Most important thing is to establish and energy plan for our state
To the editor,
Last summer I sat on the "361" Commission to study the feasibility of burying electric transmission lines in the state rights of way. The conclusion was; yes, it is feasible. PSNH is against burying Northern Pass because it would lose tens of millions of dollars in transmission fees. The cost to bury would be around $2.2 billion, according to ABB, a world known leader in this type of project. Northern Pass estimates to overhead the lines would cost just over a billion dollars.
The cost to the economy of Northern New Hampshire would be catastrophic.
During the hearings of the "361" Commission, which consisted of some of the representatives of agencies that sit on the SEC, it was my feeling that we were "sandbagged" by those agencies. The final nail in the coffin was the Attorney General's office instructing agency members that they could not vote to accept the recommendations of the commission.
The energy that would flow through these transmission lines would have virtually no affect on our electric rates; 1/10th of a cent for every 200MW purchased from Hydro Quebec at .03 cents per KWH, according to testimony before the commission. This rate would not compensate taxpayers for the loss of thousands of dollars in property value of those located in close proximity to the transmission lines. The loss of tax assessment dollars would be borne by other taxpayers in the community in the form of higher property taxes. For those who lose property value, this would constitute a "taking" by a company for the sole purpose of generating profit.
Wind power projects are facing limits from the operators of the NE grid. Three operating wind projects in the Northeast Kingdom and the North Country of New Hampshire are facing restrictions, called "curtailments" and there are no indications that these restrictions will end anytime soon. "The VEC (Vermont Electric Co-operative) board of directors wants a moratorium on new wind and solar projects in Vermont. VEC is asking the Legislature to back off demands that utilities buy even more renewable and intermittent power until curtailments and other problems are studied."
"ISO-New England only accepted about half of the electricity that could be produced last year by Granite Reliable Power wind project in Coos County N.H." Why would we even consider allowing more projects to be built in N.H. when we can't even utilize the renewable capacity that currently exists?
So where do we stand as a state? Vermont has enacted some of the toughest environmental laws in the country, including restrictions on electric transmission lines. Maine has placed restrictions on the construction of power projects including a prerequisite of a demonstrable direct benefit to the citizens of Maine. Connecticut is imposing a requirement of burying most new transmission lines.
New Hampshire continues to allow its citizens and scenic mountains to be destroyed economically and environmentally by short sighted profit motivated private concerns.
As Executive Councilor Ray Burton said to Northern Pass officials; "smarten up and get out of here!"
There are a number House Bills being considered to address this situation: Rep. Skip Reilly, Rep. Neal Kurk and Rep. Larry Rappaport have bills that would require a moratorium for wind and transmission lines, the burying of transmission lines and burying transmission lines in public rights of way. The most important part of these bills is the establishment of a comprehensive energy plan for the State of New Hampshire. Let's support these bills, before the natural beauty of our state is permanently devastated not for the public good but for the sole purpose of corporate profit.
Paul Simard
Bristol
Last summer I sat on the "361" Commission to study the feasibility of burying electric transmission lines in the state rights of way. The conclusion was; yes, it is feasible. PSNH is against burying Northern Pass because it would lose tens of millions of dollars in transmission fees. The cost to bury would be around $2.2 billion, according to ABB, a world known leader in this type of project. Northern Pass estimates to overhead the lines would cost just over a billion dollars.
The cost to the economy of Northern New Hampshire would be catastrophic.
During the hearings of the "361" Commission, which consisted of some of the representatives of agencies that sit on the SEC, it was my feeling that we were "sandbagged" by those agencies. The final nail in the coffin was the Attorney General's office instructing agency members that they could not vote to accept the recommendations of the commission.
The energy that would flow through these transmission lines would have virtually no affect on our electric rates; 1/10th of a cent for every 200MW purchased from Hydro Quebec at .03 cents per KWH, according to testimony before the commission. This rate would not compensate taxpayers for the loss of thousands of dollars in property value of those located in close proximity to the transmission lines. The loss of tax assessment dollars would be borne by other taxpayers in the community in the form of higher property taxes. For those who lose property value, this would constitute a "taking" by a company for the sole purpose of generating profit.
Wind power projects are facing limits from the operators of the NE grid. Three operating wind projects in the Northeast Kingdom and the North Country of New Hampshire are facing restrictions, called "curtailments" and there are no indications that these restrictions will end anytime soon. "The VEC (Vermont Electric Co-operative) board of directors wants a moratorium on new wind and solar projects in Vermont. VEC is asking the Legislature to back off demands that utilities buy even more renewable and intermittent power until curtailments and other problems are studied."
"ISO-New England only accepted about half of the electricity that could be produced last year by Granite Reliable Power wind project in Coos County N.H." Why would we even consider allowing more projects to be built in N.H. when we can't even utilize the renewable capacity that currently exists?
So where do we stand as a state? Vermont has enacted some of the toughest environmental laws in the country, including restrictions on electric transmission lines. Maine has placed restrictions on the construction of power projects including a prerequisite of a demonstrable direct benefit to the citizens of Maine. Connecticut is imposing a requirement of burying most new transmission lines.
New Hampshire continues to allow its citizens and scenic mountains to be destroyed economically and environmentally by short sighted profit motivated private concerns.
As Executive Councilor Ray Burton said to Northern Pass officials; "smarten up and get out of here!"
There are a number House Bills being considered to address this situation: Rep. Skip Reilly, Rep. Neal Kurk and Rep. Larry Rappaport have bills that would require a moratorium for wind and transmission lines, the burying of transmission lines and burying transmission lines in public rights of way. The most important part of these bills is the establishment of a comprehensive energy plan for the State of New Hampshire. Let's support these bills, before the natural beauty of our state is permanently devastated not for the public good but for the sole purpose of corporate profit.
Paul Simard
Bristol
Last Updated on Thursday, 28 February 2013 00:57
Hits: 313
Jayne Greemore will be independent voice of reason on selectboard
To the editor,
"If everyone is thinking alike, someone isn't thinking," is a quote by General George Patton that currently epitomizes my opinion of the Meredith Selectboard. On March 12, voters will be casting ballots for local officials. In Meredith, three very nice people are running for two open positions on the Selectboard and I thank them for signing up.
One of my two votes will absolutely be cast for Jayne Greemore. She is an independent thinker, a voice that accurately represents the thoughts and frustrations of many people. She understands the plight of the local economy, the difficulties of owning a small business, the compromises that must be made, and the budget process that goes with it all. She knows how unemployment and financial problems can burden a family, and that tough choices are being made by people in Meredith right now between buying food or medicine, and paying for ever rising local taxes.
Jayne believes that this country was founded on individual rights which should be cherished, not taken away by select local groups. She knows that every tax dollar is hard earned, and thorough questions and avenues have to be explored before spending what isn't hers. Most importantly, she is not part of the "Good 'Ol Boy" mindset that permeates many Meredith committees and board meetings as a result of the same people shifting from one position to another, creating votes that are pre-set and unanimous. After attending many Selectboard meetings, I feel that Jayne has an independent voice of reason and empathy that is missing from the table.
Please give Jayne Greemore one of your two votes for the Meredith Selectboard on March 12. She can also be located at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and appreciates all communications.
Karen Sticht
Meredith
"If everyone is thinking alike, someone isn't thinking," is a quote by General George Patton that currently epitomizes my opinion of the Meredith Selectboard. On March 12, voters will be casting ballots for local officials. In Meredith, three very nice people are running for two open positions on the Selectboard and I thank them for signing up.
One of my two votes will absolutely be cast for Jayne Greemore. She is an independent thinker, a voice that accurately represents the thoughts and frustrations of many people. She understands the plight of the local economy, the difficulties of owning a small business, the compromises that must be made, and the budget process that goes with it all. She knows how unemployment and financial problems can burden a family, and that tough choices are being made by people in Meredith right now between buying food or medicine, and paying for ever rising local taxes.
Jayne believes that this country was founded on individual rights which should be cherished, not taken away by select local groups. She knows that every tax dollar is hard earned, and thorough questions and avenues have to be explored before spending what isn't hers. Most importantly, she is not part of the "Good 'Ol Boy" mindset that permeates many Meredith committees and board meetings as a result of the same people shifting from one position to another, creating votes that are pre-set and unanimous. After attending many Selectboard meetings, I feel that Jayne has an independent voice of reason and empathy that is missing from the table.
Please give Jayne Greemore one of your two votes for the Meredith Selectboard on March 12. She can also be located at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and appreciates all communications.
Karen Sticht
Meredith
Last Updated on Thursday, 28 February 2013 00:52
Hits: 60
Let's not elect q quixotic promoter of centralized government power
To the editor,
I write in support of Don Guarino for selectman in Gilmanton. Townfolk should ask themselves one question before casting their vote on March 12: do I want to be represented by a believer in small and efficient government and local control or is it better to be represented by a quixotic promoter of centralized governmental power? With government at all levels now consuming in excess of 40 percent of gross domestic product and the ever present cry for more revenues, I hope that the
voters of Gilmanton will opt in favor of a man of common sense who will place his community and its needs above any sense of personal entitlement.
Don Guarino is tapped into the very fiber of Gilmanton and has served the community with honor and attention to duty, Please vote for him on March 12; thank you.
Dick Burchell
State Representative, Belknap 5
Gilmanton
I write in support of Don Guarino for selectman in Gilmanton. Townfolk should ask themselves one question before casting their vote on March 12: do I want to be represented by a believer in small and efficient government and local control or is it better to be represented by a quixotic promoter of centralized governmental power? With government at all levels now consuming in excess of 40 percent of gross domestic product and the ever present cry for more revenues, I hope that the
voters of Gilmanton will opt in favor of a man of common sense who will place his community and its needs above any sense of personal entitlement.
Don Guarino is tapped into the very fiber of Gilmanton and has served the community with honor and attention to duty, Please vote for him on March 12; thank you.
Dick Burchell
State Representative, Belknap 5
Gilmanton
Last Updated on Thursday, 28 February 2013 00:47
Hits: 67
Why are 'Maggie & the Dems' owned by the decling unions?
To the editor,
Here are a few facts/questions to consider about "Maggie and the Dems".
— Gas prices are projected to hit $4 to $5 shortly. What does "Maggie and the Dems" want to do? Raise the gas tax. This is on top of a 2 percent payroll tax.
— Defeat right-to-work. Where are all those high paying union jobs? We could get business from Vermont (IBM), RI and Maine with RTW.
— Defeat education credits. This hurts the poor and the middle class. Teachers' union wanted this. Guess Exeter Academy is out-of-the-question.
— "Maggie and the Dems" do not want Northern Pass, windmills or nuclear energy. What do they want? Fact: solar and wind provide only 4 percent of the total energy in the U.S.
— How about a tax on bicycles? They use the road.
— Raise the tax on cigarettes. If I do not smoke, what do I care? My choice, unlike the gas tax.
— Why are "Maggie and the Dems" owned by the unions? Membership in unions fell 400,000. State (North Dakota) with the lowest unemployment is right-to-work.
Simply stated, we face in N.H., restoration of the payroll tax, rising gas prices, a new gas tax, and stagnant unemployment. I tried to find where the Dems were recommending spending cuts but there are not any.
My last question, can we use the "Kuster Plan" to pay our taxes? Pay when we are damn good and ready.
Jim Mayotte
Sanbornton
Here are a few facts/questions to consider about "Maggie and the Dems".
— Gas prices are projected to hit $4 to $5 shortly. What does "Maggie and the Dems" want to do? Raise the gas tax. This is on top of a 2 percent payroll tax.
— Defeat right-to-work. Where are all those high paying union jobs? We could get business from Vermont (IBM), RI and Maine with RTW.
— Defeat education credits. This hurts the poor and the middle class. Teachers' union wanted this. Guess Exeter Academy is out-of-the-question.
— "Maggie and the Dems" do not want Northern Pass, windmills or nuclear energy. What do they want? Fact: solar and wind provide only 4 percent of the total energy in the U.S.
— How about a tax on bicycles? They use the road.
— Raise the tax on cigarettes. If I do not smoke, what do I care? My choice, unlike the gas tax.
— Why are "Maggie and the Dems" owned by the unions? Membership in unions fell 400,000. State (North Dakota) with the lowest unemployment is right-to-work.
Simply stated, we face in N.H., restoration of the payroll tax, rising gas prices, a new gas tax, and stagnant unemployment. I tried to find where the Dems were recommending spending cuts but there are not any.
My last question, can we use the "Kuster Plan" to pay our taxes? Pay when we are damn good and ready.
Jim Mayotte
Sanbornton
Last Updated on Thursday, 28 February 2013 00:42
Hits: 82
Obama has brought us evil with his method of divide & conquer
To the editor,
President Barak Obama now wants to determine whether our 3 and 4year olds should go to daycare! Another intrusion into the private family lives of our families. Every bill or executive order takes away our private property rights. We the parents decide what is best for each individual girl or boy we nurture. Family life is a sacred blessing handed down by natural law, not by governmental agencies, nor by our president! Microsoft has signed with the U.N., so we can begin getting U.N. studies in our classrooms. Our children's education should be filled with American culture and history. The U.N. is composed of communist and socialist nations who do not like our culture, society, or way of life, and want to change the U.S.A. Barak Obama wants to indoctrinate our children at an early age, by infringing on our basic rights as parents,and pushing his agenda of one-world government.
Families need to be aware of the teaching in our schools by taking part in their child's education in the classroom. Visit the classrooms, see the vision of studies that are taught and by whom, meet the teachers, find their character and personality and decide if the teaching materials are conductive to your thinking. You, the parents, should set the standards of education for your children.
We now have had four years of Barak Obama, a man who serves himself and not the people of this great country. He has brought evil to the people by his method to divide and conquer! He claimed four years ago to bring everyone together as one America, black and white, rich and poor. He has divided this country beyond the scope of our idenity. What kind of a personality can possess so much evil. Does anyone know what a "double-think person does when he is giving speeches? His traits are to know and not to know, to be conscious of complete truthfulness while telling carefully constructed lies — he doesn't want the middle class to thrive, even though he says so. Tell me why is he taking jobs away by ObamaCare, pushing extreme regulations on small business, oil and coal, bakeries,and taking away from everyone by increasing payroll taxes? Another trait is to repudiate morality while laying claim to it — he is against water boarding, but he has no problem using drones to kill innocent people.
The definition of double-speak is to be evasive, ambiguous and use high-flown language intended to confuse or deceive. He says the rich should pay their fair share while knowing that the rich already pay 49 percent of the taxes, therefore pitting the poor against the rich. He claimed five years ago he was going to bring everybody together as one America, black and white, rich and poor. He is a divisive man, untruthful and unconscionable in spirit and heart.
He promotes false Racism and he has no problem promoting his racism to purposely place in the realm of ones mind, resentment against color, class, the haves and have nots. This certain trait is to hold simultaneously two opinions which cancel out, knowing them to be contradictory and believing in both of them.This is what Hussain Obama does, he uses logic against logic; he repudiates morality while laying claim to it, to believe that demoracy was impossible and that the party was the guardian of democracy. To forget whatever it was necessary to forget, then to draw it back into memory again at the moment when it was needed and then promptly to forget it again. How many times has the race card, greed card and the personality card become a part of his speeches which are filled with untruths!
President Obama campaigned last week to promote his plans for job creation, that he claimed would expand the country's middle class, fully aware that the Job Corps program had suspended enrollment in January to gross bureaucratic mismanagement of the country's largest job training program for low income youths, particularly African Americans! Which one of the categories above does this super, super deliberate mistruth apply. Just think about my message and the truth. Open your eyes and see this man's evil spirit! Do not walk around with your eyes and ears wide shut. Search out the truth!
Ron Paul quote on the drone threat: it is true, extra-juridical killing is the opposite of free justice in a free society. NDAA is unconstitutional. Read all about this on the Internet. Our House of Representatives promoted a bill in N.H. to outlaw this in our state. It is a follow-up to the Patriot Act promoted by this treasonist president!
Rosemary Landry
Meredith
Rosemary Landry,
Meredith
President Barak Obama now wants to determine whether our 3 and 4year olds should go to daycare! Another intrusion into the private family lives of our families. Every bill or executive order takes away our private property rights. We the parents decide what is best for each individual girl or boy we nurture. Family life is a sacred blessing handed down by natural law, not by governmental agencies, nor by our president! Microsoft has signed with the U.N., so we can begin getting U.N. studies in our classrooms. Our children's education should be filled with American culture and history. The U.N. is composed of communist and socialist nations who do not like our culture, society, or way of life, and want to change the U.S.A. Barak Obama wants to indoctrinate our children at an early age, by infringing on our basic rights as parents,and pushing his agenda of one-world government.
Families need to be aware of the teaching in our schools by taking part in their child's education in the classroom. Visit the classrooms, see the vision of studies that are taught and by whom, meet the teachers, find their character and personality and decide if the teaching materials are conductive to your thinking. You, the parents, should set the standards of education for your children.
We now have had four years of Barak Obama, a man who serves himself and not the people of this great country. He has brought evil to the people by his method to divide and conquer! He claimed four years ago to bring everyone together as one America, black and white, rich and poor. He has divided this country beyond the scope of our idenity. What kind of a personality can possess so much evil. Does anyone know what a "double-think person does when he is giving speeches? His traits are to know and not to know, to be conscious of complete truthfulness while telling carefully constructed lies — he doesn't want the middle class to thrive, even though he says so. Tell me why is he taking jobs away by ObamaCare, pushing extreme regulations on small business, oil and coal, bakeries,and taking away from everyone by increasing payroll taxes? Another trait is to repudiate morality while laying claim to it — he is against water boarding, but he has no problem using drones to kill innocent people.
The definition of double-speak is to be evasive, ambiguous and use high-flown language intended to confuse or deceive. He says the rich should pay their fair share while knowing that the rich already pay 49 percent of the taxes, therefore pitting the poor against the rich. He claimed five years ago he was going to bring everybody together as one America, black and white, rich and poor. He is a divisive man, untruthful and unconscionable in spirit and heart.
He promotes false Racism and he has no problem promoting his racism to purposely place in the realm of ones mind, resentment against color, class, the haves and have nots. This certain trait is to hold simultaneously two opinions which cancel out, knowing them to be contradictory and believing in both of them.This is what Hussain Obama does, he uses logic against logic; he repudiates morality while laying claim to it, to believe that demoracy was impossible and that the party was the guardian of democracy. To forget whatever it was necessary to forget, then to draw it back into memory again at the moment when it was needed and then promptly to forget it again. How many times has the race card, greed card and the personality card become a part of his speeches which are filled with untruths!
President Obama campaigned last week to promote his plans for job creation, that he claimed would expand the country's middle class, fully aware that the Job Corps program had suspended enrollment in January to gross bureaucratic mismanagement of the country's largest job training program for low income youths, particularly African Americans! Which one of the categories above does this super, super deliberate mistruth apply. Just think about my message and the truth. Open your eyes and see this man's evil spirit! Do not walk around with your eyes and ears wide shut. Search out the truth!
Ron Paul quote on the drone threat: it is true, extra-juridical killing is the opposite of free justice in a free society. NDAA is unconstitutional. Read all about this on the Internet. Our House of Representatives promoted a bill in N.H. to outlaw this in our state. It is a follow-up to the Patriot Act promoted by this treasonist president!
Rosemary Landry
Meredith
Rosemary Landry,
Meredith
Last Updated on Thursday, 28 February 2013 00:41
Hits: 26
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