N.H. Backs Bank Loan To ‘Eagle Times' Owner

John Gregg has an excellent piece in the Valley News on the state loan guarantee to the new owners of the Eagle-Times in Claremont.

Donahue, who has worked at the BFA since it was created 17 years ago, said this was the first guarantee involving a New Hampshire newspaper that he could recall, but that there are “no restrictions that would preclude us from doing it.”

Gov. John Lynch, who presided over the Executive Council meeting, said in an interview after an appearance at Dartmouth College on Friday evening that he had no problems with the loan guarantee.

“It's really more of a job development, economic development type of issue,” said Lynch who said he has not met Sample and was not involved in putting the deal together. “I think it was the right thing to do, and it came up through the appropriate channels.”

The Eagle Times ran a photograph and congratulatory letter from Lynch, welcoming the return of the newspaper, on the front page of its first post-bankruptcy edition on Oct. 12. (emphasis added)

So we have a newspaper running a picture of the Governor who pushed through their financing on the front page. Why would anyone have a problem with that?

Vermont Lawmakers Boost New Hampshire Economy

Valley News reporter John Gregg writes up Montpelier's efforts to help New Hampshire businesses. Thanks guys!

Convenience stores, gas stations and liquor outlets along the Vermont side of the Connecticut River Valley are bracing for an economic hit from a series of tax increases approved in Montpelier this spring.

As of Monday, June 1, a new 2 percent tax on gasoline distributors is adding more than 3 cents a gallon to the state tax on motorists at the pump.

And the budget approved by lawmakers in overriding Gov. Jim Douglas' veto earlier this week, and which takes effect next month, will add 25 cents to the tax on a pack of cigarettes and apply Vermont's 6 percent sales tax to sales of hard liquor.

Valley News reports key opposition to Cap Gains

John Gregg reports in the Valley News that two Senate Committee Chairmen oppose instituting a Capital Gains Tax on New Hampshire:

2 N.H. Legislators Frown on New Tax

By John P. Gregg

Valley News Staff Writer

Prospects for passage of a capital gains tax in New Hampshire appear uncertain, with two key Senate committee chairmen yesterday saying they are opposed to the measure.

“I can only tell you that I have no desire to do a capital gains tax,” Senate Finance Committee Chairman Lou D'Allesandro, a Manchester Democrat, said in a phone interview. “If ever there was not a time for capital gains, it is now.”

Senate Ways and Means Chairman Bob Odell, a Claremont-area Republican, also said he opposes the tax, noting that many retirees move to New Hampshire because of its favorable tax climate for such income. “I think it would be a major change in the public policy we have on taxes,” Odell said. “I think that will get a lot of discussion and debate if it is brought forward. I haven't heard a lot of sentiment in the Senate for that particular tax.”