Questions & Answers!

questions are in white, answers are in yellow.

Question for Politicians, December 13, 2006 to Sen Gregg. (click here to see question)

Subject: Response from Senator Gregg
Date: Wed, 18 Jul 2007 13:31:41 -0400

To the Producer:
I appreciate your post on www.nhexecutivecouncil.com regarding retirement benefits for Members of Congress, and more specifically, Members' contributions to Social Security. I want to take this opportunity to respond to each point:

1. Yes, the Social Security program is a federal program run by a federal agency, the Social Security
Administration.

2. Since 1983, Social Security revenues have exceeded spending. It is illegal for the federal government to use this money for anything other than the operation of the federal
government or the payment of federal debt. Both have happened in the last thirty years.

At the end of this year, the Social Security Trustees project that $2.2 trillion will have been used for these purposes. I have serious concerns with these borrowing practices and the solvency of the Social Security Program.

I believe every option for modifying this important program should be considered for reform. In addition, I believe that it is only through a combination of the many alternatives that a sustainable system can be created. My philosophy has always been that we have to be honest about the difficulties our nation faces in meeting its future obligations, and we must act now so that any changes are as small as possible. Social Security plays an important role in our society and should be preserved. I also understand how unsettling discussion of reform might be to seniors who are just trying to make ends meet. The U.S. Treasury will only be able make good on these debts by reducing retirees' Social Security benefits, raising taxes, cutting other government programs like education, health care and defense or borrowing trillions of dollars, damaging our nation's economy.

3. With regard to your question about Social Security and retirement for Members of Congress, your concerns are warranted, but I want to be the first to assure you that this is a rumor that has circulated on the Internet in the past, and pops up again every few years. Members of Congress are eligible for the same programs and pay the same taxes as other federal employees. Members are required by law to pay Social Security taxes and are eligible for Social Security benefits. Prior to 1984, Members participated in the Civil Servant Retirement System (CSRS) and like all other federal employees (and many state employees) did not pay Social Security taxes. In 1983, Congress passed the Social Security Amendments which required that ALL Members of Congress pay Social Security taxes. Members who were elected prior to 1984 could continue to participate in CSRS. Any Member elected since January 1, 1984, is instead eligible for the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan, which is similar to a 401(k) retirement plan. Participation in either CSRS or FERS is voluntary.

I appreciate the opportunity to share with you information regarding the Social Security system. I hope to work in a bipartisan manner to ensure that the needs of seniors are met for future generations.

Laena Fallon
Press Secretary, U.S. Senator Judd Gregg
phone (202) 224-3324
fax (202) 228-0399

May 5, 2007

Executive Councilor Debora Pignatelli see letter dated May 5, 2007 to the Producer

March 30, 2007

Question for Speaker of the House of Representatives – Terie Norelli

In reference to Education funding, my research shows lottery and scratch tickets were allowed for the sole purpose of funding education. All money taken in would be for education minus administration fees.

1. How much money has been taken in?

2. How much was paid out for administration?

3. What has happened to the balance of that money?

Greatly appreciate your answers as it is very important.

Signed, State employee

March 30, 2007

Question for Governor John Lynch

My father is a politician, I am a college student, my father asked me to check this site and bring it to the class to see what they had to say. After the students reviewed the site they were amazed about the politicians who would not answer their questions. There was one student that was so upset she went and changed to an independent voter, and stated she would never vote for any politician that would not answer questions and the other students agreed.

We hope to see the answers to the questions by you or your staff.

Sincerely, College students

March 24, 2007

Question for Governor John Lynch

As chief law enforcement officer of New Hampshire I would like to know specifically, how the people can expect our state’s attorney general to ‘enforce’ Title VI, Chapter 92 of our RSAs, to wit: “any such person who violates said oath after taking the same shall be forthwith dismissed from the office or position involved.” If an individual in government violates the Constitution or takes a role through their actions to usurp the Constitution or the protections articulated therein, this law requires that a person found to have violated his or her Oath of Office (bearing true faith and supporting the Constitution) shall be “forthwith dismissed”. This law does not require or state that impeachment hearings will be commenced where politics and peer pressure could thwart the intent of the law. It simply states the person shall be “dismissed”. Who or what agency should be presented evidence of such a violation? Also of interest how many dismissals have been carried out under this law?

Signed,

A dedicated voter

March 20, 2007

Question for Senate President Sylvia Larsen

When a politician is running for office and they take the pledge, if they violate the pledge do you think it should be enforced?

March 20, 2007

Question for Senator Peter Burling District 5

November 15, 2006 a question was asked of you concerning OBD II. It says you called in and will answer the question shortly; I’m the one who asked the original question and am still waiting for the answer.

March 20, 2007

Question for Senator Bob Odell District 8

On November 22, 2006 you stated that you were going to answer the question, it is now March 19^th, 2007 and I see no answer on the site. I would greatly appreciate seeing an answer because now I am out of business. I live in Unity, NH and I had to close my garage.

March 20, 2007

Question for Senator Robert J. Letourneau District 19

The Producer had an interview with you for over an hour, and you stated you would answer the questions asked of you on November 22, 2006. I appreciated the interview; it was very informative and look forward to the answers.

Answer to Question for Senator John T. Gallus District 1 November 22, 2006

March 5, 2007

Michelle,

My office has been conducting research into your question. Due to the many different plans that are part of Medicare Part D it is difficult to provide one clear cut answer. To begin with, without knowing which plan your mother is on I can't understand why her maximum prescription coverage is only $1,200.00 if that amount only lasts her 3 months. My initial reaction would be that perhaps she is on the wrong plan and maybe there is another option that would better address her needs.

If you would contact my office directly so I could learn more about your specific situation I may be able to offer more help. I look forward to hearing from you at either my telephone number or my email address listed below. Thank you.

Senator John T. Gallus

District 1

Room: LOB 103-A

Telephone: 271-3077

Fax: 271-3027

john.gallus@leg.state.nh.us

January 9th 2007:

Question for Governor John Lynch

I sincerely hope that you answer the past questions, if not why?

Before moving to NH I have done a lot of research. I like NH’s executive council set up, no sales or income tax, and it’s such a beautiful state. The state I came from, I was very active in politics. My family had me promise; when I retired and moved to NH I would stay out of politics. I have met Governor John Lynch on two occasions and I was very impressed with the Governor. After going on nhexecutivecouncil.com I noticed that he has not answered questions posed to him.

A politician is to serve the people, uphold their oath of office, which includes the constitution and keep the public informed. When a politician refuses to answer questions there is definitely something wrong. When you can answer a question that many people would have asked it will save you from answering the same question hundreds of times.

A suggestion to all that go on this site: send this to all in your address book and ask them to send it to all in their address book, the public needs to know what our politicians are doing.

December 14th 2006:

Question for Govenor John Lynch

I am a building contractor in Newport, NH for many years. When the international building code (residential)
was brought to the townspeople there were hearings on it, which I attended then there was a town meeting
which voted it down. Then they had a special town meeting and it was voted down again.
So the message was very clear. No one could understand it, questions were not answered.
It was felt to be illegal un-constitutional, to expensive and no trained people.
Question is: Why did you sign this into law?

December 13th 2006:

Question for US Senator Judd Gregg

Is social security a government agency or private?
Is it true that other government agencies have borrowed money from social security and have not paid it back?
If so how much money is owed to social security?
US senators and Congressmen, do they have social security taken out of their pay?

Our senators and congresswomen do not pay into Social Security, and of course, they do not collect from it.
You see Social Security benefits were not suitable for persons of their rare elevation in society.
They felt they should have a special plan for themselves. So…many years ago they voted in their own benefit plan!

In more recent years, no congressperson has felt the need to change it. After all, it is a great plan!
For all practical purposes their plan works like this: When they retire, they continue to draw the same pay until they die.
Except it may increase from time to time for cost of living adjustments.
For example, former Senator Byrd and Congressman White and their wives were
drawing $275,000.00 during the last years of their lives.
This is calculated on an average life span of those two dignitaries.
Younger dignitaries who retire at an early age will receive much more during the rest of their lives!
THEIR COST FOR THIS EXCELLENT PLAN IS $0.00…NADA ZILCH!!!!

This little perk they voted for themselves is free to them. “You” pick up the tab for this plan.
The funds for this fine retirement plan comes directly from the general funds: OUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK!!!

From our Social Security Plan, which you and I pay (or have paid) into every payday until we retire
(which amount is matched by our employer) we can expect to get an average of $1,000.00 per month after retirement.
Or, in other words, we would have to collect our average of $1,000.00 monthly
for 68 years and 1 month just to equal Senator Bill Bradley’s benefits!!

Social Security could be very good if only one small change were made:

THAT CHANGE WOULD BE, TO JERK THE GOLDEN FLEECE RETIREMENT PLAN
FROM UNDER THE SENATORS AND CONGRESSMEN, PUT THEM INTO
THE SOCIAL SECURITY PLAN WITH THE REST OF US…
THEN SIT BACK AND WHTCH HOW FAST THEY WOULD FIX IT!!!

December 6th 2006:

Question to Executive Councilor Debora Pignatelli

1. I live in your district, we take a strong offense when a state employee:
Mike Fitzgerald of DES insinuates that NH people are stupid.
Union Leader, Monday Sept. 4^th 2006 page A7,
Mechanics: Emissions test system too complex;
the last two statements in the article are what I am referring to.
I am semi-retired and have had very good employment; my automobiles have to be inspected.
When I have taken them to my regular mechanic he has closed his business because he couldn’t
afford the equipment. Mike Fitzgerald and his boss should be severely dealt with.

My question: Is there anything you can do about state employees insinuating that we are stupid?

Question to Senator Robert J. Letourneau District 19

Why have you not answered the questions from November 22, 2006?
Which one of the three below is your choice:
1. Resign from being a Senator
2. Correct the mistake you made on OBD II
3. Let the system take care of the problem

When a politician takes his oath of office he agrees to uphold the constitution.
The constitution is clear you can not have double standards in any law.
There are numerous double standards in OBD II.
Therefore, you can be dismissed for violating your oath. I also checked with the Federal Government
they said they do not threaten or intimidate to take away federal highway funds to force you into an illegal act.
If you have a signed letter from the Federal government, saying they were going to take our highway funds
then it is time to produce it.

THE FOLLOWING CASE WILL SHOW YOU THAT THE BILL OBD II IS VOID

“Law fails to meet requirements of due process clause if it is so vague and standard less that it leaves
public uncertain as to conduct it prohibits or leaves judges and jurors free to decide,
without any legally fixed standards, what is prohibited and what is not in each particular case.”
[Giaccio v. State of Pennsylvania, 382 U.S. 399;86 S.Ct 518/ (1966)]

[Footnote 12] The Court of Appeals summarized the relevant authorities as follows:
“A law is void for vagueness if persons of common intelligence must necessarily guess
at its meaning and differ as to its application…”Smith v. Goguen, 415 U.S. 566, 572 n. 8,
quoting Connally v. General Construction Co., 269 U.S. 385, 391.
See generally Note, The Void-for-Vagueness Doctrine in the Supreme Court, 109 U. Pa. L. Rev. 67 (1960)

Second, vague laws do not limit the exercise of discretion by law enforcement officials;
thus they engender the possibility of arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement.
Grayned v. City of Rockford, 408 U.S. at 108-09 & n. 4; Papachristou v. City of Jacksonville, 405.

Question for Governor John Lynch

1. I have been told that I should check this site out, which I have done, I find it very informative.
My question is as an elected official why have you not answered the questions.
I look forward to your answers.

Answer from the Governors Office

December 15, 2006

Gov. Lynch is always happy to hear from citizens and try to respond to their questions,
but the best way to do that is for people to contact our office directly.
People can reach us at 271-2121 or www.nh.gov/governor

Pamela Walsh

NOTE FROM PRODUCER TO GOVERNOR JOHN LYNCH

When questions and answers are put on to site, I spoke to many people about it first.
To get their response, politicians, government employees, and many other walks of life
no one was negative they thought it was a great idea.

A. Questions are posted so all the people can see the answers example:
there are many questions on the same subject so if they were answered
they would save the politicians a lot of time. In your case international building code,
there are a lot of people asking the same question so if you would answer it it would
save you and your people time.

B. My research says most people would not ask a politician a question in fear of retaliation,
that’s why they can call, write or email and not give their names.

C. So far most all politicians are answering their questions.

November 22th 2006:

Question to Senator Bob O'dell District 8

1. Senator O'dell, what are you going to do about OBD II ?

I believe it is illegal for them to operate this way.
In the state manual there are numerous cars exempt from the testing.
There is millions of dollars going out of state, the state motor vehicle has lost control on inspections.
There are too many double standards. I own and operate an inspection station in your district.
Gordon-Darby has recently sent us more instructions where we have to pay for the software.
They are talking half stickers, the people that can't afford do not have to abide by it, and a whole lot more.
WE NEED YOUR HELP.

Small Business Owner District 8

State Senator Bob Odell called in and will answer the questions shortly.

Question for Governor John Lynch

1. Are you going to answer last weeks question on the international building code?

I'm from Nashua and have been in the building business for many years.
I have looked at these rules and I am totally confused.

Question for Senator John T. Gallus District 1

1. I am asking on behalf of my mother. She is disabled and eligible for Medicare Part D.

The maximum prescription coverage per year is $1200.00.
With the cost of her meds she will run out of coverage before 3 months into the year.
What does the legislature have in place to compensate for a scenario such as this?

Michelle Crawford

Office Manager

Sugar Hill, NH

Researching and answer is forthcoming.

Question for Senator Robert J. Letourneau District 19

1. In reference to OBD II, Were you mislead or did you mislead the public?

Brief history; 1997 Governor Jeanne Shaheen said no, second term she said no again.
Governor Craig Benson said no, on the approval of OBD II.
You stated that if we did not accept this that they would take federal highway funds
from the State of New Hampshire, NOT TRUE. Several other states have done away
with this kind of inspection, it puts a huge burden and a great expense on the people.
Apparent you misunderstood Congressman Jeb Bradley.
With your past action I am now looking for a job, which I was a mechanic for many years
(the owner had to shut down).

November 15th 2006:

Question for United States Senator John Sununu

1. You have probably heard by now that Governor John Lynch is thinking about running
for your seat in 2008, are you planning on running in 2008?

US Senator John Sununu answered yes he is running in 2008.

Question for Senator Peter Burling

In reference to OBD II, you promised that you would not allow the small business person

To be shut down. I was notified by Gordon Darby that I would have to sign up for his equipment
or I would not be allowed any more inspection stickers. I do under 200 stickers a year which you
have stated that would keep me in business.

1. My question is are you a man of your word or am I out of business?

State Senator Peter Burling called in and will answer the question shortly.

Question for Executive Council Peter Spaulding District 2

1.When the new Executive Council for District 2 takes over what advice would you give to him
in reference to keeping your word for example Mike Nolin?

From District 2

Questions for Governor John Lynch

1.Why did you sign the bill for international building code residential?

2.Who pays for the training?

3.Who pays for the enforcement?

4.What is the projected cost ?

Question for Governor John Lynch

1.Where can I find a copy of the combined annual financial report for the state fiscal year 2005?