New Hampshire voters need to thank Chuck Morse in Salem and all the other Republicans for the huge tax increase that they have levied against taxpayers. Does Chuck Morse realize that his vote against the smoking ban will condemn smokers and nonsmokers alike to life-threatening illnesses? And in virtually all cases, Medicaid and Medicare will pick up the tab. And guess who pays the taxes to fund these programs? We need to rid ourselves of spend and spend Republicans and their hidden tax increases.

Trash tactic

On the North Andover trash fee hike, they should all vote no. North Andover residents should vote no on July 10, because this is a tactic. They'll raise the price of the trash every year to cover their shortfall.

Vote no

The North Andover residents need to vote no on the trash hike. Because if they don't, they're going to raise trash fees every year, and this is just their way of pushing it through. People need to go to the July 10 meeting and voice their opinion.

Follow rules

When I heard on the news that Daniel Cotnoir was found not guilty, I almost jumped for joy. I was just so happy for him. This has been such hell, and I'm really glad it's over for him. If the police had been doing what they were supposed to be doing, closing down places at a certain hour when they're supposed to be closed, then none of this would have happened. So we need to take a look at that and make sure that these restaurants and bars are following rules. It's just an example of what can happen when people are not following rules.

Wrong side

Hey, Chief Romero: I think that you picked the wrong side of the fence in the Marine case. First of all, he was defending his family and himself from a rowdy crowd that was throwing bottles and stones at his house. His window was broken. The girl should not have been there at such a young age. Also, he has a gun permit. People who provoke someone at 3 a.m. should smarten up and go home without any trouble.

Not responsive

I'm calling in regard to the Cotnoir trial, with regard to Cotnoir being found not guilty. I've been a Lawrence resident all of my life, all 48 years. All I can say is that it's about time that justice has scored one for the good guy. When a person can't find peace and quiet in his own house and his own community, and his house is attacked with his children and his wife in it, that's the reaction. That's not surprising. The police should have been there earlier. That could have been avoided if we had a responsive police force.

Bottle thrown

I was more than happy with the Cotnoir verdict. Anything else would have been absurd. In reading the article, a comment was made by one person saying, "Nobody bothered him." Most people would say a bottle flying through a window is a tad more than a bother.

Priorities in Haverhill

Explain to me where our priorities are here in Haverhill. We're in debt more than you can believe, yet we can still spend $11,000 on fireworks, and they say it's from receipts from the carnival. How about all the police who have to be hired for that and the city workers who have to go and pick all that up? Maybe they're all volunteers. It costs too much for a city in debt.

Verdict

The verdict on Daniel Cotnoir is just about the best thing that has been done for Lawrence in a long, long time.

Proud of jury

I'm very proud of the jury that let the Marine off. Maybe the 15- and 16-year-old punks will realize that it's not all about them. I'm very proud of the jury. Thank you, and congratulations Sgt. Cotnoir.

Prayers answered

My prayers have been answered for Mr. Cotnoir. I'm so glad that he was found not guilty. As for Chief Romero being unhappy, where were you when he asked for help to disperse the rowdy crowd that has no regard for people's feelings at that hour?

Day off

I find it interesting that these people are calling in thanking Mayor Manzi for a day off. Of course. Why shouldn't they be thankful? They're getting paid for doing nothing. The fact that he already gave them overtime was what they deserved, and they got it. This is just going to make it easier for him to get re-elected. Who in the town, after getting all the perks and days off, aren't going to vote for him?

Justice was served

I'm so happy and pleased to see that Marine involved in the shooting in Lawrence was acquitted. I believe justice was served.

Courageous Manzi

Mayor Manzi should be congratulated for being courageous enough to buck the emotional decision to appoint the local favorite. As much as Mr. Nicholson was a wonderful person, perhaps he was not the best person for superintendent.

Protecting family

Why did Cotnoir fire to protect his family? Because the police didn't. Because he was a soldier, he was taught to protect himself.