N.H. Lobby Day boosts opposition to Verizon-FairPoint deal

Union members and community activists opposed to the Verizon-FairPoint deal took part in a grassroots lobby day Wednesday at the New Hampshire State House in Concord to talk with their state legislators about the deal's impact on the future of New Hampshire. The event included about 25 members from IBEW Local 2320 and CWA Local 1400 who work for Verizon.

The grassroots lobbyists started their day with a briefing at IBEW Local 490's union hall in Concord. IBEW International Representative Bob Erickson spoke about new developments in Vermont and Maine, and New Hampshire AFL-CIO President Mark Mackenzie spoke about the importance of mobilizing opposition to the sale among state legislators.

Participants then traveled to the State House, each they got down to business by talking to legislators about why the sale could hurt future economic development in New Hampshire.

They evidently did a great job, since at day's end 77 state legislators -- Democrats and Republicans -- signed strong letters of concern to the state Public Utilities Commission -- more than doubling the number of state lawmakers who oppose the deal. Governor John Lynch also stopped by twice to say "hello."

You can view photos of the event here.

New Hampshire will be the final state to act on the proposed deal. Maine has already approved a revised version of the deal that -- despite financial concessions by Verizon and FairPoint -- would still leave the region's telecommunications and economic future in the hands of a financially shaky company. Verizon and FairPoint have also agreed on a revised plan with Vermont's Department of Public Service, although the state's Public Service Board has the final say and has resisted the companies' calls to fast-track the approval process.

In the end, it very well could come down to New Hampshire deciding the fate of this deal. It's so important for the state's leaders and regulators to know how risky this deal is for New Hampshire consumers and workers -- and for the state's economy. That's why efforts like the grassroots Lobby Day are so important.