A short time ago, one of our less than illustrious town officials sent us a comment suggesting that the town would not have sufferred the damage to it's character by the amount of bad press it has received if not for two individuals. Who you ask? You guessed it; Carol Grant and Mark Acciard! According to this offical they are responsible for all the bad press and the greatest number of negative stories about Atkinson. The poster suggested that all that was needed to prove this was a google search, for Eagle-Tribune articles.
So we decided to take this poster's suggestion, and we found out that the single greatest magnet for bad press in Atkinson was none other than our police chief, Consentino! There were 19 stories dealing with Mr. Acciard all concerning his battle to get Mr. Consentino to do the right thing and step aside on police matters as a selectman, and the investigation by the budget committee into the improper, if not illegal purchase of the SUV. There were 7 stories about Mrs. Grant all dealing with the vietnem honor roll project(which the selectmen have STILL not honored the town meeting vote)
But there were 94 stories dealing with the chief's follies ranging over too many topics to go into detail about, over just the last 8 years. but here are the summaries, for those who are counting;
6 stories about the need for a tower, 4 on hog hill, 2 in center of town. 1/11/06- 3/11/06
3 stories about his write-in campaign for selectmen. 2/23/06, 3/13/06
7 stories about the vietnam honor roll, and his roll in stopping it. 11/13/05, 8/15/05, 4/7/05-6/26/05.
1 story about the promotion of Sgt. Baldwin to LT. 2 weeks before 1 story of him ripping Teddy for not advertising the asst. road agent job a second time. Hypocracy? 6/15/05,6/29/05
3 stories about the court finding him in contempt. 9/ 8/05, 9/22/05, 9/10/05
4 stories about him fighting the contempt order to the Supreme Court, 9/11/05, 10/02/05, 10/04/05, 11/15/05.
5 stories about the Court ordering him to step aside on police matters. 5/11/05-6/6/05
6 stories about the purchse of the SUV, including him threatening to use the police to remove the budget commitee from a selectmen's meeting for asking how it happened. 4/13/05, 4/20/05, 4/27/05, 5/4/05, 5/5/05, 5/6/05
1 story about selectmen holding un posted, unofficial meetings, with only two selectmen present. 7/04
3 stories about him signing a voucher for himself to receive an extra $1,300 "union benefit". 11/30/04, 12/15/04, 12/28/04
2 stories on his request for "pay cut" of $326. to deflect attention from $1,300. 12/14/04, 12/15/04.
2 stories about his proposal of a "gag order" on information to the papers from the selectmen, because he didn't like the critical stories. 07/05
2 stories about the petition by Acciard to order him to step aside on police matters. 7/28/04, 8/10/04
3 stories about his threatening one of his officers who took him to the PELRB. 7/21/04, 7/22/04, 9/15/04.
4 stories about the conflict issue of him voting on police withdrawal as selectman. 3/19/04, 5/12/04, 5/22/04, 4/13/04.
2 stories about Boyle questions of his participation in town employee policy setting. 4/7/04, 4/8/04.
7 stories about "the Town that hate trick or treaters" This story was repeated NATION-WIDE! Was heard on Howard Stern, Blute/Scotto, Jay Severin, and many other radio shows. We are onlt counting the original 7 although we found more than 37 references to it. 10/24/03, 10/24/03, 10/25/03, 10/26/03, 10/25/03, 11/1/03.
4 stories about Chief demanding Barbara Stewart "step off" the board on road issues as her brother-in- law is road agent. HUGE HYPOCRACY! Ethics is only what the other woman does! 4/15/03, 4/18/03, 5/2/03, 10/03
3 stories about Boyle's raising questions about conflict issues originally. 2/24/04, 2/21/03, 3/15/03.
3 stories about ethics issues. 4/22/04, 5/4/04, 5/11/04.
2 stories about chief (as selectman) settling issue of police detail pay 6/30/04, 7/2/04.
3 stories on why he ran for selectmen(3 different reasons)(selectman scrutiny of PD, fear of elderly being cut, help people) 1/03, 3/03, 3/03.
3 stories about his harrasment of Mrs. Childs after she questioned his work habits to police standards. 3/16/00, 3/18/00, 3/21/00.
4 stories on state ordering him to maintain part-time hours. 3/2/00, 5/23/00, 6/18/00, 6/28/00.
3 stories on the petition warrant article to replace him with FT chief. 1/12/00, 1/22/00, 2/13/00.
3 stories on the State's order for chief to stop harrassing his officers. 12/28/98, 12/29/98, 1/15/99.
2 stories on chief decision to run for selectman because of selectman scrutiny of PD. 8/24/98, 8/28/98.
3 stories on chiefs search for "informer" in his dept. and how that led to officer organizing a union. 3/12/98, 3/14/98.
As you can see there are certain people who, while seeking to destroy those who shed the light of public attention on their actions, can not stand for that light to be shined upon them.
Perhaps those people belong in the dark.
The Academy award for the biggest troublemaker in a small New England town drama goes to.......
ATKINSON POLICE CHIEF PHILIP V. CONSENTINO!!!!!
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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. "
14 comments:
You didn't go far enough back! If you had, you would have found all the stories about the Wayne Peak case back in the 80s. Or the ammunition factory he was running on KipKam Road...I think that was the 80s, too. This has been an on-going saga for years and years!
It's quite clear, Phil loves to see his name in print. Makes him feel important.
Sorry to disappoint but could only find articles online that were listed.
I keep hearing from the selectmen and the chief that all of thee complainers(we'll call them for now) have personal vendettas against these officials.
My question is what have they done that was wrong? Or if public officials when have they used their office improperly?
Can anyone tell me what Brian Kaye has done wrong?
What has Carol Grant done wrong?
What has Brian Boyle done wrong, or has he ever used his office improperly?
What has Mark Acciard done wrong, or has he ever used his office improperly?
I would like anyone to answer these questions, because I know what the other side has done wrong, but I haven't seen these people do anything wrong.
reminds of something that happened recently
A little foul mouthed brat on my daughter's basketball team called her a "fat ass" and a "bitch."
His mother ripped him a new one when she found out. He was standing there crying when another kid asked him why. He pointed at my daughter.
He did not understand that is was his words that got him trouble. He blamed my daughter.
So the ranter that blames Mark is no different that a little 7 year old brat that does not understand it is not getting caught that is the crime. It is the action one took that is the "crime."
Maybe if more people did not sit down and take the crap from those that dish it out far less would be dished out and this blog would be discussing whether to plant Jonathan Green or Scott grass seed in the Spring.
I can tell you what all of them did wrong!
They brough to light things that Consentino, Sapia, Childs, and the rest of them were doing wrong! That is enough. Consentino has the power of his badge to investigate anyone who pisses him off.
And of course, even he knows that is a crime. But since he is the top of the law food chain in Atkinson, who is going to arrest him for it?
Baldy has been acting that way for as long as he has been allowed to carry a badge in Atkinson. He should have been canned long before he was ever made chief. had a psych exam been required he would have flunked. In fact I would not be surprised if had tried to join a big city force and flunk the psych exam.
I am all for being a hard ass on criminals. But when the cops become the criminals where do the rest of us go to file a complaint? Mark did just that. He filed with the state and for that, he gets followed around town. Clients of his business get harassed and interrogated. The chief gives Mark client the impression the there is a serious criminal investigation and has cost Mark untold sums in lost revenue all because Mark was willing to stand up and do what no one else was willing to do. Say No to the Chief Baldy.
Of course there is always the feds. The FBI does have jurisdiction over public corruption. Abuse of process and harassment of the type the Chief has been committing for decades does fall under the umbrella of public corruption. It seems the Lt. may have crossed the line a time or two as well.
Thne please start the process to get a warrant article to remove the part time chief from office, and replace him with a full time one. We the people have that power to make change come about.
Actually that was tried in 2000. A petition warrant article to command the selectmen to advertise , screen and hire a full time chief. The amount of harrassment the signers of THAT petition sufferred is beyong description. Phil even left his clown car in front of Steve Lewis's place of business with its lights going while he was in there screaming, from what I heard.
Most people just do not want that type of abuse.
Hiring a full time chief only works out financially if the job combines the duties of our current part time chief, and full time Lt.
Lets face it. If we have a full time chief we don't also need a full time administrator. The chief would be the administrator. Why give Baldwin $85,000/yr. in compensation to be second in command, when Plaistow's Chief only makes $66,000.
Why $85K? Everyone knows Atkinson is full of rich people. After all, Brad Delp would never have moved to a town with people that actually have to work for a living, like Plaistow.
Ha Ha. I remember when the Mormon mansion on Main St. was the biggest home ever built in Atkinson. Most people never saw the house.
As for getting the goods on the Chief to bounce him, it seems that residents must start carrying a concealed video camera because because without objective evidence, the Chief and those that benefit from his tactics just say it is a witch hunt by those who don;t like him.
Of he would them have the video maker arrested for illegal recording even though it is not illegal to record a public figure in corrupt behavior while supposedly doing public business.
So break out those compact video cameras.
Hey Chief! Smile! You're on Not-so Candid Camera!
If you had gone back to 1981 to the Peak case you would have found out that Phil was not giving report fees to the town, he was depositing them inot the donation fund. Peak called him on it, then resigned when the selectmen failed to bounce the chief. He filed suit, the patrolmens association closed their account and gave it to the town, after 7 years in court, the town settled with Peak. All because when confronted with $286.00 in the wrong place, Phil couldn't say; "you know, I never thought of that, you're right, here you go, I'm sorry" as any less egomaniacal man would have done.
It is the same as Bill Clinton, when the Lewinski story broke, if he had come forward and said "I'm sorry, that was bad judgement, it wont happen again" it would have been all over. Would have saved 8 months of press articles and $40M.
Phil you are evidently in good company.
Misogynist, Narcissist, pathological liar, lover of power over people, willing to do anything, including fracturing a law or two, to protect one's hold on power.
Yup. I'd say the Bubba comparison is pretty damn close. Though Chief does not have the dead body count that Bubba has.
Are you SURE the chief doesn't have a comparable dead body count?
Well, here's a kick in the a** for you. Questions have been raised to the selectmen about the chief's lack of qualifications, also pointing out that his appointment as chief expired May of 1999. What have the selectmen done about it? Nothing! They haven't asked police standards and training for copies of what they have for certification records. They haven't told the chief to bring in to them his certificates from his 10 hours of training per year every year since 1999. They haven't asked to see the results of his physical or psychological evaluations. They have done nothing to see that the law is being complied with.
They also have not re-appointed him! Could this be because they know he is not qualified, and don't want to be responsible for telling him so?
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