Fraser Paper Incorporated with operations in Canada, Maine and Gorham, New Hampshire has announced its plans to restructure its operations including the sale of certain assets, including the last remaining paper mill in operation in Gorham, New Hampshire.
I’m going to guess that this isn’t going to end well for Gorham [...]
During a challenging day at work I try to think about positive things. NH politics, policy and my most excellent roadtrips often come to the forefront of these thoughts. In August, I had a great trip across eastern Canada and then south to Atlantic City, New Jersey.
My venture began in [...]
An article that appeared in the Union Leader that I think was so poorly written I couldn’t finish it. The pot was literally boiling over with drivel. It was probably consuming valuable oxygen as well.
Robin Comstock: Manchester-area businesses support commuter rail.
“Hear that sound, New Hampshire? Opportunity is knocking in the [...]
I’m reading a really good book right now. It’s called Putin and the Rise of Russia by Michael Stuermer, about the presidency of Vladimir Putin from 2000-2008.
A new book published at the end of September I think its quality, unlike many books like this tend to simply cover an autobiography of the [...]
According to a report that appears in the Concord Monitor the New Hampshire Gaming Study Commission is considering its draft interim report. My take from what was reported.
Stall for time.
I’m not going to waste your time and mine by cutting and pasting intellectual quotes from Lew Feldstein about what the [...]
It’s just before the ski season and Cannon Mountain looks really good this year. Some other developments may make this the best ski season ever.
Recently I was driving north on the Franconia Notch Parkway and noticed the fairly substantial snow bases on both Gary’s and Paulies Folly. And then I [...]
Everytime I start thinking that Vermont is 10-15 years behind New Hampshire in everything from education to transportation they do something cool that makes me wonder if New Hampshire isn’t the place that is actually behind.
In this particular case, its $12.00 Amtrak tickets. The link for the information is posted [...]
The upcoming race for the Second Congressional District gets more interesting by the day. The latest entry to this western district is Concord Firefighter and Democratic State Representative John Dejoie.
I think this is a margin campaign.
There are already other candidates and capital in this race that will far outpace anything [...]
About a week and a half ago I noticed that the NH House Committee on Ethics announced that it was starting an investigation of the matter relative to the state lease of the Milford-Bennington Railroad and the influence of Rep. Peter Leishman over the lease. Rep. Leishman is the owner [...]
One of the things I’m continually trying to improve on is my cooking. I’ve had some successes with casseroles and quiches. My attempt at a pot roast was like my attempt to run for State Representative three years ago against then incumbent Rep. Martha McLeod from Franconia.
Excuse my french, I [...]
This incident I think shows what is wrong with the NH Rail Authority and more specifically, its leader former Senator Peter Burling.
The various news accounts reported the extent of the derailment which was seven loaded coal cars “on the ground” and the disruption of motor vehicle traffic in the greater Nashua area [...]
On route 2 in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont in the town of Danville there is a fairly good sized farm with an incredible view of the mountains. As an example of how good this view is, on a clear day I believe it is possible to see the ski slopes [...]
Why is Jennifer Horn running for Congress?
Why.
I’ve asked this question and I’m asking it again.
An example of my frustration is the guest editorial that appears on this very board. All the issues facing New Hampshire and the Second Congressional District and Ms. Horn writes an article about being a Republican.
Where [...]
When transportation secretary Ray LaHood was in New Hampshire he didn’t say anything specific about economic development and jobs sans his broad statement to the media that the administration had created or will create 3.5 million jobs. This statement was closely followed by New Hampshire officials selling the advantages of [...]
In a post below titled Defend This the author Steve MacDonald has an issue with Rep. Murtha’s handing of legislative procedure. It’s a fair argument but if the facts ever pan out I think this will cast a different light on this whole matter and thus showing that the political and legislative [...]
In NH politics I think it’s easy to become cynical and negative. Regardless of what the issues are or what the campaigns say or don’t say, anyone that has spent time in the Statehouse knows what I mean.
A day at the Statehouse:
Lobbyists, agendas, ideas, legislation and more lobbyists. Deal making [...]
United States Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood was recently in New Hampshire. “And we’re on track to create and save a total of at least 3.5 million jobs by next fall.” he said. The article which this is quoted from appears in Laconia Citizen also included some statements about high-speed [...]
Today on CNBC there was an interesting report from the floor of the New York Mercantile Exchange. It was a discussion about the price of crude oil and the interesting part came at the end of the report.
"Saudi Aramco to base its prices on a Argus Sour Crude Oil contract" [...]
In a guest blog Marcel Vanderpunke
“Infrastructure and transportation in the United States is not in a position today to erase the competitive edge of emerging markets. “
The author never defines exactly what he means by infrastructure and transportation, exactly what systems are you talking about Mr. Vanderpunke?
“But a serious [...]
“War is commerce by other means.”
Several weeks ago I was in Borders in Concord looking at the recently reduced selection of magazines.
I usually don’t purchase magazines but since I was in a hurry this day and happened to have a 30% off Borders Rewards Coupon decided to pick up the [...]
Union Leader Newspaper, today.
There's a report about the Maine lobster industry increasing its marketing presence.
Someone is thinking. And its quality because this marketing is done as "The Maine lobster catch is at it's peak but also when demand slacks off." This also includes marketing with restaraunts and retailers in New England [...]
Inasmuch as it’s possible to find optimism in the dynamics of politics and state government I try to do this. The glass is half full and ultimately this is a position about what is right about New Hampshire.
But the recent layoffs and their reasoning, as reported in the media make [...]
I’m up here in Waterville Valley today. Having lived in New Hampshire and being a skier I can honestly say that this is one ski area and place that I haven’t spent a great deal of time at. Of course I’ve heard a lot about it and everything ranging from: [...]
During the past year I’ve spent a great deal of time investigating, researching and considering purchasing a new car.
It was quite a process.
My previous car, a 1999 VW Jetta with 203,000 miles on it and it had numerous issues including a broken windshield, questionable brakes and a badly burned out [...]
Earlier I spoke of recent development in the New England railroad industry that I think will lead to economic development and jobs across the region.
Here is a twist to this idea. This is a video about an important water aquifer in Ayer, Mass. which apparently represents about 60% of this [...]
This is a video I lifted off UTUBE showing a special business train that ran on October 5th. The train was from Pan Am Railways and was intended to tour this railroad system for executives, elected officials, transportation investors and et. cetera.
I believe the occasion is to show the completion [...]
I spent part of the morning studying the materials and agenda of the newly created NH Gaming Commission. I'm continuing to be skeptical about what their agenda really is and whether this study group is going to lead New Hampshire somewhere. But that this point I think it is safe to make the assumption' [...]
Jennifer Horn is running for Congress.
Why?
Sure anyone can read the media accounts of the reasons for her campaign but these same reports even state that the Horn campaign is in debt from the last campaign cycle. In debt, no experience in serving in public office, an experienced field of [...]
Today I got caught in traffic at the Portsmouth Traffic Circle. Lots of traffic especially down route one. I’ll bet if Sean Mahoney gets elected he’ll get some transportation funds for the seacoast, I’m confident the two lawyers won’t get anything.
So the situation is this: I’m trying to break into [...]
"Fink said the state asked for a proposal and "I gave them a proposal, a very Spartan proposal, that was the least costly. That did not meet with their approval; they wanted something much more costly. People think this money is free. It's not. It's our money." -David Fink, President" [...]
I'm reading and now understanding that the issues surrounding the proposed construction of the new Grafton County jail are neither going away, and as of right now not down in cost to the taxpayers.
Actually, a 16% increase over what has already been quoted bringing the total cost to over 45' [...]
I'm trying to get into the spirit of the upcoming ski season in New Hampshire. The forecast for tomorrow is for frost and the old reliable Farmer's Almanac says one thing for this year. winter. And lots of it!
So with this in mind I went up to Lincoln yesterday morning [...]
I'm trying to get into the spirit of the upcoming ski season in New Hampshire. The forecast for tomorrow is for frost and the old reliable Farmer's Almanac says one thing for this year. Winter. And lots of it.
So with this in mind I went up to Lincoln' [...]
Found this video about tacos. Taco Bell has a new location on the west side of Manchester. Somehow I think we're missing something in New Hampshire.
In any case, I came home from work tonight and tried to read the political section of the Union Leader. Guess this must be the' [...]
Today by a vote of 68-30 the U.S. Senate passed a measure to allow weapons to be carried on Amtrak. As a long-time railfan and a person that spends time around Amtrak equipment, employees and station facilities I think if passed. This legislation could lead to some real problems for [...]
For whatever reason I keep hoping that this new NH Gambling Commission will do something productive for New Hampshire.
And today, I was once again disappointed.
Union Leader Newspaper. "Gambling panel looks at how state can come out a winner." Interesting selection of words. But for starters its location was in an even [...]
This is an interesting place. This is the Hotel Bethlehem in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
It seems really cool. My first impression was that of history. It reminded me of the Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods, NH without the mountains, golf courses and the whole environment.
The hotel similar to the Mount Washington [...]
This is actually my favorite shot in Atlantic City, N.J. This is looking east from the parking garage at The Borgata Casino. The sun is setting.
This also made me think of some of the wind development projects that are/were proposed up here in this area of New Hampshire. In Vermont [...]
Each year Hampton Beach closes out its tourist season with an annual seafood festival. Its quite a time. I didn't go this year but the whole idea of this festival made me think of my recent vacation to Atlantic City, New Jersey. And more specifically, the new construction I found' [...]
Thanks for reading my blog and the threads about the Sands Bethworks Casino.
This is a shot of the main entrance to the Sands Bethworks Casino. The glass structure houses the stairs and elevators to the newly constructed parking garage. All of the casino is currently on this floor right behind [...]
I'm standing here on the top floor of the parking garage. This would be one of the highlights of my visit to the Sands Bethworks Casino. This is a photo looking south. The buildings seen were originally part of the Bethlehem Steel complex and today continue their operations in largely' [...]
This is a shot looking north on the ground of the Sands Bethworks Casino. I’m standing right in front of the casino and to my right (not in photo) is the construction of the towers as a part of the casino. The new building to my right is new construction [...]
This is a shot from downtown Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It was a really hot day at least in the 80s. My initial impressions of this area were very similar to being in New Hampshire places like Market Square in Portsmouth or Elm Street in Manchester. I’m looking west towards both the casino [...]
Initially it was my plan to post these threads when I was at the casino. However, with all that I saw at this place including the City of Bethlehem I wanted to wait until I returned to New Hampshire. This is a shot from the upper level of the parking [...]
Not a history lesson but still a project that I think is a cause for concern. Thanks to statewide advertising and what I'll term social networking the Flying Yankee train restoration project appears to be moving forward, whether this is good or bad is something that remains.
The Flying Yankee train in' [...]
Just reading today's edition of the Concord Monitor and the piece about the newly created gaming study commission. I think it interesting to see the newest member, Mr. Lew Feldstein discuss social capital and how his position doesn't necessarily mean opposition to gaming.
Of course I was only sitting two feet away [...]
Below is an article I found in the newspaper that covers the Wilkes-Barre part of Pennsylvana. Having recently been to the Sands Bethworks Casino in Bethlehem I wanted to see some opinions were about this casino.
Of course it has to come down to the money, doesn't it always' [...]
At the end of the last legislative session when Governor Lynch vetoed the gaming legislation and announced that he was using an executive order to name a gaming study commission. I was really hopeful that the appointees and this very idea would lead to a different and objective direction for [...]
In today's edition of the Concord Monitor there is an article and an editorial about the capitol corridor and the continuing interest by a few to spend millions of dollars to bring 90 MPH passenger rail into Concord.
Former Senator Peter Burling is one of the few.
The article discusses billions of [...]
An incident in northern New Hampshire happened which I hope doesn't turn into an urgent need for the use of taxpayer capital.
About two days ago the St. Lawrence & Atlantic Railroad which runs from Norton, Vermont through the Berlin-Gorham area suffered a substantial derailment right over the NH border in Gilead,' [...]
I’m here on the boardwalk in Atlantic City. Its really hot but the sun is going down into the blue waters of the Atlantic as darkness approaches the area. I’m over by Caesar’s Palace one of the few boardwalk casinos that still has an active poker room. Three years ago I [...]
Red square in Atlantic City. That's right I'm here in the Tropicana Casino near a restaurant/bar called Red Square. Its complete with a statue of Vladmir Lenin at the entrance. The interior is equally Bolshevik featuring murals depicting workers and the red hammer sickle.
Its an interesting place.
Before I start talking' [...]
I'm here at The Pilot Travel Center right off I-81 in Pittston, PA. Came down last night after spending most of the day at the Turning Stone Casino & Resort in Verona, NY. The Turning Stone is quite place I figured it would be at least similar to Foxwoods, it was' [...]
I'm here at the Dewitt Service area right off the New York Thruway in Syracuse, New York. Last night I was in Montreal. I started my brief time through the city by visiting the Montreal Casino. But before I even got to the casino I saw something in the harbor' [...]
I'm over here in St. Johsnbury, Vermont. I've just finished some train riding on the Washington County Railroad to both Lyndonville and south of Barnet.
It was a fantastic ride through the scenery of Vermont including the rail along the Passumpsic and Connecticut Rivers. During this time I had a great [...]
Well, I've finished my shifts at work and are now fueling my vehicle for the start of my vacation that I've been planning for about a year. I hope that it will be a good trip. I'm going to do some driving, gaming, watching, eating and blogging here on NHINSIDER.
As said' [...]
Its looking like a few candidates are considering a run in the Second Congressional District. I won't list all of them and to what degree, or fundraising capability they might have in running for this seat. I'll let the political winds and market forces shape this one out.
But today I'm' [...]
At least from the surface it appears the Republican Senate race will be one to watch. Reading yesterday in the Union Leader about the supposed political pressure for Ovide Lamontagne to get out of the way for former Attorney General Ayotte to run a campaign against Congressman Paul Hodes.
The article stated that [...]
Well it looks as if my vacation has or will be approved. I'm most pleased about this. I've decided that I'm going to do a survey around gaming ah er gambling establishments here in the Northeast. I'm planning on playing some aggressive Texas Holdem, do some scene blogging about the [...]
This is a cut and paste that I took off the WMUR website. When I first read it I thought New Hampshire is moving in the right direction! Then I read the list of member(s) that are going to be on this Commission. I'll start.
Why does Law Enforcement need to' [...]
This is an article I found by Kevin Landrigan in the Nashua Telegraph about the recent issues surrounding the Milford-Bennington Railroad and its owner/operator Rep. Peter Leishman. Somehow through this entire issue I don't think the central question has been even answered:
Should this lease go to the highest bidder?
I' [...]
Had a challenging day at the office today. Decided to do some blogging about an issue that I read in the Union Leader which has all the dynamics of politics but for whatever the reason I can't understand either the purpose of what clearly has to be an agenda.
The article,' [...]
Reading today's edition of the Concord Monitor and the statements of Governor Lynch about the budget and the casino gaming proposals.
"Yesterday, Lynch, a Democrat, told reporters that "gambling is off the table for this year" and said he had told lawmakers he would create a commission to study the pros," [...]
The race for the NH Second Congressional district has begun. I think the first candidate to step forward is Atty. Ann Mclane Kuster. I don't know the candidate but I do know the Second Congressional District. I looked at the campaign website
"Creating and preserving good paying jobs, making quality health'" [...]
This is an editorial from a recent edition of the Caledonian Record newspaper. I really liked both the content and the ideas. Somehow there is and continues to be a void between the hard working business people and the lofty ideas of the policymakers, consultants and state agencies that [...]
The Christmas Farm Inn in Jackson has been sold. This is the resort property that was once owned by former Representative Bill Zelliff. While he was in politics every July he would have a really neat party called Christmas in July. I used to go to it.
They had [...]
The State Senate has passed the gaming legislation. Now it moves to the house. Notice on WMUR the only people who were interviewed about this legislation were Sen. Dellasandro and former Senator Rubens who suggested the Senate is controlled by the gaming interests. Or his remarks were at least to [...]
These are the March minutes from the New Hampshire Railroad Revitalization Association, a non governmental agency. However the New Hampshire Railroad Transportation Authority is a governmental agency. And in these minutes I found some issues that concern me:
1. Corridor Analysis- This is the proposed commuter rail between Boston and [...]
NH Capitol Corridor
Tom reported on the latest NHRTA meeting as follows:
1. New NHRTA Board Appointments - Gov. Lynch has appointed Sen. Martha Fuller Clark to fill the seat vacated by Peter Burling necessitated by his leaving the Senate. Peter Burling is back on the Board - he was reappointed by [...]
This is a video from the Norfolk Southern Corporation showing the benefits on intermodal rail transportation and the creation of economic development and jobs. In this case with the Commonwealth of Virginia as an example a public-private partnership that will build economic value and get results.
I don't know why this' [...]
Recently I got in touch with Executive Councilor Ray Burton to ask him why he continues to support a ten million dollar investment in the St. Lawrence & Atlantic Railroad through northern New Hampshire.
He didn't respond! He didn't respond!
Instead I get a voice mail from Jack Ferns who is the [...]
Today I spent part of the day playing phone tag and voice mailbox with Director Jack Ferns of New Hampshire Department of Transportation. Director Ferns is the head of Aeronautics but he also has authority over the Bureau of Railroads as well. I'm concerned about the proposed $10 million dollar' [...]
Several days ago I tripped over an article I found on the CNN finance website. The article was about the economic rebound of the paper manufacturing industry. The first thing I thought about was New Hampshire and the closure of the mills here.
I still don't think these mills had to' [...]
This is the Amtrak Vermonter headed northbound. The train which was scheduled to arrive at White River Junction, Vermont at 6:45 pm actually arrived at 7:05 the train has already offloaded a handful of passengers and is now headed north towards Montpelier and later a terminus at [...]
I'm over here in White River Junction,Vermont today. It's a really nice day. I'm at the Amtrak station awaiting the arrival of the southbound New England Central train which comes down daily from St. Albans, Vermont. This freight train stops briefly at White River recrews and then heads south to Palmer,' [...]
Saw a scene today which I think demonstrates the clear erosion of respect for the peace and dignity of New Hampshire.
I-93 southbound starting from exit 26 in Plymouth. I set my cruise control at 65 MPH which according to NH state law is basic rule and maximum limits.
And guess what happened. [...]
"The impetus for the site? Most likely the devastating political walloping Republicans are taking. And they mistakenly assume that Bluehampshire.com is a prime reason for it."- Dave Jarvis.
Huh. New Hampshire has had two elections in the past ten days or so. And what were the results.
Republicans.
Political walloping and Dave Jarvis.
And [...]
In what I think is an example of why New Hampshire should not be in the ski area business, is an article that appeared recently in the New Hampshire Union Leader about a proposed capital investment in Cannon Mountain.
The issue here is the capital needs for that adjacent Mittersil Ski [...]
This is an article from the Caledonian Record Newspaper about Trans Canada Hydro and its ownership of the dams on the Connecticut River. I've been following this issue since 2003 when the dams were in bankruptcy and later acquired by Trans Canada. I think since Trans Canada has owned' [...]
On my recent trip to Keene I paid on average about $2.059 a gallon for unleaded gasoline from locations in northern, central New Hampshire and in Keene itself. During this time I noticed that unleaded fuel prices are .04-.05 cents higher across the border in Vermont.
This isn't an argument about how New' [...]
On my recent trip to Keene I purchased fuel three times on my journey from Northern/Central New Hampshire. As some examples of fuel prices in the diffrent geographic regions in New Hampshire.
Irving Oil Co. Littleton $2.05.
P&H Truck Stop, Wells River, Vermont $2.099.
Gas Station (Shell?) Keene $2.06.
It doesn't take' [...]
Last night after busting out of the 6:00 PM NLH tournament at Sharkys Poker Room in Keene I had some time to think about policy that is going right in New Hampshire. I started northbound on I-91 in Brattleboro just as the sky is starting to take on a cranberry light color. [...]
Failed congressional candidate Jennifer Horn has apparently returned to her former venue as radio talk show host. The Telegraph of Nashua is reporting that "On the Air with Jennifer Horn." will be broadcasting from 10-12 Monday through Friday on 1590 WMSN.
I'm not sure if the 1590 WMSN airwaves will reach' [...]
Today was an interesting day so I decided to write about it!
I went to Main Street in Littleton, New Hampshire. Hadn't been their in awhile and the place was a direct and graphic representation of the economy in northern New Hampshire. And the scene is on both sides of the' [...]
One of the interesting dynamics of the legislative process I think is the suspension of the rules. During my two terms in the NH House I saw this used on several occasions especially during times like crossover where important pieces of legislation, usually from the Finance Committee would after a motion [...]
Low taxes create jobs.
Too bad the New Hampshire House apparantly doesn't see it that way.
From the 3/6/09 House Record.
"The minorities contention that revenues lost would be immediately made up by economic expansion is not borne out by history or economc theory."
This is quite a statement.
What they neglect to say is' [...]
The quote below is a response to John Harrigan's article about the proposed industrial windfarm in Coos County. The article, "smoke and mirrors" appears in Monday's Union Leader.
From an economic standpoint I think there are issues of variability and the larger question of exactly how much taxbase an energy project [...]
Recently picked up a flyer at my local corner market sponsored by Plymouth State University.
Re-Localization of Rural Food Networks Research Project.
"This is a research initiative of the Center for Rural Partnerships at Plymouth State University. The purpose of this project is to examine food insecurity and local food issues" [...]
Today was a great day. I decided to head down Interstate 91 to see the new facilities at the Hampton Inn.
The sign right below the main Hampton Inn marquee says it all: Sharky's Poker and Casino.
The place is nice. I counted 9 tables for Texas Holdem. 1 table for three card poker [...]
This is a letter to the editor in today's edition of the Caledonian Record newspaper. I'm really glad local residents are speaking out against the 38 million dollar jail being proposed and pushed by the Grafton County Commissioners. There are apparantly some other issues as well.
Here is the article. I'd highlight' [...]
I'm here at Sharky's Poker room in Manchester. I've just busted out of the 6:00 pm $10 no-limit tournament. I shoved all in $2200.00 with an unsuited K-J; other than the Q-10 a hand that easily qualifies as one of the worst hands in the game of poker. And it [...]
Local control.
V. "Allows municipalities to accept video lottery gaming in their municipalities by referendum or vote at town meetings."
Allowing local New Hampshire communities to decide if they want casinos.
I'm confident how this vote would go. This vote also might be different than the idea of "social capital" advanced by the' [...]
In early February Amtrak started a new service between New York City and Atlantic City, New Jersey. Its called the Atlantic City Express Services or ACES.
This is a photo of the train.
I hope this new service will be successful. In addition to building the tourism and [...]
Why New Hampshire? from Fix It Now NH on Vimeo.
This is a video interview from Fix It Now New Hampshire.
[...]
"We'll see you in Bethlehem."
This is a line from one of my favorite movies, its called Bob Roberts. It stars Tim Robbins in a political satire about a candidate for the U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania. There's a scene in the film where Roberts campaign manager makes a comment to a reporter [...]
Todays Manchester Union Leader newspaper.
"We actually did nothing wrong."- James Pindell.
Perhaps Mr. Pindell should be defining the definition of wrong. If NH Politker wasn't selling enough advertising revenue to cover its own existence I'd say there is something that is clearly wrong.
Lack of leadership or no leadership might be a starting [...]
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
This is a video from MSNBC showing the market conditions in Las Vegas, Nevada. Though not encouraging for Las Vegas, I think shows some of the market potential if the gaming legislation were to pass this [...]
"While such a bill may receive a positive response in the state Senate, Norelli said expanded gambling "has never received more than a minimal number of votes in the House, and, quite frankly, I don't see that changing."- Speaker Norelli.
Come on Speaker Norelli.
This is a website from a resort in [...]
