I then began to hear rumors that Chief Agrafiotis had gone to Commissioner Bairam and asked him to stay on the board as a favor and then resign later so that the commission could appoint who they wanted.

I first did not believe that this type of behavior would go on, until now. I have heard from many people, including business people, that Commissioner Bairam has been saying this.

If this is, in fact, what took place, I now ask again... What are they hiding? Why would they deliberately bypass the Town Council to appoint who is best fit for the position?

I find it ironic that Commissioner Bairam bypassed Commissioner Hess as the chairwoman and nominated Commissioner Gagnon as the chairman. If you review the commission meeting minutes, Commissioner Hess was “very disappointed over this.”

Hess also inquired about the rotation that has always been used, which would have made her rightful chairwoman. Hess was told by Chairperson Bairam that it was nothing personal, he feels Commissioner Gagnon is involved in everything now and should be the Chairperson.”

Commissioner Gagnon then goes on to say that “she is not being a team player and this is his biggest problem he has, is all the abstaining that she does.” Why is it such a problem with her abstaining if she only wants to get to the truth?

In my mind this raises the question of: What is a team player? It takes more integrity to abstain than to just go along with the “team.”

I now ask the Town Council and the taxpayers: What are they hiding? I think, at the very least, that this is highly unethical, coming from the highest officials in the police department.

I am curious though – is this illegal? I guess, Mr.. Jodoin, that this is another decision you must now face. What do you do? How do you deal with these issues?

D. Dunn
Hooksett

As you may or may not know, we are a nonprofit organization whose stated goal is to provide new clothing and toys for the children of underprivileged families in the entire county of Merrimack. We operate year-round and continue to catch as many kids as we can who might otherwise fall through the cracks. We operate through nine different public service agencies as well as working with our own clientele.

The Teddy Bear Fund depends solely on the generosity of people such as yourselves and relies heavily on the volunteers who step forward to help us throughout the year. All of you should be so proud of yourselves for your selflessness and your willingness to help these kids. We can't thank you enough!

Throughout the year 2006, we will continuously be working on fundraising activities and searching out the many children in need to see how we can step up and help out. We are in constant need of volunteers and would welcome anyone to join us in our efforts.

For further information concerning the Teddy Bear Fund you may check out our Web site at www'theteddybearfund.org or give us a call at 798-4443.

John St. Laurent
Board Chairman
The Teddy Bear Fund

First, the department is still down a number of employees because good, qualified people are hard to find. As the Union Leader noted recently, finding good employees is a statewide and nationwide problem, and like other agencies, we have no plans to drop our standards.

Second, regarding employees and their personnel status, all employees. issues are confidential and therefore cannot be discussed. However, I can say that any employee issues, past or present, are handled with the advice of legal counsel. The chief, like the commission, relies upon and follows legal advice.

Third, a management study by an independent consultant was done, and it determined that the chief did nothing wrong. No further studies are needed, and the commission, who by law oversees the police department, feels the agency is running at an acceptable level. Like any organization, there will always be issues, but we handle them in a professional and legal manner, regardless of rumors to the contrary.

I would encourage D. Dunn to attend a police commission meeting, see how business is conducted and ask questions. The Hooksett Police Commission meets the third Tuesday of every month at the Hooksett Safety Center.

David Gagnon
Chairman
Hooksett Police Commission

As a lifelong resident of the Granite State and an honored World War II veteran, Lloyd Robie continued to serve his community after taking over Robie's Country Store where he put Hooksett on the map for the rest of America to marvel.

It began in 1975 when Lloyd Robie uttered, "Jimmy who?" Since the infamous encounter, Robie's Country Store became a key to victory in the first-inthe- nation primary. Lloyd Robie shook the hands of countless candidates and hosted luncheons for first ladies including now First Lady Laura Bush.

Lloyd Robie's legacy epitomizes the importance of the first in the nation primary. A relatively unknown candidate comes to New Hampshire with bold ideals, little money and finds a captive audience. Retail politics is what it takes to win; speaking to the public on a personal level and getting to know what's really on their mind. Lloyd Robie understood this and was always willing to provide a welcome forum complete with an open hand and mind.

Lloyd Robie will be missed, but his memory and legacy remain engrained in primary tradition. Although the country store no longer opens for daily business, a preservation society will carry his traditions into 2008 and beyond. We owe Lloyd Robie a great debt of gratitude and I know that his spirit will live on at the country store and follow closely behind future presidential hopefuls in 2008.

Theodore L.Gatsas
President of the Senate
District 16
Manchester

All of the girls in the troop who participated had a wonderful experience of helping children and adults decorate cookies for this holiday event. Our participation would not have been possible without the generous donations from these businesses. Thank you for your support.

. Eaton's Cake and Candy Supplies, Hooksett

. Shaw's Supermarket, Hooksett

. Sam's Club, Manchester

. Gingerbread baker Kelly Adams, Candia

We would also like to thank all of the people who donated blankets to our recent blanket drive, which benefited Candia residents for the winter season. We were able to give a dozen blankets to the Candia Welfare Department for distribution to residents.

We appreciate all who participated.

Joanne Sanseverino
Co-leader
Candia Junior Girl Scout
Troop 863