Student school exit pexels-caleb-oquendo-3042432

CLINE: Prospect of Open Enrollment Is Already Prompting Talk of Improving Public Schools’ Appeal

A bill to create universal open enrollment for New Hampshire public schools is already prompting school boards to consider marketing their districts to families. And the bill hasn’t passed either chamber of the Legislature yet. Senate Bill 101, sponsored by Sen. Tim Lang, R-Sanbornton, would require all school districts to “establish an open enrollment policy … Read more

Right Side Up Splash with Mike T

Right Side Up: Ed Reform Issues

This week on Right Side Up, Alison and I discuss Act 73 issues, Medicaid data requests from the Feds, and some miscellaneous bills in the legislature. You Can Watch on the ‘Grok Rumble Channel if the embedded video does not load. Authors’ and Speakers’ opinions are their own and may not represent those of Grok … Read more

rino_BIG

SMITH: Pretend-Republicans Harpoon Right to Work

HB1704, aka Right to Work, was the last bill of the day when the House met yesterday, and a Dem moved to indefinitely postpone it.  He got his way, 177-159, with the help of 20 accomplices that pretend to be Republicans.  Out of those 20 rogues, half of them are ENEMIES OF 91A, a serious … Read more

transparency

COLQUHOUN: The Ongoing Fight for Open Government in New Hampshire

For many years, I heard references to “Sunshine Week” without understanding what it truly represented. I assumed it was simply a New Hampshire expression signaling the arrival of spring. Only later did I learn that it stands for something far more significant, something that has become personally very important to me. When I purchased my … Read more

Derek Thibeault

ORTOLANO: Part 4 – The ERC Screening Process That Never Occurred

On September 14, 2025, I filed an ethics complaint against Nashua Alderman Derek Thibeault. The complaint was straightforward: three pages identifying a single alleged ethics violation. Under the Nashua Revised Ordinances governing the Ethics Review Committee (“ERC”), complaints are first reviewed in a screening meeting. The purpose of that meeting is limited. The committee determines whether the complaint: … Read more

NHCADSV

BEST: HB1675 Fiction v Fact – NHCADSV’s Statements

The NHCADSV has made a series of claims that are false – this undermines not only any perception about the NHCADSV but also risks undermining trust in the public agencies it works with: Sensationalist lies are very dangerous. They harm victims. They harm defendants. They harm women and children, they harm credibility, and they harm … Read more

Hindenberg Impeachment 2.0

OPINION: Impeaching NH Justices

On February 11, 2026, the House Judiciary Committee heard testimony on HR38 – a resolution directing the committee to investigate whether maladministration has occurred at the highest levels of the New Hampshire Supreme Court. Here is what the documented record shows. I. Chief Justice MacDonald’s $50,000 Payout to Dianne Martin Dianne Martin served as Chief … Read more

Suncook valley taxpayer espsom towne election

SMITH: Epsom Candidates’ Forum Report And My Picks

I attended my 2nd annual local candidates’ forum, which not all candidates attended, at the library.  As Alderman Dowd’s opponent in 2023 and declining the League of Women Voters’ invitation to the Nashua library for such an event, I am not in a position to judge anyone for being absent.  However, I will judge one … Read more

ethics

ORTOLANO: PART 2 – Ethics in Name Only

When Ethics Systems Protect Power An ethics system reveals its true character when it investigates those at the top. Anyone can enforce rules against minor officials or low-level employees. The real test comes when allegations involve political leadership. I can assure you that the test has not inspired much confidence. Over the past several years, … Read more

Maine Governor Janet Mills

CARDELLO: Is Three Enough to Call it a Pattern

Governor Mills is not done with politics, as she wants to be a senator now that she is being termed out of Augusta. In trying to convince Maine voters that she is their beacon in the state house now and wants to be their watchdog in Washington, she has turned a blind eye to three … Read more

41 Shall Callout graphics ERC 2026-03-06 at 10.00.32 AM

ORTOLANO: PART 1 The “Shall” Illusion

When Rules Are Optional in Nashua Sunshine Week is supposed to celebrate the public’s right to understand what their government is up to. But in Nashua, transparency feels more like a suggestion than the rule it is intended to be. The city’s Ethics Review Committee (ERC) was created to hold public officials accountable. Its governing … Read more

Money flushed down the Public school toilet

BRANDANO: Who Negotiates for the Taxpayers?

Where is 79% ($3.7 M) of the $4.8 M Kensington K-5 School – Budget going to?                                                           TRANSPARENCY = TRUST CITIZENS MUST BE INFORMED to Vote on March 10th.  *Costs Highlights: SAU 16 Teachers are top 10% in Pay and benefits in the state. On average, Kensington Teachers’ proposed contract = $92,000 base pay and approx $44,600 in benefits = … Read more

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