For Immediate Release                                                                                    Pia Carusone
February 25, 2008                                                                                          (603) 225-6899

Failing Schools, Indicted Official, Rising Property Taxes

CONCORD - In launching his gubernatorial bid in Plymouth, Frank Guinta said he wanted to talk about his record of success in Manchester - a record that includes failing schools, a member of his administration being indicted, and rising property taxes.

"And if I have to go into every corner of the state and talk about the value system I have, the successes we've had in Manchester and how I think we can apply them at the state level, I will do that." (Frank Guinta, Union Leader, 2/25/08)

Guinta's record includes:

1) Guinta Administration official indicted for stealing taxpayer money. An independent auditor said Frank Guinta's administration provided a 'text book' study of how a failure of proper oversight can lead to fraud. (Not surprising, given that Guinta is brought to you by the same political team that brought you Craig Benson)

2) As a candidate, Guinta said he would cut property taxes. Property taxes went up an average of 8 percent in his first term

3) In a little over two years, Manchester went from three schools listed in need of improvement to 22 schools listed in need of improvement.

4) The Manchester School District is one of only 4 in New Hampshire that is not making adequate yearly progress.

5) Had time to campaign for Jim Coburn. Had time to chair Rudy Guiliani's campaign. Said he regretted he did not have enough time to focus on improving education in Manchester.