This Blog has sent the following letter to the selectmen on this day. It would be nice if they respond in Monday's meeting, But don't hold your breath.
March 5, 2008
Board of Selectmen
21 Academy Ave.
Atkinson, NH. 03811
Dear Selectmen:
It has come to our attention that at last week’s meeting, this board mis-informed the public and directed the code enforcement officer to remove signs that are neither illegal, nor improper. For your information we are including the relevant law, so that next time you will be properly informed.
664:15 Approval of Candidate or Fiscal Agent. – A person or business organization publishing a newspaper or periodical or selling billboard space or operating a radio or television station or public address system shall not publish, print or broadcast any political advertising by or in behalf of a candidate in an election unless the same shall be signed by or authorized in writing by the candidate or his fiscal agent.
Now for the legal definition of “political advertising”;
664:2 Definitions. – As used in this chapter:
I. ""Election'' means any general biennial or special election and political party primary except presidential preference delegate primaries.
II. ""Candidate'' means any person publicly declared as such and for whom votes are sought in an election.
III. ""Political committee'' means any organization of 2 or more persons to influence elections or measures, including the political committee of a political party as defined in paragraph V.
IV. ""Political party'' or ""party'' means any political organization or number of persons which can nominate candidates in any manner prescribed by law and has done so for the current election. The definition of the word ""party'' contained in RSA 652:11 shall not apply to this chapter.
VI. ""Political advertising'' means any communication, including buttons or printed material attached to motor vehicles, which expressly or implicitly advocates the success or defeat of any party, measure or person at any election.
Now for the Town’s sign ordinance;
T1 Temporary Sign Any sign that is used only for a limited time,
and is not permanently mounted.
470:3 Permit required. No sign identifying or advertising a business shall be erected, hung, altered or replaced without a sign permit. Temporary signs are excluded from this provision. Permit approval is obtained from the Building Inspector. The applicant or his agent must submit a set of plans, to scale, showing the sign, its dimensions, location and method of illumination, as well as the materials and colors to be used in its construction. Upon approval, said permit shall be issued by the Building Inspector after the application fee is paid. Permit fee is determined by the Board of Selectmen.
(1994)
Selectmen Sapia and Mrs. Childs both stated emphatically that these signs were “obviously illegal”, and they did not have “the required fiscal agent” on them. Mr. Sapia went on to declare that these signs “clearly violated the Town’s sign ordinance.” It should be clear from the above citations, that he was mistaken. As to the complaints from our town officials, about the anonymity of participants on this blog, perhaps they can review the tapes of past selectmen’s meetings to see how their critics, have been dealt with, publicly by this board, then they will understand people’s need for anonymity.
As voting, taxpaying resident of this fine community, all we wish for is the open transparent, accountable town government we once had. As both residents and taxpayers, we request that you read this letter, and correct the record you put forth at the meeting on March 3, 2008. The signs meet the definition of a “temporary sign” under Atkinson’s sign ordinance, and Mr. Sapia, himself, stated that it was obvious that these signs were not political, as they advocate neither a candidate, or and issue before the voters.
If this board wishes to start enforcing the town’s sign ordinance, there are a number of non-permitted commercial signs posts on poles around town, as well as candidate’s political signs on town conservation land for the board to sink their teeth into.
Sincerely,
The Atkinson Reporter
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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. "
35 comments:
In today's ET, there's an article saying that Fred Childs asked Consentino to call the person they SUSPECT of putting up blog signs. The nerve of them!! Here'a just another case where they bully people in town.
They ended up telling Bob Jones remove blog signs, according to the newspaper.
Hey, Bob Jones, did you remove the signs for the Country Club and Lewis Builders too or are you discriminating because THAT will get you another law suit. You have always only enforced code when it suits you. You have looked the other way too many times and you are another problem in town.
Dale Childs think the bloggers are cowards so is that why she acts like a loud mouthed bully? She wants to know who we are!!
Well Dale, look around you, we are everyone else in town.
ET quote:
"Everyone must adhere to the sign ordinance, selectmen Chairman Jack Sapia said. Posting or holding political signs is patriotic, he said, and he was miffed that the bloggers would infringe on that."
What about the Country Club Jack Sapia, are you miffed at their signs? They have been up for years, what did you do about that Jack Sapia??? Sounds rather biased for a candidate for Conflict of Interest Committee, Jack Sapia.
If anyone lives on a well travelled street and as willing to have a sign out by the road on their property, please post your address, and I will see to it that you get a sign
everyone should hang a sign Atkinson-Reporter somewhere, anywhere! Make one up, and show support! One patriotic person showed the guts to do it, why can't we all! The selectman are trying to stop the free speech of the citizens, and they don't want the public to know of the Atkinson-Reporter.blogspot.com
Knowlege is power, spread the word.
As far as I'm concerned, these signs are political especially with all the political content on this blog. So for our town officials to attack what is obviously free, political speech, then I consider it an attack on my First Amendment rights.
These officials are going to get ANOTHER lawsuit filed against the town. When will they realize they cannot stop free speech or the technology behind it? Maybe they will take down the entire internet? They are the old guard and we need a new generation of people to run our govt who understand what Free Speech is and aren't afraid of technology!!
> there are a number of
> non-permitted commercial
> signs posts on poles
> around town, as well as
> candidate’s political
> signs on town
> conservation land for
> the board to sink their
> teeth into.
The selectmen have no
jurisdiction over town
conservation land.
The issue of signs on
utility poles has been
brought up and researched
at town hall. The town
can't remove the signs
without the consent of
the pole owner.
Can somebody post the article from the ET.? I have been to a few stores and they are sold out. I guess they havn't sold out on a weekday in recent memory.
Signs advertising blog appear - and disappear - in Atkinson
By Meghan Carey
Staff writer - The Eagle-Tribune
ATKINSON — They looked like campaign signs, but they weren't.
Advertisements for the Atkinson Reporter blog found their way onto the sides of roads during this election season. But the Web site isn't running for a position in town government and therein lies the problem, according to the selectmen.
Signs have to have the owner's name on the bottom of them and these signs did not. No one had taken out a permit to put them up either, so the selectmen ordered Building Inspector Bob Jones to take them all down yesterday morning.
But just as mysteriously as they had arrived, the signs had all disappeared during the night.
"I found one sign. One sign, that's it," Jones said. "My guess is the rest of them someone had already taken down."
Jones, who is in charge of sign permits in town, said he didn't know about the signs prior to the selectmen discussing them at their meeting Monday night.
But the sign ordinance was a popular topic in the building office at Town Hall yesterday. A handful of people came in and asked to review it, secretary Shirley Galvin said.
Political signs can be posted four weeks prior to an election and must be removed 10 days after the election, according to the town ordinance. The ordinance also says that a sign, meant for use during a temporary period of time, does not require a permit.
Everyone must adhere to the sign ordinance, selectmen Chairman Jack Sapia said. Posting or holding political signs is patriotic, he said, and he was miffed that the bloggers would infringe on that.
It was Selectman Fred Childs' wife, Dale, who asked the board to be proactive and take the signs down since the "cowards" who posted them continue to hide in anonymity. The day before she couldn't pull into her driveway because someone had thrown a blog sign in the middle of it, she said.
"Times must be slow," Dale Childs said. "No one's logging on."
Fred Childs suggested police Chief Philip Consentino call the person he thought was posting the signs, but Consentino said he's leaving the matter to the selectmen and code enforcement. He doesn't want to be sued again, he said.
OK. I am going to make some signs. They will make a difference too. Just observe how scared the political hacks are, that new viewers might witness their mis-deeds on the Internet! Make no mistake about it, they are terrified. SO EVERYONE MAKE SIGNS. AND WE NEED BUMPER STICKERS!
With all due respect, Tim
The conservation is land is owned by the town, although under the management of the conservation committee.
There is a long standing policy in town regarding prohibiting political signs on town owned property.
I would take that to mean that the O'Leary signs on the East rd. conservation land across from Liine Brook rd. shouldn't be there, but that is just my opinion.
Dale Child has always been a big bully. Bullies usually have very low self esteem and to make themselves feel more important push others around. Or is that the definition of our town government. People are afraid of you. That is why we hide behind this blog.
So, I have a couple of questions;
1.) If these "blog" signs are "illegal" show us what law they violate.
2.) If the sign ordinance MUST be enforced, Jack, take down ALL signs that violate it.
3.) Mrs. Childs you wish to know why people post anonymously on this blog.... It is because they do not wish to be followed through town by the police chief, they do not wish to be sent certified letters on police stationary threatening legal action, they do not want their jobs called and told they are under investigation by the PD., they do not want to hear themselves vilified by their elected officials on live TV that they themselves have paid for. I hope that clears it up for you, Mrs. Childs.
DITTO, Mark.
With all due respect, Mark.
I was not advocating political signs on town land. I knew when we bought that land that the intersection would be a sign magnet. So far this year I have removed signs from the primary for both political parties, yard sale signs, and most recently (this morning) the O'Leary signs, which I didn't know were there until I read about it here.
Nobody has ever contacted anyone on the conservation commission as required by RSA 664:17 to ask for permission to put up any signs.
The point I was trying to make is that signs on town conservation land is not under the jurisdiction of the selectmen. (Unfortunately, the community center does not sit on town conservation land.)
I don't understand what the problem is with the blogspot signs if it's on your own land. Our zoning only requires permits for business signs. I don't see any advertising on this blog.
Liver Free or Diet.
LOL, Tim,
I didnt think you were advocating it, I was merely pointing out that the town land policy included conservation land even though the selectmen have no direct control over it(except to allow commercial signs, i guess)
And you're right I fail to see the problem with the blog signs, other than the fact that the very existence of this blog, offends them, that is no reason to make up rules or enforce them selectively.
These sign obviously do not meet the requirement for "political advertising" nor do they require a fiscal agent, because of that fact.
As usual, our board of selectmen do exactly the WRONG thing. It almost seems to be a trademark for the last three years with this board.
Does the Town of Atkinson really want to answer in Court why they are removing and confiscating temporary signs located on private property, that are not political advertising, while they expressly allow a sign to be placed on conservation land in violation of deed covenants, while they ignore commercial non permitted signs that violate the sign ordinance, while they ignore political signs on town property, while they ignore political advertising without fiscal agent designation?
Is this what the Town of Atkinson wants?
If not your selectmen should leave my signs alone.
I would like to have a blogger sign on my property ASAP! 114 Maple Avenue Atkinson. (2 or 3 if you can spare them)
Leon Artus
Why are the selectmen, and Mrs. Childs so insenced about these signs?
They do not advocate a warrant article, or candidate that is on the ballot, therefore they are not "political".
They do not advertise a business, therefore they are not commercial.
They are only temporary, like many other types of sign with which the selectmen take no issue.
So why is it that THESE SIGNS MUST BE ERADICATED?
Could it be personal?
No, selectmen are supposed to uphold the law, not interpret it according to the parties involved.
So What could it be that offends them so much?
Maybe they would be happier if there was a name on those signs.
Yeah, THAT'S IT! Someone that they can deride at public meetings, someone they can discredit, because they have not been able to discredit this blog. Someone they can harrass into submission.
And by the way, Fred Childs, who are the suspects you would like the chief to interrogate?
Or are we now following the age old practices of the Soviet Union, where they would just "round up the usual suspects"?
You people are not fit to occupy those chairs!
Why are the selectmen, and Mrs. Childs so insenced about these signs?
Because they have pangs of guilt and do not want to be exposed!
Too late.
If rhe BLOG signs were mine I would ask the State Police to make a visit to cinco Mason Lane
As a longtime resident of Atkinson, im a little upset with the selectman's decision to remove signs that are temporary, and are there to inform the public of a forum of education on town doings.
The eagerness to remove them tells me alot.
In a small voice....couldn't you post a phone # that one could call & request a couple of blog signs..? I'm not comfortable putting in my address at this time. Yes, I am afraid...VERY afraid...lol
To Anon march 5th 12:15pm...
Not everyone in this town agrees with this blog..(please don't try to speak for the whole town).. a lot of people in this town disagree with this blog..and just cant be bothered with the nonsense that is said here...
When is truth and exposure nonsense?
There might be some misinformed or miss quoted facts here, but on the whole it is a BILLION times more truthful than our Town government. The board of selectmen should be renamed "We Three kings"!
Hey Fred, "have the chief question the usual suspects"?
Sounds like the Soviet Union.
Ok they were complaining that the blog signs had no fiscal agent.
Now they do and they are still pulling them down, why?
If you disagree with the blog, don't come here and post your comments, go do something else.
You don't have to agree with everything that's said but if you agree with none of this then you must be living in another town.
One does not have to believe or agree with everything said here. That is called freedom of choice. Personally, I don't think the climate warming article should have been posted here.
What is does give people is a forum to express their opinions, frustrations and news. A 21st century of a guy standing on a soapbox.
Some of it is good, some of it is crap. But the beauty of it is that it is informative and almost a perfect example of free speech. I say almost because there is still to much fear of retribution. Maybe when that is fixed, we can start using real names.
Newspapers are fine but little of what goes on in this town does not make it into print. So, if anyone disapproves of the blog, don't read it. Simple.
But ask yourself, why are the powers in this town so desperately trying to prevent word of the blog from getting out? The reason I believe is that the truth is finally seeing the light of day. And this is not just imagined truth. A considerable amount of the information here is documented in one form or another, and can be verified. The bad and childish behaviors of our elected and appointed officials have been actually seen, and often taped. If they are tired, frustrated, and angry at the criticism expressed here, they have only themselves to blame. They make it really easy.
"If you disagree with the blog, don't come here and post your comments, go do something else."
Wow --- So much for freedom of speech.
To March 10, 2008 2:42 PM -
All they are saying, I believe, can be expressed with often used analogy. If you don't like what you see on TV, use the off switch.
So very true George. It is the fear of the truth to be known that has Atkinson's elected officals taking down the Atkinson-reporter signs . That action tells everyone they are trying to stop it for fear of the truth be known. For that, the signs will never stop. The truth will set this town free.
I said "If you disagree with the blog, don't come here and post your comments, go do something else."
It was in response to comments made by
March 9 10:55 PM. Who said "Not everyone in this town agrees with this blog..(please don't try to speak for the whole town).. a lot of people in this town disagree with this blog..and just cant be bothered with the nonsense that is said here..."
I reiterate, we can blog if we want, not everyone has to agree with everything. If you don't like to blog , don't. It's my right to voice my opinion and that goes for all of us, but to come here and write that blogging here is nonsense makes you nonsensical
and contradictory.
March 10, 2008 4:56 PM
Thank you.
I found these little ditties that kinda sums it up for me:
"Fear grows in darkness; if you think there's a bogeyman around, turn on the light."
"There is nothing to fear except the persistent refusal to find out the truth, the persistent refusal to analyze the causes of happenings."
- Dorothy Thompson
Good luck tomorrow Valerie.
One final one, which I think says all that needs to be said,
" I guess truth can hurt you worse in an election than about anything that can happen to you." -Will Rogers
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