Posted by Dennis Herrick on September 02, 2008 at 12:23:35:
I'm from East Hampstead now, and I'm going to weigh in. I agree with Selectman James Stewart. What the Federal Government is trying to accomplish should always be suspect in a "free" society. Lets look at some government programs. Social Security is a joke (2% return on investment, with most of its assets in IOUs. Medicare withits new drug benefit has become a millstone around our necks. And I haven't even mentioned the sadists at the IRS. And like the Post Office before it, the Homeland Security Department exists just to give former military men something to do while their're waiting for their government pensions.
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Incident Management System Proposal Stirs Debate
Rebecca Fishow
Tri-Town Times
HAMPSTEAD – Town repairs, state resolutions for incident management systems and land priority plans were among the topics at the Hampstead Board of Selectmen meeting Monday.
A resolution to adopt the National Incident Management System (NIMS) resulted in discussion but led to postponement of any action this week by the Board of Selectmen.
The proposal asks the town to adopt the system as the basis for the town’s incident management. NIMS has been identified by Homeland Security as being the requisite incident management system for all levels of government in the United States.
“I’ve lived in the state of New Hampshire for a long, long time and slowly seen our slogan deteriorate,” Selectman James Stewart said. He asked whether the police and fire departments as well as other emergency management personnel are encouraging the resolution, and wants that information before making a decision.
If adopted, Hampstead would use NIMS as the common foundation for incident management, coordination and support activities, disaster operation planning and training, and command and control of all incidents.
“We have had NIMS training in town and probably have some more work to do to make sure this is carried out,” Selectman Richard Hartung said.
If the resolution were adopted, Hampstead would be eligible for state and federal funding to enhance local emergency preparedness, and first responder safety and incident management processes.
“Let’s get some feedback from the town,” Hartung said. “I don’t think there’s any way of not adopting it. But if it stirs up feelings in the community up, down and sideways. please come in.”