We had the public hearing for the scenic by-way on Monday night, and the Chief stood alone against it. His reasons; potential increases in traffic, and a sense that this is not what people want.
Is that true, Chief? Or is it just not what YOU want? Lets be brutally honest here... The only reason the chief is standing against this is because Carol Grant spear-headed the application to get this honor for Atkinson! And she should be commended for her efforts. Not a likely outcome from THIS board. As usual the chief mixed facts from vaeious topics to weave a plausible complaint built on factual inaccuracies. Inaccuracies which Ms. Killam, Chairwoman of the planning board was kind enough to refute.
The only restriction on scenic by-ways is no billboards! That specifically does not include signs, as the chief tried to tell us it did. He got that fromanother totally different RSA dealing with Scenic roads, which has nothing to do with this topic, as he would have found out if he actually did the research he claimed to. There are three scenic by-ways in close proximity to us, as stated by Mr. Grant, Londonderry, Manchester, and Exeter. In each of the three traffic has increased since receiving their scenic designation, 4% LESS than traffic has increased generally statewide! In other words if there is a correlation the scenic designation has REDUCED traffic for these roads!
This is an honor for the town of Atkinson, don't let one man's petty, vindictive, childishness, deprive the entire town of recognition of our unique beauty.
Chief, it is time to pick up your marbles and go home, you have had your 15 minutes.
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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. "
8 comments:
Could this be the time when the Selectmen have the courage/intelligence/gonads to stand up against the Chief?
Here is a quote from the Eagle Tribune:
"Consentino said he fears the scenic byway status will increase traffic and prevent people from making changes to their homes to the point of stopping them from trimming trees in their yards.
'Why would you want to let Big Brother come in and put restrictions on what you can and can't do?' he asked."
That is the exact quote in the newspaper.
I am so glad our chief is worried about my trees and shrubs and me making changes to my home. Now that is some good police work right there.
I ask you: Who is the real "Big Brother" here?
TRAFFIC? DEAL WITH IT. THAT'S YOUR JOB SO QUIT WHINING ABOUT IT.
A scenic byway has a better chance of increasing property values. Being on a scenic byway is a nice marketing line to sell a home. In the current housing market, I believe it would be a plus.
Chief isn't worried about your shrubs, or about traffic, He is determined that Carol Grant must be stopped in whatever she attempts, even if the town suffers because of it.
I have to agree.
If you don't think Phil is vindictive, just watch the tapes of the meetings where Acciard, or Grant, Or Kaye, Or others criticize his actions.
don't believe me, let his performance speak for itself.
And you know what else? A scenic vista designation doesn't cost a dime.
Hey Selectmen, you turned down the "free" road volunteers were set to create behind Atkinson Academy. Eventually, it's going to cost the town what - $138,000?
We in Atkinson like free stuff? We also like designations which would boost our prestigeous image, because we're all snobbish in a way....even you guys.
I think this is just another case of the chief’s impaired judgment. Maybe the selectman should look at his decisions of late and review his qualifications to be police chief. This is not the first time he has jumped to screwy conclusions and it would be a good time to have a police chief emeritus.
The "chief" has been an embarrassment to this town long enough! Time to get rid of him.
Anon of July 13, 5:52 PM, you are so right! Regarding the placement of the Vietnam Honor Roll Panels, the Chief has publically stated, "Carol Grant will never win!", and it is entirely possible that he will work behind the scenes to make sure that she never does. Carol being the Chairman and chief fundraiser of the Vietnam Honor Roll Committee.
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