Last night's selectmen's meeting was worthy of a golden globe, or at least a people's choice award. It combined tragedy, comedy, farce, although little suspense other than the mysterious contents of Lt. Baldwin's 8" stack of folders, that in his words "my superiors" asked me not to discuss. This blog couldn't believe that we heard that nor that the selectmen let that pass. Lt. Baldwin stated that he HAD accurate cost figures for the tower, but that he would not reveal them at that time at the request of his superiors??? Lt. Baldwin cut an impressive figure in his uniform, calm, reasonable, professional he was at his best, this blog knows not why, if this is truly so important it can not be revealed to the public as soon as the facts are known.
From Conservations sales pitch for a land swap that is set to trade the use of ten acres of conservation land for the de facto ownership of twenty acres of town land. Followed up with Recreation's explaination of the make up of their board. To Selectmen's Sapia's verbal roasting of S'Mores and singing of Kumbaya, regarding the amount of time and effort exhibited by volunteers, and the need for conservation land, AND recreation land, as well as the apparently pressing need for 4 acres of land(What was THAT all about?).
But Selectmen Sullivan raised a very important issue that we have seen raised by other town officials in recent months, and have written about on this blog. The issue of selectmen business being discussed and carried on in meetings that are unposted, unminuted, and unviewed by the public, and furthermore that one third of our board of selectmen, selectman Sullivan is not even present to participate in. Unfortunately for the town, these meetings DO take place, have been observed by many, and selectman Sullivan is correct to assert his right to participate in any town business. Selectman Sapia is, once again, wrong when he said he didn't need Sullivan to read him the law on this issue, SOMEONE Needs to! There have been cases in NH law where selectmen have sued for their right to participate in town business. It is a staple of state jurisprudence. It is this blog's opinion that Mrs. Mangini mistook selectman Sullivan's complaint to be directed at her, it was directed at his own board. Mrs. Mangini is mostly correct, in that instance she did nothing wrong, she was fulfilling her role as Rec. Director. The selectmen should conduct most all of the towns business in public, and STOP THESE BACKROOM DEALS!!!
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ATKINSON's Vietnam HONOR ROLL as VOTED and PASSED by 2005 Town Meeting and re-approved at Special Town Meeting Sept. 12
EDITORIAL-
A voice of compassion, an example of fairness and reasonable government.
One who believes in the strength and comfort you, your children and your family can draw from good government leadership.
A person who knows Atkinson is our home -- our most important possession that must be preserved and protected through fair taxes and sound community planning and where our children must be safe to grow to become a new generation of leaders.
One who knows that the citizens of Atkinson are all neighbors with her leadership to be dedicated and responsive to all.
One who believes that when those from Atkinson have served our nation and honors are deserved, those honors must be given.
In Valerie Tobin, we now have a leader we know we can entrust with these responsibilities because they are part of her character.
It is our honor to endorse Valerie for election to Atkinson’s Board of Selectmen.
Just a note for those who wish to count the deer.
In January 08 this blog had 16,000 hits and 1,500 unique visitors (for the month).
In 2007 this blog had over 100,000 hits and 5,750 unique visitors (for the year).
In 2007 this blog had over 100,000 hits and 5,750 unique visitors (for the year).
EDITORIAL-
"I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense . . ." [TP, 1776]
We take no small measure of umbrage at such a hostile official act against this BLOG’s patron. Therefore, a timely Editorial comment is both appropriate and necessary.
Discussion of Atkinson’s financial direction, from any viewpoint, is fundamental and encouraged and we will always attempt to limit and correct errors.
However, Righteous indignation towards purported error of such inconsequential nature is not appropriate.
The ENTIRE car deal is problematic. If it was caused by poor judgement, improper exercise of authority, neglect or mistake or even specious reasoning, this will never trump the facts that the entire questionable transaction started and ended within a very small circle of confidants.
We find the entire circumstances surrounding the disposition of the police Cruiser highly irregular at the least and the "explanations" somewhat trifling and exhaustive of our intellect.
Mr. Consentino: It’s time to go. Being Chief of Atkinson’s Police Department is NOT a birthright. That is a fabled legend of yesteryear.
Historically in Atkinson, police chief appointments were made "under the hand of the selectmen" for terms of one year at a time, as was also the case in the beginning of Mr. Consentino’s assorted and discontinuous stream of appointments to this position.
Your only remaining credential established on a claim of indispensability has faded.
So time is neigh. Plan a graceful exit, Clean out your desk, Accept the gratitude and tearful sentiments from some. We plan no editorial recriminations. It is time. Thank you for your service, We wish you a long and happy retirement. Bon Voyage.
LETTER
"To All Atkinson Residents,
I am writing to ask for your help. A member of the Atkinson Police Department needs our help. I am here to ask for your help in Corporal John Lapham's fight for his life. As you are aware, John has been diagnosed with Leukemia. He has been once again hospitalized with an infection that is threatening his life. He is one of the bravest people that I have ever met. He has never asked of anything from the residents of the town. Now is our chance to step up and help both him and his family out. As everyone is aware John has been out of work for a few months. His family has been busy helping John to get better. He needs our help, and I am hoping that this town can step up to the plate and help. From the moment that I met John, I have admired him. He does alot, but never asks for anything in return. He has helped so many people in this town. I for one am one of those people. Please help him.
There is a fund set-up in his name at TDBanknorth in Plaistow. Any amount will help John, while he is out of work. It would be great if this town could help ease a burden off his wife.
Thank You
Also if anyone would like to send a card, please address it to:
John Lapham
c/o Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Ctr.
Inpatient mail
75 Francis Street
Boston, MA 02115
United States
Please show Corporal John Lapham, that this community can stand up and show our support to those in need. I for one, miss John and can not wait until he can get better and return to work. Please show him that we support him. "
2 comments:
I appreciate the work that Selectman Sullivan has completed, but have one more request of him. Get Rid of Chief Consentino and Lt. Baldwin before a Civil War breaks out and the Town is overrun.
Lt. Baldwin has made a mockery of the Town's reputation throughout the Police and Fire communities, just ask anyone from a neighboring town. The incompetence with which he runs things is disgraceful. I guess I can't blame the Chief for using the Police Department as a front to accomplish his goal of Elderly Care reform in the Town, I mean, he is one of the elderly.
Plato, welcome to the blog. We posted your comment only because it was your first and we appreciate diversity of thought, however, this blog is intended as a forum for all of those who have held their noses in disgust at the actions of our selectmen for the last two years. For all of those who have things to say(civally)and have not had a forum to say them for the last two years.
While we appreciate your contribution to the blog, and hope to converse with you in the future, we must ask you to participate in the realm of ideas. We do not wish for this to become a sinkhole of ad hominum attacks of a personal nature. No name calling please, and your contributions will be appreciated.
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