YOUR COMMENTS

If he is still going to parties at a frat house, Poznanski is far too immature to represent even himself, nevermind other people. People who voted for him clearly have never spoken to him. I'd be embarassed to have voted for him to find out I had wasted my vote on an immature kid.

Perhaps he can introduce a bill to lower the drinking age to protect other kids from this grave injustice!
- Stefan, Goffstown

Who cares? He wasn't hurting anyone, the only thing wrong in this situation is the Law.
- JP, Nashua

Sherman Packard are you kidding me he is a 20 year old man having a drink. He is old enough to fight for his country and although I am a Republican I commend him for doing his part as an american.

20 year old man should be able to have a drink he didnt get arrested for Disorderly Conduct.

Would someoen from the house of reps grow a set a stick up for this kid.
- EK, Manchester

I wish all the best for this bright young man who appears to have been at the wrong place at the wrong time. Drinking at 20 is not unheard of and I am sure he will learn from this ordeal. I had friends who lived at 421 Donald St. at that house for the past 2 years while they attended St. Anslems. Apparently the house is now rented for Frat brothers of the college.... Anyway, that house has many fun memories for me before and after I turned 21. I am 23 years old now and have a professional career. In the future, whether someone is underage or not, if there are fights or people acting like idiots call a friend, cab or simply remove yourself from the situition. If people are being loud and causing a problem in any neighborhood the police will be called and if anyone is underage at a party they WILL get arrested.
- Sophia, Manchester

Unfortunately Mr. Poznanski isnt mature enough to be representing his constiuents. Im glad he could put two and two together and conclude that he made a mistake. Obviously he lacks of good decision making.

either a politician or a college student! he needs to make a decision. Obviously with his social drinking he cant do both.
- Cd, Portsmouth

We need more kids like Brian who are willing to take on social responsibilities. Take a look good at what America's youth is really about these days.
I feel sorry for those of you who never went to a "kick'n" Halloween party when you were in college. It's no wonder you make such ridiculous remarks.
Hang in there Brian. These are the best days of your life. Don't let the turkeys get you down.
- Kathy, Raymond

Matt from hooksett... I couldn't have said it any better myself!
- Fred, Milford

This state rep should resign. Obviously not mature enought to handle elected office. Clearly he is only sorry he got caught.
- Mike, Manchester

"Mommy and Daddy will pay for it" ? This just goes to show how judgmental some people are.
- Audrey C, Nashua

Welcome to the 21st Century people. Politicians, like everybody else, are not perfect. Don't tell me that you don't remember what it's like to be young. I'm sure all of your kids have drank underage and that doesn't make them bad people. Stop making political accusations about democrats and loosen up already.
- Lauren, Nashua

I agree that he is a state rep and should take responsibility for his actions. In my opinion, he has. First off, he was not arrested, but he was cited which is the equivalent to having a speeding violation. In addition, he did obey the law in that he didn’t attempt to flee the scene or fight with the police, he accepted responsibility for his actions and acted maturely and dutifully throughout the situation, which is more than can be said for the majority of people in this world. I think that Brian Poznanski has shown an incredible amount of integrity, and he is clearly dedicated to his office which is displayed by his desire to continue to hold his seat. There is not much monetary gain from being a state rep and as a college student as well, I am sure that it takes a lot of dedication and responsibility to be as active a member as he has proven to be. So he wanted to relax with a few friends, big deal, who hasn’t? I have complete respect and support for this young man and have faith in his abilities to serve our state well.
- Supportive Constituent, Nashua

I can't help but laugh that he's helping craft New Hampshire's laws yet he's not old enough to have a beer.
- Mike, Manchester

If we want to complain about our state rep being to young then maybe someone should've ran against him.

No harm no foul
- james, nashua

Many people have commented that if you're old enough to die for your country you should be old enough to have a legal drink. I concur, if you are actively serving in the military. If you are serving your country and risking your life, I would be the first one in line to buy you a beer. But if you're just some schmuck at college risking nothing, then wait until you're 21. Or use a little discretion-Chief Bailey all but announced that he would be cracking down on these parties. One final point, if you're just a typical college kid having a few beers at a party I have no beef with you-as long as you don't get into a drunken brawl or climb behind the wheel of a car. But if you're an elected state rep, sorry, you are to be held to a higher standard. You should realize that.
- Bob, Bedford

IDIOT! Do the right thing and resign from your elected post.
- Jean, Manchester

Come on folks he is trying to follow in the foot steps of the late Ted Kennedy.
- Chris, Merrimack

This experience is so typical of politicians from either part. IE: "Do as I say, not as I do" and makes for an exceptionally poor example of so-called leadership.
- Gary L. Kerr, Chichester

About time the Town of Bedford did something about those low-rent college dormitories being run in that neighborhood. This has been going on for years and the property owner continues to get away with it.
- Lou, Bedford

Seems there was a young 21 year old (legal age) Republican House member at UNH that was caught with beer (unopened)in his car when minors were in the car. I am not sure if he was convicted of selling to minors or anything else substantial but I remember he did take responsibility for his actions . Huh, he was drummed out of office by the press. I wish I were a liberal, no thinking for myself, no accountability, and all my role models were so low they could tread water in a garden hose, certainly wasn't hard reaching the moral high ground, defining deviancy down. Ahhh, such a life it would be. Kind of like being a bolshevik in the old Soviet Union. What a far cry the democrat party has come from 'Tip' O'Neil and Joe Lieberman
- Allan, Rochester

As a matter of policy, I think drinking should go back to 18 years of age. The fact that a person may die in service for his/her country and vote is all I need to know. Also, I grew up in an era of 18 y/o drinking and seemed to survive, even when we did not have the right to vote until 21.

That said, Mr. Poznanski should be held to a higher standard as he is an elected representative to the General Court. Attending that party showed severe lack of judgment -- before he was caught and offered his to trite pro forma mea culpa.

One look at his voting record reveals all – a straight "F" from the NHLA. He has supported many nanny-state initiatives, perhaps he should suffer from one of them! I shake my head wondering why rational people can send someone like him to the NH House, but that is a matter for the good citizens of Nashua to decide, not I.

Now is a time for serious people to make serious decisions. He is just another ambitious little manipulated left-wing boy, nothing more. In short, he will make a perfect teacher and NEA member, circa 2011. When one elects a jerk, one gets just that.
- Steven, Swanzey

hahaha donald street is the location of the Teddies Frat house this is not the first time our state rep has attended such parties at this residence and as long as he is at st anselm he will continue to frequent donald street
- mike, manchester, nh

Matt says "Typical Democrat. Runs for office to write the laws, but doesn't feel obliged to follow them..."

Matt, so let me get this straight....breaking the law is only a democrat thing? This may come as a shocker to you, but (and please be sitting down on your couch in your gopher hole) but members of both parties sometimes do bad things. I wouldn't lie to you on this one Matt.
- Carl, Concord

First off, this guy was in possession of alchohol, second according to our laws under 21 that is not legal. Second he's a state rep, should have known better. Third the town of Bedford has a stringent policy they adopted that it will be applied equally across the board. To those referencing being in the military and not being able to drink, enlist and put in a transfer to Germany. When you get there on your own time go into town.
- Jack Alex, Manchester

There's a Democrat going to school at St A's? I am shocked...
- Jeff, Manchester

As a Catholic, Brians voting record does not come close to Christian family values. So I guess this behavior doesn't surprise me.
- Paul, Nashua

Carl in Concord:
What price is he going to pay exactly, Carl? Beyond the fine that will no doubt be assessed by the court, that is.

And, no...I was never arrested for underage drinking or anything else for that matter, thanks. However, even if I HAD been arrested, I wouldn't have been a sitting State Representative at the time, would I?

And I didn't scream for his resignation at all--I merely said he should do the honorable thing given the circumstances surrounding his arrest. Honestly, I couldn't care any less that he was drinking underage. I care more that he complete disregard for the law as an elected official.

If he wants to make law in the State of New Hampshire, he should at least be responsible enough to follow the ones already on the books, shouldn't he?
- William Smith, Manchester, NH

Those of you that say your old enough to fight for your country, but not old enough to drink. Well, I say, join our fighting forces and then I would say you earned it. Otherwise, your just an immature college kid who probably has no idea what they want to do in life. But what the heck, mommy and daddy are paying for it.
- D. Morris, nashua

Typical Democrat. Runs for office to write the laws, but doesn't feel obliged to follow them...
- Matt, Hooksett, NH

time for a recall vote
- Rene, bedford

One day he'll most likely be president with a track record like this.

If I were him I wouldn't worry about something like this, it's embarrassing yes, but as you grow up you learn that every single year you live on this earth you grow smarter and smarter in the whole decision making. Even 90 year old people make bad decisions.
- Patricia, milford

I'd have more respect for him if he would either had said No Comment or said I know I broke the law but I am not sorry for breaking a stupid law. The 21 year old drinking age is not reasonable and I am over 18 and I am adult.
- annie, henniker

This man is not a child Ed. He is old enough to vote, must be registered for selective service, fight for his country, run for office, get married, buy a house, rent a car. Yes he may be young, but the drinking age is hypocritical considering all other things a legal adult can do and is responsible for.
- Alicia, Manchester

So, should any politician who gets a speeding ticket resign? After all, it's breaking the law. He broke a law, the fine is imposed. Simple.

Nevermind the nonsensical law in the first place...one of many.


Some of you people amaze me with your lack of thought process. Think about what you write before you do so.
- Mary, Goffstown

To William Smith.
"If this kid were a Republican, people would be screaming for his resignation."

Hey, William, sounds like you are the one screaming for a resignation. You have a pretty low bar of tolerance, but I'm sure you have never, ever, done anything of the sort. I don't think party affiliation has one bit of whit to do with any of this. He got caught, and will pay the price. A mistake of youth. Lets move on to bigger things
- Carl, Concord

The point is one of someone elected to make the rules, acting as if the rules don't apply to him - until he gets caught.

Then issues a self-serving mea culpa that shows he still doesn't get it. But he expects he'll go right on with no bruises - because he's above the rest of us.

Or would he have woken up after this party, if he hadn't been busted, and said "Gee, that was a mistake and I'll learn from it."

The point is sending this boy to Concord.

The point is the deaths and injuries the law against these parties and underage drinking address - this kid is the prime example of "so what?"

Great put down about a horse's hind quarters - seems to come from a pile that is used to looking up from somewhere under the tail end.
- RP, New Boston

Is is the worst thing in the world for a 20-year-old to get caught drinking? No. Is it monumentally stupid for him, as a State Rep., to get nailed for underaged drinking? Yep.

When you elected to office, you need to be mindful of the laws. If he disagrees with the law, he should work to get it changed. However, until such time, he must accept the punishment that comes with knowingly violating the law.

I don't think he should resign, but his judgement is seriously lacking, and I do hope the residents of Nashua 5, 8 and 9 consider that if he runs in 2010.
- Ryan, Hooksett

Who in their right minds would vote for a 20 year old college student to represent them? Those of you who did got what you deserved.
- George, Dover

Most college kids drink. No big deal. It also shows that college kids are too immature to be state reps. People should pay attention to who they vote for.
- Joe, Manchester

I sumitted this to letters to editor also posting here

As a parent of a law breaking underage drinker, I find it quite amusing that all these law abiding citizens show great distain for these hoodlums. The common thread is these law breakers could have killed somebody in an accident. The first question I have for these law abiding citizens I fully expect, and believe, due to your sincerity in abiding by the law that you’ve never broken the speed limit while driving, or have you in your minds, rationalized that you have the competency to drive over the speed limit because you have the ability to handle the speed.
There is a reason why most college presidents want to lower the drinking age. The simple fact is that the underage drinking law has become a revenue generator by most towns and states. We’ll take this party as an example. Each of the twenty students cited for underage drinking will fined a minimum of $350. If you include the fines of the two leases of the house, the town of Bedford/state of New Hampshire is going to generate revenue of over $10,000.
So to get back to my original point, you law abiding citizens who are outraged at these underage drinkers, yet, will sit there and complain when they get a speeding ticket because they feel justified in the speed they were driving before the authorities arrested them, what is the difference? I can sit here and rationalize that your excessive speed could have put me and my family and other citizens in danger so we need to prosecute you to the full extent of the law. So, we have a group of young adults who wish to have a Halloween party and try to the best of their ability to have it under control and stay within the law except for drinking (doing 65 in a 55 mile an hour zone) have the misfortune of having a person who wasn’t even involved in the party fight with one of the party goers become this big example of what is wrong with young people today and how they need to be taught a lesson for their inability to respect the laws. This is another prime example of what is wrong with this country. Everybody do as I say, not as I do.
- Carl, Merrimack

Vote a 20 year old into office and this is what you get. Every election some kid gets voted in by some half-assed voters and inevitably they have an outside issue. Here's a little free advice to Brian Poznansky. You're a LAWmaker. Try to have some integrity. If you get caught violating the laws that you are sworn to uphold, then resign. And here's a little free advice to those voters who vote for people they don't know anything about...stop it. You're disrespecting democracy when you do that.
- Bob, Bedford

I' m not going to comment on what is right or wrong, or who should do what. Instead I'd like to mention that it has always bothered me that a person can be drafted; ordered to give the ultimate sacrifice for this country at age 18, and yet not be legally eligible to enjoy the full benefits of society. I think the age that one can fully participate in all aspects of society should match the age at which they can be called upon to give their lives.
- Jeff Page, N Haverhill

To all of Brian's supporters,

He broke the lawplain and simple. Since it wasn't his house/dorm,how did he get there and what your position say if he got behind the wheel of a car and got into an accident? To those in Nashua, what were you thinking when you voted for this kid? As for hispolitical career I see Washinton, just look at the Kennedys!
- Ray, Raymond

If this kid were a Republican, people would be screaming for his resignation.

Regardless how how people feel about the drinking age, the fact is that the law is the law and Rep. Poznanski broke it. It's that simple.

Did he make a mistake? Sure. He also broke the law and was arrested as a result. It's not a felony, but he *should* do the honorable thing and resign.
- William Smith, Manchester, NH

HE WASNT EVEN ARRESTED!!! the union leader needs to get a life

*** Editor's note: He was arrested on a charge of unlawful possession. ***
- mike, bedford

Much ado about nothing.

Everyone breaks the law (including old ladies who drive so slowly it impedes and endangers others.) Getting busted is an educational experience that everyone should go through. You learn the real (abusive) attitude of cops, see a bit of life's underbelly. All in all it's a character building thing. This is not a case of low character being exposed, as in a thief or molester, it's normal human nature for young people.

Tell me the 20 year old butt kisser who has not imbibed and I'll call him or her a lost soul.
- Cecilia, Manchester

Reader, suppose you are an idiot and suppose you are a representative of the New Hampshire Legislature. But I repeat myself.

That someone who cannot legally drink could be elected to public office shows how stupid and irresponsible the electorate is. Perhaps Dear Leader Obama & Co. are correct.

Americans are ready, willing and able to live under a totalitarian government.

Idiots...
- John Krats, Manchester, New Hampshire

Lay off. The kid had a beer. He's in college. No harm done.
- Mike, Manchester

Looking at Pozanski's voting record it's not surprising the Democrat leadership will take no action against him. He's a reliable rubber stamp for their agenda and has sponsored no legislation of his own. So, between drinking parties he can make his way to Concord, get marching orders from Democrat leaders, and vote accordingly.

He did vote against an increase in the beer tax. Go figure.
- Mark, Amherst

A "college kid who drinks" is too young and disrespectful of the laws he has sworn to preserve.
- Colette, Bow

Most decently socialized kids have had a beer before the age of 21. In all reality, from my perspective, if you have not you have had a sad, and narrow view on the subject. Most prudent children just have a sense of how to stay out of trouble. This Rep. is no different. Unfortunatly a fight on the fornt lawn led to a situation in which he could not avoid citation. He has owned up to his mistake and strives to learn from it. It is my opinion that we should appreciate his longing to do a job that would be a HUGE extra responsibility for the rest of us, with little monetary reward. If he is willing to take responsibility and continue working hard for his constituents, the power to him!
- Joe, Concord

The drinking age is bad law. It should be 18. If an 18 year old is old enough to vote and fight for his country they should be able to legally enjoy a cold beer.

What this young man did was stupid but the only one he hurt was himself. He didn't drive drunk (like a Kennedy), assault someone or do anything to endanger another.
- Dan, Bedford

He made a mistake, as all people do. On the grand scale of things, a small mistake. What matters most is how he responded to and changed from it; Growing experiences. Based on his response, it sounds like he has a pretty solid character. I don't think his constitutuents have anything to worry about, in terms of his decision making ability. Wouldn't it be nice if all of our leaders could have responded with his candidness.
- Tyler St Cyr, Oklahoma City, OK

Joel, I disagree. The drinking age should be 18. Raising it 30+ years ago, first to 20 then to 21 has not stopped one person from drinking. If the age of consent ( voting, joining the military, marriage etc ) is 18 it makes no sense to set the drinking age at 21.

The people of Nashua were fools to elect a 20 year old political neophyte in the first place.
- Ron, Manchester

Bad judgment, not a bad person -- alcohol is glorified by the media, advertised at sporting events, and to consume a beer inside a home is causing no harm. Except for the neighborhood watch, he would have spent an evening not unlike every other 20-year-old college student. Keep your chin up, all these comments are coming from people who I'm sure at one time lied, cheated, or worse, but want to judge you. You'll rise above the fray.
- Sarah, Manchester

"Children will be children" But children should not be serving in government and makeing rules and raising taxes for the rest of us.
Stay on the student council and OUT OF Concord.
- ed, nashua

Wait just a minute! Politicians never use drugs, prostitues, commit adultery (especially at reststops or in restrooms at airports), drive into buildings or oceans while drunk etc. For this young person to be the first to stray from the law is an OUTRAGE! Impeach!
- Mike, Concord

I'd have a lot of respect for him if he had the courage to stand up and say that his mistake was not drinking, but rather his mistake was supporting the 21-yo drinking age laws which make absolutely no sense.

Alas, it's just blah blah blah, I want to make a long career out of making more laws telling other people how to run their lives.
- R.P., Kingston

With all the cheating, sexual scandals and the like going on in Washington, this is nothing. So he pays a large fine and life goes on.
- George, Henniker

Resign! I've said it before and I will continue to say it. There are certain positions in society THAT ARE held to a higher standard, and political posistions is one. If he's not smart enough to know the law then he's not smart enough to represent people in government! Ignorance is no excuse for breaking the law!
- Mike, Epping

Always glad to see young adults interested in politics. However, I'd rather see these young men and women finish their education and bring that to Concord before they start serving. As for his transgression; there have been many worse in Concord in the last few years, but this young man is not ready to serve yet.
- Mike, Whitefield

College kid drinks. There's a shocker...
- Frank, York Me

What a pompous group of horses hind quarters you all are. Yes he is underage. Yes he got busted for underage drinking. Deservedly so truth be told.

But let's not make this larger than what it is. A 20 year old first term state rep got busted NOT for DWI but for drinking underage. This is not Wilbur Mills dancing in a DC fountain with a stripper named Fanny Foxe. Nor is it Bill Clinton...remember "I didn't inhale"?

Let's hope Rep. Poznanski learns from this. A lot. And quickly. May he also learn a bit of compassion which is more than I can say for most of the posters here today. Walk a mile in the shoes before you start complaining about someone.

And, no, I don 't believe the drinking age should be lowered below what it is now.
Peace
- Joel, Nashua

Hey, we all make mistakes. I wouldn't hold Rep. Poznonski against the standard of perfection; none of us could withstand that.

However, when you are an elected State Representative, someone charged with crafting the laws that you expect the citizens to uphold, it is pretty important that you follow the rules that you are setting for us.

I personally don't believe the drinking age should be 21. It wasn't when I was that age, and I feel going back to age 18 would not radically change society. Having said that, the age IS 21 and Rep. Poznonski should be following it, and setting a good example for his constituents and peers. Sadly, he has failed in this regard.
- Glen, Manchester, NH

i drank some before I turned 21. no reason to resign or anything.

he now needs to speak out about the dangerous of underage drinking.
- mike, nashua

You deserve a second chance to learn from your mistakes . Hopefully others feel the same and can appreciate your other positive achievements at such a young age.

But it is best to learn early on that in the world of politics saying "I'm dissapointed in myself "
is translation for "I'm disappointed I got caught"

The rest of your apology sounds sincere.

Don't give up kid!
- max, Manchester

Old enough to be a state representative from Nashua, old enough for college and even old enough to go to war to fight for his country but not old enough for a beer.
Does anyone actually believe this was the first time he every had a beer - only difference with him and "MOST EVERYONE" out there who has ever broken a law is - he got caught. People should think back of things they did but did not get caught -

Spoken like a true politician - he'll fit right in.
- Jim, Loudon

I am disappointed to say the least, kiddo, you're supposed to be a representative of the sate, I think you need to be a little bit more grown up in your actions and your deeds.

You should have known more than anyone else about our state laws. It's now a personal decision thats up to you but somehow your going to have to find a way of restoring your honesty and integrity following your illegal actions.

I just have a problem that ethically you have in the short term acted in bad faith as a representative to your constiuents.

I would have true concern with you remaining and hearing you vote on on other related issues during your term.
- Jack Alex, Manchester

He hopes he learns from this ... ? Did he not know that it was illegal in the first place? How about having some foresight, it was easily a probable outcome. When I went to St A's and knew that an underage arrest would have damaged the future career I wanted, I didn't put myself in the positions to have this happen. He needs to grow up if he wants to be treated like an adult in Concord. St A's has plenty of campus activities he could have been involved with.
- Phil, Meredith

I hope Rep. Poznanski will join the efforts to reduce the drinking age in NH to 18.
- Kevin, Lancaster

Isn't that one of those pesky ethics things? The "'Jurisdiction of the [ethics] committee' means those actions which allege a violation of law, guideline, rule or regulation and relate to the conduct of individuals in the performance of their duties..." (RSA 14-B) Ah ha! Its the "and" that saves ya!

Also, he's a Dem and they're in charge right now so its okay. And politicians will be politicians especially if we've voted them into office.

Can you imagine if there was an actual rule regarding illegal activities and politicians? We wouldn't need to set term limits, but we would have to find a way to rapidly refill seats.

Silly kid. I even voted for you. Disappointing.
- Jay, Nashua

Please define a "small speed bump" versus the politically entitled?

And this is what Nashua and its environs offers as what?

Just offering for discussion.

"Oh, he seemed to be a good boy." I'm parapharsing but the point is the point, Teddy Kennedy could have told you, since he was once the good boy and served so long and... that is a problem.

Sorry child, come back in a few years - or did you call the police?

So is electing anybody because they seem to be there.
- RP, New Boston