Ban remote learning? NH Board of Education needs to go back to school: Letters

Jan. 15 – To the Editor:

Recently our State Board of Education has proposed a set of rules that would ban remote learning in NH public schools even in cases where there has been a serious outbreak of COVID among the students, or where teachers and staff have been drastically reduced because of their exposure to the disease. I would like to suggest that maybe these folks need to go back to school themselves for a much needed review in the areas of science, government, and logic.

The proposal would appear to ignore the pretty clear scientific evidence that (1) the latest strain of COVID is highly contagious; (2) it is transmitted from person to person more readily when large numbers of people are in relatively confined spaces, such as classrooms, gyms, auditoriums, etc, and (3) school age children, at present, are the least likely group to be fully vaccinated and/or fully aware of the dangers or the consequences of being in close proximity. Unfortunately, for the near future, at least, school children are likely the most vulnerable, and this has been proven by all recent surveys and reports in NH and elsewhere. That's the science part.

Then there is the fact that, historically, NH has been, for the most part, a "local control" State – town meetings, selectmen, city councils and school boards having the ability to determine what is in the best interest of the community without being subjected to edicts from on high, to wit, unelected state officials with specific political agendas. For quite some time this system has worked pretty well, and elected officials at the local level are in a better position to respond to local needs as they arise.

And finally, this is the same Board, I believe, that will object loud and clear to any attempt by the federal government to adopt rules or set standards which conflict with perceived NH educational programs and goals, even to the point of refusing to accept certain monetary aid packages because of what is determined to be "government interference". It would seem that what we see here is "Don't tell us what to do" on the one hand, and "We're too busy passing rules" on the other, and there's not much logic in that.

But I would suggest that, if the Board does agree to undertake any additional study with reference to the above, they be allowed to choose to do it remotely, as I'm sure they would, just to be on the safe side.

Anthony McManus

Dover

Let's return to Zoom for Portsmouth government meetings

Jan. 19 — To the Editor:

Portsmouth employees are precious to our community, and we should be sure they are not unnecessarily exposed to COVID-19. So are our volunteer members of Boards, Commissions, and Committees who meet in City Hall. Furthermore, residents who must or wish to attend those meetings, or meetings of the City Council, should not have to go into what can at times be a crowded room to speak.

More: Face masks required: Portsmouth city manager issues public health directive as COVID surges

Technology proved itself in 2020 into 2021 to be a reasonable and responsible way for members of Boards, Commissions, and Committees to meet, including the City Council and School Board.

More: 'Polarizing issue': Portsmouth restaurants have opposing views on enforcing the mask rule

Until we reach a time – soon, we can hope – that the spread of COVID-19 substantially subsides, a return to ZOOM meetings for city government functions is appropriate. I hope the powers-who-are will make that decision.

Jim Splaine

Portsmouth

Out-of-staters want to continue heartlessly killing NH snowshoe hares

Jan. 18 — To the Editor:

The NH House Fish and Game and Marine Resources committee is getting mass emails with misinformation from the opposition to the NH snowshoe hare protection legislation, HB 1308. These hundreds of emails don’t give the NH town of residence, leading to the belief that the emails are from out-of-staters. Supporters of the bill are concerned that the reasons for supporting this legislation are lost in the hundreds of emails from non-residents.

HB 1308 is a conservation bill. It keeps snowshoe hares in the wild. Beagle clubs trap and relocate them for dog training. The clubs use the hares in field trials where beagles chase the hares. The best-performing dogs win trophies and ribbons. The hares are not surviving at the clubs. The clubs admit predation is occurring, although hares kept for breeding are required to be protected.

Snowshoe hares are having a rough time of it. Their famous traits are not as valuable to their survival because of our shorter winters with less snowfall. Snowshoe hares change to white as a camouflage effect to avoid predation. The other trait is the enormous back feet that act as snowshoes to bound over deep snow while being chased.

Snowshoe hares are a keystone species. Relocating even one of them for recreational field trials is a waste of a species needed for a healthy ecosystem. HB 1308 should pass to conserve this needed species. Call or email your NH Representatives if you agree. Make sure to give your NH town of residence.

Linda Dionne

Raymond

Is it illegal to flash your high beams at a police car? It would be good to know

Jan. 19 -- To the Editor:

With all the reporting on the case of Dr. Brennan's traffic stop in York, I have not been able to find an answer to one of the first questions I would ask. I know the who and what...Dr. Brennan was pulled over by police officer Rogers. What I have not read is WHY?

More: York police release video of K-9 taking down pediatrician, 63, during traffic stop

Yes, I know that Dr. Brennan flashed his lights, but shouldn't we know why he flashed his lights and why that is illegal? I often flash my lights at drivers who may or may not know they have their high beams on. Am I breaking the law? Did the officer have his high beams on? Was Brennan flashing to warn of a speed trap? Lots of unanswered whys.

Kevin O'Brien

Dover

More: Our view: That K-9 traffic stop video is alarming. We expect better from York police.

More: Letters: Our beloved pediatrician's brutal takedown by York police K-9 was appalling

Binnie proposal for McIntyre site appears to be a fantastic opportunity

Jan. 19 -- To the Editor:

The latest proposal from local developer Bill Binnie appears to be a fantastic opportunity for the city and its residents/taxpayers to do something of unique & enduring value at the site of the former post office and federal building complex. The city will never have another chance with such a prominent piece of property in the downtown to do something so bold as to not build it out completely.

More: Binnie's pitch for McIntyre project: Urban park, indoor/outdoor plaza, restaurants, retail

There are plenty of other properties and places and people that are going to follow that dollar driven process. The actions, money & effort spent to date have been worthwhile to arrive at the best alternative. Residents & voters have been given the gift of time and another chance to make the best decision.

I am a Kittery resident and enjoy the best of both worlds walking back and forth between both towns, enjoying the views, people, businesses and excitement. Like the state and federal parks that people from all over the place get to enjoy, like Prescott Park, like Strawberry Banke, this is a moment to do something different and far sighted. It will join the other jewels in the seacoast crown that make this such a wonderful place to live and to visit.

Doug Greene

Kittery, Maine

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: NH Board of Education needs to go back to school: Letters