For years we have heard questions about the umber of vehicles in the police fleet, and their relative value. We have also recently heard questions about the value of vehicle being disposed of by the chief, and the value of thier replacements, well the Atkinson-Reporter decided to look into these figures and found some startling results.;
The old Wheelchair van 1994 Dodge Ram Van Wheelchair conversion;
Kelly Blue Book Value:$3,170.00
http://www.kbb.com/KBB/UsedCars
The selectmen, you will remember, refused to accept a $750 bid from a Danville gentleman, in favor of a $1.00 sale to a Danville family.
Loss to the taxpayers -$3,169.00
2000 Ford Crown Victoria Cruiser;
Kelly Blue Book Value: $3,080.00
http://www.kbb.com/KBB/UsedCars
This vehicle was traded in to Irwin Ford by the Town?, Irwin gave the town $300 for it, It is rumored that the very next day the chief's son bought the vehicle for $400, it is a fact that this car can now be seen occasionally at the apartment building on Main st. across from Robie ln. Shady, Yes, Legal, not quite. RSA 95 prohibits a town employee from benefitting form the disposal of town property, and there is much case law that prevents a family member from serving as straw man for the transaction. By law all town property must be disposed of by competitive bid.
Loss to the taxpayers: -$2,780.00
Just in the improper disposal of these two vehicle the taxpayers were screwed and the town lost a total of -$5,949.00
The important issue here is not the price which he paid for the car, if it was more than it was sold for than the town could have gotten that money if it was disposed of by competitive bid, as the law states. I mean the chief's kid COULD have been on a car lot 80 miles away, looking for a good used cruiser, the day after it was traded in by the town, it could've hapenned that way, right? Only in Atkinson!
This blog thinks that the selectmen and the chief can no longer be trusted to dispose of vehicles on their own, it is time for a warrant article to force them to put a disposal article before the voters like they used to. They are failing miserably in their fiduciary responsibilities to the voters.
It is high time we hold them accountable! THROW THE BUMS OUT!
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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. "
21 comments:
I agree but I'd like to know how much money the town loses when the assessor doesn't do his job correctly. How many are actually paying taxes on what they have? I know of a lot of illegal remodeling that has never been apprised by anyone physically inspecting the home. Much easier to "guess" than to due your job....Just think of the monies we lose to this.
I cant believe first that the selectmen would sell a car for 10% of its value, then let it go to the son of a town official!
Wait a minute.... with THESE GUYS, yeah it is all too posible. Someone should get fired over this corruption.
The disposition of the Atkinson Police Department's Crown Victoria cruiser requires, from ALL the Selectmen, a Clear, Unambiguous, and complete public accounting. At the least, there is failure of fiduciary duty. At the most there is a possibility of criminal behavior. There appears to be a number of ethical questions raised requiring clear, responsive answers NOW. The transactions surrounding this vehicle raise a DEMAND for an INDEPENDENT financial audit and LEGAL examination. The information and answers from the Selectmen is required NOW, No delay. If the Selectmen do nothing or provide insufficient explanations THIS WEEK, then the information should be reviewed at the State level ie. DRA (Department of Revenue Administration) and the office of the AG (Attorney General).
This is may become a VERY, VERY BIG Story!!! If the complete and honest answers don't come out it will "fester and become a cancer" just like Watergate. "Follow the money" - our money.
April 9, 2007, Selectmans Minutes:Police Departmen... April 9, 2007, Selectmans Minutes:
Police Department
"Chief Consentino addressed the Board ......
Chief Consentino addressed the lease agreements for the new cruiser’s. He explained that funding from the police detail revolving account was paying for the leases. He also noted that it was necessary to have someone sign the lease agreement. Mr. Childs made the motion to authorize Mr. Sapia to sign the lease agreement. Mr. Sullivan seconded the vote was unanimous and so moved."
They MUST know all about the cruiser deal. They voted to have Selectman Chmn. Sapia sign the agreement.
Was the 1999 cruser part of the agreement? Is the $300 a reduction in lease cost? Was this transaction identical to similar past transactions? Who negotiated the lease? Details , details, details, what are the details? In this instance the truth is in the details.
In 2005 when they leased the SUV, it never was mentioned in a selectmens meeting, Russ just signed the lease, as a matter of fact, Fred said they didnt even know it was bought
How can these corrupt politicians buy vehicles whenever they want without taxpayer approval?
Why do we need them all? and why would they sell one for 10% of its blue book valua?
Who was getting paid off on the taxpayers dime, thats what I want to know!
As I see it there are two separate legal issues here.
1.) disposal of a taxpayer owned asset for significantly less than it value. This is a complete abrogation of the selectmen's fiduciary responsibility. And depending upon what is found upon investigation, it will probably lead to criminal class B felony charges against whoever was responsible. One can not dispose of an asset belonging to someone else, especially as a public official without competitive bid, and receiving the fair market value.
2.) If the chief's son was the recipient of the taxpayers largess in this matter, than there is the additional RSA 95 issues, of a family member benefitting at taxpayer expense, again involving the misuse of information that was garnered through the officials public position.
For what it is worth, this could turn out to be a VERY big scandal.
Seeing as I have no first hand knowledge as some people do, I have to ask, why don't the people who have ACTUAL PROOF report this to State agencies? It would seem like The State of New Hampshire Government agencies can't look into illegal activity going on in town simply because it was posted on this blog. If there is (was) indeed something illegal done then report it! I for one would love to see some of these politicians and department heads dealt with by the State, but unless they know of ACTUAL illegal activity they can't do any investigating. So all of the people that have the PROOF, I ask you to report it, otherwise it's just going to continue.
here, here anon aug 20, 11:20 - you know the saying, put up or shut up. I too would love to see the bums accountable for their actions, but someone has to know about it before they can be charged.
The problem here is that the people with access to the "Proof" to be able to answer these questions are the selectmen, and they seem unwilling to look into this.
The FACTS are:
the 2000 crown victoria was sold to Irwin Motors on 4/12/07 for a "used car allowance" of $300.
The Kelly Blue Book Value is $2700-$3100.
That is the first time a "trade-in" vehicle has been listed as having a "used car allowance" usually the trade in value is simply subtracted from the total purchase price, resulting in the lease amount. ie: SUV costs $29,500. Trade-in of $7,900 shows as down payment, lease value $21,600.
Chiefs son seen driving vehicle, and getting out of it in front of apartments on main st. across form Robie ln.
Chief seen puled over in apartment parking lot talking to his son.
That is what is known, how this set of situations came to be is a matter for selectmen investigation. Will they do it? Probably not!
As Jerry Williams used to say; It doesn't pass the smell test!
I want to know why we dont get as close to full value as possible?
I see many other town get rid of their cruisers on Ebay, why don't we?
BTW Those 2000 cruisers on Ebay range from $2200-$4200. So how is it that we only get $300? Seems fishy!
Hey Cars.com has a 2001 ford crown victoria former police cruiser, current taxicab with 378,000 miles on it for $2,175
How the hell do we only get $300?
What I want to know is how does a town officials son get a former town vehicle when it is sold, without a public bid?
heard nothign about this at the meeting tonight, you know the selectmen are not going to DO anything about it!
I heard Sapia mention the selectmen's "DUTY TO THE TAXPAYERS" to look out for their money 9 times tonight, but obviously he didnt mean it if it involves asking the chief questions! I mean after all, the chief was sitting right in front of him, if he was serious about guarding the taxpayers money, surely he would have asked, right?
Anonymous said...
"The problem here is that the people with access to the "Proof" to be able to answer these questions are the selectmen, and they seem unwilling to look into this."
Well then maybe they should be the ones reported, since they aren't doing their jobs. Someone has to be held accountable for this mess. Guess it'll just be swept under rug as all messes are in Atkinson.
I read this and thought it was bull. Then I looked at Ebay and Cars, and I found out the value, and I went to the NH.gov website and read about theft, and I went to the town website and read the conflict of interest ordinance, and now I am pissed!
I want to know why this vehicle was sold for a fraction of its value?
How many others have been sold for a fraction of their value?
Where did the money go?
And how did the chief's son end up with the car?
And where is it now, seeing as I haven't seen it down by the post office in a couple of weeks?
If he sold it I want to know how much he got for it?
I want to know who authorized the sale of this cruiser?
Which of our selectmen got paid off and why? this is what I want to know
As usual the selectmen know that if they just keep ignoring this it will eventually go away! The only way you will get any answers is to take them to court. That is what these corrupt people have proved over the past three years.
I'm sure the residents of the Lewis Appartments feel safe now that there is an unmarked police cruiser parked in there lot every night.
When is the SUV up for sale? or the new Mercury with the radar attached to the back of it? Keep us posted?
Actually, the old cruiser disappeared from there shortly after the publishing of this article.
Wonder where it went, wonder if the kid moved, or if he sold the car, and if so, did he make money on it?
Wouldn't take much to check through the department of MV on the ownership records on this.
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