The First Amendment aside, historically nature worshipers have always been at a disadvantage in the United States. Our rights, and the rights of Native Americans who understand this on a generational level I never will, have been trampled on, ignored, and/or outright prohibited since the inception of this nation.
It seems Northern Pass is maintaining the status quo for nature worshipers.
My Stratford home and land arrogantly still are shown on Northern Pass’s web site as belonging to them, not me.
Stratford lands have been walked and examined by NP. They “sneaked” onto mine multiple times. My neighbors’ too.
Survey helicopters are still flying, and it is May 2012.
Neither my neighbors nor I have been approached recently to sell/grant easements or land.
What do I think? Well, HB648 will not stop my Northern Pass’s eminent domain ambitions. Northern Pass simply will take the fight national, and seize land at a federal level.
Margaret
Since we are careful to not to be partisan on political issues in respect for our diversity we want to point out, as we always have, that our policy is to let our readers know what candidates for office in NH or on the federal level are opposed to Northern Pass. Jeff Woodburn has decided to run on the Democratic ticket for NH State Senate in District One and he has contacted us to state that he opposes Northern Pass. As soon as we hear from others running for that office we will let you know. Meanwhile, this is what Mr. Woodburn wrote:
I wanted to let you know that I’ve decided to run for State Senator. For the past few years, I’ve watched the important issues unfold as a newspaper reporter, but the critical issues and opportunities compel me to run — and return to the political arena.
My writing and life have been about exploring the wonders of rural life. The North Country is a fascinating place – full of harsh contradictions and kind people –all drawn and held to this seemingly inhospitable spot for many different reasons – but none having to do with money. Trying to untie the knot of this question kept me busy and happy.
But the pull of politics is strong – and the divide between rural and suburban New Hampshire is widening. Power is shifting southward; our influence is diminishing. It is important that we have a leader who will be a passionate, articulate voice for rural values and culture.
The way government is carried out in the North Country is different – smaller, more personal and less partisan. No matter the issue – whether it be promoting economic development, protecting our environment, managing our wildlife and recreation resources, delivering education, human and other services, or negotiating the web of government regulations – it is all done differently in the North Country. We know that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work and that permanent change comes from the bottom up, not the top down.
Nowhere is this issue more pronounced than in the effort to prevent the Northern Pass transmission lines from scaring our landscape, denigrating culture and stymieing our untapped potential.
Yet, in spite of the challenges, there is rising optimism in the region and a heightened realization of what unites and ultimately defines this region. I think we’re recapturing the ethos that once drew our southern neighbors to look north for inspiration, reflection and peace, but it is easy for our voice to be lost. I want to be that voice and ensure that our government hears our concerns and respects our culture.
With regards,
Jeff Woodburn
Helicopters are flying low along the Conn. River and today at 8:45 this morning (5/8). We live in Stratford and these blue helicopters have been seen a couple times a week for quite some time. We continue to worry.
Maren
Stratford
An opposition member in Hill also reports of helicopters over her home numerous times this past week.
hursday, May 24
12-2 pm
Diamond Ballroom – $40 per person, REGISTER
Join the Vermont Chamber of Commerce in welcoming the Premier of Quebec, Jean Charest (invited). Governor Peter Shumlin will address the audience with Premier Charest and highlight Vermont’s relationship with Canada and international trade.
The following excerpt is from The Quebec Government’s U. S. Strategy (p. 9; full English text attached, first). Note the use of the word “corridor” to describe new export routes (i.e., high voltage transmission lines).
“Québec must make sure that new U.S. legislation and future policies pertaining to renewable energies will enable it to rely on a long-term approach that promotes a flexible electricity supply by:
•not rejecting water-generated electricity from Québec;
•allowing full use of existing supply infrastructure;
•fostering the installation of new export corridors and the signing of long-term contracts.” [emphasis added]
Is Northern Pass one of the new desired “export corridors”? If so, why doesn’t Hydro Quebec’s annual report for 2011 (attached, second) highlight NP? Northeast Utilities showcased Northern Pass in its recent Q1 earnings call, but HQ clearly did not. Is HQ looking for a new dance partner?
As an Opposition member, what can you do to help convince HQ to ditch NP-NU-PSNH? Does the Opposition need a “Quebec Strategy”?
Public Service of New Hampshire suspended operations at its flagship, coal-fired power plant in Bow because it is cheaper to buy the electricity it needs to serve its estimated 500,000 customers on the open market, a company spokesman and a state utility regulator said Monday.
An oversupply of natural gas and steep drop in natural gas prices are the primary driver behind the Merrimack Station going off-line, PSNH spokesman Martin Murray said. Weather and stagnant growth in energy demand due to an economy still flagging from the recession are other factors, he added.
Kwé, Kuei, Hi!!
Please circulate in your networks!
Circle of First Nations and Alliance Romaine hope to organize an evening to
raise funds to carry out actions for the protection of the Romaine River,
against the Plan Nord.
We are looking for native and Québec artists who would participate in this
event. The event will take place on the 1st or the 8th of June, depending on the
artists’ responses. If you are interested contact us.
For the organizing committee:
Gustavo Zamora Jiménez
Coordonnateur
Cercle des Premières Nations de l’UQAM
(514) 987-3000 poste 6793
Local DS-3223
The following message is from John Harrigan who has made some signs available for Northern Coos (see our past notices). Please help him get them out there!!!!!
Time is of the essence on the new signs, with people coming up to open up camps and seasonal homes and preview the big Balsams auction, so I want to get them out on Rtes 3, 145 and 26 ASAP.
I’ve decided to distribute a few today (last Friday) to local compatriots who can get them out, and will have at least 25 available at the News and Sentinel office beginning Monday, with more to come Tuesday and Wednesday as soon as our new supply of laminate gets in.
People can just drop by the News and Sentinel at 6 Bridge Street, Colebrook, and the signs will be in the front office with a donation can. If people can pony up $4 apiece, that’ll just about cover the costs.
If you can get the word out I’d appreciate it.
Thanks, and anyone with any questions is more than welcome to get in touch with me at 237-5501, 237-4445 or 331-4414.
John Harrigan
It sounds like John is willing to send them out via mail but you should call, get your address to him AND help defray costs of mailing. Each of you can each do our part.
From an Opposition Friend:
I sense that Democratic Party is up against two serious Republican contenders for the Governor’s Office, Lamontagne and Smith. Both of these individuals have come out opposed to the Northern Pass Transmission Line project as it has been proposed by PSNH, namely as an overhead power line extending 180 miles from the Canadian Border down to Deerfield, NH. On the theory that better late is better than never, Governor Lynch finally signed off on HB 648 denying the use of Eminent Domain to the Northern Pass project structured as it is. The Senate Democrats were also very slow to come to their senses on the Northern Pass controversy.
As a testament to how this issue crosses party lines, remember that Lamontangne’s law firm is corporate counsel for PSNH. Clearly Lamontangne understands that Northern Pass is the most controversial issue of the day, if not the past two generations and although I have some doubts as to his sincerity on this matter, he has staked out a No Northern Pass plank in his platform, notwithstanding his close ties to PSNH. Gubernatorial candidate, Kevin Smith, has done so as well, but Smith is far more vocal and believable on the subject.
Northeast Utilities (NU) Q1 2012 Earnings Call May 3, 2012 4:00 PM ET
Operator
Welcome to the Northeast Utilities First Quarter Earnings Conference Call. My name is Christine, and I’ll be your operator for today’s conference. [Operator Instructions] Please note, today’s conference is being recorded.
I will now turn the call over to Jeffrey Kotkin, Vice President, Investor Relations. You may begin.
Unknown Executive
Do we have technical difficulties, gentlemen?
[Technical Difficulty]
Time for putting signs up! We had a message from one of our Opposition Friends that there are now signs available again for those who want to have Stop NP signs. Some of your signs may have blown down or been vandalized and a few more would be great as well to give to friends, family and neighbors.
The cost is still $5. Please contact Pam Charon in Plymouth who will work with you to get them where you want them to go. Her number is 968-7353.
May 21 Seeking the Current showing in Colebrook at the Tillotson Center starting at 7:00 pm.
May 24 at 7:30: Seeking the Current will screen at the Colonial Theater, Bethlehem. Save the date!
July 28th, Presby Environmental Fair and Open House, an opportunity to reach out to visitors and community members in the Whitefield area. 10 to 3. Anyone who would like more information or who would like to be a vendor at the Environmental or Artisans’ Craft Fairs should contact Lee Rashkin at 837-3826 or 1-800-473-5298, or by email at lee.rashkin@presbyeco.com.
Saturday, September 1, 2012 from 3-3:30, HANDS ACROSS NEW HAMPSHIRE. Join thousands of people across the state to join hands in peaceful, nonviolent, family friendly event opposing Northern Pass. Please contact handsacrossnh@gmail.com to participate in this action. For more information visit handsacrossnh.wordpress.com or twitter @handsacrossnh
The talking heads are talking about green, sustainable energy. They talk of getting the US off oil and coal and on renewable energy sources. They talk and talk and talk but no one actually does anything to overcome the national addiction Americans have to consuming way more than they can produce.
