Deliberative session, another "special" day for the " special" people of Atkinson.
All too frequently could be heard the command "Move the Question" at the Saturday meeting.
Unfortunately, all too frequently, it is used to stifle debate , bar opinion and limit information.
Unfortunately, all too frequently by those who tout civil discourse then find it an inconvenience to their "authority" or "agenda".
Parliamentary rule and order is necessary and must be available especially for legislative sessions having a character like Atkinson town meetings. Parliamentary rule requires that ONLY motions critical to order are allowed by interruption. Any motion to "move the question" normally and fairly can NOT be brought by interruption and requires a second and Super Majority (2/3) vote to carry.
We will see this meeting repeated numerous times on Cable TV before election day. Everyone will have the opportunity to see those officials abuse the process for their own interests.
Sunday, February 4
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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. "
7 comments:
One can only wonder what rules our pretend moderator was following. He gave the impresssion of being afraid to override Selectman Sapia but was quick to silence the residents who tried to discuss the articles. What rules are these? What happened to the resident's right to deliberate and be treated with respect?
Yes, all can watch the reruns on cable and see that deliberations were cut short and residents were left standing at the microphone without the opportunity to voice an opinion or ask their questions. This would not have been allowed to happen back in the day.
Jack Herlihy is certainly missed. A class act who ran a superb town meeting with finesse and complete knowledge of the rules.
The performance of selectman Sapia using the end deliberation and call the vote motions to cut off any debate he didnt like was incredibly arrogant and abusive to the very people who put hom into office. His conduct was, as usual, DESPICABLE!
Selectman Sapia's performance at deliberative session was destructive to the democratic process and proved once again that contrary to what he is always saying; He doesnt care or even want fair and open debate on the issues, because he cut off debate and interrupted speakers whenever he didnt wish to hear them. Unfortunately Mr. Polito did not inform him that it is not his meeting and he will have to be recognized before he interrupts people. this was not a selectmen's meeting where this practice is common practice.
I would suggest that Mr Sapia use these comments to learn about his job, but he has demonstrated over the last two years time and time again that he doesn't listen, he just interupts, and cuts off debate. This is likely never to change.
Sapia thinks he knows all but somebody needs to whisper in his ear that we're on to him. He's as transparent as they come.
A Lesson to Mr. Sapia,
Town Meeting's purpose is to allow the townspeople to DELIBERATE on the issues! The rules are:
1.) You DO NOT SPEAK until recognized by the Moderator!
2.) You take a lesson from Mr. Paquette, Mr. Acciard, and Mr. Boyle, and GET UP OFF YOUR BOARD and go to the mike in the audience when you wish to make personal comments!
3.) IT IS NOT YOUR MEETING, IT IS THE PEOPLE'S!
4.) You are not important, the people are!
5.) You do not move the question when there are 4 people standing at the mike waiting to speak on it!
6.) YOU DO NOT INTERRUPT SPEAKERS!
that one needs to be repeated, maybe it will sink in.
7.) YOU DO NOT INTERRUPT SPEAKERS!
8.) YOU DO NOT CUT OFF THOSE WHO WISH TO DISAGREE WITH YOU!
that one needs to be repeated
8.) YOU DO NOT CUT OFF THOSE WHO WISH TO DISAGREE WITH YOU!
Mr. Sapia, if you can not play nice with others then please pick up your marbles and go home!
My guess is that Moderator Polito will come up with some solution to the "Move the Question" atrocity which occured at Town Meeting. I don't think he liked it any better than anyone else (Mr. Sapie excepted). Other than that, I thought Mr. Polito was excellent. He was dressed in jeans and a blue shirt - casual, informal, reachable. His delivery was friendly, casual, and - on occasion - he was even funny. One again, my money says he was just as ashamed of the action as anyone else.
Added thought: When Mr. Polito first came in to office as a Selectman, he went to the necessary meetings; he studied, and learned what his job as a Selectman was all about. While I didn't always agree with him, he did a darned good job. You can't take that away from him.
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