Callous act by Jack Barnes
This belongs in the “with friends like this category”
On Tuesday evening a candidate’s forum was held in Wakefield. It was sponsored by the Wakefield Republicans. The event was for people to meet and hear from those seeking election as Reps, Senate and County Commissioner. It was moderated by the Wakefield Town Moderator. There was supposed to be a one minute opening statement that didn't happen. There were three questions-given in advance-for Reps and Senate candidates; 2 minutes to answer. One of the questions was on taxes; one was on education funding; and one was on gun control. Joe Kenney said he wasn't going to be there bur showed up at the absolute last second.
All went well and there were audience questions that wrapped up the evening. At 9:00 PM, after two hours, the Moderator said that the event had concluded, BUT, Senator Jack Barnes (District 17) was present and wanted to make 'a comment'. Barnes turned the event into a campaign speech for Joe Kenney. Barnes gave an endorsement speech to those in attendance how great Joe Kenney was and then Barnes GAVE KENNEY A CHECK in front of everyone. When people voiced their displeasure with his callous and grandstanding actions, Barnes walked away and said to the people 'write a letter to the editor'.
There is no question this was orchestrated as Joe's campaign manager (State House Representative Eleanor Casey Crane of Nashua). Earlier she was seen whispering around toward the end to the Wakefield Republican chair who went and said something to the Moderator.
Apparently this was seen for what it was and many people, including some well-known Republicans, were offended by both Barnes and Kenney and Crane, who apparently orchestrated the charade. Many were seen approaching Democrat candidate George Cleveland offering support and requesting lawn-signs.
A reporter from the Granite State News was present and it remains to be seen if that paper will report what occurred.
Expect that many people will take the advice of Barnes and “write a letter to the editor” voicing their disapproval.
NH INSIDER
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Reader Comments (16)
For Joe Kenney to accept the money in this manner is an indication that he has lost touch with the people. And he dares talk about service. He must mean self-service!
It is time to take back the power from those who abuse our rights and have become "Public Money Changers" instead of "Public Servants"
What audacity! I am really very upset about this
As for Rep. Casey Crane (or whatever her name is) get your sorry behind back to Nashua where it belongs, I hope the people of that city are smart enought to vote you out of office!
I will be voting for George Cleveland
ON TELEVISION FOR A NEW MOVIE
"MAN OF THE YEAR" IN WHICH
ROBIN Williams states to re-
porters that incumbents should be changed just like
baby's diapers - and for the
same reasons. We've been sub-
jected to the same republic-
an crap for far too long!
The following evening, there was another forum in the Conway area between those seeking legislative office and there were no testimonials given for Tom Buco the sole Democrat in that area. When Cleveland and Kenney came together earlier in the month in North Conway, George Cleveland's strong area, no one from the audience got up to laud his wonderful work in the community. It wasn't the time or place. Shame on the Republicans!
That is why I am so disspointed in him for his slip in judgement. To win at any cost is not a good way to live one's life. There is a time and a place for making endorsements and for making campaign contributions. The event the other night was not that place.
I hope Jack Barnes, the Honorable Senator, will consider what he did and issue a public apology to the citizens of District 3.
Not to mention that in the same debate, in which he introduced at the very last minute an amendment gutting HB 1582, the anti-REAL ID bill, he refused to answer repeated questions about the motivation and reasoning behind his act, was belligerent toward another senator whose father had helped expose the disgrace of the internment camps, and had to be twice ordered by the Senate President to back away from that senator and return to his seat.
This is not a fair man, a man who plays within the rules, or a man of honor.
Sadly, this type of grandstanding is not new for Jack.
So let's remind everyone that Jack and your senator Kenney both sold out the people of the North Country over local control. Senator Kenney "saw the light" at the last moment, but the fix was already in--thanks to Senator Barnes. Jack turned himself into a pretzel on the Senate floor yakking it up about the sanctity of local control. He then stuck it to the people of Tamworth with a straight face.
The next time I run into Jack at the store I'll share a little of your outrage with him--instead of writing a letter to the editor!
Chaz Proulx
20 Otter Road
Raymond NH
What on earth is this person talking about? First of all, have the courage to post your name. Making such a stupid comment without your name is not only iognorant, it is the mark of a coward.
In addition, I had no idea about the incident until it was posted on this site.
This is just another example of the contempt Jack Barnes has for the people he supposedly represents - he talks a good gamr to the press but Jack is just a confused and silly little footnote in NH Politics.
I don't know if I'll beat him, perhaps not - but everyone will hopefully see this backward bufoon for what he is.