Regional Planning Commissions: Planning for WHOM?
by Representative Jane Cormier

As a Rep. for Belknap District, I have been working on a bill in our state house trying to repeal and replace the NH Regional Planning Commissions. (I know, I know – I’m crazy…) However, after doing voluminous research, it is quite apparent these commissions are instrumental in Federal agencies fulfilling their “smart growth” agenda here in NH. “Smart Growth” is basically organized planning which tries to prevent urban sprawl, “nudging” people to live in planned urban communities under the tent of ‘sustainable living’. You know the drill – less pollution, less car travel, more green areas, and with the federal programs of EPA – DOT – HUD running the show, private property rights are greatly diminished. In the Progressive mindset, water and other “resources” belong to the COLLECTIVE. And it is the COLLECTIVE who rules in sustainable living. Private (natural) property rights are a “barrier” which must be overcome. These words come directly from Granite State Future – the “home” of NH Regional Planning Commissions.

Here are some figures from the Lakes Regional Planning Commission 2012 budget:

Total Income $850,281.00

Lakes Region Membership Dues $123,521.00 (we could use this money)
Total Federal Income $572,500.00 (WHAT!)

When you look at these figures, you can see a huge swathe of LRCP income is federal money. This is typical in RPCs. Now, here are some expenses:

Lakes Region Planning Commission Salaries:
Director $90,086
Senior Planner $60,784
Planner $41,714
Planner $40,170
Planner $39,188
Administrative Asst $35,360
Part time (?) $22,888
Part time $22,360
Part time $12,866
Temporary $12,300
Total Salaries $369,548

Now, we have benefit expenses in the mix as well. But just from salaries, not including health insurance, SSI, and other benefits, almost 50% of the budget just pays for salaries. Let’s add $100,000 (on the lean side) for benefits and such. We also have to remember normal office and business expenses. Taking all of this into account, what money is actually left to “improve” our communities? Even more importantly, where do the RPC loyalties lie? The federal government who subsidizes/pays for their salaries (with our Federal tax dollars) or the local taxpayer just trying to get by? The answer is of course, the Federal government.

The question now arises, what specifically does the Lakes Region Planning Commission offer our communities? Let’s see, we have lots of NH Listens public relations sessions, a nifty website, and unending entanglements with FEDERAL agencies. Wow. What a deal. And we should not forget, most of our local towns already support PAID administrators and planners. Now, tell me again why we need to pay even more for Regional Planning Commissions?

NH Regional Planning Commissions are a scam, fueled by the feds, to reach the goals of sustainable “smart growth” in our Live Free or Die state. RPC’s will tell you they are “advisory” only, but make no mistake, RPC’s are instrumental in proposing and implementing zoning and other changes within our NH communities. They are the supposed “experts in planning” and our local administrators and planning boards frequently defer to what RPCs propose. Private property rights beware!

Please – participate in your local planning commission meetings. Listen to what they propose. Ask yourself, what benefit does MY community actually receive from the RPCs? The answer just might surprise you!