To the Editor:

Where have truth, honesty and morality gone? If local, state and national politics are examples of all that is going on in this country, and our town now, then we are in more trouble that we realize. God help us!

I entered local politics at the age of 85, at the behest of a councilor who also became my mentor. I was later told “politics makes strange bedfellows,” and it is all a “strategic game.” I did not realize the strategy meant not trusting fellow councilors and breaking oaths. I also did not realize I was naive in thinking the purpose of attaining office is to try to govern for the benefit, and protection, of the Hooksett voters. Instead, I found that some are consumed with their own political agenda and personal grievances.

I have heard it said by persons now holding public office, it is an accepted practice to disregard oaths and break rules, because others who have held office have done it for years.

We are fortunate to live in Hooksett, and we have many fine, intelligent people living here. So, why is it difficult to overcome the constant apathy and reluctance to hold public office or serve on any of our town committees?

The personal disagreements and controversy that have shown up weekly in our local newspapers have appeared to drive a wedge between members of the council. This has caused us to stray away from the main task, which is to govern for the benefit of the people of Hooksett.

After settling the controversy now before the town council, we must put it behind us, forget political grievances and give the people of Hooksett the type of government they voted for, and justly deserve.

The first step toward clearing up the questions of “secret meetings,” etc., was addressed by our town administrator in his letter at the last council meeting, which he read in “public” session to councilors and the public alike.

Come to the council meetings every second and fourth Wednesday of every month. Learn for yourself what the people you elected are doing. The public is welcome.

Stuart Werksman
Hooksett

To the Editor:

The residents of Hackett Hill “speedway” from turn one (South Bow Road), turn two (Hackett Hill Road) and turns three and four (Cross Road) appreciate the initial response to the constant speeding on these roads.

Officer Reilly and the Hooksett Police Department have been proactive thus far, with enhanced patrols, and traffic counters have been installed by the town Highway Department.

While this is an excellent first step in resolving the speed issue, further steps will be required to curb it. These include working with the local officials to determine where and when the needed street signs will be placed, working with officials to determine is the speed limit is too fast for certain stretches (which we believe), limiting the heavy construction vehicles that aren’t supposed to be traveling this stretch and perhaps working with the town to set up a neighborhood watch (which we would be happy to partake in).

Once everything has fallen into place, enforcement of the laws should continue until the issue is gone. We have already witnessed results in the first week alone. With the school buses scheduled to begin running once again, we must keep working as a team, as one unit, to resolve this.

On a humorous note, well, I was sitting and watching the traffic roll by during the 4 p.m. rush and had my radar detector handy. An elderly woman in a beat up 25-year-old minivan slowed down, hung half her body out the window and yelled “Am I effing going fast enough for you?” I think she dropped her teeth out on the road. I didn’t want to appear rude, so I hid my mouth as I started laughing, but my jiggling body gave it away. She drove back down Hackett Hill, and slowed to a crawl when passing me. She then accelerated down the hill towards Cross Road. The last sounds I heard where her tires locking up as she almost crashed turning down Cross Road. I think she might have some issues.

Once again, we thank those who have been proactive thus far and are looking forward to working to a resolution in the near future.

Tom and Debbie Donovan
Hooksett

To the Editor:

Sorry about last week, my emotions got the better of me. My editor-in-chief advised me not to respond, but I’m only human. The points needed to be made, but there were a couple things that should have hit the floor. Oh, well.

I commend David Jodoin for utilizing this paper for public information and look forward to his monthly report. Keeping people abreast of governmental activities in the Hooksett will do much for public confidence. I have found Mr. Jodoin to be a very likable and hard-working man. His desire to serve seems quite genuine. These past few weeks have certainly caused him concern and probably some discomfort. Hopefully he won’t become discouraged.

The littering ordinance will get a public hearing and likely pass. Hopefully it will produce the desired effect; ending dumping. It does include a fairly stiff penalty for even the little stuff, so use the ashtray!

The council is unanimous in support of keeping the St. Mary’s lawn a lawn.

We may have an economic development committee being formed. It’s unclear whether it will consist of existing town employees or new appointments. If you have a desire to serve, contact the town.

We reviewed the taxicab ordinance. It may need some enforcement or changes.

Your conservation commission works pretty hard, and deserves recognition. I attended a meeting that went past 10:30 p.m. They appear to be doing a thorough job, reviewing plan proposals and such. Kmart’s flooding issues may be on the way to alleviation as they work with Merchants on a plan for better drainage.

Manchester Sand and Gravel’s project appears to be utilizing a number of professionals to address the many environmental issues and it has undergone some changes to minimize the impacts. There’s a lot more to do, but so far, so good.

A couple other projects were also improved at the behest of the commission for the good of Hooksett. Good job!

Last, but not least, the council rules are being reviewed and changed, possibly. Attending meetings may give you an opportunity to make suggestions, offer opinions or just get acquainted with how things work, or don’t.

I had a suggestion on my mind which was confirmed by a good friend’s same suggestion. I would like to propose a moment of silence, 30 seconds or so, between attendance and the Pledge of Allegiance.

This would provide “reasonable accommodation” for those needing time to mentally, emotionally and spiritually prepare for the meeting. People like me, for instance. When I don’t pray before, I fall short of the mark, and I send in lousy letters.

David Ross

Hooksett

To the Editor:

Please, please, stop printing all the letters from the lame person, Mr. Ross. We in Hooksett are sick of them.

We hope he grows up, as he is giving Hooksett a bad rap.

As for Mrs. Pat R., she did stab the voters of Hooksett in the back. Most of us will try to live with it.

We don’t have any hard feelings if they go or stay.

John Beserdetsky Sr.

Hooksett