Two Month Concord Review
Just over two months ago, I and the rest of the 400 Member body to the State House were sworn in to start our terms for the 2013-2014 biennium. Over the last two months, the next year of session has shaped, and we will confront many issues during that time.
I am proud to serve on the Election Law committee, we were review the various laws governing everything from State-wide lobbyist contributions to how town meetings are structured and organized. I cannot describe the amount of knowledge that breathes throughout the State House halls and Legislative Office Building. During sessions, I sit in Section 2, Seat 36 in the State House. It is exactly in the middle of the row, and two Republicans sit to my right and three Democrats sit to my left.
Everytime I enter the State House, I am reminded of the significant support the voters of Salem showed me on November 6, and of the immense history our State Capitol contains. From the Statues in the Court Yard to the portraits in the Hallways, the State House is a tremendous learning experience and educational tool. If you ever have a free day during the week, I highly suggest you take the trip to Concord and enjoy it for yourself.
You can always reach me at josephfsweeney@gmail.com or by my cell at (603) 327-7184. I have been inudated by emails from people across the State, but have not heard from Salem citizens nearly as much. Please feel free to connect with me at any time. If you have to leave a message, I will try to return it as soon as possible. You can also "like" my Facebook page here to stay up to date with the latest legislative happenings. It is my hope to regularly post an article giving an update of legislative work.
Survivor.
5:57 pm on Sunday, February 10, 2013
So in a nutshell you have done nothing. You have adopted the Peter Morgan style of waiting for people to call you. Excuse me, its the other way around. Running for election you were physically at every republican event/meeting imaginable. No where the hell are you?
Alexander
7:38 pm on Sunday, February 10, 2013
Excuse me, what would you like him to do? Be a mind reader and call you if he thinks you have a question? If you don't know, Joe, like most other representatives, is very busy and has to rely on his constituents to come forward with their feelings. Just because you are too lazy to get off your butt and tell him how you feel regarding legislation does not discredit what he has/will do. Plus he has only been in office for a month... Rome wasn't built in a day big guy, you couldn't do any better, especially with a House of Representatives that has been overrun with Democrats!
In short give change time, and if you have a problem, call Joe instead of hiding behind your computer screen!
Tom Puzzo
7:41 pm on Sunday, February 10, 2013
Joe,
Thanks for your service to the residents of Salem. I do not see you waiting for calls, I see you as being proactive and reaching out. Thanks.
Tom Puzzo
7:42 pm on Sunday, February 10, 2013
Well stated Alexander.
More than 50 years in Salem
9:59 pm on Sunday, February 10, 2013
Mr Sweeney:
Call up and meet with two people. Chuck Morse and Bob Elliot and ask for their advise and counsel.
As for me, I am not interested in your personal diary which so far is boring.
Jim Smith
2:01 pm on Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Don't ask Bob Elliot for advice and counsel. He's in his 4th term as a Representative, yet has never had any legislation passed.
Riley Reid
12:05 pm on Sunday, February 17, 2013
BORING is right. No one is calling because you have no credibility and its unfortunate your taking the seat of someone who might actually have gotten something done.
@Jim Smith. I mentioned to Elliott that he's had no legislation passed and I found that he did have some child protection act passed last session.
Jim Smith
11:34 pm on Sunday, February 17, 2013
Riley,
I stand by my statement that Elliott has never filed a Bill that became law. See for yourself, here is a where you can find every bill filed.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/
If he told you that he filed a bill that became law, it is not true. Ask him for the bill number so you can look it up.
A Representative in his fourth term of office, with a record of accomplishing nothing for his town, is not the person to mentor Representative Sweeney or anyone else.
Patriot
7:47 pm on Monday, February 11, 2013
In case you have not noticed the other state reps don't write. Know why? Read the above text!
(And some can't)
Tom Linehan
9:23 am on Thursday, February 14, 2013
Illegitimi non carborundum
More than 50 years in Salem
1:19 pm on Thursday, February 14, 2013
You need to train puppies. Otherwise you suffer the consequences latter.
More than 50 years in Salem
2:58 am on Friday, February 15, 2013
Vos postulo ut exercebuntur puppies. Alioquin, vestrum patiatur consequentias non
Ron Wells
7:31 pm on Thursday, February 14, 2013
Didn't we used to get updates and reports from another young representative?
Riley Reid
12:06 pm on Sunday, February 17, 2013
@Ron, he had to leave office to go pursue a law degree
salemmom19
8:08 pm on Thursday, February 14, 2013
Joe: I enjoy your take and appreciate the updates and reports. As one of your constituents, I like your "personal diary" so please ignore the bitterness of some of the commentators and keep it coming! Thanks.
Tom Puzzo
8:25 pm on Thursday, February 14, 2013
As do I Joe.
Riley Reid
11:47 pm on Sunday, February 17, 2013
@Jim, don't think i'm a fan of the man. At 80 I think he should just sit back and enjoy his in ground pool. The guy was a Rev at our local church but was forced out for ,,,,,,,well you can ask him. When I mentioned he'd been just a puppet for the party in Concord that was what he responded with, which I said, wow, one bill in all those years. I never checked it out and really don't care because I know how useless he is, Belanger ( no show) is, Sytek, Garcia, and all the rest of the Salem delegation.
Riley Reid
11:58 pm on Sunday, February 17, 2013
@JIM, I found it. Bill #353 , is what Bob fought for the last 2 years which is a pilot program for "fragile children". He calls it the best dam humane bill in all of HB2. This was last years session of course. Only thing he has to hang his hat on.
Rusty
6:27 am on Monday, February 18, 2013
Joe.. By now you have figured out that you have to have some pretty tough skin to be involved in politics. Unfortunately being young doesn't help. I guess most of the people who post on these blogs were born with their education and worldly knowledge and never had to learn along the way. If politics is your passion run with it, you will make mistakes and so be it. But, never let the naysayers quiet you.
Riley Reid
9:37 pm on Wednesday, February 20, 2013
JOE, you missed the vote today on HB 370 ? What's the deal, that was very important to me? But I see Ron Belanger didn't make it either so your not alone.
Patriot
7:29 am on Thursday, February 21, 2013
It almost snowed, as good a reason as you would get from Garcia. Maybe he was looking for a job!
Underwater Couple
8:37 am on Thursday, February 21, 2013
No show on HB 370. Hmm we could have found out if he is a real Republican and would vote in favor of Children.