Time for an Open Forum. This is where you pick the topic to discuss.
I appreciate the readers who leave comments and want to talk about issues important to all.
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.
65 comments:
It's pretty funny that Derry's #1 event and attraction is buying imposter designer purses and jewelry at the fleamarket every weekend.
Anon 12:07,
Why did you choose this topic for the blog?
BC: Economic Development!
Let's build two more flea markets in Derry. Maybe the town can implement a user fee for each person who attends.
People come from all over to go to Grandview Flea Market in Derry. Seriously. Go there sometime. It's crazy.
We'll make a fortune!
better question BC, why did you post it at all?.......but now that you have who the hell are you talking about? stenhouse? dowd? the derry police and fire OT recipients? enquiring minds want to know.
a strong case can be made that either one of the above named need something to carry taxpayer money in after all.
BC,
Just a idea.Town can buy firehouse pub,move town employees in .Open up city hall as a flea market and the town will have plenty of real good haglers for contracts .
Let me tell you something BC, you wont get no lay-off clauses by those women buying those pocket books at Grandfield Flea I guarantee it.
I'd like to know where people (realistically) see we could be 5 years from now vs. where you think we'll actually be. I know economic development plays a big factor and I also know 5 years isn't a long time but I'd like to know where people think we could be in that time frame including government; overall quality of life; tax rate, schools etc. vs. where you think we'll actually be. Please try to be positive. Thank you.
Anon 7:27, economic development has been buzz word for all of the past few elections, yet those elected seem to be doing nothing about it. Mr. Carney said economic development was his biggest priority, now we see its the Taylor Library and the town going "green". Mr. Benson said it was important, what we didn't know was that it was for his own benefit ... the new store to be built on Broadway. If a priority, why is the council not directing the staff to do something. The new survey of the downtown by the new economic development director is money wasted. The exact same thing came out of the Main Street survey which was done only a few years ago. The same issues have been identified again, but nothing is done about it. Derry has become used car central. Prime building land on Route 28 and yet nothing is done to make it viable for development.
BC - Maybe you could take a crack at answering the questions asked by ANON 7:27 - I'd like to hear your thoughts.
anon 8:27 bc does tends to answer questions like anon 7:27's because they are so open ended. he only skirts around those that are more focused and tough for him to defend, unless of course he feels pressure from many sides. then the fun begins.
Does Derry have any 2008 Goals? The town's website (which by the way looks like a 4th grader did it) still has the 2007 goals but no 2008.
anon 7:27,
I see the town's biggest issue will be services cut, employees released and the tax cap working in the opposite direction. Meaning tax rate will remain flat but services either being cut or eliminated. The big question in 5 years will be Keep the tax cap or get rid of it.
It will be interesting to hear the people that will complain of lack of services and those that believe or are not affected by limited services.
anon 12:26,
No goals for 2008. This is the first year since I have been on the council that we don't have goals for the year. This is usally set between the chairman and the town administrator.
anon 11:08,
Any other councilors doing this? Answering questions or in some cases letting even people who do not like me to post their thoughts?
I didn't think so.
anon 8:19,
The only way Rte 28 from the flea market to the bottom of Ryan's Hill gets anything for Econocmic Development is to get water & sewer and that will costs some big bucks in bonding.
Don't know if anyone is ready to spend 25-30 Million of Sewer and water as of today.
Sorry ANON 7:27 - it's too hard to stay positive when the town officials 5 year vision is to maintain status quo. There are a bunch of economic indicators defining quality of life in a community other than services and taxes. Has Derry defined quality of life as it pertains to the community? Doubtful. If we had some innovators and people that could think outside the box we could accomplish a lot in the 5 year timeframe. If there are any economists out there jump in but I think economy; education; environment; government; health; culture/recreation; and social wellbeing comes into play at some point. I think it tells you something about culture and social wellbeing when all anyone can bring up is the Grandview Flea Market, which used to be decent until Londonderry ousted us there too. Tupelo coming in will be a positive step; what other steps are being taken to compliment that addition to our community? Pinkertons a draw, have any charettes been done involving the schools, the art council or the chamber? Has anyone thought about trying to draw a community college or maybe asking Pinkerton about the possibility of extending its curriculum a few more years? We certainly have the apartments to accommodate the idea. I think it’s about time we drew on the resources we have, and we do have some, rather than chasing fantasies of convincing a fortune 500 company to come save us. For crying out loud we can't even get our main street up to snuff. No ANON 7:27; I can't stay positive when the focus of the town is maintaining status quo. And where do I think the town will be in 5 years? Exactly where we are now.
Get the main street up to snuff? I think our goal is to run the businesses down there out. I have a couple weeks off for vacation and was out with my kid last week and stopped in the bakery to get a coffee and a drink and pastry for my kid; no more tables. I guess the bakery is under new ownership and the health inspector made them take out the tables (that were there for 4+ years) because the place doesn't have a bathroom. The new owner said people were walking out when they seen the tables gone. Coincidence? Seems like a pretty big one to me. Welcome, new owners. I guess we pick and choose the ordinances we want to enforce. If it's going to help the businesses don't enforce them...if it hinders the businesses; enforce them. It is hard to stay positive.
anon 4:23,
I can't believe what you just posted. If thats true, you are correct that it is a problem.
How does one business have the same tables for 4+ years and then a new owner get them pulled away?
I do not understand that one, however I will be checking with the Administrator to find out what the heck is going on. Thanks for the post.
BC
That's one of the problems...I don't think the council knows what is really going on when it comes to the departments. Some might call it micro managing, but the Bakery is a prime example. What is Ms Thompsom doing?So far she's held two meetings (costing the town $$) because she had a 'facilitor' doing her work. What's the results of THAT study? She attends photos opts but what has she brought to the tax payers table? As for our administrator..he's gone once again with nothing being done in the meantime. Oh yeah, it's the well respected HR fellow that's our acting T.A.
ps.there are no goals for 2008 yet.
just another thing that has very smoothly slipped threw the cracks of progress.
Anon 8:57,
I don't dis-agree with your post. Although i have not seen the final results of the study that was done. I do think though that something positive will come out of some suggestions. The goals should of been done last fall but was not scheduled in last time around for some reason.
I think a bigger question is how a place that was serving food at tables got away for so long without having a public bathroom. And then, instead of providing those bathrooms, the new owner removed the tables instead!
And now a town councilor wants to go against the health inspector, to ask the town administrator how to get the tables put back (and thereby possibly violating the law)? How crazy is that?
How about actually getting the new owner to put their customer first and actually have public bathrooms?
anon 3:10,
It is tougher when you see a 4-3 council vs. a 7-0 or 6-1 council in getting things done. I have had the opportuntiy to sit on both and can tell you when most are on the same page, its easier to get things done. The last two years have been very tough and seems like most want to go in their own direction.
Now some will say they like their councils at a 4-3 vs 6-1 because their is more debate and I don't disagree, however you don't get things done and things get bogged down. This is what I believe is happening the last two years.
For instance, I have try to make the downtown an important issue as I believe it is our gateway into town and other councilors joke about blowing up the downtown. I won't mention names however those comments come from councilors who lived here all their lives which is a total shock to me.
Brian
What is the status of the Health Dept.? Hasn't it been in question for awhile? Why isn't the inspector under the code dept.? I've heard other business owners complain too.
Who in town hall can a business man go to?
This person brought up a very good example of just what is going on and why we can't get businessmen to stay in Derry.
anon 9:59,
Whoa! Now you are putting words in my mouth. All I said is I'm checking with the adminsitrator about it.
Now most people can see the way things are mis-contrued. No wonder things don't get done around town
People are out to head hunt each other. Relax, nobody wants anyone to break any laws!
anon 10:09,
Health dept is under Code Enforcement. BoB Mackey is the dept head. he is the man businesses need to talk too. After That it would be Ms Thomson who heads economic develpment and her boss is our Town Adminsitrator.
If you still don't get a response you should contact your town councilors.
"Any other councilors doing this? Answering questions or in some cases letting even people who do not like me to post their thoughts?
I didn't think so."
I appreciate your blog. I don't usually agree with things, but that does not mean I don't like you. I don't know you personally.
I respect you for your work as Councilor.
Nick Arancio
Why do people run for council position if they seemingly don't care about the community? I can't believe no goals exist for 2008; I can't believe any councilor would make the statement "blow up the downtown". As far as the tables in the bakery whether there's new ownership or not they were there for 4+ years; obviously something happened; maybe someone po'd the health inspector which if that's the case, ordinance enforcement shouldn't come out of retaliation. I don't believe Rig's has a bathroom either. These people are trying to make a living in our downtown and it seems they're set up to fail from the get go. So why don't you just tell them that from the beginning. When anyone applies for a business permit for the downtown they should be told we don't support our downtown; some councilors want to blow it up and statistically you have a 5% chance of being successful. I heard Stefano's is on their way out too. I just read an article that for years Salem's vision was to build "a walkable area based on the downtown model." We have one but heck; let's blow ours up. While Salem and Windham are preparing for businesses to occupy 28 we won't be ready when they hit Derry. Maybe at one time we had a board that produced a vote of 7-0 or 6-1 and maybe you all were on the same page but seems to me it was the wrong page. Now that opposing views are presented it’s a matter of win or lose and the longer the fights drag on,
the deeper and longer-lasting the wounds become. Decisions are no longer made for the betterment of the community but based on who's in your corner. You should all hang your heads in shame...............
As I watched the budget workshops
I got the impression that Health was under Mr. Budreau. So the health inspector is under Code? I'm confused.
The first thing anyone with authority should do id see if the bakery actually wants the tables and chairs.
Maybe they just want to do take-out.
Noone should be speaking on their behalf.
BC, once the final results of the study are available, I would hope it will be posted on the town website. I also think it will be the same as the one which was done just a few years ago for Main Street. As far as the bakery goes, if the Health Dept. removed their tables for not restroom facilities, then someone better shut down Rigatoni's for the same reason! Also, I thought Rigatoni's was only takeout ... why is there a deck and tables for eating. Exactly who is responsible for making sure that these types of illegal uses are shutdown.
Night softball games at Vets Field. Vets Gym being loaned out in the winter so kids can crank the heat and open the windows. To pave or not to pave Manning St. Bike paths! Here's a clue folks, if the guy that owns the bakery isn't complaining about the tables, he doesn't care and why should you. Our goal for 2008 should be to make it to 2009! Lets have bands at the park that five non family members go to see. I bet the acts do it for free too. Hang on folks because if some people have their way, when the snow falls you'll be looking for a plow. When your house is on fire you'll be looking for a firefighter. When some clown is breaking into your house, you'll be looking for a cop. Keep listening to KC and JF and you'll have no one to thank but yourselves.
I'd like to correct you Brian.Just checked the town's web...
Bureau of Public Health has NO Director,listed, a Health Inspector: Paul Raiche,a Public Health Nurse and a Program Assistant.
Bob Mackey is listed under Code Enforcment as Dir., Deputy Health officer.He's not an inspector. Looks to me that the health inspector falls under a department with no one incharge. Will this position get filled? Aren't there state and federal grants involved here?
anon 8:12,
The last health inspector we had wore two hats. One as Derry Health Officer and another as a Regional Coordinator for 11 surrounding communities. I still think that at the local level Bob Mackey who is director of code enforcement would be the dept head for this. I will check on that though. The regional position was created when the State wanted to push costs off of state and onto local levels and by so doing that granted moneies in a three year program that "weened" future monies from state and placed that tax onto local levels.
This position I think was overlooked by our Human Resource Manager. I will check to make sure I'm correct.
BC,
I wanted to take a moment to clarify some misinformation that was discussed in relation to Derry offering some 'Green' tax exemptions.
The discussion at the last town meeting centered around the fact that providing a Renewable Energy property tax incentive in Derry would cost the town money it can't afford and shift the burden of the expense.
The way the exemption works (currently in 76 towns in NH) is to exempt the EXTRA value that putting renewable energy adds to a home.
For example if I put 3KW of Solar PV panels on my roof to produce 30 years of clean renewable electricity it would cost about $25,000 installed. Before installation can start we must apply for a permit with the town.
Once the system is up and running it will add roughly $25,000 in value to an existing home, and make it more attractive to buyers because the overall energy bills for this house are reduced for 30 years.
In Atkinson, Chester, Pelham, Raymond, Bedford, Nashua and many other towns except Derry, they will not raise the taxable value of the home to reflect the EXTRA renewable energy improvements. Thereby exempting the extra $25,000 from taxation with the town.
This process does not require the town to spend any extra money, or shift the burden to anyone else. The community gets to benefit from yet another home moving to renewable energy. I'd be happy to discuss further the many benefits to the community putting up renewable energy generates, but would leave that for another time.
Thanks,
Brian
Freedom Renewable Energy
Derry NH
Sorry 10:16 but I can't follow your reasoning (if any is there) other than the usual scare tactics that anything less than $22.05/$1000 in taxes means the end of the world. Fires, pestilence, rioting, lions and tigers and bears oh my! Yea, that’s really credible. Get a grip.
annoymous 2:37
Maybe at the same time we can find out where officials were on sat and sun when the firehouse pub was pulling out old steel oil tanks.
And lets not bring up about the permit process about that joint.
Let's ask all business owners that serve food about what they think about what went on there and when you do ,find a table and chair and three cups of coffee!!!!!
FYI - Rigatoni's does have a restroom. You have to go outside and around back to access it but they are extremely hospitable in escorting you to it.
At the bakery even when I had three potty training children with me I was told there was no bathroom. As a result I was never able to appreciate their table seating and made our visits there as short as possible. And most often just chose another place to patronize.
WOW!!.....brian, seems that your letter in the" derry snooze" has generated two thoughtful and well written responses.
i would like to know why it is that whenever like minded people side against a "council majority" they are labeled "cronies" by you and others?
isn't it refreshing that such a large number of the in over their heads pols, that have had a very rough couple of years, have had the choice made for them to get out of the way? this did not occur because of the actions of a few supposed "cronies" brian. this was the result of many more people paying attention and demanding an end to the political status quo.
to the extent that JB observations resonate with other voters and happen to coincide with the views of JF or KC (who you frequently and erroneously cite as an of axis of evil) you had better brace yourself for additional "hard knocks" from reality if you insist upon living in your evil "crony " filled fairy tale. it's your choice to continue to expose yourself like some kind of political pinata brian by making foolish comments like you regularly do on your blog or in the papers. i just don't understand why you do it.
nonetheless, keep on swinging in and at the breeze if it suits you brian. who knows, someday you may actually get it before you are grounded like all pinata's eventually are.......just ask some of your "cronies." how easy it is that pinata's fall.
anon 11:36,
I'm sure thats what you want. Let people mis-speak on my positions and I should just shut up and let people walk all over me right?
Ain't gonna happen.
When I see something that needs to be corrected, I will speak my mind.
And If threats such as yours that harder times will come, if I don't let those groups walk all over me.
I'm sure they will, thats how those groups operate. Lets berate people, lets mis-speak about them and then if we don't like the fact that someone sticks up for themselves, we will just keep coming at them. I'm sure you will!
what groups brian?........WHAT GROUPS!!! did you not read and comprehend the last post? there are no groups. if there are, who and what are they? those that disagree with you?
the only group i am aware of is the growing number of folks that are tired of the ineptitude and abuses. they are called citizens and voters. they have independently and collectively on election day been demanding more accountability in local government.
interesting, it is your choice to view this observation as a "threat." why?
Anon 12:59,
Please, spare us the "who you talking about" theatrics. Everyone knows when they see the same people week in and week out writing critical letters of the so called "majority"
And its the same people who come up to complain at public meetings week in and week out for years.
The people of Derry are not dumb!
And as far as the people who are fed-up with the politics of the majority. I guess these same people voted in the councilors who have best represented what they want. Wouldn't you agree?
Yup and the smart people of Derry have begun to put the writing on the wall for many others that were voted or opted out.
12:59 is right BC. If someone does not agree with the majority on a particular issue you are quick to label them.
Something tells me your district needs a change. I hope someone with a fresh perspective comes forward and actually campaigns next time around. All of Derry would benefit.
anon 5:21,
That would be nice. Lets start this year.
anon 5:21,
That would be nice. Lets start this year. As far as me. I'm on record last year that this will be my last. I believe in term limits.. Hope you find someone that will do great things.
BC Please save us the suspense... who has Jack picked to fill your seat?
Anon 7:47,
Why not ask him. Besides my seat is not up until March 2010.
Maybe Big Al or Father Joe may take a crack at it.
Anon 11:28, if they have to escort you its not a public restroom.
Anon 7:47, we can only hope BC's replacement is a Dowd crony. This particular Derry darling, Dowd, has proven himself quite the albatross.
Maybe we'll get lucky, some re-minted good ole boy may pick-up the Dowd downtown parking lot foolishness as a campaign plank. For the record, there is NEVER a time when parking spaces are not available downtown. I know, I have lived here for over twenty years, Maybe Dowd can convince a recycle of a Macechern or Dowling type.
BC - Sorry, I didn't realize that your term went that long. It just seems like you have been there forever.
Anon 6:37,
Yes I know. I am the senior member of the councilors.
The seats that are up this year are KC and JF.
BC 08:05
THANK GOD!
Anon 9:17,
Careful now. I wouldn't want JF thinking we're picking on her.
She's not the one whinning about consiratorial groups out to get her, BC.
anon 1:35,
I never said she did, did I?
No you inferred that she is hypersensative. Tough yes, tenacious yes, thin skinned... not so much.
Anon 5:01
You are joking right? Are we talking about the same JF??
Tough.. not at all.
Tenacious.. maybe.
Thin-skinned... absolutely
We are talking about the same person right? The one whoose platform pretty much amounted to "I got bit at the dog park and the town wouldn't pay up?"
Sounds like a great way to get into politics. "They won't pay?!?.... Oh no, they'll pay alright!" And we have in more ways then most people would ever want to know.
Hopefully, when this person finally does leave, certain people will untie the puppet strings and not just cut them. Hate to see this person around town with the leftovers.
What is with Ms Vigroux. I have never seen a news article that was so self serving as the one that was in the Derry News.If she is all 'that' (is anyone that great?)than why is she moving on? Can I expect a plague to be presented to her at the next T.C. Meeting!Give me a break!What's with the quote from the HR guy.. "I was delighted to have her get the opportunity to work in Nashua". I thought he was working for Derry!Oh yeah, he was the guy during the budgets that wanted to give her a substantial raise, when every other department was put on hold.Is any councilor taking a second look at HR? I only hope that Nashua has a big enough office to accomodate her ego.
How is it that the Health Dept gets bad reviews and Ms. Vigroux comes out with such an article. What is with Ms Vigroux. I have never seen a news article that was so self serving as the one that was in the Derry News.There has been other employees of town that have 'moved on' and never went to the great lengths as she did.If she is all 'that' (is anyone that great?)than why is she moving on?
What's with the quote from the HR guy.. "I was delighted to have her get the opportunity to work in Nashua". I thought he was working for Derry! Between the lack of resolve to union contracts shouldn't the councilors be taking a second look at HR or the lack of?
Here's an idea Derry could take from Nashua... Here's the headlines from the Nashua Telegraph. "Handful of local establishments failed health inspections". Wouldn't the Derry News be providing the citizens of Derry a good service to do the same? To post businesses that are not meeting code? And to see our Health Dept at work.Just a thought.
4:35 - "Hopefully, when this person finally does leave, certain people will untie the puppet strings and not just cut them. Hate to see this person around town with the leftovers."
????? Huh? What are you talking about? Please try to write more clearly as you spew your venom. Are you suggesting the JF is pulling someone's strings or that someone is pulling her strings? If you hate to see certain people in town I suggest you stay home. Your level of tolerance in underwhelming.
9:51pm has a good idea. we are the 4th largest town. it might give us some insight as to why businesses come to derry, but don't last.
We are not Israel. Why is Congress taking a day off on Rosh Hashanah? What happened to separating of church and state? What happened to the global financial crisis? Why are we celebrating the holiday of 1.4% of the nation? Isn’t going to Iraq and Afghanistan enough?
Could not find a suitable section so I written here, how to become a moderator for your forum, that need for this?
...please where can I buy a unicorn?
I would like too take time too Thank all the people for doing what you do and making the community what it is im a long time reader and first time poster so i just wanted to say thanks.
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