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.
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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. "
4 comments:
Chief stated emphaticly, when pushed by Sullivan that there are only 10 vehicles, in the fleet. He was right, Sullivan underestimated chief's capacity to twist the truth, and deceive the public.
We have sold the old wheelchair van, but have not yet received the new one, so for now we have 10!
When the new one gets here we will have 11! You need to be specific, Mr. Sullivan when dealing with someone as corrupt and slippery as chief.
With regard to selectman Sapia, you're missing the point on this one. This library project is $2.7 million, do you really think the BOS should not be involved, not ask questions? The law may seperate the responsibilities of the BOS and the library trustees, but I for one welcome the BOS to look after my taxpayer investment in this project. I believe the trustees are primarily focused on spending every dime of the $2.7 million, who's checking to ensure that they are making wise decisions regarding the building materials they are selecting. Look who is involved in the project, look who making the decisions and you decide if you're comfortable having $2.7 million of your tax money spent without the review or input from the BOS or for that matter Budget Committee.
The townspeople were asked to finance a 1 story completely furnished library for $2.7m and in March they voted to do that. Are you really suggesting that the BOS and we as taxpayers have no right to question the process, all we need to do is write the check?
Something seems out of balance when this blog can stir up so much ire about a $40K vehicle purchase, yet when it comes to the largest and most expensive building project the town has undertaken, this blog wants the BOS to back off and let the library trustees run with it.
When something goes wrong with this project who will the taxpayers go to for answers and resolution? The library trustees, good luck to us.
No, asking questions, and being kept informed is perfectly alright. Inserting yourself into the proceedure, with unfunded consultants, and tryingto gain control, and ultimately veto power over the project is wrong.
RE: Checks & Balances 8:24
The question I have is what kind of experience or qualifications does Jack have with regard to project management and construction of municipal type buildings to qualify him to ask the questions he does?
I can't imagine bidding on such a project and having to deal with the litany of politics in our town. Whoever the successful bidder is will need to have a full time liaison person ( and likely legal counsel) built into the cost of the project just so the people who actually do the work can get the building up without being interrupted left, right,and center.
When you hear names of construction firms like Bonnette Page & Stone (for example) being dropped as potential bidders, companies who's core business is building similar and larger municipal and governemt structures, I wonder how much extra time and money will be wasted on this project rather then simply let people with the proper training and experience do their jobs with as little interfereance as necessary?
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