In the race for selectmen it appears Harold Morse is winning the sign wars. It appears as we drive around town that he has the most signs out, followed by Fred Childs, with Valerie Tobin bringing up the rear. But, is the number of sign the dterminer of the election? The answer is no! It is much easier to vote your conscience behind a closed curtain than to tell someone, face-to-face, "I dont believe in you, I dont want your sign in my yard."
But the real comedy of this placing of signs are the "yes on #23" signs. According to the signs, the Fiscal Agent for the Yes on #23 campaign is none other than Fred Childs, "your selectmen" and town employee, who in light of last years ordinance which he is now trying to overturn, he shouldn't even be on the ballot!
For those of you who do not see the Conflict of Interest Issue, here it is, it can not be plainer...
Fred Childs is leading a campaign and placing signs to advocate an article from which he will benefit, as selectman!
I know some are saying that this isn't the same thing, but it is. Last year 1094 voters said, we don't want town employees as selectmen, or on the budget committee. They said we want to enact the same policy that is in operation in EVERY SCHOOL DISTRICT in the state, and many, many cities and towns. We all know why we did this, we were sick of what we saw on camera every monday night from our town employee selectmen. We were sick of spending OUR money to defend them in court, only to see them lose on these conflict issues EVERY TIME! And STILL, they were arogant enough to claim they did nothing wrong. Well they did! Chief did many things wrong, Rockingham Superior Court said so, and the NH Supreme Court upheld that decision. Fred Childs did something wrong, the Atkinson Code of ethics committee said so. NHMA warned him beforehand that it was wrong, he did it anyway!
It is time to end this corruption from people who don't care what the law is, or what the voters say. It is time to vote for the only candidate in the race with NO CONFLICTS! Mrs. Tobin, thank you for throwing your hat into the ring.
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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. "
13 comments:
Publius is right! If Fred can get 23 to pass and get elected he will have successfully given the ovters the bird and done what he wanted anyways
I find it very interesting that an attorney and a person who has worked in an attorneys office for years do not want to up hold the decison the voters of Atkinson strongly voted on last year but have signs on Article 23 in their yards to reverse it. Where is the justice there! I guess maybe they should look for legal assitance and call the attorney generals office. It was pretty clear with the letter that was received from them that Atkinson was behind the times in not upholding a simple, common sense, advice on conflict of interest. You can't be the boss and over see your own job. Wouldn't we all like to be in that position.
Remember people, Mr. Childs thinks the voters didn't know what they voted for. So this year he is putting up a sign to make sure everyone knows what article 23 means to him. Mr. Childs must think the voters are just to stupid to know what is what. Because of his re election, i can't wait to get in the booth and vote for a no conflict canadate. I might even camp out in the parking lot to be the first one in line!
I agree with the disregard that politico signs are placed on town property and private property without authorization. The same can be said of the maize of realastate signs that litter our town. I have removed numerous signs from my property and disposed of them. I used to call their office and ask them to remove the sign, but of course they play dumb and don't seem to realize you must get the abbutters permission to place the sign. I have seen them in front of the cemetary, on the edge of the common and on all the little islands of land at the heads of some streets. Wakeup Atkinson residents, you do not have to allow commercial advertising on your property. How about we place our own home business signs in front of the realestate agents home. In 30sec they would be screaming to the police.
I have to say that Article 23 has no business on the ballot. But, in looking at the candidates, I really see only one choice. Fred should be removed so that we can take care of the "grandfather" clause with the vote from last year.
As for Morse, do we really want to have a proxy for Lewis? He has too much influence as it is, I don't see that we should elect a crony of his to selectman.
After watching the Meet the Candidates night on TV, I personally thought Tobin was best for the job. I thought she had provided the most in depth answers, albeit to too few questions, and was the only one who didn't seem to have a conflict.
I've only met Fred out of the three and he seems to be a nice enough guy, but I don't like the conflict of interest. Just as I didn't like it with the Chief when he served. Again, he seems like a nice enough guy and dedicates himself to helping the elderly, but it doesn't seem appropriate to be both chief of police and a selectman. I mean, it's a small town, how much business does he have to remove himself from when it involves a police issue???
Let's get folks in who don't have to remove themselves from a 1/4 of the issues or more. That's why I can't see voting for Morse. Just my 2 cents...
Hmmm. Tobin the best choice for selectman, not sure. In fact, her own letter in the newspaper makes me question her as a leader. On Point 2 - the cell tower -- why is the NEED for police communications and safety for the residents playing second fiddle to its possible placement near the town garage being an "eye sore". Few people stay in the center of town long enough to get sore eyes from anything there. And, as someone that would pass by it often, I'd get over it knowing that the police and the residents of this town are safe because of the COMMUNICATIONS it provides. Our next selectman needs to focus on the most appropriate solution to the problem, not the prettiest. And point #3 - Recreation. Again, someone that claims to not want to waste the town money on things is advocating spending money for a study that, based on the work already done by the committees involved, is unlikely to change. And where was the homework? A true leader would know the facts when issuing a letter -- the proposed recreation area would not "probably create only 1 field" but would in FACT create 3 fields and walking paths. A person that is a good leader would have contacted any of the members of the two committees that worked on this article to understand it before making comments on it. And on her 4th point - ethics. So, the town voted a certain way on an issue last year and there a feeling among some that people didn't understand what they were voting for, and it is back this year for reconsideration. Folks, this is why we vote -- if the petitioners are wrong and people did understand and still support it, it will fail. And if the reverse is true, it won't. That's democracy. A person that works for the town and is chosen as a selectman or to serve on the budget committee is not by default unethical or in the position of a conflict of interest. That's a stretch. If Mr. Childs is re-elected and this article fails, he can still serve town as our selctman by simply stepping down from his job. That's allowed. He isn't doing anything wrong by running and he isn't doing anything wrong by supporting article 23. If he was then I would suppose those that feel this way would call people who cast a vote for themselves as unethical. The people will be clear about what they want in the polls, so let the process work.
As for this candidate, sure she is unknown but what about -- is she a leader? That's the most important thing to decide. In my opinion, her letter in the paper makes me wonder.
Didn't see the letter, only the televised meet the candidates night. By all means, anyone should have the facts and opinions and use that to wrap their minds around an issue so that they can make their own decisions. I certainly do not know a ton about any of these candidates. It's not like there's a lot of news coverage on them, so I find this local blog quite useful.
What I can see on the surface is two guys who have a conflict of interest, with one of them being a proxy for Lewis. Did you hear how he answered one of the questions? Well Lewis's position... Give me a break. If that's what he's going to provide, then just have a write in campaign for Lewis so we can hear it from the horses mouth.
Child has baggage and has apparently scoffed at court rulings about conflict of interests. I want to know that decisions are being made because that person believes it is in the best interest of the town and not in the best interest of the selectman. I just don't know that will be the case with Child or Morse.
Perhaps Tobin may have warts, but she may be the least offensive of the bunch. The jury is out, but if the signs are any indication, she has very little chance of winning.
To change the subject, does anyone else wonder why the Atkinson Police fill up at Mobil in Mass instead of less expensive gas stations? Shouldn't we be keeping the business in NH? Am I missing something? Is there some sort of sweetheart deal with the Police Dept and Mobil? It doesn't make a whole lot of sense to shop at Mobil if their paying list prices. If anyone has any info on this, I'd sure be glad to hear it.
Also, what happens with the tax money and slush funds? Are they invested? Is it legal to invest them? If they are invested, what is the rate of return? Can the town use "cash back" credit cards like a small business does?
These items have been kicking around in my head so if anyone has the answers to them, I'd greatly appreciate it.
For Anon @ 8:55,
I'll offer whatever help I may with the numbers.
I've often wondered what the deal is with Skelley Mobil in Haverhill, but what the town pays is the list price less the 18.5 cents fed gas tax. As for the credit card we found out this year that it is all but impossible to get the town issued a credit card unless some individual is willing to put their SSN# on it. That was the issue that led to the revolving fund article for Rec.
Is the town eligible to get that price from any gas station? If so, we should keep the business in NH and pay the cheaper rates. As for the credit card, when I had a corporate card from my previous employer, it was under my name and SSN. I had to file an expense report in order to have the bill paid so it doesn't surprise me that this is the case. Still curious about investments. I know there are some decient yeilding savings accounts out there (5+ %) that are FDIC insured. Just curious if the town gets any return on their funds.
Re: Taxes and "Slush" funds.
If you check page 18 of the Annual Report, you'll note the town earns a respectable amount of interest on it's invested accounts. In looking at that report, though, I noticed that there are revenues from one police donation account, and it mentions nothing about an elderly donation account.
And I'm not sure the town can't have credit cards. I believe we have one at Staples. As far as cash-backs, I doubt it, but it's something to look into.
For Anon @1:23
I certainly don't want to see a cell tower in the middle of town, and I believe that most residents feel the same way. This issue has not been evaluated sufficiently ie: needs and location. I'm not sure that this is the best location. And how come, after discussion at the deliberative session we found out that there was a cost of up to $500,000 that the taxpayers would have to front? There has been a lack of disclosure to the residents, and a conflict with those that were on this "committee". Take all of their information, and further the evaluation and come up with the best, most cost effective opportunity. Why didn't we hear from the fire chief..he had no imput at the deliberative session on this issue. If there was such an emergency and desperate need, why didn't he speak in favor. Yet he remained silent. I for one, would like to know why? Regarding recreation and the East Road parcel, who has the creditials on the committee that came up with 3 fields. You will have to have a building, septic system, parking, land will have to be taken, more than likely, for a acceleration/deceleration lane on East Road, and maybe take the crown out to the road, and of course there is wetland. At the deliberative session, I believe, that they indicated approximatly 3 acres of wetland. So that leaves 7 acres to construct the support structures, and then the field(s). Would it be more cost effective to build all the fields that are needed in one location, to save on infrastructure and support structure costs? I believe it would. Additionally, this is a very dangerous intersection. Accidents happen there all the time. I would like to know the long range plans for recreation. Why do we need all of these fields? Who is using them? Only town residents, and if not, is revenue being gererated for their use? Of course, Harold Morse, if elected, will have to step down on recreation issues, and should resign from recreation duties. Fred Thompson, should not sit on the budget committee, or his wife should resign from recreation. Conflicts and ethics are key issues, and the voters need to put this once and for all to rest. Mr. Childs has thumbed his nose at the residents of this town for a few years, Mr Morse will have conflicts in planning and zoning, zba, conservation, recreation, and highway. Why in the world would you want to vote for someone that will have to step down and not fulfill his duties as selectman. Mrs. Tobin is a strong independent leader, and will help this town move forward. She has strong support from many residents, and I believe and hope will be our next selectman.
"slush"
Sorry, slush fund was the wrong phrase, but I couldn't seem to pull "capital reserve" fund out of my head that night. Brain cramp. Anyway, I see the 153K in interest. What percentage is that? Is that on the "Cash in hand general account"? If so, then that's a little over 2%. Not exactly an impressive return. I imagine that there are laws as to what that money can be invested in, I just don't know what the restrictions are. Can this money be placed in a Money Market? They get 5+ %. If my numbers are right, I would like to think we can do better than 2%.
I appreciatd everyones comments on the selectman position but I find it refreshing to have someone running who will listen and maybe not be misinformed or influenced by well known names or people using their authoriities. I know the selectmans position is a a day in and day out learning job and I will be glad to have someone in there who is willing to listen, learn and make good common sense decisons instead of acting as if they know everything already. Don't be fooled by someones ability to listen and to not jump to conclusion quickly. Valarie Tobin answered any question when asked her opinion and logic to her answers. She even disagreed with the other two candidates who then confirmed she was correct. As for the signs, A sign war, how many people does Phil know and How many people does Pete know that to me should be the scary part. You don't need a million signs to show who is the logically candidate.
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