Yes it is true! The month of Febuary saw our highest amount of participation in this ongoing conversation, yet.
In the month of February, 2008, we had 18,347 hits! In the shortest month of the year!
We also had 1,887 Unique visitors for the month of February!
Previously our most participitory month was Feb. 07 with 936 unique visitors.
In the Year 2007, we had 99,889 hits and 5,342 unique visitors for the year!
I know our selectmen like to claim that this blog represents "a lot of tracks left by a couple of dear" but, it is actually a lot of tracks left by 5,342 deer!
Thank you, Atkinson, for helping to create the town's ONLY FREE SPEECH FORUM!
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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. "
6 comments:
Are you sure we get that many unique visitors? How do you count them? Using IP addresses? I think these are assigned dynamically sometimes.
Just curious.
This example is from the Local Government Center (LGC) formerly the Municipal Association. I think it is valuable info for public. It is long, so I will let the blog author decide where it should appear.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR
JOB SUMMARY
The Town Administrator is the chief administrative officer for the Board of Selectmen and is responsible for duties assigned by them. The Town Administrator coordinates, directs, and plans the workflow of the administrative functions of the Town and oversees the overall operation of the Town; manages the Office of the Board of Selectmen; and acts as liaison between and establishes effective working relationships with and among all elected officials, boards, commissions, departments, committees, employees, and the public.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
The Town Administrator receives general supervision and policy direction from the Board of Selectmen. The incumbent exercises a considerable degree of independent judgement, and performance is evaluated by the Board based upon the achievement of assigned goals and objectives and responses from elected officials, boards, commissions, departments, committees, employees, and the public.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
The Town Administrator exercises supervision of Selectmen’s Office employees, providing direction as needed. Provides input to the Board of Selectmen in selecting, disciplining, and evaluating the performance of Town employees.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
(The listed examples are illustrative only and may not include all duties found in this position.)
1. Carries out the orders and policies of the Board of Selectmen. Coordinates the daily administrative functions of the Office of the Selectmen. Provides assistance and administrative support to the Board of Selectmen and provides advice on significant financial and/or administrative affairs to the Board as requested or as needed.
2. Receives, investigates, and responds to citizen complaints directed to the Board and coordinates with appropriate departments, boards, or committees to resolve issues successfully, or otherwise reports to the Board for direction. Researches and responds to citizen questions concerning Town historical matters.
3. Schedules appointments with the Board of Selectmen. Prepares agenda for Selectmen’s meetings; schedules location of meetings; attends meetings and provides input as needed; takes and transcribes minutes of meetings in compliance with State statutes. Attends Budget Committee and other committee meetings as required to provide input.
4. Prepares Town budget with Budget Committee, Selectmen, Department Heads, and staff; gathers quotes, estimates, and bids on proposed purchases for the budget; monitors budget expenditures throughout the year. Prepares bid documents and oversees purchasing activities.
5. Keeps abreast of and researches Federal or State programs that make funds available to municipalities and makes recommendations to the Board of Selectmen as to the application for such funds. Prepares grant applications when directed by the Board of Selectmen and coordinates grant proposals to ensure that each proposal is consistent with Town policies, State and Federal laws.
6. Develops and writes performance evaluations for employees that come under the jurisdiction of the Town Administrator. Responds to employee concerns; maintains and advises Selectmen on personnel matters. Manages employee benefits and insurance policies.
7. Prepares or oversees and processes State and Federal municipal financial forms and reports as required. Annually works with State in setting the Town tax rate.
8. Plans, organizes, and prepares the annual Town Report, including gathering and compiling Report information, reviewing and editing submitted departmental reports, and proofing Report, prior to submission to a printer; selects printer.
9. Prepares Warrant for annual Town Meeting; consults with Town Attorney and Department of Revenue Administration as necessary for correct format and wording of Warrant Articles. Posts notices of annual and special Town Meetings; attends Town Meetings and provides input and information upon request.
10. Attends conferences, seminars, and meetings relating to municipal management. Makes presentations at public meetings and local groups as requested. Studies trade publications and pertinent internet sites to stay informed as to changes in State law that affect the Town and to learn of programs that may benefit the community.
Performs other related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
Knowledge of governmental principles regarding assessing, taxation, municipal budgeting and accounting, and State law; knowledge of State statues and the principles and practices of public administration; knowledge of town operations and organization; knowledge of budget preparation and finance; knowledge of financial reporting and bookkeeping practices; knowledge of personnel management; knowledge of town office administrative procedures. Ability to plan, organize, assign, supervise, inspect and coordinate the work of professional and technical personnel; ability to prepare comprehensive research studies, analyze problems, prepare technical reports, and formulate recommendations; ability to speak, write, and communicate effectively; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with Town officials, employees, and the public; ability deal with public relations problems courteously and tactfully; ability to re-direct and de-escalate emotional or volatile situations. Skill in personnel administration functions such as hiring, disciplining, and training; skill in the use of personal computers with standard office software, including word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration or related field with at least five (5) years progressively responsible experience in municipal management. Graduate studies may be substituted for up to two years of executive experience; OR any equivalent combination of education and related administrative work experience which demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
PHYSICAL EXERTION/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
(The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)
For communicating with others, talking is required; for receiving information and instructions from others, hearing is required; and for doing the job effectively and correctly, sight is required, specifically, close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Required to sit for extended periods of time, stand frequently, use hands to finger, handle, and feel objects or controls, reach with hands and arms, bend, and lift and/or move 25 pounds or less.
I am a network engineer, and the results are probably tallied by cookies, thats how most stat software works.
Hey Jack, there's a lot of deer, makin tracks in that there forest!
This ever growing herd of restless deer wander in a forest named --NotAtkinham-- of Sherwood. And in this arboreal hideout are the multitude of able men and mad maidens who demand honesty, humility and reputation be returned to the Kingdom. Behold our growing numbers of boisterous Robin Hoods and Maid Marions, as they challenge the bullyboys and tyrants! Yet the corrupt Sheriff of NotAtkinham, known as --Constantinople-- with his mistresses...Big Eyes of the Snitcher and dastardly Child of the Dale...all crones...seek out our secret band of Merry Men to oppress us and yank our banners. All Robin Hoods STAND and proclaim: "ISSUE FORTH WITH BLOGGER SIGNS. STRIKE FEAR IN THE HEARTS OF DESPOTS...DRIVE THEM TO BABYLON!"
It matters little how many blog signs are uprooted. I still find it funny that I learned about the blog in something the Chief said to ET. It was then only a Goggle search away.
Word is out. Cat is out of the bag. Pandora's box is open. The train has left the station. The sooner the town leaders finally realize they can't get the toothpaste back in the tube, maybe the sooner they will start doing the right thing.
Freedom of Speech is part of the constitution for a reason. If I may borrow from the Town Crier,
"When the government fears the People, that is Liberty. When the People fear the Government, that is tyranny" -Thomas Jefferson.
If you Google any of them the blog comes up!!
Exposed!!!
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