Additional commentary by
Timothy Horrigan
(member of the House Petitions & Redress
Committee)
Dot Knightly is the mother of Candy Knightly, who filed petitions in both 2010 and 2011. This petition is (mostly) about Candy's niece, however. The elder Ms. Knightly has become a well-known blogger under the handle "UnhappyGrammy."
PETITION 8
PETITION FOR REDRESS OF GRIEVANCE
TO: The Honorable House of Representatives
FROM: Petitioner Representative Peter Silva, Hills. 26
DATE: September 24, 2009
SUBJECT: Grievance of Dorothy Knightly, Nashua, New Hampshire
Whereas, the New Hampshire Bill of Rights at Article 2, Part First of the New Hampshire Constitution provides that "All men have certain natural, essential, and inherent rights among which are, the enjoying and defending life and liberty; acquiring, possessing, and protecting, property; and, in a word, of seeking and obtaining happiness. Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by this state on account of race, creed, color, sex or national origin," and
Whereas, the New Hampshire Bill of Rights at Article 12, Part First of the New Hampshire Constitution provides that "Every member of the community has a right to be protected by it, in the enjoyment of his life, liberty, and property;" and
Whereas, the New Hampshire Bill of Rights at Article 32, Part First of the New Hampshire Constitution provides that "The people have a right, in an orderly and peaceable manner, to assemble and consult upon the common good, give instructions to their representatives, and to request of the legislative body, by way of petition or remonstrance, redress of the wrongs done them, and of the grievances they suffer;" and
Whereas, the New Hampshire Bill of Rights at Article 31, Part First of the New Hampshire Constitution provides that "The legislature shall assemble for the redress of public grievances and for making such laws as the public good may require;"
Now, Therefore, your Petitioner, Representative Silva on behalf of Dorothy Knightly, hereinafter presents the particulars of her grievance against the State of New Hampshire, Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Children, Youth, and Families and invokes the constitutional authority and duty of the Honorable House of Representatives pursuant to said Articles 31 and 32 to bring about their redress:
During the home study by [social worker's name redacted] and [social worker's name redacted], they informed Dorothy Knightly that they were recommending that [grandson's name redacted] be placed with Dorothy Knightly.
Completion of the home study was denied. Without further investigation the home study was concluded with negative recommendation by [DCYF supervisor's name redacted].
Judge Bamberger denied contact with Dorothy Knightly without hearing.
[grandson's name redacted] and Isabelle Knightly were denied guardianship and eventual adoption by a blood relative and continued contact with extended family.
Wherefore, your Petitioner prays that the House of Representatives:
Accept the within Petition for Redress of Grievance for enrollment and by vote of the House of Representatives appoint a committee to hold public hearings and examine the circumstances hereof; and following such hearings and examination, recommend to the full House of Representatives that it:
Determine if there was maladministration on the part of Judge Bamberger and consider Judge Bamberger's removal by Bill of Address;
Restore [grandson's name redacted] to the custody of his grandmother.
Amend the laws of the State to prevent injury.
Respectfully Submitted by petitioner Representative Silva on behalf of Dorothy Knightly.
Co-Petitioner:
Rep. Itse, Rock. 9
September 24, 2009
See Also:
Dot Knightly's 63 Questions posed to— but not answered by— the DCYF (December 2011)
Candy Knightly's petitions:
Rep. Kevin Avard's "Speak Up!" videos
June 5 & June 12 commentaries by Judge Edwin Kelly & Rep. Paul Mirski
2010 New Hampshire House Petition pages:
Grievance of the voters of the of town of Hudson school district (actually filed without their permission by Rep. Lars Christiansen)
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