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Candidate of the ....Stars?
or
NOt For ReaL
It appears seletmen candidate Bill Friel is being pushed by the very same establishment that has caused all the problems in town for the last three years. Is it a coincidence that all of the lawsuits, screaming at residents, bullying by the board, cutting off speakers, ignoring town votes, all happened in the last 3 years, the exact same timeframe that Jack has been a selectman?
I see Friel signs in the yards of Sapia, Consentino, Morelli, et al. I hear Polito and Sapia are asking people how many Friel signs they want.
Although I know little of Mr. Friel, I have seen him in ZBA meetings, and I know he is a successful builder, but it would appear that he is the handpicked candidate of Jack and Phil. And that gives me chills, because the last handpicked candidate of these two, was Fred Childs, and before that Jack Sapia!
From what I hear Jack Sapia called Mr. Friel and asked him to run, and Mr. Friel agreed.
I know that I saw him having dinner after town meeting at the country club with Jack, Frank, and a few others of that clique.
I am worried that we will have another three years like we had with Jack if we elect this guy.
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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. "
159 comments:
Is Atkinson run by builders, land owners and developers, and their relatives and lackeys, or does it just seem that way?
We have enough builders holding the reins of town government as it is. Who else is running, and what do people know about them? Thanks...
When a builder is on the BOS, the building inspector works for him. I never like this combination.
O'Leary is also a friend of Sapia and replaced Jack on the ballot when Jack signed up for Conflict of Interest. I don't think O'Leary is a viable candidate, he did so poorly when he ran against Boyle a few years back. He's not a popular figure around town either.
Clearly there's only one candidate for us, Valerie Tobin.
When is Candidates night?
Not to question the conventional wisdom on builders, but when Boyle was on the board, I never saw him in conflict. Whenever anything to do with Winslow dr. came up he stepped off the board. Without having to be asked, I might add!
Chief should have taken lessons from him, instead of forcing Accard to get the court to order him to at right.
In regards to Bill Friel, I would extent and give the benefit of doubt to Bill that he is an intelligent person capable of becoming a great selectman.
What I don't care for is that Jack Sapia is behind him. Who ever Jack is behind makes me want to take an additional look at that candidate.
Bill, if your truely sincere about being a selectman, I would encourage you run you own campaign and tell jack to sit in the bleachers and just watch. If I get any hint that Jack is the driving force of this campaign, you'll loose my vote.
My opinion on Bill Friel. I had the chance to sit down and speak with Mr. Friel. He is a very intelligent man, who does not have an agenda. He is a free thinker, something we desperately need in the Selectmen. He is not backed by any town official. He has nothing to gain from this position. However, he does have a lot to give. I am voting for Bill Friel, and I am proud to have his sign in my yard.
anon 9:53, All that may be true, but the first signs went up in the yards of Sapia, childs, Consentino and some very opinionated and negative peaple. With that kind of support one must ask where his duty will lay? I am sure that the opinions of all the candidates will be presented shortly but Mr. Friel has a VERY High hurdle to overcome with that starting support.
Then you wouldn't mind attaching a signature to that glowing
endorsement.
See what we mean?
Mr. O'leary is backed by the Chief and Jack Sapia. Please get your facts straight.
Mrs. Tobin, well it doesn't matter. She missed the boat.
I will attach my signature as soon as you attach yours. It is a two way street.
I WILL NOT back anyone affiliated with or backed by the Chief and/or Sapia, Polito or Childs. There must be a reason they are backing them and I do not want more of the same.
Valerie has not missed any boat, she is on the ballot. She has my vote.
10:53 - Sorry, not in this case. You provided a lot of useful information, but the information is only as good as its source. Without the source, the info is just hearsay.
If not here, maybe at candidates night.
A man is judged by the company he keeps.
I have listened to Valerie talk. Now, I do not know her personally, she may be a very nice person. But it seems that she doesn't understand what is going on.
There was one particular meeting where she sat there and asked questions about the library, that had been discussed an hour before.
We need a selectmen that knows what is going on. We need a selectmen who can be neutral and detached.
Now don't go getting defensive, I have an opinion. I am only expressing it, free speach is what has made our country so great.
Like I said, Valerie is probably a really nice person. And to all of the candidates I say good luck. I know that I never could do the job.
to anon 9:53 - If Friel is not backed by any town official, as you say, then why are his signs up in Phil's, Child's and Sapia's yards? duh?
to anon 11:14 - and my opinion is that I don't judge a person based on one question she may have asked. So what? Maybe she wanted some clarification, big deal. There are no bad questions and she has a right to ask anything she wants. That's part of the problem with the Atkinson culture, it's ill mannered, unforgiving, judgemental.
I have spoken to her about many issues and I'm impressed by what I see and hear. She is not in anyone's pocket and that puts her in the lead as far as I am concerned.
If people want more of the same baloney then use the same criteria when voting and we all know that hasn't worked here for many years. If you want a different town, choose differently.
Anyone involved in lawsuits against the town should not be running for or holding office. They should step aside. I don't think it's good for the town to have them in place in any capacity. The Chief should be placed on unpaid leave or fired for getting the town involved in suits over and over. These people are not invincible.
To anon 11:14 there are many signs up in many yards for Friel, are you saying that they are crooked citizens?
You say not to criticize, but you do. That is what is so wrong with this town. It takes a small group of people to infect the caring citizens and the disease grows and grows, until you have gotten your way. Stop now and save face.
February 13, 2008 11:45 AM - Wow, your sure put a lot of words in his mouth when all he did was to state something that is very easily verifiable.
You might want to take some of your own advice.
to anon 11:45 - What I SAID was Friel signs are up in their yards. REREAD my post, I didn't call anyone crooked, now did I?
I made this statement because YOU stated Friel was not backed by any town officials.
Did I criticize? No, I merely pointed out your mistatement. YOU are the one flinging mud.
Reread the posts. Your imagination is getting in your way.
Why can't we just all get along, stop the bickering.
I agree, stop the bickering.... though I enjoyed seeing 11:45 put in their place when they falsely accuse another.
Which gets me to thinking. Why do people get defensive when facts are discussed? Facts are facts. Most comments here are just that.
And yet you still yammer on. You don't get it.
Here are your words:
"From what I hear Jack Sapia called Mr. Friel and asked him to run, and Mr. Friel agreed."
Anon-I "hear" that you are an idiot. But I probably wouln't publish that as a conclusion of mine until a heard it from you
No reason to call names. You should be ashamed of yourself. To call someone an idiot is bad. Back in my days we treated people with respect. You young ones today, need to learn from your elders.
to yammer means to complain, and you are the only one complaining or attacking here. Go away if you cannot be productive.
What makes you 12:43 think this person is young? They may be any age at all.
Besides, they were defending against ignorant comments. People need to stand up to evil.
“Talk of the devil, and his horns appear”
Evil, are you kidding me. You just sound ridiculous.
Now be nice. Your forked tongue is showing.
You lose all credibility when you attack the person rather than to discuss.
Is this an axis of evil, or just plain evil. Please advise? This is fun.
Back to topic. Anyone for OLeary and why? We haven't had much discussion on him.
you find evil fun? you're creepy.
There has already been a problem with Friel when he signed up for voting he had to be notified that he was not a resident in town and had to be removed from the check-list. Ask one of the supervisors if this was not so.
The rules are meant to be broken by any enlistee supported by Sapia.
That's the way Sapia was trained for this position three years ago and if we want things changed it is up to the people to do it.
I am voting for Valerie Tobin because I believe she could see the injustice of this past BoS.
I am only looking for some one to restore some integrity to this office. I think Valerie has the right stuff to do a job that will
take us back to honesty and willingness to work hard. She will be going in as her own person,not owing to any body else.
I believe that ,with Paul Sullivan,and Valerie Tobin,
we have a good chance of becoming an undivided Town once again.
I don't know Rich other than to say he likes to talk. He's lived in town for years.
He didn't know he wasn't a resident? Where is his residence? Can he run if he doesn't live here?
Maybe that's why Rich is running too.
In my humble opinion, Mr. O'Leary is not a credible candidate. Nice guy, don't get me wrong, but his past history of either not showing up or not paying attention in meetings tells me he would not be the best of the three as a selectman.
I think it comes down to Tobin or Friel. Both seem like good candidates. I've taken time to speak with both of them to ask questions and formed my own opinions. Have you? If you haven't, what are you basing your decision on? A blog posting?
I never base my opinion on blogs or the good opinion of others. Why would you judge me based on a sentence in a blog?
Like I said, OLeary likes to talk and says too much, we'll leave it at that.
I agree he's not a good candidate. I have spoken with Valerie at great length and I hope to get to know Friel on cadidates night. I was impressed with Valerie and think she could help turn things around.
Friel, two steps forward. Tobin, two steps back. Which one do you want?
I like Tobin too. I don't see why she'd be two steps back. Care to elaborate?
What does Friel stand for? Do you know? Cna you support your remarks?
We need some discussion on the comment about Friel not being a resident.
maybe he's like Romney and he'll pay back taxes to become a past resident in the future :)
First of all, Friel is a resident. He has lived in town for a few years. I believe he lives in the Maple Ave area. So yes, he does have a right to run for Selectmen.
He lives on Kelly Lane
Thanks for the ifo.
If someone can explain why he had an issue when he tried to vote. Maybe he has a second home and claims that as his residence?
Let us clear this up.
I do believe that info about his status as a resident and the voting issue was made up. Show us the proof.
It should be easy enough to verify either way. The voting list is public.
Mr. Friel does indeed live here now. The problem arose when he registered to vote and claimed residency when he was not a resident. The Supervisors had to send him a certified letter informing him that he was being taken off the checklist as he was not a resident.
So that was then. He is a registered voter who lives in town. Your point is?
Poor Mr. O'Leary! He's always thrown in as "the spoiler" the one who siphons just enough votes from one of the candidates to enable another to win! Too bad he can't be his own man - maybe he would be just fine. Ya think?
Maybe Mr. O'leary will drop out of the race and let the other two candidates have a standing chance at a good election.
NO LINKS
Mr. Sapia was in the village store asking people how many Friel signs they wanted, I would say that is backing him
BTW Polito did the same thing
From Anon 2/13/08 12:39PM
"From what I hear Jack Sapia called Mr. Friel and asked him to run, and Mr. Friel agreed."
I heard the same, but in addition heard that Mr. Freil signed up at 4:30PM the last day for sign ups.
That does not give me alot of confidence that Mr. Freil is really interested in this position, just got talked into it.
This certainly gives the appearance that his loyalty is to Jack.
To Anon @ 1:01 pm
You stated; "You lose all credibility when you attack the person rather than to discuss."
Thank you for admitting that the selectmen, including Mr. Childs, and Mr. Sapia in particular, along with the Chief have lost all credibility.
Mark Acciard
Your post on this blog was late--you must not be very interested in this blog. Your opinion doesn't matter to me for that reason.
I spoke with Mr. Friel at length the other day, he was kind enough to give me a call. He is obviously intelligent and very well spoken. I teased him a little by telling him that his "healing the wounds" "Bringing the town together" rhetoric was exactly what Jack said thre years ago. But he was very understanding, and said that he recognized the problems with the current board of selectmen.
And I will state here what I told Mr. Friel, and that is that the thing that makes me question him, is that Jack CALLED him to ask him to run, Why would he call Mr. Friel out of the blue? and that Jack and the Chief were campaigning for him. By the way, it is not who has his signs up, it is that they were the FIRST to have them up, and have been asking others to put them up to.
I have seen the performance of the other candidates these two have pushed and I have been less than impressed by them.
But Good Luck to both and may the best man or woman win.
When is candidate's night??? Valerie Tobin appears to be intelligent & would be willing to learn the ropes....I will listen to all of the candidates & make up my mind. Anyone who is backed by the "three musketeers" doesn't have a chance w/me. I do like Mr. Sullivan...he uses common sense & doesn't let Jack "boss him around"
Mr.Acciard: I find it interesting that Mr. Freil not only called you directly, but that he also admitted Jack Sapia suggested he run for selectman. Knowing all the players involved and the past history, why on earth would he call you and admit such a thing knowing that Sapia is named in your lawsuit? I doubt he would get your vote by saying this, in fact I suspect he would lose your vote especially if he said the chief was a supporter.
So the contradiction perhaps indicates Mr. Friel is trying to work with everyone in town and not take one side over the other. Is this a possibility or is he to be thrown under the bus because he has any support from the chief or Sapia?
Don't get me wrong, I am as suspicious as anyone of the motives by some of these characters. I am just more confused than anything. I've spoken to Friel myself and agree he is intelligent and articulate. He didn't come across to me as Sapia or the Chief's next puppet. But I could be wrong. Then again, I could be right. I'm looking forward to candidates night. I heard it was the 20th at 7PM.
If you did not attend the Valentine Party at the Community Ctr. you missed your chance to meet Mr. Riel.
He was introduced to the gathering by Mr. Consentino. He was very cordial and is going to help the elderly. He very kindly gave out pencils to each table announcing his bid for Selectman.
Somehow these innocent pencils found their way to Town Hall and were left on the foyer counter.
Now, someone might think this was not the right thing to do but---- this will be up to you.
Speaking of the country club, is the town aware of all the development that is going on there? Something tells me the answer is No. Or maybe they are aware and this is just more of the good ol boys network doing it all for financial gain. Someone might want to look into this.
Speaking of the country club, is the town aware of all the development that is going on there? Something tells me the answer is No. Or maybe they are aware and this is just more of the good ol boys network doing it all for financial gain. Someone might want to look into this.
What about V.Tobin or R. O'Leary? Are they already deemed as puppets?
Valerie is not backed by Phil, Frank, Jack, or Fred.
Friel is supported by the above.
Poor Mr. OLeary is the spoiler, who allows his cronies to do this to him. They know he can't refuse, he wants to be in on everything going on in town.
Sounds like the puppets are OLeary and Friel.
To Mark at 4:34 pm yesterday.
I was not being sarcastic, I was serious and my comment was toward the individual at 11:45. He was not contributing anything other than negativity and attacks. It does sound like Fred, Phil, Jack, Frank and Oleary doesn't it?
To 5:53
The town voted for the development at the Country Club. They were told to do so and they did. I did not.
I'm just curious to know how many posters on this blog either actually know Tobin and/or Friel or have actually spoken to them at any length to form an opinion about them.
The seniors Valentine party at the community center - was Mrs. Tobin there?
Don't know who was invited to the Valentine party but it seemed to be for Mr. Friel's benefit. Just the facts Maam. Valerie was not present.
My vote goes to Valerie.
Ya'know, this whole thing is beginning to flunk the smell test.
I don't think our elected officials and public employees should be campaigning for anyone running for a town position other than for themselves. And I don't care if they claim they are doing it as private citizens. You cannot separate one from the other.
Isn't that the rule in many larger municipalities?
Re: the Valentine Party at the
Community Center where Phil introduced Friel to the people and emphasized that Friel would help the elderly.
It seems that Phil is up to his usual shady tactics of using and manipulating the elderly to support and vote for his personal candidates.
If Friel had any integrity, he would publicly disassociate himself from Phil and his political manipulations of the elderly vote.
Also, why was only Phil, Sapia,
Childs and Polito's candidate invited to the event and not Tobin?
Atkinson's corrupt political machine is up to its old discredited tactics.
Sapia and Child's tenures as Selectmen have been ones of continual abuse of town residents who appear at selectmen's mtgs and dare to question any of their actions. Sapia has even abused residents outside of the selectmen's office like his verbally attacking and humiliating Town Clerk Linda Jette in her office in front of many town residents. Now, these two have hand-picked Friel to run for the selectmen's slot. Why? Why do these resident-abusers want Friel as selectman? What does that say of what we can expect from Friel?
Consentino has long abused his position as past selectman and current illegal part-time Chief to harass and abuse any residents who
question or criticize his behavior.
Now, he's backing Friel. The future Board is going to have to take some action concerning the fact that Phil holds no legal or valid appointment as Chief and doesn't meet the state qualifications to be a Chief. With him sponsoring Friel, what does that say about whether Friel is going to stand up to our unqualified and constantly abusive part-time Chief. You dance with the person who bought you, and that would be Friel dancing with Phil.
Polito has always pandered to Sapia, Childs and Consentino and now he's also supporting their candidate Friel. What does that say about what we can expect from Friel?
What does it say that the current officials sponsoring and supporting Friel are the very same corrupt officials who have had past and now also have current law-suits against them for resident abuse?
Where is Friel's integrity that he can partner up with these officials who have so dishonored the Town?
Quite frankly-the "elderly" can think for ourselves. Who are you to say we are " manipulated"
I have spoken with Mr. Friel and have questioned him on these very issues. His answers were similar to what Mark has posted. What I liked was he was intense to the fact that he would be no ones puppet. He promised to take the emotions out of the position. He owns and operates a multi-million dollar company and is extremely intelligent. You cannot run a business on emotions. The town is a business. I believe he is sincere
and I do not feel he will give cart blanche to the PD, FD, HW, etc.. whether they believe so or not. Valerie has a number of supporters who expect her to take action on their emotions. Mr Atus expects a complete town revaluation. Mark expects to throw out the chief. Carol wants a new water ordinace. I could go on with more expectations of another 5 or so individuals but the point is she also appears to be a puppet. Hopefully I am wrong! I support some of these positions but I clearly do not want a town revaluation but feel Valerie has promissed this to Mr. Artus. I would like to know her position on this issue. I still feel we need to take the emotions out of the position otherwise this town will be equally as bad in another direction.
I agree the a selectman/woman need to remove emotion. Unfortunately, for the rest us, being human, a lot of us are upset, some very upset. You've got to expect emotions to get involved.
And, if Mr. Friel wants to be straight with us, he needs to avoid situations like the valentines party. All candidates should have been invited. He supposedly says he will not be a puppet, yet he's being supported and led around by known puppet masters. What are we supposed to think?
He can present his side at the candidates session, but the events to date can give one pause.
I think that you have to look at this as a business. Yeah, a candidate can get into office with the help of an official. After they get in, then they can do as they see fit. It is much like today's politics. I will be your best friend while I am trying to get elected. Afterwards, I will do the right thing and vote in the best interest of the town. Is it ethical? No, but it does work. At least it has for centuries.
To Anon @ 1:15pm
I DONOT want the selectmen to "throw out the chief"!
I want them to exercise some supervisory authority, and tell him to act like an honorable cop! No more no less! I want the selectmen to do what ANY Company that had an employee that has done the exact same things the Chief has done. Tell him to knock it off!
I don't think that is too much to ask. Remember this all started becaus eI asked him to step aside on police matters, something he should have had the honor and integrity to do on his own. Everything that has followed has resulted from him trying to avoid that task.
Dont we have some ordinance or policy against campaigning on town property. And isn't there state law about public employees electioneering on town property?
Mark, can't agree more. If much of what I've seen were to happen in business, the responsible one would be out on his kister within days, if not hours. If that one's superior did not take action, he'd be out too. Its how the real world really works. I've seen it, really have.
RE: Business - I'd love to look at this like a business, and I'd be ecstatic if the same rules apply. They don't, so here we are. And your suggesting the candidate in question will do the right thing once in office. Been there, heard that. Mighty big leap in faith given what's gone on so far.
Prohibited Acts
Section 659:44-a
659:44-a Electioneering by Public Employees. – No public employee, as defined in RSA 273-A:1, IX, shall electioneer while in the performance of his or her official duties or use government property, including, but not limited to, telephones, facsimile machines, vehicles, and computers, for electioneering. For the purposes of this section, ""electioneer'' means to act in any way specifically designed to influence the vote of a voter on any question or office. Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
That is the Law.
Lets be honest, this town is broken in a number of departments.
To focus on one dept and individual, and look past the other problem depts in town makes
me not want to support the candidate that this blog supports.
I feel we have a chance with a fresh outlook on issues. We cannot have a puppet put into office. When you have a puppet it makes one group happy but always allienates another group. Mr Freil has said repeatedly to myself and others that he is his own man. Can Valerie make this claim ? I have yet to hear her say
her position on anything. However, I know she is being supported by numerous people who are emotionally upset with the Chief and Jack. Valerie, where do you stand on this town? Do you intend to look at all departments for the good and bad and make them better?
She has too many people with a far left view to please for my liking.
Mr Freil is out there talking to people and getting a perspective on the issues. I have yet to hear him make any promisses other than to promiss to take an objective look and do what is fair and right.
How did it occur that the “mischievous” group including Sapia, consentino, Polito became the primary campaigners for Mr. Friel? That in not a question for the group but is the question for Mr. Friel. Can we please have a satisfactory answer from Mr. Friel ?
It is my understanding that the Chief is not a primary backer, in fact he had never heard of Mr. Freil 2-weeks prior. I believe he may support him only because he knows who is behind Valerie. He may
regret this because Mr. Freil may turn out to be a trojan horse. Time will tell. I restate that Mr. Freil only promises to look objectively at the issues and do what is fair and right. Further, if I were Mr. Freil not only would I not respond, but I would not even bother to log onto this blog. He has already been convicted as "one of them" by the majority of posters on this blog.
I think that this blog should look further at the issues and his intentions before he is judged unfairly. You may regret it once the elections are over. You actually more than likely won't regret it because he does not allow his emotions to control his every waking thought as Valeries backers seem to do.
anon 6:14 PM and all others;
Who are the backers that "we all know who you are". Lets get this issue out on the table with the FACTS. The people will be served and this shadow campaign will see sun-light.
I am reading these comments indicting those who decry the ACTIONS of Jack, Fred, the Chief, and others, as rooted in emotion, why?
Why is observing the actions of those in office, and commenting upon them considered emotional?
Why is a healthy disdain for those who use their positions to harm others with whom they disagree, emotional?
Why is standing up and demanding that our elected officials be, not only reponsive, and responsible to, but respectful of, ALL of the people who are their constituents, considered to be "attacking them"?
There was a time when no matter how crazy a resident's statement was, the selectmen heard them out, let them say their piece, thanked them for coming in, and then went on with the meeting.
There was a time when that degree of respect and courtesy was routine. Not any more, not for the last three years!
to 6:14
pretty strong emotions you have and they are not substantiated by any facts here.
what you believe or understand is not fact. if the chief backs one candidate because he doesn't approve of who backs another is dumb. it merely shows how HE can be swayed with his emotions.
to say that people in general are controlled by their emotions every waking moment just shows that you are the one doing this. it's your only way of lashing out when you have no facts.
As sad as it is to say, just that fact that Friel was introduced by Consentino, and is back by many in office, is reason enough for me to be unlikely to vote for him.
If running a multi-million dollar company has made him so intelligent, why didn't he figure out that aligning himself with the same people so many citizens are concerned about would cast automatic doubt on his independence?
And, I don't think being a multi-millionaire business man makes him less likely to align with the developer/builders/powers-that-be in Atkinson; it would usually mean that he would be MORE likely to align with them to protect his interests...
To to 6:14
So, let's see if I have this straight.
Mr. Freil promises to look objectively at the issues and do what is fair and right, but he's being backed by those who many see as being the problem, but we shouldn't be fooled or influenced by that.
On the other side we have Ms. Tobin who has a bunch of backers who are consumed with emotion and should be discounted. And her backers have a far left view so they can't be trusted.
Is that about right?
As has been said before, if you know the candidates and know their views, and that we should trust you, a name needs to be attached.
When a candidate gets an endorsement, you know who is making it and can form an opinion based on the trust you have in that person.
Otherwise, anything said is just unsubstantiated hearsay.
TO annon 3:57
If you haven't heard Valeries position on anything, as you claim, why are you judging her? You don't have the right.
To say that her supporters are emotionally upset is totally ignorant. It's hard to hide ignorance isn't it?
I am a far right conservative supporter of Valerie Tobin. Have a nice day.
To 7:42
I'm another conservative backing Valerie, the more I read about Friel's backers attacking here, the less I am inclined to join them.
to 7:42
you show objectivity towards Friel then dismiss Valerie based on feeings you create in your mind, of people you don't know.
no you didn't get it right. you only demonstrate bias, clearly.
I say we all keep our cameras ready and catch people electioneering, file a complaint in court. what fun.
Frankly, I feel being a conservative or a liberal has absolutely nothing to do with the race and should be left out of it. This town needs some serious fixen and it time for a little bipartisanship.
As far as being emotional, we should be damn glad we have citizens who are emotional about it. When I got a first hand look at how things were, I got very emotional. I got upset. I got involved. If it weren't for emotions, we wouldn't be living in a democracy. The last thing we need now is apathy.
Thank you Mr. 6:14 PM. This has been enlightening .
I would love to see the Chief thrown out on his keester and if the BOS doesn't do it soon they will be putting this town at additioanl risk.
A police chief should be above reproach, not just think he is. To leave him in any longer shows a breach of feduciary duty of the BOS.
to 6:14. you are obviously close to the chief to know who he's known on a week to week basis.
lucky you. not.
to 7:58
I think your spelling could use a little fixen. Is that hillbilly for fixing?
Valerie Tobin said...
To Anon 3:57 and others. If you would like to discuss any issue with me, please feel free to call me. My home # is 362-5402. Leave a message if I'm not home, and I'll be sure to get back to you.
I was not invited to speak to the elderly at the Valentine's Day reception. I didn't know anything about it until reading on the blog. I find it very interesting. If the elderly, or anyone else would like to meet with me and discuss the issues, I would be happy to do so. Candidates night in next Wednesday 2/20 from 7-9:30. I just got the notice in the mail. Please feel free to call me, your calls will be confidential. Thanks. Valerie
What is 12:10 referring to when he/she said:
The future Board is going to have to take some action concerning the fact that Phil holds no legal or valid appointment as Chief and doesn't meet the state qualifications to be a Chief.
Did something new happen? (I hope).
I hope she has a sign left for me.
To 8:10 PM
I stand by my spelling :<)
yee hah
RE: 8:14 PM - Now, that's what I'm talking about.
In a true democracy, the voter is anonymous. I recall in some repressive, so called democracies, each candidate was listed on a different colored balled. So much for a free vote.
Ms. Tobin has put herself out on the line. Mr. Friel, your turn.
I meant ballot. Spell checking does not catch everything.
So if I get this right, the only dept broken is the PD? I think not.
Is Ms Tobin pledging to look at all depts or is her backers words "good bang for the buck" good enough for her? Is she going to do whats right for the town in all depts or not? I am glad you have answered the prior posts attack Ms Tobin , however I would also like to see a response to this question. Thank you in advance!
Trojan horse has a nice ring to it.
Lets not be to hasty in our judgement and perhaps tone down the accusations. Just a thought.
is valerie truly considering a complete town revaluation? this is a very serious issue and i have heard this subject brought up a number of times recently. i believe the total abatements were under the state average for our town. i hope this is not a position that valerie supports.
any comments would be appreciated.
To anon 7:42 2/14/08
I will schedule an eye appointment for tommorow because I am unable to
see your NAME.
to anon 7:43 2/14/08
I believe your far right statement is an oxyMORON. Have a nice day.
The PD is not the only broken dept but is probably the worst given all the lawsuits and reported harassment. The PD doesn't even need the tower, they aren't having problems with communications. I heard cops discussing this myself.
Another dept that could use help is the Elderly Affairs dept., oh yeah, run by the PD. This in itself violates town ordinance, that one person heads both depts. They have different budgets therefore they're different depts.
The BOS, head of it all also has serious problems, given the way they treat people.
These stand out as the problem areas at the moment.
It is my understanding that Valerie Tobin supports fair evaluation not re-evaluation.
Re-evaluation happens every 5 years automaticaly, per the state.
Leon Artus has been looking for the town to notify a resident if they make changes to their tax card so the resident can make sure that the details are accurate. The BOS were against doing this and amended it into a nonsensical paragraph.
If you'd like to see how many abatements were processed for 2007, go to
http://www.atkinsontaxpayers.org/pdf/AbatementResults2000-2007.pdf
Most people don't seem to care if the comments are anonymous. If a few of you prefer to see our names, then please post your name when you make the request and we'll think about adding ours :)
Since you sound so angry, I would advise people not to list their names because you may have a vendetta.
I hope you can read this with your eye problem.
Eh, what did you say? Don't forget my hearing and memory issue!
To February 14, 2008 11:16 PM - No name because I was not making an endorsement, only trying to summarize what I heard Mr. February 14, 2008 6:14 PM say. You should get new glasses and read a little more carefully next time.
An endorsement, especially one claiming to cite facts, is only as good as the person making it.
Is this blog a way to brainstorm our problems, to get to a solution, or is it a place to just rant and blow off steam? I think we've identified (some of) the problem areas. Now how do we fix them?
#1 police chief position - full? p/t?
#2 elderly affairs dept - who's jurisdiction?
signed,
Totally Frustrated Citizen
I think the Police Chief should be a full time position. I also think we should require the part time cops to put in a minimum number of hours.
I think the Elderly Affairs program is a good cause but has a cloud of impropriety hanging over it due to the fact that it is agree that since they have different budgets, they are different depts. This violates the ordinance.
I'm also a totally frustrated citizen that hopes we can turn the tide this year.
It's good to brainstorm and sometimes blow off steam but I think people should be more curtious here. This blog sometimes reflects the poor manners exhibited in the meetings. I'm against that.
A little off topic, sorry, but what is the procedure for getting BOS agenda?
To Anon February 14, 2008 11:16 PM.
Just wanted to let you know that if you need glasses, the elderly affairs committee will gladly help you get them. They also have toilet seats, potty chairs, canes, walkers, and just about everything that you may need. Just give them a call. We are here to help.
To Feb. 14, 1:18 p.m.
You made a TOTALLY FALSE statement:
"Carol wants a new ordinance." I guess that's why you submitted anonymously.
I most certainly DO NOT want a new ordinance. I want the Groundwater Protection Ordinance passed OVERWHELMINGLY at Special Town Meeting to be (1) enforced and (2) to have a few additional paragraphs added which would give the ordinance extra protection from any possible future attempts to overturn it.
Over 200 residents signed two petitions for two warrant articles to strengthen the ordinance to appear on Town Meeting ballot.
The selectmen do not want the ordinance up-held, so Sapia made two motions at Deliberative Sessions to block the voters from being able to vote on those two petitioned articles AS SUBMITTED, and instead substituted some innocous wording for each which had nothing to do with the intent of the petitioned warrant articles. (Hopefully, the voters will show their contempt for what Sapia did by voting down the two changed articles)
Shamefully, Sapia made his motions upon advice of our Town Moderator. (Yes, watch the cable tv re-run of the meeting!)
Once again, Sapia has shown contempt for Atkinson's residents by denying them their democratic right to vote on ALL warrant articles, including petitioned ones which he and the other selectmen don't support.
All selectmen candidates should state their position on whether, if elected, they will themseleves, ever initiate OR support OR fail to oppose such shabby Deliberative Session tactics as used by Sapia and his cronies. I intend asking for their positions at Candidates' Night.
to anon 8:20am 2/15/08
I appreciate your efforts to speak for Ms. Tobin, however I would really like to here her position on Mr. Artus's request to have a total revaluation. I have spoken to Leon at length about revaluation and do not agree with it. His request for tax cards is a separate issue and I support his efforts on tax cards but again it is a separate issue.
hear-sorry
Just for drill....
Anyone can get a copy of their tax card, anytime they want to. Remember, though, that the assessment on your tax card is effective as of April 1st. If you've done something to your house, and go in to the office any time prior to that, the card may not have been up-dated. Actually, the only tine you can be sure your card is up to date is after September 1st, at which time you can get a copy, but you can't make any changes until after tax bills are issued. This is all spelled out in the state statutes.
Added thought on field cards. Asking for copies of everybody else's tax cards is a little much.
I completely supported and voted for the water ordinance this past summer. From what I now understand
the ground water is controlled and regulated by the state. Any attempts to circumvent their authority only opens us up to additional lawsuits. I may be wrong on this but this is what I believe.
There are technologies out there where we can provide residents online access to view their tax cards. Rather than pay for mailing it out and the cost of all the labor to do that on a recurring basis, why not automate it and allow self service for residents to access if they want, when they want, rather than a single snapshot, annually?
So it sounds like some people are missing the point of the tax cards. Because cards were being changed unbeknownst to residents for a variety of unpredictable reasons, they were unaware that changes were made until they happened to go to town hall and look at the card. The main point was just to inform the resident when factual changes were made to their property. This could be done a number of ways, mail, web, smoke signal, etc.
The point wasn't how the notification was made as long as it was disclosed. The BOS removed any resemblance of the original intent. I think that it shows a complete disrespect for those who got the signatures to get it on the ballot to begin with.
I hope this helps explain.
To 4:56 - The water ordinance was attempting to tighten the states requirements, not circumvent. This would have added more stringent protection for town residents. We cannot vote to ignore state law but we can certainly make it stricter. I felt it was important enough to vote for but won't have the chance until next year :)
Carol - I hope I spoke correctly.
Got to keep private names to a minimum. Thank you.
Do you really think that the owner of Hampstead Water Co will l honor those ordinances when in fact HE does NOT honor those town and state ordinances for dumping human sewage onto their property?
I don't think he'll honor it, but yet find a way around honoring it. Business as usual. I cringe when I turn on my tap, wondering what I'm getting.
It makes me wonder why people still defend this family with comments like "oh, they've done so much for this town".
Oh, they've done so much TO this town. Oh, they've done so much for themselves.
Human septage not only contains various bacteria to make folks sick but also carries pathogens and other items that can cause CANCER in humans. Just think of all the stuff that makes it into your septic system and is now making it into your drinking water!
To make matters worse, the area where this stuff is dumped is geographically located so that water runoff from rain and other things can cause it to make it to the aquifer.
It is those illegal cost cutting sneaky things like that to put innocent families into harms way.
if you see anybody dumping raw sewerage anywhere in town call the state dept not the police for they know allready
yeah well my neighbor was dumping raw sewage into a stream behind the houses for months and the town took another six months to react. The poor people can't afford to fix their septic system so just put up with it.
Whoever the blogger was on Feb 15th that stated you cannot have your tax card corrected until after the December bill is mailed, stumps me.
Can you tell me what the RSA is that empowers that? Maybe the rules have changed, if so, I would like to be informed.
I believe, that you can ask to have your tax info corrected anytime. And in the fall, as long as the tax card corrections are made prior to the assessor notifying the Department of Revenue(DRA) with his final figures for the year, it is still OK. I have done it in Atkinson and elsewhere.
That is why up until the recent past the town sent out copies of your tax card to you before the December bill. You could challenge the correctness of the information on it before the December tax bills are compiled.
This eliminates the need for so many abatements being filed the following spring. Mailing out tax cards before the December billing could save hundres of hours that the town administrator put in, explaining, figuring, finding, adding, telephoning, computering, copying and so on about tax cards.
It also eliminates the need for a fixed income senior like myself having to come up with another
$2,000.00 in taxes a few weeks before Christmas (I cried), even though I and everyone else knew I would get an abatement by the following August. It slipped by me in 2006, that is why I support mailing them out to people before the December bills.
If you believe that the tax system in Atkinson is well, then you probably believe that the N H Department of Revenue and the IRS are doing a swell job too. It is considered by many in this state that the DRA, like other state departments is broken, and they are simply rubber stamping the work assessing firms are doing.
That became very clear to me when I realized on 1/25/07 at the tax info meeting at the community center, that it was us, the taxpayers, versus the selectmen, Purvis the assessing firm and the representatives from the DRA who did the rubber stamping.
Please note that those DRA reps didn't say that the assessing job done for us great. I have it on DVD, they said that the "stats" matched up with what the state saw in the evaluation. It's the old fox guarding the hen house, and the animal control officer
looking for the fox on the other side of town.
Lastly today, if the town does get a revaluation by a request to the "Board of Tax and Land Appeals (BTLA), that board revues the eval and finds a reval necessary, the town should request that Purvis Associates perform the job they got paid for already. It should not cost the town a dime for a reval.
That is what we asked the selectmen to do when we handed in our petition last year. Unfortunately, the town administrator lost the petition, or he was the last person to have it before it got misplaced.
To Mrs. Goodridge
I've lived in town for almost 17 years and have never received my tax card. "Up until the recent past the town sent out copies of your tax card to you" must have been at a previous address you may have lived at, not the Town of Atkinson. I don't understand if abatements filed in this town are well under state average, then what is the problem? Filing for an abatement is time consuming and agravating, I agree. Revaluing the town is still not the answer. You state the town should request that Purvis pay for it. Should and will be ordered are a far ways apart. Talk with Valerie and you will get a better understanding. Thanks for your post.
To Mrs. Goodridge.
The town is requqired to send to the state a form which identifies all taxable property in town. It provides a bottom-line total on which the tax rate is set. That form has a deadline of September 1st. Any changes made to the card (and therefore the database) are going to change the bottom-line, and that would affect the tax rate.
Therefore, no changes can be made until after the November tax bills have been printed and mailed. If any changes are made, the State would require a detailed explanation of the changes which they may or may not accept.
State law also says that filing for abatements shall be done after the tax bills are received and before March 1st.
I want to say in somewhere in RSA 72. Haven't looked for a while, so it may have changed, but that's where I'd start looking.
I have lived in Atkinson for 45 years. I have never received a copy of my field card in the mail. I've been to town hall to request one, but never got any mailed to me. The town used to mail out booklets which listed every property in town along with the land and building values and totals. Is that what you might be thinking of?
There is an extremely important election coming up. As important as fair evaluations are, folks we have much more important fish to fry at the moment.
All these entries regarding assessments are directing attention away from the problem at hand. The government of the town is broken. It needs to be fixed. One problem at a time please.
I think it is very telling that only one candidate has expressed their views here. The other two have apparently been unwilling to face the scrutiny Ms. Tobin has. You have to ask yourself why. No doubt, at least to me, their silence so far suggests they may be afraid of the questions that will be asked. And boy, I have a few.
We've also had one blogger attempting to suggest Mrs. Tobin is not fit to serve, because she may have some emotions. Phase it anyway you want, that is sexist and has no place here. I would think Margaret Thacher would have an opinion on that.
So, please, lets fix one problem before we go after another.
Everyone has the right to bring up problems. Just because you may feel it is not the top priority doesn't mean it isn't the priority for another. If Leon is good at this then he's making a contribution that maybe others cannot make. If everyone pitches in to help, ALL the problems get solved.
I have the copy of my 2005 field (tax) card with the envelope that was mailed to me before the December 2005 tax bills were mailed. I also have a copy of the e-mail I sent to the selectmen's office noting what was wrong on it.
Last year I stopped in the town hall in September to get a copy of my field (tax) card. The response from staff was, that's great. If everyone did that we wouldn't have so many abatements to deal with in the spring.
Rodney Wood VP of Purvis Assoc. our current assessor told me, I have him on CD, that changes could be made to individual field (tax) cards up until the end of October or whenever he gets the figures together to send in to the state.
The N H Department of Revenue and Administration (DRA) reaffirmed his statement.
I have copies of the old printed Property Assessment lists that were sent out in the past. I also have the current list on CD for which I paid the town $25.00.
I think that I do get more information than some or most maybe.
I do try to be respectful but I am tenacious about government and how it treats its citizens.
I like a good debate whether local, up in Concord or on the hill in Washington.
I think there is a lot of wheel spinning on this blog.
But I think the blog is a good way for people to become informed.
Well, candidates night is almost here. I hope Friel and OLeary show up for that.
Whoever they are.
Mrs. Goodridge,
I'm willing to bet you also have the e-mail requesting your tax card from November 2005 that preceeded the town sending it to you. I believe if you did not request it, then it was an abberation, as it appears that you alone are the only one to have ever received it.
68 Year resident.
Well I've been a resident for 126 years and I never received it!
they didn't have paper back then
Yeah, my great grandpappy used corn husks and leaves.
resident 38years
To any who are concerned about the septic dumping and household water issues .... Go to the U.S.Geological site and read " Earthworms found to contain chemicals from household and animal manure" . It goes to show how well the water company ,the town ,and state is with everyones drinking water and overall health .
But of course! You are what you eat.
Its not just what you eat alone. Its what you drink and bathe in . I read the article and you can be sure I'll be heard if I see septic being dumped anywhere except a treatment center. How dare the town and state officials turn a blind eye to this happening. It doesn't say much for the person doing it and being the head of a water selling company . Another fine example of money talking and influence pedaling to get away with something.
It is my understanding that there is a permit issued by the state to spread septage and the one in Atkinson is good thru 2015. I could be in error but that is my understanding.
Here is the town ordinance:
400:7 Land Application of Septage. The land application of septage containing disease-causing bacteria and infectious viruses and protozoa; the stockpiling in any form, and the land spreading of Class B sewage sludge containing heavy metals, pathogens, parasites and hazardous organic chemicals, is not allowed in the Town of Atkinson, New Hampshire. This ordinance shall not apply to any facility owned and/or operated by the Town of Atkinson for the disposal of sewage/septage/sludge generated within the Town of Atkinson, New Hampshire. (1998)
By this ordinance it is not allowed in Atkinson period!
Per the state:
Section 485-A:5-c Notice of Septage or Sludge Spreading.
I. No person shall spread septage or sludge as defined in RSA 485-A:2 before providing all property owners abutting the spreading site with written notice of the intended date and location of the spreading. Such notice shall be provided by publishing a notice at least 14 days before the intended date of the first spreading of septage or sludge each year in a newspaper of general circulation in the town or city.
II. The notice shall include the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the following:
(a) The applicant, if applicable.
(b) The generator of the sludge, if applicable.
(c) The person responsible for managing the activities on-site, if different from the applicant under subparagraph (a).
(d) The landowner, if not given under subparagraph (a) or (c).
III. A copy of such notice shall be posted continually on the entrances to the site beginning 3 days prior to the application and ending 3 days after the application.
Source. 1998, 60:1, eff. July 11, 1998.
Where are the bulletins and other indicators that this area has toxic dumpings?
Finally, the conclusion of a research article:
"Open field storage of sludge and sludge spreading near wells and surface water, increase the risk that sewage sludge pathogens will be transported to workers, farmers and neighbours, and increases the environmental risks of this wastedisposal practice. It seems unreasonable to offer the farm community 'free fertilizer' and promote its use when the public health risks associated with the land application of sludge have not been addressed. The case against land application does not stop with the issues posed by pathogens; other heath risks are associated with the elevation of heavy metals in the soils and foods, the release of mercury into the atmosphere from sludge spreading and the presence of priority pollutants in the land-applied sludge.
We seem to have forgotten the public health lessons of the 1800s and the underlying reason for sewage treatment plants themselves. The pathogen levels in sewage sludge are high and can even increase over time once the sludge is stored or applied to land. Land application allows sludge pathogens to be transported by weather events, and facilitates the spread of diseases to animals and humans. It is unreasonable to expect rural residents to tolerate exposure to these diseases in land, air and water. The Canadian Infectious Disease Society should be applauded for its call for a moratorium on sludge spreading until the risks to public health and the integrity of food are thoroughly evaluated."
See: http://web.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/ppmc/articlerender.cgi?artid=1159228
http://www.besafenet.com/Sludge.htm
And if the state new where this stuff was dumped, a residential area, it would certainly raise eyebrow as any heavy metals, pathogens and bacteria have a gateway to the aquifer.
It all comes down to big business and what is good for the wallet and is a pure example of callousness against the health and well being of those surrounding this area. It makes you think is this person really being a good steward of the community or are they just in it for the profit?
If rules such as these can be broken, can you really trust the motives of the Hampstead Water Co (not to mention the quality of their product)?
If this is totally forbidden in Atkinson, who allowed the permit for such dumping? It looks like the ordinance has been around since 1998.
I am only guessing but I'd have to say the town officials responsible for enforcement missed the boat even after it was known that the septic waste was spread. The question then would be did they know before it was spread and why they allowed it. Another would be did or was there someone "recommending " the enforcement people "look the other way" . I wouldn't want to allude to any I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine or that some other way of appreciation was or had been given to anyone . That I'll leave up to you to decide. The election ballot turn out seems to be the only answer to make a clean sweep of those with agendas that can harm us all.
So from reading this, an ordinance was passed in 1998 to protect the citizens of Atkinson. However this type of activity still goes on. What good was the ordinance? If my 'well' is contaminated and my family gets sick from this stuff, who is responsible? Who is responsible for cleaning up the aquifer from these contaminants? Moreover, the same bunk is being pulled by the Hampstead Water company; who is going to hold them to any town ordinances when the authority just looks the other way.
As a citizen of Atkinson, I find myself helpless in this mess as do others.
Home rule is well worth looking into. The rules of law that seem to be is that the federal government has it over the state ,the state has it over local government . The local government has to stand firm with the other levels of governing and make it known once and for all that each town ,city,a nd villiage in each state has differing needs for their quality of life in order to survive in all aspects of life itself. This is where the failings are and it is so damned obvious here in New Hampshire's towns . The towns say one thing and the state says another and that is why Hampstead Water has gotten away with the spreading of septic waste on their property. They should be ashamed to say they sell water when they have no regard for where it comes from!!
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