Staff Writer

FRANKLIN — Gov. Craig Benson said he hopes the city is successful in building the first charter school in the state.

Gov. Craig Benson addresses the Greater Franklin Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting held at the Mojalaki Country Club Tuesday night. The governor voiced support for the proposed Franklin charter school that if it becomes a reality will be the first in New Hampshire. (Citizen Photo/Kevin Sperl)

"The American dream should be alive and well for further generations," Benson told the annual meeting of the Greater Franklin Chamber of Commerce Tuesday, adding that education is part of making that dream come true.

Benson touched upon the idea of distance learning which would enable schools to offer unique courses such as art appreciation or thermal physics that aren’t generally offered locally.

Every child has an interest and it would get them more excited about school, he declared.

The governor said he included money in the budget to help Franklin with its efforts to build a charter school for at-risk students, who do not do well in the public high school and drop out.

If it is approved by the City Council, it will be the first charter school built in the state.

A group of local business owners, organized as the Franklin Business Education Alliance, has put together a charter school proposal based on a school in Providence, R.I.

"They should build a charter school that they can be proud of and one that doesn’t take away from the current schools," said Benson.

In addition, he said he feels the city would surely benefit if a new industry — such as computers — were to locate here.

"The economy changes, and you have to keep (up) with the changes," he said.

As governor, Benson said he plans to the fix the state’s health care system. Although New Hampshire is one of the healthiest states in the country, it has the second highest cost for health insurance, he noted.

"It’s time to bring in new health insurance carriers," Benson said.

Touching on the a severe nursing shortage, the governor said he put money in the budget to expand the nursing programs at the state’s community technical colleges.

The war in Iraq has many people, including Benson, thinking about the soldiers who are fighting for their country far from friends and family.

"I see many hard working men and women leave to go serve their country," he said.

The only thing they ask is for people not to forget about them, said Benson. "As the war is winding down, I want to make sure we don’t forget about the hard working men and women in New Hampshire."

Previously the state never mandated that differential pay be offered citizens who went to fight for their country. Effective just over two weeks ago, he said a bill was signed that requires businesses to continue benefits for the families of soldiers, maintain their pay and allow for retirement to continue.

"I want to work towards providing the American dream for every citizen in the state. That dream is what makes America great. That dream is what our men and women are fighting for over in Iraq."

Melanie Nelson can be reached at 524-3800 ext. 5930 or by e-mail at mnelson@citizen.com