The first half hour was great entertainment! Paul was in great form, as he reigned in Phil's latest excess, and pointed out that Jack was..... um..... stating an untruth? Hopefully that is politically correct.
It all started out quiet enough, with Phil requesting money from the Donation acct., although STILL no money for one of his own, corporal Lapham! You will remember Mr. Acciard coming before the board 9 WEEKS AGO to request a $10,000.00 withdrawal to benefit cpl. Lapham, and for the first time, the selectmen questioned a withdrawal form this slush fund. That meeting even contained the unbelievable statement by Phil, that the donation acct. was not to be used for that purpose, because it would shortchange the elderly! One of his own men! Unreal!
Anyway, from that point tonights meeting disintigrated before Jack's very eyes. Phil proceeded to explain how he pulled over two residents for placing flyers in newspaper boxes and on the outside of mailboxes. He even stated that he had pictures of the residents doing this. This is how our tax dollars are spent, evidently, Phil has appointed himself, a United States Postal Inspector. They are the only people who enforce postal regulations, and only at the request of the postmaster. The postmaster stated that he had no problem with the flyers, and assumed that something political was going on, when Phil stormed into the post office last week to search the regulations. This is obviously another case of Phil using the authority of his position to "go after" someone that he doesn't like. Phil claime dhe had gotten "so many" complaints that he investigated, the postmaster stated he had received no complaints from anyone other than Phil. So who do YOU believe?
Paul was right to point out that as a local police chief, he has no authority to investigate any potential FEDERAL offense. This is the guy who is currently a defendant in a federal civil rights violation suit, and he is still doing the type of things that got him and the town sued in the first place.
The meting then progressed to Paul admitting that the selectmen were wrong to order the blog signs taken down. He said he had done his research and the signs were legal. There was extended discussion with Jack trying to gavel Paul down, telling him that he was out of order! Tell me, why is it that whenever anyone says something Jack doesn't like, they are out of order? And how can a selectmen discussing town business EVER be out of order? Jack kept claiming it was his meeting, Guess what, Jack..... It is not YOUR meeting, it is the Selectmen's meeting, the People's meeting as you claimed when you were running for that office. Paul was right again, especially when Jack claimed, once again, that he had "spoken to Sumner(town's attorney)and Sumner siad to take them down", to which Paul replied that HE had called Sumner, and Sumner told HIM that he had told Jack NOT TO TAKE THEM DOWN! Once again, who do you believe?
You really can't make this stuff up!
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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. "
36 comments:
You know last year I put out flyers on mailboxes for baseball, and Chief never hassled me about it, maybe it was because we get along.
Thankyou Paul! Thankyou for trying to uphold our rights! And Jack Sapia is a lier! Jack is running for conflict of interest ? Im writing in Mark for his position.
We were cheering when Paul Sullivan spoke up to Consentino!!! It was about time that someone confronted him (chief) publicly. There should be no reason to be afraid of a policeman....he puts his pants on "one leg at a time" just like the rest of us. He lies & now we know that Sapia does too. Good ridance Jack. ...you won't be missed!
Is this Jack's LAST meeting?
Guess he wants to go out inthe style we have all become used to.
Don't let the door hit you on the way out....
Postmaster said he has received no complaints!
Guess Phil made that up, huh?
Sapia talked to town counsel, uh huh, he says that because he knows only the other two selectmen can check to see if he is lying or not.
Yeah and this is the guy who wants to be on ETHICS? Maybe he can go to NY I hear they maybe looking for a new Governor.
The more we irritate these guys the more they trip themselves up in public.
Thanks to Paul Sullivan.
I just wrote in Brian Boyle as moderator! Mark Aciard as conflict! Knowing Mr Polito has to count them all tonight, Priceless!
I missed the meeting but what happened to the check for Corporal Lapham? Was this addressed?
Anyone else notice that Phil was wearing a Gun? He had a shoulder Holster on with a gun in it. In 20 years I have never seen him touch a gun, why now? and is he certified to carry one?
Someone finally stood up to Consentino. I appreciate what Paul Sullivan did. A positive step forward in this town. Phil, get used to it because no matter who gets elected, you don't have Jack to protect you anymore.
Great Job, Phil. Now that you are out harrassing those criminals who put bits of mail on my mail box, make sure you go after all the people who put flyers on my mailbox like the Cleaning companies, the Handymen, the Landscapers, Plow trucks, etc. And don't forget to arrest those nasty little Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts who conduct their annual food drive. My goodness we should lock them all up!
Thank goodness, Federal Phil is on the job. Now, after you give all those seniors rides and attend to all your political activities including the mailers and flowers you asked money for last night, we would appreciate it if you could look into those house break-ins and cars being broken into, and there was a car accident nearby, and, and, and, oh nevermind. Your way to busy to actually do any real police work.
Publius, with the election coming to conclusion, I request you move this article to the top.
The meeting was way too fun to watch. Poor "It's about me" Sapia was upset Paul actually wanted to conduct town business.
PHIL HAD A GUN? Was he in uniform? If so, this is a standards violatio, no?
I have a question. I just went to the polls to vote and noticed that Frank Polito was hovering over the ballot boxes. Isn't this a conflict of interest. In my opinion it is a scare tactic, for those who are doing a write in campaign.
I checked with postmaster, no complaints except for Phil, and the postmaster is not going to do anything about passing out fliers.
NO Complaints! Hey Phil, tell us some of the people who called you, because I for one do not believe anyone called YOU to complain about fliers on their mailboxes.
And if he is going to stop people like Carol form putting fliers on mailboxes, then he better stop, the painters, landscapers, roofers, driveway guys, boy scouts, girl scouts, baseball, and every other community organization that puts out fliers just like that.
If someone can make either a VHS or DVD copy of the meeting I can convert it to a MPEG file which, perhaps, could be posted on the taxpayers site. This needs to be shared.
Just some thoughts.
It would appear Mr. Sapia has been caught making a bald face lie. If Paul's version can be independently verified so that it is not simply hearsay, then this could be potentionly actionable. He violated peoples constitutional right to free speech.
It could also provide legitimate grounds for a recall election if/when he is elected to the Conflict of Interest board. Boy, would that be fun.
Did the Chief has his uniform on last night?
Yes Badge case clearly visible
I have already received a phone call from Phil suggesting that I vote for Friel.
I used to like getting these calls every election, Now I find it annoying.
How can he be in uniform and carrying a gun?
It's my understanding he cannot be.
It looked like Phil had on a black sweat shirt with a big badge/necklace around his neck & a shoulder holster. It looked dumb to me. Check it out when the mtg. is rerun.
Fred childs was hanging over the ballot box this morning when i placed my write in, and he was looking down at my ballot. Cant intimidate me....
To anonymous 1:16 PM -
Frank is the town moderator and is responsible for town meeting (both sessions). Under election law RSA 659:9 it's his duty to supervise the voting, even if he's on the ballot.
Correct me if I am wrong, someone. But I could have sworn that Phil is not authorized to carry a weapon when "in uniform." In uniform includes displaying his badge.
If he is indeed not authorized to carry in such a manner then he is in violation of state law?
But hay, whats one more crime for Phil "I am above the law. I am THE LAW" Consentino.
Tim,
Well, he was sure supervising. My wife said he was hanging over the tallying machine, shaking her hand, and trying to see her ballot. And Sapia was within earshot (though see could not see his horns. He was wearing a cap.)
This is just plain wrong.
I hope this nonsense stops soon, very soon.
People -
The Moderator is required to be present, and so is at least one Selectman. (I think they need two Selectmen to sign the boxes the ballots are put in at the end of the meeting.)
OK this is funny. How many crimes have we ever heard about our PD making an arrest or solving a crime? Our PD solves virtually no crimes, EXCEPT, get this, mailbox crimes. Yup, that's it. I remember the big bust on the mailbox baseball bandits (kids with bats) a few years back. Then there was this week's mailbox flyer fiends. Two very big busts. Our homes and cars may be getting robbed but our mail boxes are safe, except from the Highway Dept of course.
I agree the moderator has to be present but I don't think he's required to closely observe a ballot being submitted.
And, we have 3 selectman. Mr. Sapia was on the ballot, the other two were not. Mr. Sapia was an interested party in the results. His presence at 7:30 PM would have been more appropriate than the middle of the afternoon. It would have been even better if the our other two selectman did the signoff.
Sure, it may be all perfectly legal. But given the visibility of this election, for me a it casts a cloud.
Just wondering what the blog readers have to say about the selectmen's committement tp CPL Lapham. I can't wait for Paul to reveisit this with the new board. Get it done Paul.
Sounds like another conspiracy. We better call the asst AG and get him involved quick, quick, quick.
Oh, lets just whine some more instead. Same story, different day.
Thank God, For Paul Sullivan. He has always been a fair and honest man. I'm so glad that he spoke up to Jack and Phil. NOW Mr. Sullivan please continue to prob the actions of the chief. I'm hoping that you are the new Chairman for the selectman so that we can finally have some civility at the meetings. Too bad that Mrs. Tobin didn't win, I heard that Mr. Friel is one of Jacks puppets...put him in his place.
I just saw the meeting, and I heard Jack tell the story of a little girl that donated her savings to cpl. Lapham's fund and said it spoke volumes about cpl. Lapham, I think it spoke volumes about the boards conduct that the $2000 check they voted out of the donation acct. two and a half months ago, STILL hasn't been paid!
I noticed that the board was willing to spend taxpayer money for cpl. Lapham, but not donation money, why is that?
This means we can put up more temporary blog signs.
When they return the ones they stole we can put those up too! I hope they didn't destroy them after them stole them, that would be another crime.
This is a typical MO that is used to shut off your freedom of speech when they don't want the message heard.
Keith Hickey, town manager in Bedford did this to residents who had perfectly legal signs. He fined them $10,000.
Now he's ruining Merrimack as their town manager.
These criminals keep moving around from one government job to the other, causing troubles.
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