Where North Country Candidates Stand on Leasing Cannon Mountain

As North Country voters consider their choices for state Legislature, we thought you'd like to know where the candidates stand on the potential leasing of Cannon Mountain to the private sector.

Senate District 1:

Jeff Woodburn
Democratic Candidate

He opposes leasing and sent us a link to something he wrote for the NH Business Review:

http://jeffwoodburn.com/?p=294

Debi Warner
Republican Candidate

Did not reply to our requests for information

Here is what the candidates for House District 2, which includes  Franconia, Lisbon, Lyman, Monroe and Sugar Hill, have told us:

Denis Ward
Republican Candidate
I think the old expression "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" applies quite well here. Though I think there are places where the NH government could gain efficiency by enlisting the help of the private sector, I don't think Franconia Notch State Park is one of them. I would not support privatizing Cannon Mountain.

Rebecca Brown
Democratic Candidate
So far, leasing is more a way to tackle the state's fiscal issues than a way to serve the interests of the community and the park. I will oppose any attempt to solve the state's fiscal issues on the back of Cannon Mountain - just like I oppose Northern Pass as an attempt by PSNH to solve its financial woes on the back of the North Country. If the leasing issue continues to be brought forward, we need to put that question into the context of a master plan for the entire Franconia Notch State Park. A master planning process needs to be driven by the needs of the park, Franconia and the rest of the local community, and it needs to recognize and respect the park's history and intent, as well as the economic and financial factor.

In House District 14, which includes parts of Littleton and Bethlehem:
Brad Bailey
Republican Candidate
Did not reply to our requests for information

Doug Grant
Democratic Candidate
I cannot help but see the resemblance between privatizing Franconia Notch State Park and running Northern Pass through the White Mountain National Forest. In both cases land belonging to the people in perpetuity is to be turned over to a private group of developers. I could go on and on but I will keep this statement brief. Let me be clear - I am totally opposed to this plan.

Cannon Earns High Marks in Ski Magazine Guide...And Reader Touts State Control

The annual Ski Magazine resort guide is in, once again with kind words for Cannon, which ranked No. 17 in the East. We particularly liked one reader's comments: "Great history, challenging trails, killer views, good value. A skier's mountain; love the vibe. Please, please, please remain state-owned and managed."

To read the guide, click here.

Gubernatorial Candidates Reveal Positions on Potential Leasing of Cannon Mountain

As New Hampshire voters consider their choices for governor, we thought we'd pass along where the candidates stand on the potential leasing of Cannon Mountain to the private sector. At a travel and tourism forum this month, Ovide Lamontagne said he favors exploring lease options for Cannon. Maggie Hassan's campaign said this month that she opposes leasing Cannon.