I thought that the alliance of Derry Taxpayers Assoc was created to talk about taxes and spending in the town of Derry? For years this group will have you believe that they have the taxpayers best interests in mind. Or do they have a hidden agenda???
It seems to me that the positive news coming from the so called majority councilors are not being talked about in the taxpayers association circles because they have their eyes on taking the next election by winning at least 2 of 3 seats in March.
Why are they afraid to let the taxpayers of this town know that the "majority" will come in at .18 cents UNDER the previous years budget which means a savings to the taxpayers of Derry. Where is the praise for this work Mr. Newell? Aha, people will soon catch on that its not about the tax payers but more about Mr Newell and a select few who hide behind their mission statements and really want to control the powers to be. Its so obvious too.
The ADTA is quick to point out that the big bad majority approved union contracts and that will hurt the taxpayers of Derry. Well, not only do they want to "spin" a story but they will not tell you this.
Union Contract are under agreement for three years. And Still! The majority has given the taxpayers a savings over last years budget.
If they had their way, You would have no contracts signed and pro-longed, costly negotiations on going and a very poor working environment for both employees and taxpayers. Also you most likely would have no savings from the previous year because they were set in a 0% budget.
My my has the world turned upside down? Of course they will not tell you that. They have better things to do. Right?
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41 comments:
BC, have you enrolled in an evening adult education class?
Seriously, this threads topic invites some interesting discussion.
However, it seems a little implausible that you are it's sole author. I make this observation because it lacks both the spelling and grammatical hallmarks of a BC original that we have all grown to love and expect.
So BC.....did you pen this alone or did someone else lend a hand?
As for it's content, I would appreciate an opportunity to comment on it when time permits, but chores before a party await, you know, the honey do thing.
i'll be right there honey.........lol...LOL!!!
anon 11:22,
Its all me! Lets begin the discussions after your finished with the chores!
BC, interesting thread. The ADTA ,the taxpayers friend has never discussed the high tax rate of the school system. If they are so intune with all of the Derry departments along with the cost associated with them I would guess that they would come up with the following fact. Are the elementary schools under utilized ,could one of them be closed? If I would to guess, the hidden agenda would be to have the Charter commission led us into becoming a city. If you are right then once we become a city with a Mayor (add name)then we can control the school budget. With a combine Town and Education sructure under one rule ,I guess we could reap the synergies of HR,IT, Purchasing,janitorial services,building maint. Etc.
BC, again you may be on to something here. Maybe it is time for a change.
Need to cut the grass .....
anon 12:29,
Hope the grass is looking good. The question in becoming a city and being able to combine school with town is the Pinkerton Question. You don't think Pinkerton will give up its semi private status do you??
* note* The ADTA has taken on its role similiar to the Free Staters. Same tactics
anon 12:29 you are incorrect. the adt did make a very interesting presentation to the school committee a few years ago.
i am admittedly a little vague in my recollection of specifics due to the time that has elapsed but i seem to recall doug newell and howie lund presenting some thought provoking facts and ideas to the school committee. the topics ranged from mr moody's budget growth in the face of declining enrollments to a comparative cost analysis with neighboring community's.
i am sure that if you were to contact the adt they would be more than willing to brief you.
BC
Ever been to an ADT meeting? How do you know what goes on in them?
Let's divert peoples attention from your troubles and attack the ADT.
Received my Nutfield News today. John Burtis should become a columnist. His letters take up a page each week. I guess he does not subscribe to Carney's green initiative. He is killing hundreds of trees with his ramblings.
Anon 1:19 maybe if elements of the town council, certain town department employees and the usual henny penny, hat in hand ex-politicians now serving as self described business leaders would have sense enough to avoid the steady stream of misteps JB would have less to write about....something for you to think about.
But, then again, this unfortunate mistep propensity that you apparently are prepared to buy into as business as usual, may fall into the "challenged party's" catch all excuse of last resort, i.e. "but that's the way we've always done it."
anon 10:28
I wouldn't blame the Town Council's actions for JB's letters, I firmly believe he would either find or invent something to write about.
Who knows? Maybe we will have Mayor Burtis coming to save us all soon.
He's trying to set himself up with something...we'll have to wait and see. Then again...maybe he's just some bored aging man that can't find anything better to do with his retirement (like AD). I'll have to go with the latter.
BC
"Bite your tongue!"
Disclaimer: I didn't meant that anyone should literally bite their tongues or cause any other type of physical harm to their being. This in no way condones violence and was not meant for any other purpose than entertainment. Please don't try this at home!
Doug,
I read your Letter to the Editor in the Derry News, about the Town Council being able to resolve the Benson issue / comments. Well written, I like it.
Of course, if you ever become a member of the Council, you too could fall on that sword.
Unless of course you only make personal attacks when you can do so anonymously.
Nick
Is anyone paying any attention to what our reps in Concord are up to? The Council is rightfully proud of the $0.18 reduction but if that $7 or $7.5 million reduction hits the schools we are looking at a… what $2.00(?) increase in taxes.
Nick,
I don't recall ever plotting to have anyone fired from their job. If I or any of my friends do that then "falling on our swords" is the appropriate end to our public careers.
I have on occasion posted anonymously for the simple fact that there is a group of people who will attack anything I say simply because my name is on the posting. (Note the recent silliness about me mentioning the name of a taxpayer advocate who has died.) I do not post anonymously to hide my identity but rather do it in an (often futile) attempt to have a reasoned discussion with the Good Old Boys faction.
I am always happy to pull apart your ideas in a signed format. While I find many/most of your ideas to be completely ungrounded in reality, you have never displayed a lack of civility.
Regards,
Doug
Doug - At least Nicks throwing some ideas out there. Maybe he's blue-skying it a lot but none the less at least we know he's thinking about ways to move the community forward. As ADT director you'll respond to someone else’s idea that's been put into action and then decide whether to support or oppose it. That's not too difficult. So say we drop the ADT title and go with Doug the Derry citizen, what are your ideas on moving the community forward? We know what you're against; bloated contracts, increasing school costs with declining enrollment, 4A, widening Manchester Rd, sewer and water on 28 south, a farmers market, revitalizing our main street, the DEDC etc. etc. etc. I really do applaud your efforts in trying to reduce taxes but due to the extremely dismal state of the economic climate in town if someone doesn't put forth some positive ideas that turns into actual action items no one will have to worry about it; the declining population will make a lot of these problems go away on their own. As a Derry citizen when I go into the voting booth I have to choose which political faction to support. Putting aside the infighting (which isn’t easy lately) my choice is; 1 faction with the same or (according to the "other" faction) bad ideas or the other faction with no ideas. So instead of pulling apart someone else’s ideas and labeling them "completely ungrounded in reality" would you like to share your vision for the community?
If anyone from the other faction would like to take a shot at answering as well go for it. My vote on the Charter Commission is up for grabs.
8:47 I’m happy to respond to your very civil posting. However, you are mistaken in some of your characterizations of my positions. That is understandable and I don’t detect malice in your errors. For example, I could be in favor of the widening of Manchester Road, I simply oppose the TIFF concept as an expensive accounting gimmick and I’m skeptical of the skyrocketing costs associated with the project.
I’d also be likely to favor the improvement of 28 South. Those improvements should go hand in hand with a rational development plan that starts with a vision of what kinds of development Derry should pursue. (Unless you know where you are going, you won’t get there.) I am not a big fan of big box stores because they are like empty calorie junk food, they will fill us up but not provide what we really need, good paying jobs that allow people to buy nice homes. Those nice homes generate more taxes than they consume and lighten the load for all of us.
I have favored merit pay for teachers to attract and retain the very best. (My proposal was soundly defeated by the combined forces of the teacher’s union and school administration a few years ago.) Also along those lines I’m passionate about the need to get more Derry students to take and pass AP tests. It may sound elitist but the people who in the future cure cancer, develop breakthrough energy solutions and help take humanity to new heights will be those who became expert in math and sciences in high school. In a similar vein, I would be very interested in anything that gets parents more involved in their children’s education.
I favor and will vote for the Charter Commission because we have gotten ourselves into a dangerous box. We are near the point of becoming completely uncompetitive in both attracting businesses and in attracting new residents. If we pass that point the result will be ever higher taxes and “will the last one out please turn off the lights.” We will all lose. I hope a charter commission can study the other 200+ experiments in self government that we call New Hampshire municipalities and find some tools that allow us to become more competitive. We have some great resources (Pinkerton, Parkland, etc.). We must add vision and appropriate legal structure (charter reform) to turn this situation around.
Regards,
Doug Newell
Doug,
I find it interesting your last post does not mention the idea of becoming a city, but rather leaves that part open to "200" possibilities.
Celtic- Some of the 200+ municipalities use the "city" form of government as defined by the RSAs. Since they tend to be some of the larger communities (like Derry) I would start the search for good ideas there. The Dixville Notch experience is less likely to be relevant to Derry's current situation, don't you agree?
But "what's in a name?" I don't care if Derry is called a "town", "city" or "megalopolis". I think we should search for efficient, transparent, minimalist government. That's my vision, I'm sure there are many other visions among our citizens. Should the Charter Commission be passed on Tuesday the voters will have to choose among the various visions to elect 9 of us.
Why are people thinking becoming a city will lead to nirvana? We would like to get school spending under better control, so many belive becoming a city will do that. What about ohter important factors? Lets not jump to conclusions. We can study the idea but lets wait for the information before making a false jumpstart.
Some years back, but not too many, there was a golden opportunity squandered to move forward with a proposal that would have worked out best for all concerned. That proposal was to divide Derry into two separate towns.
Sure, it would have been complex; but certainly not impossible logistically. Intelligently approached, two infra-structures could have been designed that would have more precisely reflected the resulting communities very different needs.
In no small measure, the issues that perennially conspire to paralyze town politics, ( in addition to the ineptitude of some of the dopes we have elected over the years) , are the direct result of these bona fide and valid conflicting priorities.
One area of town is densly populated and the other is more rural. As a result of refusing to recognize this reality, we as a community continue to fumble along, as if we had all thumbs. Politically and operationally, who would argue that Derry has not been off balance for years?
Those of you that may jump ugly over this idea, please make sure you give some thought to your comment before resorting to the age old " well.... that's the way we have always done it" argument of last resort favored by certain elements with town.
Looking forward to reading any thoughts and/or comments.
I don't recall anyone suggesting that becoming a city "will lead to Nirvana". I do believe that it is worth studying with an open mind. That's why I'll be voting for the Charter Commission on Tuesday.
Every town has different areas and densities. Do they break up over it? NO! They work together to make the town work for all. Breaking upis not the answer!
If we don't change our leadership and that includes some inexperienced board/committee members, it won't matter if this charter passes or not.
We've become disfunctional and going down a dangerous path. Take what was done to the budget!!! Folks, remember your .18 cents savings on the tax rate come this winter when your roads aren't plowed to your liking and you have to wait in line even longer to register your car etc.For those who honestly need assistance... Human Service Dept. will only be open 4 days a week. Remember folks, you're not only the taxpayer, but the customer and your services are being cut.
This council has us headed in the wrong direction.With any disfunctional person, you have to wait until they hit bottom before they see the light.
Derry we're in trouble and it's not due to mismanagement of our finances. It's egos and power driven by a few, and yes with personal agendas.
I for one will NOT be voting for the Charter. The LAST Charter Commission was a JOKE!Remember? Egos, power, personal agendas.
Why do we just let Coyle be King and Newel can be the ExChecquer and call it a day.
10:11 Let me guess... you are a town employee or closely related to one? $0.18 is less than 1% of our $25.00+ tax bill, but a 1% cut is going to cause the sky to fall? You lack credibility.
This is not about taxes this is still about Derry East Derry.
Let it die East Derry is a thing of the past lets move forward.
Hoppy, DJN, Fahey, ETC you ran EDFD into the ground now LEAVE MY TOWN ALONE
annon 7:56 After Tuesday, yes, you should just call it a day.
anon 6:32 wrong, wrong, wrong.
1. It is about taxes not the old EDFD. I go for years at a time without thinking of EDFD.
2. EDFD was assassinated not "run into the ground". Until some of the fatal blows were landed, the residents of East Derry were very pleased with the way it was run. They were the customers and therefore final arbiters on that subject. (Many votes confirm this fact.)
3. I was not involved in the EDFD other than as citizen voting at their annual meetings and donating to their Christmas fundraiser by buying a Christmas tree from them.
By the way, facts matter to some of us.
Doug Newell
Douggie,
Whoa up big boy. Don’t let the wolfhounds pull you too far out front.
Getting your collective woody over the charter commission vote where your ADT fossils came back from the dead to vote still leaves you and his majesty, Lord Coyle, a few votes short of running the table towards his mayorship.
Your tone and tenor have become much more smarmy over the last few weeks.
Has it all gone to your head already?
Derry watch closely! You are all witnessing the creation of the NEW RULING CLASS!
EDFD assasinated now that is a new one.
Talk about Union contracts lets look at the severence packages that where given away like candy.
I lived in the EDFD and it was the most mismanaged form of Goverment around. And no DJN I do not believe you when you say its about taxes.I truly believe you are a Coyle Fairbanks croney and will not be happy until we have no services left I agree with the last poster Leave our Town alone and stop spreading the BULL that you say is truth and facts.
Anon 4:55, creation of a new ruling class?
Thank goodness!! From your mouth to God's ears.
It's about time the local yokel amatuer politician and their cheap suits are shown the door.
Amen !!!!
You see Nick, this is what I mean. You sign your name to a perfectly civil posting and they come out of the woodwork.
4:55 I doubt we are that close, you can call me Mr. Newell.
Yes, I own some nice dogs.
No, we did not get sexually aroused by the election results, however we were all pleased at the results of all our work.
you mention "ADT fossils." Do you have some issues with the elderly?
I do not believe Mr. Coyle has an interest in becoming mayor. Why don't you ask him?
Can you give me some examples of my smarminess?
As my wife will testify, my ego didn't need Derry politics to fill the room. Being on the winning side of an election to create a Charter Commission is not the high point of my life.
You said, "Derry watch closely! You are all witnessing the creation of the NEW RULING CLASS!"
I certainly hope so.
DJN
Anon 4:55, what an interesting post you have put up!! Were you able to craft it all by yourself?
You know.......if I didn't know better, I would have to guess that you are a member of the "challenged faction" currently on life support.
It's nothing personal, but the town wants the plug pulled on your leaders(?) and judging by Dowd, Bulkley, and Olbrechts nearly incoherent and I hope embarassing rants of late, they now sense it.
But how can it be? I mean, you suggest a "NEW RULING CLASS" and speculate that Kevin Coyle wants to be MAYOR??? lol...lol!!!!
Surely you are using classic "challenged faction" speak, but, "new ruling class?" doesn't set well. These true fossils of the challenged faction that are responsible for running the town into the ground would NEVER admit to their weakening grip.
You speak of "fossils." This description would include the entire group of "good people" that in no small measure have unwittingly sheparded Derry into the woods of confusion it currently finds itself.
IT will take more than wolfhounds of old to correct our course. Let those familiar with modern GPS make the decisions from here on out, not seat of the pants backslappers like we've had.
the "challenged party" is over. Folks like DJN in their sleep will do a better job.
Mr. Newell,
Example of smarminess? See last post.
It has definitely gone to your head!
Interestingly we are on the same side of many issues including changing Derry form of government. This town needs new professional leadership to achieve specific objectives.
We do differ on the caliber and quality of the people you associate with which brings your judgment into question. That you let your acerbic streak enter your writings tears down your creative solutions and diminishes your leadership potential. If you are going to be a public figure you have to be able to stand up to public criticism.
Doug, was has become of you? I always admired your professional treatment of others. Now you have lowered yourself to the level that you profess to dislike. Its too bad.
8:37 Show me in this thread where I did not treat someone with civility.
DJN
Doug,
Example "A"
12:38 “Ignorance is bliss… and you refuse to be made unhappy.” I know you find facts troublesome but:
1. I do not own any Jags and never have. By the way, is envy your profession or just a hobby?
2. Not sure but I suspect my tax bill is larger than the one across the street; (we don’t compare them) if you weren’t so lazy you would look them up online before you opened your mouth.
3. Your comment about John Burtis is just insulting and ignorant.
4. I don’t recall every positioning myself as “everyman.” I’m Doug Newell and you can like that or not, I really don’t care.
12:38 Your post is dripping with venom (e.g., “wiggling sycophants of the ADT”). Perhaps YOU should be a bit more Machiavellian and understand that if the point of your post was to move people to your viewpoint, venom is not the right tool. If, on the other hand, you are simply making yourself feel good…
Do you need other examples or is this ok for now? Just let me know buddy as I will be more than willing to stick the stake in you budding political career before it gets started. One Kevin Coyle in town is more than enough! And I have not even begun going after him!
Sorry 10:22 but I'm not following. I stand by every word in the post.
You mistake civility for pretending you like someone. I don't like you, probably never will but I will continue to be civil to you.
I will warn Kevin that you will be attacking him. Somehow I don't believe he will be losing sleep about it.
Doug,
Not any of this is about like vs. dislike. This is about exposing the truth.
Both you and Coyle are not being open or honest in regards to your positions regarding development. You are hypocrites, say one thing and do another.
For Coyle to remind everyone that the TC was fo Walmart when he personally led the effort to reject them in not being honest and open.
'Going after' someone is not attacking someone. It is exposing the hypocrisy of ones positions or actions. Stop being so conveniently thinned skinned. You open yourself up to the criticism with your highhanded prose and then get uppity when you are challenged.
I have stated previously that you are not ready for public office as you are too self centered in your issues base and to emotional in dealing with a public in disagreement.
I stand by that statement here.
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