negotiation, when tempers get high, are we practicing saying, ‘Please tell me more?’”

This practice, Sununu said, will build trust between leaders and the community, and will ultimately be politically advantageous for politicians.

Rice said this lack of empathy in Washington has led to growing distrust between the American public and their politicians. For Moore, though, this cynicism was valid. He recalled an early memory of his dad passing away from what he described as inadequate healthcare.

“I’m never going to lose my cynicism with the system and I’m the governor,” Moore said. “But cynicism can be my companion. I just won’t let it be my captor.”

Sununu said that despite his cynicism with Congress, he still had hope for reforms through regulations on gerrymandering, campaign finance reform, term limits in D.C., more state sovereignty and other changes.

For Sununu, combating polarization must be done through education of the ideas that founding fathers set for American political institutions.

Moore said the answer to increasing political polarization is engaging in more public service. He said he felt it imperative for leaders to provide more opportunities for citizens to serve and meet others.

“You cannot claim that you love the country when you hate half of the people in it,” Moore said.

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New Hampshire

Reinstalled Satanic Temple ‘Holiday Display’ Damaged Again At Concord’s City Plaza

Published

6 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Press Room

Reinstalled Satanic Temple ‘Holiday Display’ Damaged Again At Concord’s City Plaza

CONCORD, NH — The newly reinstalled so-called “holiday display,” “occult deity,” “demonic presence,” or “demon goat god Baphomet” at Concord’s City Plaza by the Satanic Temple on Monday has been damaged again.

Only this time, a suspect was quickly caught.

For the last 10 days, Brian Blackden, the organizer of the Christmas Tree Lighting event downtown, has been spending his evenings guarding the Nativity scene at Concord’s City Plaza, after several threats of vandalism online. He hangs out in his truck on North Main Street, has video cameras recording, and sometimes walks the grounds.

During this time, he has had several encounters with men, mainly during the early morning hours, scoping the plaza. Some of the vehicles have out-of-state plates. But they see Blackden, and then, they leave the area.

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Blackden, on Tuesday night, however, was in the right place at the right time.

Around 8 p.m., a man, who appeared to be disheveled or homeless, walked over to the Satanic Temple display, stood there for a short period, and then began to destroy the display. Blackden called the police, and the suspect was stopped about a block away. The suspect was questioned and then arrested.

On Monday, Blackden said after seeing the threats online, he decided to commit to protecting the Nativity scene.

The potential vandals, he said, “are ratcheting up the presence … I think they are just trying to gaslight me as they have not tried anything.” Blackden added, “But I am allowing them no time to do anything also.”

Last week, someone left a sign on the creche stating, “Do Not Go After Evil, That Path Leads To Destruction.”

Vandalism against spiritual displays during the holidays tends to be rare in Concord.

In December 2007, the Baby Jesus was stolen from a Nativity display outside St. Peter’s Church. Other figures in the display were not taken or damaged.

At some point, the Knights of Columbus installed mesh covering the current Nativity scene to keep the figurines, which are quite expensive, from being stolen or damaged.

Concord NH Patch will update this post when more information becomes available.

Do you have a news tip? Please email it to tony.schinella@patch.com. View videos on Tony Schinella’s YouTube.com channel or Rumble.com channel. Follow the NH politics Twitter account @NHPatchPolitics for all our campaign coverage.

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New Hampshire

NJ man falls 60 feet while ice climbing in New Hampshire

Published

13 hours ago

December 17, 2024

Press Room

NJ man falls 60 feet while ice climbing in New Hampshire

HART’S LOCATION, N.H. – A New Jersey man climbing ice in central New Hampshire over the weekend had to be rescued after he fell 60 feet, according to authorities.

Officials at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Law Enforcement Division said that 55-year-old Slavik Zaglewski was climbing in Shoestring Gully near Hart’s Location on Saturday night with his friend when Slavik fell on a steep section towards the top of the hike.

According to authorities, Slavik’s friend was able to treat his injuries and dress him in warm clothes. The friend was then forced to continue the climb alone to the top of the ridge where he placed a 911 call. A total of 28 volunteers from several search and rescue groups responded.

A small Mountain Rescue Service (MRS) team made their way down the frozen gully to reach the injured climber, according to authorities. Rescue teams stabilized Slavik and treated him for hypothermia. Slavik had to be hoisted 400 feet to level ground and carried nearly 2 miles down a trail that required pulleys to navigate the steep terrain.

Officials said that the team was able to reach an ambulance by 5 a.m. Sunday. Slavik was taken to a hospital for treatment.

According to the National Weather Service, hypothermia can occur in temperatures as warm as 60 degrees, especially in water or if you’re improperly dressed for conditions.

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New Hampshire

Another Big New Hampshire State Police Drug Bust: Roundup

Published

21 hours ago

December 17, 2024

Press Room

Another Big New Hampshire State Police Drug Bust: Roundup

CONCORD, NH — More people have been arrested on drug sale charges in Claremont.

Earlier this month, New Hampshire State Police announced the arrest of Bradley Leblanc, 37, of Claremont on three counts of sale of a controlled drug-subsequent and one count of conspiracy to commit the sale of a controlled drug-subsequent. Also arrested on Nov. 8 was Chastity Forman, 48, also of Claremont. She was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit the sale of a controlled drug-subsequent.

During the monthslong investigation, 60 grams of fentanyl, 2 grams of methamphetamine, and 13 assorted suspected narcotics pills were also seized, a report stated.

Find out what’s happening in Concordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Both Forman and Leblanc will be arraigned on Jan. 13, 2025, in Claremont District Court.

Anyone with information about the investigation was asked to contact Lt. Shane W. Larkin of the Narcotics Investigations Unit at 603-234-0707. Anonymous tips can be sent to nabdope@dos.nh.gov.

Find out what’s happening in Concordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Troop A Blotter

Isaiah N. Jacobs, 28, of Barrington, was arrested at 8:45 p.m. on Nov. 29, 2024, on felony operating after being certified as a habitual offender and driving after revocation or suspension-subsequent and a driving without giving proof violation in Rochester.

William Augustin Hernandez, 29, of Framingham, Massachusetts, was arrested at 8:40 p.m. on Nov. 29, on aggravated driving under the influence-30-plus mph, DUI, negligent driving, and speeding: 25-plus mph over the 65 limit charges as well as an open container violation in Greenland.

Christopher P. Murphy Fereira, 33, of Bedford, was arrested at 2:45 p.m. on Nov. 29 on a reckless operation charge in Raymond.

Monica Sheets, 30, of Exeter, was arrested at 2:09 p.m. on Nov. 29 on felony operating after certified as a habitual offender, two driving after revocation or suspension, driving after revocation or suspension-subsequent, breach of bail, speeding: 25-plus mph over 65 limit, and motor vehicle not equipped with interlock alcohol device charges as well as a driving without giving proof violation in Brentwood.

Dennis C. Bourassa, 64, of Worcester, MA, was arrested at 6:48 a.m. on Nov. 29 on a driving after revocation or suspension charge in Portsmouth.

Jeffrey Scott Serounian, 24, of Epping, was arrested at 11:03 p.m. on Nov. 28 in Raymond on a driving after revocation or suspension-subsequent charge.

John E. Thyberg, 38, of Kennebunkport, Maine, was arrested at 6:29 p.m. on Nov. 28 on a DUI charge as well as lane control and open container violations in Portsmouth.

Sean Patrick Lahey, 28, of Chester, was arrested on a reckless operation charge in Candia at 11:29 p.m. on Nov. 27.

Gabriel Joseph Luz, 20, of Rochester was arrested on a warrant in Dover at 4:40 p.m. on Nov. 27.

Karen L. Blanchard-McIntosh, 45, of South Portland, ME, was arrested at 6:10 a.m. on Nov. 27 on a reckless operation charge in North Hampton.

Kelly Irish Didio, 38, of Farmington, was arrested on a reckless operation charge in Dover at 9:23 a.m. on Nov. 26.

Cindy M. Ackerman, 42, of Rochester, was arrested on a warrant at 1:02 a.m. on Nov. 26 in Dover.

Brian David Murray, 19, of Rochester, was arrested at 6:17 p.m. on Nov. 25. He was charged with driving after revocation or suspension, operating without a valid license, and a front-light violation in Rochester.

Gillian Elizabeth Coombs, 71, of Kingston, was arrested at 2:49 a.m. on Nov. 25 on DUI and DUI-second offense charges in East Kingston.

Troop B Blotter

Josue De Los Angeles, 28, of Manchester, was arrested at 11:12 p.m. on Nov. 29 on an operating without a valid license charge and unregistered vehicle and fail-yield to emergency vehicle violations in Windham.

Orlando Ramos Amaro, 63, of Nashua, was arrested on a warrant in Salem at 6:52 p.m. on Nov. 29.

Patrice E. Lochard, 30, of Keene, was arrested for reckless operation in Windham at 1:45 p.m. on Nov. 29.

Albert G. Landry, 46, of Manchester, was arrested on a warrant in Manchester at 1:45 a.m. on Nov. 29.

Arianna Grace Moschetto, 21, of Atkinson, was arrested at 9:47 p.m. on Nov. 27 on reckless operation and speeding: 25-plus mph over the 65 limit in Windham.

Nathan A. Holmes, 40, of Kingston, was arrested at 6:33 p.m. on Nov. 27 on two felony counts of habitual offender, two driving after revocation or suspension, two conduct after accident, and breach of bail charges, as well as a driving without giving proof violation in Londonderry.

Adam R. Southworth, 33, of Manchester, was arrested on two warrants at 3:06 p.m. on Nov. 27 and charged with driving after revocation or suspension in Manchester.

Julius Victor Hargis, 22, of Manchester, was arrested at 2:19 p.m. on Nov. 27 on a driving after revocation or suspension charge, as well as suspension of vehicle registration and “hands-free” violations in Londonderry.

Marissa Lea Hickbottom, 35, of Manchester, was arrested on a bench warrant at 1:46 p.m. on Nov. 27 in Manchester.

Heather Marie Leblanc, 37, of Derry, was arrested at 11:21 on Nov. 27 on driving after revocation or suspension, driving after revocation or suspension-subsequent, and operating without a valid license charges as well as driving without giving proof violation in Manchester.

Brandon Louis Gunderson, 24, of Windham, was arrested at 6:43 p.m. on Nov. 26 in Manchester on suspension of vehicle registration and “hands-free” violations.

Jonathan Tudisca, 38, of Derry, was arrested at 9:39 a.m. on Nov. 25 on a reckless operation charge in Manchester.

Cesar David Erazo, 30, of Manchester, was arrested on a fugitive warrant, a regular warrant, and three bench warrants at 7:45 a.m. on Nov. 25 and also charged with stalking-domestic violence, breach of bail, driving after revocation or suspension, and operating without a valid license charges in Manchester.

Joseph Killgren, 42, of Derry, was arrested at 4 a.m. on Nov. 25 on a warrant in Salem.

Troop D Blotter

John A. Sullivan, 38, of Manchester, was arrested on a bench warrant at 10:46 p.m. on Nov. 29 in Concord.

Ousman B. Sanyang, 20, of Durham, was arrested at 9:37 p.m. on Nov. 29 in Bow on a reckless operation charge.

Brandon D. Alexis, 30, of West Warwick, Rhode Island, was arrested at 4:58 a.m. on Nov. 29 on driving after revocation or suspension and reckless operation charges in Bow.

Daniel Isa Poroj, 22, of Shelburne, Vermont, was arrested at 10:11 a.m. on Nov. 28 on speeding: existing conditions, negligent driving, and operating without a valid license charges as well as unregistered vehicle and duty when approaching highway emergency violations in Sutton.

Ray Xu, 27, of Lebanon, was arrested at 4:23 a.m. on Nov. 28 on a driving after revocation or suspension charge in Hopkinton.

Wesley Adan Quiroz, 24, of Nashua, was arrested at 2:55 a.m. on Nov. 28 on DUI and speeding: 26-plus mph over the limit of 55 or less charges in Bow.

Quinews Homicil, 42, of Montreal Nord, Province of Quebec, was arrested at 1:54 a.m. on Nov. 28 on a motor vehicle not equipped with an alcohol interlock device charge in Bow.

Steven R. Benson, 24, of Hopkinton, was arrested at 1:12 a.m. on Concord on DUI and DUI-adult greater than 0.08; minor greater than 0.02 charges.

Justin Thomas Lemanski, 31, of Concord, was arrested at 11:16 p.m. on Nov. 27 on a DUI charge and an operating without lights violation in Concord.

Lucas A. Maclean, 33, of Manchester, was arrested at 9:27 p.m. on Nov. 27 on driving after revocation or suspension charge in Concord.

Grace Elizabeth Dionne, 22, of North Chelmsford, MA, was arrested at 1:32 a.m. on Nov. 27 on DUI and reckless conduct-deadly weapon charges in Sanbornton.

Xavia O. Daley, 36, of Manchester, was arrested at 12:03 a.m. on Nov. 27 on driving after revocation or suspension and driving after revocation or suspension-subsequent charges in Concord.

Zachary Scott Zieroff, 38, of Manchester, was arrested at 11:21 p.m. on Nov. 25 on a driving after revocation or suspension and driver’s license prohibitions charges as well as lane control and suspension of vehicle registration violations. He was arrested in Bow.

Delbert E. Baker, 47, of Keene, was arrested at 10:17 p.m. on Nov. 25 on driving after revocation or suspension and disobeying an officer charges, as well as traffic control device and failure to display plates violations in Concord.

Other Arrests

Patrick Ryan Murphy, 33, of Littleton, was arrested at 12:35 a.m. on Dec. 7, on DUI and DUI-second offense charges as well as uninspected vehicle and failure to display plates violations in Bethlehem.

Michael Charles Baker, 51, of Dedham, MA, was arrested at 7:51 p.m. on Dec. 2 on a DUI charge and an open container violation in Ossipee.

Mark Palmisano, 53, of Wilmington, MA, was arrested on a warrant in Gilford at 5:08 p.m. on Dec. 2.

Coulson Mathew Angell, 18, of St. Johnsbury, VT, was arrested at 12:46 a.m. on Nov. 28 on speeding: 25-plus mph over the 70 limit and reckless operation charges in Littleton.

Maylon Benjamin Bernard Holguin, 22, of Manchester, was arrested at 9:33 p.m. on Oct. 20 on operating without a valid license, reckless operation, and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child, as well as three counts of child restraint required violations in Derry.

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