Workers grill Sen. Bradley on N.H. pension reform

By Charles McMahon

cmcmahon@seacoastonline.com

May 18, 2011 2:00 AM

PORTSMOUTH — A controversial bill promoting changes to the N.H. Retirement System took center stage at City Hall on Tuesday night as more than 100 people turned out to hear from the person responsible for the legislation: state Sen. Jeb Bradley. Public employees ranging from police officers to school teachers packed council chambers during the information session with Bradley, R-Wolfeboro, and state Sen. Nancy Stiles, R-Hampton, who didn't speak much after introducing Bradley. While discussion remained civil for the most part, people in the crowd at times shouted and interrupted both senators.

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Lots of discontent at state retirement system seminar in Portsmouth

By Jennifer Keefe

jkeefe@fosters.com

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

PORTSMOUTH — Discussion on changes to the state's retirement system produced a range of emotions Tuesday night, especially regarding increased employee contributions and the definition of "vested." Wolfeboro Republican Jeb Bradley, Senate majority leader and the prime sponsor of SB 3 — a bill aimed at making comprehensive changes to the retirement system — fielded a plethora of questions from concerned police, fire and state employees in City Hall Council Chambers.

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Public workers aren't 'enemies' or 'thugs'

By Vassilios Pamboukes

May 18, 2011 2:00 AM

Editor's note: The writer is a retired Portsmouth firefighter responding to events at a protest and counterprotest held Monday when House Speaker Bill O'Brien visited the city.

Not in my lifetime, after a 30-plus-year career in the fire service, did I ever think that I would have my brothers, my sisters and I being labeled as "public enemies." Last I knew, firefighters, police officers and teachers were considered dedicated public servants and taxpaying citizens, too.

Read the whole Seacoast Online letter here

Thanks to the PFFNH members who joined us this morning in greeting Sen. Bradley, the LGC, & Lincoln Financial in Manchester at a BIA event.