Session Day Review: Environment - January 14, 2010
Reflections of Environment Day
by Jill Batty
The day began for most of us in a very cold and dark way but ended with a noticeably warmer, brighter feel (and I'm not just talking about the outside!) Some of us were fortunate enough to take advantage of Amanda Grappone Osmer's generous offer to test out some hybrid vehicles between Concord and Laconia and we all appreciated Grappone's sponsorship of the day.
Our session took place at the Taylor Communities in Laconia which would appear to offer a fantastic setting as a continuing care retirement community. Most of us would feel lucky to be able to live out our lives there (and Laurie Johnson is evidently planning to do so someday!) The community offers a great example of high density housing—one of the concepts we touched upon today—the challenge for many New Hampshire communities is to gain acceptance of these types of developments for more than just elderly housing. It was clear that many in our group were familiar with "Smart Growth" principles which have the opportunity to balance the need to develop housing stock and its associated infrastructure with environmental concerns.The balance concept came up early and often—beginning with introductory comments from Dana Bisbee (LNH '04—not the best class ever, since that honor is reserved for '10). He put the question in terms of when is it inappropriate to think in terms of "balanced solutions." If aluminum in water is known to be a neurotoxin, is any amount acceptable? I thought it was interesting to reflect on the previous sessions and note the times when we have been challenged about similar questions: When is screening for breast cancer not appropriate? When is a crime so heinous that the perpetrator's extenuating social circumstances don't matter? We had a good orientation from Thomas Burack (LNH '97—see above assessment) and Ken Moraff about the plans and services of the state and federal environmental departments. It was pretty sobering to realize that the old 80/20 rule which has been applied to the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act since the 70's is not going be enough to achieve our goals. According to Ken, it took 30 years to deal with the large emitters who were 75% of the problem. Now, all of the previously low priorities are the problem and one of the most significant sources of water impurities is storm runoff. The parties responsible for resolving these are individuals without resources and/or motivation to change. We all appreciated Malcolm Smith's (and, later, Jeanne Ryer's) comments about the importance of incorporating behavioral science into our plans. John Boisvert commented later that, when he thinks about environmental conferences he attends, they mostly consist of scientists and engineers talking to themselves. After a depressing contemplation of NH's "slide down the coast" (as Bill Brown termed it) in terms of climate, we turned our focus primarily to water for the rest of the day. This was definitely a wise choice by the organizers: we got a good understanding of the complexity of dealing with environmental issues without having to debate whether or not climate change is real, man-made, reversible, etc. It also has the advantage of being possible to affect at the local level. Ted Diers (LNH '08—ditto above) led a panel discussion which included Dave Cedarholm (Durham Town Engineer) and Patti Carrier (NH Ball Bearing Environmental Manager) who were able to articulate the specific ways in which they work to improve water quality in their communities. Susan Arnold (Appalachian Mountain Club Director of Conservation) rounded out the panel discussion by showing us some pretty depressing pictures about what renewable energy can look like in the form of massive windmills across what use to be gorgeous vistas. Hard to know where and how to strike a balance there. After lunch, Kerrie Diers gave us a good overview of planning boards and how they work in a non-home-rule state like New Hampshire. She, Dana, Ted, and Dave amused us with their role play and we all got to decide the fate of a proposed development in Wonderland, NH. Three out of the four groups refused to grant approval for the project and it was interesting to get a sense of how willing or unwilling each of the groups was to seek compromise. Probably a lot like what developers have to deal with across more than 200 towns. The most striking aspect of all of these discussions was the cost involved in reaching our goals for the environment. Whether we're talking about what it takes for a developer to get approval for a new project in one of our towns or individual consumer's expenditures to insulate, there seems to be a point at which the cost overbalances our interest in achieving our environmental goals. Dana suggested aging infrastructure associated with water and wastewater is a $2.3 billion expenditure for New Hampshire. It sure makes some investment in behavior change seem like a good idea. Just as we learned in healthcare and criminal justice, behavior changes won't eliminate the need to spend something on infrastructure but they could slow growth and will certainly feel more like we are spending our resources on the "right" things. Alison Huber-Jewett gave us some good examples of individual actions we could all take and Amanda was inspiring as always with the efforts she is making as a responsible business owner to balance corporate goals with social goals. We concluded our day with a mid-year check in about the program. We all wish the days were longer to allow us more unstructured discussion times but recognize we have to balance this desire with the vast amount of education we are receiving and the reality of our energy levels and drive times. Overall, there is tremendous enthusiasm about the value of the program and the friendships we are developing—these will certainly continue to strengthen, especially through our upcoming two day programs. As we left for the day, we were encouraged that it was still light outside (the days are lengthening and our air quality wasn't so bad as to block out the sun) and a relative warm front had arrived (making it feel like New England in winter, properly situated between frigid Canada and balmy DC, for now).
Session Day Review: Criminal Justice - December 10, 2009
Reflections of Criminal Justice Day
by Elaine Hamel
One of the really unique aspects of Leadership NH is that the learning process expands far beyond reading materials and discussion. The opportunities for experiences including, driving with parole officers, police officers and the prison visits, prior to our criminal justice class provided incredible exposure to our system of criminal justice. Perhaps the most pertinent information that was delivered was how this system does and/or does not work and the many challenges facing it.
Our day began within the walls of the women's prison in Goffstown, NH with amazing insight presented by Edda Cantor, prior warden, and fascinating discussions with Commissioner, William Wrenn, Jo Diament, NHDOC and Barbara Keshen, NHCLU Attorney. The recurring theme in each of their messages was that the criminal justice system is incredibly underfunded and this affects us all in the long run.
A large portion of the inmate population consists of people suffering from drug and alcohol addictions and mental health issues. If our only intent is to punish the crime, then the system we have is fairly well operational. Why is it that we seem to manage to find funding to build more prisons to house 'inmates' when what is really needed is programming to rehabilitate these individuals? After all, it is these programs that will benefit society overall. This is not simply a humanistic view, but also a matter of public safety and societal well-being, not to mention good business sense. Why would we spend more money building walls so that taxpayers can continually pay for repeat offenders?
After a fabulous protein free dining experience in the cafeteria (or not!) we had the opportunity to speak with Judge Kathleen McGuire on criminal sentencing issues. She provided yet another angle on the criminal justice system and how the lack of programming and treatment facilities continues to be a major contributor in the rate of recidivism. She sees firsthand the repeat offenders everyday, solidifying the inadequate job that we are doing serving our community by accepting a system that does not make strides to reduce recidivism. Judge McGuire also provided insight into concrete evidence supporting that programming in our prisons makes a positive difference. She was instrumental getting woodworking into the men's prison and has seen the impact. Dealing with the day to day of repeat offenders has to be disheartening and challenging, her insight was heartfelt and her time with us was much appreciated.
Warden Joanne Fortier spoke to our class and her attitude was upbeat despite dealing with an overcrowded facility, lack of rehabilitative efforts through much needed programs, and the recidivism rate that exists. Her frustration became apparent as she spoke of the desire to help these women despite having so little to work with and the continuous roadblocks. I simply cannot imagine what it must take to keep the faith under these circumstances.
Perhaps the the most eye-opening session of our day in prison occurred with the inmates themselves. Divided into four groups, each small group was given the opportunity to listen to the story of one inmate. The young woman that spoke to our group was a 25 year old mother of a beautiful little girl, of whom she shared a picture. Her story began growing up with alcoholic and drug addicted parents. At the age of 12 she suffered from anorexia nervosa and by 13 she herself was a drug addict.
This was not someone that had dropped out of school or 'slipped' through the system. This is not someone without goals or drive. This inmate graduated 47th out of a class of 1500. She attended college for two years working toward a degree in nursing as she felt/feels she has much to offer those with anorexia and addictions. She had spent most of her life stealing to support her drug habit while in and out of treatment facilities and as a result never managed to finish her college degree. Like many that struggle with addictions she now finds herself behind bars.
Her pain is palpable as she tells her story of suffering, pain and regret. Yet, she does not tell this story to gain sympathy but rather simply recounts the reality of her life. Many of us sat in tears as it was so difficult to comprehend such a life, and perhaps because we could relate to her on some level. From the outside it is so easy to term a person 'inmate' or 'prisoner' but to judge a book by its cover does not address the pain, the struggle, the desperate desire to rise above it all, end the cycle, somehow, someway.
There are so many circumstances that lead up to incarceration and it is apparent these women are so much more than inmates. They are daughters, sisters, moms, grandmothers, friends... women in need of help. It is not my intent to provide some rosy-eyed view, certainly there are plenty of inmates not interested in changing their circumstances, but why is there no focus on those that do? And if we are willing to pay the price to house and feed them in prison, why do we not invest in ways to reduce the numbers by providing an increase in rehabilitative efforts instead of cinderblock walls and lousy food?
As the director of a non-profit organization called Girls at Work, Inc. (www.girlswork.org) that empowers girls and women through building, I have spent some time in the women's prison trying to figure out how to create a woodworking partnership. Again there exists the obstacle of funding.
After 10 years of seeing the results that this program has on at-risk women and girls, the women living within these walls are perfect candidates for empowering programs. This program helps nurture a sense of pride that could fuel the desire to see that they are so much more than the word inmate implies.
As a classmate of Leadership New Hampshire 2010 (best class ever!) I feel it is my duty to provide my fellow students with an opportunity to put their money where their mouth is! I have spoken to Judge McGuire and she has extended the opportunity for me to speak at the women's prison in the upcoming months. I am going to 'speak' on behalf of our program, though the majority of my time will be spent showing them how to build.
I have wanted to take our program into the prison, but after this Leadership experience, I am now more convinced than ever that this is part of a solution. Funding is nothing more than an obstacle and there are more than enough obstacles that exist within these prison walls. I am inviting you to be part of the solution. We have posted Paypal on our site www.Girlswork.org and you can donate on behalf of the women in prison. Your donation will go directly to creating a program for these women that will enable them to see the potential that is so buried by abandon and neglect and violence and well, lousy circumstances. Send them a message that there are folks like us that believe in them and want them to re-enter society as productive members rather than repeat their patterns again and again. Let's not leave those who need help on the shore...
Session Day Review: Health - November 12, 2009
Reflections of Health Program Day
by Sarah Herman
Today's health care agenda was packed with information, engaging speakers, tasty sandwiches, and even a little adrenaline.
Two quotes from the day: "Consider the power of focus." I intend to put this on my refrigerator...and, for a little humor: "How do you prevent un-wed pregnancies?"
Kevin Stone opened the day with a framing of the issues: Do we want doctors to collaborate or compete? Do we want "free market" or government involvement? How do we achieve balance of cost, quality and access? Do we prefer to pay providers on a per basis or on a budget basis?
Gilbert Welch aka "Mr. Incidentalomas" engaged us on the topic of the epidemic of diagnosis. His endearing rainbow plaid shirt and quippy style deserve honorable mention. Gilbert challenged us to consider: How does this epidemic of diagnosis impact the cost of health care? How does it impact the actual care we receive? Is a diagnosis always useful/desirable/helpful information? WHY does this epidemic of diagnosis exist? Capacity to diagnose, legal pressure to diagnose, patient demand, morality and money...all contributing motivating factors to this epidemic.
Dr. Squires of the Endowment for Health is a darling visionary who offered an unusual perspective on the whole health care challenge: "De-monetize" the whole experience. Perhaps that would be the most complete strategy to de-politicize health care--if only it seemed feasible.
We checked our behavior with the President of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. We all had more questions, thoughts, perspectives, and experiences than we could address with him; a few more hours may have satisfied our appetite for this conversation. He said "you gotta have access to health insurance" which reminds us again that we are not looking at this issue holistically. YES we agree with Doug that everyone likes to have "skin in the game," cash back in their pocket and that everyone would like to feel healthier...but is that really Anthem's thesis statement in this debate? He stated that "insurance companies earn a percentage of the money spent on health care and that providers earn for procedures delivered." Hmmm...this encourages a review of Dr. Squires' suggestion that maybe health care delivery should not be so tightly tied to the wallet (government or personal).
Ned Helms and Tom Bunnell helped us wrap up the day on a lighter note. The NH Citizens Health Initiative (NOT called the Governor's plan)is remarkable. Please Google it to see their vision and progress in the state of NH toward helping achieve better health care. Fee for service is NOT their suggested strategy.
Finally, a review of the current status of the Federal Health Care Reform Bill was so appreciated. Go to Kaiser Family Foundation for a side by side review of the debate.
Overarching questions: How do we reconcile our desire to have Cadillac health care at Hyundai prices? What is the cost of consumer choice in our care plans? And I still want to explore why health insurance remains tied to employment.
Session Day Review: What is NH? October 15, 2009
Reflections of What is NH?
by Christopher Williams
Coming off of a very exciting and high-energy retreat a month ago, 37 of us gathered together at The Strawberry Banke in Portsmouth for our first of nine monthly sessions over the coming months. This first session, very fittingly, was entitled "What Is NH?"
We kicked off the formal morning program by "checking in" with each other for about an hour, which means we took a moment to share with each other any particular thoughts or insights we had concerning the homework we were assigned at the recent retreat. During this "check-in" discussion, many of us agreed there is a tremendous socio-economic disparity between towns within New Hampshire.
We had A TON of very interesting and useful NH demographic and economic data thrown at us by Ken Johnson of The Carsey Institute, and by Russ Thibeault of Applied Economic Research. Basically, we all learned that NH's population is changing dramatically (most of us are NOT natives, and most of those moving here in the last 10 years are decidedly more liberal than those who have lived in NH before the turn of the century).
Steve Norton of The NH Center For Public Policies rocked the casbah with us all afternoon, facilitating discussions about NH's future relative to four major policy sectors: age, ethnicity, the economy, and the environment.
The day wrapped up with a social event with Leadership Seacoast at the Sheraton Harborside Hotel. Many good-natured jokes were made about a rather humorous situation that occurred at the retreat relative to a certain team-building exercise. But that, my friends, is only for the 2010 class to know about. Because we are, after all, THE BEST CLASS EVER.
Session Day Review: Opening Retreat - September 14 & 15, 2009
Opening Retreat Reflections
by Eileen Liponis
Webster's dictionary describes a retreat as a place of seclusion or privacy. The 600 acres of the Merrowvista Education Center in Ossipee certainly provided that for the 38 students of the LNH Class of 2010. While the facility provided privacy, the rich diversity of NH citizenry was represented around that morning's welcome circle but we didn't know that when we arrived. We would learn that and much more about ourselves and each other over the course of the next two days.
We had some idea of what to expect from the organizing material giving us such clues as "wear warm comfortable clothing with sturdy shoes" and "there will NOT be a high ropes course, all activities are challenge by choice."
The activities were designed to take 38 students, who one would assume from a leadership demographic were Type A personalities, from stranger to comrade in less than 30 hours. One of the first exercises was beautifully designed in its simplicity to illustrate how far we had to go. Have nine people lift a curtain rod and bring it back down to the ground just "holding" it up with the underside of your index finger. Going up was no problem but it was amazing how the bugger wouldn't go down in unison though. We soon learned that a seemingly simple common task can quickly organize, familiarize and empower nine strangers. With each activity we examined what we learned from the process of the exercise and about ourselves in how we responded to the challenge.
The introspection was a new and valuable tool for me. The retreat gave us the expectation that the time we will spend coming together each month will be rich and well spent.
I think it is safe to say that we went into the retreat with an open mind and heart and we were greatly rewarded and eagerly await the coming sessions. I predict the LNH Class of 2010 will be defined as the class with the "Best Sense of Humor Ever." I'd list the reasons why I believe that now, but what happens in Merrowvista stays in Merrowvista.