This blog has been informed that Selectman Sapia has been at it again Behind the scenes of course. Apparently it is of paramount importance to him that both Budget Committee Chair Mark Acciard and member Brian Boyle be defeated in the current election cycle.
This blog has been informed by town hall sources that at 4:00 pm today as the sign ups were closing, Mr. Fred Thompson signed up for Budget Committee to run against Mr. Acciard, and he apparently did so at Mr. Sapia's behest. We are also told that Mr. Sapia called his good friend Mrs. Osborne to sign up to run against Mr. Boyle.
The shenanigans continue, obviously the selectmen or more accurately a selectman and his sponsors, believe it necesary to change the dynamics of the Budget Committee. This blog hopes that they are unsuccessful, as we are happy with the budget committee's performance in the last two years. They have managed to restrict the budgetary increase while not cutting services. They have accomplished this with grace under fire and in public. This blog feels that the current board of selectmen, or at least two of them, could take lessons from the budget committee in how to conduct their business as publicly as possible. The Town has the minutes, and the budget online for all to see for the first time. If only the selectmen would conduct all business in the open.
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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. "
5 comments:
Wasn't Mr. Thompson on the Budget Committee before, and was continually apologizing for not being able to attend the meetings?
Seems to me, when watching those earlier meetings, Mr. Thompson was NEVER there!
Mr. Thompson has been an absent budget committe member numerous times over the past and Mrs. Councilman-Sawyer has been a member at the same time. She doesn't miss meetings but seems to need Mr. Boyle's direction to move forward. These two had their chances over the years...The Budget Committee has done quite well since their departure so let's not rock the boat and try to fix what isn't broken Atkinson.
I think the current budget committee is the best we've had in the last 10 years at least. They actually appear to do research. in stead of just bobble heading. Mr. Thompson when he was last on the committee was absent more than he was there. Ms. Morelli never did anything constructive. Ms. Sawyer always asked the hard questions and that is good. And Mr. Acciard has always invited comment, asked hard questions and been cordial about it, even when the chief was in. This is a good crew. And BTW, why is Ms. Morelli, and Mr. Childs name even on the ballot? aren't they employees? didn't we vote to not have employees in these positions?
It is certain that at least one budget committee seat will change for next season as there is only one incumbent running for a three year seat. Will this change the dynamics of the Budget Committee?
In my opinion, the dynamics in play over the past several years have been a result of the mix of new members and experienced members. What happens to the those dynamics if there are no new members?
And for those who remember Mr. Thompson not being at meetings; Check the minutes! He attended 4 out 4 of the minutes posted on-line and did nearly as well in the the remainder.
This is no big deal,people. Selectmen have been beating the bushes for candidates to run against someone they didn't want to see in office for years and years and years. And it will continue.
Moreover, groups not in public office have been scrambling to find candidates to go up against, and hopefully defeat, the incumbants.
It's called Democracy. Live with it, and be glad you can.
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