playinghooky
02-23-2006, 02:03 PM
Article from todays Citizen:
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Round 2 of speed limit debate tomorrow
By GEOFF CUNNINGHAM Jr. Staff Writer
CONCORD — The second round of debate over the proposed boating speed limit will kick off on Friday when the Senate's Transportation and Interstate Cooperation Committee holds its first public hearing on House Bill 162.
Officials on both sides of the speed limit argument are expecting large crowds as they prepare for a hearing that is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. at Representative's Hall in the Capitol Building.
The six members of the transportation panel have expressed skepticism concerning the enforceability of the proposed law, which would put a 45 mph daytime and 25 mph nighttime speed limit on the state's lakes, ponds and rivers.
Committee Chair Sen. Robert Letourneau has described the bill as "warm and fuzzy," but has said it would likely do little to enhance safety for boaters on the state's water bodies.
However, members of the committee have been flooded with letters and e-mails from both sides of the debate in the weeks leading up to their first hearing on the bill.
Jared Teutsch of the New Hampshire Lakes Association, a group supporting the speed limit, expressed hopes that the mail, combined with a poll showing that 63 percent of registered voters support the initiative, will sway committee members to take a harder look at whether it should be passed.
"They are getting flooded from both sides. What's interesting is I think they now understand the scope of the bill. I believe they are starting to understand it and are feeling a little bit of pressure from both sides," said Teutsch.
The environmental advocate said he has been encouraged that certain members of the Senate who initially expressed outright opposition have now made comments that they are undecided on whether it should be passed.
Some lawmakers were surprised when HB 162 passed in the House on Feb. 2 by a 193 to 139 vote.
On Friday, members of the Winnipesaukee Family Alliance for Boating Safety or WinnFABS — the main group advocating the bill's passage — are expected to testify that the bill can be enforced by Marine Patrol.
Teutsch and Sandy Helve, a founder of WinnFABS, confirmed that the group is attempting to secure a marine radar device from the Squam Lake Association that will be displayed at the hearing as proof that such devices can accurately gauge boating speeds — an aspect that has been widely disputed and at the heart of the boating speed limit controversy.
Friday's hearing is tentatively scheduled for two hours, but many involved in the debate expect it will run longer due to the level of interest in the bill and the numbers who will likely testify concerning its validity.
Teutsch said he wouldn't be surprised if the hearing ran closer to four hours than its scheduled two-hour allotment.
Helve said members of her group have been contacting their senators in an attempt to urge them to support the bill's passage. She expressed hope that — despite it being a vacation week — that people will turn out on Friday to voice their opinions in person.
"You never know (who will show up), but we are hoping that many supporters will see this as an opportunity to show their support and speak as they so choose," said Helve, who owns a property on Bear Island.
Custie Crampton of the New Hampshire Recreational Boaters Association — the main group opposing the bill — said he expects there will be several people from his group present to express concerns about a measure they feel will do little to improve safety.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Round 2 of speed limit debate tomorrow
By GEOFF CUNNINGHAM Jr. Staff Writer
CONCORD — The second round of debate over the proposed boating speed limit will kick off on Friday when the Senate's Transportation and Interstate Cooperation Committee holds its first public hearing on House Bill 162.
Officials on both sides of the speed limit argument are expecting large crowds as they prepare for a hearing that is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. at Representative's Hall in the Capitol Building.
The six members of the transportation panel have expressed skepticism concerning the enforceability of the proposed law, which would put a 45 mph daytime and 25 mph nighttime speed limit on the state's lakes, ponds and rivers.
Committee Chair Sen. Robert Letourneau has described the bill as "warm and fuzzy," but has said it would likely do little to enhance safety for boaters on the state's water bodies.
However, members of the committee have been flooded with letters and e-mails from both sides of the debate in the weeks leading up to their first hearing on the bill.
Jared Teutsch of the New Hampshire Lakes Association, a group supporting the speed limit, expressed hopes that the mail, combined with a poll showing that 63 percent of registered voters support the initiative, will sway committee members to take a harder look at whether it should be passed.
"They are getting flooded from both sides. What's interesting is I think they now understand the scope of the bill. I believe they are starting to understand it and are feeling a little bit of pressure from both sides," said Teutsch.
The environmental advocate said he has been encouraged that certain members of the Senate who initially expressed outright opposition have now made comments that they are undecided on whether it should be passed.
Some lawmakers were surprised when HB 162 passed in the House on Feb. 2 by a 193 to 139 vote.
On Friday, members of the Winnipesaukee Family Alliance for Boating Safety or WinnFABS — the main group advocating the bill's passage — are expected to testify that the bill can be enforced by Marine Patrol.
Teutsch and Sandy Helve, a founder of WinnFABS, confirmed that the group is attempting to secure a marine radar device from the Squam Lake Association that will be displayed at the hearing as proof that such devices can accurately gauge boating speeds — an aspect that has been widely disputed and at the heart of the boating speed limit controversy.
Friday's hearing is tentatively scheduled for two hours, but many involved in the debate expect it will run longer due to the level of interest in the bill and the numbers who will likely testify concerning its validity.
Teutsch said he wouldn't be surprised if the hearing ran closer to four hours than its scheduled two-hour allotment.
Helve said members of her group have been contacting their senators in an attempt to urge them to support the bill's passage. She expressed hope that — despite it being a vacation week — that people will turn out on Friday to voice their opinions in person.
"You never know (who will show up), but we are hoping that many supporters will see this as an opportunity to show their support and speak as they so choose," said Helve, who owns a property on Bear Island.
Custie Crampton of the New Hampshire Recreational Boaters Association — the main group opposing the bill — said he expects there will be several people from his group present to express concerns about a measure they feel will do little to improve safety.