NOTICE


WARNING ! – Ongoing attempts to by-pass and change the administrative functions and content of this blog ( generic "HACKS") has resulted in Substantial Reduction of normal access. Expectations of restricted availability and access will occur as these intrusions persist.

WATER !! WATER ? "Water"

Are you concerned/interested in Atkinson's water issue?
Visit the new water discussion forum.
http://www.just-goaway.com/
NEW PETITION ON FORUM
New Information and Updates Daily

Friday, June 29

Government Waste at it Best!... or Worst!

This is an excerpt from the Congressional Quarterly;

Federal Funding for Phantom Airport
Posted by: John Campbell at 5:22 PM
Today I introduced an amendment to the Financial Services Appropriations bill that would strip taxpayer funding for the Abraham Lincoln National Airport Commission in Illinois designated for "minority and small business development and procurement opportunities”. Now I find nothing wrong with minority and small business development; I’m a businessman myself. My problem with this earmark is that Abraham Lincoln National Airport doesn’t exist. There are no long lines, crowded terminals, or delayed flights at this airport. There’s not a single passenger there. The truth is, Abraham Lincoln National Airport only exists in concept which has been developed by Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. – who requested the $231,000 for this project.

Here are some facts that you may find interesting:

· The Executive Director for the Airport Commission is Richard Bryant, who also happens to be the Deputy District Administrator for Jackson’s Congressional office.

· Congressman Jackson was the main catalyst behind forming the Airport Commission.

· From a 4/13/06 press release from Congressman Jackson's own campaign, the Airport commission "plans to launch an advertising campaign urging (Illinois) Gov. Rod Blagojevich to lease it the land the state is acquiring for the airfield." From the same press release, "So far, the commission has raised about $100,000, said Jackson aide Rick Bryant, the commission's executive director."

· Later that same year, on November 16, 2006, Congressman Jackson issued a press release from his official office where he promised to not seek federal funding for the airport. “So even with the change of leadership in Congress, I won’t pursue federal funding for the Abraham Lincoln National Airport. Chicago’s share of federal dollars is already committed to O’Hare modernization.”

Congressman Jackson’s request for $231,000 for this non-existent airport, to a commission managed by one of his top congressional staffers that so far has only commissioned an advertising/lobbying campaign, only months after Congressman Jackson himself promised to not request federal funds for this commission, are all reason's why I introduced this amendment to remove these taxpayer provided funds from the Financial Services Appropriations bill. There are some very important questions that Congressman Jackson’s constituents and all taxpayers deserve answered.

Looks like Jesse Jr. has learned well how to do the shakedown from Jesse Sr.

See Atkinson's Selectmen's blatent waste of tax dollars can't hold a candle to what goes on in Washington, DC. $231,000 for an airport that doesn't even exist!

This is your tax dollars at work

Tuesday, June 26

Why does the Police/Elderly Dept. now have 12 vehicles?

Contrary to the chief's ..... um..... misinformation to the board of selectmen last week. ( the word lie will get you sued by chief, even when it is true, apparently) The Police dept. does not own 10 vehicles, as he stated twice, but 12 vehicles.

The chief only traded one cruiser in on the two new ones he leased, and then he bought a new Mercury Marquis to replace the Chrysler, even though the Chrysler is still in service, being strategicaly placed around town as a speed trap. On top of that we have the new Wheelchair van on the way. When asked that question by selectman Sullivan it is true the police dept. only had 10 THAT DAY! But the chief knew that the Mercury, and the wheelchair van were on the way.

When did the board of selectmen authorize him to increase the fleet size by two vehicles? When did they vote in public to do it? Because we know that only the board of selectmen acting as a board has any authority to purchase, sell, transfer, any town property, a police chief surely does not have any authority to do that.

And why do we need 12 vehicles when we only have one patrol officer on per shift. No wonder the chief and Charlie are colliding cars in the parking lot, I bet it is getting very crowded back there.

Friday, June 22

State Fire Marshall says Academy needs fire access road!

The very same type of road that selectman Sapia, and School Board Chairman Baldwin, and Chief Consentino put a halt to, two years ago, when VOLUNTEERS WERE BUILDING IT FOR FREE!!! Now it is going to cost taxpayers $138,000.00!

For those of you who don't remember the story... Brian Boyle Bought the Winslow Drive project, which on the plan had a path through the woods connecting the top of the cul-de-sac to Woodlawn ave. Now a quick read of the planning board minutes from when Turner Porter got the site plan approved, showed that the Chief was against the path, saying; "it doesn't give me anything"! That was until Boyle bought the project. Boyle offered a couple of live fire hydrants in trade for the path. This is a trade the fire chief will usually make, because live hydrants, especially in an area with a school and no water, are FAR more valuable than a path through the woods with a 90 degree bend in it, that noone can guartantee would be clear if they needed to use it. Chief stood in the way of this claiming that it was unsafe. This was untrue, but his puppet, Jack, jumped on the bandwagon. It was during this time that Doug Dow, and a number of the little league dads approached Teddy Stewart about improving the field behind the academy. They offered the town that they would improve and maintain the field, as well as clear the woods and build a parking lot for the field, and a fire access road behind the school, all for free! They got permission from the school board and were clearing the trees when Jack stormed onto the site ordering the work to stop as he claimed the selectmen had not approved it, not true! Even though he was told that he had no authority on school property, the work stopped anyway. The selectmen forced Teddy to go back to the school board for re-approval. When they got there chief and Jack were already there and had conferred with School Board rep, Baldwin. The three of them vetoed the improvements and the access road. Now the State Fire Marshall says we need an access road.

JACK, YOU COST THE TAXPAYERS $138,000.00! GREAT JOB, JUST TO STICK IT TO BOYLE! IDIOT!

We dont need this type of vindictive town officials., This was the same type of politics that was involved in the Vietnam Honor Roll Panels issue. Chief got pissed, therefore no panels.

Is this how the town should be run?

Wednesday, June 20

Selectmen Chairman Sapia STILL doesn't get it!

Monday nights meeting saw an argument of sorts between selectmen Sapia and Sullivan. As usual selectman Sullivan was trying to get selectman Sapia to follow the rules, obey the law, while Sapia, in the true tradition of his mentor, wants to do what he wants irregardless of the law.

Get a clue, Jack, the board of Selectmen have no authority over the library construction project, your job was to float the bond, once that is done the money is under the hand of the library trustees. That is the law! It doesn't matter how many years of experience you feel you have in the construction business, or how many years experience you feel your family has, or how few years of experience in the construction business you feel selectman Sullivan has, he is right and you are wrong!

And on another note, why do we need to replace the Chrysler when we gained an extra cruiser already this year? Why do the selectmen NEVER VOTE to spend money from the donation account? According to the RSA and Warrant article that established the account, ONLY THE SELECTMEN can spend money from that account, but they can not spend money without a vote to do so.

This blog recognizes that doing the right thing is not your strong suit, but try it for once, and you would gain popularity instead of pissing people off.

Saturday, June 16

What makes a Country?

MAcciard said...
Dear Publius,

Please publish this as an article.

What makes a Country?

simple:Country
A country, a land, or a state, is a geographical area and an independent political entity with its own government, administration, laws, often a constitution, police, military, tax rules, and people.

I would add that shares a common border, language, and culture.

Now about that last portion, what is a country if it has no border?

Answer: it is not a country. Well that is what our elected officials in Washington are trying to do. Minority Whip, Trent Lott, said today, in response to the public outcry against this bill, by saying " This country is run by talk radio, and we will have to deal with that problem" I must be living in Venezuela, or Cuba.

Like Talk radio or not, it is like this blog, a totally democratic medium where people can speak and exchange ideas, discuss differences, and yes, criticize thir government. That is free speech at it's best. Whenever I hear a government official claim to have a problem with the people speaking their mind, or voting on an issue, I fear my government.

As we have seen and heard in Atkinson, if the government is doing something out of the light of public scrutiny, then it is probably not in the people's best interests.

Here are a few facts about this bill, which the media have largely ignored:

With the stroke of a pen 12-20 million illegals gain legality if not outright citizenship.

They also gain in-state tuition rates at university, even if this rate is refused for residents of other states!

They also gain driver's licenses, whichin most states, given the motor voter law, means they will be able to vote. Consider this one point for a moment, illegal aliens, non-citizens will be able to choose the government. This is horrendous.

They will be able to sponsor new immigrants.

They will not have to assimilate, learn the language, or our history and customs,

This is the bill that will unravel the very fabric of our civil society. Dont misunderstand me, I am not against LEGAL immigration, but it is not fair to those who stood in line to immigrate legally, to just legalize people who break the law. We did this back in 1986, and that Liar, Teddy Kenedy sood before Congress, then and said, with the enforcement provisions of this bill, we will never have to do this again. Well here he is 20 years later proposing the very same thing, and why? because Congress never enforced those provisions, and they will not do it now either.

This is perhaps the most serious issue of our time, next to the war, and we all need to be informed and let our representatives know how we feel. If we find they lie to us, we need to kick them out of office, just like our selectmen.

Friday, June 15

Fire Safety issues halt construction of Kindergarten?



EDITORIAL NOTE- There is a substantial difference in the law as it refers to zoning ordinances and the laws relating to Building safety codes. Towns may have some exemptions from zoning regulation but NEVER FROM SAFETY CODES. Public use buildings have and need strict safety codes. Failure to comply with these codes has an historically tragic legacy - please keep this in mind as you read the following article and comments.



How could this happen? How were they able to beak ground without permits? without going before the planning board? Where were the selectmen? Remember, how pro-active selectman Sapia was about halting the improvements to the field behind the academy, and the parking lot, which were being performed by volunteered at no cost to the town? Where was he when the new school construction which is going to house OUR kids is unsafe? The selectmen were all over getting a free footpath through the woods, claiming fore safety issues, but now, in a building that is already without sprinklers in 2/3 of its structure, we are all standing by while this building is being built unsafe?

How can any building be built in town without passing our panning and zoning regulations?

We want these questions answered! And thank you, Chief Murphy for bringing this to the towns attention.

Thursday, June 14

There's something wrong in Atkinson...

ARTICLE SUBMISSION:

Pubius; Please publish this as an article, thank you.

There's something wrong in Atkinson...

I just saw the Chrysler "surveillance vehicle" on academy ave. with the speed sensor on the back to warn you if you are speeding. Now I know that this car was in an accident, heard the chief talk about it at a selectmen's meeting. I also know that the insurance company "totalled" it, paying $250 more than we paid for it. But here's the "wrong" part... A selectman, I don't know who, ordered that vehicle pulled off the town asset list. I ask myself why? It is obviously still an asset, and still in use, and the town still owns it, so why doesn't it show up as an asset? Cold this be so that if anyone looked at that list, it would appear that we still only have 10 police/elderly vehicle, instead of the 11 we really have?

Could one of our selectmen really have known that we aquired an extra vehicle, and tried to cover it up?

As we all know, anything is possible in Atkinson.

Oh, one other issue...

Our new maintenance man was in last Monday talking about all the problems that need to be fixed in town buildings... He has only been on the job 3 weeks... How have all these problems occurred? Where was our $26,000/yr. citzen of the year, town maintenance man? Why have these issues been allowed to lapse?

Oh and where is the budget committee, on the 11th police car issue?

Questions, questions, but few answers. round up the usual suspects...

Wednesday, June 13

Atkinson's Elderly program does 1,200 transports in a month?

As reported in the Eagle-Tribune yesterday, chief is quoted as claiming the elderly affairs program did 1,200 transports last month! How is this possible? As usual when the chief L...... um...... embellishes(thats a PC word, this blog has no desire to be sued as many town resident have for pointing out the chiefs misstatements), the math doesn't add up. According to the chief in 2005 elderly affairs did 560 transports ALL YEAR! In 2006, he claimed 730 transports ALL YEAR!, last year he just said he didnt have the figures, but that it was around 1,049 FOR THE YEAR! Does he just make these figures up as he goes along? Despite repeated requests from the budget committee over the years he has steadfastly refused to provide any verification of these numbers.

So here is the math;

Trip from PD to Parkland Med. ctr. in Derry..............................12 miles.........................24 minutes best time
Trip from PD to Exeter Hospital, Exeter....................................19 miles.........................36 minutes best time
Trip from PD to Merrimack Valley Hosp. in Haverhill.................9 miles..........................18 minutes best time
Trip from PD to Lahey Clinic in Burlington, MA.........................35 miles........................47 minutes best time

Lets be as generous as possible to the chiefs numbers (elsewhere in the article he does mention the transport rate at 3-5/day)

Time from officer clocking in to get in his cruiser and negotiate his way out of the hazardously overpopulated PD parking lot and onto the road.........................5 minutes

Lets say that he only has to drive to lower maple ave to pick up the elderly customer..... 5 minutes

Lets say that the customer is ready to go, waiting for the ride, and can walk out to the car unassisted, 10 minutes

And lets say that ALL the transports are to Parkland, the nearest hospital( because the chief cited in the article transports to area med. ctrs.)............................................. 24 minutes each way

And let's say that he says goodbye as he drops her off and waits for her to get inside(gentlmanly thing to do) 10 minutes

We now have an average man hours per transport of 78 minutes with no waiting, but he would have to wait to bring the customer home, right? or he would have to go back and get her.

Waiting for 1 hour for wait AND appointment.................................. total 2hrs. 18 minutes

Return to pick up later....................................................................total 2 hrs. 36 minutes

So we now have an average man hour per transport of 2. 25 hours(we will round down to be fair)

Elderly manpower budget for 2007....................... $15, 300(based on 1275 hrs.@ $12.00/hr. average)

Spent on this line item as of 5/31/07....................$ 10,215
divide by $12/hr.................................................... 851.25 man-hours
divide by 2.25 average man-hour per trip.............. 378 transports so far this year!

Even if the reporter heard him wrong and went with the 3-5 per day. that he claims, there are 151 days from Jan 1- May 31, every day(even though doctors offices are not open on Sundays) that would be 453 so far this year, not 1200 in a month!


As usual the Chief embellishes, misleads, exagerates, however you want to call it, it is misinforming the people to polish his own apple, and it is wrong!

Oh, in case anyone missed it, the article closed with the chief saying that the reason this program worked so well is that Atkinson "has little crime, so we can use the dispatch center" Proving once again that Janine Sawyer- Standley, Jane Cole, Mark Acciard, Brian Boyle, MariAnne Pinciotta, and many others on the budget committee over the years WERE RIGHT! Police money is used to cover the costs of elderly affairs, there is duplication of costs, and yes, virginia, there is LITTLE CRIME IN ATKINSON!

No matter what Lt. Baldwin screams at you during deliberative session.

Monday, June 11

How did we get ANOTHER new cruiser? We now have 11!

Ok, here is the question, How, when, at what meeting did we authorize the selectmen to INCREASE the size of the fleet AGAIN?

Here is the history:

In 2002 the budget committee put the spending purpose of "cruiser lease agreements" into the budget for the first time. This was because the selectmen claimed they were going to lease two new cruisers every two years. They were going to trade the two oldest cruisers in on two new ones, and this would mean that they wouldn't have to put warrant articles in every two years. The voters passed it thus giving the selectmen the authority to lease vehicles without prior voter approval.

The first time this came up after that was March of 2003, the voters had just turned down a new elderly affairs car, yet elderly affairs got one anyways, because the selectmen(read that as the chief) only traded one in on the two new cruisers, giving the extra one to Elderly, without prior voter approval, or a selectman vote. Then he bought the "surveillance vehicle" through donations, and three months later sloughed that off to elderly to. So even though the voters said no, Elderly got TWO new vehicles in 2003.

The next time the lease came up was in 2005. This year the selectmen(read that as the chief, again) leased a $30,000 SUV, without public disclosure, or vote of the selectmen, thus making the transaction illegal. Sapia STILL insists no laws were broken in that transaction, he is wrong, again! Once again they increased the size of the fleet with no discussion or approval, nor was it done in public. They tried to shelter this heinous action by saying that the spending purpose was in the budget. See how corruption quickly gets out of hand.

The next time leases came up was in 2007, Once again the selectmen only traded one in for two, again increasing the size of the fleet. With the new Wheelchair van on the way we now own 11 police /elderly vehicles! Why, when we only have 1 officer on patrol at any given time? Who drives them all?

Friday, June 8

TOWN OF ATKINSON FOR SALE: $1

PUBLIUS: ARTICLE SUBMISSION


TOWN OF ATKINSON FOR SALE: $1


The amount of compensation offered for our van ($750) is a secondary issue.

Donation of the van was to a good cause and I doubt many will argue that point. Although we do have our own needy citizens in town and some may argue the van should have been sold and the money donated to someone in need in Atkinson. After all, the chief hands out cash to the elderly in need (this is a fact - see Selectman Meeting Minutes 4/6/06, 7/17/06).

The issue we see is that our selectman and our chief consistently demonstrate they struggle to follow the most basic rules and laws put in place to protect the taxpayers.

Did this whole thing get blown out of proportion? Yes. Is it the Atkinson taxpayers fault?????? OF COURSE NOT FOR PETE'S SAKE! It is OUR van. Not the chief's or the Selectmen.

Had our chief done the right thing and passed the donation suggestion along to the TOWN at a Selectmen meeting to let the Selectmen handle it, and if then the Selectmen followed the basic laws for disposition of town assets, then there would be no debate and the ATKINSON TAXPAYERS would have gotten what they expected from our town officials. Maybe we taxpayers even get some CREDIT for the donation, ya think?

Instead, it becomes a political issue with the chief imposing his mug on the face of the donation.

Attention Danville: the chief does not represent me or any of the other taxpayers. He is not an elected official and in my opinion, he only holds his job because of his political machinations, cronyism and skills in electioneering supported by the badge.

I suspect Mr. Sullivan will chalk this one up to a valuable lesson learned. In my opinion, I think Mr. Sullivan's mistake was his failure to put a stop to the prevailing attitude of "we don't need no stinkin' laws".

This attitude was made evident during the Selectman's meeting when the Chief eloquently defined for us HIS definition of a "Public Sale". The Selectman indicated they wanted Town Counsel to provide clarification on the legal definition of the Selectman's authority to dispose of town assets by "Public Sale" and wanted to know what the legally defined process/definition was for a "public sale" held by the town.

At the meeting, the Chief appeared frustrated with the whole process and offered his version of what a public sale was - he said ....this (meeting) is in the public, and its a sale, so its a public sale! I had to laugh because he came across as being so indignant (ie. we don't need no stinkin' laws).

But I was also laughing because I am aware of the legal requirements for what constitutes a "public sale".

The bigger problem I see is when Selectman Childs makes statements where he said even if someone offered $1,000, it would be refused and the town would donate the van to the needy family. That is some tough talk coming from a town official. While the ultimate intent is in the right place - YOU STILL HAVE TO FOLLOW THE STINKING LAWS, FRED!

No exceptions, EVER. GET IT? You are not above the law. Your position REQUIRES you to represent the taxpayers best interest. That is the job you signed up for, like it or not.

Now the reality is the Selectman are not following good process even for an asset of low value. Most people don't really care because it is for a good cause and it is politically incorrect to be the one person to be an obstacle to a donation to needy people.

If the correct, legal process had been followed from the beginning, nobody would have ever heard about this story. It would have been "check the box, next issue please". Fortunately for the taxpayers, it was not an asset of significant value.

Here is my concern: Does our Selectman's authority to dispose of town assets have any dollar thresholds? In other words, what would prevent them from liquidating other assets of significant value under the flawed process they just followed and set a very bad precedent for - where they knowingly refused a higher offer (don't waste your time arguing this point because it is true, you knew) and publicly stated they would refuse even higher ones!

Let's sell the town for $1!!!

I think it sets a dangerous precedant. And it further demonstrates our town officials are corner cutters and have a strong disregard for existing rules, process and laws they are obligated to obey.

A nice gesture and a family in need has been lost in all the commotion.

The result I now see is other towns are using words like "corruption" when describing Atkinson officials. Gee, I wonder why.

Thursday, June 7

Eagle Tribune gets the story wrong again!

Reported in the paper today is a story about how the selectmen have voted to sell the van to the Phillips family for $1, but they received complaints. This is incorrect, but what could they expect when they are getting the story from our selectmen. They did not get complaints, they got questions about the value of the Van(because chief was in the paper inflating its value to make HIS donation seem grander) They got questions about teir authority to dispose of town vehicles, and why they agreed without voting(which all they had to do was answer these questions and there would have been no issue at all. And they received an offer for the van for $750, for the purpose of donating the van to the very same family that the selectmen wanted to donate it to(all they had to do was accept the offer, say thank you, and donate the van)

But instead they choose, as is their long established practice, to shoot the messenger, namely Mr. Springer of Danville, who offerred the money to "make the taxpayers of Atkinson whole" There is no mention of this in the eagle tribune article, probably because the selectmen do not want attention drawn to the fact that THEY HAVE ONCE AGAIN ABROGATED THEIR FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITIES, BY REFUSING THE $750 OFFER, SO THAT THEY CAN SELL IT FOR A BUCK!

Selectmen Sullivan it appears, refused the acceptance of the letter form Mr. Springer, containing the offer of $750! The selectmen evidently, as reported by the chief, conducted ILLEGAL MEETINGS for the purpose of discussing what to do about this offer. Oh, yes it would have been awful to have to thank someone else instead of Phil, Jack, Fred, and Paul, for their generosity, once again, it is all about them, not about helping the family and doing right by the taxpayers.

Tuesday, June 5

Illegal meetings? Decisions made out of the public eye?

So we see from Mr. Springer's latest posts that the selectmen refused certified service of his offer. That is convenient, this way they can sell it for a dollar on Friday, while claiming they never had another offer. What we wish to know is where are the minutes of this thursday and saturday conference call meetings? Where did the selectmen make the decision to refuse the offer? Who made that decision, as ONE selectman has no authority to make a decision binding the town to an action, it takes a quorum? Where are the minutes of these meetings? Why were they held without posting? Why were they held out of the public eye?

And here is the biggie.... If the selectmen's course of action was so right, then why did a simple question from an out of town resident, force them to change their course of action?

If donating the vehicle to this family is a good thing, and I believe it is, then why couldn't it suffer scrutiny? Why did the selectmen have to react as they always do when questioned, and trash the personal reputation of the questioner? Mr. Springer, you have just gotten a small taste of what we deal with on a day to day basis. The fact is that the chief was apple polishing when he inflated the value of the van to the eagle tribune. That started people asking questions like "if it is worth $3-5,000 why are we giving it away? If it is so decrepit, why will this family be able to use it? The fact is that once questioned about it, the chief got his dander up... AGAIN.... and had to respond by shooting the messenger. The selectmen, as usual, as the puppets they are, jumped on board.

Selectmen, you have been publicly offerred $750 for the van, with the same benefit to the family receiving it, accept the money, or you will be, once again, forsaking your fiduciary responsibilities. And who actually told the postmaster that the town wouldn't accept that letter? Russ wasn't here on Monday, so it had to be a selectman, right? Where is he and why did he do it?

WE WANT TO KNOW!!

This Blog owes the Selectmen an apology!

They FINALLY did the right thing by agreeing that they have to hold the special town meeting that the voters petitioned for, they also admitted that selectman Sapia, and Moderator Polito and Town Administrator McAllister were wrong in their assertions that there would have teo separate town meetings at a cost of over $5000 each. For this we thank you.

However this victory comes only after a protracted meeting with Town Counsel Sumner Kalman, in which he informed the ne'er do wells that they HAD to call for the meeting. They had no choice under the law! Something this blog has beend saying from the start. But kudos to the selectmen in any case.

Now if they can kindly explain why they only traded ONE cruiser on the two new ones instead of the two that they were supposed to, We would be happy. Maybe our officers would not be having accidents in the police station parking lot if we did not have at least three extra police vehicles parked there. According to the accident report one of the drivers was the chief? if so, why did he refer to two officers and not own up to his mistake? Would that be the very same fatal character flaw that has cost the town over $100,000 in lawyers fees? His refusal to admit a mistake?

Monday, June 4

Scoop: Selectmen are trying to find ways to avoid having the special town meeting!

This blog hears that the selectmen are diligently searching for legal means to avoid having the special town meetings that the voters petitioned for! Yes, Folks you heard right, this board refuses to do what is right and legal!

Chairman Sapia, this goes beyond dispicable! The voters(your bosses, in case you didn't know) ORDERED you to call for a special town meeting, you do not have a choice in the matter.

I am certain that the flimsy excuse they are trying to use is the LIE that a court has already ruled upon the Vietnam Honor roll panels location and therefore they must obey, but that is not true! The case was settled by mutual agreement. No Judge ruled nor was a court order issued! That original agreement was nullified again by mutual consent, when they agreed not to make a duplicate map stone. The revised agreement was never ratified because 70 of the 71 original petitioners said NO! So this matter is in legal limbo. BUT NONE OF THAT MATTERS! because the voters have petitioned to have this matter voted on again! This is our right! Just as the Library kept coming up for a vote year after year when it failed, it was the right of those petitioning to bring it up again. Just as the selectmen brought up Article 21 again last year to try an overturn the ban on town employees serving as selectmen, The voters have brought this up again and the selectmen do not have the right to refuse to hold the meeting.

It will be interesting to hear what excuse they come up with for the water issue.

It will also be interesting to hear them discuss the ILLEGAL MEETING they supposedly had this weekend, according to the chief, and the justification for it. Chief evidently claimed it was an emergency! Funny the law doesn't define the disposal of government property as a legitimate emergency reason.

WHY CAN'T OUR TOWN OFFICIALS SIMPLY DO THEIR JOBS? Why do they spend do much time and energy avoiding the proper course of action?

Maybe they can also explain why they only traded ONE cruiser in on the two new lease cruisers, when they are supposed to trade two for two? And where is the budget committee on this?

Article 10 of the NH Constitution states:

[Art.] 10. [Right of Revolution.] Government being instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security, of the whole community, and not for the private interest or emolument of any one man, family, or class of men; therefore, whenever the ends of government are perverted, and public liberty manifestly endangered, and all other means of redress are ineffectual, the people may, and of right ought to reform the old, or establish a new government. The doctrine of nonresistance against arbitrary power, and oppression, is absurd, slavish, and destructive of the good and happiness of mankind.

Atkinsonians, I think the time is near! Throw the bums out!

Sunday, June 3

Planning board not working out as selectmen wished?

This blog hears that selectman Sapia's attempt to pay Chuck Early back for being outspoken, and voting the wrong(according to Jack, we believe right)way last year, is not working out as well as Jack hoped. Tim(the conservation committee chair) doesn't enjoy his new notoriety on the planning board. It seems he never wanted to be a full time member of the board, and never sought such a position. Chuck Early who has been a member for 12 years or so, and DID want to be re-appointed, had to be pushed aside for pissing the chief and Jack off. Jack evidently thought Tim would be perfect for the role, but he doesn't want it.

Wouldn't it have been easier, Jack, to do the right thing and re-appoint the only man seeking the position? Yuo will find your job a lot easier if you leave your personal feelings at home, and just do what is best for the town, and forget about what is best for Jack. That practice hasn't worked for chief, It hasn't worked for Fred, and it won't work for you.

Saturday, June 2

Police Chief Bullying Confirmed???

regular readers know of Mr. Curt Springer of Danville, who operates the "Speak out Danville" blog. The following was posted as a comment by Mr. Springer to the "Danville Curious" article, This blog felt this deserved more discussion as it confirms many stories heard around town by many residents, all of whom have been decried by the chief as having a vendetta against him.

We have all seen the Chief chase Mr. Brian Kaye out into the hallway, screaming insanely at him, for having committed the cardinal sin of revealing publicly some of the letters and phone calls he had received, and notifying the selectmen that he was withdrawing from public discussion for those reasons.

We have all seen the chief stand up and slam the selectmens table, again screaming insanely at Mrs. Grant as she read a letter to the selectmen. We have seen him berate Elaine Woodbury for bringing in a warrant article he didnt like. We have seen him yell and threaten Mr. Acciard, and Mrs. Cole for asking him about the SUV purchase. We have heard Mr. Acciard tell of chief calling his associates, to tell them he was under investigation by the PD.

We may not have believed those incidents but now we have confirmation of this type of abuse of authority by an outside of town individual. Here is what he had to say:

curt



Joined: 16 Jan 2006
Posts: 1761
Location: 228 Sandown Road, North Danville
Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2007 1:35 pm Post subject:
I got home last night and found 3 messages from Consentino on my machine. In one message he challenged my "manhood" to call him back. He must have done some checking up on me, as he made a reference in one message to me driving out from Boston. It's actually Cambridge.

He told me that "everything" I wrote was wrong.

He told me that the van was actually worth only $500, that they tried to sell it and nobody really wanted it, that was the best offer they got. He did not disavow the $3-$5K attributed to him in the newspaper. He said that there was a town meeting vote 10 years ago authorizing the selectmen to dispose of town property.

He was also upset that I had called the Attorney General's office to ask about this. Be aware that if you call to question the actions of a police chief, the buddy system kicks in and the chief will be informed of the query and who asked. Maybe that's why nearly everyone on the Atkinson blog posts anonymously.

He told me that the decision had been made not to donate the van because I had questioned his integrity. I asked how that could be, that I thought it had been OKed by the selectmen. He told me that the selectmen had had a conference call, one of them being in New York. I pointed out that this would seem to be a violation of RSA 91-A, the open meetings and records law. He said it was an "emergency". I don't expect to see the required minutes posted on the Atkinson town web site any time soon.

I couldn't get any satisfactory explanation out of him as to how I, one person out of 10,000 people between Atkinson and Danville, would be the basis for changing their minds, especially considering that they think that I am wrong.

He did say he respected me for calling him back, that he had been told not to expect to hear from me. Funny, I'm not known as a shrinking violet in Danville. Oh yes, there is one person who is always accusing me of "hiding behind my computer". Some of you know who that is .

I can only conclude that it is more important to try to make me look bad than it is to help the Phillips family. I'm sure some of you will agree that I can do that all by myself without Consentino's assistance. .

Shortly after the conversation ended, I came up with a way that I hope will take any legal or personality issues off the table and get the van to the Phillips family.

I sent this letter to the Atkinson selectmen this morning. It should arrive in Monday's mail:

I wrote:
June 2, 2007
Board of Selectmen
Town of Atkinson
21 Academy Avenue
Atkinson, New Hampshire 03811
Via certified US mail

RE: Used Wheelchair Van

Dear Sirs:

Based on a telephone conversation last evening with your chief of police, Phil Consentino, it is my understanding that you have decided to withdraw your offer to donate your used wheelchair van to the Phillips family of Danville. He also informed me that the true value of the vehicle, based on appraisals and / or offers from dealers, is $500.

I would like to buy this vehicle from the town of Atkinson and donate it to the Phillips family myself. You will find enclosed a certified check for $750, which constitutes my offer. It is based on the stated value of the vehicle plus 50%.

If you accept my offer, please cash the check and deliver the vehicle and signed title directly to the Phillips family.

I will also pay the state and town taxes and fees required to register this vehicle in Danville. This offer (to pay the fees) stands whether you accept my offer to purchase the vehicle, or if you reconsider and donate the vehicle directly to the family, as you originally intended.

Sincerely,


Curtis H. Springer

cc: Wade Parsons, Danville chief of police
Steve Woitkun, Danville fire chief


As stated in the letter, a certified check for $750 was enclosed. You can see the receipts for the check and the mailing HERE.

The intent is for the family to get the van and for the Atkinson taxpayers to be made whole.

If anybody wants to say that this whole thing I did was unwise or factually incorrect in some aspects, I wouldn't say it was unfair criticism. That isn't to say that I would necessarily agree with everything somebody might say. My only actual regret would be not getting the van to the family who needs it. Now it's up to the Atkinson chief and selectmen to decide what to do, and I have done what I can to remove any impediments to them transferring the van to the family.
_________________
Curt Springer

It should be fun to see if the selectmen will accept the offer. Can we now have a discussion about the role of our police chief.

Friday, June 1

Congratulations Atkinson- The scenic byway passed State approval... in October 2006!

Anyone wonder why you haven't heard about it? Selectman Sapia was sitting right there at the planning board meeting in Nov. when the letter from the state was read, he said nothing. All that is required is a public hearing, The selectmen have refused to schedule one. This was mentioned again at the planning board meeting two weeks ago, when chairwoman Killam mentioned the trouble she has had getting Russ to put her on the agenda, Sapia once again sat there and said nothing! Who is standing in the way of the town being bestowed this honor, Our FOUR MUSKETEERS!, Sapia, Childs, Consentino, and McAllister! Consentino has spoken out against it because Mrs. Grant headed the project, doesn't matter that it will be good for the town, she pissed him off, and if he doesn't get his way he will take his marbles and go home...... If we could be so lucky!

CHAIRMAN SAPIA, WHY HAVE YOU FAILED TO CALL A PUBLIC HEARING ON THIS MATTER? Is this another tough one like the water issue? or did your puppetmaster tell you to leave it alone?

When will politics in Atkinson cease to revolve around who pissed the chief and Sapia off.

Police respond to accident... in the station parking lot!

It appears that our Police force has had ANOTHER mishap where they have managed to crash two cruisers into each other. Readers will remember the last time this hapenned on Maple Ave, a couple of years ago, well this time it hapenned IN THE POLICE STATION PARKING LOT!!!

The Eagle-Tribune reported today that the accident hapenned and quoted chief Consentino as stating that the parking lot behind the station "was an accident waiting to happen because the area is too small for the number of vehicles parked there"!

Well, chief, maybe you dont need 11 police vehicles for the use of ONE PATROL OFFICER ON MOST SHIFTS! Perhaps if you were not building a fleet that exceeds Danville, Sandown, Newton, and E.Hampstead COMBINED, you wouldn't have space issues. Chief claims that they "have outgrown the station and it is supposed to last another 10 years"

This blog's question would be how have you outgrown it when you haven't added an officer in four years? Where is the growth? OH, that's right your FLEET has been growing exponentially even though your force has not, Can't be a big boy wothout big boy toys, right Phil?

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).

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. "