There will be much to do at the selectmen's meeting tonight, but you will not see nearly as much On camera as has been happening behind the scenes.
It appears that Selectmen Chairman Sapia is still bent upon undermining our duly elected Road Agent, Teddy Stewart. In stark contrast to other depts. in town, the Highway dept. has sufferred a $100,000 reduction in its available funds this year, when both budget and road articles are combined, yet that is not enough for Jack. Teddy pissed him off! Therefore, his dept. is the place for the town to save money! Not the police dept. which would be almost $1,000,000 this year if the budget committee had not moved items into other budgets over the past two years, but the highway dept. which has been operating TWO MEN SHORT STAFFED SINCE NOVEMBER 2006!!! Fred admitted on camera last week that they have looked into firing him! And that if he refused a direct order from the selectmen they would have grounds. So is it Teddy's fault if they cut his staff in half, yet demand the same performance?
Normally a dept. head would come into the selectmen and advise them that someone was leaving, and they would advertise the position, and screen and hire someone within a fairly short time period. But not in Teddy's case. It seems that Fred who has harbored ill will for Teddy for years, and Jack who ran against Teddy because he was against speed bumps on crystal hill rd., have decided that Teddy does not need a deputy road agent! Never mind that we have had one since 1979, with the exception of 1992, a year in which, once again the selectmen were pissed at Teddy, and deprived him of an assistant to demonstrate their displeasure. They found that they needed one again, and nothing has changed since then. Jack wishes to conduct this sordid business behind closed doors. And that is the crux of the matter, You can not discuss policy behind closed doors! Jack claims that discussing doing away with the deputy road agents position is not policy, but he is wrong. It can not be a personell issue, because there is no "personell" currently filling the position.
According to the minutes the selectmen went into non-public session under the authority of RSA 91A:3, paragraph II. A.
II. Only the following matters shall be considered or acted upon in nonpublic session:
(a) The dismissal, promotion or compensation of any public employee or the disciplining of such employee, or the investigation of any charges against him, unless the employee affected (1) has a right to a meeting and (2) requests that the meeting be open, in which case the request shall be granted.
The link to this statute is:
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/VI/91-A/91-A-3.htm
This does not allow them to change the topic to eliminating the assisant road agents position. That is a policy matter because it deals with a position, not an employee.
Unfortunately, like so many other issues in this town, Jack will continue to get away with these egregious actions, until a court tells him to knock it off. He has obviously learned well from his mentor, Chief.
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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. "
12 comments:
Teddy work very hard for little money or appreciation, If I were treated the way he has been by the selectmen for the last four years, I would be far more insubordinate than he.
I see how much work Teddy does, Tell me what did Fred do to earn his money? I never saw him working, and he never got any guff from the selectmen.
Just goes to show, kiss asses get along fine, but piss off a selectmen and your life will be hell.
Anonymous 5:17 said "Teddy work for very little money". Have you looked at the suppliment to the town report? Between his salary and fees for his equipment, Teddy took in nearly $100,000 in 2006. The Selectmen may pick on him, but he is making a very good living as Road Agnet. Why do you think he continues to run for the job!
To Anon @ 7:40
Ok, Frank, We understand that Teddy is a pet peeve of yours but can you at least be honest with the readers of this blog?
According to the supplement;
Teddy Stipend as road agent... $ 36,105.09
Contractor payments.............. $ 35,111.77
Total...................................... $ 71,216.86
Subtract out expenses:
Gas on equipment..................$ 2,215.00 approx.
Insurance on equipment.........$ 2,500.00 approx.
Maintenance on equipment....$11,177.00
Registration,logbooks, compliance $ 1,126.00
Total expenses to earn fees $ 54,198.00.
Now compare the cost to the town owning its own equipment and having a full time highway dept. as Russ has been trying to get the town to do, and Jack has stated support of.
Ten wheel dump truck cost $ 128,000
Backhoe cost $ 86,000
Lease costs:
Dump truck $ 24,000/yr.
Backhoe $ 17,600/yr.
insurance both $ 2,500/yr.
Gas (assuming same usage $ 2,215/yr.
Complaince costs $1,126/yr.
Maintenance $ 8,000/yr. approx.
Total: $54,851.00
Plus: Operator costs:
Full time road agent $ 55,000 min.
Lisenced backhoe operator $ 20/hr.
1000 hrs/yr. $20,000
Total: $ 129,000
Teddy: $ 71,216
Savings $ 57,784
end of conversation, be honest
I don't see any big deal about Ted's almost $100,000 salary. More than 16 years ago, another Road Agent did the same thing. Considering inflation, HE'S the one who really raked it in.
To rent old equipment to the town
for top dollar is a pretty good deal for Teddy. Why not put in estimates for an old tractor and truck? Now you see why Teddy deals with all the crap and continues to smile. Does this equipment deal go out to bid or is Teddy's deal exempt from the normal
process?
Why don't we follow Salems example. Report the selectman to the NH Attourney Generals office.
SALEM – The state Attorney General's Office has told selectmen to get to know the right-to-know law after a budget official submitted a complaint against town officials' meeting practices.
In a letter written by Deputy Attorney General Orville "Bud" Fitch, selectmen were advised to familiarize themselves with the right-to-know legislation with town counsel in response to a complaint budget committee member Stephen Campbell submitted on April 20.
Campbell said he submitted the complaint amid concerns that selectmen were habitually making decisions before and after publicly posted meetings.
Regardless of teddy, why arent we talking about legal issues, such as the selectmen CAN NOT TALK TO EACHOTHER UNLESS AT A POSTED MEETING!! go to the village store, everyday around noon, and atleast 2 or 3 of them are there, talkiing with other town officials. Unreal. DO a blog on this! call the attorney general on this! all 3 selectmen could be thrown out of office, not because of this blog, but because of how they REALLY DO ACT! Go to the town hall, sit there for a day or two, go to the library, go to the village store, go to the academy, their always talking.. unreal, lets get selectmen who are legal!!
nice that you only print what you want instead of the truth. my post about teddy's old tractor was not slander but apparently it did not fit your agenda. i have been in agreement on 95% of the issues posted on this blog but i now have to take it all with a grain of salt because i realize that you obviously state only one side of all issues which is your side. the tractor post was my first and this will be my last.
I'll take a stab at this one.
Teddy doesn't rent old equipment to the town, you are making it sound as if the town could get a better deal elsewhere.
The fact is that Teddy is road agent, we have always been fortunate enough to elect road agents that have their own equipment thus saving the town a small fortune in ownership, maintenance, insurance, and upkeep.
When Bobby stewart, Ray Morelli, Dan Stewart were road agents the same practices were in place.
Teddy pays all of the insurance, maintenance, and upkeep on his eqipment, and it is at the town's disposal, pretty much 24/7 whenever we need it.
When a job requires that equipment the town mays Teddy a contractors fee, for equipment and driver. When Teddy plows he gets $61/hr. for the 10 wheel dump truck and his labor, compare that to Haverhill where the State of Mass. pays their 10 wheel dump owner/operators $220/hr. for truck and driver.
The town coldn't rent a 10 wheel dump for less than that.
So your observation is less than accurate.
MAcciard
To Anon @ 4:50
Jumping the gun a bit aren't we? Some of us work during the day, and obviously some days we don't have as much time as you to check and publish material. It is not a question of not posting your comment but that it wasn't noticed right away, due to busy schedules.
Sorry you did not see your post in as timely a fashion as you wished, but we have to earn a living too.
Look forward to your future posts.
This is what i see going on in this town we have a loyal person that is our road agent and the selectmen think they can walk all over everyone like they are gods. Not in my eyes they are all a bunch of little bitches lets do everything behind closed doors. Well it is time we take a stand we have a saying united we stand of atkinson lets take our stand against hte selectmen.
On behalf of the asst. road agent it was not just a thing against Teddy it was against the 1 great worker he has they dislike him as much so the selectment are all full of BS. thanks for all the support
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