Carol Grant said...
Publius,
Please accept as a separate article. Thank you.
Carol Grant
INTIMIDATION ATTEMPTS CONTINUE AGAINST ATKINSON BLOG AND BLOGGERS
This past spring, re-printed on the blog was a copy of an accusatory and threatening letter sent by Phil Consentino to Mark Acciard, threatening legal action against Acciard because Consentino did not like an Anonymous blog submission critical of himself. There was no proof or reason to think that Acciard wrote the blog submission, but Consentino blamed and accused him anyway.
Mr. Acciard bought Consentino’s letter to the attention of the selectmen as part of a complaint against Consentino. The selectmen stated that they had DEFINITLY NOT authorized the letter although it was written as official town correspondence on official Atkinson Police Dept. Stationery, with Consentino’s signature appearing over the title Chief of Police.
I reference that most recent past anti-blog, anti-blogger letter only because, to our great surprise, my husband and I also recently received one of those type of letters. It was written by Atty. Garry Lane who was hired by the town’s insurance company to represent four town officials in my recently settled law suit against them.
it seems that at least one of the defendants, possibly/probably in a snitty-fit because of having paid me a settlement, went whining to Lane about the fact that an Anonymous resident recently dared to exercise his/her right of free speech and free expression to express on the blog an opinion about how “It’s time to take these corrupt selectmen out of office and sue them personally.” That particular blog submission also said “It’s time to put a stop to... people running our town. People like Polito, Childs, Sapia, ...Police Chief, Town Administrator, and any other political hack that wants to participate.”
Lane referred to the blog posting as a “potentially very serious matter.” I personally think that the only “potentially very serious matter” is the fact that Lane and one or more of his defendant clients feel that they can get away with unsubstantiated false accusations against Ken or I for something we didn’t do.
When I submit something to the blog, it’s never personal. It always concerns a ballot or public issue, like the Vietnam Honor Roll or protecting our water resources---and I sign my name to what I submit. If Lane or his un-named whiner client feel that either Ken or I are going to tolerate the garbage of false accusations from EITHER of them, he/they better think twice.
You would think that town officials who just went through a defamation suit would have learned that false accusations and disparaging innocent people have serious consequences. Obviously, instead of counseling his un-learning client about the lesson the lawsuit should have taught him, Atty. Lane decided to pander to him.
In my response letter to Lane, I strongly pointed out the hypocrisy of his making false accusations on behalf of clients recently filed against for defamations and disparagements.
In speaking about public officials, Thomas Jefferson stated that “When a man assumes a public trust, he should consider himself as public property.”
That’s very true. As long as blog postings are not recklessly, deliberately or knowingly slanderous, Atkinsonians have a constitutional freedom and right to post and express their own opinions and criticisms of elected or appointed public officials. Certain officials wouldn’t have such a bad reputation in town if they hadn’t worked so hard at earning it by their misconduct.
Since the start of the blog, Atkinson residents have strongly criticized certain Atkinson officials for actions which residents see as misconduct and immoral and unethical behavior. It is and will continue to be the right of residents to criticize.
Criticized public officials could have cleaned up their act at any time but arrogantly chose not to, considering themselves above accountability to the residents of Atkinson. They bring public criticism on themselves by their repeated mis-conduct. Hopefully, critical postings will encourage public officials to clean up their act.
If there are more critical postings to come in the future from angry or disgusted Atkinson residents, so be it!
Bloggers shouldn’t ever allow themselves to be intimidated by insulting letters such as was sent by Atty. Lane.
In conclusion, it is repugnant to free speech that any resident should ever receive a letter sent in an attempt to intimidate or restrain anyone in the exercise of their free speech rights.
Carol Grant
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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. "
7 comments:
I would have to agree with Carol's remarkably calm, eloquent indictment of the root issues at hand in Atkinson. The selectmen have been presented with a number of very similar complaints from numerous residents, and yet failed each time to take any corrective action.
Mrs. Grant refers to the "certified letter" which I received, on police stationary, threatening legal action for two articles that appeared on this blog.
The problem with this action is that, while a citizen has the Constitutional Right to criticize the actions of their government in any way they see fit, The GOVERNMENT DOES NOT have the right to use its official power and authority to infringe upon that right.
And THAT is the root of the problem
I have to agree with Mrs. Grant's most lucid, and restrained commentary in a while.
She Nailed the issue at hand. After numerous complaints about the same type of injustices, the selectmen have steadfastly refused to exercise any supervisory authority and curtail these practices.
Mrs. Grant mentioned the certified letter that I received from the chief, on police stationary, threatening legal action for two articles posted on this blog.
Ignore for a moment that I didn't write the article in question, the author doesn't matter, Even if every word on this blog were mine, I have a Constitutional right to question the actions of my government in any way I choose! The government does not have the right to use their power and authority to infringe upon that right.
And this is the crux of the issues at hand in Atkinson! When a 30 year police chief can make unfounded accusations against a member of the community, and use his official position to lend it more weight, thereby committing the town to his liability, it flies in the face of the "Justice" that he was sworn to uphold.
Mark and Carol are not the only ones who have received threatening and/or slanderous mail from town officials. The BOS know about these letters and have done nothing to remove those who abuse their position or their relationship to an official. The lawsuits will continue as long as they are needed to get the results. There are other ways to correct this situation but the BOS is not using them and it's costing the residents dearly.
Is this the reason this blog is sometimes off limits for those users that would just like to read what is going on? On Friday I had a willy of a time and just gave up trying to enter this site as it was only opened to registered users.
If this blog is intended to be a freedom of speech, a freedom for all those in Atkinson, why does it continue to get locked down? Today, Saturday it is back up for anyone to read (or publish through the moderator). If the policy is to continue to do this (lock it down so only registered users can get in), I fear that the impact, knowledge and wisdom given here will be lost due to the frustration of those like myself who will eventually give up.
anon June 28, 2008 8:02 AM...have been having the same problem for a couple of weeks. access one day and none the next. have a google/blogger name which didn't do me any good because it says i haven't been "invited". oh well
Yes, the whole thing was out last week. Frustrating to the point where I almost gave up on this site.
EAGLE TRIBUNE, 6 July 2008, FORUM- Letter to the Editor
Settlement was admission town officials did wrong.
To the editor:
With regard to the letter to the editor by the defendant Atkinson town officials’ lawyer Garry Lane concerning the recent settlement, I am now in the un-wanted position of needing to respond.
Lane’s letter is a highly improper and outrageous attempt to spin and retroactively white-wash the wrongful conduct of the defendants by claiming after the fact, that they did nothing wrong.
It’s common knowledge that whenever there is a settlement, there is a boiler-plate face-saving paragraph in all settlement agreements by which defendants always attempt to whitewash their wrongdoing by not admitting wrong-doing since it’s well-understood that by paying the plaintiff a settlement award, that is already admitting wrong-doing and an attempt to avoid confirmation of it by a public trial.
When you’re guilty of speeding, to avoid court you can choose not to contest and pay the fine. The end result is that you accept the financial punishment for your actions to avoid having to appear in court. This is no different.
Don’t be scammed into believing that they paid the settlement to save legal fees, since it they were not found guilty, they could and would have been awarded legal fees. They paid to avoid the public trial’s exposure of all of the wrongdoings stated in the complaint against them.
Since Atty. Lane is now paying games by trying to whitewash the defendant’s guilt, I now deeply regret having let the defendants off the hook by just allowing them to pay me to settle. I should have proceeded with the trial and publicly exposed them. The public should have had the opportunity to become familiar with their many acts of resident abuse and illegality by my having the public light shone on them with a public trial.
Because of Atty. Lane’s very self-serving and mis-leading statements to and highly improper involvement with a Letter to the Editor with its appearance also on the blog, all I can do now is what I previously had no intent of doing –of posting the legal filing for the suit (a public document) on the Atkinson Taxpayer’s Association's website, and the other filings associated with the case. These soon-to-appear postings on the Atkinson Taxpayer’s Assn.'s website will be of “Right To Know” public documents and will include no personal comments by me.
To correct one of the several false and misleading statements by Lane in his Letter to the Editor, I NEVER sought a monetary settlement to pay for attorney’s fees. That’s totally false. He well knows that I didn’t need attorney’s fees since I was pro se and represented myself for 95 % of the suit. The only reason I sought and accepted a monetary settlement was because it represented the reality and fact of an admission of guilt by the defendants, whether they want to admit it or not.
An additional intent in seeking, allowing and accepting the settlement award was to let the townspeople know that they don’t have to stand for abuse from Atkinson’s public officials – that they will be held accountable for their misconduct. It’s important that town officials and the people know that to avoid resident abuse in the future.
Finally, with regard to my not supposed to be mentioned in future selectmen’s meetings in my absence or disparaged in my presence: The Mediator asked me what was most important to me. I told him a settlement as an admission of wrong-doing by the defendants, an apology, and assurances that my good name would never again be disparaged or mentioned at future selectmen’s meetings in my absence and also not be disparaged if I were present. The mediator then left the room and met with the defendants.
On his return he assured me that they had agreed that my name would never again be mentioned and disparaged at a selectmen’s meeting in my absence or in my presence. The Mediator assured me of their agreement and I accepted his word.
He also assured me that if they showed bad faith and violated the spirit or intent of the agreement, that I could immediately file and the case would be re-opened. Believe me. I will. If my name is ever again publicly attacked or disparaged by any town officials I will file immediately. I will never again tolerate, even for a minute, any future abuse by town officials. No town resident should have to.
Carol Grant
Plaintiff
Atkinson, N.H.
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