We wondered why none of the budget meetings have been on TV, with the start of the budget season only two weeks away, we wanted to know what is going on. So we did some digging.
It appears that the selectmen have not looked at replacements for Erica or Denise yet. We hear that Russ has over 10 applications on his desk for Erica's job of Studio Director, but has yet to review them or even present them to the selectmen for consideration. Adele has been doing all of the production work since Erica left, by herself! She can not do three nights a week. So either they hire someone, or decide which is mor eimportant, planning board or budget committee, we believe budget is the priority.
The better question is why the foot dragging? It is time for the residents to call your selectmen and start letting them know how you feel about these things.
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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. "
11 comments:
You know I remember when Russ was hired, they said he would be able to apply for grants, which would save the town money; he would save the town the cost of his position.
Now he cant even screen applicants in a timely manner, or post a meeting correctly.
Russ is too busy empire building to do any real work.
I heard Erica tell the Selectmen that they needed to get someone in her position quickly because the lack of someone in that office would be evident quickly. Whether it is in the Selectmen's Office, the Town Clerk's office, the Cable department, or finding someone to take minutes at meetings, the Selectmen have proved that they cannot fill open positions in a timely manner. And they wonder why so many things fall through the cracks. They have only themselves to blame.
Let's face it, Erica was not was what she was cracked up to be.. all Erica did was eat donuts.
You obviously have never been in there and seen what she does!
Erica was a most talented, efficient, well organized Cable Director, and excellent to work for. Unfortunately, it is my belief that the Selectmen may not have realized just how much her job entailed and the knowledge that she had. I have been trying to keep things on track in a minor way until her successor is hired and I can tell you it takes a lot more time than I thought it would, plus just learning a lot of new technology that I didn't have! Sorry guys for all those missed agenda items, etc!
There were a few things that struck me as odd with Erica. One, she knew what the equipment was when she was hired. Granted it was a bit outdated and should have been upgraded but that became a huge priority when I feel getting things broadcasted with decent video and audio was important. Second, Erica was told repeatedly that it was NOT a full time, benefits included job when she came on. This was stated over and over and she said that she was sure she would have no problem doing the job with the hours she was given. It really bothered me when she decided that she needed to go full time (now we'd be paying benefits) to do the job. Isn't that what all the volunteers were there for, to pick up the slack when her hours were up? It's not like she was hired to run CNN, it is only a small town TV station. I wish her luck wherever she goes, now if the town administrator could do his job and get us a replacement we'd be in better shape.
Actually she asked for more hours because the selectmen were expecting more from her. They wanted sll the meetings broadcasted, with all the pre and post production work, they wanted her present for meetings, they wanted CNN for an Adelphia price!
And Russ made her life hell at every possible turn, it was a hellacious working environment.
This group has got to go. Sapia, Childs, Consentino and Russ. Our town moderator is another one of this clan but has been hiding lately. What an insane situation we have in this town.
Please, people of Atkinson, pay close attention to what is going on and please make efforts for change.
United we stand.
Russ wasn't the only one who made Erica's life hell! One of the S-men dogged her footsteps from day 1! Nothing she did was good enough or could compare with Barbara Snicer whom she replaced, and who by the way hired her and had great confidence in her. Yea, Erica! Way to go girl!
FYI - The cable crew now consists of 4 volunteers and one who is in college and only available during breaks. Only 2 know the directors job and are only available to cover specific meetings. Meetings routinely covered are Selectmen, Budget, ZBA, Planning, Library when required. Scheduling is sometimes difficult.
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