Alright, Here's what i have found out about the 91A requests.
Since July 1st 2007. There have been six requests. Staff time to comply with these requests has totaled more than 50 hours, including 14 hours for the most recent.
Another request involving the sale of the former town hall is at 30 hours and still open.
What could someone possibly want with information from over 7 years ago? We will probably find out in some media outlet I guess.
And we find out we are averaging more than 1 per month.
80 hours of research at what cost per/hr?
Maybe the law should also consider charging the cost of the man-hours it takes to fulfill these requests.
After all it is your tax payers monies that are being used here.
Now, I'm not saying that citizens do not have a right to get information- they certainly do.
However you would probably agree that this could also be mis-used as some political posturing.
What are your thoughts?
The opinions expressed are of my own individualy and are not to be interpreted as official of any governing body. Comments from readers are also of their own opinions and will be edited only if the content is harmful or non constructive to any individual. It is important to share information and thoughts on political process so that we may discuss issues that effect us all.
83 comments:
BC,
After all its taxpayers money being used. Well said.
Im not saying that citizens do not have the right to get information- they certainly do.Well said.
These two statements that we taxpayers read this morning from our most well liked councilman hit a nerve. We will make this question short.
What do you think it cost taxpayers to see on wednesday, the 17th of October,at around 5:00 two (2) firetrucks pull up to SHAWS SUPER MARKET, one in the firelane,one in the parking lot and a load of firefigters march in to get groceries with trucks running.
After taxpayers seeing this crap go on for 8 years now and not one person stopping this waste, what are your thoughts or any action you can take on these costly trips.
WE WANT THESE TRUCKS TO BE USED TO RESCUE AND PUT FIRES OUT. NOT USED AS MINIVANS OR FOR WEDDINGS. BC, please , taxpayers have had it.
What is the current RSA mandated fee schedule?
wh3,
I have not heard this issue come up for a while now. Last year it was and I thought that it was addressed and taken care of. I know that these trucks must be driven to get from one station to the next and to be fire ready and so I'm not convinced that they are specifically taking these trucks out to simply shop is what is happening unless you know otherwise.
d3,
The RSA lets the town collect for copies only.
wh3,
you are almost always well thought out, so it is I that might be missing something here.
as just one taxpayer, i can't expect our fire dept personnel to use their personal vehicles to go food shopping for a station house.
as well, was there any reason (code/safty check) going on at the time?
i empathize with your perspective, i really do, but please slow down a bit and eliminate reasonable uses.
Yes the person requesting the info should pay for what it costs; to do otherwise allows one person to tax all other people without any respresentation.
It also seems ridiculous that a request that would take 30 hours to fulfill is required to be responded to in the same time frame as one that would take 10 minutes to fulfill. Is that accurate?
80 hours in past 3 months = 320 hours in a year. Perhaps too the level of person needed to fulfill a request might be different depending upon the request.
It seems entirely plausible - even likely - that since March of 2006 there have been dozens of such requests.
I say let's dive into the details --- who's doing the requesting and what are they requesting?
Thank you BC for the info!
BC,
WE KNOW OTHERWISE. The next time this is brought up ,it wont be on this blog site.
Just remember for the record, town council is aware of these abuses and its still going on. BC, you mention you thought problem was addressed and taken care of , it has not.
Did anyone ever bother to offer to cook the firefighters dinner? I for one don't see a difference between them sitting at the station or being at Shaws as long as they have the truck with them. It's not like they were at the batting cages or the Salem Mall. I couldn't care less what they do as long as they are there when I or my family needs them. I've seen other town vehicles outside of other establishments around town and out. We have people following around Gary Stenhouse in Rochester and Derry's own answer to Columbo monitoring the Hood Plaza area. When does it stop Brian? I would be yelling my brains out if those guys were scratching lottery tickets or they left the truck in the firelane to watch a movie at Flagship Cinemas but they weren't. They were buying food I would assume. I think that it's time that some of us around here got a life and stop worrying about the little things. If people did that for a change, life would look a lot better! Don't give up the fight Brian!
We see both the Laconia and Gilford FDs doing the same thing with their vehicles - it is rather disconcerning to see their ladder truck arrive at Shaw's, a single guy get out, buy 2 bags of groceries, get back in the ladder truck, and drive back.
-Skip
GilfordGrok.com
anon 2:02, it's an undeniable tendency in derry that certian town empolyees turn an inch into a mile. fully staffed, large fire apparatus should not be used to go shopping...any more than it be taken offsite and used for wedding photo ops and amusment park rides.
just curious, how did you feel about the fire trucks constantly revolving in and out of the workout club up until just a few months ago? how about those previous regular stops at moo's with the motor running unattended as four firefighters hang around for twenty of so minutes eating ice cream? i saw this with my OWN eyes . what's the difference between this and the batting cages?
you're right, it is time that town folk can have confidence that those that are in charge of our town employees rein in those that would stretch SOP so that these type abuses are no longer ignored and policed from within by their own ranks.
Anon 2:02, what I heard is that Mr. Stenhouse was not "followed" as you and others have repeatedly stated. My understanding is that a Derry citizen simply attended a public meeting of a police commission in Rochester. It turned out that Derry town administrator Steinhoue turned out to be a commission officer. This activity is expressly prohibited by Derry town charter. What am I missing here?
I think a lot more honesty and a lot less politics is what is called for here. We have all been victims of this type of local politician sloppiness far to often of late. It's time we all call for this sloppiness to end rather than attack those that happen to bring such abuses to light. Left unaccountable, without checks and balances, one day some town official prone to this type behavior will get us all in trouble. Just ask the DEDC about the impact an absense of internal controls can have.
How many of you work 24 hour shifts? How many of you get paid lunches or breaks?
Guess what...the firemen don't get paid lumches and breaks, and they shouldn't. But what they should get is the ability to purchase food for dinner for their crew. They aren't going to T-Bones to sit down for dinner. They are buying and cooking their own meal.
You may say that they shouldn't take fire apparatus to do this. Well, if they don't take a fire truck, how are they supposed to respond to fire calls?
I also beleive that the majority of the community, including myself, sees this as great public relations. While they are out, my own children have been able to go up to them and ask questions and even look at the fire engine. Does Derry want to have a fire department that sits in the station all day with its doors shut and nobody ever sees them?
Furthermore, how is it any different than the police going through various fast food restaurants during their 8 hour shifts? How is it different from the public works and parks & rec vehicles that are consistently at the Mobile station or Dunkin Donuts during those employees 8 hour shifts?
Nobody ever complains about these employees. Only the fire department. I'll tell you why... the people that complain the most about the FD are the same people that are still disgruntled because the East Derry Fire Dept. was dissolved. They make it their personal vendetta to find ways to go after the Derry Fire Dept. Take a look around at these people. It's very obvious to see it.
Anon 5:05
I agree with your statement regarding some of our politicians.
I disagree with you regarding Burtis. I would consider it "following" because he stated that he went to Rochester to see if Stenhouse was there or not. Burtis had no other business at that meeting. Burtis even admitted that he left shortly after the start of the meeting.
Annon 5:05,
Mr. Burtis drove all the way to Rochester NH to confirm Mr. Stenhouses whereabouts.
My view: Burtis demonstrated very odd behavior.
d3 and anon 5:24, over the course of time, based upon my reading of Mr. Burtis letters to the editor, it should come as no surprise to anyone that he makes certian his facts are correct.
What if he had not taken the time to verify that our town administrator in fact had not resigned his position as required by our charter? What if he had jumped the gun and misled the community if Mr Stenhouse had followed the rules and resigned?
In either case, I am afraid that Mr. Burtis would have met the same skepticism from you both and precious few others that don't see what is as clear as day.
As it turned out Mr. Burtis was correct in his facts...again...and impartial in their presentation. The "spin" you are putting on this situation is therefore nothing more than an attack on Mr. Burtis, rather than what it should be which is solely an acknowlegement that Mr. Stenhouse and/or the council failed to do their job.
Anon 7:08
Apparently you have not read my previous entries throughout this blog. As I have previously written, I do agree with that the Council and Stenhouse have dropped the ball on this one.
Annon 7:08,
Yest the Council dropped the ball which brings into question why certain councilers shinned the floodlight singularly on Mr. Stenhouse. Again, is this Profiles in Courage? I think not; it's more like gutter politics.
And your assertion that Mr. Burtis "makes certain his facts are correct" and you base that on his letters to the editor - THAT IS RIDICULOUS!
He is typically factually wrong and on a few occasions was forced to retract - a few examples that
come to mind: he recently was forced to retract a statement about some emergency service people; he was forced to retract a point against Neil Wetherbee on private roads; he was forced to retract an assertion about Manning Street (DN 5/23), etc.,etc.etc.
But further, his writings are filled with unsubstantiable assertions and personal character assaults. He's accused Metts of sitting with the wrong company at a public meeting, he's accused John Moody of being "obviously high strung", he's accused Ferrante and Chirichello of doing the work of the devil, he's asserted that the membership - all by itself - in the Rotary and the Citizens for a Better Derry is a point that brings into question a persons motives, he has compared traffic on Broadway to the Santa Monica Freeway, he's held up New Jersey conservation as something Derry should emmulate, he accused Jack Dowd of "Running out on the Townspeople" (despite his continued extensive community involvement), he accused Craig Buckley...Russ Marcoux....Gary Stenhouse....Chief Klauber.....my, my, I could go on and on and on....
All that critical thought and NEVER, EVER has gone after Coyle Carney and Fairbanks?!
Please spare us the nonsenical position of his objectivity! We are not stupid and we ARE watching!
Anon 7:20...I am not going to rehash the multitude of issues that Mr Burtis has reflected upon. But imagine had he not done so, they too would have been swept under the now mountianously topographical Derry political rug.
It is those that are the most likely to politically stumble or have already done so, that naturally resent and/or protest the loudest. This treatment is not reserved exculsively for Mr Burtis, but for any citizen, council person, or committe person that stands up and questions "why?" or "how?" things are done in Derry.
It boils down to this, there is an unwritten "political culture" in town that attempts to self perpetuate itself. It holds that if you want "service" you walk in lock step with the "services" longest tenured players that think they know what's best.
If you stand up and voice a conflicting opinion, you do so at the risk of being marginalized. If you push hard enough you get berated.
Coyle and Fairbanks are living proof of this. They have done a terrific job, I genuinely feel this. They are NOT disrupting the apple cart for the fun of it, as some would have us believe. What is more accurate is that in the process of developing their own understanding of one issue or another occasionally they end up with differing views. This has put them in the line of fire with the arrogant "that's how we have always done it" approach to government that some local players with "long term public service" have been functioning under for far too long.
Mr. Burtis and many other towns people feel the same way and rightfully so. Just look at all the headlines made by the mis-steps of those in "public service"; and made by them alone.
So please follow through, by all means! Tell your friends to keep "watching." I for one hope you are not "stupid" because you apparently have much to learn. Who knows, if you open your eyes and mind long enough, you may be able to intergrate more and denegrate less. We will all be better off that way...don't you agree?
Let's not forget Mr. Burtis' repeated assertions that Wal-Mart was going to leave Derry high and dry for what he claimed were the greener pastures of Londonderry. Yet low and behold, they appeared before the DERRY planning board this week with their construction plans for Ashleigh Drive.
His "facts" were certainly in error on that one.
Maybe he should have tailing Wal-Mart execs instead of Mr. Stenhouse.
And honestly, is the town really so much better of now that Mr. Stenhouse is resigning before the one final meeting of his police commission tenure? Let's realistically look at the benefit to Derry vs. the embarrassment to Derry that this fiasco has caused.
"We taste and feel and see the truth. We do not reason ourselves into it."
– William Butler Yeats
SORRY TO BE "ON" TOPIC FOLKS.
BC, WHAT IS TO STOP ONE POLITICALLY MOTIVATED PERSON WHO WANTS TO PORTRAY AN ADMINISTRATOR AS INCOMPETENT FROM SUBMITTING A 91A REQUEST LIKE:
A COPY OF ALL REPORTS FOR EVERY RESPONSE OUR FIRE DEPARTMENT HAS ****EVER**** MADE.
AS I UNDERSTAND THE ADMIN IS REQUIRED TO RESPOND WITHIN A CERTAIN TIME PERIOD AND THUS WOULD BE SO BOGGED DOWN IN THE ABSURD REQUEST OTHER DUTIES WOULD SLIP.
IF YOU WANTED TO OUST AN ADMINISTRATOR, IT SEEMS LIKE A VIABLE IDEA. YES, 91A REQUESTS CAN BE USED AS A POLITICAL WEAPON.
To the critics of John Burtis - my favorite quote seems so appropriate here...
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
He defends our charter for us and you attack him...cold and timid souls indeed.
lol...LOL!!... anon 12:52 you may be "ON TOPIC" in your mind but you sound off your rocker to others if you somehow can draw a conclusion that there is a derry 91A conspiracy.
oh..wait a moment..you are joking...right?....12:52 you're joking aren't you?
but djn, John Burtis is not in the "arena"; at best he sits on the sidelines, firing away at those actually in the arena.
but djn, John Burits cause is not "worthy", unless one considers gutter politics a "worthy" cause.
but djn, We all know victory (for Derry), it was last March and we all know defeat (for Derry), it was March of 2006.
PS: I'm honestly curious, who do attribute that quote to?
I SHALL NOT BE DISMISSED SO FAST.
MR. BURTIS HAS FELT POSSESSED ENOUGH TO WRITE 28 ONE-SIDED LETTERS TO THE EDITOR IN THE PAST 18 MONTHS. REF: THE POST OF ANNON 7:20.
MR. BURTIS PLAYED A LEADING ROLE IN THE LATEST HUMILIATING PUBLIC DEBACLE FOR THE THE TOWN OF DERRY.
MR. BURTIS HAS PUBLICLY ADMITTED TO DRIVING AROUND THE STATE OF NH TO CONFIRM THE WHEREABOUTS OF OUR TOWN ADMINISTRATOR.
MR. BURTIS HAS SUBMITTED FOR 20+ RSA 91A REQUESTS IN THE PAST 18 MONTHS, MANY ON BEHALF OF KEVIN COYLE.
THESE FACTS POINT TO A PERSON WHO HAS SOME KIND OF OBESSION OR INFATUATION, WHO IS NOW SO BOLDLY OUT ON THE FRINGE, AND THUS WHO HAS DEMONSTRATEDS THAT HE IS VERY VERY CAPABLE OF THE POLITICAL USE OF 91A'S.
anon 3:45
The quote is from Teddy Roosevelt.
Bloggers (see Anon 5:20) put him in the arena through shrill attacks on him. (My view of the Arena does not require one to hold office and, in fact, it is possible to hold office and be far from "the arena" of ideas.)
Anon 5:20
How fast would you like to be dismissed?
"MR. BURTIS PLAYED A LEADING ROLE IN THE LATEST HUMILIATING PUBLIC DEBACLE FOR THE THE TOWN OF DERRY." Which was what? Having the Town Admin. get his wrist slapped for not following the rules? humiliating? debacle? Aren't you a bit over the top here?
"MR. BURTIS HAS PUBLICLY ADMITTED TO DRIVING AROUND THE STATE OF NH TO CONFIRM THE WHEREABOUTS OF OUR TOWN ADMINISTRATOR." Good for him, apparently it was necessary. I'll pay for his gas next time he provides that public service. Get a grip.
"MR. BURTIS HAS FELT POSSESSED ENOUGH TO WRITE 28 ONE-SIDED LETTERS TO THE EDITOR IN THE PAST 18 MONTHS." Does your copy of the Constitution limit free speach to not more than 27 letters? Is he obliged to agrue against his own points so as to write 2-sided letters?
Why don't we all just thank John for uncovering and documenting the problem and move on?
I've heard enough about John Burtis. What he's written, what he's said. He must be revelling in all this lime light! Some people have to be the center of attention...even when it's negative! Let's give it a rest. There's plenty of positive things happening in town and he's not the only person with an opinion!!!!Let's move on....
Hey BC
i know this is off topic, but these posts usually are...
I just heard news that Blackberries will be moving to Londonderry..any truth to this that you know of? we seem to lose business instead of keeping them. i know that we have had restaurant opening, and some closing, that's the business. we have to figure out a way to keep these people here. GET ON THE BALL TC!!! if it is true please tell me there is a quality business waiting to fill the void.
it seems that this town has so much to offer it can't be the political climate there has to be other reasons that places choose to leave
It's supposed to rain this afternoon...GET ON THE BALL TC!!!!
Have you ever tried running in and out of that bakery... It's not possible. It's a pain to try and find a spot.
I hate to say it, but it's a lot easier to find quick and easy parking in a plaza. This may be why Big Boys Bagel had to pull out. It's just not convenient to find a spot for the quick trips downtown. The public would rather drive to Brooklyn Bagel where they know there is a guaranteed spot available and it is easily accessible. This may be a factor in why the Bakery is potentially pulling out of Derry. They are trying to increase their morning and lunch sales but don’t have any private parking.
People looking to go out to dinner in the downtown are more likely to take the time to find a spot because they'll be there for a few hours.
Has the Highway Safety Comm. considered 1 or 2 hr parking on Broadway as a way to try and free up more spots? If it were posted, would the PD actually enforce it?
Anyway, if the Town does find out businesses are moving to an adjacent community, it should try and work with that business to find a suitable location in Derry that will meet their needs.
Just my two cents… (only probably worth a penny though)
ok i find this ridiculus. This is America, the public has a right to know exactly what is happening in its government. if you don't like it there are plenty of other countries out in this world. where does this end? when WE THE PEOPLE, want information we should get it, it is too bad that people out there abuse the system but that happens with everything...should we outlaw lawyers or put limits on them as to how many lawsuits them may have. How about doctors should we limit them as well, maybe they ask too many questions...every minute with a doctor costs money, lots of it. For someone to want to limit these 91a's sound silly to me, where would it end??
as to the firemen using the trucks. don't they have to leave it running while they wait just in case they don't start? cut them a break. God forbid your house is burning down and they can't get there because they have to drive back to the firehouse in their own cars, hop in the firetruck then drive off to the fire. I am positive there would be public outcry if this were to happen. Or should we tell them to make a list and go grocery shopping once week?
I agree that two trucks probably aren't needed. the dept should look into this and with gas prices so high maybe think of alternatives.
anon 8:10,
This is the first I've heard of the bakery locating somewhere else. If it is true, it is unfortunate. This is one reason I keep bringing up the idea of more residents coming down to the downtown to support local business. I know the parking issue doesn't go away where peoples perception is that we have no parking when we really do. We have to make sure we tell neighbors to shop downtown. Now we as councilors should be pro-active in finding businesses that people want to come into the downtown for and the sooner the better.
i think we need to find a very big ball for the TC to get on!!
BC _ I disagree (respectfully) with some of your statements. (There's a surprise!) Regarding parking "downtown", perception is reality in this case. I'd say it is pretty clear that the public thinks there is not enough parking on Broadway. If you compared, how much parking is there downtown vs. Shaw’s or Hannaford’s? How about ease of parking? It's been my observation that most of Derry is uncomfortable parallel parking. You may be counting spaces many people can’t get their cars into.
I also don't see it as the Town Council's job to find specific businesses to come to downtown. Aren't we hiring someone to do "development"? That search for retailers should be done as a small part of a much larger sales effort.
Doug,
I think you may of misunderstood. There is parking at the municipal center, there is parking behind the Bolio building however. most want to park in front of the store and not walk a little bit. Thats where their is parking. And when I meant the town should find businesses, it was meant from an econcomic development director postion- not the TC themselves.
djn,
you didn't mention one single fact to base your opinion to bc about parking.
you've procliamed yourself to be a fact guy????
BC- Yes then I must have misunderstood regarding business recruitment. I do believe however that the is a nearly uniform perception is that parking is inconvenient downtown. (People are lazy but it is easier to change parking availability than the nature of people.)
djn,
I would disagree (respectfully) that it is easier to change parking availability than people's perceptions, but, what would you propose to resolve the parking issue?
I personally don't get the concept of sitting in the Dunkin Donuts drive thru for 5 or 10 minutes, but not wanting to park half a block away from a Blackberry Bakery of the former Bagel Shop.
If people really want upscale shops and a vibrant downtown, they need to break out of the same old, same old mentality and actually patronize them.
I don't think the average commuter who lives in a bedroom community cares what stores are on that 1/4 mile stretch of Broadway. If it's not as convenient for them, they will not go there.
The Dunkin Donuts argument doesn't really hold up. People sit in lines at the drive-through of Dunkin Donuts instead of parking in their own lot. People will go there no matter what because their coffee is like no others'.
This town needs to focus more on bringing in the big box stores. Those stores make money and attract customers from a larger area. If the space were available it would be beneficial to tear down all of the "downtown" and put in those box stores and more plazas. They make money!
Look at Salem and Londonderry. Neither have a downtown to worry about. They just bring in large commercial and industrial business to their community. ...Seems to be working well for them.
Look at Nashua, Manchester, and Concord. They have vibrant downtown sections in their cities. These downtowns are supported by commercial office space and the associated foot traffic. These downtowns are much larger. The retail is mainly there becuase of the commercial offices, not the other way around.
Derry's downtown is too small for its own good. It does not have enough commercial office space to support a vibrant downtown. The signage is awful. The avergage person doesn't even know what businesses are there because you can't read the signs while driving by. How about some signs that are perpendicular to the road?
Derry needs to decide if it wants to focus its efforts on the downtown or on other commercial/industrial endeavors.
I will say that the downtown is 100% better than it was 10 years ago. However, I agree that peoples perceptions are reality. If people think there is no parking, then there isnt any. The parking is not marked well enough. Yes there are signs. What color are they? Forest green, and white/beige. I know it's not a "pretty", but how about putting up the nationally recognized blue sign with a white "P". These signs are blue for a reason- they stand out. We don't have green stop signs in town. Just a thought. If people see these signs it may open their eyes to the avialable parking.
Maybe the business owners could band together and offer a 10% sale on the first Saturday of each month to help attract people to their stores. The DEDC could take out ads in the Derry Snews, Eagle Tribune, and the Union Leader.
Well, that's enough ranting and raving for now...
d3,
Very interesting thoughts and I'm with you on most of them.
But you write " The DEDC could take out ads in the Derry Snews, Eagle Tribune, and the Union Leader."
The DEDC is a private group that currently and/or no longer takes money from the town. As such, my question to you --- why should the DEDC lift a finger to do anything for Economic Development? Why should they spend any of THEIR money on advertsing?
As I see it, the DEDC doesn't have to accept any role assigned by you Brent Carney, or anyone else.
And like it or not - THE DEDC IS NO LONGER IN THE LINE OF FIRE FOR CRITICISM - THEY ARE TAKING NO PUBLIC FUNDS.
anon 11:19, spot on. the dedc should spend zero money, zero effort and zero time in the formulation of any future course of action that the town undertakes in an effort to stimulate economic development. as it now stands, the town must try to make up for the lost time, opportunity and money squandered financing dedc.
I disagree with you both regarding the DEDC. The DEDC's job is economic development. From their mission statement, "the DEDC concentrates on the retention and the expansion of existing businesses". No, they do not work for the Town of Derry, but this is something they could do that would actually be a benefit. Obviously there is no obligation on their part to do this. This is just a suggestion.
FYI: I spoke with the owner of the Blackberry Bakery earlier this afternoon. He said that he is strongly considering moving his business to a location just off of Route 102 in Londonderry. I did not ask why, as it is none of my business.
Annon 12:00,
We apparently agre to a point then there is a great divide.
No the DEDC doesn't have to accept a role assigned by anyone. Given the DEDC's current position, I further think it is arrogant for anyone to attempt to assign them a role.
The DEDC is a very formidable organization; they bring alot to the table. They in fact did an outstanding job for the town for many years on very very short money.
Are you kidding me --- $60K per year barely pays for a clerical level person. (Salary, health plan, other benefits).
And now Brent Carney thinks we should expand to a nationwide search for a $72K/year person. He thinks some seasoned professional from South Carolina is going to move up here for $72K/year. Good Luck.
reading todays dn hotline, it appears someones a little angry, perhaps we're getting too close to a sensitive area....can a 91a request be put in for all of kevin coyles corrospondence and communications to and from john burtis?
You could submit a request for every email he has sent or received from his Town email account...I'm sure he is selective on what he sends... however he can't control what he receives...
AS A POLICE LAWYER FOR LONDONDERRY, IS MR. COYLE'S WORK COMMUNICATIONS SUBJECT TO 91A REQUESTS?
Anon 8:39 PM ---My observation that people in Derry are uncomfortable parallel parking is a fact. It is a fact that you can confirm for yourself any Saturday morning by watching people make 5 point parking efforts. Those that even try.
By the way, nice tone... you can even be argumentative about parallel parking. Want to debate the current time of day? Get a life.
NFW- I would resolve the parking problem by investigating the acquisition of more parking places. You may note that the only businesses that seem to be thriving down there supply their own parking.
You may choose to teach parallel parking to Derry's roughly 20,000 drivers, I'll pass on that challenge. You may choose to argue with the market that they shouldn't spend time at Dunkin when they could seek parking near Blackberries. Arguing with the market is very expensive, please do it with your own money.
anon 9:16 AM- many good thoughts in your rant. I would disagree on the big box stores. First we are not likely to get them since both Manchester and Salem have better traffic flows and demographics to attract them.
I would also agree with Kevin Coyle's comments at the Development Meeting last night that big box stores are undesirable bringing with them only low paying jobs. I think we can do better than that.
Since the compensation of the development person has come up... we should have a pay for performance portion of that individual's compensation. Let's face it this is a sales and marketing position. We can measure his/her success. I would hope that we pay this person huge amounts of money as they deliver success after success.
djn,
You are in your last two post 100 percent correct.The compensation should be base pay with merit pay.For the supply and demand minded its called bonuses.
I would not waste any effort to the parking issue because after we take 100 grand so super walmart can break conservation easements to build another big box chinese outlet,there will be more stores closing in town. Watch and see. Thats what walmart is known for.
wh3,
When walmart came into town in Derry 10 years ago. What businesses were forced out because of them?
Also its very easy for people to say they want bio-tech firms instead of big box stores, its another to actually attract them here. If it were that easy, it would of been done a long time ago.
i have been reading some of the posts in regards to bringin big box stores to derry. i for one would rather find a different niche for derry. take a look at concord they are really pushing all natural, organic items in their community. what about derry there are no such stores here. Trader Joes i know it is sort of a big box but it plays on all natural oraganic food at resonable prices.
We need better restaurants and a better night life in this town. in listening to the development meeting there seems to be a good foundation (ie hospital). The point that we have nothing to do here really resonated with me. I have been here for 7 years and always thought bars/restaurants closed at ten. Lets get these places to advertise this. How about where the rite aid is, when they move out, what will go there. we need places that people can walk to conviently. who wants to walk to downtown from the hospital area? lets look at these areas to get nice restaurants and maybe even a sports bar/ restaurant in town. How about a decent bakery other than blackberry's. It is surprising that there is only one in this large town. Growing up there was like one on each corner. We need cafes coffee shops. All with wifi. I know it is a lot to ask for but my mom always told me dreams do come true.
Oh Yeah don't forget we also need a cab company.
Djn,
also you say the KC has it right not wanting low pay jobs. Why can't we do both? Don't young people and/or retired people who still want to work people who count? In the real world we actually have Walmart coming. In fairy tale land we want Bio-techs. great to say-how are you going to deliver. In the meantime, the real world continues to revolve.
DJN WANTS TO RIDE INTO A SEAT ON THE COUNCIL ON THE BASIS OF ABSTRACT AND VAGUE ASSERTIONS - DON'T ASK FOR SPECIFICS OF IMPLEMENTATION - AND HIS REAL, UNSTATED GIG IS TO SLASH TOWN SERVICES.
AND EVEN DOING THAT HE WON'T OFFER SPECIFICS.
BC- I never said it was easy getting better development than big box but if you don't set your goals high enough I can guarantee than you won't see anything but low end big boxes.
You also see to imply that there have been past failed focused efforts at bringing technology (e.g., biotech) to town. Did I miss something in the last 24 years?
You also seem to be assuming that good paying jobs come at the cost of low paying jobs. That's not how it works. The creation of wealth (high paying jobs) does not rob the community of low paying jobs. Young people in more affluent communities like Lexington or Concord Mass do not wander the streets unemployed. They too have better paying jobs.
The few bars we do have close at 1 am. 12:30 am is last call(state mandated). We do have a cab compnay. I wish people would actually do a little investigating on their own.
As a younger person, mid 20's, I will tell you that in order to have a nightlife in Derry, there needs to be a handful of places to go to that are all within walking distance. This is why Elm St in Manch-Vegas is so popular. The same goes for Main St in Nashua. These are the only two places close to Derry where there is anything like a "night life".
Sometimes I wish the Town would look to cater to businesses for people my age, bars, strip clubs, etc. People may not like the idea of them, but if they were here, so would a lot of people. "Build them and they will come." Younger people tend to have a lot more money to spend because they have little to no bills. Think of all the college kids when they are home on breaks. Noone hangs out in Derry. Everyone goes to Londonderry and Manchester where they actually have real bars(not just the ones in restaurants) and clubs.
People are probably all upset I brought up a strip club. How about placing one at the end of A St. Looks like a good spot to me. The snobby town of Bedford has one and there aren't any problems up there because of it. Derry has more people would easily attract thousands and thousands of peple each year. Build a couple of restaurants and bars around it and who knows, maybe Derry could be fun too. This is where our cab company comes into play becuae peple would actually stay in Derry to have a good time, rather than always leaving.
One more thing, where in this Town can I go to buy a pair of Nike's?
annon 9:56
i know we have a cab company. your response to people doing a little inverstigating is if it would let itself be known that would be great. why do i have investigate where these companies are? it's their job to advertise, not have me eat up my personal time investigating.
As far as strip clubs go if that is the type of people you want around great. If i wanted to live in a town with these establishments i would be there not here.
i agree we need establishments that bring people and some nice bars would be great. with decent bands. take the now closed martini bar, that was a pretty cool place, unfortunately the food was terrible.
you are correct in stating we need these places in walking distance. Now i am in my early 30's and want someplace to go as well. the majority of people moving here a new families with working parents.
most are proffesionals. i know kids come back for college break...but been there done that...i know they don't have any money other than their parents.
where can i buy a latte or dessert other than dunkins and blackberries
there have been numerous times i have had to drive out of town to meet friends in order to get this.
I have also had to move meetings out of town because of no place to meet, something like starbucks would be nice
ANNON 9:56,
FIRST OF ALL AND VERY SINCERELY, THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO SHARE YOU THOUGHTS. I KNOW I'M STEREOTYPING BUT YOUR GENERATION TYPICALLY IS JUST NOT INVOLVED ENOUGH AND DOESN'T SPEAK UP ENOUGH - I CONGRATULATE YOU FOR DOING SO AND WOULD ENCOURAGE YOU DO CONTINUE DOING SO.
YOU MAKE AN INTERESTING OBVERSATION ABOUT NIKE SNEAKERS BUT I WOULD FIGHT VERY HARD TO KEEP STRIP JOINTS OUT OF OUR COMMUNITY.
DJN, IS THIS PERHAPS SOMETHING WE AGREE ON?
Ah anon 8:34 I see that you are clairvoyant. Individuals' words and deeds mean nothing to you because you can read their deepest thoughts. If only we had a good inquisition for you to lead. Pity, but you were born in the wrong age. Pity (us)that you were born in this age.
I only mentioned the Bedford strip club because that has turned out to be a great establishemnt for their town. Forget about the sdtrip club portion for a minute. They have a huge sports bar that is attached to it- you would never know on the othere side of the wall is a strip club. This venue hosts big name bands and events all the time. It brings in business and good people.
anon 8:34...please continue to post early and often. hey, your use of only capital letters is an especially nice touch. from where i am seated anon 8:34, there is no better contra-indicator, that actually works against your ramblings, than your own words.
by contrast, djn's posts attempt to thoughtfully address the required burden of proof in support of his position and his attitude is clear and concise.
djn, myself, having been on the receiving end of anon 8:34's propensity towards disparaging cranky remarks know the exasperation you must feel having to suffer his brand of foolishness. nonetheless, i hope his cynical failed attempt at painting you with ulterior motives in fact are correct and that you do consider a run for one seat or another. if for no other reason than to show anon 8:34 and all others of his ilk that service in and of itself does not mean an elected official or committee member is constructive in making progress. it is only EXECUTION and RESULTS that count.
just look at the early signs of improvement in derry town government transparency and depth of debate the recent change in council seats of late have engendered. speaks for itself to those both willing and equipt to listen.
two more comments, where was our state delegation during this weeks economic conference? you know i for one am sick and tired of seeing them ONLY when there is a ribbon cutting, election, camera or funeral to attend. why is it that derry being the third largest town in the state has virtually no intergration between local and state officials? no wonder the towns shareholders are upset..get with the local program all you concord cronies. get engaged back home or at least pretend your interested by showing up for these important meetings.
finally, anon 8:34, are you the one responsible for this friday's hotline? seems your style, if not i bet you are tight with that rocket scientist and i for one am glad he or she is on your team so to speak.
DJN SAYS I HAVE A BAD TONE, ANNON 9:09 (MR. BURTIS) SAYS I AM CRANKY AND ALSO SPEAKS OF "ATTITUDE" OF OTHERS JUST LIKE JANET FAIRBANKS RECENTLY DID OF OUR TOWN ADMIN.
ALTHOUGH I DON'T CALL IN TO THE HOTLINE, IF I DID, AS A HUMAN RESOURCE PROFESSIONAL I SURE WOULD MENTION THAT EVALUATING PEOPLES "ATTITUDE" IS A DEEPLY FLAWED APPROACH. "ATTITUDE", GENTLEMEN, CANNOT BE MEASURED; YOU WOULD BEST SERVE YOUR POSITIONS IF YOU FOCUSED ON "BEHAVIOR".
AFTERALL "ATTITUDE", "CRANKY", "TONE" ALL BOARDER ON NAME CALLING.
I SURE AM LOOKING FORWARD TO READING THE HOTLINES NOW THOUGH; HOW DID YOU GET AN ADVANCE COPY?
I ACTUALLY AGREE WITH YOU (ONE OF US MUST HAVE FORGOT TO TAKE OUR MEDICATION) RE: OUR STATE DELEGATION - THEY ARE DOING NOTHING FOR US.
IT'S VERY TELLING TO ME THAT DELEGATION INCLUDES ONE OF DJN'S PARTNERS IN HIS GROUP - MR. HOWIE LUND.
DJN,
You seem to be talking out of both sides of your mouth and saying nothing substantive. That is not a personal attack, it is a fact that I will give you can feel free to clear up via some examples.
Anon. 8:39 presents you with a legitimate question with “you didn't mention one single fact to base your opinion to bc about parking. You’ve proclaimed yourself to be a fact guy????” and you belittle him with “By the way, nice tone... you can even be argumentative about parallel parking. Want to debate the current time of day? Get a life.” Why do you respond so harshly to a very legitimate and non-confrontational question? You've been preaching civility, haven't you?
Then in reference to the parking issue you say “It is a fact that you can confirm for yourself any Saturday morning by watching people make 5 point parking efforts. Those that even try.” That same observation on Sat. morning would also show that most of the downtown parking spaces are FULL. That is a fact that shoots holes in your difficult parking argument. But to your solution. “I would resolve the parking problem by investigating the acquisition of more parking places.” I’ll go out on a limb in saying I think that just might have already been done, given that this has been an issue in town for many years. Is that really the best you have to offer?
After stating “I would disagree on the big box stores. First we are not likely to get them since both Manchester and Salem have better traffic flows and demographics to attract them.” you go on to disagree with BC in stating the opposite with “BC- I never said it was easy getting better development than big box but if you don't set your goals high enough I can guarantee than you won't see anything but low end big boxes.” Which is it? The Super Wal-Mart already scuttles your first argument as does constant logjams on So. Willow St.
You also argue that BC is saying “You also seem to be assuming that good paying jobs come at the cost of low paying jobs. That's not how it works.” when he actually says “Why can't we do both? Don't young people and/or retired people who still want to work people who count?” It is in fact you who is opposing a company that is intent on coming to Derry and offering the town $1 million in road improvements in favor of something that would be many years away from happening, if it happens at all. Why can we not do both? Do you also suggest that the $1million be borne by the taxpayers if we reject Wal-Mart or should we just leave another failing piece of infrastructure as an attraction to potential bio-techs?
You also state “You also see to imply that there have been past failed focused efforts at bringing technology (e.g., biotech) to town. Did I miss something in the last 24 years?” Have you in fact been in some position with the town or economic development where you would have been privy to such efforts in the past 24 years? I wasn’t aware that you were.
And last but not least you respond to me with “You may choose to argue with the market that they shouldn't spend time at Dunkin when they could seek parking near Blackberries. Arguing with the market is very expensive, please do it with your own money.” Patronizing a locally owned business over a corporate entity is not “arguing with the market”. In my world, we call that supporting local businesses. And I am proud to be doing it with my money. You and Mr. Coyle on the other hand are in fact “arguing with the market” with your opposition to Wal-Mart, and what’s worse, you’re doing it with the taxpayers money in rejecting Wal-Mart’s $1million in road improvements. Please heed your own request and if you choose to argue with the market, please do it with YOUR money.
I agree that Mr. Newell isn't really saying much and what he does say usually contradicts itself or is directed at criticism of others personally, not their positions.
Example: he wrote - "My observation that people in Derry are uncomfortable parallel parking is a fact." Mr. Newell, do you claim to speak for or understand the people of Derry after your 5th place showing in the last election? Where is your polling data that makes your "observation" a fact.
Example: he wrote - "Ah anon 8:34 I see that you are clairvoyant. Individuals' words and deeds mean nothing to you because you can read their deepest thoughts. If only we had a good inquisition for you to lead. Pity, but you were born in the wrong age. Pity (us)that you were born in this age."
Does the tone Mr. Newell utilizes in the above quote speak to his coveted "leadership".
Yes we note he wrote previously wrote that leadership is about setting a tone and he wrote that to avoid giving specifics.
All those contradictions from Mr. Newell come from very recent posts - going back a little further exposes this point even more.
nfw 7:06am...clarity of thought is a requirement of understanding. now, i don't know if today was a function of the time of day that you posted or not, but i could not get through you first paragraph, what exactly was it you were trying to say?
i hope that all those that take time to post, also take time to proof read. but most importantly i hope they actually consider what they want to say before they subject others to their laziness or simple lack of polish.
far be it for me to act as the word police, but nfw's posts are tough enough to get through without the added burdens of slack attention to detail, syntax and spelling.
one of my favorite sayings was written by mark twain. i suspect it is more true today than it was in his day. "I am sorry to write such a long letter. i didn't have time to write a short one."
Are we looking at economic development from a tax standpoint only? Maybe at this point all we can do is learn from our mistakes and create a community that we can be proud of and want to live in. And maybe we can try to look beyond our own agendas and try to understand that of our neighbor. Would you feel differently about Walmart if they were in the banking business and offered free real estate services with the purchase of a mortgage? That’s not that far fetched....They most certainly do negatively affect low margin businesses like unionized grocers.
Derry needs to decide what kind of community it wants. If it’s a community that attracts lower income people then by all means - build those big box stores. It seems we're heading that way as it is; Walmart, Big Lots, Dollar Bills, Payless Shoes....and heck lets leave those empty stores blighted; after all someone’s paying taxes on them. And forget about the main street. Who cares that the signage is terrible; the facades in disrepair, cigarette butts strewn on the sidewalks? If the business owners don't care why should we? Its not adding to tax base!
If you want to attract businesses that employ people holding degrees then we need to be proactive in creating the kind of community that these people like to reside in. And folks, forget about the taxes. You won't be seeing them go down any time soon.
You may call me a dreamer but I'm not the only one. A Barnes and Nobles with a Starbucks in it, a farmers market, Macy's, a hotel, a venue similar to the Tupelo, an organic food store, an organic clothing store, a deli where I can sit outside and enjoy a soup and salad, a NH League store, a Currier gallery, an internet cafe, some outside entertainment on main street in the spring and summer, specialty shops lining the street with some outside vendors stretching from West Broadway through Crystal Ave and Birch Street, a paved bike path, and a TC that lives by the saying "Do unto others as you wish others would do unto you."
annon 1:00pm,
let me pick up where you left off...
"...and a TC that lives by the saying "Do unto others as you wish others would do unto you."
that would mean, for instance, that the council members who defend all the the 91a information requests directed at other peoples activities would also advocate for 91a requests be made on themselves or their poltical allies.
if that "do unto others" dream held up brent carney would now request all communications to/from kevin coyle from the town of londonderry (his employer) and the town of derry (as a councilor). He would then present that info in front of all the cameras and call the newspapers before confronting kevin personally.
The utter hypocracy of it all!
Anon 1:00 Pm -
Finally, an entire blog entry that makes sense, is well thought out, offers a wonderful vision of Derry, and doesn’t insult anyone.
Thank you. I am with you 100%. I have been saying this for months.
We need more of this. So many people are rife to complain, multitudes rant and rave, but few have actually taken the time to think through what the future of Derry could look like, and what kind of businesses could thrive here IF and only IF we come to a consensus on what kind of town we want.
Derry has an identity crisis. its up to the people of Derry to decide what they want this town to be.
I for one, love the scenario that Anon 1:00 PM has outlined. That to me would be a wonderful Derry of the future.
I also agree that a town with those types of businesses is the kind of town that would attract high-end industry, (high-tech, pharmaceutical, bio-med) thereby creating jobs for people who now commute into Boston. The employees of those companies then support other businesses such as the ones Anon 1:00PM outlined.
Its a circle folks.
Look at towns like Cambridge MA, or Portsmouth, and look really look at the businesses that surround those towns. The café’s, fine dining, ethic markets, eco-friendly shops, organic food stores, don’t just open up and hope that people show up. Successful retailers and restaurateurs study the marketplace and find a spot where their goods, or services are needed or fit the best.
Sadly I am not convinced that Derry is one of those places. I would love it to become one of those places, but I really am not sure if that is what the majority of people here want. Why you ask?? Because I see good solid businesses come in and go out.
I will give you one example - Big Boy Bagel. There is nothing even close to the authenticity of their product left here in town. I was thrilled to find them here on Broadway, and frequented their shop routinely, ( a side note: I never had any issues parking, I always found a close spot, often right out front). I was saddened to find them gone, and I now travel to their location in Plaistow to get bagels when I am in the mood.
I bring this up because I am not sure why they closed. Part of me believes that it might actually be, because people in Derry really don’t want quality, authentic, local food. I am beginning to think maybe they really do prefer as others have mentioned, to get a bagel from Dunkins that was baked miles away, because they are used to it. Its “generic” and they don’t have to think about it. I think parking is a much smaller reason. Think about it, its easier and requires less thought to sit in your car in a drive through lane, while listening to your favorite morning show, and order your same jelly donut and coffee regular, than taking the extra step to park your car, walk in to a local business smelling of actual baked goods and getting yourself a fresh baked breakfast item.
I don’t get that mentality myself. I would rather buy local, and see the little guy thrive than support the faceless corporations that “cook” their pre-portioned, previously frozen, egg-like substances.
But that is just me.
anon 4:33 i second your support of anon's vision of derry...I HAVE BEEN SCREAMING FOR THIS FOR YEARS!!..ahhh....now i feel better.
i have concluded that the trouble is not with derry's demographics but that those that have been charged with the responsibility of attracting these type establishments simply are out of their element in doing so...which i precisely why....WE NEED AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONAL THAT CAN GET 'ER DONE!!!....wow..that really does feel better, primal therapy works.
i too can't believe that bagel boy had to pack up and leave town. ray was the real deal 100% as are his bagel's but it seems many folks in town still go to the hospital for a good meal...dunkin donut??...absolutely the most puzzling phenom ever, stall, dry, freezer burned and actually expensive for a sows ear in my opinion.
keep up the drum beat, maybe things will sink in to those that apparently don't get out very often....except to dunkin donuts that is.
I believe it's time for the businesses downtown to form an association and as an organized group come before the town with 'their needs'. There is so much talk about and Economic Director and how our leaders in town are to blame....I compare it to parents expecting the school system to be responsible for educating their children and parents responsibilities end at the school door. Why don't we 'ask' the busniesses to speak for themselves. I bet you would be very enloghtened! Here's a no brainer....invite them to a roundtable discussion.
NFW- I have returned from some days traveling with my family and noted your rather lengthy diatribe. I started to parse it to point out all the errors in logic but that appears to be a Herculean task. Besides that, business in my latest venture has picked up significantly so I must tend to real development, creating new jobs one at a time. That will leave you talking to yourself and to anon 11:35 PM. You two can rail about my sins and debate the finer points of 5-point parking. Perhaps you can even teach her how to use the cap lock key. Just you and anon 11:35 conversing, forever. As punishments go that must be one of the deepest circles in hell. Oh there is justice in the world!!!
adieu
COULD IT BE THAT WE ARE ACTUALLY MAKING PROGRESS - BOTH BURTIS AND NEWELL ARE GIVING UP DEFENDING THEIR IDEAS AND ACTIONS!
EVIDENTLY, THEY CAN'T STAND BEING QUESTIONED. "TRANSPARENCY FOR OTHERS, BUT NOT FOR ME..."
PS: DOES ANYONE KNOW THE NAMES AND LOCATIONS OF THE 4 COMPANIES MR. NEWELL CLAIMS TO HAVE FOUNDED? ARE THEY FORTUNE 500 COMPANIES NOW OR ARE THEY (MORE LIKELY) BANKRUPT?
anon 5:52....oh brother....is your aim to actually proudly proclaim ownership of the dishonesty and blind partisanship in your post?
how do you come to the conclusion that burtis and newell "can't stand to answer questions?"
could it be the politically incorrigible, like yourself, that are more at home protecting political turf, rather than hear and process another's view, may not be worth a considered response after so many failed honest attempts to do so?
you know, had it occurred to you that just like the good money after bad arguement, some have reached the conclusion, why bother responding to those that are incapable of listening let alone understanding. you may have identified yourself as no longer worth the time or effort of burtis or newell as the ship pulls away. i think that this explaination hits close to the mark...don't you?
anon 5:52 just keep treading water, the tides changing and maybe through no effort of your own your ship may get lifted along with the good ship derry if things continue to shift politically away from the old ways in favor of the new.
as for nfw....???
YOU, WHO WOULD DEFEND THE POLITICALLY STAGED EVENT AT THE LAST COUNCIL MEETING, ARE ACCUSING ANYONE OF BEING "POLITICALLY INCORRIGIBLE"?!
YOUR SKILLS FOOL NO ONE.
anon 11:16...no, i am not "accusing"... we are long beyond that...the sum of your posts content have "PROVEN" your political incorrigiblity. i am guilty only of exposing your and your buddy's tendency toward frequent inconsistancies and distortions.
hey CAPS, there are none so blind as those that will not see.
djn,
Thanks for at least taking a few minutes of your time to let the "real" Doug Newell shine through.
It was just a matter of time before you showed that side of yourself we all got to see during your failed school board bid.
Your history of denigrating anyone who presents a differing view or questions yours, remains intact and you have not disappointed with what many have come to expect from you. Congratulations!
I hope you fare better in your latest "venture" than you do in public forums. The latter doesn’t seem to be your forte’ and I'm sure you will continue to find people (especially in Derry) far less interested in your "facts and ideas" when you’re not signing their paychecks.
niel f. weatherbee...just what is it that you want people to conclude about you?...all to often, you are on the record, here or there, calling for community unity, peace love and tie-dye. but in the same breath you are found busy maligning one citizen or another (you need proof? re-read your recent letters to the editor.)
or niel... how is it you were found sitting on a roads committee and miraculously out of all the private roads in town, "abracadabra!!", your road is one of ONLY two that are recommended for public status. (now neil, you can choose to go ahead and post up your nonsense again about the road failing to reach your home etc..etc.. but we've heard it before. it doesn't wash. you were foolish to think the community would not see it and call you on it. this road status change would have benefitted you despite your laughable protestations to the contrary.)
now once again, true to form, we find you neil, launching a feeble politically motivated attack directed this time at dfn. we would all "thank you" as you did dfn, if YOU took the time to step back and witness the absolute hypocrisy in your comments. though mitigated, by the humor you inadvertantly produce by insisting on posting publically your occassional unique version of home grown, half-baked political attacks and observations.
you're out there attacking others neil? others like nfw that ALWAYS have the annoying tendency to back their opinions up with facts? at the risk of being officious neil, this continued behavior of yours will succeed only in making you little more than a political pinata.
in closing nfw, i trust you are familiar with the nobel adage, "it is better to have tried and lost, than to never have tried at all." i was wondering, presuming you are equipt to recognize the wisdom in this old saw, would you take a moment and defend your last post wherein you attempt to denigrate a fellow citizen that has and continues to try to make a difference with the above adage in mind?
is it consistant with your way of thinking? or was your post in fact just another in what is amounting to a long line of pathetic regretful occurances when you self-reflect upon your actions?
Step aside Neil, I'll take this one.
Annon 1:27 your entire post is invalid, but you probably knew that. You make an accusation that has been put down numerous times. It was not Neil who included his road and he never voted to do so. People are watching sir and people know the facts.
Neil Wetherbee, sir, IS out there "doing". His record of "doing" is quite impressive in a very short period of time.
And, Sir, just what is your record of "doing"?................................................................we thought so.
anon 3:02..neil must be proud of you!...you boldly step forth, tell him to step aside, and you stumble badly in your attempt at staying on point as well.
i guess it does not matter who's carrying the message, so feel free why don't you try and address nfw's inconsistencies and attacks for us all...good luck.
Anon. 3:02,
I very much appreciate your words of support. I do believe that there are people watching, reading this blog and what’s in the papers, and I believe that most of them do know the truth, even the ones who will not admit it.
Onto Anon. 1:27,
Sir (or madam), I really don’t care what people conclude about me. As you have clearly demonstrated, not everyone draws their conclusion’s based on facts. I have worked as part of a group effort to encourage community involvement (a bad thing?) and sometimes that has involved calling out those who fear that community involvement will make a small vocal minority less vocal. That will most certainly continue. The days of personal attacks, baseless accusations and political doublespeak going unchallenged are over. People are sick of it, it hurts our community as a whole, and I will continue to work to change it. If that makes me a “political piñata” so be it. I have faith that most people see it for what it is.
There is a public record of everything I have been attacked for that will back up (with facts) that those attacks are baseless lies. Using the same attacks over and over only serves to diminish the attackers’ credibility, so hopefully, they will continue. However, I will not continue to rehash the same accusations tima and time again nor do I have any regrets about anything I’ve said in refuting those accusations. I stand by what I’ve done and what I’ve said.
NFW So you can take shots but not receive them. No surprise there.
"Community involvement will make a small vocal minority less vocal" ok you completely lost be with that one. Are you saying that the goal of your organization is to silence minorities? Vocal minorities, ooh they are the worst kind!
"The days of personal attacks, baseless accusations and political doublespeak going unchallenged are over." I take it you must be moving. We will miss you but I'm sure others will take your place.
And by the way, most of us could care less about the issue of you and private roads. However "Me thinks he doth protest too much."
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