ALTON – Community members and taxpayers gathered Tuesday evening, August 25 17, at the Prospect Mountain High School (PMHS) to attend the joint board meeting of Alton and Barnstead. Invited guest, Dr. David Strang, also attended.
Dr. Strang is a graduate of Dartmouth Medical School, a 26-plus year resident of Belknap County, and an emergency physician with over 32 years of experience in the medical field.
Timothy Broadrick, the Superintendent, presented the 2021-2022 “Stay Open” Plan. This plan included quotes from politicians, including Governor Christopher Sununu and the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Benjamin Chan of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Please note that neither of these men lives within the PMHS school district.
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Upon conclusion of the Superintendent’s presentation, “Public Input” began, with the stipulation that a maximum of 5 minutes be allowed per speaker. Many attendees were concerned about a potential decision by the board to mandate the wearing of masks, and this was the topic of the public input.
Mr. Jason English, one of the parents representing children in the school district, was one of the first speakers. Due to him needing more time to complete his presentation, the next speaker yielded his five minutes to Mr. English. The following speaker also yielded his time to Mr. English. The moderator of the meeting then decided to stop the yielding of time.
Alton resident and Representative to the New Hampshire House of Representatives, Reverend Paul Terry, spoke next. Rep. Terry brought to the attention of the moderator that it is common practice in the United States House and Senate that speakers yield their time to another speaker. It is considered common courtesy when it is felt that another has something of note to say. The moderator refused to allow any further yielding of time to Mr. English although numerous district resident attendees indicated they were willing to do so.
An appeal to the full board was met with silence.
Dr. David Strang was given time to speak but was interrupted by one of the board members to ask in what town he lived, though he previously stated his credentials and that he is a long-time resident of Belknap County. When the board learned that Dr. Strang was not an Alton or Barnstead resident, he was not allowed to continue to give his medical opinion regarding the wearing of masks, despite School Board Member Rebecca Johnson stating that she had specifically asked for and received permission for Dr. Strang to speak.
At this point, attendees were furious that the Board had spent at least 20 minutes repeatedly trying to limit/prevent the residents’ attempts to speak. Rather than listen to their protests, the Chair recessed the meeting.
Upon their return, Dr. Strang was allowed to finish his remarks.
He noted that one of Mr. Broadrick’s final slides included the following: “Evidence of vaccination may be submitted to the nurse. This is requested but not required, but this knowledge may help the school board in its future decision-making.”
Dr. Strang stated that students who had contracted Covid-19 and recovered, would have antibodies superior to those who were only vaccinated, yet the Superintendent ignored this important factor in his apparent interest in immunity from vaccines only.
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Tri-County Republicans is a conservative political group that believes in limited government and the interpretation of the US and NH Constitutions as written. All freedom-loving Republicans, Libertarians, independents and undeclareds from surrounding towns in Belknap, Carroll and Strafford Counties are welcome to participate in our group meetings and events. If your politics sync with the above, consider attending one of our meetings. Due to limited parking please plan to arrive at least a few minutes early. For inquiries or more information, please contact Beth Varney or Priscilla Terry at: tricountyrepublicans@gmail.com.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Priscilla Terry @ 401-648-1609
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