Most readers are already familiar with WMUR’s reputation and many editorials have been and can be written about it, but with city elections less than three weeks from now, I’m here to fill in some gaping holes in this WMUR story about free flowers and put Fortin Gage on notice. Fortin Gage, according to a quick internet search, is the florist that happens to be the closest to City Hall. I should add “in more ways than one.”
Businesses with the most proximity to city hall have enjoyed lots of special treatment during the Donchess regime, particularly restaurants on Main St. Even though Fortin Gage was not given the outdoor dining “Jersey Barrier treatment” during and after COVID by City Hall, it’s getting some WMUR attention. WMUR cleverly gave the story to someone other than Adam Sexton, but critics of WMUR know better! WMUR portrays Fortin Gage as a philanthropist or “corporate citizen,” although its owner aims to shed this private citizen status, aided by the mayor’s endorsement.
In the WMUR feel-good story about random acts of kindness in the form of giving away free flowers, Fortin Gage gets some free exposure, and florist Amber Morgan gets some free face time. What WMUR excluded from the story is that Amber Morgan is running for alderman on a slate with incumbent Alderman Kelly and Rep Alicia Gregg. No matter where a Nashua voter votes, this unholy trio is on everyone’s ballot and has the mayor’s endorsement. Yup, this year’s “3 Stooges” selected to become(or remain) Donchess Donkeys are ready to do the bidding of all enemies of all that’s holy.
What can you do?
As a consumer, you can recognize that we still live in a free market, and you can choose another florist, even in Nashua or for delivery in Nashua. Remember that on Mother’s Day and other flower-giving occasions on your calendar, no matter what the results of this upcoming election are.
As a voter, no matter where you vote in Nashua, vote for Tyler Gouveia and UNDERVOTE the other two seats for at-large aldermen. Tell your fellow voters it says “vote for NO MORE THAN THREE,” but it’s ok to vote for JUST ONE, and that one is Tyler Gouveia. Donate to Tyler and volunteer with some canvassing and sign waving.
Anyone should be able to inspect public records, even in Nashua, though Attorney Bolton and the mayor don’t want people to think that it’s true. Ask Clerk Healey, who presides over city elections the same way Scanlan does for higher office elections, for a copy of Amber Morgan’s financial records.
Look for money trails involving Fortin Gage, WMUR, and the “Petal It Forward” program. If something doesn’t pass the smell test, ask questions. I say “smell test” because floral scent is often used to hide unpleasantness wafting from trash cans, bathrooms, and animal mishaps. Petal It Forward might or might not be a storefront for the campaign of Amber Morgan and possibly her slate mates in the same way that Act Blue is in higher office races. Due diligence should be done and shared with everyone BEFORE the election.
