BEDCO & HOCKEY

A couple of items contained in the Wednesday (11/23/11) newspaper are worth talking about. First, the article announcing that BEDCO will close its doors and second, the comments by our mayor about the High School hockey program. It’s truly a tragedy that BEDCO will vanish from Berlin and the North Country. At a time when the region is desperately trying to re-invent itself economically, this loss is a step in the wrong direction. Ask anybody who has either tried to start a business or had a business which failed and you’ll hear the same complaint about the lack of available capital and professional assistance/guidance. You would think that someone like Paul Grenier (And his “TEAM”) who claim to be the champions of job creation and increased economic activity in Berlin and Coos County would have made an all out effort to save BEDCO. (It’s at least as important as the stack on the City Seal) It’s even more telling when you consider the fact that Mr. Grenier also spearheaded the effort to dismantle another economic development organization in Coos County, by removing County funding to the Coos Economic Development Corporation and the subsequent termination of its executive director. Interesting don’t you think that, under one hand our mayor/commissioner talks about “jobs”, but in reality has supported policies that cripple job creation and assistance. Believe me, there’s some good reasons for this inconsistent behavior. In my opinion, it’s because Mr. Grenier doesn’t understand economic development and he doesn’t have a vision of a new economy for the North Country. Another factor was the fact that he had no say over these two organizations, therefore, “no control”. (A must in his world) He hitches his jobs rhetoric to other people’s visions, be they good or bad. (Remember Bartoszek & Laidlaw or the granite mining king)  Mr. Grenier is also afflicted by the same handicap that many Berlin natives have, “living in the glory of the past”. That brings me to the second topic, that of the hockey program at Berlin High School. Mr. Grenier calls hockey “the third leg of politics in the community”. (I wonder what the two others are?) What Mr. Grenier forgets is that, were not talking about politics, were talking about education and what’s best for our kids!  (The real issue is really that “his honor” was not consulted)  In Paul Grenier’s mind everything is political and, everything is admissible and permissible when it’s political. Believe me that’s his credo. I too remember when Berlin was a hotbed of hockey talent just like I remember when we had a pulp and paper mill that employed over 2,000 people. Those days are gone! Berlin High School is no longer the hockey powerhouse of 20 to 30 years ago and Berlin is no longer the economic center of Northern New Hampshire. The sooner we rid ourselves of those myths the sooner we may take the appropriate steps to develop a new economic base. (Not recycle past and outdated efforts and call them new)  Using our kids to prop-up our fractured egos is not only disgusting, it demonstrates a lack of imagination or responsible political leadership. Is it any wonder that only 28% of eligible voters went to vote at the last election? It’s well known that people vote with their feet and 72% voted to ignore the political process in Berlin. I call that an embarrassment for the new administration and a sign that the community is adrift without credible leadership.

Comments

[jon]

Regionalization of the school system might bring back the numbers a bit. Since division 1 hockey appears to take a front seat to logic prescribed by Berlin's athletic director for grenier, perhaps he should spearhead the unpopular topic of combining schools (talent) to help the hockey team obtain the numbers he needs. Oh but wait...that might take away some jobs and unite berlin and gorham... AND BE A HUGE POLITICAL WART on top of his head...hmmmm. better stick with downtown Berlin development now that he knows its a shoe-in with Rite Aid demolishing buildings because of all his "unselfish dealings" (wink, wink) on that eyesore. What a used....

As to BedCo- The Irony is in the name. That company wasn't in bed with you know who.

[Rocky]

The real irony Jon is the fact that BEDCO was established for Berlin and was the lending arm of BIDPA and all part of the Economic Development Department for Berlin. How these idiots let that slip away is beyond me. Of course Dennis Cote was the chief architect of that demise. Yeah you're right, the Rite Aid demolition is the product of the Fire Chief and Andre Caron, but of course guess who will take credit and make a lot of noise about it? Let's hear it for the "Team"! I wonder if the Team can play hockey?

[jon]

I'm not sure he or his team would wish to be thrown into what, in his mind, is an apparent insignificance or at least a slap in the face to all of our "lower class" sports teams. He can grab this quote and tie his neck in a noose with it;

"When you dumb down the program, you are going to lose that program. You have kids way above the division in talent and they will say, 'I don't want to play in that division.'"

To all the athletes of smaller schools that prove this mayoral idiot inaccurate, my apologies that a mayor within the city in which I live would make such a comment. Truly embarrassing coming from an elected official and deserving of an all out apology before the council.

[toonist]

oh look....a cartoon!

[warren]

....Rocky IS Laughable, toonist. Byte & Chew's Stunning ability to Influence the future of Berlin to His likeing has been nothing short of Breathtaking.( Nothing but Piss and Moan, while Life goes on without Him ). Success has many Father's.... Rocky is the Bastard Orphan.

[Antonio Andolini]

Seems Berlin Athletic Director Craig Melanson did not merit a kitchen table summit summons. Da Mayah took it to the streets to let the Bored of Education know who's Boss in my little town.
Looking forward to a toon.

[Rocky]

Being brought to "his honor's" kitchen table is all part of the seduction, but if you're not vulnerable to seduction, you don't get invited.

[Antonio Andolini]

Or at least not invited back.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMF658rThog

[warren]

If You are not a part of the Solution, then You are a part of the Problem. Fotunately for Berlin, the "Problem", ie the Bertrand Administration, has No Legacy... other than HERE at Byte & Chew. Good Time's and More Success Story's Ahead. Like it or Not, Rocky, Mayor Grenier is Succeeding in Spades, where just a few years back there was naught but Gloom. "Leadership" and "Teamwork" have made ALL the Difference!
- But; "Sour Grape's" really do become You So Well!!!

[warren]

- Good Riddance to ya, "Antonio"...

[Antonio Andolini]

No
Advancing
Idea
Ever
Ventured,
Ever!

[Antonio Andolini]

I be here. You be gone?

[toonist]

warren may have a point....I'll bet he was one of the 28% that voted, therefore he cares about Berlin's future eh?

[Antonio Andolini]

Sure toonist. Warren and the rest of the 28% helped stamp out that evil, wicked, mean and nasty Bertrand Administration menace, once and for all. HOO HAH!
Now, before David Bertrand we had four consecutive Danderson administrations, with Paul Grenier aboard. Ah yes, the glory days of Berlin, eh? "I'm on top of the world, Ma!"

[Antonio Andolini]

Come, come now, Rocky. Who needs CEDC or BEDCO? We got Mighty Max taking care of all of that developing jobs stuff. He da Man! Besides we gonna build us a biomass plant, as long as you're in the union. And after that, well, after that, um, well, um, Max is on it. Don't worry, be happy!

[Antonio Andolini]

http://www.leconcombre.com/alfred/img2/alfred_e_neuman_1.jpg

[toonist]

AA at least that 28% VOTED! What did your 72% do that day?

[Antonio Andolini]

Sorry, toonist. I live here in Berlin, pay taxes here in Berlin and voted here in Berlin.
Try again.

[warren]

He was counted with the Losers toonist. And yes, I DO care about Berlin's Future, that is why I vote. I also Own here and pay taxes here. It disgusts Me when snot noses like Rocky try to put thoughts and purpose into the non actions of those who do not Vote. BTW, A.A. I be here for Life.

[warren]

"Sure toonist. Warren and the rest of the 28% helped stamp out that evil, wicked, mean and nasty Bertrand Administration menace, once and for all. HOO HAH!"

Posted by: Antonio Andolini | November 26, 2011 at 03:16 PM

...Wow! I could not have said it better Myself!!!

Word on the street is Folks are seeing progress since Paul took the Helm. He could well Win Again in 2013...

[jon]

looking forward to the cartoon, toonist. Do we have to pay to get them printed in the "Cloud" now?

[Antonio Andolini]

The art of sarcasm is simply lost on some.

[Rocky]

Don't pick on toonist he has feelings you know, I think he got 'em at Walmart?

[Antonio Andolini]

It's hard to lose an election when you run unopposed.
Actually, the 2013 municipal election could be interesting since it may be the first time that all nine members of the City Council run at large. We'll see if the voters approve the Charter Amendment on the ballot for the State Primary Election in January 2012. If so, it's open season for 2013.

[Rocky]

Knowing about the size of Paul Grenier's ego, if there's any chance that a credible candidate could defeat him in 2013, Mr. Grenier will find some...lofty, well crafted reason not to run. The man is a legend in his own mind!