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From page B6 of today's Saturday, February 23, 2008, Laconia Citizen, By Erin Plummer

SB2 gets opposition in Center Harbor

By Erin Plummer

A small, yet vocal group of Center Harbor residents voiced opposition to the implementation of Senate Bill 2 in the Inter-Lakes School District.

The second of three scheduled hearings was held in Center Harbor on Thursday on the petitioned warrant article to implement the Official Ballot Act, commonly known as SB2, that would replace the traditional school district meeting with a deliberative session and ballot voting on warrant articles at Inter-Lakes.

Members of the School Board with Superintendent Phil McCormack and attorney Barbara Loman explained the law and how it would effect voting and budgeting in the school district.

Around three Center Harbor residents were present at the meeting, all voicing fervent opposition to SB2.

"I think it's a more detached way of participating in your local government," said Center Harbor Selectman Charley Hanson, who spoke of his experiences with SB2 in Weare. " It creates a bit of an uneven playing field."

Resident Bess Hanson said a deliberative session cannot compare to a traditional school meeting. "people who go to those are the ones who are truly interested."

Resident Kay Peranelli noted how few people typically attend the deliberative session in SB2 towns. "I think you miss an awfull lot by not showing up," she said.

With the discussion that goes on at a regular town meeting, "I think you get far better decisions when you get that discussion, that debate," Peranelli said.

"Yes, it takes time and no, it's not convenient for a lot of people, but democracy isn't easy."

Laconia Citizen Feb 23, 2008
By Erin Plummer
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