It is election season, and the Atkinson Reporter would like to invite the candidates to post their positions, ideas, philosophy, and whatever else they deem appropriate here on this blog.
In light of this goal, we thought that we should solicit, first, from you the voters, what it is you want to see in a town official.
So please respond to this article with your comments, and suggestions for the candidates, and hopefully they will respond with their answers to your requests.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
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. "
15 comments:
I would like the cadidates for select(wo)men to tell me if they believe the PD and the Elderly Affairs should be run out of the PD or not, and why they think so.
So people...
I just watched the Selectmen's Meeting, where the Selectmen chose to make their recommendations on Article 10 (Tower Capital Reserve) and Article 25 (Town Hall Capital Reserve).
Initially Mr, Sullivan and Mr. Childs said they would vote to Recommend both of those articles.
But after a little dialogue from Mr. Sapia, they voted, unanimously, to "Not Recommend".
I went immediately to the Moderator's page, where he has listed the Amended Final Ballot (printed in red.) There, I found Article 9, the $680,000 tower recommended by the Selectmen and Not Recommended by the Budget Committee. Article 10 was recommended by the budget committee.
If you look now, you'll see the tower is recommended by both...THERE IS NO ARTICLE 10 CAPITAL RESERVE, and THERE IS NO ARTICLE 25 TOWN HALL CAPITAL RESERVE!!!
Is there something I'm missing here? Or maybe I'm blind?
I'm blind. I just went back to Frank's page....and it's changed again. My suspicion is, now, that the two capital reserves articles submitted by petition are probably going to be declared invalid by DRA, and everybody is going to say 'Gee, I'm sorry. I didn't know.
Okay, I'm blind. Second viewing (and third) has the ballot as originally read. So now I'm thinking the Moderator said to let them go forward because DRA is going to deny them anyway.
The scary thing is that if I'm right and the tower article passes, that's not a good thing.
Candidates for select(wo)men should be
educated in municipal government
behave honestly
ethically
have respectful interactions with residents
have the best interests of the town in mind when making any decisions
Much like Selectman Sullivan handles himself now.
I have to tell you people - most "new" Selectmen get their training on the job. I worked for 18 Selectmen, and I'd say there may have been no more than two who had any clue regarding state statutes or their statutory responsibilities. I always felt it took three years to "train" a Selectman. One year to make them realize there was a whole lot more to it than attending meetings. Two to begin looking through the RSAs and understanding their responsibilities. Third to finally see the light and take action that will really make this a better town. Some learned quicker than others. I credit Barbara Stewart with being one of the quickest. She started reading on day 1, and she remembered everything she read. There were others who came and went learning nothing.
Honesty and ethics are qualities that everyone should have.
Instead of having them pre-educated, I'd much rather find out how much time they are willing to devote to learning. I want to see a Selectman who will attend the "New Town Officials" meetings (held every year). I want to see a Selectmen attend the Budget Seminars, the NHMA Conference, and any other programs being run throughout the state. I want to see a Selectman ask questions - of every department head, but also the bookkeeper, the Town Clerk, Tax Collector, assessors, and their own secretary (who probably knows all of the things they are going to learn.
When we get a new administrator, I want to see the Selectmen supervise that person; follow through to see that their requests are completed in a timely manner. Do not let the new administrator dazzle them with budget charts and knowledge of things which don't really apply to this town.
I just want a selectman who really cares enough about this town to be willing to give up a lot of his/her personal life to work to make Atkinson better.
Word to the new selectman. RSAs are under the mailboxes in the Administrator's Office. Start with the Index and read every RSA under "Taxes" and and "Town". Also memorize RSA 91-A (Right to Know).
Looking forward to Candidates' Night.
Jane Cole
I have to say that Selectmen Sullivan should be an example to the other two. He has not backed down to anyone. Although he may be out voted, soon we will get a candidate that will change that. Good job, Paul. The town is behind you.
I too watched the Selectmen's Meeting last night. What a show!
The people voted in favor of the two Capital Reserve articles. Jack spoke against them.
Must admit, I questioned the validity of two "money" articles, being presented for the first time (without the required public hearing) and how DRA would react.
If, by any chance, the Moderator reads this blog, could he address this issue? And could he also address the possibility of getting our Town Meeting "legalized" by the legislature if DRA doesn't?
From todays ET, "Sapia also said the town has a couple of possible candidates in mind, but he would not elaborate."
His candidates or the BOS candidates?
"Sullivan said it is important to fill the position but it is not so urgent that it needs to be done by next week. The town is in good shape heading into next month's election, board members said."
Mr. Sullivan has it exactly right. Considering Mr. Sapia's lame duck status any selection should wait until after the election. The new selectman/selectwoman will have to work, "in harmony," with the new administrator, not Mr. Sapia. He should recuse himself, but like that has a prayer.
Considering how important this position will be to the town, the selection process needs to be done carefully.
What's the rush?????
I too have seen a lot of selectmen
come and go. It does not matter to me who they like or who likes them. It is not a beauty contest.
Their one purpose is to be honest,upstanding, interested, and willing to folow the rules of their office.
I agree with Jane that very few taking this office have any idea of what it entails, but if they care, it has to be the toughest job in Town and they will be forever learning.
This office deserves a lot of respect but it has to be earned only if the job is done right.
There has to be a
sincere dedcation to the Town to make it fair and just.
There is no room for personal ambitions that could interfere with the good of the Town.
There is no greater reward than to
do a job and hear--Well Done!
I think that the most important thing is to be able to listen.
Second-a business background dealing with budget, revenues and expenses.
When is Candidates' Night?
Publius please accept this as an article submission
Candidate of the ....Stars?
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.
To you Jane Cole published Feb. 12th at 9:20 A.M. As an outsider I can't help but respond to your message/answer re." What qualities do you want in your elected officials?" I would ask that you send it to every paper in the local area and the stae ! It does make sense to be well informed about all the things you mentioned . There are to many candidates that have to taught what its all about to be in an elected position . There has been to many costly mistakes through out the state by under educated officials in our towns and cities. I couldn't get over this nail being so well hit on the head and driven down into the wood in one swift bang and I'm not a carpenter.
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.
Post a Comment