This blog has recently learned that the Selectmen and the Town Administrator have FAILED TO FILE A ROAD REPORT WITH NHDOT, FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS!!!! This filing is MANDATORY under state law, and is used in determining the amount of money the town will receive in it's highway block grant from the State!
This means that the Selectmen and the Toan Administrator's negligence has resulted in the town receiving LESS MONEY THAN WE WERE ENTITLED TO!!! When asked about this we were told The Town Administrator tried to blame this on the Road Agent! Make no mistake this is a SELECTMEN RESPONSIBILITY, NOT THE ROAD AGENTS!!! He has no authority to sign anything on behalf of the town. In years past this task was done by Jane Cole, when she worked in the selectmen's office, and Elaine Woodbury, since the advent of Russ McAllister, and Jack Sapia, and Fred Childs, and Phil Consentino, as selectmen, this lawful duty has lapsed costing the taxpayers of Atkinson, potentially thousands of dollars. This is because the Highway block grant is based upon the mileage of town road. Why do we have a town administrator if these basic functions are not getting done? His job costs this town at least $80,000/yr. and for what? And where were the selectmen, when this was brought to their attention? Did they reprimand the Town Administrator? NO!, They joined him in trying to blame the Road Agent from what we heard.
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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. "
25 comments:
How much did we lose? In past years, highway revenue has been over $100,000. What is it projected at now?
This blog is read by many people who are concerned about our town. Today in church, a person asked for prayers for "our town" Hopefully these people will be accountable for their actions...or NON actions.
Why must all articles have so many exclamation points?? They all end with !!! And the comments that follow include more !!!
I think we need to start taking some of the emotion out of these discussions. There appears to be two sides to the issues - those with the smoking gun article or issue and then those who feel attacked and claim a "V" word - vindictive or vendetta. My goodness people, we need to raise the level of discourse around here. Here is how I see discussions go in Atkinson: "Issue !!!" after that, a V word follows.
I suggest we put some restraint with all the text yelling !!!! (overuse of capital letters as well) and put a stop to all the "V" words. We seem to be following a pattern that evolved over time and I blame a good part of it on our leadership because I feel like we are simply emulating them.
On one side is those who feel their free speech has been stifled and finally have a place they can be heard without fear of recrimination. On the other side, I see the defenders of the old standard that has been around for 30 years and in my opinion, I have to say that going on the offensive toward anyone that simply raises an issue is, in a word, offensive.
So can we please tone down the !!! and knock off the V words people, please? It is getting difficult to read this blog.
When people come here for the first time and are actually reading for the first time what many have known for a long time, too much of this pattern becomes an immediate turn off. Please state facts without yelling and for those who disagree, please put away the "V" words. That act is getting just as tired.
Here-here. Raising the quality of debate can't ever hurt, and the better the quality of the discourse here, the more likely new people will stay and learn about what's going on.
The antics of our town are!!!!!!!!!!!! to people getting an awakening due to these articles. So I do appreciate when posters show their feelings in post.
I agree: as long as its what it is. and not..just what you think it is.
Way to go BOS and their secretary, just keep up your do nothing, blame everyone else actions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I watched with great disappointment last week's budget committee meeting. During that meeting, Road Agen Edward Stewart requested the committee approve making the Assistant Road Agent a full-time position in orfer to improve retention rates. Fred Childs could barely contain his hostility for Mr. Stewart and swiftly moved to deny this request.
As a taxpaying citizen of Atkinson, I would appreciate honest discourse and not a public dressing down of a road agent who clearly has the town's best intentions in mind. I believe just about every other budget request was approved.
McCallister strikes again. Our Town Administrator is costing us money. Not a good sign. No wonder there is a warrant article to eliminate his position.
Hey there is an article on NH Insider from the witness who saw the speeding Elderly Transport.
Stupid is as Stupid Does
http://www.nhinsider.com/ed-naile/2008/1/13/stupid-is-as-stupid-drives.html
Here is the complete link:
http://www.nhinsider.com/ed-naile/2008/1/13/stupid-is-as-stupid-drives.html
Hi,
Watched the Selectmens meeting last night and I am confused. The selectmen set the starting rate (in the matrix) for asst road agent to be $14.50. They voted 2-1 to finally approve the hiring of a asst road agent. But because the person starting already works for Ted, and they didnt want to boost his salary too much, they only vote to pay him $13.00 .. How is that possible?
Ted said he had budgeted the asst salary in his budget and it was already approved in October as this discussion has been ongoing (sinse spring 07). How can we stick to the min starting salary of a police officer ($20.16) and not asst road agent? Fred Childs has an issue with Ted being part time and having a full time asst (on the ballot in March) but Fred does not have a problem with the Police shief being part time but with 4 fulltime officers ?
Huh ? Am I wrong ?
I watched the meeting last night as well. My teenager popped into the room, sat down and watched with me. My child raised EXACTLY the same question you did.
How can you vote against something you approved in the first place?
Also the semantics of how and why they feel the way they do is a joke.
I was embarrassed for Ted Stewart at last nights meeting....shame on Fred Childs...speaking to Teddy as though he were a child! He seems to be under fire every time he has to appear at the selectmen's meeting. Give Josh the pay that he deserves..like Ted said, it's all ready in his budget. Paul S. seems to be the only man that will get my vote in the next election.
I was surprised that there was no mention of the report that was supposed to be sent to the DOT. Has it been taken care of yet??? They can't blame the road agent for that error! I thought that Teddy might mention it last night.
As you watch selectmen meetings please notice a few things:
1- Jack smiles as people come in and calls Consentino "Chief" and Lt Baldwin he calls "Billy", tho as soon as Ted comes up Jack puts on a smirk like he is doing Ted a favor by allowing him to come in.
2-Fred Childs always has a problem with Ted, always.
I dont know if Jack will run again but I hope he steps aside, if not we need to make sure he doesnt get elected. Will Mark A run? That would be fun..
I for one hate it when Fred talks down to Ted. The next time I see Fred I will do the same to him and see if he likes it. The Taxes are bad enough but the buffoons running this town have to throw grant money away.
I wouldn't mind Mark as a Board member, but I feel he might not be as electable as he would need to be. Let's not forget that a lot of people are still behind Atkinson's "Iron" curtain.
That "iron curtain" comment is incredibly on target. The only way we break it down is communication, written and verbal. Talk to your friends and neighbors. That is one way everyone can help effect change. If we don't talk about it, then don't be surprised to see Sapia re-elected.
Ted needs to do his job. He stated at the Selectmans meeting that he is no good with speaking {obvious} and even worse with paper work. Perhaps Josh should take over his position since Ted sounded as if Josh does most of the work for him. This blog seems to support Ted in his every action. I think his department needs a serious look next after the PD has been cleaned up. I smell fish.
Agreed. Ted has a huge budget and quite frankly, I'm not sure we need to spend so much on road improvements every year. The town has become conditioned that every year, we have to repave a road or two. This year, I am going to take a drive over and look at the proposed roads and see how bad they really are.
We repave 2-3 roads every year because it spreads the burden of maintaining our roads, and helps us to level fund this expense. Ted prepares a Capital Improvement Plan as does, Fire Dept., to project expenses for the next 10 years. Roads typically last 20 years or so, with a shim and overlay in the middle somewhere, I think I have the time right, trying to remember from my time on the budget committee.
If you look at the Highway budget for the last 8 years or so, and by this I mean the combination of the Budget AND the Road Articles, you will see that this Amount has decreased by over $100,000/yr.
Out of the 4 big budgets in town, Highway, police, fire, and library, Three of those remain fairly level every year. If you look at fire, or highway, and there is a significant increase, the reason is obvious; We bought a truck, or we had 8 snowstorms, or it was snowing in APRIL! What is up with THAT?
When you have that degree of transparency it is a good thing.
Also, I have always supported Ted, because I have known him for 30 years, always found him to be honest, forthright, and a very hard worker.
Having a road agent who gets down and dig culverts himself, and plows himself, and has his own equipment that is at the towns disposal to use whenever we need it for only a small hourly rate, SAVES THIS TOWN A TON OF MONEY!
There has been a few people in our selectmen's office for the last three years pushing for a full time road agent and highway dept, does anyone udnerstand just how much THAT will cost this town?
a 10 wheel dump truck like Teddy's costs $150,000
a Backhoe like Teddy's costs $100,000
Even the lease payments are more than double what we spend renting Teddy's and He pays the gas, maintainance, and insurance not us.
Bottom line, Teddy is a very good deal for Atkinson!
Not to mention a nice guy to put up with all of the abuse he gets at selectmen's meetings.
Mr. Acciard, in most cases, I agree with your objective analysis on issues but I have a hard time comparing $150,000 brand new fully featured dump truck with the equipment we pay rent for under the current Highway dept administration (I will stick to the issue and not name names). I would like to see the actual numbers we pay the Highway Dept for equipment and see a serious cost benefit analysis done on what we get for it. I know you can buy used equipment for much less than $150,000. I realize the overhead associated with ownership but to know the actual cost/benefit, you have to do the numbers. Problem is, our budget documents given out by the town do not show that level of detail for Highway dept. For example, if we are paying $1,000/month for a truck worth $10,000, I would ask why. If we are paying $2,000/month for a truck worth $150,000, that is a different story.
So until I see the exact expenditures as compared to the value of the equipment, I will refrain from passing judgement on the Highway Dept. In this particular case, I feel a more objective, detailed analysis is required.
Well first of all Towns do not buy used equipment, the explaation I got when I asked that question was something to do with liability.
When I looked into the difference when I was on the budget committee, back when Russ brought this up about three years ago; We had paid about $7,000 the previous year in rental fees.
The lease payment for a 10 wheel dump truck was about $21,000/ yr. and did not include insurance and gas, and maintenance all of which Teddy pays.
Good deal for town.
Mr. Acciard,
I have to agree with previous anon
that a more objective analysis must be done to sort this out. It
would seem that a few issues are being skirted thru your analysis perhaps based on your emotions as opposed to objectivity. I do realize thru your comments that Ted
is a longtime friend and I feel you would always look at this issue thru rose colored glasses.
This $7,000. fee you refer to, is it broken down as a straight rental
or is it a guesstimate minus an operator cost? The fuel cost, insurance, and maintenance clearly could not be recouped by Ted for $7000.00 per year as this does not make any sense. "Good deal for town" you state would put Ted out of business if this were the case as clearly just the fuel costs have to exceed $7000.00 never mind insurance and maintenance. Whos really pays for these items and what is the cost? I am also concerned as to what happens if and when Ted is no longer associated with the HW Dept. It would seem that we need to start building the HW Dept infrastructure now. Ted has almost been voted out on a few occaisions in my recent memory and I want to know the plan if his equipment is no longer available to the town. Does Joe Smith run out and buy an $8000.00 truck and continue Ted's legacy? I have checked with Plaistow and Salem to start and they do not have a similiar system in place. If it is such a good deal then why does everybody not do the same? If we are relying on Ted's old truck and equipment then what are we doing when it breaks down? Do we subrent or do we just push off jobs for another day? His
equipment can't always run without break downs. It just seems like we have set ourselves up for a potential disaster down the road.
In summary, your numbers make no sense and we are putting the Town of Atkinson in jeopardy for major problems down the road.
I will look back in last years budget books and get the hard numbers for you. I DO know the town was paying $57/hr. for the 10 wheel dump truck with driver.
Also not every town has the resource of a resident serving in the position who owns his own equipment.
But I will get hard numbers for you, and then we will continue this discussion.
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