TELL US: Where Does Rockingham Park Go from Here?

We want to hear from you, Salem residents.

The New Hampshire House voted to kill a hotly contested casino bill Wednesday by a vote of 199-164, prompting one big question for Salem residents – now what for Rockingham Park? With the failed legislation comes the reality that a highly regulated casino will not be coming to the Rock, at least for now. Rich Killion, spokesperson for Millennium Gaming, which owns the option to purchase the park should legislation pass in the state and the Rock be awarded a casino bid, insisted after the vote that they aren't going anywhere: “We totally remain committed to the people of Salem in support of what we want to do for its historic Rockingham Park. Clearly we’re disappointed with the outcome of today’s vote," he said. "It’s unfortunate that the …

•  24 Comments
• Photos (1)

What Does Your Paycheck Look Like Post Fiscal Cliff?

People making $50,000 a year who are paid twice each month are now taking home $42 less in their paychecks.

Two weeks after Congress averted the Fiscal Cliff, Salem area residents have undoubtedly seen the effect of the loss of the payroll tax cut in their paychecks. If you make $50,000 a year, you are now paying about $1,000 more in federal taxes, according to CBS. For those who are paid twice each month, that amounts to about $42 less per paycheck or $84 less per month. The Wall Street Journal has a calculator to determine how much more in taxes you are now paying a year based on your salary. How do you feel about your paycheck following the Fiscal Cliff deal?

•  4 Comments
• Photos (1)

Patriot

8:41 pm on Thursday, January 17, 2013

It's just $84 per month, and we are only in January. Be careful of what you ask for!!!!!   more ›

LETTER: My Farewell to Salem Patch

Salem Patch Editor Jake O'Donnell is heading to Medford, Mass., starting Wednesday.

Dear readers, As some of you are aware, these are my final days as local editor of Salem Patch. Starting Wednesday, I'm taking over as local editor of the Patch site in Medford, Mass. I leave Salem with mixed emotions. Medford presents an opportunity for me to explore a new area, be closer to Boston and live some place outside of New Hampshire for the first time in my life. But for the last year and a half, Salem has been my home, just as much as it has been yours. Over that time I've experienced the highs and lows, the triumphs and tragedies along with you. I came here in May 2011 with very little knowledge of Salem. I didn't know anyone here and certainly didn't have a feel for the community. Coupled with the fact I was trying to start …

•  12 Comments
• Photos (1)

The Granite View

Voters Had Right to Know About State Rep's Criminal Past

Columnist says Stacie Laughton's decision to resign "shows a respect for the voters that was lacking during her campaign."

I have always believed that politics should be viewed as a type of community service, a path by which to help make the world in which we and future generations live a better place. I believe deeply that politicians should be true public servants, but too often our elected representatives disappoint us, putting power above the people and placing their own self-interests ahead of their elected duties. It is a non-partisan fact that politicians will sometimes do stupid, or worse, criminal, things and must be held accountable for those actions. When Rep. Todd Akin, R-MO, made a stupid statement about “legitimate rape,” I called him stupid and said he should resign. He didn’t, but his comments were public and the voters in his district were …

•  94 Comments
• Photos (1)

The Granite View

Today's Politicians Can Learn from Rudman

Columnist says the former NH Senator showed leadership on difficult issues in difficult times.

Former New Hampshire Senator Warren Rudman passed away this week at the age of 82 from complications related to lymphoma. His loss is being memorialized in papers across the country, including the New York Times, the Washington Post and many others. Rudman became an impressive presence in Washington during his two terms as Senator, serving from 1980-1993. Rudman was aggressive and confrontational at times, but was also known and respected for his willingness to work across the aisle on big issues and small and he played an important role in American history during his years in Washington. Rudman was a vocal critic of President Reagan during the Iran-Contra hearings. He served on the Senate Ethics Eommittee and led the investigation of the …

•  9 Comments
• Photos (1)

Jennifer Horn

2:17 am on Monday, November 26, 2012

Washington Post - Nov. 20, 2012 "The Gramm–Rudman–Hollings Act was designed to trim the federal deficit, but it ultimately didn’t work, despite their best efforts."   more ›

5 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Dishes

Food ideas for people whose Turkey Day involves no turkeys.

In one week, we'll be doing the Thanksgiving scramble: Running to the inlaws' house, hitting the store for some last minute cranberry sauce, or checking on the bird in the oven every five minutes. What some consider the best meal of the year, fit for kings and gluttons, is centered around meat. Not all of us, for varying reasons, choose to eat meat, though. What is one supposed to prepare for those who don't eat turkey on Turkey Day? The answer is easy, and the options are many. Whether you're cooking for a vegetarian guest, or are a vegetarian yourself, Patch helps you out this week with five tasty recipes for a vegan/vegetarian Thanksgiving. 1. Tofurky: Funny sounding name, seriously tasty substitute. What you need: 1 Tofurky Roast (can …

• Photos (1)

The Granite View

Saluting Our Veterans

Columnist thanks all those who protect our nation.

The timing of this column did not allow for a salute to our military on Veterans Day, but I am a believer in saying thank you, so I will not allow the vagaries of a calendar to get in the way. We live in a nation that is seriously divided.  he results of our most recent elections certainly reflect that, with just over 2 percent of the vote between winner and loser. It seems that our political divisions run deeper each day, but I have always believed that good people can come together for a higher purpose in spite of political differences, and our men and women in uniform are the most extraordinary example of that. As a mother, I have always been profoundly grateful that there is a fighting force ready and willing to place themselves …

•  11 Comments
• Photos (1)

Proud Conservative

10:52 pm on Thursday, February 21, 2013

Registration is there if we ever need to call on citizens to serve. It's a guarantee of sorts that we will not be short of troops if the need arises. Since we cannot predict the future, it's better to be prepared than to be caught unprepared to defend the country. Will citizens voluntarily respond to an attack on our country? Some will. Some won't. And I wouldn't be so sure that the number …   more ›

POLL: Will Hurricane Sandy Help Obama?

Vote in our poll, and share your thoughts in the comments field below.

A Washington Post/ABC poll released this week showed that 80 percent of voters feel President Obama has done a good job dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Even New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie – a staunch supporter of Mitt Romney – praised Obama's response to the storm, which devastated parts of New Jersey and New York and caused serious damage in many other states, including New Hampshire. Obama also received the endorsement of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Thursday, with Bloomberg citing Obama's handling of Hurricane Sandy as one of the main reasons he decided to support the president. Meanwhile, Romney's previous pledge to abolish FEMA hasn't helped him in the wake of the storm. What do you think? Will Hurricane …

•  194 Comments
• Photos (2)

LETTER: Question 1 'Fiscally Reckless'

Upload your letters in our Announcements section.

To the Editor: On Tuesday, NH voters will find at the bottom of our ballot a proposal to amend the NH state constitution to permanently ban any taxes on income. Voters would be wise to ask why the sudden "need" to change our state Constitution on this matter. Many voters are unaware this is on our ballot. For those who missed the action, lawmakers in Concord this year decided it was not sufficient to simply uphold their campaign pledges to oppose this kind of tax during their own elected term. They decided to start tinkering with the state Constitution on this matter and are trying to extend their reach beyond their terms to dictate tax policy to all future legislatures -- and all voters -- from here forward. Our state Constitution has …

•  2 Comments
• Photos (1)