Let me explain why I don’t support Liberty Utilities and Valley Green’s “motions to stay,” two coordinated requests to the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission that would grant the companies more time to come up with a joint deal to bring liquefied natural gas to the Upper Valley (“Natural Gas Firms Seek Time to Talk”, Aug. 18).
For one, the motions would trump the procedural path that dozens of individuals — from interveners to the Office of Consumer Advocate, PUC staff and more — have been involved with. This late in the game, at the very least the two companies should file a new joint docket with new hearings as a way to give all parties an honest chance to provide input. Also, during the time the two companies have spent courting one another and concocting a deal — the details of which have been so far kept secret — the communities of Hanover and Lebanon have launched their own new deal: getting to 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030 and full use of renewable energy and fuels by 2050.
Communities don’t passively wait for new fossil fuel deals to be made; they operate in the interest of both customers and climate, and are coming up with alternatives. We have no time to spare, so I invite the PUC to reject both Liberty Utilities and Valley Green’s proposals for liquefied natural gas; more time won’t make two weak, unpopular proposals better. Most importantly, I invite the PUC to reject both Liberty Utilities and Valley Green’s proposals for a liquefied natural gas depot.
Marta Ceroni Enfield
We have all been inspired by the personal stories of overcoming adversity at the Olympics. None more so than Abbey D’Agostino’s determination to finish her race while helping another. My story is very different for, at 63, I have never come close to running distances like that before, but I am training to run in the Brooklyn Rock-and-Roll Half Marathon in support of ALS research. I am running in support of my niece, Ellen, who has been living with ALS for 14 years. She is a remarkable individual. First, because only about 2 percent of people diagnosed with ALS live with it this long and also because she has become an inspirational motivator for those with ALS and other debilitating diseases.
Ours is a story within a story within a story. As part of a team sponsored by the River Valley Club, our family is putting together a group that will not only complete the half marathon, but also hopes to push Ellen through the course with us. To that end, we are trying to get my daughter, who lives in Boulder, Colo., to fly in to join us.
The great thing is, if I make my fundraising goal, we will qualify for a plane ticket to help get her from Colorado to New York. I am three-quarters of the way to my goal and have to get there by Wednesday so we can make the flight arrangements. Please consider supporting our efforts. The following link will take you to my fundraising page: www.classy.org/fundraise?fcid=671207. There you can learn more about Ellen and her Uncle Bill, and about Augie’s Quest, the sponsoring organization for the half marathon and ALS research. Feel free to contact me with any questions at William.h.waste@gmail.com. There is also a fundraising tag sale at the River Valley Club Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Come by, find a bargain and join the fight against ALS.
Bill Waste Lyme
What a treat to see the Valley News shine a spotlight on many of the wonderful arts organizations in the Upper Valley (“Destination for the Arts?”, Aug. 23). Lebanon Opera House is proud to be a member of that community, hosting more than 42,000 people every year at events ranging from elementary school plays to international touring artists and everything in between. LOH is a true community arts center and it’s an honor to be the home for numerous groups that play a leading role in our region’s cultural activities, including City Center Ballet, North Country Community Theatre, Trumbull Hall Troupe, Upper Valley Community Band and many others. Long live Upper Valley arts!
Heather Clow Lebanon
The writer is executive director of the Lebanon Opera House.
A community yard sale with something for everyone will be held Saturday, Sept. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sustainable Hanover and the Office of Sustainability at Dartmouth are once again treating the Upper Valley to a spectacular sale.
This will be our seventh year and once again we have more people wanting to sell than spaces for them. Household goods, toys, garden wares, tools, games, sports equipment, furniture and lots more will be offered for sale at yard sale prices. Whatever you want, you can probably find it. Over 130 vendor spots, including several fundraising groups, should give you lots of opportunities to find the perfect treasure.
The sale is held on the Lower Dewey Field Parking Lot. Access the lot via Dewey Field Road from the traffic lights at the junction of North Park Street (Route 120) and Lyme Road (Route 10) in Hanover. We need time to set up, so no early birds. The sale is held rain or shine.
Bring your friends and family and join us for a fun day. Let’s keep good stuff in use instead of in the landfill.
Susan Edwards Hanover
Only a politician could be asked a question three times and not give a straight answer. Gov. Maggie Hassan was asked by an interviewer, “Is Hillary Clinton honest? Is she trustworthy?” and she refused to answer. She danced around the question trying to pivot back to her talking points.
This isn’t the first time Gov. Hassan has refused to give a straight answer on direct questions. When I go to the voting booth in November, I’ll remember Gov. Hassan has tried to avoid answering questions that don’t benefit her. On the other hand, Sen. Kelly Ayotte calls it like she sees it. That’s the New Hampshire way — in our state, we don’t have to agree on everything, but I respect your opinion and your right to have it. However, when I don’t know where Gov. Hassan stands on any particular issue, that makes me think she might not have what it takes to vote, debate or pass laws about those issues in the U.S. Senate.
Karen M. Cervantes Lebanon
The writer is vice chairwoman of the Grafton County Republican Committee and holds other local and regional party posts.