I've worked retail for 35 years. You do not get a Saturday off to go to Town Meeting or School Meeting. Twice in that time I attended, and wished I hadn't. Long, drawn out, with a lot of talking that didn't accomplish anything but getting upset with some people. In this day and age, people do not have all day to attend a meeting.

If one reads the paper, listens to radio or TV, one should be able to vote by ballot on the issues.

My town still clings to the meetings, so some things pass that should and, of course, some don't that should.

Maybe some day we'll all get a chance to vote, not just a few.

Joanne Beckwith
Candia

Let's look at what's important. I'm a Hooksett resident who has (fortunately) never needed the HPD in an emergency situation. But I sleep well knowing that they would respond without hesitation to any type of emergency, from an accident where I sustain injuries all the way to a home invasion. These are men and women who would risk their lives to assist fellow Hooksett residents.

Let me repeat that: These are men and women who would risk their lives to assist fellow Hooksett residents.

Let's be grateful for our fine police officers who are there for us if ever needed, and drop all the useless banter about corruption and commission nominations and investigations.

Daryl Dreffs
Hooksett

If Epsom keeps renovating old buildings and maintaining them as is done with the old town hall, soon the library and maybe the 145-year-old church on Route 4. And if our teachers are disadvantaged by the lack of adequate school supplies, which existed in 2002, then we are going backwards.

Having the choice to mourn the loss of something old like a building compared to the loss of good teachers, I choose the latter.

... to give our teachers the tools with which to work.

Jim Breagy
Epsom

Had I realized Robie's Countr Store was closed on a daily basis, I would not have traveled across town last Monday to purchase one of their scrumptious sandwiches, a cup of hearty soup and a yummy chocolate chip cookie.

Sen. Gatsas' letter only reinforces the fact that government offices can be so out of touch with the fabric of everyday life in a community.

Lloyd Robie's memory, spirit and legacy will live on in all he touched and did throughout his memorable life and also through the country store, which is open every day but Sunday.

Susanne L. Fournier
Hooksett

Based on the content of the rumors and information, I understand why citizens would be asking questions.

I would like to point out, however, that this is only one side of the story, and there are always two sides to every story. Also, rumors are not always true.

Therefore, I offer any Hooksett citizen who has any questions about how the Hooksett Police Department operates, to attend a police commission meeting and ask me or the police commission questions. Commission meetings take place the third Tuesday of every month at 5:30 p.m.

We will do our best to answer the questions raised, and while everyone may not like or be happy with all the answers, citizens will at least have both sides of the story, and then can form their own opinions.

Chief Stephen M. Agrafiotis
Hooksett Police Department

Today, Robie's Country Store and Deli is open for business and thriving in Hooksett.

I would like to personally commend Debra and David Chouinard for carrying on the legacy of Lloyd Robie at the country store in Hooksett. They will continue to welcome presidential primary candidates for a healthy dose of retail politics and a sandwich.

It gives me great pleasure to know that Robie's Country Store is flourishing and the life-long institution of political traditions will continue. I look forward to accompanying 2008 presidential candidates to Robie's Country Store and Deli.

Theodore L. Gatsas
President of the N.H. Senate

OK, I haved lived here for four years. In this time frame, I have seen the Wal-Mart/Shaw's complex empty, a furniture store go out of business twice, gas stations go under. But this is what this town must need - more land to build more stores, as they will set up shop here for a few years and then leave.

This town has more unused commericial buildings and no one seems to care on the planning board. Why don't we use the building that already exist and have Cabela's renovate them if they want to come to Hooksett so badly?

Is it me or does this town want to become Manchester? I would guess that most people moved here because it was not overly developed and was the country setting we were looking for in New Hampshire.

The roads are already overburdened. Do we have members who are supposed to represent the people of this town working for and with developers? I don't know the answer to this, but I would guess I could find a link.

The town's people overwhelmingly voted against growth in this town last year. Michael DiBitetto mentions that a bond would be taken out to cover the cost for sewer and road improvements and Cabela's would pay them through taxes, but why does he think that the road needs improvement to begin with, moreover, are there that many people begging the town for sewer?

Are we really representing the people of this town or just have our own agenda?

Matthew Quiet
Hooksett

This bill would modify the child support guidelines so they actually take into account both parents. incomes as opposed to only the obligor (payer) income taken into account today. This bill would further proportion child support in accordance with the residential time spent with the child by both parents.

In a nutshell, this bill would make child support awards much more fair than they are at present and allow child support to be used for the benefit of the children at both parents' households. This bill will restore equality in New Hampshire family law for both parents and their children.

In addition, I would like to address an article that was on the front page of the Concord Monitor. First off, Marc Snider needs a standing ovation because he has spoken loud about this subject. The above excerpt was taken from his Web site NHCUSTODY.org. The thing I want to point out is that he remains neutral, because he speaks about the obligor (no gender). It just so happens that the majority of obligors are loving fathers! I understand his frustration and hope the legislators can see through the passion and realize that there is a problem.

James Cote
Pembroke

What should be known to the taxpayers in Hooksett is this company has a market cap of $1.2 billion according to latest available Internet information, (i.e. when a company has 10 million shares and the company shares are selling for $10 each, the market cap is $1 million market capitalization).

Since Cabela's has unlimited financial resources, Hooksett taxpayers should seriously consider why they may be asked to cast their vote to pay for the suggested TIF bonds, estimated at $10 million; this is in addition to a deferred tax assessment that can extend to 10 years? Why should we taxpayers of Hooksett be forced to subsidize an extremely wealthy company like Cabelas? Do we really need another Exit 10 debacle?

Perhaps the PTB (The Powers- To-Be) can explain how the lives of the good people of Hooksett will be improved with such a tax burden?

Dick Marple
State Representative
Hooksett

Well, for a limited time only, here's an opportunity to help save, protect and conserve some of that beautiful rural landscape near you!

With a deadline of Jan. 31, the Rockingham Land Trust is working diligently with several other organizations to raise the balance needed to protect the Piscassic Greenway, a 330-acre parcel in Newfields that will connect four towns in a chain of 2,600 existing acres of conservation land! There is also a challenge from an out-of-state donor willing to match your donation dollar for dollar up to $75,000.

If protected, the Piscassic Greenway will safely secure habitat for many rare and threatened wildlife species, guarantee public (that's you!) access for outdoor recreation like hiking, biking and hunting, protect the water quality of the Piscassic River and Great Bay, and preserve two public water supplies for Newmarket.

We can't stop all development from creeping in and devouring our woods, rolling fields and unspoiled mountain views, but we can take measures to permanently protect some of it ... for us, our children, and our grandchildren. Here's a golden opportunity! Don't let it slip away! For the details, visit www.rockinghamlandtrust.org or call 778-6088.

Judi Lindsey
Candia