The National Legislative Services and Security Association
	A QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER FOR LEGISLATIVE STAFF WINTER 1998

Dear NLSSA Members,

Welcome to the Winter 1998 edition of the NLSSA Newsletter. This being the first edition that I have had the opportunity to work on, it is again with sincere appreciation that I commend all former editors, staff and newsletter contributors. Without the hard work and determination these individuals have shown, a quality newsletter would never be possible. The newsletter will only be as good as our members allow it to be.

This issue features a description of the NCSL Assembly on State Issues (ASI) Committees and the ASI Spring Meeting in Seattle. It includes a calendar of NLSSA and NCSL events, information regarding the 1998 Annual Training Conference, a summary of the Regions 1 & 2 Training Session held in San Antonio, Texas in January and regional news.

As the NLSSA membership grows and diversifies, it is crucial that we provide as much information to the membership as possible. Not everyone has the opportunity or the time to attend as many meetings as we would like. Therefore we will try to keep you updated as much as possible through the newsletter and other publications from NCSL as well as through the Internet.

The deadline for submitting articles and information for publication in 1998 are as follows:

Spring Newsletter April 30, 1998
Summer Newsletter July 31, 1998
Fall Newsletter October 31, 1998

Please send all articles and photos for the NLSSA newsletter to:

or e-mail me at Jon.Hochkammer@legis.state.wi.us

Dear Members:

In order to maintain a strong organization, we need to continue recruiting new members and retain existing memberships from the prior year.

Currently, we have 58 Active and 9 Associate members who have not renewed their membership for 1998. If your situation permits, I would take this opportunity to encourage you to do so at an early date.

Our NLSSA/NCSL Liaison Staff are currently working toward getting a new Membership Roster ready for publication, and the early return of your application and check for $50.00 will ensure you are included therein.

Sincerely,

Jim Woods
NLSSA Treasurer

Bill Morgan Committee Chairman

The development of a Web page for the NLSSA is underway. The committee and I have ideas on what to have on the page and other links to agencies. But it is your page too and your ideas might help make the page better. So, all you web surfers please contact me by e-mail at William.morgan@po.state.ct.us or phone 860-240-0240, or fax at 860-240-0247.

NLSSA is compiling a list of member's Internet E-mail address. Please forward your e-mail address to Bill Morgan at the e-mail address listed above so that NLSSA can maintain a current listing.

1998 Calendar of Events

As Staff Chair of the Assembly on State Issues(ASI), I would like to invite you to attend ASI's Spring Meeting in Seattle, Washington, April 3-5, 1998. The meeting provides a great opportunity for you to share ideas, insights, and information with your colleagues from around the nation.

You've never been to an ASI meeting before? Come join us! If you are hesitating because you have not been active in one of ASI's eight committees and one task force, please know you are welcome to attend. Anyone with an interest in the topics to be covered and the issues to be discussed—regardless of whether they are an ASI committee member—should not miss this chance to exchange ideas and information with other legislative staff and with state legislators.

The meeting agenda is currently shaping up to be quite impressive. Our Opening Plenary will focus on the tobacco legislation resulting from negotiations between forty-one state attorneys general and the tobacco companies that Congress will consider in its 1998 session. While we are still finalizing plans for the session, it promises to be both interesting and informative. Our Closing Plenary Session will feature master communicator Sam Horn. As we all know, working in the legislative environment poses many unique challenges. Participants are under scrutiny from the media and must react quickly and articulately to rapidly changing circumstances. Successfully negotiating in this world requires effective communication. Ms. Horn will show you how to keep your cool under fire, diplomatically disarm difficult behavior and communicate in a way that turns conflict into cooperation.

In addition to the two plenary sessions, a variety of concurrent sessions will be held addressing a broad range of topics such as child health outreach strategies, education options for juvenile offenders, digital signature laws, information privacy, and utilities deregulation. The concurrent sessions are sponsored by ASI's committees and are open to any and all meeting attendees. We will also be presenting a special seminar—Redistricting 2000—in conjunction with the United States Census Bureau as well as a tours of Microsoft, Boeing, and a Public Art Walking Tour. These opportunities all included in your ASI registration, no extra charge!

To receive a copy of the meeting agenda (as well as registration and housing information), please call NCSL's fax on demand number (800)380-7280 and request Document 102. The agenda will also be available through the Internet on NCSL's web site (www.ncsl.org). The information available through these two sources will be continually updated, as additional details are available.

A brochure for the ASI Spring Meeting, including registration materials, has already been mailed. If you did not receive a brochure, please contact NCSL's Vicky Rodriguez at (303)364-7700 or e-mail Vicky.Rodriguez@ncsl.org. She'll be happy to send you a copy of the brochure as well as respond to any questions or concerns you may have.

I look forward to seeing you in Seattle!

ASI is one of two committee structures used by NCSL to serve its members. Unlike the other committee structure (the Assembly on Federal Issues, which directs NCSL's lobbying efforts in Washington, D.C.), ASI membership is open to legislative staff. ASI serves as a major forum for the exchange of ideas and information among state legislatures. It allows legislators and legislative staff to benefit from the experiences of other states in shaping public policy, experimenting with new laws, and managing the legislative institution.

How does ASI accomplish the goal of sharing ideas and information?

ASI holds three meetings each year, providing an exchange of information through timely and relevant work products and through networking opportunities for legislators and legislative staff.

How is ASI structured?

Eight ASI committees focus on different topic areas, including Arts and Tourism; Children, Families, and Health; Communications and Information Policy; Criminal Justice; Education; Fiscal, Oversight, and Intergovernmental Affairs; Legislative Effectiveness; and Science, Energy, and Environmental Resources.

There is also one task force: the Redistricting Task Force.

No! ASI meetings are open to all legislative staff, regardless of committee membership. Staff interested in the issues addressed by ASI are encouraged to attend all meetings.

ASI meetings have a structure similar to that of the NCSL Annual Meeting and staff section training conferences. Two plenary sessions addressing topics of wide interest are usually held while concurrent sessions are held on a variety of topics relevant to each committee or task force.

Additional information about ASI is available through NCSL's home page (www.ncsl.org), including information about each of the committees, a list of officers, committee work products, and information about upcoming meetings. You can also contact NCSL's Vicky Rodriguez at (303)364-7700 or e-mail Vicky.Rodriguez@ncsl.org. Jennifer Noyes, ASI's current Staff Chair, can also answer any questions you may have. You can reach her at (608)266-2818 (the Wisconsin Legislative Audit Bureau) or e-mail Jennifer.Noyes@legis.state.wi.us

The following articles have been submitted from presentations at the NLSSA Region 1 & 2 Training Session held in San Antonio, Texas

Submitted by Jon Hochkammer

Drew T. Durham of the Texas Attorney General's Office gave a presentation regarding the activities of the Republic of Texas. He explained numerous ways which are helpful in determining whether or not you could be dealing with a "Common Law Defendant." Examples such as Letters of Passport, Notice of Diplomatic Immunity, Taxation without Representation and Government Takeover of the Family are often used. Other common practices are hand delivered or certified mail, bogus liens, Bible verses and requests for numerous official documents including phone records.

Barry Caver of the Texas Department of Public Safety explained the origin of the Texas Rangers and the Republic of Texas.

The Texas Rangers were formed in 1853 and are the nations oldest state-wide law enforcement agency. They are a division of the Texas Department of Public Safety and have 2800 commissioned officers.

Mr. Caver also gave a detailed explanation of a siege in Jeff Davis County. It included a hostage situation which lasted for approximately 12 hours. It took one week for the Texas Rangers to regain complete control of the area.

He discussed the media involvement as well as other agencies that were called in to assist. Mr. Caver stated the importance of training, chain of command, dealing with media reaction, equipment and other necessary resources required to handle this type of a takeover.

A question and answer period followed. For copies of the handouts at this session, please contact NCSL Staff, Kae Warnock at (303)364-7700.

Submitted by William Morgan

The training on "Security in Bloodborne Pathogens: Proper Handling of Body Fluids" was given by Texas Capitol Nurse Tim Flynn, R.N. The seminar included the scope of the OSHA regulation and similar state programs as to the occupational exposure to blood or other infectious materials.

Define in the simplest way bloodborne pathogens are germs. The OSHA standards specifically identify Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency (AIDS) the last stage of the disease process caused by HIV.

The exposure to a bloodborne pathogen occurs when blood or certain body fluids come into contact with non-intact skin, eye, mucous membrane or parental contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials. Non-intact skin includes skin with dermatitis, cuts abrasions, hangnails, chafing, etc.

The best way to avoid exposure is to use Universal Precautions. Universal precautions are an approach to infection control. Based on the concept that all blood and body fluids be treated as if infected.

Personal Protective equipment is the best way to ensure compliance with universal precautions requirements. This equipment includes, latex gloves, CPR mouth barriers, non-porous water resistant gowns, cleanser, face masks and eye protection.

At scenes where there is more than one person requiring care and the use of gloves or other equipment is required, personnel should use special care to avoid cross contamination of the victims blood or body fluid.

The clean up of blood spills should be carefully removed to prevent contact with bystanders. Small spills may be cleaned with rag or towel, placed in the plastic bag and tied off, then placed inside a second bio-hazard bag (red in color) and cleaned up with a solution of sodium hydrochloride (bleach) and water mixture (1 cup to 1 gal. solution). Tim then demonstrated the small spill clean up kit for the group.

Anyone interested in an additional article on this topic should refer to POLICE Magazine January 1998 "What are the Risks of AIDS and Hepatitis?"

For copies of the handouts at this session, please contact NCSL Staff, Kae Warnock at (303)364-7700.

Submitted by Monte Walters

Video Conferencing in Nevada has become a useful tool for the Legislative Council Bureau. Cost savings on travel time, hotel rooms and rental car expenses for officials and staff has been a bonus not only with the Legislative Council, but with other state agencies in Carson City as well.

One of the concerns of the Legislature was being able to reach the public in the outlying areas, and trying to get more people involved with the Legislature. The population in Southern Nevada has grown tremendously in the last five years so it has become more important that Las Vegas has a way to communicate with their elected officials.

With the recent purchase of new video conferencing equipment, the State of Nevada hopes to do more video conferencing and expand into the educational network.

Videos were shown and handouts distributed regarding available video conferencing equipment.

Submitted By Nancy Young

"Serve the master who pays your salary" was repeated numerous times by Mr. Butch Speer, Clerk of the Louisiana House of Representatives, during a discussion on ethics recently held at the NLSSA Executive Board and Regional meeting in San Antonio, Texas. "Don't go over the line" was a favorite of Mr. Tom Harrison, Executive Director of the Texas Ethics Commission. We were pleased to have Butch and Tom participate in an ethics group discussion at our recent seminar.

Mr. Harrison discussed his role as the Executive Director of the Texas Ethics Commission, composition and duties, while Mr. Speer dealt with issues of morality and conflicts of interest. While asking a question during the discussion period, I questioned the fact that a small bag of homemade candy was delivered to my office during the Christmas holidays from a vendor. While that was a violation of our ethics rules, I did share the candy with members of my staff and that seemed to be okay. Mr. Speer's response concerning this was "if you have to ask you already know the answer." I suppose the best way not to "go over the line" is to listen to your gut feeling. If you think something is wrong then it usually is wrong. If you "serve the master who pays your salary" and are loyal and dedicated to their wishes, then the "line" is something you use to make a telephone call.

I would like to thank both Mr. Speer and Mr. Harrison for sharing their time with us on this most important issue.

Flags at the Nevada Legislature were flown at half-mast on Tuesday, January 20, 1998, to mark the death of Jerry Kenney, Chief of the Legislative Police. Chief Kenney died of a heart attack on Saturday, January 17, 1998. Lorne Malkiewich, director of the Legislative Council Bureau in Nevada said Chief Kenney's death was unexpected. "He had a bout with cancer several years ago, but came through with flying colors."

Speaker Joe Dini of the Nevada Legislature stated that Chief Kenney was "a good guy-easy to get along with. He was well respected by everybody that worked with him. His loss is really quite a loss for us."

Kenney started as a Legislative Police Officer in 1985 and became Chief of Police in 1992. The force employs about eight officers when the Legislature is not in session and 20 during sessions. Kenney was retired from the Los Angeles Police Department, where he was a detective. Chief Kenney was a regional chair of the NLSSA.

NLSSA President Steve Watson said that Chief Kenney was an avid Los Angeles Dodgers fan and was chosen by the team as an "Outstanding Dad" about two years ago.

He is survived by his wife Gay Swetman Kenney of Carson City; his son Jim of Ventura, California; his daughter Kathleen Hughes of Reno; two brothers, Tom Letsche of Iowa and Patrick Kenney of Rapid City, South Dakota and ten grandchildren.

The NLSSA has made a contribution to the American Cancer Society in Chief Jerry Kenney's honor. In the letter that accompanied the contribution, James Woods, NLSSA Treasurer, stated that Chief Kenney's passing "is mourned by his many peers and friends throughout the United States. This contribution represents a token expressing the love and high esteem in which Chief Kenney is held by the members of the NLSSA."

January 28, 1998
by Pat Omandam
(Reprinted with permission from the Star Bulletin)

Coochie Cayan stood on the Capitol rotunda this morning, waiting her turn to enter the state House chamber.

Surveying the crowd, she noted that compared with past years, there were a lot more "everyday" people than government or business officials lining up to attend opening day ceremonies.

"That could send a signal to the Legislature," said Cayan, who has attended the Legislature's opener for the past three years.

Senate President Norman Mizuguchi told a chamber full of state officials, families, friends and the public today that fundamental changes must be made in Hawaii's economy if people are to prosper. He also called for an intensive review of child protection laws in the wake of several deaths of children under state care.

It was a sentiment echoed in the House by Kumu Hula Kawai Aona-Ueoka, who gave a tearful opening chant in Hawaiian of "Malama Na Keiki"- take care of the children.

"So much is being taken away from our children, our future," Aona-Ueoka said.

"If you pass laws that support the children you cannot go wrong because that's our future," she said.

Peggy Lui, office manager for state Rep. Ed Case, said the thrill of opening day may be tempered by the state's struggling economy. But she believes the camaraderie it brings out makes it a memorable event. "It's really festive," she said. "It just excites me."

Since last Friday, bouquets of flowers have trickled into the Capitol basement from well-wishers, where they are sorted by alphabetical order for lawmakers. In return, many reciprocate with food- both homemade and catered- such as the mini lau lau at Case's office, or the sworn-to-be-ono homemade cheesecake from Sen. David Ige's staff.

Lui, along with her husband, Joseph, have provided the bite-size lau lau for visitors for the past three years. She said the pupu has drawn such raves that Capitol security wanted to reserve some even though they're offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

At state Rep. Jun Abinsay's office, Christina Sabino says the public can count on traditional Filipino delicacies. The low-key opening mirrors the state's economic situation as well as the Legislature's intent to get back to work as soon as possible, she said.

To that end, Souki and Mizuguchi have asked that receptions end by 2 p.m. today so that some committees can begin briefings and hearings.

Elsewhere, Sen. Cal Kawamoto's office has catered a Hawaiian menu that includes chicken long rice, lomi salmon and baked teriyaki chicken, while state Rep. K. Mark Takai's mother has taken on the task of home-cooking the beef stew and kalua pig shared at her son's office.

by Mike Yuen
Star-Bulletin
Wednesday, January 21, 1998
(Reprinted with permission from the Honolulu Star-Bulletin)

The 1998 Legislature convened today with Senate President Norman Mizuguchi proposing 10 initiatives to stimulate the isle's stagnant economy and downsize government that go beyond recommendations of Gov. Ben Cayetano's Economic Revitalization Task Force.

They include small-business tax breaks for advertising and for home and business renovations; a year's waiver of business registration and licensing fees; not filling 50 percent of general-funded personnel vacancies; and creating an independent commission to determine which public schools with declining enrollments should be closed.

Unlike House Speaker Joe Souki, whose opening-day speech was more of an advocate for the economic task force plan, Mizuguchi said the plan should be merely the starting point for deliberations.

"Not all groups in our community- and not all members of the Legislature- agree with the recommendations in their entirety. But I urge you not to reject any recommendation without offering something better," said Mizuguchi (D, Aiea), who, with Souki (D, Wailuku), was a task force member.

Mizuguchi's other options include giving small businesses tax credits for the difference they spent on advertising this year compared to last year. "This credit would help small businesses to maintain and boost their spending on advertising when harsh economic times would ordinarily reduce or curtail it," he said.

He also proposed a small business and home renovation tax credit equal to 50 percent of the total planning costs associated with renovating a small business or home.

To curtail personnel costs, which, at 53 percent, is the component of the state budget, Mizuguchi recommended that half of all general-funded vacancies not be filled, with the funds sent back to the cash-tight general fund. The other half of vacant positions would be assigned to two pools, one controlled by Cayetano, the other by Hawaii Chief Justice Ronald Moon.

"The objective is to reduce systemically the personnel services budget and to provide the governor and the chief justice with appropriate authority and the flexibility to determine the personnel priorities of their branches," Mizuguchi said.

"As a complementary measure, we will prohibit the current wide-spread practice of creating exempt positions and circumventing civil service requirements."

Citing what he called unresponsiveness by Department of Education officials to wisely use state funds- the DOE is allocated the largest share of state resources- Mizuguchi said the Senate will consider which declining schools should be closed. It would be modeled on the federal commissions used to shut military bases.

Pointing to the Cayetano administration's failure to consolidate specific departments as was ordered by the 1996 Legislature, Mizuguchi said: "I also recommend we put teeth in the consolidation law by mandating a general fund savings of at least 5 percent."

Mizuguchi and Souki concur on having an intensive review of child-protection laws to ensure that recent cases of child abuse deaths are not repeated.

There was a common theme in both Mizuguchi's and Souki's speeches: with a laggard economy, lawmakers face a daunting task this session.

"It will probably be the toughest for all of us," Souki said. "For what we will be proposing to do will be radical, controversial and painful."

Mizuguchi's assessment: "We cannot afford to drift- to 'wait an see' and hope that things will get better. Our problems are already too long lasting. Strong measures are needed, and needed now, to get the economy moving again."

The economic task force proposal to raise the general excise tax from 4 percent to 5.35 percent- a lightening rod for criticism- must not be viewed in isolation, Souki stressed. I must be viewed as part of a comprehensive package that reduces the "pyramiding" of the excise tax, which is levied at every level of production, distribution and sale; cuts personal and corporate income taxes; and provides a low-income tax credit.

"We will lower overall taxes by $100 million in the near future and by $400 million over three years," Souki said.

The House which last session pushed harder for the privatization of government services than the Senate, will again continue its efforts, Souki added.

Echoing the task force, Souki proposed replacing the elected Board of Education with county-based school boards appointed by the governor.

"We will set two strategic goals for out students: that all eighth-grade students be computer literate by the year 2000 and that all high school graduates by the year 2004 speak a second language," Souki said.

To bolster tourism, the state's No.1 industry, Souki asserted that "it is imperative" to provide a stable revenue source for tourism marketing by restructuring visitor-related taxes to fund an independent Hawaii Tourism Board.

Speaker Jensen
December 31, 1997
Madison, Wisconsin

Assembly Speaker Scott Jensen (R-Waukesha) announced today that he has recommended Denise Solie of Fitchburg to become the new Assembly Sergeant at Arms.

"Denise has a background in both public policy and administration that make her an outstanding choice for Sergeant at Arms" said Jensen. "I am impressed that we are able to recruit a person of her caliber to fill this important job."

Solie has been employed the past two and a half years as a lobbyist for Broydrick and Associates. Prior to her work at Broydrick and Associates she worked as the Legislative Liaison for the Department of Industry, Labor, and Human Relations. Solie also served for 6 years as a member of the Fitchburg City Council and for 4 years as a member of the Dane County Board.

The Sergeant at Arms is responsible for management of support services for the State Assembly including supervision of the Assembly page staff. As Sergeant, Solie will oversee a staff of 13 permanent and 58 part time workers. Sergeant's staff are responsible for an array of services from document distribution to committee staffing to scheduling and setup Assembly facilities. Solie will be the first woman in state history to hold the Assembly Sergeant at Arms post.

"I am excited to be given this opportunity," said Solie. "Former Sergeant John Scocos left big shoes to fill in terms of making the Sergeant at Arms office an efficient and professional operation. I look forward to building on his success."

Speaker Jensen said that his recommendation of Solie will be brought before the full Assembly for approval at the beginning of the January session. He said he was confident Solie would be approved overwhelmingly on a bi-partisan basis since several Democrats recommended her for the job.

"It is essential for the Sergeant to be well organized, above the partisan fray, and dedicated to the efficient and fair operation of the Assembly," said Jensen. "As a former lobbyist and a local government official, Denise knows how to look beyond politics and personalities and focus on getting the job done. She has my full confidence."

The Wisconsin Legislature began the 1998 Legislative Session by providing access to the audio feed from the Legislative Chambers of the Assembly and Senate via the Internet. Real Audio software was installed on the Legislature's web server and the audio feed was connected to the server.

The reaction from the public has been very positive. School groups, state agencies, interested parties, media and members of the lobbying corps have found it a convenient way to follow the activities of the Legislature.

In addition to the floor debate, the Joint Committee on Finance meetings are also broadcast.

The ability to disseminate the audio signal at a very low cost has had a positive impact. The people of Wisconsin may now listen to all debate. Those who have business with the Legislature are able to monitor the progress of debate and no longer find it necessary to be physically present in the Chambers or committee room waiting for a subject to come up. This has reduced the number of people present at anytime and made the task of providing adequate facilities for visitors easier.

The advent of providing easy access to the legislative process through the Internet has increased the ability of public participation and monitoring of the process without increasing the demand for physical space or personnel.

The WEB site address for the Wisconsin Legislature Home Page is: www.legis.state.wi.us to access the audio feed and other legislative information.

If you are interested in further information please feel free to contact Donald J. Schneider, Senate Chief Clerk at (608) 266-2517 or Charles Sanders, Assembly Chief Clerk at (608) 266-1501.

by Jack Wardlaw and
Ed Anderson
October 17, 1997
(Reprinted with permission from the Times-Picayune)

Baton Rouge- A New Orleans radio station owner who carries a badge identifying himself as a special assistant to Gov. Foster was arrested Thursday after a scuffle with Capitol security officers trying to determine if he was carrying a gun.

The forced search revealed an empty ankle holster, and Robert Namer, owner and talk show host at WTIX-AM, was booked with public intimidation, battery on a police officer and resisting arrest.

Public intimidation is a felony that carries a maximum penalty of five years at hard labor. The other two charges are misdemeanors that can be punished by fines up to $500 and six months in jail for each count.

Before being booked, Namer was taken to Earl K. Long Hospital for treatment of injuries he suffered in a struggle with House security chief John Gentrey and two security officers.

State Police spokesman Trooper Trevor Smith said Namer was examined by an emergency room doctor for possible neck and back injuries.

"The doctor checked him out and said he had sustained no injuries," Smith said. Namer was then taken to East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. Bond had not been set by late Thursday.

Foster said that Namer, a 1995 campaign supporter, carries the title of "special assistant", an honorary designation that has no official powers or duties.

Foster described Namer as "a member of the media." He said Namer "has no official capacity with this administration. He worked on my campaign and did some helpful things."

"He is, like all other members of the news media and other citizens of this state, responsible for his own action," Foster said.

Namers' confrontation with Capitol security came moments after an acrimonious appearance before the Audit Advisory Council, a legislative body meeting to discuss Legislative Auditor Dan Kyle's report on the Orleans Levee Board.

Namer is a frequent critic of the Levee Board.

Although the auditor's report was somewhat critical of the board, several council members commended board President James Huey, crediting him with making progress in cleaning up a board that has a troubled history.

Namer then accused council members of "playing kissy-face" with Huey and approving a report that is "filled with lies".

Council members also asked Namer if he had threatened to get Huey and another Levee Board official fired.

"I just told James Huey that he was a 'gone pecan,' Namer said.

Gentrey and others said that they spotted a holster on Namer's ankle during the hearing. Rep. Warren Triche, D-Thibodaux, asked Namer if he was carrying a gun.

"That's none of your business," Namer said.

Carrying a gun in the Capitol is illegal, and Gentrey demanded that Namer submit to a search. He refused, and Rep. Francis Thompson, D-Delhi, tried to soothe Namer. When Thompson asked Namer if he had a gun, Namer said no.

But when the hearing ended, Gentrey and the security officers stopped Namer in the corridor outside the committee room and asked to inspect the holster.

"What's your probable cause?" Namer asked.

Gentrey said he had the legal authority, saw what appeared to be an ankle holster on Namer's leg, and ordered a search. Namer began screaming and twisting. As he was wrestled to the floor he yelled that officers were choking him.

With reporters standing nearby, Namer cried out as cameras rolled: "Don't touch me...You are putting your hands on me." He pulled out a tape recorder and began doing a narrative of the search, saying he was being choked and strangled.

"You choked me," Namer screamed as Gentrey held him around the neck and shoulders. Namer demanded to see Foster.

Later, Namer said he was beaten in an elevator while out of public view, an allegation Gentrey denied.

Before the scuffle, the Audit Advisory Council voted to subpoena both Namer and Huey to testify under oath at the panel's November meeting.

Kyle's audit, made public Oct. 3, said the Levee Board has mismanaged some of its professional service contracts and one of its consultants may have run afoul of state ethics laws.

Kyle criticized the board for entering into deals without written contracts and paying consulting fees without approval from the appointed board members.

But Kyle said the new leadership has tightened contractual policies significantly.

"Some of these finding are the remnants of the past administration," Kyle said. "They have cleaned up some things. They have a new attitude."

So far it looks like a lot of blanks were fired in the shootout that preceded the law that allows Texans to carry concealed handguns.

An analysis of the law released Tuesday by the Violence Policy Center revealed that 940 Texans with handgun licenses have been arrested since the law went into effect.

That isn't very many over two years, especially considering that 163,666 Texans now have licenses. Moreover, about two-thirds of the arrests - 683 - were for misdemeanors. And of the 263 felonies, we don't know what role weapons played - maybe none, for example, in the 26 thefts and 30 drug-related offenses. Nor do we know how many of the arrests led to convictions.

Of course, we also don't know how many lives were saved or crimes thwarted by people carrying legal handguns. Probably all who argued for or against the law before it was passed exaggerated the likely results.

The Standard-Times editorial board opposed the law, and still regards the potential danger to be greater than the potential gains. However, we concede that there have been few of the kinds of incidents we feared would occur - shootouts over traffic accidents, for example.

None of this should be regarded as ammunition, though, for proposals to make it easier to get concealed-carry licenses. Some lawmakers intend to push for easing the restrictions on getting licenses, including eliminating the requirement that applicants undergo training.

That not only would be less safe for Texans, proponents of the concealed-carry should realize that lowering the standards threatens the law. Without the safeguards (which proponents advocated to get the law passed), future reports are less likely to reflect well on the law, and public support could disappear.

Even the changes in the law that went into effect this year were unnecessary. For example, churches were removed from the list of places where guns were banned. Now a church must post a sign if it doesn't want people carrying guns inside, which is an objectionable requirement.

The concealed-carry law hasn't made much difference in Texas. Fewer than 1 percent of Texans have licenses, and many of them carried guns before the law went into effect. Responsible legislators need to make sure that they don't do something to make the earlier predictions come true.

December 27, 1997
by Cliff Miller
(Reprinted with permission from the Post-Crescent Madison bureau)

MADISON- Tons of books and a temporary office for the governor have left the massive restoration-rehabilitation of the state Capitol without an end in sight.

Meanwhile officials in charge of Wisconsin's most famous building have gone overboard to keep it interesting to the throngs of school children and travelers who make it one of the busiest tourist spots in the state.

Until a new home is found for the books in two state libraries, the last major stage of renovation work must wait. Once its gets under way, the governor's offices will move temporarily to space currently being renovated for state senators.

Senate Chief Clerk Donald Schneider said legislative leaders agreed to make first floor office space available for the governor so he and his immediate staff may remain in the Capitol while the executive office is being renovated and restored.

"They can use it any way they want," Schneider said, but it is assumed the governor himself and key staff members will occupy the offices. Schneider said the project has been planned so walls separating senators' offices and forming hallways won't be built until the governor moves out. The plan allows greater flexibility in arranging work space and offices for the governor and his aides while saving money, Schneider explained.

Until the governor moves back into his regular Capitol offices, at least some senators will remain in rented offices they have occupied outside the building for the past two years. Only when all 33 senators are back in the Capitol will the project be finished.

It took 11 years to build the monumental granite structure, from 1906 to 1917, replacing the second Capitol that occupied the

site from the 1860s until it was all but destroyed by fire in 1904.

The present renovation project already has been going on 10 years and will not be finished until several years into the next century. In 1987 legislative leaders approved a plan spanning 12 to 15 years.

Work already done or under way will cost more than 10 times the original Capitol construction cost of $7.25 million.

Estimates put costs at $76.9 million though completion of the current stages late next year, and at that point the restoration will be about four-fifths finished.

The costs exclude preparing and renting temporary office space for legislators in three private building and converting a ballroom in a former fraternal insurance society headquarters into legislative chambers, first for the Assembly and now the Senate. It likely will serve next as the Supreme Court chambers when the east wing renovation is undertaken.

Still to be done will be the fourth of the Capitol's four office wings, the East Wing where, besides the governor's office, the Supreme Court chamber, state law library and the lieutenant governor's and attorney general's offices are located.

When that stage will be finished is uncertain because first the law library- containing book stacks approximately two stories high and weighing tons- must be found a new home so legislators' offices can be carved from library space.

The load-bearing strength of floors is crucial in libraries. Not just any office building will do because the floors usually aren't strong enough, officials explained.

State building managers are considering custom-building a library across the street on the Capitol Square, on the site of a former dime store that the state has bought and is preparing to tear down. The same building is likely to house the Legislative Reference Bureau library that was moved out of the Capitol in one of the earlier renovation stages. It is housed in a private office building where the state's lease is about to expire.

Work crews currently are about two-thirds finished with reconstruction of the south wing and have just begun renovation and art conservation in the vaulted cavern of the central rotunda. Both spaces are due to be reopened late in 1998.

The south wing was closed about two years ago. In the past two months workers sealed off the rotunda with massive temporary walls of plywood.

They assembled scaffolding 200 feet high inside to enable restorationists to clean and refurbish a round painting that covers the rotunda's domed ceiling and mosaic murals high up the sides.

Tourists can't get inside the rotunda but they can watch from outside. Project managers have installed picture windows in the temporary plywood walls. Cameras inside the rotunda transmit pictures to large video screens near the windows so visitors can see what workman are doing.

Region 3 Training Meeting will be held the third week in May in Hartford, CT. Bill Morgan, Chair of Region 3 will be the host. Further information will be mailed to all region members. If anyone not in Region 3 is interested in participating, please call Bill Morgan at (860)240-0240 or Lois Spearman, NH, Vice-Chair at (603)271-2757.

Executive Officer Larry "Ace" Callahan, retired on December 31, 1998, and took advantage of the state's golden handshake offer for all state employee eligible for retirement.

Ace was honored on Tuesday, February 24, 1998 at The Gallery restaurant in Glastonbury CT.

The three-hour affair was full of fond memories and congratulations for a job well done over the twenty-one years of service to the State Capitol Police. The party was well attended by more than 150 people.

This group included three of the original seven founding members of the department. Additionally, many special guests and friends turned out to say "good luck and thank you." These special friends included former Governor Bill O'Neil, current Speaker of the House Tom Ritter, Senate Majority Leader George Jepsen, House Minority Leader Rep. Bob Ward and State Capitol Police Chief Michael Whalen.

As usual when politicians gather, there were a number of speeches. Many of the speeches and well wishes were enjoyed by all. But it was Larry's daughter Jennifer's speech about her dad and how proud she was of him that quieted for a moment, this jovial group.

Larry's wife Donna, daughter's Erin and Jennifer and several other family members were present for the awarding of several citations and gifts including some new golf clubs.

Last year at the annual meeting in Concord, N.H, Larry was given honorary life membership in the NLSSA. This was in anticipation of his retirement from the department. With hope of future involvement within the ranks of the life members of NLSSA I look forward to his participation in the NLSSA events.

Clearly, Ace's presence will be missed at the State Capitol and we all wish him well.

The following is the Senate of Pennsylvania's Resolution presented to Ralph J. Fulginiti honoring his retirement from state service. Warren W. Leary, Jr., retired House Sergeant At Arms, New Hampshire drove in for the occasion.

Mr. Fulginiti officially retired December 31, 1997 and has been a member of the NLSSA nearly twenty years and was once on the Executive Board as a Trustee.

Whereas, Ralph Fulginiti, longtime assistant chief clerk of the Senate of Pennsylvania is retiring at the end of this year; and

Whereas, Mr. Fulginiti was first employed by the Senate on February 15, 1967, as assistant superintendent

And directs that a copy of this document, sponsored by Senators Harold F. Mowery, Jr., Robert C. Jubelirer, Robert J. Mellow, and Joseph Loeper on behalf of all members, be transmitted to Ralph Fulginiti.

The Sunday Telegraph, Sunday, November 16, 1997
(Reprinted with permission from the Sunday Telegraph)

The State House will be under State Police patrol for a six-month trial starting next month.

Democratic Gov. Jeanne Shaheen, always anxious to please the GOP-led Legislature, agreed to kick in $25,000 from her own budget to split the cost of the detail.

The Legislative Facilities Committee approved the arrangement, 9-1, which calls for two state troopers to be walking the halls of the State House, Legislative Office Building and the annex every working day of the week.

A compromise division of labor has the troopers generally staying on the first floor while the Legislature is in session unless the security staff need their assistance either in the House or Senate chambers.

The troopers and security staff will remain separate details, which means security staffers will report to Joint Chief of Security Claffee Mayo while troopers named by the Safety Commissioner Dick Flynn report to the speaker of the House and president of the Senate.

Some staff remain unhappy with the deal, believing New Hampshire should instead form a capitol police force as other states have done.

House Sergeant at Arms Rob Johnson did not sign the report and instead was working on his own alternative scheme.

House Democratic Leader Peter Burling, D-Cornish, was the only person to oppose the plan saying he could not embrace a program which lacked the support of Johnson, the House's own security chief.

Others also now on duty recognize that there are more and more disturbed people entering public buildings and causing disturbances.

Some allies of House Speaker Donna Sytek, R-Salem, had become particularly concerned of the need for better security coverage because she often works alone late into the evening.

Word is at least one of the troopers that will be named to this roving detail is a familiar State House face, Trooper Hank Polakowski who was on one of the security detail assigned to former Gov. Steve Merrill.

PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE SERVICES AND SECURITY ASSOCIATION
E-MAIL: kae.warnock@ncsl.org

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