From the Eagle Tribune;
Atkinson wants lawsuit against it tossed Officials believe case should be heard in Superior Court
By Jarret Bencks
jbencks@eagletribune.com
CONCORD — Atkinson officials want a lawsuit filed against them to be thrown out.
The town is being sued by SBA Towers, a cell phone company that wants to add antennae to an existing 160-foot tower near High Hill Road.
The company has been trying to get approval for the antennae from the Board of Selectmen since 2008, when a denial by the Zoning Board of Adjustment was overturned by a federal court judge.
In its lawsuit, the tower company alleged that the selectmen established rules as they went along during their review of the plans, attempted to impose an illegal fee during the permitting process, and are preventing phone service from being provided to local customers, violating the federal Telecommunications Act.
Last week, town attorney Sumner Kalman asked to have the lawsuit thrown out. On behalf of the town, Kalman denied nearly all of the accusations against the town and called the company's use of the Telecommunications Act "misplaced," according to court records.
The town has faced off with the tower company once in federal court. In 2007, the town's Zoning Board of Adjustment rejected the proposed antennae. SBA appealed to U.S. District Court in Concord and Judge James Muirhead overturned the board's decision in September 2008. But Muirhead required SBA Towers to seek approval for the project from the selectmen.
Kalman has asked for the case to be thrown out of federal court because it should be handled by Rockingham County Superior Court, he said. A 2005 agreement with the previous property owners states that disagreements over the use of the land should be heard by Rockingham County Superior Court if the town and landowner cannot come to an agreement.
"They chose to go to federal court, which is a place we've already been," Kalman said.
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117 comments:
Isn't it funny that Town government complains that taxpayers lawsuits are keeping people from volunteering, yet they want lawsuits against them thrown out. Double standard? I think so.
When will people understand that lawsuits are OUR new government standard?
jmho
Everyone wants the lawsuits against them thrown out. That's just the nature of the game. But the question here is did the selectmen screw up or is the lawsuit without merit?
As to if lawsuits do keep people from volunteering, I would say they do based upon comments I've heard from town residents. Just look at the ballot. Fred's unoppossed. Open slots going unfilled in three other elected positions. This isn't a good thing for our town or for democracy.
February 9, 2010 6:23 PM
There are two villains here. Those public officials whose behavior invites lawsuits, and there are those create the lawsuits.
I'm not defending either. What it has done, as you say, make people think twice about volunteering.
It is a real shame most positions are going unchallenged. That is supposed to happen in a dictatorship, not a democracy.
All is not lost though. I'm OK with Fred because he is surrounded by the Bill's. However, after what we saw at the Deliberative Session, it is time for the candidate for Trustee of the Trust Fund to give up one of her jobs. A write-in is a long shot, but it would express our displeasure with her performance.
Citizens who are violated by town officials are not villains. They seek justice and reparation for harm done them.
How in your screwed up world does that make them villains.
Trustee of the trust funds is an open slot so a write in would work.
The Brownfield/Artus suit was unneccessary. People are too quick to sue and now we are seeing the results.
There is only one race this year and that is for library trustee. While I think that the library needs some fresh blood, it's a shame that we as voters really have no choices.
Fred is guaranteed his seat. Not only are there no choices for the budget committee, only 4 people signed up for 5 slots. You just saw what happened with the sb budget committee and here we are without a choice for ours. Hopefully the ones running will be good.
Then we have the moderator position. Unfilled. Trustee of the trust funds. Unfilled. The sad thing is if you do want to do your civic duty and run, you need to have personal liability insurance. Is it any wonder why the ballot is the way it is this year?
The attempt to get permission for additional antennae on the tower has been going on since 1984,when the courts ruled the company needed to comply with requirements set forth in a ZBA document. They didn't, it went to court, the town won. A new buyer tried again, maybe in the 1990s. They didn't get any where either. The most recent battle, I believe, had the judge saying it was a SElectmen's decision. And if you people lived near the tower (I don't), you'd agree with the residents who do.
It'll be interesting to see what the courts do now.
"The Brownfield/Artus suit was unneccessary."
You forgot to mention that upstanding Atkinson citizen Steven Lewis is also suing you in this new lawsuit.
For curious minds, here is the original lawsuit filed by Attorney Douglas against Consentino, Polito, Sapia, Friel, Sullivan and The Town of Atkinson. Now it is going to Superior Court. (Note: Attorney Douglas was a Superior Court Judge for decades. Good luck.)
http://www.atkinsontaxpayers.org/pdf/DouglasVsAtkinson2.pdf
Look at the lawsuit where it gives TAB evidence as that will give you a true education as to where villainy is to be found in the town of Atkinson.
Mr. Peak, you had to pay him millions already. Not to mention others who sued you for 'just cause'. He got it because YOU deserved to pay the largest award in NH history. He had to move out of town due to your slander, defamation and threats. Take a hard look at who the villains really are.
Please continue to slander, threat and defamation Artus/Brownfield as villains. Go ahead. Make my day.
Offering up an opinion that I think the suit was unneccessary rises to the level of slander now??? Good luck trying to sell that one in court. Try looking up the definition of the word before you continue to make yourself look foolish.
"The Brownfield/Artus suit was unnecessary. People are too quick to sue and now we are seeing the results. "
Polotio quit. He's the one that started the current chain of events. Do Artus/Brownfield still insist on getting their pound of flesh?
Why would anyone want to volunteer with these two ready to sue. They want to help the town? Let them drop the suit.
You don't have to like it but showing some forgiveness on their part would be a step in the right direction to curing what ails this town. That's of course, if its not really the money they are after.
There's more to that suit than Polito. Read it.
We paid Peak millions? How do you know? I thought terms of settlement were sealed.
If you violate citizens rights or slander them in public meetings, then they must sue for redress.
Otherwise, you will just repeat the same conduct.
"There's more to that suit than Polito. Read it."
I have read it. Not the point. You want a refresh in our government, get new people involved, retire the problem children? You've got to create an environment that encourages that.
I'm not saying everything the defendants did or said is not true or should not have been punished. But, I'd like to see this town move in a new direction, in this decade.
All I'm suggesting is that Artus/Brownfield turn the other cheek and lets move on. If that can't be done, then you will continue to see positions, elected or not, go empty or unopposed.
So, ask yourself, what is more important? The status quo or a healing process.
unfortunately, turning the other cheek is one of the things that has emboldened this behavior for decades.
Don't you think if during any one of the over dozen controversies, both legal and illegal in Phil's career had not been defended by the selectmen, he would be pulling the same shit 30 ears later?
The lawsuit did not begin with Polito. It began with Consentino 100%. Read the lawsuit.
Has there been wrongdoing and poor oversight in the town? Yes, at times, but probably no worse than occurs in similar towns. But remember, this town is run by volunteers who give the best they can; but these are not full-time jobs.
What confounds me is the deep dissatisfaction expressed by some with the status quo, yet very few new names step up for open elected and appointed positions.
So to those of you who rant about town mismanagement, can you give a night a month to the Zoning Board, or Planning Board, or Conservation, or whatever might have openings?
How about mounting a write-in campaign for uncontested elected positions? One could potentially become Moderator with 10 or 15 write-in votes. All it would take is $75 worth of signs.
Are you part of the problem, or part of the solution?
"The lawsuit did not begin with Polito. It began with Consentino 100%. Read the lawsuit."
How many times do I have to say it, I READ IT. I also know it was filed last year after several people, plaintiffs and defendants alike, made complete asses of themselves.
Given the circumstances that brought the suit you'll excuse me if I don't go RAH RAH for the plaintiffs. At least he didn't stick that stupid looking hat of his in front of the camera this year.
I don't give a shit what you read. Your the same creep who creep in a lot of places. You pose a points againt known town polical hacks so you can then make snide comments to defame those suing corrupt Atkinson officials.
Most likely you are one of the defendants. If not, you are acting in collusion with them.
Regardless, You sir, with your slander of plaintiffs as villians, who are suing for justice legally, demonstrates exactly why this case should go to its trial date.
It also demonstrates why Atkinson is sick and broken and no decent person wants to associate with you by volunteering for committees etc.
The day will come when the town bullies are reduced to a manageable level and then, surprise!!, people will volunteer again.
My advice is take responsibility for driving your citizens away from wanting to be associated and participate. As to those in court against your violations and bullying, good luck luck and more luck.
My advice to the previous poster is to take a remedial writing class.
hoooooo, I hit a nerve. Goody. Take two Xanax and rant me in the morning.
I am a volunteer on a town board.
I have never been bullied or intimidated by town officials. I've never had any try to influence my actions on the board.
I do, however, fear the litigous actions from some of the citizenry such that I wonder whether to continue with town service.
Service to others? Sure. At the risk of my family's well-being? Not so much.
I won't comment on the merits (or not) of these lawsuits. But those who support them must be aware of the negative affect they have on people considering whether to serve the town or not.
Amen
"You pose a points againt known town polical hacks so you can then make snide comments to defame those suing corrupt Atkinson officials."
Huh?
"All I'm suggesting is that Artus/Brownfield turn the other cheek and lets move on. If that can't be done, then you will continue to see positions, elected or not, go empty or unopposed."
This is about more than Polito. Who can move on while the biggest cause for the lawsuits is still employed by this town?
Are you kidding?
"I am a volunteer on a town board.
I have never been bullied or intimidated by town officials. I've never had any try to influence my actions on the board.
I do, however, fear the litigous actions from some of the citizenry such that I wonder whether to continue with town service.
Service to others? Sure. At the risk of my family's well-being? Not so much.
I won't comment on the merits (or not) of these lawsuits. But those who support them must be aware of the negative affect they have on people considering whether to serve the town or not."
I am also on a committee and I've seen the bullying. If you've ever wathced any meeting with the police chief or ted stewart, you've seen town officials bullying people.
You HAVE commented and your opinion comes thru loud and clear. You said you're worried about the citizens who are suing and the negative effect.
You are kidding no one with your passive aggressive style.
"This is about more than Polito. Who can move on while the biggest cause for the lawsuits is still employed by this town?"
We've you been, under a rock? Polito resigned all town positions. Artus/Brownfield got their pound of flesh when Polito's insurance was canceled because of them.
Yet, they are still not happy. The lawsuit continues. This is about money now. Polito's actions started this suit. He's gone. All that is left is a lot of stuff that did not directly affect them.
Oh, I know, you'll site the Lewis incident. How many years has it been now? If he was so outraged then, why not a lawsuit then.
No, this is now about spite and money.
"You are kidding no one with your passive aggressive style."
Let me guess, you took Psych 101 in college, if you made it that far. You heard a term and now it is a convenient jab.
The only kidding going on here is you trying to make any sense.
Teddy a bully? Man, you have got some serious issues. Get some help.
This State is not known for awarding monetary awards, so the Plaintiffs can't be in it for the money. My guess they know this and have been advised by their lawyers to that affect.
NO, it can't be for the money. It has to be about doing what is right for all people.
It's to bad more people can't see these lawsuits for what they are, as compared to how it's being spun by the people that don't want things to change.
Mark Acciard stood up to the political establishment many times and was slandered, harassed, vandalized, and demeaned for it for years, yet he stood up again at the school deliberative session and exposed the corruption of their budget process effectively. After that action, there is not doubt that he is genuine, and the process is wrong and establishment hates him for it.
This land has become a nation of lawsuits because people that believe in their system were forced to use it by people who depend that they won't use it. It's a long process with no known results until the case has been presented completely, and the judge makes the decision. MOST people wouldn't put themselves through that process; thus the political establishment wins.
Until more people like Mr. Acciard stand up for their rights and force the political establishment out of office, lawsuits will abound. Lawsuits MUST prevail unless the political establishment prevails and takes that right away too.
We have a choice. We can either stand for what our forefather's lived and died for, or we can give up all our rights and become a dictatorship.
New Hampshire's motto is live free or die and I'd rather die than have no freedom.
May GOD protect us if we won’t do it ourselves, because the political establishment in Atkinson will not.
As of now, we all have that right to make that decision.
The real question is will we make it in time.
jmho
To the volunteer on a town board:
It's great that you haven't been intimidated. That leads me to ask a question though...
Have you stood up to anything you've seen done by people in power in town and spoken out about it?
If you have, that's great. Within reason, can you tell us the story?
If you haven't stood up to anything and spoken out about it, that probably explains why you have never been bullied. Kind of makes sense, right? No one is saying that (a few) people in power in Atkinson bully random citizens, right? What is said here, time after time, is that if you speak out on something that the local MaFia don't like you end up on a bit on an "enemies list" which might put you on a path towards being harassed in some way.
So, if you haven't spoken out about anything, you likely haven't been bullied. Makes sense.
Now, why you haven't been bothered by a huge fleet for a local police that has one person on dutie at a time, or hundreds of thousands of dollars of lost tax money given in lawsuits, or the repeated refusal of the chief or BOS to follow court orders, or the selective enforcement of postal regulations, or planning board members that run construction/development companies voting on regs that affect them, or any of the other things around here that stink to high heaven I can't say. Who can guess why someone would be around all this and more and never be bothered by it? But good for you and your bulletproof piece of mind!
Please, don't expect us not to be bothered by these things. If someone doesn't at least make their voice heard in outrage about these thing they'll just continue forever. Not that it would bother you, but some of us just can't take it anymore...
A big AMEN.
What a load of rubbish. This nation has become a land of law suits because it's fast money. Not every law suit is fighting for justice and against a corrupt political establishment, although I think the term corruption gets used a bit too liberally by some of the posters here.
So let's see, what some of you are saying is if you want to fight corruption and bullying then the only way to stand up for yourself is to get a lawyer. Right. Try campaigning and getting elected. That's how you can make changes. But no, you'll hide behind the ridiculous notion that there's some sort of mafia in Atkinson and you're just too scared to do so.
Like I said, what a load of rubbish.
So all these lawsuits are about money, eh?
Well Lets see;
2005- Acciard files injunction against Phil voting on police matters as a selectman, WINS, seeks no money.
2006- Phil retaliates by suing him, drops it just before trial. Could this be to cost him money?
2007- Grants file suit to remove corrupt selectmen from office. Fails, no money sought.
2008- After Phil has them evicted from a town hall in the cold for criticizing him, the Grants file suit for his abuses of office. Town settles before trial.
2009- Current lawsuit filed against Phil, selectmen, and Frank for civil rights violations, still pending.
Phil's antics has cost this town and it's insurance company over $500,000 in settlements and legal costs. For What? Is it too much to ask this clown to quit bullying people?
And yet Fred runs unoppossed. I rest my case.
Fred Childs has always seemed somewhat brain dead when it comes to correct decision making.
So I would have to say that no one is running for selectman, maybe just one crawling with spittle dripping down his chin.
" When controvery rides, I hide." Campaign motto for Herr Childs. What is his current one? "I'm running unapposed becase, wait - I can't recall. Oh right, I was told to say lawsuits, but I don't remember for sure.
I know one person who chose not to run. I hope she posts her story. I don't want to reveal the details and deny you the pleasure of finding out from the lady.
"The question here is did the selectmen screw up?"
My opinion is that the lawsuits are good for the town as they have a cleansing effect. Town elected officials must treat townspeople with much more respect and kindness as failure to do so has consequences. This is good for Atkinson and will make it a better town to live in.
My observation is that many people like myself, are not going to town hall to volunteer or run for office because of the unresolved Osborn debacle.
Do I want to "hang" with selectmen who lifted their cease and desist order and thereby permitted the Osborns to disrupt Carol Davis's private property by paving over her land? NO!
Our board of selectmen also hired a private investigator that uncovered the Osborns continue to live in Atkinson, illegally. The Selectmen have done absolutely nothing about it. Does this make me want to serve with them? NO!
It is not the lawsuits or threat thereof that prevents me from running for selectman.
Regarding the Osborn affair, the selectmen screwed up and continue to screw up. Each day that goes by and the selectmen fail to take action is another day my respect diminishes enormously.
Do I want to be part of group who look the other way, frustrate, and nullify my input? NO! I have too much self-respect for that.
My observation is that many people like myself, are not going to town hall to volunteer or run for office because of the unresolved Osborn debacle.
Two thoughts. First, some of these issues take time to resolve and even if you don't know what it going on, it doesn't mean that no action is being taken. Second, that's a damn lame excuse. If you want to see things run in the manner that you believe they should be, then you should have signed up to run against Fred. Once in office you could have pushed the other two in your direction if what is occurring wasn't up to your satisfaction.
So many lame excuses as to why people can't or won't and you know what they say about excuses. Grow a pair and do something.
I am the town volunteer who posted earlier. Anon 2/11 at 11:34 asked me:
"Now, why you haven't been bothered by a huge fleet for a local police that has one person on dutie at a time, or hundreds of thousands of dollars of lost tax money given in lawsuits, or the repeated refusal of the chief or BOS to follow court orders, or the selective enforcement of postal regulations, or planning board members that run construction/development companies voting on regs that affect them, or any of the other things around here that stink to high heaven I can't say. Who can guess why someone would be around all this and more and never be bothered by it? But good for you and your bulletproof piece of mind!"
What makes you think I am not bothered by these things? I am. Our Chief is a total embarrassment and some selectmen through the years have been ineffectve.
But (I believe) the way to change is through volunteerism and the ballot box. I do my part.... do you?
Whomever I may be speaking with, I'm guessing I'd vote for you as Selectman instead of Fred. But I don't see you on the ballot.
You don't like the make-up of the Planning Board. Have you applied?
But my main aim is to point out that these lawsuits also affect all of us who volunteer but are not being sued. They cast a negative pall that gets those who serve with good intentions (which I hope includes me) wondering whether serving is worth the risk.
Unfortunately past boards of selectmen do share blame for failing to supervise thier employee, Phil has run amok for years, there have been countless controversies any one of which was grounds enough for dismissal, but the selectmen didn't have the stones for the job.
Sorry but I call it the way I see it.
For the good of the Town Phil should retire, but he will NEVER do what's in the Towns best interests, only his own, so he must be made to "resign or retire"
.
So you think the lawsuit will make Phil quit, and maybe also all our other problems will go away.
If history has taught you anything, a lawsuit may not do that. Also, what happens if the suit is tossed by a judge. Then what'a going to do?
Phil won't be in the job forever. I'm also inclined to believe plans for his replacement are already in motion.
Someone said the suit was not about money and that money might not even be awarded. I'm willing to bet the plaintiffs wouldn't turn any money down if an award was made.
"Phil won't be in the job forever. I'm also inclined to believe plans for his replacement are already in motion."
Gag me with a spoon.
Will his balls just roll out of the rough and onto the fairway of retirement?
Well, kiss my grits!
To the volunteer;
Asking me whether I volunteer is a valid question. Allow me to respond.
I don't currently volunteer on any town boards. For years I have volunteered for a charity of sorts, and have been busy with that commitment, which has a long-term aspect to it. So, while I don't volunteer in town, I do volunteer time in a very worthy and civic-oriented cause.
I do plan, within the next year or two, of signing up for a board if I can.
In leiu of actually serving on a board I spend my time here attempting to expose some of the problems I am able to see; that is my contribution here in town. I am not proud of all the posters here, some exhibit a paranoia and vitriol that isn't constructive and devalues what the rest of us are doing.
But this blog HAS changed this town, caused it to become more open regarding its government, and we do see slow progress in many ways. Harold Morse has been exposed as trying to make this town an extension of Lewis Homes; the local boards now have a spotlight on them; the Ethics Board has been shown to be a relatively worthless rubber stamp that isn't policing conflicts of interest in town; and we all know the chief's foolishness is no longer running rampant throughout town without any check on his power.
My aid to this is sharing my point of view as constuctively and intelligently as possible; but certainly you are right that not much will happen without the intelligent participation of as many people as possible from here.
Hey Mr. 5:00;
Acaird did! in his ethics case against Phil, he waived his right to legal fees. He just wanted the injunction he said.
No one called Teddy a bully, he was just the victim, over and over and over..
Why do all these so-called noble volunteers assume that I am not also volunteering?
I am a volunteer and resent this lame defense.
Defend your position or shut up, don't just turn around and point your finger at me with your biased thoughts.
To Anon on 2-12-10 @ 0932
I have lived in Atkinson since 1982. Why are you making Fred out to look like a senile old man? He has an incredible memory and is sharper than most half his age! He is also one of the most honest men in town. Maybe that is why he chooses to remain silent at times!
Fred's not senile, but he's also not the right person to move the town forward. He's behind the times. We need someone who's a bit more up to date.
to 2/13 10:20...
I am glad you volunteer... thank you. But clearly there are not enough of us.
Fred on TV. Ho Hum. My dog learns tricks watching though.
Fred Sits there scribbling with his pencil and looking down while others are talking about important stuff and participating.
Sometimes there is this big surprise like putting his eraser on the paper and then the point and then the eraser again. OMG it is amazing!
Fred's snarling face is priceless. My dog won't snarl mean like that. I tell my dog,
"Bo-Bo, watch and learn, watch and learn."
I never hear Fred comment when the issues get smoking hot. Just ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzz
The other two speak up and participate more and even get enthusiastic. Friel sparkles and spins. Bennett, thumps and pontificates.
"Bo-Bo, watch and learn, watch and learn."
Friel isn't a complete shill, but he's a little too close to me. Seems like he tries to do the right thing sometimes, but I can't understand how people can sit there when the chief comes in and runs them down so easily and they just sit there and allow him to do it. Why not challenge him and allow him to make himself look like the goober that he is?
Yeah, Fred is pretty much useless at this point. I remember a meeting hears ago when he and Consentino were SCREAMING at each other, it looked like it was going to break into a fight. He's been whooped, but I think maybe he was broken a long time ago by someone at home. Probably explains why he needs to get out of the house and volunteer at Town Hall, I'd be looking for things to do out of the house too if I were him ("Hello Haiti, sorry dear, they need me..)
It's going on a week since a new topic was posted. What's wrong? The Eagle Tribune hasn't been running any Atkinson stories lately so Team Blog can't cut and paste someone else's work?
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You boys hate the blog and you can't kill it. Ha ha on you.
free speach. Pisses you off somethin terrible now don't it. Poor you! You have to read it every day and drip in sweat.
Timberlane crap budget stuff wasn't in that newspaper. That's why this blog is so important to folks.
Hear you boys have some awesome bad news comming. All this silence scare you something fearce cause it's coming from the blog and that means big trouble again.
Did you men farce or fierce you spelling wizzard? Comming, coming,
hello? Oh, it must be the teachers fault you are unable to write a proper sentence!!
Ha ha ha!!!
Men, mean, what a spelling wizzard
you yourself are Miss 10:18am.
LOL
To Feb 13 at 10:20 AM
Thank you too for volunteering as I do.
But isn't it reasonable to suspect that many posting here do not serve? A town our size with so many open & uncontested races and unfilled volunteer positions is very sad.
One contributor said he/she does volunteer charity service, which is certainly commendable. But when he/she said they'd "maybe" volunteer in a year or two, but that his/her current "town service" was to post here and expose wrongdoing... to consider that "town service" is delusional.
And another excused his/her non-participation because he/she didn't want to be associated with current regimes... also delusional.
Criticizing those who serve is much easier than being one who does serve... and for those who criticize without contributing I have little respect.
Unitl the last 5 years or so, Atkinson was always a sleepy little town, of about 6,500 good people and little controversy. This blog has allowed discussion in the open of issues happening in town with out fear of reprisals, and that is important.
I welcome the fact that a week has passed with nothing of significance to write about. Maybe Atkinson is returning to that sleepy little town we have all fallen in love with, rather than controversy central for Southern NH.
It's not the point that there is "nothing of significance" to write about...the point is that there aren't any original ideas on this blog. Team Blog does nothing to stimulate discussion...they cut and paste and pass it off on their own. Why not some real reporting? Oh yeah...the last couple of times the Wizard of Blog tried to pen an original story it turned out to be blatantly false. It's a one trick pony that's getting harder and harder to ride and soon will be destined for the glue factory. What I want to see is a story or question posted to the readers that did not come from a metropolitan newspaper, etc. How about some journalistic integrity on the part of Team Blog?
What story was original and "patently false"?
" Team Blog does nothing to stimulate discussion...they cut and paste and pass it off on their own. "
What are YOU doing? I see your post, that makes YOU part of your team blog.
Are you exempt from contributing anything useful? Apparently so.
Whats obvious is they want the lawsuit posts to go bye bye. The more they hang out works for me.
One original story that could not be verified was a very negative story about Baldwin's employment in Kingston. It was withdrawn after only an hour or two after someone wrote about the story's unfairness.
An apology to Baldwin was subsequently made when the allegations could not be verified. That apology thread is still active, dated June 4.
The original post by the Moderator, done in a "guess what we heard" rumor-mongering tone, was shameful. I think the Moderator(s) have learned their lesson on their originating posts, finding it safer to just cull from the Eagle-Tribune.
Remember the apology? Basically,"We believe everything we said but no one will come forward to back us up, so we apologize"
Some apology.
It's not an apology nor was anything proven or disproven.
Then what is this?
Thursday, June 4, 2009
The Atkinson Reporter would like to issue a Formal Apology to Lt. Baldwin!
As many of you know and have commented, there appeared on this blog a couple of weeks ago, a story about Lt. Baldwins job as a part time officer in Kingston. In response to the very first comment posted we pulled this article down out of fairness to Lt. Baldwin, while we attempted to either confirm or deny it. While we still have not found any officer willing to go on the record with the story, It appears there is a letter written by Chief Briggs of the Kingston police force that basically denies the original story.
This blog understands that our choice of language may be circumspect, but we have no wish to fan any wild speculation by alluding to the details of the original story.
Lt. Baldwin we apologize for any misunderstanding, and wish you well in your continued endeavors.
Posted by Atkinson Reporter at 8:23 PM 7 comments
Yawn. Zzzzzzzzzz
Thats the best you can come up with to smear the blog?
It's really pathetic compared to the scandal going on where the chief got caught using police staff to work on his private business so he puts up protective glass so he can't get caught again. Concentino paid only $15 to square it? how many years this gone on ? Now that's a problem.
Ok, you state that story as "patently false", but where is the proof?
They blog acted honorably by pulling it down until they could verify, and aologizing, but ther was never any proof that he wasn't fired either.
Why are you willing to slam the story as patently false because theree isnt any corroboration, but you believe that he wasnt fired when there isnt any corroboration of that either?
"Yawn. Zzzzzzzzzz
Thats the best you can come up with to smear the blog?"
Please, tell me, how is reprinting a posting the Moderator made making an apology February 17, 2010 5:54 PM says did not happen a smear on the blog?
You don't believe the entry is true, go back to that date and there it is, on the front page.
What are you proposing, revisionist history?
The Moderators own entry supports the earlier entry that an apology was made, but it was only half hearted because he could get no one to collaborate his rumor telling.
This story had nothing to do with the Chief, but yet again, it was re-directed to be about him.
February 17, 2010 5:54 PM was wrong, and I proved it with the Moderators owns words. That is what this is about.
To 2/18 @ 9:43
I posted on 2/17 at 2:09 concerning the Lt. Baldwin issue.
I did not say it was "patently false", I simply said it could not be verified.
Now you're basically asserting that since neither his innocence nor guilt has been proven, it is still valid discussion. That sounds like the same "police state" thinking so many here rail against.
In our country, one should not have to prove one's innocence.
I'll assume you are a male. If I say I "heard around town" that you wear ladies underwear, but could not substantiate it, what position would that put you in? Baldwin was unfairly put into a similar position.
There's much wrongdoing we know about that we can discuss, we should not discuss rumored, unverified allegations of wrongdoing.
Hey if we're digging up old dirt I think we should talk about the police car sold to Phil's son for $400.
Even better how about the lost gun by the Atkinson PD. Was it Barney Fife?
I heard that Balwin doesn't work at the Kingston PD anymore.
No, I am saying that you didnt believe the original story because there wasnt any verification, but you believe that the story was "patently false" without any verification of that, why?
No, I am saying that you didnt believe the original story because there wasnt any verification, but you believe that the story was "patently false" without any verification of that, why?
This is really quite simple, so try to keep up.
One blogger said an entry was patently false. Another blogger responds with the reaction at the time. Then another blogger says, "It's not an apology nor was anything proven or dis-proven."
Another blogger reprints the original apology.
Then another blogger tries discredit what the Moderator really printed.
Then there a couple of attempts to steer the discussion in another direction. These fail.
Then some mumble jumbo attempting to define what "patently false" means.
What started this was an entry describing the Moderators attempt at telling a story that he later admitted could not be proven. So, he writes an apology. Only it is not an apology. It's a statement that he believes what he said is true, but no one with any credibility will back him up.
What the Moderator essentially did was to say, "I'm sorry, but I really don't mean it."
It does not matter one iota whether the story was true or not. What matters is the Moderator's publishing a story that he could not prove. Then he issues an apology that really isn't.
This is not speculation. This is not a theory. It is what happened and it directly affects the Moderators credibility.
So, what do we end up with. Reprints of the LET with comments to follow.
Unless the Moderators are able to actually dig up facts regarding wrongdoing, and have the backup material to support that revelation, this blog is nothing more than what the LET already offers; a place to comment. Nothing else.
Now, to preempt any attempt to discredit this entry, this has nothing to do with the Chief, the BOS, the Lt., or anyone else in town government. It is all about the integrity of the Moderator. Any attempt to make it something else is simply a attempt to divert the discussion.
Hope you took notes.
Thanks to reading the blog, I know the chief had police dispatchers as laborers for his own business. Thanks to the blog I know they put up reflective glass at the police station so they can hide. I hope the town makes them take that down.
Thanks to whoever posted the video of the school deliberative meeting. I don't have cable TV and without the blog I could not see it. The postings after the video helped me understand all sides of the issues.
Lost firearms happen more often that you think...and they happen in bigger departments than Atkinson...unfortunately they usually involve an officer leaving their weapon unattended in a vehicle or in their homes which is subsequently broken into and taken...however, if I remember correctly, the officer that lost his weapon in Atkinson was helping motorist push their stuck and disabled cars out off snow banks and ditches during a major snowstorm...that little fact is never reported by Team Blog and is always followed with a Mayberry joke...again...wow!...calling a small town cop Barney Fife!....pure comic genius and such original material...the point is Team Blog is onesided...they choose what facts get placed into what posts and offer nothing original of their own...if they did have a staff and reporters and instead of "Team Members" then their secret identities would be exposed for all to see and they would not be able to spew out their lopsided view on the events that take place in this town...get ALL the facts and put them forth and then and only then can a TRUE dicussion take place.
"however, if I remember correctly, the officer that lost his weapon in Atkinson was helping motorist push their stuck and disabled cars out off snow banks and ditches during a major snowstorm..."
Not their job, and they do not get a free pass because they did something dangerous and stupid while lending a hand.
Damn, I been missing out. Next time my car is stuck in the snow after the plow comes by. I need help here. As I am elderly do I call a police officer from elderly affairs or a police officer from Atkinson PD.
"Not their job, and they do not get a free pass because they did something dangerous and stupid while lending a hand."
What's your number? We'll call you instead next time.
But golly, I never knew helping someone stuck in the snow as dangerous and stupid. Shame on all of you who do such things.
My check to the police donation fund counts for plenty, by golly. I got a big glob of something stuck down my toilet the other day and the officer rushed over and cleared it right away.
You want his home number?
"But golly, I never knew helping someone stuck in the snow as dangerous and stupid. Shame on all of you who do such things."
I guess you still don't get it. Losing a GUN is dangerous and stupid. Pushing cars is just not their job.
Shame on you for not understanding this obvious point.
especially when you are at or past retirement age. ps: i believe it was officer deputy dog, not barney fife.
musky the muskrat
"Losing a GUN is dangerous and stupid. Pushing cars is just not their job."
Of course losing a gun is dangerous. Stupid, that is debatable. How many times in the course of history have officers "lost" their guns due to unforeseen circumstances?
They leave their gun in the house out in the open. They are surprised by an attacker who grabs the gun. The list goes on.
Every holster I've seen has some sort of restraining strap to hold the gun in place. Is this a 100% guarantee it won't come undone through some physical movement? Of course not.
The day in question was a bad one. Cars were sliding off the road all over the place. It's not my job to help them out, but I've done it. I've had people help me out. It is the neighborly thing to do.
So, here we have an officer, with a gun, in a holster, trying to help one of the citizens he's paid to protect. Physical exertion is required, in bad conditions. A clasp comes undone, a strap falls loose, and the object it is restraining falls out.
It was an ACCIDENT. Don't tell me you've never had one. Should I consider you stupid for having one. No, accidents happen, and will happen until the end of time.
Was it stupid. No I don't think so. Stupid is doing something that you know is stupid. Helping a citizen does not fall in the realm of stupid.
Fortunately, the APD did the right thing in alerting everyone, especially the schools. They could have covered up the incident but chose not to. They did the right thing.
Now, accidents are also a teaching tool. You do something that causes an accident, you learn not to do it again. The APD has learned. I recently skidded off the road and one of Atkinson's finest came across the scene. He said right out, he could not help push me out. I understood and certainly did not hold it against him.
The moral of the story: Careful what you call stupid. It can bounce right back at'ca.
They coverd up who's gun it was!
Wow That is a loooong letter you just wrote about the APD gun in the snow incident.
My first thought is WHY such energy goes into this? And if the blog is ineffective and irrelevant why are you posting?
Seems the readership is growing and a force for public attention you cannot afford to ignore. Obey SuperLasalle is reading every day hoping to GOD that his secret raise of 2% to himself and 51 other school abministers drops from sight! Yeah they earned that one by conquest! Conquest of the budget committe and conquest/violation of state laws.
As I now read the blog every day I know these things and I am angry. I would not know about the gun in the snow. As I do now I think I have a right as an American in a free country to know both the identity and what disiplinary action was taken by the state.
I can do a search about police officer loses gun / disipline and see what comes up. Just want to know as your long letter now makes me curious to investigate. Thanks for putting this on my "radar screen".
But also no thanks. It is not the best use of my time nor does the idiocy of the APD deserve all this attention.
Anon 9:34,
How funny that you follow-up with your own long letter. Even funnier that there is still discussion about this incident. Must be a slow news week in Atkinson to go back to this. Let it go folks! LOL!!!
The Patriot Ledger
QUINCY - A Quincy police officer lost his department-issued gun apparently after driving away without realizing he had placed the weapon on the roof of his car, officials said.
The officer, Declan Breslin, was reprimanded and placed on desk duty for several days as punishment for losing his weapon, which was picked up by other Quincy police officers who were investigating a car crash last month in the same area the gun was dropped, Police Chief Robert Crowley said.
CBS Atlanta learned that the officer is Justin Green, who works in Atlanta’s Zone 2.
According to sources, Green told his superiors that he got off work around 11 p.m. Sunday, then went to two Buckhead bars with some friends.
Green told his superiors that he thought he left his gun in the trunk, but it wasn't in his bag. According to sources, supervisors grew concerned that Green could not figure out where his gun was and ordered a drug test.
Atlanta police officials said in a statement Monday that they are still looking for the gun.
"At this time we are not commenting on the drug testing. The officer is suspended with pay pending a hearing with the chief of police,” the statement said.
A local police officer drove off from an elementary school after placing his gunbelt on top of his patrol car Tuesday. Someone later found the gun and turned it in and no one was hurt. The officer is being made to take remedial training.
The difference here is that Atkinson
PD uses molded plastic holsters that are thrice redundant. in other words there are three catches that hold the gun into the holster, and they click into place, it isnt just a simple leather strap like the movies. Also they didnt alert the public for FOUR days! Not until there were already rumors floating around town, and even here on the blog about it.
Well, your attempt to put a good spin on the lost "SnowGun" has crashed and burned like an airbus into a strand of oak trees. Maybe those who hired you to undermine the reformation of town government ought to look at your burning hulk and figure out a new option.
They need to find a new "Shogun" because you gutted yourself with the "Snowgun" fiery crash.
How are you going to explain away this to your
buddies at town hall? I wouldn't want to be you.
February 21, 2010 12:15 PM
You seem to be a very vindictive person. Do you kick dogs? Did you pull the wings of flys off as a kid?
It your type of comment that hinders the credibility of the blog. Why should anyone want to comment here when there are people like you who take pleasure in demeaning them.
You attitude shows this blog has, in its own way, gone politically correct. On the good side is anyone who bashes any part of town government. On the bad side, anyone who tries to say something good is accused of being a political hack.
You want credibility? Try keeping you tone more civil and consider that maybe the person you are demeaning is a friend of yours.
Anyone who tries to defend a lost gun by an officer is probably an officer. It is not a good excuse that he lost it helping someone push a car. There is no good enough excuse for it.
GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT! The story about pushing a car out of the snow is pure rumor not fact. Truth is, nobody REALLY knows how it happened except for one or two people. I don't believe it cause it sounds too much like Phil spin. There's no evidence I've seen supporting the good dooby snow pushing story.
ZERO excuse for losing a gun as a police officer. Your BS & spin makes me laugh. Go ahead and attack the messengers cause you've got no other angle. Incompetence by an officer could only be exceeded by them shooting an innocent bystander - or mortally slamming into a kid on a motorcycle (oops I guess that did happen).
We're all just lucky nobody was killed. Especially some little kid finding it. THAT'S THE PAINFULLY TRUTHFUL FACT.
Worse yet, no officer was reprimanded. So in our PD you can be a complete F-- up and keep your job if you a minion. But they forced out an officer who tried to raise funds for the police union. Glad we gots our priorities straight.
Just My Opinion
SQUAWK, SQUAWK, SQUAWK...To all students in attendance. Uh, on your way home, until further notice, you are to avoid playing in the snow. If you see anything black don't kick it because it could blow your foot off...SQUAWK, SQUAWK, SQUAWK
Good comeback. Someone should let you out of your birdcage. Polly wanna cracker?
refused to wear triple lock department issued holster. fell out of old style holster. gave resignation, however it was not accepted. was definately pushing stranded vechicle out of snow.
thats the facts jack
"GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT! The story about pushing a car out of the snow is pure rumor not fact. "
A cop told me the person was pushing a car out of a snow bank when the gun was lost. If you don't like this story, go back into the lunch room and have a staff meeting and coach them on what you want them to be saying to the public.
>Refused to wear issued holster?
bad
>Lost gun
very bad
>Gave resignation?
good
>Asked to stay
stupid
actually looks like he forgot to wear correct holster?
Gee, Chief. I can't use those approved holsters. I can't get my fast draw workin right without my own holster. Here, letme show you. Ok, on the count of three,,,DRAW! No, chief, you got to squint first.
BAM!!!
Ok, darn my gun slipped out and went off before I got it pointed at ya. I'll never have Kentucky Fried Chicken again and do my fast draw in the back lot. That's for definite sure.
Let's go back inside fo mo chicken backs. I'll get my gun I saw it take a big bounce into the trash bin. CHIEF! It went right in there or it slid under the Elderly van? Chief, Chief...god help me push the van off the snowbank. Omg! Omg!!
God help us.
(This story warms up all us Plaistow officers tonight. We love the blog.)
Of course you do and you should. Atkinson taxpayers should be charging entertainment fees with the king of keystone cops running our town. we don't see an elderly affairs division run out of the Plaistow PD or any other NH town PD for that matter. We don't see Chief Savage handing out favors for votes.
I'm just glad we can be a source of entertainment for you. The unfortunate part is we're not laughing. We can't get rid of the guy.
Just my opinion of course
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