Is this the end for Carter Country Club?

Didn’t we think, when the New Hampshire Supreme Court ruled a few years ago, that the matter of the Carter Country Club was settled, that Edmond “Peanie” Goodwin’s intent was clear, that the property would remain a golf course in perpetuity? Apparently not.

Already, the “in perpetuity” clause has been litigated through the courts for the past 30 years, with the CCBA paying the legal bills to preserve that protection. But, facing the threat of yet another court battle, the trustees of the CCBA (Carter Community Building Association) are finalizing plans that will put an end to Carter Country Club as we know it.

Why did the Lebanon community not know this? According to the CCBA’s executive director, Kerry Artman, the proceedings are sealed. However, my understanding is that, through mediation, the Carter Country Club’s current owner is offering the CCBA a settlement that includes a large sum of cash plus a few acres of the club’s land, in exchange for clear title. It’s been no secret that, once a clear title is obtained, the owner will develop the golf course property into a commercial complex and/or a large housing development.

Where do we go from here? Do we pressure the CCBA trustees to unseal this settlement plan, so we can know the details before the ink is dry? Form an outside committee to develop alternative solutions? Launch a fundraising campaign to pay the cost of continuing the legal challenges? Or do we say goodbye to one of Lebanon’s few remaining iconic landmarks?

Sandra Goodwin Fontana

Bow, N.H.

Keep Cousineau
on Cornish Library board

As a former resident of Cornish for 53 years, and still very much a part of that wonderful community, I was delighted to see that Laura Cousineau will be running for another term as Library Trustee.

Laura, who has 30 years’ experience as a librarian, is highly qualified for this position. She was both a library director at Dartmouth and an assistant professor with the Dartmouth College department of medicine.

Laura’s volunteer services to the town of Cornish have been invaluable. In addition to her currant position as Library Trustee (chair), she has served on the Cornish Aging in Place committee since it began 10 years ago, is an active member of the Friends of the Library and an enthusiastic participant in the Cornish Book Club.

As an experienced library director and planner, and as a trustee, Laura’s priority has always been, and continues to be, to find the best way to meet the needs and preferences of library patrons of all ages.

During the next two years, several committees will be working diligently to turn the former Cornish General Store into a new town library and community center, and will require strong leadership and direction from the library trustees.

A vote for Laura Cousineau at the Cornish Town Meeting on March 12 is a vote for the experience, leadership and library-specific planning and organizational skills that are crucial to the success of this project.

Connie Kousman

Hancock, Maine

The writer is a member of Friends of the Cornish Library.

A strong candidate for
Lebanon School Board

I write in support of Richard Ford Burley’s candidacy for the Lebanon School Board. In my two years of working with Richard on Lebanon’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Commission, I have observed him to be a hardworking and impartial advocate for those with marginalized identities. Richard has been particularly determined in his support of individuals with disabilities and nonbinary gender identities, and in his advocacy for housing and transportation equity.

Simply put, Richard can be counted on to get the work done. He is among the first to spearhead projects involving detailed review of materials and drafting of original content. For example, Richard took the lead in compiling data about racial and disability inequities related to police presence in schools. Richard single-handedly revised the city’s codes, policies, and charter to include gender-neutral terms. Richard was the leader in considering the equity dimensions of both housing and transportation in Lebanon. He also developed an equity and inclusion worksheet tool for the city’s boards and committees to use in reviewing legislation, policies and procedures.

Importantly, Richard is open and considerate in all deliberations. I have found that he listens, asks important clarifying questions, and makes creative suggestions that move the DEI Commission toward the best and most fair course of action. Richard’s tireless devotion to “do the right thing” can only benefit our children in the Lebanon School District.

Emily Walton

Lebanon

The writer chairs the Lebanon DEI Commission.