NH State Representative Steven Smith

There is going to be a gap in service of 2-3 weeks while the housekeeping gets taken care of, but Southwestern Community Services will be taking over the CATS bus service.  Thank you to everyone who wrote a letter, made a phone call, came to a meeting, or just talked to a friend.  It mattered.

There is a lot of legal paperwork involved, and it just takes time.  That does mean no buses for a couple of weeks while they do it, but after that the service will resume.  Big thanks to NHDOT Commissioner Sheehan for help, without which this would not have happened.  Besides her efforts to find a new provider, the deal with SCS is contingent on NHDOT  providing daily operational support and management during a transition period of at least 3 months.  They don’t have to do it, so I am particularly grateful that they are.

I would also like to thank Claremont Mayor Charlene Lovett.  Most of you know how critical I have been of Claremont’s lack of support.  Mayor Lovett said in a statement that she has received calls of support not only from people, but Claremont businesses.  She has put a lot of effort into this and at a city council meeting, plans to ask the Council straight out how they intend to support the bus service going forward.  I am grateful for her action, and hope that Claremont’s city council takes the issue as seriously as she did.

I would really like to thank the local support from regular people, and the towns who have always worked hard and paid to keep this service running.   That, combined with having solid support for years from Rep. Tom Laware made this a much easier fight to have.

Steve

The NH State House is a truly historic building.  The first session of the General Court began in 1819. The State House is the oldest state capitol in which both houses of the legislature meet in their original chambers.  The artifacts throughout the building, including the Hall of Flags, and items from Alan Shepard (a NH native and the first American in space) can not be described without writing a book.  I am eternally grateful for being permitted to serve there.  Unfortunately, many have not seen it because they can’t get to Concord during business hours.  That is why we passed legislation and formed an agreement with local businesses to open it for tours on Saturdays.

Read more at http://www.concordmonitor.com/NH-state-house-will-be-open-on-upcoming-saturdays-for-pilot-tourism-program-4566740

You can go down for the tour, or contact me for one.  It is a worthwhile experience, and the State House is a treasure that you can be proud of.

Learn more about the State House:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Hampshire_State_House

http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/nh_visitorcenter/default.htm

Rep. Steven Smith

603-826-5996

nhfirst@gmail.com

Many area people depend on the Community Alliance Transportation buses to get to their doctor, state offices, and stores.  This service is scheduled to end on September 9th unless a new entity can be found to take it over.  It isn’t a matter of money.  Many Sullivan County towns contribute funds, and we provide a county grant as well.  The service is just no longer viable as a standalone entity.

NHDOT Commissioner Victoria Sheehan and others are working on finding a new provider.  Commissioner Sheehan said that one of the needed tools to make this happen is show support and commitment.  I asked her how… should we write letters?  She said yes.  I asked who we send them to.  She said to send them to her.  So, if you think the bus is worth saving, please write a short, simple letter saying that to:

Commissioner Victoria Sheehan
NHDOT
John O. Morton Building
PO Box 483 | 7 Hazen Drive
Concord, New Hampshire 03302-0483

In addition to the elderly and disabled who depend on this service (and the volunteer driver program), think a scenario where someone loses their license for being under the influence of drugs.  To avoid prison, we will require them to go to treatment, appointments, and maintain a job.  It is entirely possible that without this transportation, they will go to jail instead.  We have to do better.

I have pointed out that it will be difficult to express serious support and commitment from Sullivan County unless our largest municipality, and only city is on board.  Small towns like Charlestown, Newport, and several others contribute funds to CATS.  The people riding the bus go to Claremont stores, doctors, and businesses.  Claremont does not contribute to the funding.

I pointed this out at a public meeting and was accused of “picking on Claremont”.  The gentleman then said that instead, we should go to Claremont businesses to solicit support for the bus.  That is half a good idea.  I agree that this should be done and support the idea.  The word “instead” is the problem.  It does not absolve Claremont of its responsibility to contribute to a service that benefits it.

It is time for Claremont to make a choice… a choice that may decide the fate of bus service in Sullivan County.  The way forward must include Claremont.  Please, write to the City Council.  Write to the Mayor.  Call them.  Tell them that Claremont should accept the responsibility that other cities do, and realize that supporting their infrastructure is important, and ultimately benefits them.  I realize that budget processes probably preclude them from making a financial commitment right now, as the towns have.  They can send a letter to Commissioner Sheehan pledging to take it up at the next appropriate meeting.

It is in your hands.  Spread the word.

Steve