Ruminations

By Ron Dupuis
Now that the Nashua Board of Alderman are discussing the use of School funds from the State that were allocated for Special Education to be used instead for the Pennachuck takeover, I thought I would revive an old column I had written some time ago.

Years ago, reputed South Boston mobster Whitey Bulger and his gang went to legitimate businessman Stephen Rakes and with a gun held to his head, forced Rakes to sell his business, one South Boston Liquor Mart, at a financial loss. The reason, Rakes was under pricing other liquor stores in the area, who also happen to be friends of Bulger. (Authors note; when referring to strong arm gangsters, my lawyer said it is always wise to use the word “reputed”.)

From Utah to Florida to New London Connecticut the process of Eminent Domain has been controversial, to say the lest. Even right here in the “Live free, or die” state.

Sometime during the year 2002, a group of "reputed" politicians and community activists got together and decided that the city of Nashua would be better served if one newly formed government agency controlled the drinking water supply of not only its own community, but also that of several others throughout the entire state. Thus was born the Merrimack Valley Regional Water District.

The purpose of the newly formed water district was clear and concise from the very beginning. To take by eminent domain all the assets and property of a successful New Hampshire company that has been servicing customers throughout the state for over 150 years. The impact of such a takeover would mean that politicians in the city of Nashua would have total control over the operation, rate setting, and future system modernization plans of communities from Hollis to Bow, from Milford to Gilford, and from Raymond to Amherst. The reason for the take over was that company in question was in danger of being sold to a foreign corporation. A second reason given was that not having to worry about a bottom line profit; the Water Authority would be well suited to handle the operation.

Let’s assume for the moment that the reasons given are valid. The next logical step for the politicians of Nashua would be to take by eminent domain other foreign controlled corporations in the area. Convenience stores come to mind. Most are controlled by a British company. Citizens could go to City Hall, pay their water bill, and buy a super size slurpy at the same time.

A couple of the areas finest hotels are controlled by foreign companies. Citizens could now go to City Hall, pay their water bill, and book a room for their next wedding or Bar Mitzvah. Of course any toast given would have to be done with a super size slurpy.

Years ago the process of “Eminent Domain” was used to take tax delinquent abandon property to build playgrounds, or roads, or other such projects for the public good. This was the purpose of Article 5 of the Constitution. The intent was not to take property and pass it on to private “for profit” developers. Neither was the intent to allow governments to seize to assets of successful private companies under the guise to “public good”.
The United States Supreme will be hearing other cases concerning the abuse of Eminent Domain this session. Those of us who are concerned with the government’s abuse of power will be watching closely.
Reputed mobster Whitey Bulger strong armed his way into owning a business ostensibly to help some friends. The real reason is that it was a power grab for his own financial benefit and control.
There is a pretty hefty reward out for the capture of reputed mobster Whitey Bulger. I’m wondering if he is hiding out in Nashua somewhere.