http://www.nhinsider.com/steven-j-connolly/Copyright NHInsider.com 2008-2009en-USSquarespace Site Server v5.0.0 (http://www.squarespace.com/)Steven J. ConnollySat, 22 Nov 2008 22:46:32 +0000http://www.nhinsider.com/steven-j-connolly/2008/11/21/vermont-power-in-new-hampshire.html#comments13961:2056754:comment/2460877
It wasn't.

Here is the attitude I found in Concord with respect to this issue. "As long as we get our tax revenue from the dams. It does not matter who owns them."

Indeed, the Town of Littleton where I'm from did not file one single comment about the acquisition of these dams. Until the payment in lieu of taxes was late. Then of course lawyers get involved. I think its still in court the arguement is over the difference between market value (utility) and valuation (town) on what rate of taxes to be paid. Of course the utility wants lower while the town wants higher.

I do not think this is an effective way to promote interstate cooperation between New Hampshire and Vermont. And it certainly does nothing to improve the discussion about energy policy in New England.]]>Bill GnadeSat, 22 Nov 2008 15:26:16 +0000http://www.nhinsider.com/steven-j-connolly/2008/11/21/vermont-power-in-new-hampshire.html#comments13961:2056754:comment/2460130
Just wondering: Doesn't all of the Connecticut River north of the Massachusetts border lie in New Hampshire? And if so, how is this not primarily a New Hampshire issue?

I have long been under the impression that the State of NH has authority over the Connecticut River to its very western edge. Am I wrong?

If I am not, I am shocked (no pun intended) that NH would be largely indifferent to the control, ownership, regulation or distribution of power generated on state land.

Bill Gnade]]>Steven J. ConnollyFri, 21 Nov 2008 18:57:51 +0000http://www.nhinsider.com/steven-j-connolly/2008/11/20/who-is-jennifer-horn-really.html#comments13961:2056754:comment/2458351
A good arguement. But I continue to believe that NH should have done more to preserve an industry that has been in this state since the 1800s. Further, I don't entirely blame management, a good paper machine costs in the range of 17.5 million dollars an investment to compete against subsidized paper machines in places like Sweden and Norway.
Its a tough marketplace its always been tough. But my feeling is that NH still did absoultely nothing to keep these jobs. My ideas would have been for the paper companies to go "all in" or get out. They chose the later.
State Loan Guantees could have been used to add paper machines thereby lowering variable costs. Companies like PSNH could have worked harder to provide affordable electricity to the mills. Many other things could have been done but they weren't.

New Hampshire ends up as the loser. I'm glad Horn was soundly defeated. Its is clear to me that she has no grasp of real issues and real people. Especially in places like Coos County. I hope Congressman Hodes will continue his efforts to keep the remaining two paper machines in Gorham open.

This means jobs.]]>RowlandFri, 21 Nov 2008 16:59:26 +0000http://www.nhinsider.com/steven-j-connolly/2008/11/20/who-is-jennifer-horn-really.html#comments13961:2056754:comment/2458090Steven J. ConnollyFri, 21 Nov 2008 16:43:48 +0000http://www.nhinsider.com/steven-j-connolly/2008/11/19/im-glad-vlacich-is-leaving.html#comments13961:2056754:comment/2458040
Coos County development program- Uh Huh.
It works like this: shiny state vehicles show up and explain to the proletariat that they can start their own business. Gee Whiz. They even mentioned "high speed internet access." 1400 people have lost their jobs.

Strong and sucessful voice- I'm not sure what this means. Please feel free to explain.

In the meantime take a ride up to the Lewiston-Auburn area of Maine. About 60 miles east of Berlin, NH. Consider the development(s) and jobs that have happened in the last five years and the jobs that will happen.
I think the Lewiston-Auburn area is another clear example of why I'm very glad Mr.Vlacich is leaving.]]>Mike MarshFri, 21 Nov 2008 00:57:53 +0000http://www.nhinsider.com/steven-j-connolly/2008/11/19/im-glad-vlacich-is-leaving.html#comments13961:2056754:comment/2456385so interestedThu, 20 Nov 2008 03:27:59 +0000http://www.nhinsider.com/steven-j-connolly/2008/11/19/im-glad-vlacich-is-leaving.html#comments13961:2056754:comment/2453607
now that there is a vacancy in DRED hopefully you'll do the state a service and apply. You seem, well, just so much more qualified.]]>Steven J. ConnollyWed, 19 Nov 2008 23:50:12 +0000http://www.nhinsider.com/steven-j-connolly/2008/11/19/canada-is-near-new-hampshire.html#comments13961:2056754:comment/2450770
The starting place in this good idea would have been for New Hampshire to assist the paper industry 1400 jobs in northern NH. Followed by machine tools and high technology in the Lakes Region and Southern NH. Another 500 jobs.

Notice the policymakers didn't do this. Tourism is the state's largest industry now. Like it ot loathe it. It's the reality.

"Also doesn't the presence of gambling establishments attract a bad crowd and thus contribute to crime?"

Check the daily news. The crime rate is increasing in New Hampshire. New Hampshire needs to do something to expand the taxbase and create jobs. Tourism is the largest industry in the state. Casino gaming is a viable and rational extension of this industry.]]>RowlandWed, 19 Nov 2008 22:17:22 +0000http://www.nhinsider.com/steven-j-connolly/2008/11/19/canada-is-near-new-hampshire.html#comments13961:2056754:comment/2446883
Also doesn't the presence of gambling establishments attract a bad crowd and thus contribute to crime?]]>Ed's bald spotWed, 19 Nov 2008 04:20:23 +0000http://www.nhinsider.com/steven-j-connolly/2008/11/17/santa-claus-aint-coming.html#comments13961:2056754:comment/2444273
I must admit, I agree with Mr. Naile on this issue. In my opinion, the lure of building a casino in our state is identical to the lure of the gambler to the casino...the ever elusive big payoff. Remember, the house ALWAYS wins. New Hampshire has so much to natural beauty to offer. No disrespect to CT, NV, and NJ, but they don't hold a candle to our natural resources. Let's not cheapen our state with the temptation of a "quick buck."]]>