The selectmen's workshop on Monday night held many revelations. One was that chief Consentino admitted "for the last 6 years" submitting sick pay vouchers for Lt. Baldwin when he does his Coast Guard Summer Camp, for 2 weeks every summer. This evidently fraudulent document submission troubles many who heard it.
Paul Sullivan read the Town's policy on sick pay, right from the employee handbook. This policy has been in place since chief was a selectmen, and yet he admits ignoring it. The policy is that the Town can not condone people taking sick pay if they are not sick, simple, right? What would happen if in the winter Lt. Baldwin actually did get sick and couldn't come into work? Does anyone believe that his SALARY is going to be docked for that day, because he has no sick time left?
Chief made a very compelling but false case for why his protege needs this time, because "it is not fair for him to not get paid while he is defending the country",
Well, Phil, summer camp is just that "camp"!, Training, meetings, job orientation to teach you everything you forgot since your last "summer camp"!, and he gets PAID VERY WELL FOR THIS!
This is from the pay charts at military.com;
An e-7 with 12 years of service is earning $3,600/mo. in BASE PAY! That does not include entitlements. ie: rations pay, quarters allowance, VHA, COLA, Clothing allowance, separation pay, combat theatre pay(if that is the case). An E-7 with that amount of service, should be earning $2045.00 for that two weeks.
Set that against the $1,169.00/week that Lt. Baldwin makes in Atkinson. And he is leaving our town to go do training, and taking a pay cut of $144.00/week!
BUT NO.... He gets PAID BY THE TOWN FOR THESE TWO WEEKS AS WELL! This is your tax dollars at work.... According to the chief(because he has been signing and submitting these vouchers) He has been getting his $1,169.00 from the town PLUS his $1,022.50 from the military! WOW! WHAT A RACKET! Where I work this would be called FRAUD! and I would be fired if I had the basic level of dishonesty necessary to pull it off, not to mention the arrogance to tell the entire town about it on television!
Our spendthrift police chief also went on and on about how the town screwed the erstwhile Lt. over military pay 4 years ago, leaving the poor destitute Lt. to fight for his compensation. it was ALL False!
Got to http://www.town-atkinsonnh.com/ and click on the selectmen's minutes form June 9,2003 if you don't believe me. Here is what happened, you judge for yourself who was right and who was trying to scam the town;
In March or April The Sgt. Baldwin received notice he would be deployed. He asked if the town would do anything for him. Then Selectmen Boyle assured him that the Town would pay the difference between his town pay and his military pay, and that he would not lose any money. That was the honorable and fair thing to do.
Before Sgt. Baldwin was deployed, the Town, at Mr. Boyle's behest, ADVANCED him $5,900.00, or 6 weeks pay so that his family would not suffer. The town directed him to furnish them with a copy of his Military Leave and Earnings Statement, so that they could calculate the difference between the two pay rates. Sgt. Baldwin, instead furnished the town with a commanders base pay letter, which only states his base pay and not all of his allowances, or extra pay. The town again asked for the leave and earnings statement. Sgt. Baldwin refused. Chief Consentino harangued the selectmen week after week, claiming they were "nickle and diming" the Sgt. Again, read the minutes through the summer of 2003, or look in the back issues of the Eagle Tribune for the stories about how his family was destitute, because of the town, most most especially mr.Boyle's lack of compassion.
Here is the issue;
Sgt. Baldwins town pay at the time was approximately $4,228.00/ mo.
Commanders base pay letter showed a base pay letter showed a base pay of only $2,400.00/mo. or so.
The difference that Sgt. Baldwin was in effect trying to obtain, and chief was lobbying for was $511.51/wk. or $2,199.50/mo. See Selectmen's minutes May 19, 2003
When the LES was obtained it showed an ACTUAL DIFFERENCE in pay of only about $450.00/ MONTH!
This means that the chief and the Sgt. were trying to obtain from the town an extra $1,650.00 per month of our tax dollars, again in the private sector this would be called fraud, and would be grounds for firing!
Remember that through all of this the Sgt. was being paid by the military, his $4,500/mo or so, PLUS he had been advanced $5,900.00 from the town.
This frivolous, and dishonest philandering of tax dollars must stop, and it is the job of the selectmen to not only put a stop to it, but to FIRE those who are dishonest enough to do it!
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. "
27 comments:
Why is it that for the last 10 years ALL of the scandals, and wrong doing in town revolved around the chief of police?
When are the selectmen going to hold him accountable?
why do you think?
How many wrong and unapropiate things does it take, before a person is removed from thier job here in Atkinson? Especially a Police officer, Honesty is part of that job description, and if an officer shows any dishonesty, they need to be removed from thier job.
phil stated that "the state pays them(it's military employees)while they are on active duty. As usual that is not totally true.
They get paid at their military rate of pay. If they make less than that as a state employee the state makes up the difference, to the extent not paid by the feds.
110-B:37 Pay and Allowances. –
I. For each calendar day's service when ordered into the active service of the state, each commissioned officer, warrant officer, non-commissioned officer and enlisted person of the national guard shall be paid at the same rate of pay and allowances as that designated in the pay tables of the armed forces of the United States for officers, warrant officers, non-commissioned officers and enlisted persons of corresponding rank and grade and length of service; except that no person called to active state service shall receive less than the current federal per diem rate.
II. Members of the national guard shall not receive from state funds the pay provided for in paragraphs I and III to the extent such pay is paid from federal funds.
Jeez, Raytheon would fire me for lying like that. It just doesn't seem right
Selectman Sullivan and board...what have you to say about this ILLEGAL activity? Say something.....do something!
Atkinson Factor did a good job but did not go far enough on this issue. See for yourself the "sick" abuse of employee benefits promoted by the Police Chief by copying and pasting the following link at the top of your browser. Look where your hard earned tax dollars are going! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-C8EpPoMrLk
I see that Atkinson Repoter has just entered the youtube linking as well! Nicely done! Click the Blue letting in the letter on this article, and you can see for yourself.
"Anonymous said...
Why is it that for the last 10 years ALL of the scandals, and wrong doing in town revolved around the chief of police?"
The answer is simple. PC has been at this for so long, he has a sense of entitlement about him that is very, very troubling. His purchase of a SUV without approval, barging into the post office for an "investigation" and the list goes on and on and on...
If we want a professional police force, we need to hire a full-time police chief. PC's argument that he is saving us money by doing the job part-time is pennywise, pound foolish. With all the scandals and lawsuits, how much money are we actually saving here?
See for yourself the "sick" abuse of employee benefits promoted by the Police Chief by copying and pasting the following link at the top of your browser. Look where your hard earned tax dollars are going! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-C8EpPoMrLk
WOW! I've watched the YouTube video twice now and am still in shock. The issue of how town employees are compensated while on military leave/training is an important one and something I am sure all residents would get behind to ensure a sensible policy is put in place. For example, if the employee has to go on military leave, in my opinion, he should not have to use sick-time, personal time, or vacation time, NOR should the town pay him if he is being compensated by the military. Perhaps we could consider paying him the difference between his regular salary and his military salary when he is on leave. Fair? Bring it up for vote at Town Meeting.
What is very disturbing is listening to the Chief of Police justify why they are essentially breaking the rules of the town policy. Even if he disagrees with the policy, the Chief, of all people, should uphold what is written as policy until it is changed! What type of an example is he making? A poor one!
It certainly makes one wonder what other rules PC and co. deem "unfair" are ignored over at the Police Dept.
As stated above, the policy needs to be changed so it is fair, but in the meantime boys, do the right thing and follow it!!!!
Anonymous May 14, 2008 2:50 PM
Please, do no expect ANY response from ANY Selectman to do something positive regarding their responsibility to the taxpayer. They just cover for themselves and any other "hack" that wants something at taxpayer expense.
Watch this coming Monday night selectmen's meeting on ACT20 (or eventual meetings and they will approve anything the Chief wants). He runs this town and selectmen won't stand up to him for fear the Elderly VOTE that Chief controls will take them out of office. (Where is Valerie Tobin when we need her)?
Taxpayers...It's time to take Polito, Chief, Friel, Childs, Sullivan OUT OF OFFICE!
They are the cause of ALL PROBLEMS IN THIS TOWN.
Today's Eagle Tribune:
Atkinson police chief says thefts could be pranks
By Meghan Carey
Staff writer
ATKINSON — A number of lawn statues — including a few religious figures — have disappeared from local yards this week, police said.
Five statues were taken from yards early this week, and a number of potted plants were reported stolen from the cemetery, police Chief Philip Consentino said. He thinks it's likely a prank done by high school seniors, and hopes the items are returned.
"Most of these items were very sentimental to the people who had them," Consentino said.
On Academy Avenue, two statues of saints were reported stolen, he said. They stood on either side of a larger statue of the Blessed Virgin, which wasn't touched, Consentino said.
Another religious statue was taken from Old Coach Road, he said. Another was left there, but its head was broken off.
"It looks like they tried to take it by picking it up by the head, but it broke off and they took off," Consentino said.
On Stonewall Terrace, a red-and-black jockey with a lamp in it was taken, he said. The figure, meant to have a horse tied to it, was worth $200. A wood-carved beaver, also worth $200, was taken from Merrill Drive, he said.
Consentino said he has received calls from people who put flowers on graves for Mother's Day and returned to find them missing this week, he said.
He said the thefts are likely connected.
Police are on the lookout at night, but Consentino said it's hard because most pranksters are able to duck behind something when they see headlights coming. Officers will run the plates of any cars they see parked in unusual places at night, he said.
----------
Chief, this is stealing. Property damage is not a prank when it involves $200.00 items. Pranks are goofy acts that involve minor items and little cost. Consentino is a dope and as usual, doesn't know or enforce the law. He is already placing blame before he has caught anyone. He did this in the 2007 Town Report when he said criminals are coming from Mass. and he can't catch them (so how does he know who they are and where they are from?)
"I am sorry to report that in 2007 we were not as fortunate as we have been over the years as far as crime went.
This was one of the worst years pertaining to vandalism, cars being broken into and overall activity. It appears
that there is a group from Massachusetts that has been hitting all surrounding towns in the same fashion. We
have tried to apprehend these perpetrators but, under the cover of darkness, it is almost impossible to catch
them. We have provided extra patrols with the hopes that by seeing the extra cars on patrol it would help slow
things down."
WOW. He's nuts, can't write and is always making excuses why he can't catch criminals. This is why there isn't a publicized police log, he doesn't DO anything.
When are the selectmen going to hold him accountable?
What will it take? We have cruisers hitting black ice in mid-April (go check the weather logs, it didn't go below freezing that night or day). That black ice excuse was a quote in the tribune - which by the way, didn't the newspaper think to ask the question?
I'll tell you what it will take. Someone is going to get seriously hurt or killed. Then, and only then, will something be done.
My employer wrote me up for calling in sick to go do side work, when it happened again I was told to enjoy my side work, because I was fired.
I can only imagine what they would have done if I did it for 6 years!
MY TAX DOLLARS are being spent so our leiutenant can get DOUBLE PAY???
What the hell?
How can this be ok?
To Anon 3:26:
Go back and check the newspaper reports: Tribune and Union Leader for the Monday the cruiser crashed. Also go back and WMUR which cited Nh State Police sources about widespread crashes on area roads due to black ice.
There have been cold nights with drizzle in April and into this month. Guess what Mr. Science...bridges freeze first.
Oh...and by the way..the officer involved in the crash was not hurt...but no one even seemed to ask that question..everyone seemsto care more about a piece of metal than a human being
to anon may 15 736am
how can friel and sullivan be the "CAUSE" of all the problems.....??????? they are the new kids on the block
funny stuff
be angry.....be proactive....but dont be ignorant
This is Sullivan's third year as selectman so he's not new. He never had the guts to stand up to anyone before but he could change this now if he wanted to. I challenge him to fire Phil and the Lt. for fraud and if he doesn't, he'll be on the list of those who need to be removed and held responsible.
We've had enough trouble here.
How do the selectmen hold the chief accountable? He clearly feels that he and his associates are above the law and that his misinterpretations of the law are valid. And, it is so sad to see that he is grooming the the lt. to follow in his footsteps. Who can contain this man???
The chief has bullied the residents of Atkinson long enough!! It is time to stand up to this bully.
If Sullivan isn't perfect, at least give him credit for being the only one with enough cojones to at least START holding the chief to some basic level of standards. Sapia lost his at some point and got scared of the chief, he was afraid to even question him at all by the time he left.
Let's not unduly criticize Sullivan for not being perfect or else anything that comes from this blog is going to be completely ignored as pathetic ramblings of discontents...
Don't blame Mr. Friel too much either. He's been in office what? a month and a half? Have some faith, people. I beieve he just might be the one to deal with the Chief.
Sorry Dan, but I disagree. Sullivan is heading down the same path as the others when he fails to address problems, like the Chief, in a swift and firm fashion. I am also disappointed in him, as chairman, for not returning campaign signs the town officials stole, for denying people to speak at the meetings and for holding back information residents request. He needs to start acting like the chairman as thus far he has not.
I just had a chance to watch the video and I appreciate those who are posting these clips for people who did not have a chance to watch the live meetings. First, someone tell the Chief that 'irregardless' is not a word. Second, I couldn't help but wonder if the Lt. takes sick time to work in other towns?
To Anon May 16, 2008 6:36 AM regarding alleged "Black Ice in April".
Mr. Science? Nice comment. I did my homework and if you did yours, you'd find that both Manchester and Lawrence never hit below 36 degrees during the day or night. Last I checked professor genious, bridges froze first if the temperature hits 32 degrees. You claim WMUR reported "widespread crashes on area roads" - well that just explains away everything, now doesn't it? Talk about a LAME opportunity at spin.
And to insinuate there is no concern over the officer involved is ludicrous. You are reaching and trying to distract from the main point being: The black ice story is a blatant lie. And of course, the story came from our illustrious chief.
Go spin your BS elsewhere like with your buddy the chief. But make sure you have your boots on because it ain't black ice you'll be slipping on.
Why the hell didnt the board do something about the sick time issue?
Last week chief Consentino sat there and told the board, he didnt believe in that town policy and had been violating it for 6 years! And they are letting him get away with it.
They will find it very hard to enforce any town policies in the future, if they let phil get away with thumbing his nose at them.
And don't forget this cost us at least $3,200, and probably more like $6,400. Just so some hack could draw double pay from the taxpayers.
And phil submitted those pay stubs, knowing they were false. Why isn't this fraud?
It is fraud. And if this happened anywhere elese he would be removed from his position.
Post a Comment