SB27 Coming to Vote Expected to Pass

[chipj29]

Originally Posted by Rusty

Mary Hutchins has worked real hard to make our beautiful Lake a safe place for everyone.

This well written article is in today's LDS

Reps who voted against SB-27 talked to Lakes Region people

To the editor,



It would actually be greater because of human tendencies of feeling it is okay to go 5 to 10 mph above the speed limit. One further stated that the best conditions for speed was exactly the same conditions that swimmers, water skiers, small boats, canoes, kayaks etc… come out very calm days, increasing the danger by pure numbers trying to use the same water.

What is the danger exactly?

[BroadHopper]

So who the h3ll is Mary Hutchins? What makes everyone decides she speaks for everyone on the lake. She sure didn't speak to the real natives of the Lakes Region like me. Why do I have to bow to those who move into this region when I can say, 'I was here first'. I will not take orders from those who move into this area. As long as there are speed limits, I will make sure this will waste everyone's time and money until there is a compromise. Winnfabs is telling me to go to the ocean which is 40 miles down the road. I'm telling Winnfabs to go to Squam lake which is 10 miles up the road.

Problem is Squam Lake do not want the likes of the Winnfabs folks. Having said that, why do I have to suffer?

If Mary Hutchins wants to represent the lake, She should talk to me and hundreds of others who live on this lake year round since birth. She will get a different answer.

[Dhuberty24]

Very well said.

[Rusty]

Bill & Paula Bertholdt are extremely appreciative (as I am) for the 11 votes to ITL SB-27.

Here is their letter to the editor in today's LDS:


To the editor,

An open letter to the Honorable Members of the N.H. House Transportation Committee:

We are extremely appreciative of your 11 votes to ITL SB-27. The comments from both sides were well put to kill this bill, as the reps have listened to the N.H. people who want keep the 45/30 mph law as it is without any changes and certainly NOT to raise the limits to 55 mph on the Broads.

The recently released N.H. Marine Patrol Activity Data for 2010 showed even more improved accident and incident numbers than previous years. This, along with 2009 data, give additional evidence that the 45/30 mph law is indeed working from the Marine Patrol data perspective, from the perspective of hundreds of families, business/community leaders and N.H. individuals testifying of their vastly improved lake experiences through e-mails and phone calls.

We believe we have presented facts and data enough over the years that prove the 45/30 speed limits are working well and are appreciated and enjoyed by an overwhelming number of the general public and many Lakes Region businesses and associations. These reasonable limits allow the safe and comfortable access to Lake Winnipesaukee for the broadest spectrum of users.

We thank Representatives Cloutier, Dwinell, Gagnon, Hawkes, Hinch, Lindsley, Marcus, Rhodes, Scontsas, Tholl and Williams for understanding how much safety and sanity mean to most of us, individually and collectively. Your vote to ITL SB-27 and not allow any more amendments, committee studies or other attempts to change the current speed limits will be remembered by all who appreciate what you have done.

Please use your influence to persuade all members of the House, during the floor hearing we believe will be held on May 18, to see the common sense and logic of your positions. Meanwhile we hope that N.H. residents contact their respective N.H. House Reps to also urge them to support the ITL of Senate Bill 27 (to kill the bill).

We are forever in your debt.

Bill & Paula Bertholdt

Gilford
.

[DEJ]

To the editor,

An open letter to the members of the N.H. House of Representatives:

As you are no doubt aware by now, the House Transportation Committee voted 11-6 to declare the compromise SB-27 that would increase allowable speed on the area of Lake Winnipesaukee known as The Broads, ITL. The reason that the majority of the committee gave for their decision is that “it’s a local issue and the locals objected”.

Without getting into the unethical and deceptive ways that opponents of SB-27 were able to create the illusion of local support, this is NOT a local issue. Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in N.H. and the one of the largest, if not the largest, tourist draws for the state’s tourist industry. Decisions about the lake and its use affect everyone in New Hampshire.

If you go along with the thinking of the Transportation Committee you will be relinquishing state authority and decision making to local landowners who own property near our state’s prime resources, and because of this the legislature will be flooded with requests for bills in the future for restrictions of public use on public property of all types “because the locals want it so it’s a local issue”.

Do not open Pandora’s Box!

Safe Boaters of NH has provided you with facts and backed up those facts regarding the safe use of Lake Winnipesaukee for all boaters. We came up with the compromise that leaves 86-percent of Lake Winnipesaukee unchanged but opponents to the compromise SB-27 say that is not good enough, they want it all.

We urge you to support SB-27 when it gets to the floor and avoid opening Pandora’s Box, something that will touch off a stampede of bills restricting the public use of public property on the whim of private landowners.

Scott Verdonck

Safe Boater of New Hampshire

[lawn psycho]

Pretty much sums it up.

Lies vs truth.

Us vs them.

Winners = none

[fatlazyless]

With about 25 different public and private boat ramps, the lake is both a local and state lake. It is everybody's lake! With the popularity of low cost, second hand, used kayaks & paddles & pfd's over the last ten years it has become much less expensive and easier for people with less money to get out onto the Big Lake. You just tie the kayak onto the car roof and head for a local town dock. Launching a kayak off of a dock is pretty simple so the boat launch ramp is not even needed.

For a best bet-kayak launch spot, head to the Cattle Landing town dock and freebie (50-cars) unpaved parking lot that's way down the end of Meredith Neck. The Cattle Landing town dock is a 75' x 6' wide, public town dock, located across from the very south end of Bear Island and no, you will not be sharing the dock with any cows or cattle, as the cattle have all moved to Vermont. It has no town sign to identify it for some unknown reason, but you will know it when you see it, about seven miles down Meredith Neck.

Mixing high speed boats with little, slow moving kayaks is probably not the safest thing. There's an old saying that's been around for at least fifty years that says it all .......... "Speed Kills so Slow Down!"

[Ryan]

Originally Posted by Rusty

We believe we have presented facts and data enough over the years that prove the 45/30 speed limits are working well

Anybody care to try and back this up??? Where are the facts? Where is the data?

From what I've read, the facts and data to not back a speed limit that is working, especially with 2009 being one of the worst for accidents in recent history!

[BroadHopper]

Moved from the Nashua area a decade ago. Commuted until they retire and they come up here with nothing better to do than rattle the natives cages.

Same with Sandy Helves. She commutes from Nashua.

If transients don't like the lake the way it is, move on. I've been here all my life and I'm not moving.
I was born here, I will die here.

[Bear Islander]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

Moved from the Nashua area a decade ago. Commuted until they retire and they come up here with nothing better to do than rattle the natives cages.

Same with Sandy Helves. She commutes from Nashua.

If transients don't like the lake the way it is, move on. I've been here all my life and I'm not moving.
I was born here, I will die here.

There is no "time of residency" requirement before you can have an opinion on local issues. Citizens that have lived in the lakes area for a few months have just as much say, and the same voting privileges, as those that have been here for 100 years. That's the way it works. It's the American way! It's the law!

I understand you think this is unfair. You don't have to like it. You DO have to live with it.

[lawn psycho]

Originally Posted by Bear Islander

There is no "time of residency" requirement before you can have an opinion on local issues. Citizens that have lived in the lakes area for a few months have just as much say, and the same voting privileges, as those that have been here for 100 years. That's the way it works. It's the American way! It's the law!

I understand you think this is unfair. You don't have to like it. You DO have to live with it.

BI, do you think the SL is confined to only being a "local issue"?

What do you consider about those like me who pay $$ for slips to use the lake using boats bought at a Winni dealer? I then pay additional money to stay at hotels with a slip on the lake ON TOP of having a slip on several weekend per year. In fact, I bet I pay more on fees and hotel bills than some of those who don't live on the water pay in property taxes!

Personally, I think when either side uses residency as part of the SL debate it's nothing more than an attempt to marginalize viewpoints. This goes for both sides of the argument however I have found the pro-SL crowd to fall into the "don't let MA people ruin our Lake" statements much more than the anti-SL crowd.

It should come down to what the SL does (or doesn't do) for the lake.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by lawn psycho

Personally, I think when either side uses residency as part of the SL debate it's nothing more than an attempt to marginalize viewpoints. This goes for both sides of the argument however I have found the pro-SL crowd to fall into the "don't let MA people ruin our Lake" statements much more than the anti-SL crowd.

"don't let MA people ruin our Lake"??????

Can you give me some objective evidence that this is true. By objective evidence I mean voice recordings, videos, or signed documents from the “pro-SL crowd”. Also how many people are you talking about that have made that statement?

[Rusty]

For the life of me I don't know why the political director of the SBONH keeps dwelling on the elderly and well respected citizens of NH.
Below is a written letter to the editor of the LDS that sets the record straight as far as "the people who showed up in Concord to testify against SB-27":

To the editor,

In response to the letter from Bob Flannery, political director of SBONH, regarding speed and safety on Lake Winnipesaukee, I wanted to note that few of the people who showed up in Concord to testify against SB-27 are retired people. I take exception to his statement that "all these people have nothing but time on their hands," and his earlier statement after the Senate hearing on SB-27 that those testifying against SB 27 were "a bunch of old fossils with nothing better to do."

I, for example, work full-time, as does my husband and daughter, and we are not "old." Along with many other N.H. people, all three of us took the time to come to Concord to be heard on this issue. Business people as well came to testify how SB-27 is bad for the Lakes Region tourism and economy.

A man who delivers propane to the islands took the time to testify against SB-27. A representative from the Loon Preservation Society testified that SB-27 endangers fledgling loon chicks. Camp directors took the time to explain that with the 45/30 MPH law more and more campers are venturing out and enjoying the lake. I suspect that of the 73 out of 80 people who signed in against SB-27 last month, most were not retired — they wanted their voice to be heard.

Safety is just one of the issues as to why to oppose SB-27. As noted above, other reasons include economics, tourism, preservation of the lake's natural resources, as well as maintaining a peaceful and meaningful lake experience for all. Add these reasons to the fact that the current 45/30 law is working well according to most N.H. people, and that says it all.

Gail Adams

Tuftonboro
.

[BroadHopper]

If the god almighty Winfabs claims tourism went through the roof, then why did PSC claim that tourism is down about 40% since its peak in 2005? Why did tourism was up 3% last year when neighboring Maine was up 14%. Facts speak louder than words, but god almighty Rusty Mclear, the ruling king of NH Tourism will not allow his industry to speak the truth? I am friends with a number of folks in the hospitality industry and they are all hurting. The would love to speak against the SL King but they fear reprisal.

If Boating is good, how come according to nh.gov boating registration been on a decline since 2005? It use to be slips were hard to find. This spring every marina on the lake has slips available. LADASUN and the Citizen are advertising private slips available. Last time marinas spoke against the SL, there was a huge split in the NH Marine Trade Association. After that fiasco, marinas are taking a neutral stanch for SL.

Summer camp enrollment is way down not because of speed, it is because of our litigious society. Litigation insurance hit the roof and camp fees became unbearable to those who really want to send their kids to camp. How came the camp directors won't speak the truth? That I am trying yo find the answer. They certainly not speaking for themselves.

[chipj29]

I wonder if Rusty or Gail from Tuftonboro can answer my questions below.

Originally Posted by Rusty

To the editor,

In response to the letter from Bob Flannery, political director of SBONH, regarding speed and safety on Lake Winnipesaukee, I wanted to note that few of the people who showed up in Concord to testify against SB-27 are retired people. I take exception to his statement that "all these people have nothing but time on their hands," and his earlier statement after the Senate hearing on SB-27 that those testifying against SB 27 were "a bunch of old fossils with nothing better to do."

I, for example, work full-time, as does my husband and daughter, and we are not "old." Along with many other N.H. people, all three of us took the time to come to Concord to be heard on this issue. Business people as well came to testify how SB-27 is bad for the Lakes Region tourism and economy.

A man who delivers propane to the islands took the time to testify against SB-27.
How exactly does 10 additional MPH on the broads impact island propane delivery?
A representative from the Loon Preservation Society testified that SB-27 endangers fledgling loon chicks.
How exactly does an additional 10 MPH on the broads endanger loon chicks?
Camp directors took the time to explain that with the 45/30 MPH law more and more campers are venturing out and enjoying the lake.
How exactly would an additional 10 MPH on the broads prevent campers from venturing out and enjoying the lake? How many were venturing out before the speed limit was enacted? How many were venturing out after the speed limit was enacted? Please be specific.
I suspect that of the 73 out of 80 people who signed in against SB-27 last month, most were not retired — they wanted their voice to be heard.
I am not retired, and I want my voice to be heard as well.

Safety is just one of the issues as to why to oppose SB-27.
How exactly does an additional 10 MPH on the broads impact safety?
As noted above, other reasons include economics, tourism, preservation of the lake's natural resources, as well as maintaining a peaceful and meaningful lake experience for all. Add these reasons to the fact that the current 45/30 law is working well according to most N.H. people, and that says it all.
Please be specific Gail. How exactly would an additional 10 MPH on the broads impact economics and tourism? How would it impact the lakes natural resources? How would it make the lake less peaceful or less of a meaningful experience? Again, please be specific.
Gail Adams
Tuftonboro

[Rusty]

The below Letter to the Editor is in today's Concord Monitor

Thank you Sandra for the good research and reporting that you are doing! Keep up the good work.

Hope for boaters

Sandra Helve, Meredith

For the Monitor

May 11, ..My family says "thank you!" to the 11 House Transportation Committee members who recommended killing Senate Bill 27 on May 4. Here's hoping that the full House on May 18 listens to their wisdom after hours of testimony, phone calls and hundreds of heartfelt emails urging the opposition of SB 27 which raises the existing 45 mph daytime boating speed limits on The Broads portion of Lake Winnipesaukee.

These committee members spoke fervently against SB 27 due to the volume of emails and calls against changing the current 45/30 mph law - because the 45/30 law is working extremely well; because numerous Lakes Region business and community leaders and other New Hampshire residents testified against this bill on April 19 (far many more than those in favor of the bill); because 45 mph is very fast on water yet allows safety for the much slower-moving watercraft like paddlers (moving at 1 to 2 mph) or sailors (5 to 10 mph) or those sitting still like anglers or families picnicking in an anchored boat; because Lake Winnipesaukee is not the place for high speed boating; because the 45/30 mph law was already arrived at through compromise; because 45/30 is better for the tourism (safe, family-friendly reputation) and other economics of the Lakes Region; and lastly and simply, because the 45/30 law enables both motorized and non-motorized boaters to enjoy Lake Winnipesaukee more!

Please contact your state representatives and encourage them to follow the recommendation of the House Transportation Committee. Let's leave the 45/30 law alone, as it is working beautifully: The Big Lake is a safe, fun and serene refuge for all

SANDRA HELVE

Meredith

[Chimi]

Originally Posted by Rusty

The below Letter to the Editor is in today's Concord Monitor

Thank you Sandra for the good research and reporting that you are doing! Keep up the good work.

Hope for boaters

Sandra Helve, Meredith

For the Monitor

May 11, ..My family says "thank you!" to the 11 House Transportation Committee members who recommended killing Senate Bill 27 on May 4. Here's hoping that the full House on May 18 listens to their wisdom after hours of testimony, phone calls and hundreds of heartfelt emails urging the opposition of SB 27 which raises the existing 45 mph daytime boating speed limits on The Broads portion of Lake Winnipesaukee.

These committee members spoke fervently against SB 27 due to the volume of emails and calls against changing the current 45/30 mph law - because the 45/30 law is working extremely well; because numerous Lakes Region business and community leaders and other New Hampshire residents testified against this bill on April 19 (far many more than those in favor of the bill); because 45 mph is very fast on water yet allows safety for the much slower-moving watercraft like paddlers (moving at 1 to 2 mph) or sailors (5 to 10 mph) or those sitting still like anglers or families picnicking in an anchored boat; because Lake Winnipesaukee is not the place for high speed boating; because the 45/30 mph law was already arrived at through compromise; because 45/30 is better for the tourism (safe, family-friendly reputation) and other economics of the Lakes Region; and lastly and simply, because the 45/30 law enables both motorized and non-motorized boaters to enjoy Lake Winnipesaukee more!

Please contact your state representatives and encourage them to follow the recommendation of the House Transportation Committee. Let's leave the 45/30 law alone, as it is working beautifully: The Big Lake is a safe, fun and serene refuge for all

SANDRA HELVE

Meredith

She forgot to add the big "THANK YOU" to the Reps for disposing of the bill that would have required boat renters to have a full Boater Education Certificate. The big money has spoken again. She had better hope and pray that one of these renters with the marina-issued temporary licenses (read: toilet paper) does not run over and kill an innocent swimmer, boater, kayaker, fisherman, etc.

PS: Where's Bill Berthold when you need him? I recall him questioning whether someone was a registered voter in Gilford. Is Sandra Helve a registered voter in Meredith, Mr. Berthold? NOT!

[Chimi]

In this letter to ed, the famous Ms. Helve states she's from Nashua. How convenient!

http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/opini...el-praise.html

[Bear Islander]

Originally Posted by Chimi

She forgot to add the big "THANK YOU" to the Reps for disposing of the bill that would have required boat renters to have a full Boater Education Certificate. The big money has spoken again. She had better hope and pray that one of these renters with the marina-issued temporary licenses (read: toilet paper) does not run over and kill an innocent swimmer, boater, kayaker, fisherman, etc.

PS: Where's Bill Berthold when you need him? I recall him questioning whether someone was a registered voter in Gilford. Is Sandra Helve a registered voter in Meredith, Mr. Berthold? NOT!

When you don't have good arguments against speed limits the next best thing is personal attacks against people that support them.

Sandy does live in Meredith, I have been to her home. She probably is not registered to vote in Meredith, but on the other hand she NEVER claimed to be.

And where did you get the idea that Sandy was against the Boater Education bill? Because I suspect you just made that up to try and make her look bad.

Bear Islander
Meredith

[BroadHopper]

Originally Posted by Bear Islander

And where did you get the idea that Sandy was against the Boater Education bill? Because I suspect you just made that up to try and make her look bad.

Why don't she mentioned that defeating the boater's education bill was a bad idea? How about cutting marine patrol budget, she should mentioned that was a bad idea. NOT! She just DON'T CARE!

[Bear Islander]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

Why don't she mentioned that defeating the boater's education bill was a bad idea? How about cutting marine patrol budget, she should mentioned that was a bad idea. NOT! She just DON'T CARE!

By your logic, when someone writes a letter to the editor, they don't care about any topic they do not mention.

Sorry BH, that is an idiotic argument.

Go back a few posts and read the letter to the editor that Scott wrote on behalf of SBONH. He also didn't mention Boater Education or the Marine Patrol budget cuts. Does that mean he doesn't care? (I know that he does)

Incredibly neither of them wrote about the killing of Osama Bin Laden. I guess they just don't care about that either.

[Chimi]

Originally Posted by Bear Islander

When you don't have good arguments against speed limits the next best thing is personal attacks against people that support them.

Sandy does live in Meredith, I have been to her home. She probably is not registered to vote in Meredith, but on the other hand she NEVER claimed to be.

And where did you get the idea that Sandy was against the Boater Education bill? Because I suspect you just made that up to try and make her look bad.

Bear Islander
Meredith

Well then, I guess with your logic it's ok for Mr. Berthold of WinnFABS to make personal attacks by questioning the voting status of a gentleman from Gilford. See post 263 in this thread:

http://winnipesaukee.com/forums/show...erthold&page=3

I don't know Ms. Helve (nor do I care to), so I have no reason to make her "look bad". However, since WinnFABS claims they care about "Boating Safety" (part of their name!), I want to know why they chose to remain silent on this bill which would have required a full Boater Education license to rent a boat. HOW MANY innocent people will get hurt or killed by an unlicensed boat renter? Where is the safety?

[Bear Islander]

Originally Posted by Chimi

Well then, I guess with your logic it's ok for Mr. Berthold of WinnFABS to make personal attacks by questioning the voting status of a gentleman from Gilford. See post 263 in this thread:

http://winnipesaukee.com/forums/show...erthold&page=3

I don't know Ms. Helve (nor do I care to), so I have no reason to make her "look bad". However, since WinnFABS claims they care about "Boating Safety" (part of their name!), I want to know why they chose to remain silent on this bill which would have required a full Boater Education license to rent a boat. HOW MANY innocent people will get hurt or killed by an unlicensed boat renter? Where is the safety?

It has been explained over, and over, and over, and over again, including several times right in this thread, that WinnFABS is only concerned with speed limits.

It was created for that one purpose.

Funds were raised to fight for that one purpose.

It is not for you to say what issues WinnFABS fights for.

You have lost on the issues. So now you attack your opponents.

You lost. Grow up. Get over it.

[BroadHopper]

Originally Posted by Bear Islander

There is no "time of residency" requirement before you can have an opinion on local issues. Citizens that have lived in the lakes area for a few months have just as much say, and the same voting privileges, as those that have been here for 100 years. That's the way it works. It's the American way! It's the law!

I understand you think this is unfair. You don't have to like it. You DO have to live with it.

If that is the case, when are you going to tell the representatives to change the state motto from 'Live Free or Die' to 'The Police State'?