Letter to the Editor

To the editor:

I am outraged at the recent appointment of Rep. Gene Chandler, R-Bartlett, as chairman of the House Public Works & Highway Committee. This committee is responsible for approving hundreds of millions of dollars for construction projects throughout the state.

Former House Speaker Chandler is under investigation by both the Legislative Ethics Committee and the attorney general for possible financial ethics violations. The most serious charge against Chandler is that he used undue influence on legislation in exchange for money which was never reported in accordance with state law.

The people of New Hampshire should be insisting Representative Chandler decline his appointment until all investigations are complete. Furthermore, Representative Chandler, out of concern and respect for the citizens of this state, should refuse this principal position.

The remaining issue is the poor judgment displayed by the new speaker of the House, Rep. Doug Scamman. From all appearances, the actions by Speaker Scamman put his leadership under a cloud of suspicion and compromises the integrity with which he serves.

If this is an example of what we can expect from the upcoming legislative session, we the people of New Hampshire are in for trying times ahead.

Harry W. Hatch
Haverhill, N.H.