A tangled web

In speaking with several people in and around Berlin, I’ve come to the conclusion that, the average person doesn’t have a clue as to what’s going on with the “Laidlaw” biomass project. If speaking to a pro biomass person you hear things like, “I don’t know what’s holding it up, I just wish they would get going”. And there’s the comment, “Why doesn’t the State get out the way, we need the jobs up here right now”. The people against the biomass project say things like, “They should just tear down that chimney and ugly building” and, “Too bad they didn’t tear the whole thing down when they were at it”. When pressed further for why they believe the way they do, just about everybody grasps for a reason for their opinion and almost nobody can state facts related to the project. How can this be when the front page of our local papers has carried stories about the “Laidlaw” project for years? In digging further with the people I spoke to, it became clear that they were confused about the issues, “One day the paper says this and then the next day they say that” most people told me, “I’m just sick of it all”. It’s been my personal experience that when something confuses us, we want to push it away/make it go away. So it is with the biomass issue, I believe most people are confused, just sick and tired of the whole thing and wish for it to be resolved. So how did the biomass issue get to be this ….thorn in our side? Well, our local media, local politicians and local businesses have all contributed to the process. Notice that I put the local media first on my list of reasons for people being poorly informed about the biomass issue. Now take today’ (5/26/11) issue of The Berlin Daily Sun. The top and front page/feature article goes on to exploit the position and almost quotes word for word from the ad found in the Sun yesterday paid by Isaacson Steel. Now it’s not easy to criticize Mr. Steve Griffin and Issacson Steel, both have a long history of doing great things for Berlin/Gorham and giving generously of their time and money to the local communities. As flawed as I believe Mr. Griffin’s argument is in his open letter/ad (I’ll get back to that later), it’s the biased and deceptive tactics of The Berlin Daily Sun that I find troubling. Please notice that the Sun finds it appropriate to make the Isaacson letter "front page news", but buried the fact that mayor Grenier and councilman Rozek had to issue an “official retraction” to Jon Edwards on page 5 where the story is surrounded by ads and is easily missed. The comments by the mayor and councilman were libelous and false, but according to the Sun, apparently not as important as Mr. Griffin’s paid advertisement/views. Do you think that this is either accidental or an isolated event? Hell no, that’s yellow journalism at its best practiced at the Sun! What kind of message does that send, both explicitly and incidentally, to the average person on the street?  Is it any wonder the average person can’t figure out what’s going on, who’s right and who’s wrong. If The Berlin Daily Sun wants to be involved in the decision making process by the PUC on the Laidlaw project, they have several options open to them, including writing an editorial. Managing the news is nothing new at the Sun, it’s been an ongoing practice for years and has corrupted the credibility and integrity of the paper. ….Now back to Isaacson’s open letter/advertisement. Both the Isaacson and unions ads would make you believe that there’s a conspiracy by the other biomass plants in the State to ruin Berlin.  Don’t you think that there may be some legitimate reason for them to oppose the Laidlaw plant? Do you really think they’re going through this costly exercise just because they hate Berlin? (Don’t you think that The Berlin Daily Sun could have provided more useful information to its readers by also running a story about the IPP’s position and let the readers form their own opinion? Are we that afraid of the whole truth or too stupid to understand?) Now Mr. Griffin, if there was a project somewhere in New Hampshire that threatened the survival of Isaacson Steel and other small steel companies, would you sit on your hands and not become involved in the decision making process? If what was being proposed would create a monopoly or raise your cost for steel by 25%, would you remain quiet? Mr. Griffen, would you appreciate your concerns about the survival of your company being twisted around and portrayed as hate towards the people of the host community of the unfair competitor?  ...It’s my opinion that PSNH is orchestrating this political/propaganda campaign behind the scenes and, it’s next to impossible for the average person to figure out what the real issues are and who’s telling the truth.  The Sun has contributed to the confusion not to the clarification of the issues which is unfortunate. Along with its rights to gather information the press has the responsibility to be truthful in its reporting and its conduct.

Comments

[warren,]

Here is an Antidote to any Confusion; The PUC Has Granted Conditional Approval to Laidlaw/ Berlin Station. The PUC's Conditions have been duly Met with a Revised PPA. The SEC previously granted a Conditional Certificate of Site and Facility, and,( it has been Noted elsewhere that the NHSEC has Never turned down a Request by a Utility ) Statistically speaking Shall do so again. Isn't it Time to give this project a 95% Probability in the Affirmative? Eh, Rocky? Can I get a "Chooo, Choooooo?"
I find it Ironic to the Point of Hilarity that a Leftist like Yourself should be Crying about Media Bias, Lol! The BDS Represents the Majority Viewpoint around Town Don't cha'know!!! C'est Tant Pis pour vous!!!

[Antonio Andolini]

Perhaps Jon and the IPPs should buy a full-page ad in the BDS. Apparently, that is how you get a story published.

[wood burner]

And just what would it say Antonio?? PLEASE give us your almighty input.

[wood burner]

Rocky you seem to THINK you(and your cronies) have all the answers why don't you and your oppostion posters put your own ad in the paper I'm sure your money is just as GREEN as the next guy's!Again all the oppisition posters on this blog have all the answers! BUT NO GUTS TO PUBLICLY come out in the papers BDS,BR,UL,or other papers in the county? I SAY PUT UP OR SHUT UP!!!

[warren,]

WB, Such people operate in "Cell Groups" on many "Fronts" trying to 'Rot the Soul of Our Nation, working secretly and unknown..to undermine the pillars of the City, they infect the body politic so that it can no longer resist...' to paraphrase an Ancient Roman named Cicero. Rocky Needs Annonymity as He hopes His 'Sly whispers will rustle through all the alleys, and be heard in City Hall Itself!' REALITY CHECK!!! It has not worked.....Lol.

[Antonio Andolini]

Routing Northern Pass through Vermont makes more sense.
http://www.unionleader.com/article/20110526/OPINION02/705269999

[Wing Nut]

Rocky,

Finally a decent post. I have to agree that the BDS should provide opposing view points (such as the position of the IPP's). However, nobody ever said that the BDS provides quality journalism. As I've stated before, you are not going to get quality journalism from a free paper that is published in the sticks. Let's be realistic. They cannot even run spell check properly.

All that being said, it doesn't really matter. This project is going to happen. To quote Warren; "Choo-choo". I think he's trying to imply that the trail has already left the station (and I agree).

Take care,
WN

[Rocky]

WN, if the train has left the station, then why are the IPP's and Isaacson wasting their money? The BDS is a whole other story. Their reporters kiss a$$ at City Hall to make their job easier. Once you kiss a$$ and formed that relationship, then objectivity goes out the window. Look at the incestuous relationship between Grenier and Barbara. She would no more expose some sleazy move by Paul than I would jump off the mill stack. Have a great Memorial Day weekend and let's not forget what the day is all about.

[jon]

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
DE 10-195
PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
Petition for Approval of Purchased Power Agreement with Laidlaw
BioPower, LLC
LLC
Order Granting Conditional Approval
Edrest Properties LLC Motion for Rehearing
May 27, 2011
Pursuant to RSA 541:3 and N.H. Code Admit,. Rules Puc ~ 203.33,
LLC0f
New Hampshire hereby requests to terminate its request for rehearing of Order
No. 25,213 dated April 18, 2011.

Respectfully,

Edrest Properties

Jonathan Edwards
Manager

[jon]

5/27/2011

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
SITE EVALUATION COMMITTEE
SEC DOCKET NO. 2011-01

Joint Motion of Laidlaw Berlin BioPower, LLC and Berlin Station, for Transfer
and Amendment of the Certificate of Site and
Facility Issued to Laidlaw Berlin BioPower, LLC and
Notice of Change of Major Contractor
Edrest Properties, LLC hereby request to withdraw its intervenor status of
Laidlaw Berlin BioPower/Berlin Station.

Respectfully,

Edrest Properties

Jonathan Edwards
Manager

[warren,]

Paul & Barbara are related??? Rocky, You and jon have sunk really Low in Your Loathing. Vendetta does not quite do justice to it. I remember well how Mayor Dave got Good Press from the BDS when He and His "Merry Men" had Their Turn at Bat. Has John Walsh written ANYTHING, good or bad about Paul? Now the tide has turned, the BDS just goes with the Copy. Paul DID beat Dave, in a "Referendum Election", correct?
-Oh yeah, The Voter's are Ignorant....
I am Opposed to Everything You stand for, and have disagree'd with Barbara and the BDS Politically to the point where I might as well not even bother turning in a Letter to the Editor/ Trashcan. But I can be Civil, and when I see Barbara in Public, genuinely wish Her well. I will be Grateful this weekend for ALL who died for My Right NOT to be Silenced. Or dragged out of my home to dissapear in the hours before Dawn.

[Antonio Andolini]

Thank you, Jon, for all your efforts. Both proponents and opponents (should) realize that you helped make this a better project on many levels. You did a great job protecting all of our interests. The "promoter" is gone and those in charge know that the scrutiny will continue.
All without a full-page ad in the BDS, at that.
Enjoy the holiday weekend, everyone, and thank a vet!

[wood burner]

LMAO!!! Yeah FAT LADY Sing it again!! Luv that tune!!!

[Rocky]

Jon, whether they know it or not, when it comes to the Laidlaw project, every resident of Berlin owes more to you than to anybody else I know. I would argue that whatever benefits come from that project, it was enhanced more by your efforts and focus on details than by the blind followers who just marched to the beat of PSNH and Bartoszek drummer. I'm sure mayor Grenier will grandstand and take credit for "whatever", but it was your dedication and persistence that contributed to a better PPA which translates to a better deal for all of us. I don't expect the closed/small minds of the Laidlaw clones to understand this, but be assured that there's many of us who do understand and, many others will eventually see your contribution. Thank you. Rocky

[wood burner]

ALL ROAD BLOCKS REMOVED YES ROCKY THE IPPS ASWELL!!! DONE DEAL!!!!!!!!

[Jim]

Everyone has a price. Sad.

[Tony]

Hey Jon,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsaTElBljOE

Whooo hoo!

[warren,]

Chooo Choooo and then some Wood Burner! You can "Call Me" on those Budweisers any time - Ice Cold, Right? 'cause unlike a certain minority opinion on the Council I'm as Good as My word. nuff said.
I've been thinking on this Classic Song lately, and I've always liked it. I think it is fitting in a Homespun way...and as you can see by the number of views, it is underated or just unknown....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBSv8Y-Gm-8

Goooooooood Night Irene!!!!!!

[Antonio Andolini]

PSNH plays "hide the ball" on Northern Pass; no kiddin', eh?
http://www.unionleader.com/article/20110530/NEWS05/705309971/-1/news

[Rocky]

We all fall prey to the belief that appraisals are scientific studies, but in reality, they're works of art where's there a lot of room for subjectivity and outside influence. The same holds true for values and numbers quoted by Mr. Sanscoucy representing Berlin in the Laidlaw project. I no more trust his numbers and his representation of Berlin's best interest than I do the daily weather forecast. "Figures don't lie, but liars can figure".

[warren,]

It is Best to Keep Renewable Energy right here in Berlin, on an appropriate Site. I agree with Antonio as I understand His sympathy to be, that The Northern Pass is a Disastrous Idea/Plan for New Hampshire, and can not understand ( well maybe I can! ) why Rocky would support such a Raping of Our State...
Looks like you jumped the Gun on your last statement there WB.
BTW, Great Guest Column in todays BDS!!!

[wood burner]

.SEC reconvenes Laidlaw hearing
By Barbara Tetreault
Jun 01, 2011 12:00 am
CONCORD – The state Site Evaluation Commission announced it will reconvene its hearing this Friday, June 3 on the motion to transfer its permit to build a 70-megawatt biomass plant in Berlin from Laidlaw Berlin BioPower to Berlin Station LLC.

The SEC heard a full day of testimony on May 18 and is expected to hear closing arguments Friday and begin deliberations on the motion.

Berlin businessman Jonathan Edwards filed a written notice with the SEC informing the body his company, Edrest LLC., is withdrawing as an intervenor. The city is the remaining intervenor while the public is represented by Counsel for the Public from the state Attorney-General’s office.

The SEC last year issued a conditional certificate of site and facility to Laidlaw. Since then, Laidlaw has announced a major corporate reorganization. The developer also announced a change in its major contractor and wood supplier as well as an increase in generation to 75 megawatts.

Laidlaw and Berlin Station filed a joint motion with the SEC asking the regulatory committee to approve the changes and allow the permit to be transferred.

[warren,]

More Great Reporting from Barbara Tetreault at The Berlin Daily Sun.

[Antonio Andolini]

Good of Mayor Grenier to acknowledge all of Jon's efforts.

[Rocky]

Jon did what Grenier was supposed to do as an elected official, represent the best interest of the citizens of Berlin, not that of a company cheerleader.