ATKINSON — More than 100 senior citizens packed the Atkinson Community Center yesterday, peppering Town Administrator Bill Innes with questions about the future of the town’s Elderly Affairs Department.
Innes held the meeting to address concerns seniors had following the recent firing of former police chief and elderly affairs director Phil Consentino.
Innes told seniors there would be no changes for the next 90 days while he serves as the department’s acting director.
“This is a good to great program,” Innes said. “I don’t anticipate a reduction in changes.”
Consentino attended the meeting and his firing Feb. 27 was raised by a few seniors. One senior asked Innes who fired Consentino and why. Consentino was employed by the town for 45 years. The reasons for the firing were not discussed.
Consentino declined to comment after the 90-minute forum ended. Selectmen have not given specific reasons for his firing following an independent investigation, saying only that it was “for cause” and job related.
Innes said he hopes to organize an eight- or nine-member committee that would recommend a new elderly affairs director to selectmen, who have the final say. The committee would also advise the director.
Under Consentino, the program was run through the Police Department. A dispatcher at the police station would take phone calls from seniors looking for transportation and assistance, and assign an elderly affairs worker to handle the request.
But seniors said they are worried about the program under new leadership.
“I never had a problem with it before,” said Jean Hardy, 82. “Whenever I needed something, someone would always go out of their way to help me.”
Consentino spoke against a plan outlined by Innes to create a town fund designed to track and audit all donations to the department. In the past, most of the money for the department came from a private charitable fund overseen by Consentino.
“If it goes into the town in a separate fund, (the department) doesn’t have control over that,” Consentino said. “It becomes a long, drawn-out process. The way we had it, was the way selectmen wanted it set up. It was open to the world.”
But Innes emphasized it wasn’t selectmen who wanted the system changed.
“I want to do this,” he said. “I want to be able to audit the books, I want to know where the money goes and how it’s spent.”
Innes said the town has $43,000 budgeted for the department this year, That money covers the salaries of the drivers, gasoline and maintenance. He added that he would like to see an extra car and driver added to the department.
One other issue that sparked discussion was the idea of separating the Elderly Affairs Department from the Police Department. Innes admitted there was potential for that to happen once the new director was appointed.
“I think they need to tread carefully before you spoil what’s really been successful,” said Wendy Doughty, 78.
Innes said he will look for volunteers for the advisory committee within the next few weeks. His ideal committee would include residents from several organizations and a mix of people over and under 60.
Innes held the meeting to address concerns seniors had following the recent firing of former police chief and elderly affairs director Phil Consentino.
Innes told seniors there would be no changes for the next 90 days while he serves as the department’s acting director.
“This is a good to great program,” Innes said. “I don’t anticipate a reduction in changes.”
Consentino attended the meeting and his firing Feb. 27 was raised by a few seniors. One senior asked Innes who fired Consentino and why. Consentino was employed by the town for 45 years. The reasons for the firing were not discussed.
Consentino declined to comment after the 90-minute forum ended. Selectmen have not given specific reasons for his firing following an independent investigation, saying only that it was “for cause” and job related.
Innes said he hopes to organize an eight- or nine-member committee that would recommend a new elderly affairs director to selectmen, who have the final say. The committee would also advise the director.
Under Consentino, the program was run through the Police Department. A dispatcher at the police station would take phone calls from seniors looking for transportation and assistance, and assign an elderly affairs worker to handle the request.
But seniors said they are worried about the program under new leadership.
“I never had a problem with it before,” said Jean Hardy, 82. “Whenever I needed something, someone would always go out of their way to help me.”
Consentino spoke against a plan outlined by Innes to create a town fund designed to track and audit all donations to the department. In the past, most of the money for the department came from a private charitable fund overseen by Consentino.
“If it goes into the town in a separate fund, (the department) doesn’t have control over that,” Consentino said. “It becomes a long, drawn-out process. The way we had it, was the way selectmen wanted it set up. It was open to the world.”
But Innes emphasized it wasn’t selectmen who wanted the system changed.
“I want to do this,” he said. “I want to be able to audit the books, I want to know where the money goes and how it’s spent.”
Innes said the town has $43,000 budgeted for the department this year, That money covers the salaries of the drivers, gasoline and maintenance. He added that he would like to see an extra car and driver added to the department.
One other issue that sparked discussion was the idea of separating the Elderly Affairs Department from the Police Department. Innes admitted there was potential for that to happen once the new director was appointed.
“I think they need to tread carefully before you spoil what’s really been successful,” said Wendy Doughty, 78.
Innes said he will look for volunteers for the advisory committee within the next few weeks. His ideal committee would include residents from several organizations and a mix of people over and under 60.
39 comments:
Successful for who Wendy? You maybe, but no for all the elderly who have been denied services for years.
I am personally tired of paying for a service that is PRIVATELY doled out by one FIRED individual. Time for real change.
As in baseballs" Field of dreams " it will come to be.
The whole town shouldn't have to pay for this exclusive program just for the elderly. There should be conditions and guidelines. Plus, have any of you ever heard of means testing? I'm sure the well-to-do elderly are laughing behind our backs when they get their free flowers, cards and fuel. It's not your right, it's a safety net. And it's not our fault you've become alienated from your relatives, friends, neighbors and the church. You should have thought of this before getting up in years. Your relatives should be providing a primary level of support for you with a little help from neighbors, friends and church. And why aren't we providing the same services for our poor youngsters?
Had to express my humble opinion to counter the constant whining and demands of this special class of residents that think they're forever entitled.
We can only hope that the elderly come to understand that there is TWO parts to the Elderly Affairs program. One run by the town that budgeted $40,000 last year and over spent by $6000.00. The second is what Mr. Consentino spends out of his PRIVATE donation account that spent $30,000 last year.
While Mr. Consentino plays a role in the program, it's the Town that pays the biggest percentage to take care of our elderly.
The Town wants to expand the program by adding an additional car
(along with other suggestions from the elderly) to meet increasing needs. It would benefit the elderly to join with Mr. Innis to improve the Elderly Affairs program. It's a WIN WIN situation for them.
I wouldn't reward the Conman's backers with anything. They needlessly prolonged this travesty. The solution isn't more new cars, insurance, gas and maintenance costs, it's C.A.R.T.
If Consentino chooses to continue to fund the elderly he can do so with his private account. Leave us out of it. I am in no mood to support these people anymore. They have stuck up for this con job for so long I don't want to give them a thing!
What are the chances Phil announces his candidacy for BOS next year? How can we make sure he is defeated?
Why isn't there any real and actual looking into those who have asked for and do receive the elderly benefits from the town? If it has as has been said there are several, if not just one,that can well afford these benefits on their own as has been given them then why does the town have to pay for their carting around here and there for things they need? The -CON- is over and there is no reason that this cant be looked into to save the town money that can be used for those who are really in need of elderly benefits.
It's a free country but my guess is that he
1) won't start the "I'm innocent" dialog, 'cause they have "CAUSE"
2) he may be beyond the realm
3) he may sue the Town and could not run because of legal conflicts
I am not in favor of another car. I am a taxpayer, 46000.00 budget blown that I helped to pay for. There better be answers for nexts years proposed budget. The Town fund is paid by taxpayers and they have a say what should be paid for. As far as Constantino's fund he can pay for whatever the elderly want with no concerns, or pick and chose the ones he wants to help. Sorry I couldn't make the meeting so I could have asked some deep questions on how this money is being spent. Suggestion: buy a used van bus, shopping to specific food marts once a week, save on mileage, gas. Use a criteria for doctor appoints to be with in a certain mile radius. Keep track of mileage used for specific rides, also there should be radio/gps to track drivers and times. I bet we spent more than 46000.00 when you add the time and other factors that are not broken down by an auditor like me.
Why is it that Ms. Langley doesn't post on Atkinson Reporter 2 like she (HE) does on the ET blog @ http://www.eagletribune.com/newhampshire/x1533631962/Atkinson-seniors-worried-about-elderly-affairs-program?
Come on Ms. Langley, post here with your complaints. Most people don't read the ET any more.
from the Carriage Towne News
March 8, 2012
Edward W. Jervis, Jr., 91
—
JERVIS, Edward, W., Jr., of Atkinson, N.H. (formerly of Lexington, M.A.) 91 years of age, loving husband of 62 years to Norma (Bake), passed away peacefully on February 21, 2012.
Born in Boston MA, he was the oldest of three sons of Edward W. Jervis and Isabelle Day Jervis. He is survived by his brother, Frederick and wife Janis of Exeter, NH. He was predeceased by his brother Robert. He was the devoted father of Keith of State College, PA, wife Karen, and Paul of Danville, NH, wife Judith, and grandchildren: Kali of Long Beach, CA; Christine of State College, PA; Kathleen and Clayton of Danville, NH.
Edward graduated from Somerville High School and Tufts University ’43, Electrical Engineering. During World War II, Edward served his country as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Department of Ordinance. While in the service, Edward engineered new technology for depth charges. Edward worked as a Project Manager for GTE, Weapons System Division, in Needham, MA. He reflected once, “I have spent my career making things (weapons) I hoped would never be used.”
He was an avid gardener, woodworker, photographer, and outdoorsmen. With Norma, he hiked all 48 of the 4000 ft mountains of NH. Upon retirement, they traveled extensively by van across America, they also visited many countries overseas.
ARRANGEMENTS: A celebration of life will be held at the Pilgrim UCC Church in Brentwood on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 1:00 pm. All friends are welcome. In lieu of flowers: Memorial Donations may be made to the Pilgrim UCC Church, 111A Middle Rd., Brentwood, NH, 03833 or the Atkinson Police Charitable Fund (APCF), PO Box 321, Atkinson, NH 03811.
David J. Rockwell
ATKINSON, NH: David J. Rockwell, Sr., 90, a longtime resident of Atkinson, died Monday, May 30, 2011 at Prescott House, North Andover.
Born on May 14, 1921 in Madison, Wisconsin, he was the son of the late Dorothea H. and Leslie H. Rockwell. He moved to New Hampshire in 1927, graduating from Atkinson Academy, Class of 1938, and Boston University, Class of 1951 with a BS in Business Management.
David served with honor in the U.S. Navy from1944-1946, following in the service of his two brothers, Leslie H. and Richard K. Rockwell who both gave their lives to the victory of WW11.
He worked as a Quality Engineer for Polaroid Corporation, retiring from Western Electric Company as a Senior Quality Engineer in 1984.
David was a member of the Atkinson School Board, and a founding member of the Timberlane Regional School Board, contributing to the initial development of the Timberlane Regional School District in 1964. His many civic contributions over 60 years also include the Atkinson Volunteer Fire Department, School Supervisory Union 55 Chairman, Atkinson Planning Board, Atkinson Board of Adjustment, Center for Life Management Director, Team Coordinating Agency Director, and numerous other town, regional and non-profit committees and agencies. One of his greatest honors was being named the Atkinson Lions Club
Citizen of the Year in 2009.
David was the husband of Doris (Clark) Rockwell who died in 1995 after 54 years of marriage. Survivors include his six children, David J. Rockwell, Jr. and his wife Nancy of The Villages, FL, Elaine W. Spurr and husband Ronald of Atkinson, Richard L. Rockwell and his wife Barbara of Davenport, FL, John F. Rockwell and wife Diane of Atkinson, Joyce E. Rockwell of Hyde Park, MA, and Susan J. Rockwell of Dover, NH. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.
In addition to his two brothers, he was also predeceased by a sister, Lydia A. Rockwell, and a daughter, Dianne C. McIlvoy.
Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial service to be held at the Atkinson Congregational Church, Main Street, Atkinson on Saturday, June 18, 2011 at 10:00 am. Internment to be in the Atkinson New Cemetery at the convenience of the family at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to
the Atkinson Police Charitable Fund, PO Box 321, Atkinson, NH 03811. Arrangements by Dole, Childs & Shaw Funeral Home, 148 Main St., Haverhill, MA 01830.
Online condolence may be sent to www.dcsfuneralhome.com
PIPITONE, Pasquale L. "Patsy" 79, a former Boston "Westender" and presently of Atkinson, NH on Sept 13, 2008. Husband of Ruth (Roemer) Pipitone, and father of Richard "Rick" Pipitone of Derry, NH, Joseph D. Pipitone of Jaffrey, NH, Gary S. Pipitone of Atkinson, NH, and the late Christopher M. Pipitone. Brother of Nancy Ventura of Laconia, NH. A U.S. Army Veteran of W.W.II Calling hours were Thursday, September 18, 2008, at Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main St., Route 121A, PLAISTOW, NH. Funeral services were held on Friday at 11a.m. at the Funeral Home. Donations to Atkinson Police Charitable Fund, P.O. Box 321, Atkinson,NH
What a bizarre money making scheme designed to raise more money off vulnerable citizens, all for favors and rides, etc.
The obligated votes he bought kept him in power.
It's sick. Really look at the situation. Only a deeply twisted mind would go so far to "help" people. SCAM? The evidence is overwhelming.
It's the contorted affiliation with the Town and confusion about taxpayer funded services that angers me.
Might be good idea to see if they signed their home over to the Conman or the town of Atkinson in return for the favors they got. How about if they left more money in their will. Wouldn't be the first time, right Phil the sexual abuser?
JMHO
Hey Conman, your 60 days deadline is almost up. Have you file suit against the town or your accuser yet? f not, your threat to sue the Town will be over, right?
JMHO
Hey Wendy,
If you love the X CHIEF so much, have YOU SIGNED OVER ANY OF YOUR BELONGINGS to the Town or the X CHIEF in your will? If so, why? Was it to him personally or his PRIVATE 501-C fund of which he can spend the money on anything he wants to spend it on?
JMHO
It's 45 days. If he files, we can go watch and listen.
105:2-a Police Chiefs; Powers; Dismissal. – Subject to such written formal policies as may be adopted by the appointing authority, each chief of police, superintendent of police, or city marshal of any city or town who is appointed rather than elected, shall have authority to direct and control all employees of his or her department in their normal course of duty and shall be responsible for the efficient and economical use of all department equipment. Such chief, superintendent, or city marshal shall be subject to suspension without pay or dismissal only for cause, and after he or she has been presented with a written specification of the reasons. Upon such suspension or dismissal, he or she shall be entitled to a hearing, on the merits and reasonableness of the action, in superior court in the county in which the municipality is located, provided that he or she petitions the clerk of the superior court for such a hearing within 45 days of his or her suspension or dismissal. The court shall have the power to affirm, modify, or negate such suspension or dismissal, based upon its findings.
45 days? That means his deadline to file was March 17th! No filing, HE IS DONE! Wouldn't that be GREAT?
All the dead people directing money to Phil's trust....downright creepy.
Creepy yes. Good work if you can get it, and not below the Conman to do. Question is: How many times did he do it and who benefited? Could be the reason he was willing to work for a $100.00 a year, right? How much more did he make behind closed doors?
Better question is who helped him and how much did they make?
Are those records sealed by selectmen?
Perhaps Sapia could shead some light on the questions.
What does Sepia have to do with it?
:)
In all fairness, Dave Rockwell, who was a fine gentleman and nobody's fool, felt that the Elderly Transport had benefited him greatly as he had to go to Boston for medical issues. He told me that after each trip he wrote out a to the Charitable Fund and handed to the driver. At that point in time there was no other way to contribute. He felt that this was a fine service for Atkinson's Sr.'s
This web site really has all of the information I wanted concerning this subject and didn't know who to ask.
my web site: http://haldiz.net/index.php?do=/profile-6763/info
The problem with David Rockwell's using the elderly transport service has to do with cost. The Rockwell's family isn't poor. They used elderly transport as a convenience not as a charity. They could have found a private company to get into Boston instead. Since we don't know what elderly transport actually costs, it's not clear that Mr. Rockwell donated enough money to cover the trips. I'm talking about cost to acquire, maintain and insure vehicles, fuel, driver and cost of the dispatcher. There's probably some overhead too: heat, lights, phone and advertising costs. And there are probably no records of Mr Rockwell's donations. I'm also at a loss with the Rockwell family. Where were they. Shouldn't they have gotten together to make sure their relative made it to his Boston appointments.
What a disgusting society we've become where everyone in Atkinson must pay to get Mr Rockwell to Boston and his relatives sit back and do nothing.
My thoughts exactly!!! I am not here to pay for somebody kids or there parents. Lets face it "some" not all abuse this service and need to be weeded out somehow.
No wonder the folks in Atkinson gush over their elderly programs. They're not charity, they're freakin' Socialism.
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