Business & Tech

New Political Message on Ioka Marquee

There's a new political message on one of Exeter's most recognizable landmarks.

Alan Lewis, owner of the Ioka theater, put a message on the marquee reading, "Governor Hassan please help stop the Northern Pass."


The Northern Pass is a proposed $1.4 billion transmission line project that would connect hydroelectric power from Canada to New England. Several public hearings on the project will be held in New Hampshire this week.

It's not the first time Lewis has used the marquee for a political message. Last year, he put up a sign supporting Jackie Cilley, a former candidate for governor who lost the Democratic nomination to Maggie Hassan. Hassan, of Exeter, went on to be elected governor.

Lewis has been trying to sell the Ioka since he purchased it for $600,000 at a 2011 auction. Lewis had a tentative deal in place with the Exeter Theater Company, but nothing has been finalized.

In an e-mail to supporters Sunday, the theater company said:

"Some of you may have seen the new message posted on the IOKA marquee this past Friday. This message was posted by the Lewis Family and not by the Exeter Theater Company. The Exeter Theater Company takes no position on this topic and any statements posted on the marquee are solely the opinion of the Lewis Family."


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