By Nicholas Brown
Staff Writer

Logan Clements, the California man behind the Lost Liberty Hotel project, fields questions from a reporter in front of a truck designed by Rochester-based contractor Lance Powers. Clements presented his plan to some local supporters and even more media at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester, the culminating event of his three-day stay in the area. (Nicholas Brown Photo)

The California activist aiming to seize the Weare property of United States Associate Justice David Souter wrapped up a three-day visit to New Hampshire with a question-and-answer session at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester on Monday, Aug. 22.

It was the first area visit for Logan Clements, who’s been garnering national media attention for his plan to build the Lost Liberty Hotel at the 8-acre location.

The retaliatory move follows the Supreme Court decision in Kelo v. New London, which backed the Connecticut municipality’s right to use eminent domain to seize private property if higher tax revenue could be generated and the community could enjoy greater economic benefits. Souter helped form the court’s 5-4 majority.

During the weekend, Clements met with local supporters of the project, some of whom have recently formed an organization, the Committee for the Protection of Natural Rights, aimed at fighting the decision.

Weare resident and committee member Keith Lacasse said the nonprofit group formed on Thursday, Aug. 18, and incorporated the following day.

“We’re of like mind,” Lacasse said of Clements. “We thought we should meet him. All this is just a tool to an end.”

Lacasse, like Clements, said he plans to back local efforts to turn the seizure of Souter’s home into a ballot item for next election. Another Weare resident, Gary Hopper, has already gathered the requisite number of signatures – 25 – for a petition to do just that.

The Weare board of selectmen has voiced a clear opposition to the seizure of any town resident’s property, including Souter’s.

Hopper, a former state representative, has said he hopes to transform Souter’s country estate into a park celebrating the United States Constitution.

Clements introduced several members of the Committee for the Protection of Natural Rights, adding that he hopes ultimately to give control of the project to the local group.

In a brief talk, Clements addressed Weare’s residents.

“America is putting its hope for the restoration of property rights in the hands of the people of Weare,” he said. “All of America is hoping you have the courage.”

Clements said his inspiration for fighting the decision was a philosophical one, stemming from his “objectivist” beliefs, inspired by novelist Ayn Rand.

“In the book, the citizens of America are being suffocated by a government that grows more powerful every day,” he said.

Twenty-five copies of Rand’s “Atlas Shrugged” were distributed free to the audience before the presentation. Clements also left a copy of the novel at the property of Souter, which he visited this weekend.

Clements runs a Los Angeles company, Free Star Media, which aims to create a nationally syndicated television show to focus on “out-of-control local governments that steal freedom, homes and wealth,” according to the company’s Web site.

Though few supporters showed at the Radisson – there were at least as many members from the media there – those who did were enthusiastic.

Lance Powers, a contractor and member of the Rochester planning board, showed off a large truck specifically designed to support the Lost Liberty Hotel project.

Adorned with Old Glory, the maroon and yellow truck’s paint job featured the phrase, “Lost Liberty Hotel: Coming soon to a property like yours whether you like it or not.”

Powers, who uses the truck for his work as a contractor, said, “I just wanted to find a way to let people know about this decision.”

Powers said most people gaze at the truck in confusion, but some will honk and yell in support.
Clements himself whistled and gave the thumbs up, said Powers.