Dem legislator convicted on DWI charge

[SoxFan]

Manchester – The chairman of the city's Democratic House delegation was convicted last month of driving drunk.

State Rep. Michael D. Brunelle, 23, pleaded guilty July 13 to a misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated. His driver's license was suspended for a year to 18 months, depending on whether he enrolls in a driver intervention program.

A complaint filed in Manchester District Court says Brunelle's blood-alcohol level was twice the legal limit when he was caught driving drunk on Bridge Street the night of June 24. Police said Brunelle was going about 20 miles over the speed limit and that he failed to stop for the first officer who tried to pull him over.

http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Manchester+lawmaker+convicted+of+DWI&articleId=a84f47e6-8bf9-4a97-903b-0690c3893c32

So much for the moral high ground.

This guy made a lot of noise about his co-sponsoring a bill to crack down on rowdy bars and clubs. He also has engaged in some pretty nasty attacks on local politicos of both parties.

[TwilightGardener]

1. Why the fuck would New Hampshire put a 23-year-old into any kind of elected office?

[SoxFan]

3. It's a volunteer legislator

When your House has 400 members who are paid $100 per year (before taxes and the fee for your legislative license plates), you tend to have some quality control issues.

Every session has a few college-age kids, some of whom are actually conscientious legislators, others who are blocked punts. We also have a disproportionate number of retirees.

During my five years in the House, I was an anomaly, a thirtysomething lawyer. Every other House in the country has a gaggle of those, but in New Hampshire, it made me a bit of a novelty act.

[TwilightGardener]

4. Huh! I had no idea there were such young officeholders!

[Telly Savalas]

5. Because age isn't as good a predictor of wisdom as it's made out to be.

I'd happily replace any of the senior officials in the Bush Administration with a randomly selected 23 year old. It's hard to imagine the new person doing any worse.

[aquart]

2. Hopefully, this will prevent him from seeking higher office.

I'm sure you will find other Democratic hypocrites. We have the moral high ground because we haven't corrupted an entire national government.

But it's good of you to keep your eagle eye on local affairs. The coming election is local. The Republicans began their seizure of power by undermining local governments, paying attention to small local elective jobs that nobody else turned out to vote for.

You will, of course, make your voice and vote heard for honest local government in November.