Milne: Playing Politics 

A recent editorial (“Playing Politics,” May 15) was critical of Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy for suggesting Scott Milne’s press release on the EB-5 program was “playing politics.”  There are obvious facts that support this characterization.

Mr. Milne made numerous false charges against Sen. Leahy in his press release. He falsely asserts that Sen. Leahy “traveled the world to help recruit investors into this alleged Ponzi scheme.”  He falsely suggests that Sen. Leahy traveled on private or U.S. government planes with representatives from Jay Peak or EB-5 when, in fact, he did not travel with representatives of Jay Peak nor was he a part of any of their EB-5 travel delegations. And in an interview on the release, Mr. Milne also said Sen. Leahy was being investigated by the U.S. Attorney and Vermont Attorney General before admitting he “misspoke” (Seven Days, May 9, 2016).

Mr. Milne did not call for the release of documents by all elected officials who have been involved with EB-5. Instead, he limited his call to just two elected officials: the one he unsuccessfully ran against in 2014 and the one he plans to run against in 2016. Left out of his call for disclosure was every other elected official involved, most notably former Republican Gov. Jim Douglas. Unlike Sen. Leahy, Gov. Douglas actually had oversight responsibility for the implementation of Vermont’s EB-5 program and was a part of delegations to recruit foreign investors.

Mr. Milne deliberately omitted the fact he joined Gov. Douglas on an EB-5 trip to China in 2009 as a possible revenue source for his Exit 1 development project. Mr. Milne praised the EB-5 program:  “To me, it is the perfect storm of government policy capturing the best of entrepreneurial spirit,” he said. “I was pleased beyond my expectations” (Valley News, Nov. 15, 2009).

And of course unmentioned by either Mr. Milne or the Valley News is the fact that no one has fought harder and longer than Sen. Leahy to reform the EB-5 program itself.

This issue raises legitimate concerns about privacy in which both sides of the debate make valid points. What is not up for debate is the goal of Mr. Milne’s press release. As Mr. Milne said in an interview about his press release, “My goal is to criticize Leahy for his role in it . . . because that will be part of our campaign” (Seven Days, May 9, 2016).

Carolyn Dwyer

Campaign Manager

Leahy for Vermont 

Thanks from Hanover Conservancy

The Hanover Conservancy extends a heartfelt “thank you” to the Howe Library and the Hanover Black Recreation Center for accommodating many of our meetings when we were without an office space for several months. Smoke damage from an office fire last November required that we manage without an office and the Howe Library and the Black Recreation Center had the large and small meeting spaces we needed every week. Their online reservation systems made it easy for the Conservancy to schedule use of their meeting rooms. We were able to maintain continuity and keep our staff, board members and volunteers engaged thanks to their generosity.

Happily, we are now located in our new space at 71 Lyme Road. Volunteers helped us paint and furnish our bright new office. We are back to business as usual but will remain dedicated supporters of the tremendous public meeting spaces made available to us in town.

Nancy Collier

President, Hanover Conservancy

Hanover 

Appreciation for EMS Workers

As Emergency Medical Services Week is upon us, and as the chief of the Lebanon Fire Department, I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for all that you, the firefighters and emergency medical providers of the city, do for Lebanon and our residents. We appreciate that everyone sacrifices long hours and sleepless nights taking care of our community.

We appreciate that each and every one of you is dedicated, caring and serves without the expectation of thanks. Thank you for your time, your dedication, your caring, your compassion and your devotion to the people we serve. Thank you for taking time away from your families to keep our community safe 24/7. Thank you for comforting families, comforting the community, for risking your safety, and for your bravery.

Most of all thank you for your commitment. EMS Week is an opportunity for the public to recognize what you do every day. It’s an opportunity for you to showcase your talents, to let the public know we are here for them 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. It’s an opportunity for us to connect with our community and for them to connect with us. What you do is important. EMS is a necessary and vital service to our community and nation. Emergency medical technicians and paramedics are the front line in the nation’s health care system. EMS Week isn’t about thanking heroes, but recognizing the hard work each of you do to maintain the highest level of training and skill to protect our community.

The city appreciates and respects each and every one of you! I, as fire chief, pledge my continued support to you and to provide the best trained and equipped EMS service in New Hampshire. Lastly, we would like to encourage our residents and visitors to stop and thank your emergency medical service providers.

Chief Chris Christopoulos Jr

Lebanon