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.
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.
ReplyDeleteNow 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteLet's face it, Erica was not was what she was cracked up to be.. all Erica did was eat donuts.
ReplyDeleteYou obviously have never been in there and seen what she does!
ReplyDeleteErica 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!
ReplyDeleteThere 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 Granted it was a bit outdated and should have been upgraded but that became a huge priority when I feel getting things broadcasted with decent video and audio was important.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.
ReplyDeleteActually 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!
ReplyDeleteAnd 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.
ReplyDeletePlease, 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!
ReplyDeleteFYI - 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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