From the Union Leader;Residents sue Atkinson chief, town officials
By JASON SCHREIBER
Union Leader Correspondent
8 hours, 4 minutes ago
BRENTWOOD – A lawsuit filed this week accuses Atkinson police Chief Philip V. Consentino of bullying residents to defend his "turf" and running the town like a "stereotypical southern sheriff of the 1920s."
The part-time chief, who's been the target of several lawsuits over the years, is facing a new legal challenge brought by three residents who claim Consentino has led a campaign of harassment and that selectmen have allowed it to go on far too long.
Residents Leon B. Artus, Gary Brownfield and Steven Lewis filed the 19-page civil lawsuit against Consentino; the town; current selectmen Paul Sullivan, Fred Childs and William Friel; and former selectmen Francis Polito, now town moderator, and Jack Sapia, current head of the conflict of interest committee.
►Atkinson police chief: Bully or a target? (36)
►Atkinson chief has had his fill of town politics
While many of the allegations were fired at Consentino, the suit also accuses him, the current and former selectmen, and the town's moderator of engaging in an "organized conspiracy" to "intimidate, humiliate and oppress" residents who oppose decisions made by the chief and local government.
The suit was filed in Rockingham County Superior Court by Concord attorney Charles G. Douglas III and seeks unspecified monetary damages.
It comes just a month after Artus and Brownfield -- both members of local taxpayer organizations -- sought signatures for citizen-petitioned warrant articles that would have changed the chief's position from part time to full time. The petition also called for boosting job qualification requirements that Consentino wouldn't have been able to meet, effectively forcing him out of the job.
Another petition sought to improve the management of the town's elderly affairs department, which Consentino also oversees.
The lawsuit claims that within an hour of the petitions being turned in to the town clerk's office for placement on the town warrant, Consentino received copies and began calling those who signed them, many of whom were elderly and rely on the elderly affairs office.
"Not surprisingly, within 24 hours many of the citizens who received intimidating and angry phone calls from Chief Consentino began calling Mr. Artus, Mr. Brownfield and others who worked to have the petitions signed, as well as the town offices, to request that their signatures be removed from the warrant article petitions," the suit says.
Feb. 3, 2009 consentino 60px
CONSENTINO
Consentino, who's been on the job for more than 30 years, is accused of abusing his office and violating citizens' rights to petition their government.
Consentino declined to comment on the lawsuit yesterday, saying he hasn't "seen anything." He referred all comments to attorney Gary Lane, who is representing the town in the case. Lane was unavailable for comment.
The suit says the town has a "nearly three decades old record of allowing Chief Consentino to engage in abuses of power and coercion of citizens who dare to stand up to him, without any meaningful consequence to him."
The suit goes on to cite eight examples dating back to 1981 in which Consentino allegedly abused his power, some of which resulted in lawsuits and settlements.
Lewis, one of the plaintiffs, was asked to sign the petitions but refused even though he supported them because he feared Consentino would retaliate against him as he claims the chief did in 2000 when he pushed for a similar warrant article seeking a full-time appointed chief, the suit said.
The selectmen's "refusal to remove or even meaningfully restrain Chief Consentino has clearly emboldened him over the years to the point that he now continues to personally confront simple townsfolk who sign a petition for a warrant article to intimidate them into removing themselves from the political process," the suit said.
The latest suit also accuses Polito, the town moderator, of publicly humiliating Brownfield and violating his rights by ordering him to stop taking photographs during last month's deliberative session.
During the session, which is a public meeting, Brownfield claimed he was taking photographs of the meeting and officials as the "professional photographer" for the Coalition of New Hampshire Taxpayers newspaper.
At one point during the meeting, the suit said Polito publicly demanded that he stop taking pictures while Polito was at the podium.
Brownfield protested, saying he was allowed to take pictures just like other photographers who were there. The suit said Polito "shouted him down" and accused him of being disruptive.
The incident was captured on the town's cable access channel and video now appears on YouTube, the popular video-sharing Web site (click for link).
During a break, the suit claims, Sapia, a former selectman, demanded that any photographs of him be deleted and that the memory card from Brownfield's digital camera be turned over.
Sapia said yesterday that he couldn't discuss the case, and Polito declined to comment. Sullivan, Childs and Friel could not be reached for comment.
YOUR COMMENTS
Mr Consentino, After 30 years of part time work as a policeman, isn't it time that you enjoy yourself and let someone else drive the train? The video of the Atkinson Moderator is a hoot. He obviously likes power but not the Constitution. Atkinson residents are going to be paying some money for these two jokers.
- Steve, Franconia
Atkinson Town Hall
The Norman Rockwellian picture of Atkinson
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79 comments:
Here we go again,
More illegal actions, more lawsuits follow.
Atkinson has become the entertainment of the State, not because of the critics of Town officials actions, but because of how our town is run, and people's lack of courage to stand up to it!
Y'all should stop insulting the South by saying he acts like a southern small town sheriff.
As we all know, "size doesn't matter" when it comes to police corruption. His corruption is just more obvious because, luckily, his underlings generally have to high a sense of honor and duty to follow his lead. But they should have the guts to arrest his bullying a55 for what he has done in clear violation of so many state and federal laws.
Now, if it were a big town, then may the feds would bust him but they have bigger fish to fry in New York City and Chicago.
Maybe this time, a multi-million dollar judgment will get the voters in Atkinson off their collective a55e5 and throw the bums out.
Saturday Feb 14
Texas Judge Forces Topix To Unveil Info About Anonymous Commenters
While plenty of other countries don't provide very much protection to anonymous commenters online, US courts have time and time and time and time again found that it's important to protect the rights of anonymous speech online. That doesn't mean that you can say anything you want -- but it does mean that a court should be quite clearly convinced that the speech violates the law before allowing any progress in an attempt to unmask an anonymous participant. Unfortunately, it looks like a judge in Texas has ignored all of that. Topix, the online news aggregation and local community site, has apparently been told by a judge to cough up identifying information on 178 formerly anonymous commenters on the site. The details are still a little unclear from the article linked here -- but it looks like the commenters were discussing a sexual harassment case that was happening in Texas. In that case, the defendants were found not guilty, but apparently the online comments on Topix got somewhat nasty. So the couple, fresh off being acquitted of sexual assault charges, sued 178 different anonymous commenters -- and the judge seemed to have no problem ordering Topix to turn over any identifying information it had on those commenters. This is troubling for a variety of reasons, as it does not appear that the court spent much time in determining whether or not actual libelous statements were made -- it just ordered Topix to hand over the info. Previous courts have found that even if the commenters were being jerks and totally obnoxious, that doesn't take away their right to anonymity. So why is this judge so willing to wipe away anonymity?
Read full story from techdirt.com
We have an increase in the budget, an increase in the lawsuits, more payouts, most likely an increase in insurance in a very poor economy. This isn't very funny.
The town government is failing the residents by not stopping these problems before they escalate. We cannot afford these suits, especially now. We also cannot continue to put up with this oppression. We cannot afford to be paying lawyers to defend these people. The BOS must step up and fix this thing NOW.
This BOS can't fix it. They CAUSED IT intentionally. The only way to fix it is to throw out all the current board and start with a fresh board. Otherwise, they will just do it again, and again, and again.
They can fix it, they WON'T fix it.
Only a few days after the town was given notice of the impending lawsuit by Attorney Douglas, how smart was our moderator to do what he did on camera? How smart was the chief to get in front of the camera in full police uniform yelling at people to Get their facts straight! The deliberative session video will be the closing argument for the plaintiffs.
Where it'll get really interesting is when people are put on the stand. They'll either tell it like it is and throw others under the bus to protect their own butt or face perjury charges. I'm guessing dis house of cards will crumble very quickly. I'm also guessing Attorny Douglas will have no shortage of witnesses willing to testify on behalf of the plaintiffs.
We've heard it all before. Let's see what the judge says and put this whole mess to rest once and for all!
The BOS CAN fix it! They could have at any time in the last 30 years! They can reprimand Phil, when he bullies someone, when they get enough write ups fire him!
Anon 1:49,
Like I said, we've heard it all before.
"I'm also guessing Attorney Douglas will have no shortage of witnesses willing to testify on behalf of the plaintiffs."
Would they call the folks who wanted their names taken off the siganture sheet? I feel bad for them if they are forced to testify since they are obviously afraid. I think there's enough evidence around that these guys don't force people into court just to win their case and collect their money, at others expense.
Not that I disagree with the case, cause I don't. Putting people on the spot is a different story.
If only Phil, Polito, and Sapia would apologize to those they offended then step down from their position along with Childs, with a promise never to hold office again, it would make this lawsuit go away without expense to the taxpayers.
How about it guys, would you be willing to do that for us?
We've heard that too.
Won't happen. The word "ego" prevents it.
Attorney Douglas. He knows what to do. The exit sign is turned off.
Interesting that Leon would sue the town and run for Selectboard at the same time. Is he trying to help the town or only himself?
Best as I can tell, this lawsuit is the product of a local government that allowed itself to be intimidated into allowing a police chief to run amok for too many years.
People in power in town thought, "Hell, the chief's not bothering me, why should I get involved?"
After that went on too long, people got sick of it, hence the lawsuits.
Oye...
Please consider this a topic for submission:
Richard Brothers, New Hampshire’s State Employment Commissioner has been enjoying some extra income free of charge. It seems Mr. Brothers is accused of ten counts of fraud on travel vouchers he submitted to the state. That’s our tax dollars reimbursing this guy on travel he never made!
Incidentally, just before he was charged with fraud, Mr. Brothers was busy defending one Raye Ellen Douville (previously known as Raymond Douville – before he had a sex change!) Douville works for the State Employment Commission and has plead guilty to bilking a dozen trucking companies out of $100,000.00. Gov. Lynch has asked that Ms./Mr. Douville be suspended, but Mr. Brothers is refusing to do this, saying she’s been a good employee and honest about the investigation. I don’t know about the rest of you, but how you do you feel knowing there is someone working for the state – and in the Employment Commission no less – after pleading guilty to insurance fraud?! Is that a good use of our tax dollars?
Now what does this have to do with Atkinson? Well, Ed Naile, of CNHT would typically be all over a story like this. As a matter of fact, this would be a dream come true for him. Crooked employment commissioner, who, days earlier, was standing up for a guilty insurance fraud, cross-dressing employee? There should be no end to the cheap shots and innuendos by Mr. Naile. But, he has been unusually quiet about this. This is a CNHT dream example of abuse of our tax dollars and there has been nothing but silence….
Could it be that it’s because the lawyer defending the defender of the transgendered is none other than Atty. Charles Douglas? You know, Atty. Douglas, don’t you? He is the person defending the rights of Gary Brownfield, Leon Artus, and Steve Lewis. You can’t make this stuff up! But this is the three ring circus that is coming to our town! Thanks guys…we’re all glad you’re so concerned about ethics here in Atkinson!
To Anon February 21, 2009 9:07 AM
Here we go again. Town officials trying to take attention off their illegal acts.
We have a SEVEN RING CIRCUS in Atkinson. Why be bothered with a Three Ring. Bigger Fish to fry in this town.
Frank, the lengths you will go to to avoid discussion of your own actions is incredible
Off topic? Hardly. Fellow readers, have you considered that if there are any monies awarded in the lawsuit, that maybe CNHT will see a "donation" down the line?
I guess the volume level of outrage over misappropriation of tax dollars can be toned down a bit when your lawyer is working all angles and you stand to gain, eh?
I takes a strange and warped mind to believe that Douglas's lawsuits are connected to one another, they are completely different. Everyone deserves to be represented, whether you agree with their position or not, right or wrong. Douglas's other cases have nothing to do with this one so let it up.
I also applaud Ed Naile for his open attacks on those who abuse here in town. Nothing else seems to work to stop the BS. For other than sociopaths, shame is a motivator.
CNHT has done some great things to help residents around this state so the blind criticism does not fool all of us.
To Anon February 21, 2009 9:43 AM
Hey Jack, all people don't think like you. All you think about is MONEY and POWER. (Other people's civil rights be damned)
Good people respect their neighbor's rights and work to maintain good healthy relationships.
There is nothing good about the poison you spread. I know it's beyond your comprehension, but Life Is Not ALL About YOU! Suggest you start learning that lesson.
Gary, I think there is plenty of connections here. And let's face it, the wonderful Mr. Naile would be having a field day with this. Why is he so quiet? Wouldn't want to offend one of his big donors....oops, I mean friends.
And let's see if Gary/Moderator has the guts to post this as a topic as requested. Or will your bias show....
I don't believe this lawsuit is about money. From what I read, it's about justice. A jury will make that decision, not the spin being displayed here.
Wouldn't it ironic if all monies the defendants may be required to pay out of their personal accounts (not taxpayer money) was donated to CNHT to help other Towns stop the abuse the "Atkinson Mafia" us inflicted upon our taxpayers?
To Anon February 21, 2009 10:10 AM
Hi Mr. Defendant.
Rather than wasting posting SPIN as a submission article, know what would be more interesting that you can supply?
How about you scan the complaints against you, post them as a submission article,so we ALL can see what you are charged with? Then we can make up our own minds if you are guilty or not.
I know you won't mind doing that, so the public will get a chance to defend your position. Let's see it, ok? When do you think you will have that available for us?
it's fun to watch you flail about trying to make believe mr Brownfield is the moderator. It makes you look rediculous. You scared of him or somethin. He sure cleaned your clock at delib meeting. Feeling sorry for yourself yet? Judgement day is comming.
Yeah. Let's discredit that stupid supreme court justice. What do you think frank? Don't know jack. Let's try a bogus submission article. Hey great frank. We can hammer that nail guy too. Ok plus we can work in Brownfield as the blog moderator again. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah let's bust em up. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
"We can hammer that nail guy too."
Too funny! :)
I like Ed, he's a warrior. He won't be Nailed by anyone in this town govt. but, boy O boy, he has some of you in his cross hairs.
Oh, You mean like Sumner being Phil's lawyer AND the town lawyer at the same time, in a matter against both?
And the taxpayers pay?
You mean like Frank suing the town because Sumner told Phil and Jack that they could not sue the town they are selectemen for?
And what happened to that case, oh yeah, it got thrown out of court for lack of standing!
Ha Ha Frank thought he was going to force Boyle to pay for both an access road and 2 fire hydrants, but as usual in things legal...
HE WAS WRONG!
Anyone think it's time for Frank's employer to know what he does on company time?
Ed Naile Said:
Atkinson bloggers. You may have noiticed a new poster who is very agitated at me and CNHT regarding "large donors," "other blogs," "Richard Brothers and Attorney Douglass."
Here is one SAMPLE rant:
"I agree 100%. And let's be honest, if ever there was a power couple at the deliberative session, it was Ed Naile and the wedding photographer. Ed's constant homophobic references here and on other boards, makes one wonder what does he have to hide...
February 20, 2009 8:08 AM"
Welcome to my world of standing up to punks and bullies. To put it in perspective, I have dealt with many types of low-lifes in my 20 years of political activism. On two occasions I had to deal with child molesters. One named Paul Little who I would follow through the court system to make sure he stayed in jail and the victims were compensated and another named George Maidrand who runs a newspaper in Hillsboro. I recently helped a former employee of Maidrand's who he fired when she objected to letting kids around him. Maidrand was forced to pay up.
But by far the srangest case I have come across is Ray Buckley the current Democrat Party Chair who was accused by his landlord of 16 years of having kiddie porn in the appartment he rented. The accuser, a long time State Rep., sent a letter regarding the illegal porn to Governor Lynch. Lynch notified the then Democrat Party chair Mrs. Sullivan FOUR DAYS BEFORE he turned the material over to authorities who then found nothing in the appartment when they got there.
I wrote about this on "another blog" and have been called a homophobe by a long list of similar sounding anon names - as is the case now, here.
Anyone can look up "Ray Buckley" on You Tube and catch a glimpse of what he is like in his own home videos.
I assume we will be treated to along list of rants about CNHT and big mysterious donors by our new commentor along with challenges to me to compare Commissioner Brothers to other alleged low-lifes in public office.
From dealing with several convicted child molesters I have a handle on what motivates them and how to deal with them on the municipal level.
With Ray Buckley types of alleged kiddie porn users though I think it is best to look at the You Tube videos and learn from them as well as read between the lines of scatter brained accustations of homophobia and big secret donors posted here.
Enjoy! I deal with this all the time.
Douglas ought to think about making this a class action suit against the town for misuse of taxpayer money for defending these bozos at our expense.
He should INSIST on a firing of those found guilty and permanent banning from holding any public office.
I hope he is looking at federal criminal charges against at least one indiviual.
You're Ok Ed, I don't care what the loonies say about you.
I watched the videos again. Frank is such an egotistical a55.
Does anyone know who is sitting to the left side of the microphone (from the viewers perspective)? This person could not restrain himself from exhibiting his disagreement with the person at the mic. Was it Mike Murphy?
I think that an effort should be made by those who can, to identify those seated at the meeting who voted to take away citizen rights.
Ok, I understand that you guys cant defend your actions, so you want to shift the focus onto CNHT.
But what has the CNHT done wrong?
They have always, as far as I can tell, stood up to corrupt town officials on behalf of those who for whatever reason dont want to put their names out there.
They have gotten corrupt chiefs fired!
This is all good things, if you are going to smear them, the way you have with all of your critics in town, please tell us what they are doing wrong?
Is the actual court filing going to be posted on the Atkinson Taxpayers site soon?
Why? So you cn play Judge and Jury and without discovery present an "opinion"?
Hey! Where did all the little piggys go?
You know its Sat night and its drinking time at the old country club to plan a new strategy as the old one is falling apart. I hear they are going to throw Dale under the bus by naming her as the blog moderator. Oh God, that's confidential info.
This is hysterical...Ed Naile thinks the chairman of the NH Democratic Party is posting on this blog about him. Yet the blog townies think this same person is Frank Polito. So who is it guys? Hint: you're both wrong with your current guesses! LOL!!!!
I guess the persecution complex is part of the paranoid personality. It goes with the territory.
Cuckoo! Cuckoo!
BTW, I guess the moderator didn't have the stones to post the article submission as a topic. There you have it folks...proof positive that there never was any desire for open dialogue and discussion about our town. It's only a place for the loonies who have an axe to grind with town officials.
Hey Curt,
Would you see if one of your defendant buddies will give you a copy and post it here for all of us to see?
Thank you.
Oh, the piggy's are back! Here Piggy, piggy piggy!
Ok, Jack, Mr. Naile never said the Dem party chair was posting on this blog. And I am sure the tripe you submitted was not made an article, because it doesnt have anything to do with Atkinson, but that is just my guess.
What a Joke!
Anonymous@February 21, 2009 4:39 PM said...
Why? So you can play Judge and Jury and without discovery present an "opinion"?
As if plenty of posters here haven't already played judge and jury presenting the opinion that this is a slam dunk case.
-------------
Anonymous@February 21, 2009 10:06 PM said...
Hey Curt,
Would you see if one of your defendant buddies will give you a copy and post it here for all of us to see?
Thank you.
I know this is tongue in cheek, but just to be clear, the only contact I have had with any of the named defendants was when I returned Consentino's phone call 18 months ago when I criticized him about the wheelchair van donation. I have never met any of the bunch, or exchanged electronic or postal mail with them.
Whats the point of this post?
Is it just so CS can keep his nose in the toilet?
NOTE- This is a rhetorical question and not a opportunity for more "drivvle" in reply!!!
Anon 10:55,
It is related to Atkinson. I'll admit, the two cases are not related. However, the fact that Atty. Douglas is representing a state employee who has committed fraud and effectively stole from taxpayers and there has not been a word from Mr. Naile on this and CNHT is telling.
So, if he gives Richard Brothers a free pass on this as his "buddy" is representing him, then you know he is just another politician (in a sense,) choosing to look the other way when it is convenient for him. And don't I have a right to now question his motives in Atkinson?
So, this does have to to with Atkinson. And given the number of responses it has generated, I would say it was an article submission that was topic worthy. But nothing....
It's nice to know this blog's moderator can be a power hungry bully too. Ooh, ooh, where's my lawyer?!
Anyone notice the Eagle Tribune didn't report this story? Perhaps New Censorship should be added to this suit.
Do you expect CNHT and Ed to comment on everything, even stuff that's off the radar? How about a few comments from the BOS about the lawsuit that's in their face?
I guess "innocent until proven guilty" only applies to the Chief.
Mr. Douglas is an attorney. Defendants have a right to legal representation. Lawyers may not lie or make false allegations while defending a client. If the client admits guilt to the lawyer, the lawyer has an ethical obligation to try and convince the client to cop a plea. If the client refuses, the lawyer then has an obligation to defend his client within the code of ethics. Of course we know this does not always happen.
Mr. Acciard knows well that lawyers often use fishing expeditions to get Phil the true identities of "anonymous" posters so Phil can file intimidation cases against anyone who has a negative opinion of him.
By the way, why wasn't Lynch investigated for obstruction of justice? a Republican governor would have been probe right up the back side had he done such a thing. It would have been headline news on CNN.
With all these lawsuits and crazy stuff in this town..and the loons..LOL thought I would share this ....This is what is wrong in America today..hmmm this explains it...
An Obituary printed in the London Times - Interesting and
> sadly rather
true.
>
> Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend,
Common
> Sense, who has been with us for many years.. No one knows
>
for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long
> ago lost in
bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as
> having cultivated such
valuable lessons as:
> - Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
> - Why the early bird gets the worm;
> - Life isn't always fair;
> - and maybe it was my fault.
>
> Common Sense lived by
simple, sound financial policies
> (don't spend more than you can earn)
and reliable
> strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).
>
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when
> well-intentioned but
overbearing regulations were set in
> place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy
charged with sexual
> harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended
from
> school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired
>
for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his
> condition.
>
> Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked
teachers
> for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do
in
> disciplining their unruly children.
>
> It declined
even further when schools were required to get
> parental consent to
administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a
> student; but could not inform
parents when a student became
> pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
>
> Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches
became
> businesses; and criminals received better treatment than
>
their victims.
>
> Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't
defend
> yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar
>
could sue you for assault.
>
> Common Sense finally gave up the
will to live, after a
> woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of
coffee was
> hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was
promptly
> awarded a huge settlement.
>
> Common Sense was
preceded in death, by his parents, Truth
> and Trust, by his wife,
Discretion, by his daughter,
> Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.
>
> He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers;
> I Know My
Rights
> I Want It Now
> Someone Else Is To Blame
> I'm A
Victim
>
> Not many attended his funeral because so few realized
he
> was gone. If you still remember him, pass this on. If not,
>
join the majority and do nothing.
Why did the Eagle Tribune not post the lawsuit in their paper when the Manchester Union Leader and most other state newspapers printed it? Why don't they want residents of Atkinson to know about the lawsuit? Who are they protecting and why?
Ed Naile said:
A better question is why was their little print reporter clapping like a trained seal for Consentino, Frank and Jack at the deliberative session. He was right in front of me.
I didn't know people with a VISITOR badge were allowed to participate.
Oh that's right - this is Atkinson.
The real answer about the Eagle Tribune is they are in the pocket of our Police Chief and Selectmen. They will report only what the Chief and Selectmen want and nothing more.
If the Mafia doesn't want bad news about their illegal deeds in the paper, the Tribune obliges. Would be interesting to see if some “big wig” at the Tribune has a Mom or Dad on Phil’s Elderly Affairs list.
Leon Artus says:
I remember asking Paul Sullivan why the news of over assessing wasn't being reported in the newspaper. His response was:
"People only want to hear good news" My response was: " No Paul, people want the truth".
Needless to say, that ended that conversation.
Paul, if you read this blog, do you still feel the same way?
To Anon @ 7:02;
Just because Mr. Naile and his group have used Atty. Douglas, does not mean they are "buddies" or that he is somehow responsible for all of Douglas' clients, Any more than Jack or Phil are responsible for all of Sumners nefarious clients, or the insurance company attorney's clients.
So, Jack, will you denounce every POS that Sumner defends?
Anon 4:27,
I recall not too long ago there was a small group of people being crucified on this board for saying Pres. Obama was not friends with William Ayers. And now we are hearing this all too familiar, just because they worked together, doesn't make them buddies. It's funny how quickly one can change their tune, eh?
So let's review what has taken place here:
1. A topic submission has been denied, based solely on bias. Let's face it, there has been far worse, and less factual topics posted about our town officials. My rights have been denied!
2. Mr. Naile and CNHT have not yet commented on the brothers case. Given Ed's history of commenting on everything from Barack Obama to Kathy Griffin, I am sure he could have dashed off a thought or two. However, why criticize the client of your "law firm."
OHHH...THE HYPOCRISY!!! The bullied are the bullies!
The ET has cut back on staff and coverage, especially for smaller towns like Atkinson and Danville. If you know of something going on in your town that should be covered, call their NH bureau in Derry, 421-3800.
Garry R. Lane (attorney handling the suit for the town)
Nice try Jack. Now matter how many different ways you try to spin it, it's not working.
Nice try Jack, there hasn't been any articles about Atkinson that haven't been printed. But you keep spinning.
Maybe you can tell us why Franks violated the Right to know law? How about you Frank, Why did you do it?
Arrogance!
Ego!
Wow, Gary Lane has great credentials. No wonder the Town's defendants aren't worried. They have this case won before it starts.
Someone call Mr. Douglass quick to let him know he doesn't stand a chance. He must have been crazy taking this case.
Chuck Douglas
Now it comes down to "my attorney is smarter than your attorney"?
That's more smoke screen to distract people from learning the truth about town events. What is the history of official abuse in the town. I want to know more. I know about only 10% of it.
Alright, I'll partake in the new smoke screen strategy and say I like what I read on Attorney Charles Douglas and his early educational qualifications.
Attorney Douglas: Wesleyan University; University of New Hampshire (Bachelor of Arts, WITH HONORS, 1965); Boston University (Juris Doctor, CUM LAUDE, 1968). PHI BETA KAPPA.
That's only a taste of what I admire about Attorney Dougles.
I am sure Gary Lane is a perfectly competent attorney ....and can pilot a plane, which may come in useful.
"The Eagle Tribune has cut back on staff and coverage, especially for smaller towns like Atkinson and Danville."
Uh, so I am supposed to believe THAT?
You become a "Dumb A55" if you click on any link (blue) inserted as part of a comment.
All the ET interns and trainees are assigned first to Danville. We spend time bringing them up to speed on the background of things, then we get really good coverage of every little thing for 30-60 days. But inevitably the internship ends or the new staffer is assigned to cover some town like Windham, then there is little coverage of Danville unless one selectman shoots another selectman.
As for the attorney web pages, it was just FYI. Do you guys need to argue about everything?
I guess a major lawsuit is not that important to the ET. You gotta be kidding me.
You are assuming that they knew about the law suit. From my own dealings with the ET on Danville issues I would make no such assumption.
You could send a copy of the lawsuit to the ET and they still wouldn't publish it.
Anon 10:23,
The constant complaining about the lack of press coverage the lawsuit is receiving is too funny. Have you considered that, just perhaps, there have been so many lawsuits by the same group of people against the same group of people that this now falls into the category of old news?
It's also comical hearing you all complain about the ET and how they are in the back pockets of the BOS and town officials. I recall several pretty strongly worded editorials against the chief. Ah, how quickly you forget and turn on your own.
Maybe, like the Union Leader, they are seeing both sides of this story and that it is not as black and white as you portray it.
I've been thinking. I don't believe Atty. Kalman defended the Chief for ANY of the reported 8 cases listed in Mr. Douglas' law suit. I believe they were all defended by the insurance lawyers, and with more than one insurance company. Insurance people look at case records before they agree to accept a town as a "client". I'm interested to see if we have a new company this year if the Chief is still in office. There have been several cases involving the chief.
He looks like a person who costs a company a whole bunch of money.
How do you know how many cases were presented in the lawsuit? Do you have a copy? If so, will you put it on the blog?
t is easy to get carried away with hyperbole and humor. I retract my fun comment:
"Yeah. Let's discredit that stupid supreme court justice. ......Let's try a bogus submission article. .....We can hammer that nail guy too. Ok plus we can work in ...... as the blog moderator again. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah let's bust em up. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah."
For me there was an opportunity to make fun of controversy on the blog but I meant no actual malice to anyone. I see now it could be taken as such. So, I withdraw that post. It is the ethical thing to do.
How the heck does an author remove his comment on here?
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