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"Guinta, Garrity faulted in bar incident"
By SCOTT BROOKS, New Hampshire Union Leader Staff, July 1, 2009
MANCHESTER – Relatives of a city man who suffered a broken leg in a dust-up at a center-city bar last month are venting their anger at Mayor Frank Guinta and Alderman Mike Garrity for their response to the incident.
The family members allege Guinta and Garrity left the bar while the man, Thomas English Jr., was still lying on the floor and that neither called for help. They have also accused Garrity of lying to reporters about why he went to the bar and how it was that English got hurt.
"I'm absolutely just disgusted with both the mayor and Mike Garrity at this point," said English's cousin, Mike Porter.
Garrity said he and the mayor only went to the bar to help English, whom he called a "close personal friend." He said the two of them did not leave the bar until they knew English was "being cared for."
The family members, including English's mother, Jackie, say they have no reason to believe either Guinta or Garrity broke any laws.
Police have confirmed they are investigating an "altercation" that reportedly took place June 18 at the East Manchester Fish and Game Club on Massabesic Street. "I'm still not in a position to provide any details," Capt. Gerald Lessard said yesterday.
English himself does not know what caused him to fall and break his leg in several places, family members said. Garrity has said English merely slipped or tripped after lunging at Garrity and getting pried off by the alderman's brother, state Rep. Pat Garrity.
Relatives say that account doesn't add up -- the injury, they say, is too severe to have come from a spill like that.
"The doctor even mentioned to me, he said this is the type of injury that a football player might get when they've been tackled and some 300-pound guy falls on top of them," Jackie English said. "This was not just somebody has too much to drink and (gets) knocked to the ground."
The incident has become fodder for the state Democratic Party, which put out a statement yesterday saying Guinta's behavior "raises questions about his leadership and character." Guinta, a Republican, is running for Congress.
His campaign adviser, Michael Biundo, accused Democrats of "exploiting Mr. English's personal struggles" for political reasons.
Relatives say there are several inaccuracies in Garrity's story. They say Garrity was already drinking at the bar when English got there, and that, in fact, the two had been drinking together earlier that night at another bar, the Ukrainian American Citizen Club.
"The whole story about them going there to try to help Tom and bring him out of the club -- this is total lie," Jackie English said.
Garrity declined to say whether he and English, a close friend who had been staying in his house for the past six months, went drinking together that night. "I'm not going to respond to rumors and innuendos," he said.
Guinta said he and Garrity went to the Fish and Game Club together after Garrity "was notified that his house guest, Tom English, was intoxicated and needed a ride home." Told he had to leave, English allegedly grabbed Garrity and, according to the alderman, put him in a "choke hold." Garrity said his brother "came to my defense" and pried English off.
"He (English) was not struck. I can assure you that," the alderman said.
Garrity, who said he never "put a hand" on English during the fracas, said he and Guinta left the bar after someone else called for an ambulance. English said he did not want anyone to call the police, Garrity said.
The alderman said he was confident English was in good hands because Patrick Garrity is an EMT and was looking after him.
Guinta has maintained he did not witness English's fall. He said he called the police last Wednesday -- six days after the incident. "It was clear at that point to me that he had injuries, and there had been multiple variations of the story that were being claimed," Guinta said.
English's uncle, former Alderman Paul Porter, said he is dissatisfied with the way Garrity and Guinta responded to the dust-up.
"I just felt disappointed they would leave a friend in that condition without waiting for an ambulance or calling the police," Porter said.
Relatives said English is still in pain, nearly two weeks after a 4 1/2-hour surgery that left him with 37 staples in his leg. They said they have advised English not to talk to reporters.
Jackie English affirmed it was her son who first struck Garrity. "Obviously, if he hadn't been drinking, he never would have (done that)," she said.
English, 40, pleaded guilty in December 2007 to having cocaine in his car, a misdemeanor. He has also been convicted of conduct after an accident and driving without a valid license, according to records at Manchester District Court.
Mike Porter said English has struggled with drugs and alcohol for years. English is now staying with a friend in Goffstown.
"His family gave up on him a long time ago, but I never did," Garrity said.
Guinta called English a friend and said he has tried to get English into rehab. "I've tried to help Tom get a job. I've offered Tom work to make ends meet," he added.
"I certainly hope that he deals with his personal issues," Guinta said, "and I hope that he gets better."
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READERS' COMMENTS:
Mayor Guinta is starting to sound more like Mayor Quimby from The Simpsons. All he needs is the sash!
- Scott, Manchester
First of all who cares if who is rep and who is democrat.. people grow up and see the bigger picture. Yes Pat was wrong for the attack.. regardless of him "claiming to come to aid his brother" there are still several moral and character issues with all of them. Just because something is printed doesn't mean it is the whole truth- do you think everyone involved here is honest.. UMM doubtful..and although the UL Tries to get the story they are not going to get it from people holding office trying to further their career. Do you really think they would implicate themselves of doing something wrong? The fact that the Mayor denies drinking at the club alone.. come on... why couldn't Mike drive.. hmm took drunk himself from drinking with Tom at the Uk? Take off your blinders and see through the crap. Why are people in office hanging out with so called shady people in a shady club? Then trying to deflect and cover it up? Regardless of whether the mayor is Rep or Dem I wouldn't want someone with his lack of character in office. period.
- kat, manchester
This whole story is wierd. From what happened, to who was involved and why, and finally how the coverage of it has been sparse and somewhat biased. I can see why the Dems want to prop the story up. It keeps the focus off of what Shea-Porter is doing in DC. Before the Dems get carried away with the "bad behavior in bars" matra, they ought to review their current payroll. They would not want to seem hypocritical.
- Tom, Manchester
Wow, I love that people like kathy, Glen, and Bill, all question a grown man for going to a bar (on a Thursday, whoa). It's amusing to me. Because he is Mayor he isn't allowed to go to a bar, what a joke. Sorry Mr Mayor, no bars for you, in fact, you shouldnt leave your house unless for City business. Incredible. Clearly you are all Democrats and are attacking him because he isn't. To take it a step further and make a comment about him "needing to be with his family" is even worse. I love people like you who think your better then someone and think you know him better then he does. Who are you to question his family committment?? Oh that's right, you are perfect. And Bill, he wonders why elected officials were there. Jeez Bill, you think politicians don't go to bars?? Go look at Washington, you'll find a few that do.
- mike, manchester
Because JEAN he wasn't hanging out there- read the article. He was with Garrity somewhere else when Garrity was called to the bar to pick up the drunk. Neither Garrity or Guinta were hanging out at the bar at all. Jeeze, apparently some people can't read before commenting. And I do agree that Scott Brooks should have added who the Democrats were that were involved when he had no problem calling out who are Republicans. Seriously Mr. Brooks, terrible writing.
- Fred Jenkins, Manchester, NH
I never thought I'd see the day when someone accuses the Union Leader, of all papers, of being a tool of the Democrats. Has partisanship become so extreme that, even in a paper that has historically heavily favored the Republican party, any article that doesn't call for something like banning the Democratic party and instituting one-party rule is considered biased in favor of the Democrats?
There are a bunch of unresolved questions in this incident, starting with why one of our Aldermen is seemingly running a do-it-yourself halfway house, and whether (and if so, why) our Mayor is hanging out in questionable drinking establishments. That's what we need to be looking at, not complaining that a newspaper doesn't hate one political party sufficiently.
- Jean, Manchester
Both the Uke and Fish are fine establishments for an Alderman and Mayor to be hanging out at.
- sr, manchester
I see that reporter Scott Brooks has learned his trade well. He mentions that one of those present during this fracas is a Republican, and then allows a quote from a Democrat party official, while NEVER, mentioning the fact that an elected Democrat was one of those actually involved in the fracas.
- Robert Hilliard, Pembroke
Glen, read the article before commenting. Guinta wasn't AT the bar. He was with Garrity NOT at the bar and then Garrity was called to pick up this drunk guy. Guinta just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time when Garrity was trying to help out a friend who was probably on drugs as well as drunk apparently attacked Alderman Garrity.
I think it would be much more effective if the Union Leader would add the political party that each individual is affiliated with along with their name because it is THEN that you see the obviousness that this is just a Democrat attack ploy because they are scared of Guinta taking on Carol Shea-Porter. Paul Porter is one of the most partisan/angry Democrats in Manchester. Can it be any more obvious that he is going to make comments against Guinta and Garrity?
Also, how about we mention that the Garrity brother who ACTUALLY did the "harm" of throwing this English guy to the ground is Democrat State Rep! This garbage is just barking from Democrats trying to use the situation against Guinta even though everyone has said he did nothing wrong. What a joke. I wouldn't even waste ink on this story...
- Dave Thompson, Manchester, NH
"The incident has become fodder for the state Democratic Party, which put out a statement yesterday saying Guinta's behavior "raises questions about his leadership and character." "
Really - did Ray Buckley put this statement out? I almost fell out of my chair when I read that.
- WS, Manchester
Glen, read the article before commenting. Guinta wasn't AT the bar. He was with Garrity NOT at the bar and then Garrity was called to pick up this drunk guy. Guinta just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time when Garrity was trying to help out a friend who was probably on drugs as well as drunk apparently attacked Alderman Garrity.
I think it would be much more effective if the Union Leader would add the political party that each individual is affiliated with along with their name because it is THEN that you see the obviousness that this is just a Democrat attack ploy because they are scared of Guinta taking on Carol Shea-Porter. Paul Porter is one of the most partisan/angry Democrats in Manchester. Can it be any more obvious that he is going to make comments against Guinta and Garrity?
Also, how about we mention that the Garrity brother who ACTUALLY did the "harm" of throwing this English guy to the ground is Democrat State Rep! This garbage is just barking from Democrats trying to use the situation against Guinta even though everyone has said he did nothing wrong. What a joke. I wouldn't even waste ink on this story...
- Dave Thompson, Manchester, NH
So, the city has no money, had to raise taxes, lay off teachers, make kids pay to play sports, can't fill vacancies on the Police Force, and the mayor is out bar hopping with one of the cities Aldermen?
Leadership by example. Go drink your problems away right Mr Mayor?
What's Frank going to do for us if he gets elected to Congress? Put up fancy new archways on 93 and 95 so people know they are entering New Hampshire?
Do we really deserve this guy? Do we really want him representing us in Washington?
- Al Wood, Mancehster
Thank you Glen!
I find it interesting as well that Guinta always uses his children as an excuse for not being at scheduled events during the day, but goes out drinking on a Thursday night!
- Kathy, Manchester
The Mayor and Alderman are at more bars in the afternoon then is being reported. Up until this incident they were at The Fish and Game almost every day. I have seen them in a lot of the private clubs in the afternoons.
There skirting the truth here.
Stan Howser
- stan Howser, Manchester, NH
I'd like to know what 2 elected city officials were doing at a very sketchy establishment.
- Bill, Manchester
Mike Garrity calls Tom English a close personal friend and says "his family gave up on him a long time ago, but I never did."
The right thing to do for a close personal friend that you never gave up on would have been to stay with him all the way to the hospital.
As far as Mayor Gunta is concerned he could have at least stayed until the ambulance arrived.
- Will, Manchester
Oh boy, now this gets messier. I hope for Frank Guinta's sake that he is telling the whole truth, because if the police report shows he wasn't up front, he is done. In the meantime, I will give him the benefit of the doubt.
I still want to know why the Mayor, with two young children, is hanging around in bars on a Thursday night. Go home and be with your family.
- Glen, Manchester, NH
Is this still a story? Even though:
The family admits that Alderman Garrity and Mayor Guinta did nothing illegal;
The person making these accusations has years of drug and alcohol issues;
Alderman Garrity has tried to help this individual for years;
The mother herself admits her son hit Alderman Garrity;
The person in question was immediately tended to by an EMT; and
The person in question did not want the police involved;
Somehow this is Mayor Guinta's fault. I guess Mr. Brooks needed to fill a slow news week with Democrat talking points.
- Ryan, Hooksett
LJ: If your bartender is likely to tell reporters about your role in a fight at a private club, you're not tipping him enough.
- C, Manchester
Personal struggles??Sounds like there are a few people having some personal struggles.This Garrity clan seems to be having just another Thursday night in the Queen City that everyone in small town America is familiar with.And Guinta??Hangin @ The Fish??Everyone in Manch knows what goes on in the cellar at the Fish.
Glad to be living in Hooksett and saying my prayers
- jimmy, Hooksett
I agree with Jay. English had too many adult beverages, took a swing at Garrity, and was pulled off Garrity by Garrity's brother. Sounds like another typical Saturday night scuffle at your average Manchester drinking establishment.
- Mark, Manchester
This sounds more like a qualification for a governor than a congressman. Guinta would fit right in with the Blagovichs, Spitzers, Sanfords, Clintons, etal, who have represented their state so well
- James Canny, Allenstown
Good Point Jay, I might add or the word of someone not there. You would have throught the UL would have been able to get a quote from someone there! After all we at least know there was a Bartender.
Have to say I do not envy Mike Garrity position with his friend, been there myself with a friend. Hopefully he will stick with him if he needs the help as it seems family is not all that willing according to the story above.
- LJ, Manchester, NH
And Guinta wants to go to Congress? Is that the way he will settle arguments in as our Representatives. When disagreements come up, just walk away. Fisticuffs was the Keith Hirschmanm method of solving his disagreements and how long has he been a former alderman? Frank Guinta is not fit by experience nor temperment to be in Congress, no way Jose.
- Richard L. Fortin, Manchester
I never take the word of a drunk/drug guy....but that's just me. Non-story.
- Jay Collins, Laconia
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"Guinta's reported actions reveal his true character"
seacoastonline.com - Opinion - 9/22/2010 - Letter to the Editor
Sept. 17 — To the Editor:
Sometimes, a single event can reveal a lot about a man's character. In this case, it's Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter's opponent in the November election, Frank Guinta.
According to the Union Leader, "Relatives of a city man who suffered a broken leg in a dust-up at a (Manchester) center-city bar last month (June 2009) are venting their anger at Mayor Frank Guinta and Alderman Mike Garrity for their response to the incident. ... The family members allege Guinta and Garrity left the bar while the man, Thomas English Jr., was still lying on the floor and that neither called for help. 'I'm absolutely just disgusted with both the mayor and Mike Garrity at this point,' said English's cousin, Mike Porter."
The Union Leader continues, "Garrity has said English merely slipped or tripped after lunging at Garrity and getting pried off by the alderman's brother, state Rep. Pat Garrity. Relatives say that account doesn't add up — the injury, they say, is too severe to have come from a spill like that. 'The doctor even mentioned to me, he said this is the type of injury that football player might get when they've been tackled and some 300-pound guy falls on top of them,' Jackie English said."
More from the Union Leader: "Guinta has maintained that he did not witness English's fall. He said he called the police last Wednesday — six days after the incident ... English's uncle, former Alderman Paul Porter, said he is dissatisfied with the way Garrity and Guinta responded to the dust-up. 'I just felt disappointed they would leave a friend in that condition without waiting for an ambulance or calling the police,' Porter said ... Relatives said English is still in pain, nearly two weeks after a 4½-hour surgery that left him with 37 staples in his leg."
Is this the kind of judgment you want in your member of Congress? In just a few weeks, you will be asked to choose either Frank Guinta or Carol Shea-Porter to represent you in Congress. You decide.
Gary Patton
Hampton, NH
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