July 2, 2009

News in brief

Names and happenings
The battle over legalizing medicinal marijuana is continuing this week. The legislature gave its approval last week to an amended bill that would let terminally and seriously ill patients use medicinal marijuana. The measure now sits on Gov. John Lynch’s desk, according to a state press release. The original bill would have let patients grow marijuana at their homes, but the amended version requires patients go to a “compassion center,” a nonprofit organization requiring state certification, the release said. The bill allows for up to five compassion centers after five years. Reports earlier this year indicated a Mason-Dixon Poll found 71 percent of New Hampshire residents supported medicinal marijuana reform.

Former state senator Bobby Stephen hopped into the Manchester mayor fray last week, while Alderman Mike Lopez said he will not run. Stephen, a Democrat, joins a field that includes Republican Alderman and state Senator Ted Gatsas. The field also includes state Rep. Richard Komi and public access television producer Glenn Oulette. Democratic Alderman Mark Roy is also in the mix. Mayor Frank Guinta opted to run for Congress against current Rep. Carol Shea-Porter rather than seek a third term.

Attorney General Kelly Ayotte was expected to give the keynote address at a Republican fundraiser this month, but NHPoliticalReport.com reported Monday she had canceled, though no reason was given. Ayotte has been rumored recently as a candidate for Sen. Judd Gregg’s seat in 2010. Gregg has said he will not seek reelection. According to his father, former senator John E. Sununu reportedly will announce whether he’ll run for Senate in 2010 soon. Former governor and current Republican party chairman John H. Sununu told the Portsmouth Herald last week his son would make the call within a couple weeks. Sununu lost in 2008 to Sen. Jeanne Shaheen in his bid for reelection.

Katrina Swett, a Bow Democrat, has yet to make a final decision on entering the race for the 2nd Congressional District, according to the Keene Sentinel. Current Rep. Paul Hodes announced earlier this year he will run for Senate instead. Democrats Ann McLane Kuster and Mark Fernald have formally announced their plans to run for Hodes’ seat. According to reports, Executive Councilor Debora Pignatelli is mulling a run in the 2nd District as well. 

University of New Hampshire Manchester history Professor John Resch received a Fulbright Scholarship to teach courses on the American Revolution, democracy in America, America after World War II and American culture in Shanghai, China, during the 2009-2010 school year. The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international exchange program and is designed to increase understanding between U.S. citizens and people of other countries.

WMUR reported Monday that Manchester-Boston Regional Airport’s passenger traffic dropped 19 percent from May 2008 to May 2009, which works out to 66,000 fewer people. The station reported the economy and airline consolidation factored in the reduction.

Financing NH’s small business
More than 400 small businesses in New Hampshire attended a Small Business Financing Fair on Monday, 9, at Southern New Hampshire University. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen hosted the event, which was designed to help businesses connect with lenders and government agencies to help them learn about their financing options, according to a release from Shaheen. Shaheen, who serves on the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, traveled the state earlier this year asking business owners about their needs. The number one concern of small business owners was overwhelmingly access to credit, the release said.

New park
The son of former governor John Gilbert Winant donated an 85-acre park to the City of Concord. The park, which is located on Fisk Road, officially opened Wednesday, June 17. Rivington Winant not only donated the park but also paid for initial construction costs for the parking lot, clearing trails, an informational kiosk and trailside benches, according to Winant’s spokesman, Mike Barwell. The city will maintain the property, which features pine-oak forests.

Energy money
U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced last week New Hampshire would receive $10.3 million in stimulus funding to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in the state. The Granite State has proposed a statewide plan to prioritize energy savings, create and sustain jobs, increase renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a federal press release said. Once the state has successfully implemented its plan, it will receive another $12 million. The state energy program will support energy efficiency upgrades to 75 state-owned buildings and 13 college campuses, the release said.

MYPN winners
Last month the winners of the inaugural Manchester Young Professionals Network (MYPN) Start-Up Challenge were announced. The contest is designed to promote new ideas in business. Kelly Muir and Peter Lampesis each took home a $25,000 cash prize and $50,000 in in-kind prizes, according to a MYPN press release. Lampesis, for his company Alternative Fuels & Technologies, won in the traditional category, while Muir, for her company Float Labs, won in the social category. Float Labs is a development and media house that works with nonprofit organizations and local organizations. Visit www.floatleftlabs.org. Alternative Fuels & Technologies uses the tobacco plant as an energy source.

Get out and count the rain
The University of New Hampshire is teaming with the National Weather Service to organize a statewide effort to measure the Granite State’s precipitation. The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network began its efforts July 1. Beginning at Colorado State University in 1998, the effort now has more than 13,500 volunteers in 44 states, according to a UNH press release. New Hampshire normally sees about 40 to 60 inches of precipitation each year. The “real-time” data the group provides will be used to help the National Weather Service issue weather warnings. Visit www.cocorahs.org.

New flower shop
Fortin Gage Fresh Flowers and Distinctive Gifts two weeks ago opened its second location at the Crowne Plaza Nashua, 2 Somerset Parkway. The shop will continue to operate at its downtown Nashua location, 86 West Pearl St. Visit www.fortingage.com. Call 882-3371 for downtown shop or 866-1200 for Crowne Plaza shop.