Playground advocates should work to cooperate

Let’s hope the Nashua Committee on Infrastructure’s Feb. 3 roundtable forum to discuss where the Legacy Playground should be built brings resolution to this divisive issue. The original plan to construct the universally accessible playground in Greeley Park has met strong opposition from a significant number of residents who do not believe it’s in keeping with the park’s legacy.

The committee agreed to have the meeting at the urging of Alderman-at-large Jim Donchess who observed that the two sides have spent their energies arguing for their positions, but not seeking common ground. The roundtable would serve that purpose, according to Donchess.

“I think if people talk together, ask questions, make points, answer questions, in a respectful manner, which I’m sure everyone can do, there’s at least the possibility – at least the possibility – that we would have a project that everyone can support,” he said. “Now, maybe we can’t get there, but maybe we can.”

Since the Board of Public Works voted 4-1 in December to build the playground in Greeley Park, it’s up to aldermen to grant the final OK. The mayor supports the plan and The Telegraph has editorialized in favor of it as well.

Wherever the playground is eventually constructed, the roundtable should at least allay concerns that the process has been tainted. By bringing the two sides together, Donchess is demonstrating the aldermen are willing to listen to all arguments before making a final decision.

Eventually voters will need to see a lot more specifics

It’s often good news to see fresh faces attempt to move up the political ladder. The way business is conducted in Washington these days, it’s a wonder anyone would consider running for Congress. Not only is it nearly impossible to forge reasonable compromises, but the demands to raise outrageous amounts of money to compete are ridiculous.

So it is, indeed, refreshing to see Salem’s four-term state Rep. Marilinda Garcia announce her candidacy for New Hampshire’s 2nd Congressional District. Certainly elements of the Republican Party are happy because its obvious need for new energetic voices capable of appealing to a changing electorate.

She is widely viewed as a more conservative alternative to Nashua’s Gary Lambert, the former state senator, and is receiving support from some powerful elements of the party closely linked to the tea party movement.

As expected and as is normal this far out from the primary, Garcia stuck to vagaries during her official public announcement. The one notable exception was her pledge to repeal the Affordable Care Act. As a practical matter, that’s not going to happen, but it points to the fact that the troubles with health care reform could translate into Republican votes in November.

But, moving forward, voters will need a little more political meat to chew on before deciding whether Garcia is ready to move up.

A-Rod: The most reviled man in the history of baseball

Who could argue against the notion that Alex Rodriguez has established himself as the most hated player in baseball history?

It was reported this week that during a Major League Players Association conference call Jan. 13 there was overwhelming sentiment for expelling Rodriguez from the union. Yahoo Sports reported some player representatives continued to press for his expulsion after they were told it couldn’t be done.

The call was conducted the same day Rodriguez sued the Players Association for not adequately representing him in his fight against Major League Baseball, which suspended him for more than 200 games for the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

One player told Yahoo that Rodriguez “needs to be scared’” if he returns to baseball, suggesting that pitchers should hit him – and “hit him hard” – when he comes to bat.

That means that Red Sox pitcher Ryan Dempster was ahead of his time last August when he repeatedly threw at the Yankee third baseman before finally drilling him. The fans cheered and Dempster was suspended for five games. We’re sure Dempster would say it was worth it.

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