In my latest LTE to the Keene Sentinel I address my concerns over a ridiculous road project funded by federal grants that the city is trying to execute in my quiet neighborhood in north Keene. Because, you know, free money.
Well, they’re at it again. The federal grant-chasers of America are doing what they do best — finding expensive projects to invest in that we didn’t know we actually needed. Enter the Jonathan Daniels Road Calming Pilot project, an initiative to get more kids riding their bikes to school by adding more safety features to our already safe roads. Never mind the fact that this is the last year of JD Elementary. To get a better idea of their proposed plan I attended their Tuesday night meeting for questions and comments.
In order to receive the $132,000 grant, the project must be carried out by outside contractors. The city, which could probably perform this same project for a fraction of the cost, cannot be involved in the hands-on labor. Sounds fishy already. Some of the costs listed included $2,000 stripped road crossings, $5,000 radar speed signs, and $6,000 raised crosswalks.
“But it’s free money.” No. There is no such thing. Someone is picking up the check. In this case it’s getting tacked right on to the federal credit card.
“But think of the children.” I am thinking of the kids. Like my daughter, who stands to inherit this massive credit card bill.
“But this project could prevent future accidents.” What accidents? Between 2007-10 (the stats that were included in the project plan) there were 15 total accidents. All of them were minor, including the school bus that hit a parked car, and all occurred on Maple Ave. or in the school parking lot. Not a single accident occurred in Maple Acres, where the proposed project will be implemented.
“But more signs will make us safer.” No. This city is already suffering information overload from too many signs. Drivers should be paying attention to the roads, pedestrians and other vehicles, and not be lambasted by some sign every 20 feet. If anything, the city of Keene should be emulating the street system we have in Maple Acres: wide-open streets with limited street signage and road markers. (more…)
This year’s Legislative Panel at Keenevention will be an all-star, featuring FOUR A+ rated reps and one A rated rep, according to the New Hampshire Liberty Alliance‘s 2015 ratings.
Free State Project early mover Mike Sylvia has been mainstay for liberty in the state house since 2012, and naturally was given an A+ rating by the New Hampshire Liberty Alliance for his pro-freedom voting record. Join Mike and his panel of distinguished activists in the legislative field for this year’s Legislative Panel at Keenevention! Panelists to include JR Hoell, an A rated rep from Dunbarton & Bow, Dan Itse, the A+ rated Legislator of the Year from Fremont, Jim Spillane, the A+ rated rep from Nottingham, and Jim McConnell, the A+ rated rep from Swanzey.
Free State Project early mover and fabulous dancer Andre Rosa has made it through the Manchester primary! Now, he enters the general election contest against a union guy for the open (meaning no incumbent is running) Ward 1 Manchester city council seat to be decided in the vote on November 3rd.
Years ago, the 1st edition of Dr. Mary Ruwart’s excellent book, “Healing Our World” was posted here in audio and e-book for FREE to download. It’s one of the best books to introduce someone to ideas of liberty and you can still get it free over on the Free Books page. However, it’s pretty dated – I recommend picking up the brand-new 4th edition! Here’s Mary’s pitch:
Do your friends and family think that liberty is cold-hearted? Dr. Ruwart’s 4th edition of her award-winning liberty primer, Healing Our World: The Compassion of Libertarianism, changes minds and wins hearts! This international best-seller illustrates how only liberty can enrich the poor, protect the environment, deter crime and defuse terrorism. Discounts for multiple book purchases make Healing a great gift for Christians, liberals, pragmatists and environmentalists. With updated references (over 1,300!) of how liberty works in the real world, new cartoons, and a foreword by Dr. Ron Paul, Healing will take your understanding of libertarianism to a deeper level, enhancing your ability to show how liberty is the key to universal harmony and abundance. Check it out at http://www.ruwart.com/product/healing-our-world!
On Sept 22, 2015 the Keene Liberty Alliance hosted a Mayoral Debate between the three candidates who will appear on the October 6 primary election ballot: Rick Blood, Kendall Lane & Kris Roberts.
Moderator, Darryl W. Perry, asked questions submitted by voters and City Council candidates. The debate was aired live on Cheshire TV channels 8 and 10, and will be rebroadcast a few times between now and the election. If you don’t have Time Warner Cable, you can watch the debate on youtube.
In an editorial published in Sunday’s Keene Sentinel, the editors express gratitude towards liberty activists and the others running in the municipal election this year in Keene. With 16 people in the race for the five at-large council seats (including Free Keene bloggers Conan Salada and I) as well as contested ward seats and a three-way race for mayor, it’s definitely a record number of candidates for the near-decade I’ve been here.
Whether the increased candidates result in a greater voter turnout, as the Sentinel speculates, remains to be seen. People in Keene, like pretty much everywhere, are notoriously apathetic and they sit back and allow the politically connected to come out and dominate the elections here.
Of course, who can blame them? Life is distracting. There are bills to pay and mouths to feed. Meanwhile the government gets bigger and bigger, and so do the taxes. It’s totally understandable why young working families are driven out of Keene. Why fight city hall when you can just leave?
For those watching from outside Keene: If you love liberty, how many libertarians are running in your municipal elections? In New Hampshire, libertarians are running all across the state – Keene, Manchester and elsewhere. When you move here as part of the Free State Project, you can help build momentum and success here like no where else.
In my latest LTE to the Keene Sentinel I address my concerns over a ridiculous road project funded by federal grants that the city is trying to execute in my quiet neighborhood in north Keene. Because, you know, free money.
