Election for Mayor of Laconia

[Major]

I wish we were tracking for a brighter future, I really do. However, the evidence suggests the contrary. Where is the investment in attracting small businesses and manufacturing jobs? There isn't any, both on a local and state level. I don't want to sound like a broken record, but the city council decided to invest in Section 8 housing and drug rehab centers, and this decision, unfortunately, will follow us in the future. Needless to say we are not attracting the best and the brightest who would raise families, attend our schools, and ultimately increase the value of our properties. We are experiencing one of the greatest economic booms since the mid-eighties, and what has that done to improve downtown Laconia. Not much. Imagine when a downturn occurs, what the economic future will be like at that time.

Like Macbeth, I grew up in Laconia. I am personal friends with the former chief. The police are spinning the problem, and if you think about it, what are they supposed to say? "Laconia is attracting more and more homeless drug users?" Of course they will tell you that Laconia has a bright future, etc. I spend a lot of time driving around Laconia, and my eyes tell me something different. Look at the beautiful homes on Pleasant Street turned into rundown apartments and the homes of a lot of people who make their way into the paper. Look at the abandoned/dilapidated homes along Union Ave and Court Street.

This problem will only grow, not only in Laconia but on the East Coast in general. We have a penchant in adopting the liberal policies founded on the West Coast. Homeless encampments are already here (on the river and off the Wow trail), and will be on full display in the near future. The solutions are available, but the political climate is against them. This shouldn't be the case, but we tolerate it and we get what we deserve.

[Mr. V]

Originally Posted by Major

Homeless encampments are already here (on the river and off the Wow trail), and will be on full display in the near future. The solutions are available, but the political climate is against them. This shouldn't be the case, but we tolerate it and we get what we deserve.

What "solutions are available" to the drug / homeless problem?

Bring back vagrancy laws?

[Major]

Originally Posted by Mr. V

What "solutions are available" to the drug / homeless problem?

Bring back vagrancy laws?

While I would not equate vagrancy with homelessness, we should not tolerate homelessness. People should have the right to travel freely. It is still America after all. If it's an issue of mental disorders, then we should evaluate and treat the mentally ill.

Here's an idea, let's bring back conservative values. Instead of teaching our kids that they can't get ahead because of [INSERT REASON], let's teach self-reliance and personal accountability. As a society we should punish abhorrent behavior, including homelessness. It can be done. Look at what Mayor Giuliani did in NYC. They did not tolerate homelessness. As a result, NYC became safer. Enforce the little things and the bigger things will fall in line.

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by Major

Look at what Mayor Giuliani did in NYC. They did not tolerate homelessness. As a result, NYC became safer. Enforce the little things and the bigger things will fall in line.

Absolutely correct and now after all his hard work, we had 8 years of Bloomberg and now 5 years of DeBlasio (Who doesn't even show up for work) NYC has now done a complete 360 and spiraling downward fast!!!

[VitaBene]

I agree that Laconia faces many challenges. As Major notes, we need to attract small businesses that can offer year round employment. One shining star in the area is Orion Entrance Controls https://orioneci.com/about/which manufactures turnstiles and other entrance controls right in Laconia. They recently tripled the size of their facility. They make great product that I specify often.

[Major]

Originally Posted by VitaBene

I agree that Laconia faces many challenges. As Major notes, we need to attract small businesses that can offer year round employment. One shining star in the area is Orion Entrance Controls https://orioneci.com/about/which manufactures turnstiles and other entrance controls right in Laconia. They recently tripled the size of their facility. They make great product that I specify often.

One of my law partners just got Orion as a client. Great, great company, and quite a success story. It would be interesting to find out how Orion came about choosing the Laconia Industrial Park, and what incentives it received for making the investment. Maybe it can be replicated?

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by Major

One of my law partners just got Orion as a client. Great, great company, and quite a success story. It would be interesting to find out how Orion came about choosing the Laconia Industrial Park, and what incentives it received for making the investment. Maybe it can be replicated?

That is an excellent constructive idea!!!! Thank you for getting away from the negativity and let's figure out plans to move the city forward, you cannot change the past (Although some try, lol)

[djmikeb]

Originally Posted by joey2665

Absolutely correct and now after all his hard work, we had 8 years of Bloomberg and now 5 years of DeBlasio (Who doesn't even show up for work) NYC has now done a complete 360 and spiraling downward fast!!!

Yep DeBlasio is a complete Disaster in NYC his liberal policies are bringing NYC back to Dinkins era which was terrible all the hard work that Giuliani did to clean up NYC are now out the window. We need workfare for welfare as well as a way to help prevent and curb this drug epidemic. Andrew Hosmer is NOT the answer for Laconia he wants more "affordable housing" and more "government control" The only person that can help make Laconia Fiscally responsible and has the tools to help clean up Laconia is Peter Spanos!!!

[Mr. V]

Originally Posted by Major

Enforce the little things and the bigger things will fall in line.

Still wondering what you suggest specifically to remedy the drug / homeless problem.

What "little things" should be enforced?

[Major]

Originally Posted by Mr. V

Still wondering what you suggest specifically to remedy the drug / homeless problem.

What "little things" should be enforced?

I think you are being purposely obtuse. Being homeless is a crime -- most communities have laws preventing people from trespassing and sleeping on public or private property. Either move along or get arrested. As a society we are tolerating abnormal and illegal behavior. Enforce the laws. Arrest the drug addicts, imprison them. Try to get them help, but the onus is on them to either get in line or live a life of misery. Once we agree that we are not going to tolerate this type of behavior things will get better. As Joey stated, NYC is a great example.

I know one thing, if I make a misstep I will be punished to the full extent of the law. The sad truth is that our police don't want to deal with this BS, and it's easier to turn a blind eye. I'm not blaming the police, but it's easier to deal with a law-abiding citizen than someone who is not complying to societal norms. I can give you countless examples.

[Mr. V]

Originally Posted by Major

I think you are being purposely obtuse. Being homeless is a crime --

Really?

So then,are are you saying that the way to solve the homeless problem is to build more jails and prisons?

That philosophy didn't work for the so-called "war on drugs" and it won't work for the newly-coined"war on the homeless."

I share your seeming dislike and frustration with homelessness, but I disagree with your belief that punishing people for their failure to succeed in life is a viable solution.

A guy flames out, burns all his bridges, has no home, no support system, no family to care about him, and he hits the streets: the dregs of humanity, total losers.

What to do?

I really don't know but I am searching for a viable solution.

Sorry if my genuine curiosity comes off as being "obtuse."

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Major

I think you are being purposely obtuse. Being homeless is a crime -- most communities have laws preventing people from trespassing and sleeping on public or private property. Either move along or get arrested. As a society we are tolerating abnormal and illegal behavior. Enforce the laws. Arrest the drug addicts, imprison them. Try to get them help, but the onus is on them to either get in line or live a life of misery. Once we agree that we are not going to tolerate this type of behavior things will get better. As Joey stated, NYC is a great example.

I know one thing, if I make a misstep I will be punished to the full extent of the law. The sad truth is that our police don't want to deal with this BS, and it's easier to turn a blind eye. I'm not blaming the police, but it's easier to deal with a law-abiding citizen than someone who is not complying to societal norms. I can give you countless examples.

"Move along or get arrested" that's not a solution to the problem. The homeless have no where to go so that's just pushing the problem to another community. You may help the problem in Laconia but another community will be the recipient of that problem. But I understand, "out of sight out of mind" problem fixed, NOT!

[tis]

You know the government can be blamed for some of this. If they didn't make so many darn rules and regulations, rentals would be more affordable. I remember hearing about a homeless shelter in NY that could not be approved because it didn't have the elevator and all the required things. I guess nothing is better than something a little sub standard-if you can call it that. Truly housing would be more affordable if the gov. didn't need to save ourselves from ourselves. People need a little responsibility to feel good about themselves and if they don't have anything in the world to worry about, they can't feel that. Or maybe not.

[Major]

Originally Posted by Biggd

"Move along or get arrested" that's not a solution to the problem. The homeless have no where to go so that's just pushing the problem to another community. You may help the problem in Laconia but another community will be the recipient of that problem. But I understand, "out of sight out of mind" problem fixed, NOT!

You are making my point. Either you conform or you get arrested. We can provide some limited assistance, but ultimately the homeless or drug addled person involved is responsible for his own life. If, as a community, we vigorously enforce our laws against homelessness, drug use, drug sales, etc., we will be much better off for it. The homeless/drug user will then be faced with (1) conforming with societal expectations, (2) remain in a cycle of being arrested, imprisoned, set free, arrested, etc., (3) or move to a community that tolerates the behavior. I think we can put together a collection to buy one-way tickets to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland or Seattle. It appears that these communities tolerate if not embrace this type of behavior. Let them deal with it.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Major

You are making my point. Either you conform or you get arrested. We can provide some limited assistance, but ultimately the homeless or drug addled person involved is responsible for his own life. If, as a community, we vigorously enforce our laws against homelessness, drug use, drug sales, etc., we will be much better off for it. The homeless/drug user will then be faced with (1) conforming with societal expectations, (2) remain in a cycle of being arrested, imprisoned, set free, arrested, etc., (3) or move to a community that tolerates the behavior. I think we can put together a collection to buy one-way tickets to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland or Seattle. It appears that these communities tolerate if not embrace this type of behavior. Let them deal with it.

This is just another case of "not in my back yard". Push the problem along on someone else.
As far as homeless go, getting arrested is like giving them a hotel room and a free meal for the night. You think that's going to make them conform? That's never worked.

[Major]

Originally Posted by Biggd

This is just another case of "not in my back yard". Push the problem along on someone else.
As far as homeless go, getting arrested is like giving them a hotel room and a free meal for the night. You think that's going to make them conform? That's never worked.

I see nothing wrong with a community standing up against bad behavior. You either live by our rules, or find a place that will tolerate it. It has nothing to do with one's backyard. It has everything to do with what you want to be. One thing I know, we do not have control over the individuals involved. The choices are theirs alone. After some effort to help, I have no interest in finding out what works versus what doesn't work. I would rather focus on things that can be fixed and improve our community.

[Bigstan]

Originally Posted by Major

I see nothing wrong with a community standing up against bad behavior. You either live by our rules, or find a place that will tolerate it. It has nothing to do with one's backyard. It has everything to do with what you want to be. One thing I know, we do not have control over the individuals involved. The choices are theirs alone. After some effort to help, I have no interest in finding out what works versus what doesn't work. I would rather focus on things that can be fixed and improve our community.

It's tolerated every day. From last weeks LDS, 40 indictments for drugs -

https://www.laconiadailysun.com/news...af4e3c806.html

And in anther month or two you can read all about the suspended sentences / released with time served / $620 fine suspended on condition of one year of good behavior.....Etc.

For fun - Google the first five names on the list and see if you can count the times all of them have been arrested previously - I won't waste the time beyond the first five, but I bet every single name on that list has no fewer than three prior arrests. Most will have more.

I would be chastising the judges to start tossing maximum sentences around. No problems solved, but it gets rid of the person for a couple years, and noone was solving the problem anyways.

[Mr. V]

Punishing / jailing people merely for being homeless is borderline insane.

Best attack the cause of the problem:

1) mental illness. Lots of these people don't take prescribed meds, which leads to homelessness. Perhaps Big Pharma could figure out a way to time release meds such that they need only get a shot once in awhile; keeping them medicated will help.

2) family. Consider changing the law to require family members to take in and take care of their adult progeny who would otherwise be homeless.

3) jobs. This is a tough one: create jobs for homeless people: yeah, I know, easy to say, hard to do. Maybe a program akin to Job Corps, to train and house them til they are able to get to work.

4) Purge Day: once a year it's "open season" on homeless, with no limit (just kidding, but I know some of you will slam your beer down and yell "Yeah, baby!"

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Mr. V

Punishing / jailing people merely for being homeless is borderline insane.

Best attack the cause of the problem:

1) mental illness. Lots of these people don't take prescribed meds, which leads to homelessness. Perhaps Big Pharma could figure out a way to time release meds such that they need only get a shot once in awhile; keeping them medicated will help.

2) family. Consider changing the law to require family members to take in and take care of their adult progeny who would otherwise be homeless.

3) jobs. This is a tough one: create jobs for homeless people: yeah, I know, easy to say, hard to do. Maybe a program akin to Job Corps, to train and house them til they are able to get to work.

4) Purge Day: once a year it's "open season" on homeless, with no limit (just kidding, but I know some of you will slam your beer down and yell "Yeah, baby!"

#4, sad but true. It's called "thinning the herd".

[fatlazyless]

Originally Posted by Biggd

#4, sad but true. It's called "thinning the herd".

.... between cigarettes, drunk driving, motorcycles, and old age .... there's plenty thinning the herd happening ..... with old age finishing last. The D.O.T. sign on Rt 93 on the Campton flats says 83-NH road deaths, so far in 2019.
.................

.... and, going from Oct 10 to Oct 23 the D.O.T. sign now says 89 NH road deaths, or six deaths in 11 days which is a much higher rate than usual, probably a lot of deaths happen with cars not merging into flow of traffic when they get onto Route 93 ...... like enroute to one of the many fine retail stores in Tilton or Laconia ..... is so sad ..... r.i.p.

[Major]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

If Andrew Hosmer were here, I'd ask him ..... as Mayor of Laconia ..... how come it is so difficult to find a low priced suv, not a Jeep, with a 5-speed, stick shift and a clutch pedal ..... these days. How come I can get a Kia Soul with a stick shift but not a Kia Sportage or a Ford Explorer with a stick ....... that's my question, Mr Mayor to be?

I don't think Andrew Hosmer has anything to do with the dealership any longer. From an outsider's perspective, it appears that he's had a hard time sticking to any job, whether it be an assistant district attorney, an auto dealership executive, a consultant, etc. At a minimum, one would think they could concoct a do-nothing job at AutoServe for him. It appears he's doing this because he's bored.

My vote is for Spanos. At least he brings some level of fiscal responsibility to the council. Also, he's a proponent of the tax cap.

[djmikeb]

There was a debate October 8th and another will be October 21

[webmaster]

Since NYC is used as an example it should be pointed out that NYC has an extensive shelter system where about 70,000 people are housed and cared for every night. That system was built over many decades. The west coast cities that are now becoming overwhelmed with homeless were not so well prepared and instead just removed the laws preventing people from living in your park or on your sidewalk, which is also their bathroom. That has become a nightmare for both residents and the environment.

Does anyone know that capacity of the shelters in Laconia and how many homeless are now living in Laconia?

[Major]

Originally Posted by webmaster

Since NYC is used as an example it should be pointed out that NYC has an extensive shelter system where about 70,000 people are housed and cared for every night. That system was built over many decades. The west coast cities that are now becoming overwhelmed with homeless were not so well prepared and instead just removed the laws preventing people from living in your park or on your sidewalk, which is also their bathroom. That has become a nightmare for both residents and the environment.

Does anyone know that capacity of the shelters in Laconia and how many homeless are now living in Laconia?

My guess is around two dozen or so. We have Belknap House, Carey House, Salvation Army (although I am not sure they can bed people). It's not a lot.

[jetskier]

It is clear that Laconia is in need of an economic turnaround. Historically, the city benefited from tourism especially in the 80s. I think that we are going through a bit of an economic and cultural shift as millennials are much more urban. Companies are drawn to locate where they have competitive advantages, this could be access to talent, colocation to universities, or inexpensive labor (depending upon the model.)

Right now access to labor is difficult (as many of the seasonal businesses have indicated), we don't have strong university ties and talent (tech in particular) is limited. It is a little bit of a chicken and egg problem.

Jetskier

[fatlazyless]

https://sites.google.com/site/belknaphousenh/photos …… gosh ….. and holy shazzammm ….. it looks neat, clean, uncluttered, and very nice ….. I just wish my mega-million dollar cottage on Winnipesaukee was just half as neat, clean and uncluttered as this here Belknap House homeless shelter …… and, oh yeah …. it has a mega million dollar view, too! …. …. plus the homeless shelter probably has Laconia town water and town sewer!

So, when can I move in?

Do they have a ping pong table? ….

Looking at the above website photos; Belknap House has a Gilmanton Room, a Laconia Room, a Center Harbor Room, a Sanbornton Room, a Barnstead Room, and a Tilton Room ……. but what ….. why no Meredith Room?
…….

Say hey ….. here's a thought ….. maybe the homeless could be used to get out into the community and go plant linden trees all over Laconia as their way to contribute …… and make them dig the hole in the ground using a $10.95 long handled garden shovel from Walmart as opposed to a dpw John Deere back hoe …… and dig the tree hole the old fashioned way ….. by hand ….. which still works … and it gives people a sense of accomplishment ……. there, we just planted a linden tree ….. good to grow for 250-years.

[MAXUM]

Originally Posted by webmaster

Since NYC is used as an example it should be pointed out that NYC has an extensive shelter system where about 70,000 people are housed and cared for every night. That system was built over many decades. The west coast cities that are now becoming overwhelmed with homeless were not so well prepared and instead just removed the laws preventing people from living in your park or on your sidewalk, which is also their bathroom. That has become a nightmare for both residents and the environment.

Does anyone know that capacity of the shelters in Laconia and how many homeless are now living in Laconia?

It should also be noted that on the west coast, every city that is overwhelmed with homeless has openly advertised they are "sanctuary" cities, all but begging to be overrun with illegals crossing the borders and bums from all over the country. Once there are promised and often times get lots of "free" stuff, and minimal, if not outright guarantees that law enforcement will not hassle them or any of their extra curricular activates.

These cities have created this problem by making themselves a magnet and now in all their glorious virtue have created a major mess and of course have no solution for it and I question if they even give a damn. Think Nancy Pelosi for example has a clue what is going on in her district? The woman can't even come up with two back to back coherent words never mind a rational thought. This is a self inflicted problem and it's sad, in fact it is a tragedy yet those responsible smugly look on and do nothing or just point the finger at somebody else if they even choose to acknowledge there is a problem in the first place.

The solution to the issues that Laconia faces is easy enough to solve, but the overly sensitive public is to afraid to face the reality that not everything can be solved with rainbows and unicorns feel good theories of utopia coming out of the mouths of all these politicians. In other words somebody has to put on their big boy pants and actually SOLVE the problem, not study it, throw money at it or deny it is even a problem. So far the only things I have heard is lipstick on a pig.

[jbolty]

Originally Posted by MAXUM

It should also be noted that on the west coast, every city that is overwhelmed with homeless has openly advertised they are "sanctuary" cities, all but begging to be overrun with illegals crossing the borders and bums from all over the country. Once there are promised and often times get lots of "free" stuff, and minimal, if not outright guarantees that law enforcement will not hassle them or any of their extra curricular activates.

These cities have created this problem by making themselves a magnet and now in all their glorious virtue have created a major mess and of course have no solution for it and I question if they even give a damn. Think Nancy Pelosi for example has a clue what is going on in her district? The woman can't even come up with two back to back coherent words never mind a rational thought. This is a self inflicted problem and it's sad, in fact it is a tragedy yet those responsible smugly look on and do nothing or just point the finger at somebody else if they even choose to acknowledge there is a problem in the first place.

The solution to the issues that Laconia faces is easy enough to solve, but the overly sensitive public is to afraid to face the reality that not everything can be solved with rainbows and unicorns feel good theories of utopia coming out of the mouths of all these politicians. In other words somebody has to put on their big boy pants and actually SOLVE the problem, not study it, throw money at it or deny it is even a problem. So far the only things I have heard is lipstick on a pig.

This. Every article you read about homelessness starts out with "affordable housing" But the guy on the corner wearing 6 pairs of pants and yelling at the stop sign is not a rent payment away from the American dream. The mental hospitals were just transferred to the prisons. It's sad, we spend plenty of money but most of it is directed at encouraging the problems.

Most of the east has less of a problem with vagrancy simply because of the climate

[MAXUM]

Originally Posted by Major

I wish we were tracking for a brighter future, I really do. However, the evidence suggests the contrary. Where is the investment in attracting small businesses and manufacturing jobs? There isn't any, both on a local and state level. I don't want to sound like a broken record, but the city council decided to invest in Section 8 housing and drug rehab centers, and this decision, unfortunately, will follow us in the future. Needless to say we are not attracting the best and the brightest who would raise families, attend our schools, and ultimately increase the value of our properties. We are experiencing one of the greatest economic booms since the mid-eighties, and what has that done to improve downtown Laconia. Not much. Imagine when a downturn occurs, what the economic future will be like at that time.

Like Macbeth, I grew up in Laconia. I am personal friends with the former chief. The police are spinning the problem, and if you think about it, what are they supposed to say? "Laconia is attracting more and more homeless drug users?" Of course they will tell you that Laconia has a bright future, etc. I spend a lot of time driving around Laconia, and my eyes tell me something different. Look at the beautiful homes on Pleasant Street turned into rundown apartments and the homes of a lot of people who make their way into the paper. Look at the abandoned/dilapidated homes along Union Ave and Court Street.

This problem will only grow, not only in Laconia but on the East Coast in general. We have a penchant in adopting the liberal policies founded on the West Coast. Homeless encampments are already here (on the river and off the Wow trail), and will be on full display in the near future. The solutions are available, but the political climate is against them. This shouldn't be the case, but we tolerate it and we get what we deserve.

A very well put assessment.

[iw8surf]

Originally Posted by Major

I wish we were tracking for a brighter future, I really do. However, the evidence suggests the contrary. Where is the investment in attracting small businesses and manufacturing jobs? There isn't any, both on a local and state level. I don't want to sound like a broken record, but the city council decided to invest in Section 8 housing and drug rehab centers, and this decision, unfortunately, will follow us in the future. Needless to say we are not attracting the best and the brightest who would raise families, attend our schools, and ultimately increase the value of our properties. We are experiencing one of the greatest economic booms since the mid-eighties, and what has that done to improve downtown Laconia. Not much. Imagine when a downturn occurs, what the economic future will be like at that time.

Like Macbeth, I grew up in Laconia. I am personal friends with the former chief. The police are spinning the problem, and if you think about it, what are they supposed to say? "Laconia is attracting more and more homeless drug users?" Of course they will tell you that Laconia has a bright future, etc. I spend a lot of time driving around Laconia, and my eyes tell me something different. Look at the beautiful homes on Pleasant Street turned into rundown apartments and the homes of a lot of people who make their way into the paper. Look at the abandoned/dilapidated homes along Union Ave and Court Street.

This problem will only grow, not only in Laconia but on the East Coast in general. We have a penchant in adopting the liberal policies founded on the West Coast. Homeless encampments are already here (on the river and off the Wow trail), and will be on full display in the near future. The solutions are available, but the political climate is against them. This shouldn't be the case, but we tolerate it and we get what we deserve.

I agree about not adding manufacturing jobs. I was recruited to the lakes region out of college as a young engineer. After years at the company looking for a new job in the area was nonexistent. On top of that the offers I was getting from southern NH (30 miles south) were literally double the salary I got in Laconia. My biggest gripe wasn't even for my wages but the the hourly wage folks. What they paid people in the area was embarrassing, 9-13$/hr and we worked in "Aerospace" literally building stuff for the military, Space X etc. What kind of talent do you target when you offer those kind of wages? We essentially would just hire people (mostly from Laconia) who could pass the initial drug tests and then they'd work for a short period of time before they would fail the 90 day random tests we told them they'd have to take. Was a vicious cycle of turnover. Got real good at hiring and firing over those years though.

[Biggd]

Just read an article titled "Homes in these waterfront cities are a total steal". Laconia is one of them. You do get more house for the money compared to the other towns on the lake but they don't mention the negatives that contribute to the lowers prices.

[MAXUM]

Originally Posted by Biggd

Just read an article titled "Homes in these waterfront cities are a total steal". Laconia is one of them. You do get more house for the money compared to the other towns on the lake but they don't mention the negatives that contribute to the lowers prices.

LOL people that write this stuff must think everyone is an idiot. There couldn't be any OBVIOUS reason why property in Laconia is not terribly desirable.