Anonymous said...
Publius, Please accept this as an article submission.
General Blog readers:
This is the presentation that Mr. Gary Brownfield presented to the Atkinson Board of Selectmen last night. It is within the right of all taxpayers to ask, and denied by our past and present board. This is an example of what this board will do to you, if you try to exercise your rights under the law. This is their mode of operation and unless we as taxpayers do something to stop them, your rights will be denied also. (They will force you into court at your expense to enforce your rights)
This is the board of selectmen you voted into office. They cater to “special interest” groups, (attend tomorrow nights public hearing on Mr. Lewis’s water withdrawal from the Atkinson’s aquifer petition to the State) while superceding your rights to stop the withdrawal. (Per special town meeting vote at taxpayers expense last year) This board is trying to subvert your rights. These men are not protecting you rights. It’s time to “take this corruption” out of office.
Your comments please.
Selectmen’s Meeting May 5, 2008 8:15 PM
Board Members: Paul Sullivan, Fred Childs, Bill Friel
G.D. Brownfield’s presentation to the Atkinson Board of Selectmen:
I am to speak with alacrity, as it is my understanding that you have limited me to only 10 minutes to discuss the following issues:
1. Denial by the Board of Selectmen of required Right to Know information.
2. Freedom of Speech – Removal of all atkinson-reporter.blogspot.com signs from the town prior to an election.
3. The new Petition to revalue the Town of Atkinson signed by over 150 property owners.
Given the 10-minute “constriction” this board forced upon me, I will address the denial of Right to Know issues. I will begin by reading my presentation. Afterwards I will seek specific answers to my questions.
Sirs,
On April 14 of this year, I presented a Request to Know letter to the Chairman of this Board of Selectmen on behalf of the Atkinson Taxpayers Committee. A second letter was presented on April 23rd and again on May 2nd along with a copy of the Right to Know Law. I asked this copy of the Right to Know Law to be distributed to each selectman. Did you gentlemen receive, read and understand all the information presented?
So we assume that you are aware that you can be held individually and collectively responsible for not complying with the law.
To date, I have not received any information regarding my RIGHT TO KNOW requests for:
1. The minutes of the meeting between Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Sapia regarding their discussion of Town counsel’s opinion as to the legality of removing atkinson-reporter.blogspot.com signs prior to our last election. (THIS CONSTITUES A FREEDOM OF SPEECH ISSUE)
2. The minutes of the meeting between selectmen regarding your response to Mr. Artus’s 14 questions when he appeared in front of the board. You provided only four (weak and incomplete) responses to the 14 questions.
As you know, the law requires that all minutes must be written within 72 hours and posted FREE OF CHARGE within 144 hours (6 days). To date, that information is not available and has not been given to me.
My questions to you tonight are:
1. Why are the minutes not approved and posted within the legal requirements?
2. Why is this board not meeting its legal requirements?
3. Why have I not received my required answers to my committee’s questions under the RIGHT TO KNOW LAW?
4. When will I have ALL the answers to my questions?
5. When is this board going to stop breaking the laws of this state and . . .
6. When is this board going to meet its legal responsibilities in answering RTK requests and stop wasting the taxpayers time and money?
7. What policy is this board going to put into place to reimburse taxpayers for the amount of money and time spent, when these
requests are not met in the legal time allowed?
Sirs, it appears that the past and present board believes that the RIGHT TO KNOW LAW is. . . a. . . joke! Further, the past and present board believes that it can withhold, not declare, falsify and even remove information from town files, in order to keep the taxpayer from getting information the board does not want the public to have. This is further evidenced by this boards new policy of charging $15.00 an hour plus .50 cents a copy to get RTK information. This policy CLEARLY goes against the intent of the Right to Know Law.
The most important question I ask is the following:
1. Will you commit tonight, to stop breaking the RIGHT TO KNOW LAW or are you going to force the taxpayers of this town, to take you to superior court to get you to obey the laws of this state?
Sirs, I present you, individually with my fourth request for the information you are withholding in violation of the Right to Know Law.
Comments:
1. Selectmen refuse to commit to G.D. Brownfield for a date for their reply.
2. Selectmen refuse to allow Brownfield to appear again before the board to discuss his two other issues:
1. Freedom of Speech – Removal of all atkinson-reporter.blogspot.com signs from the town prior to an election.
3. The new Petition to revalue the Town of Atkinson, signed by over 150 property owners.
TAXPAYERS: IT’S OVERDUE TO EJECT THESE MEN FROM OFFICE AND TAKE OUR TOWN GOVERNMENT BACK.
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. "
12 comments:
sorry Paul, but you are beginning to sound similar to our last selectmen chair, Jack(a**)
NO MAN IS ABOVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW LAW...unless they are a "two bit" real estate thug or a "fix it" bully "on the take". Congratulations for the "awake" citizens who vote in builders and other such detritus as selectmen! THE BUILDERS LOVE YOU for all the financial growth advantages you have provided them!
Dear Mr. Brownfield
I do not know you nor have we ever met. I also am not up to speed on your particular situation. Based on your submission to the blog however I have some questions and opinions to share.
Your initial presentation appears to cover an extremely large scope of topics and information and thus I can understand the Board having to limit your time. They did make time for you however which was the correct thing to do.
It is my understanding that information between town counsel and town representatives (Selectmen, Department Heads, Board Chairs etc) is considered priviledged and confidential and therefore does not require posting or minutes to be taken. Consequently your frustration and anger at not being allowed access to this information is puzzling.
Regarding Mr. Artus's 14 questions
.....was there truly such a meeting where this was discussed or simply a mention of receiving correspondence? And why would you be requesting these answers and not Mr. Artus?
What answers required have you not received? Can you elaborate by listing the actual questions asked with the answers received?
What legal requirements are the Selectmen not meeting? Can you elaborate by listing the legal requirements and how the Selectmen are not meeting them?
What specific laws of the state are the Selectmen breaking? Can you elaborate by listing the specific laws and how the Selectmen are breaking those laws?
What legal responsibilities must the Selectmen meet? Can you elaborate by listing the actual legal responsibilities and how the Selectmen are not meeting those responsibilities?
Most towns charge for copies and $ .50/page is consistent with other towns. $15/hour would seem appropriate if you are requiring the Town to do research that you could be doing during normal business hours by appointment. I suggest by appointment so as not to disrupt the regular business that must be conducted on a daily basis. I am puzzled at your reaction. Can you elaborate on why you think this should not be standard operating procedure?
I am confused by your submission.
Your assumptions paint the Selectmen as being involved in wrong doing and law breaking but does not back up any of these accusations. If your inuendos are correct then you must have some hard evidence to back it up. Before I jump on the bandwagon and come to the hanging I would appreciate hard facts.
It is possible that if I knew the entire situation it would make more sense. Maybe you can enlighten the readers a bit with answers to my questions and a little more detail.
Thank you
Mr. Brownfield, most "Selectmen" are handpicked, i.e. "select" themselves. The public, et al, is of the least concern to them. You are a pain in the ass to them and they will make you go to the trouble you forecasted in that meeting. Too bad you had to go that far. Guess that's why there IS a Supreme Court. Then the fellow who goes the extra mile for the application-to-duty you wish for will be ostracized and outcast until sometime in the future, he will be a demi-god. You practically have to be crucified before you would ever be exalted. Good luck
there. I am facing a town that spends like drunken sailors and
cares not a tiny bit for the 66% of the working poor who are strapped
to the breaking point and beyond with taxes and no decent services to show for it. The town meetings we have attended have been the same
old drudgery and delay of important items which will only see passage
if THEY want them........ and even if an item for the general good
of all passes at one meeting, it is overturned at the next when too
few show up for a representing quorum in favor of KEEPING said issue alive.... it is and always has been a fight. You, Mr. Brownfield, are a fighter.
We wish you strength and the time to devote to the troubled times in
your town.
-- Al
To Anon @ 4:04
I have heard that old chestnut about builders ruining the town for years, mainly thrown around by Mr. Polito, and Mr. Sapia, but this town has suffered much greater indignities at the hands of it's police chief, that anything any builder has done. If you don't believe me then just go to www.atkinsontaxpayers.org, and read the news articles over the years, and the endless lawsuits over a 30 year period.
Mr. Brownfield, it is good to see you are taking an active part in our town affairs. Everywhere a group of cronies get into some minor position of power, the try exactly the same thing you are fighting. We went through this with the Comanche county commissioners and the Hospital authority, and some of them did do prison time. So…regarding this town…GO SIC'EM!
Dear Anon @ 4:51
Isn't it amazing that you selectmen are back writing on the blog? It must be because you can hide, once again, and deceive readers and make it appear you are a common taxpayer!
I emailed Mr. Brownfield your questions. Mr. Brownfield got back to me and he suggests that YOU (obviously a selectman) can review the video of your own meeting of March/10/2008. You can very easily find this video at
http://www.atkinsontaxpayers.org/ as it is on the FRONT PAGE. You can also view the video on
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Br-kRj0qOc (where it shows 306 viewings as of today). The video will provide you with all the evidence of the wrongdoing that you seek and it answers all the questions you pose. In addition, please review the Leon Artus video presentation to the selectmen on 3/24/2008 which details the nature of the wrongdoings and the intentional removal of Right to Know Information by selectmen from town files. See it all at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0D8YOAzIf8
What I find amazing is the bias of this blog. Where is the comment below that was submitted Thursday 5/8 afternoon and again on Friday 5/9 morning. It is 4:00PM Friday 5/9 and still it does not appear.
Of course it kind of takes the wind out of your vitriolic sails with the rantings against the Board of Selectmen to be removed and shines the light on the fact that this is all spin without fact or backup documentation.
Talk about one sided and biased information!
Shame on whoever runs this blog. You are in a position to actually make a difference. Of course you will have to put aside your own agenda (much like government officials must do)and portray all opinions and viewpoints.
If you want to talk the talk learn to WALK THE WALK.
Anonymous said...
Dear Anon May 8th 11:59
I am flattered you thought I was a Selectman. I am not. I am a taxpayer and a resident.
Although I am somewhat out of touch with Atkinson I am not out of touch with municipal government and State statutes.
The reaction of your post is quite surprising. You seem quite righteous and full of venom. It would be of great benefit to the Town if you would channel all that negative energy and work for change. Step up and be counted. Join a Board, volunteer, run for Selectman. Help to change what you see as so terribly wrong.
My questions were simple and only an effort to get more of Mr. Brownfield's side of the story.
I apologize for so upsetting you. Hopefully Mr. Brownfield will honor my request with some answers.
May 9, 2008 6:37 AM
To the last anon;
Had I seen your previous submission it would have been posted much as this one has.
Our objective here is to inform the public, about things they otherwise would not know about, and to foster, unimpeded commentary on town government, events, and other items of interest.
The VIDEOS will provide you with all the evidence of the wrongdoing that you seek and it answers some of the questions about who is responsible for these acts. The investigation continues. You can review the video of the selectmen meeting of March/10/2008. You can very easily find this video at http://www.atkinsontaxpayers.org/ as it is on the FRONT PAGE. You can also view the video on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Br-kRj0qOc (where it shows 306 viewings as of today). In addition, please review the Leon Artus video presentation to the selectmen on 3/24/2008 which details the nature of the wrongdoings and the intentional removal of Right to Know Information by selectmen from town files. See it all at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0D8YOAzIf8
Watching these videos one must jump to their own conclusions without any evidence of wrong doing. No statutes are quoted, no definite situations are cited and no laws are stated that have been broken.
I am sure you were treated poorly by Jack and Russ as were most residents that requested help or information. Your frustration is evident but taking it out on the present board is not productive.
Give the benefit of the doubt to the new Board and allow them to do their jobs before you point fingers and let accusations fly.
Unfortunately for all of Atkinson, not just you, this Board and possibly the next will reap the rewards of Jack's & Russ's bad behavior and poor decisions.
"Unfortunately for all of Atkinson, not just you, this Board and possibly the next will reap the rewards of Jack's & Russ's bad behavior and poor decisions."
I do sort of agree with this to an extent. Let's not forget that there are three members on the board and a two to one vote would have made a world of difference. You can't put the bad taste in the residents mouth's just on those two.
Post a Comment