Poznanski Runs For Cover
Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 09:42AM
The Nashua Telegraph has a nice article (Nov 3) in which Brian Poznanski responds to some of my objections to his continued service as a House Rep from a blog I wrote and posted Sunday Morning. Nice of the Telegraph to offer him a place to hide without any serious attempt to address his complicity in my primary objection; supporting illegal activity in others.
Despite the mea culpa, mea culpa (in which he uses the word “I” ten times without mention of lawbreaking by others) Brian is still guilty of violating his oath of office as a member of the general court. He swore to uphold the laws of the state. He has failed in that duty miserably. But that’s only the beginning of his failure. He not only participated in violating the law personally, he was party without reservation (at the time of offense) to violations of the same law by at least 21 others. And he is complicit (by his presence) as a member of the General Court in the distribution of alcohol to underage drinkers, by people old enough to buy it. (Two others were charged with facilitating an underage alcohol party and prohibited sales of alcohol, according to the Telegraph.)
I’m sure the House members to which he spoke told him three (four) things. Look and sound suitably apologetic. Don’t take credit for anything else you allowed to happen in your presence. Then hope this blows over quickly. We’ll do the rest. “The rest” is to suggest that violating the oath of office comes without penalty.
Now Brian is probably a great guy, and I don’t doubt that he’s sorry now that he’s been caught, but he has not begun to accept or admit the fact that as a Lawmaker he allowed a house full of people to violate state law. Promising to attend to such things in the future does not excuse the behavior that exposed the need.
This isn’t just about what Brian Poznanski did in the vacuum of “I” it’s what lawmaker Poznanaski allowed to happen in the collective known as ‘House Party’ in Bedford. A party where at least 24 people broke the laws of the People of the State of New Hampshire, while Legislator Brian Poznanaski looked on.
Brian Poznanski still needs to resign.
Brian Poznanski in Corruption, Democrats
Reader Comments (8)
I'm imagining a ditzy blonde standing with shopping bags outside of The Gap saying, "party...who?"
LMA
Like I said earlier, some individuals have too much time on their hands.
Like the blonde ditz, "Party...who?"
LMA
Part Deux II.
Brian is still guilty of violating his oath of office as a member of the general court. He swore to uphold the laws of the state.
unquote
Steven--would you care to show us where in the oath of office a person swears to uphold the law. In my reading a person swears allegience to the US to NH and to the constitution.
So he should resign for this. Forget reprimand, censure or just a straight explanation.
Are you looking for something to do Chaz?
How many legislators have been caught adding amendments or changing fiscal notes after the legislation has been reported out of committee?
How many legislators have been caught DWI?
"Steven--would you care to show us where in the oath of office a person swears to uphold the law. In my reading a person swears allegience to the US to NH and to the constitution."
Why are you asking me this.
Honestly, I haven't spent a great deal of time on the legislator party other than reading the newspaper. But it seems to me the legislator was simply in attendance at a party where some underage drinking was happening. I think the issue is wrong place at the wrong time.
As you know Chaz. In politics timing is everything.
My question was addressed to Steven MacDonald.
I ask about one question a week here and Steven never answers. Often the question goes to the heart of his premise.
In this case he accuses a legislator of breaking his oath of office. Unfortunately Steven inserts quotes in the oath that don't exist to my knowledge.
I thought Steve could clear this up one way or the other.
I, A.B. do solemnly swear, that I will bear faith and true allegiance to the United States of America and the state of New Hampshire, and will support the constitution thereof. So help me God.
I, A.B. do solemnly and sincerely swear and affirm that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all duties incumbent on me as ................................................., according to the best of my abilities, agreeably to the rules and regulations of this constitution and laws of the state of New Hampshire. So help me God.
It essentially says that a legislator carries out his duties according to the laws that govern the conduct of legislative duties.
Now--remember Bush's signing statements. Bush took the oath of office, signed laws and immediately went on the record telling us which part of each law he would respect and have enforced by the AG.
Many of us hated this practice, but there weren't grounds to have him removed from office for not upholding the law.
Upholding the law is the work of law enforcement, not our legislators.
I would agree that there are times when ethically a person should leave office for repeated offenses. This is not one of those times.