Yesterday I interviewed a woman who was blocks away from the World Trade Center buildings when they were hit. An officemate found two men who were working in the Pentagon when it got hit. A week or so ago I interviewed a soldier who was awarded a medal for his actions in Afghanistan. We are planning what should be a fantastic September 11 issue, much of the coverage directly linked to what happened that day or what came from it.

On Marketplace last night, however, they covered what impacts the policy shifts after 9/11 wrought. It’s a subject worth delving into, even though it’s ephemeral. I’m interested to see how other major media outlets approach the subject. What will reflection bring? What will the ultimate legacy of 9/11 be? Someone on Marketplace compared it to how the previous generation viewed JFK’s assassination—everyone knows where they were when they heard what happened. Those stories are bound to come out. What I want to know is how we approach 9/11 going forward. Hopefully the national media has the clarity of vision to ask those questions going forward.

A few more photos, this time with the snow:

I know it’s short notice, but I’ll be on the Exchange on NHPR in about half an hour talking about the Fraser mill deal falling through. Tune in from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., or tonight from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.

I cleared the spam-blocking software because it was a little too effective. I’m going to have to figure out something else instead. So comment away.

Just a quick note: I’ve added a new filter to the comments section to try to keep the spammers out. If anyone has a problem posting just shoot me an email.

Thanks.

I tagged along with U.S. Senate hopeful Kelly Ayotte today as she toured Isaacson Structural Steel, Inc., with Berlin native Steve Griffin. She shook hands all around and introduced herself to as many people as she could. I asked her if she felt this sort of thing really improves her chances in this fall’s election. “It’s the New Hampshire way,” she said, every connection she makes today will hopefully influence the votes of family members, friends, neighbors.

Mr. Griffin acknowledged Berlin traditionally votes Democratic. He attributed it to the city’s union influence. (ISSI is a non-union shop, he said.) But as Mrs. Ayotte toured she heard criticism, even from registered Republicans. One man held her up for several minutes to criticize how every politician gets to Washington D.C., regardless of party, and gets consumed by the political dance. What makes you any different? he asked.

Honestly, he was facing me and she was facing away, so I heard his questions but not her response. But I did snap one photo that illustrates the rift between Berlin and Washington:

The crisp pink of Mrs. Ayotte’s blazer contrasts the tee shirt and jean, dirty hands approach of a ISSI worker. She never shied away from shaking a single man’s dirty hand on the floor (the were all men), and she said her hands were used to the dirt from her husband’s landscaping business. Still, there are few Democrats or Republicans that can match Berlin’s blue collar ethic. I thought this picture portrayed that nicely. I’m interested to she how she fares in the primary, and if she makes it, the general election in November.

If you want to know where she stands on the issues, check out next week’s Reporter.

Check out this  great video from the New York Times. It’s creative, interesting and gives the rest of us a brief look at what it’s like being president (no thank you). Great use of media to turn something completely boring entertaining.

For an added challenge, try to identify as many heads of state as you can. Silvio Berlusconi and Angela Merkel are the easiest.

By the way, while I’m giving quick updates, the city manager handed out the preliminary budget at Monday’s council meeting. It again tries to maintain a level budget for the third year. This year, however, it includes some cuts in services.

Two I’ll be looking more into are the elimination of $25,000 for a contract economic development director with Tri-County CAP, and the reduction of the fire department by two personnel. And the projections still don’t keep the budget completely flat. The school and police departments did not submit to council’s request for a flat budget, but even without their increases the tax rate will require a small increase.

But June is a long way away, and there are a number of discussions that will take place before then. So stay tuned, and check out the Reporter in coming weeks for more coverage of the 2011 budget.

I spent last night snuggled up in bed with a three ring binder full of line items. My job rocks.