Saturday, September 12, 2009
Question for all bloggers ..
Recently I was contacted by a citizen in town who wants to help give this blog more integrity by having posters have to register instead of allowing them to post anonymously. I do see the reasoning behind this but also see people's needs to remain in the shadows for fear of some sort of retaliation, be it a neighbor who disagrees and can be very vocal, to someone in a position down town dumping some grief on someone for participating in a discussion of this blog. I'll leave it up to all of you as to how we go forward. Without your input, your opinions and your support, this would just be another blog on the internet with no following.
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65 comments:
So far more of what has been posted on this blog has more integrity and fact than the Keene Sentinel AND can be verified by documents or testimony of people who do have integrity and do have facts. It shouldn’t matter who has the information first and who reports it. It should only matter that information gets out to the public and if for some reason the information is not true and it is shown and proved not to be true a retraction can be made – just like the newspapers do when they screw up the information or get theirs facts wrong. Both of these things happened right here on the Winchester Informer – the newspaper had to make a correction about a false statement about the Winchester Informer and someone on the Winchester Informer made a correction about the town working on Rt 10. There is already accountability here – the accountability needs to be on the public’s town employees not the public. There are way too many people afraid to say publicly what they know and way too many people afraid of retaliation because they are seeing the retaliation that is happening to good people and people who don’t deserve it. My vote is No to having to register so the town can get access to peoples identities and then go after them for telling the truth.
Took the words out of my mouth - way to go.
Sounds like it could be fishy. What is this persons name? Surely they won't mind making their suggestion publicly and let us no who they are to make sure it's legit.
I vote NO, i may need a permit or a town service, and can you imagine stating you are unhappy with the police and get caught going 35 in a 30.Its just like questioning the status quot at the deliberative session its suicide.Its to bad but that's the way it is.
Is this person asking for names as he/she believes that you are making all of these comments up? This is just another way to stiffle free thinking and comments. Perhaps if the elected officials would give us all of the information we would not need the blog. I for one, thank you for your research and the ability for us to share ideas. A novel thought sharing information and allowing the townspeople to make up their minds about a subject. Why should I be punished for sharing my ideas? Thanks for the opportunity to share this thought.
Have a great day!
sounds that way don't it?
Being anonymous is just fine. An apt equation to wanting everyone to register before blogging, would be to having to declare how one would cast his ballot before voting. Informational accuracy , and the outcome are the most important factors here. Keep up the excellent oversight.
This blog is read by people all over Winchester and beyond. I personally know of people who are reading what is going on that live not only in Winchester but Swanzey and Richmond and Keene and Hinsdale and Troy and Marlboro and Nelson and Chesterfield and many other towns. And these are common folk as well as professionals and members of other government agencies like town and county and state. Some are even past employees of the town. There is a question of the integrity of the people in office in Winchester not the people who are trying to have a better town and there is a question of the integrity of the people appointed by the selectmen in the town of Winchester not the people are trying to have a better town. This citizen needs to not worry about what names are on this blog but about the decision makers in this town taking care of the buisness they were hired to take care of that isn't being taken care of. So NO to names, that would be a major distraction to everyone and the Chief of Police would have the police department going after citizens and there would be a bigger witch hunt in effort to squash the truth and a bigger effort to try to make excuses for why things are the way they are than what we already have going on. Keep on the pressure to get to the truth. NO TO NAMES.
I just came across this link while doing some research and it goes to show the reputation that Winchester has and that is because of the leaders who run this town.
http://uncyclopedia.wikia.com/
wiki/Winchester,_New_Hampshire
It's time to turn things around.
The address got cut off - those 2 lines are entered as one line.
September 12, 2009 7:27 PM
When the Informer makes a mistake it corrects it,we don't need names but every one should stick to the facts, or make legitimate comments. We need the Informer and we don't need them to be seen in a bad light.Where would it stop, next thing would be to declare how you are going to vote before you vote.The Informer has made a difference and it looks like its just the beginning.
Outsider looking in...it sounds to me the people of Winchester are fed up and on to something big and the town leaders are feeling the heat. If I were a town leader I would request the assistance of an outside agency to conduct an investigation regarding these comments(hint, hint). There are certainly some serious issues and questions that need to be answered. The investigation should start with the police dept. As they say CYA-Cover Your A@%. Isn't Sherman Tedford a retired police officer? He should know better than to let the issues go without at least looking in to the comment about Chris Roberts and the criminal threatening with a gun incident and Officer Jette taking(stealing) from the P.D. Lord forbid Roberts has to use his gun with this allegation hanging over the town's head and lord forbid Jette has to handle or process evidence. Remember these two officers have to testify in court from time to time. How will their credibility hold up? Can you say negligent retention and vicarious liability? I say ABSOLUTELY NO to having to register to bolg. The Winchester Informer is gaining great momentum, don't ruin it by making bloggers register.
Selectmen’s meeting June 17th
Chief Phillips is present this evening to seek approval on purchase a new police car for $23,758.00.Chief Phillips would like to take $10,000.00 from the budget, & the rest to come out of the Outside Activities Fund. Chief Phillips explains that the Warrant Article from March’s Town Meeting, asking the people to place $10,000.00 in the Police Cruiser Capital Reserve Fund, was voted down by a small margin. Chief estimates using the main line cruiser daily at 200 miles/day will accumulate over 70,000 miles/year, & is concerned that the Explorer during pursuit can be potentially dangerous because it is top heavy. Chief points out that the Police Department has stayed in line with the budget at 6.70% left, with a remaining balance of $29,131.87. Selectman Tedford responds that the police department has done well on their budget, but the department is short of some full-time staff. Selectman Tedford makes a motion to buy a new police cruiser by taking $12,000.00 from the operating budget with the remaining balance from the Outside Activities Fund (to keep it at $10,000.00),
The NUT and BOLTS
Phillips states the Warrant Article was voted down by a small margin. Does that really make a difference? NO means NO. We don’t like the outcome of the vote so we’re going to pick five people to vote again & if it comes out different we’ll just go with the new results?
Easy to find out how many miles a days the officers keep logs. 200 miles a day would be 73,000 miles a year..
Chief points out the Expedition might be too dangerous for a pursuit. Most departments have a policy NOT to use SUV’s in a pursuit because of the danger. Does Winchester follow this policy? Suv’s can be used for regular patrol duty & quite often are.
Te Expedition was taken out of service in March because it wouldn’t pass inspection & needed extensive repairs that took several months.
The FINANCIAL ASPECT
The budget numbers need to be clarified.
The Police Department had the advantage of Det. Sgt. Reppucci, working as the Interim LT, Det.Sgt. & also doing many other jobs such as the computer administrator, court liaison, equipment officer & cruiser maintenance officer as just a few examples. He was available 24/7 to help officers with job related technical questions & problems while away from the office saving the police budget overtime. He was getting paid at Sgt. pay with no other stipend. At least a couple of officers who had been full time were changed to part time saving the police budget money. The police budget saved more because when these officers went part time the town didn’t pay for benefits saving $1,000’s more for the police budget. This can all be verified at the town hall.
If the LT position had been filled & if the part time officers had been working full time the budget would have gone over by tens of thousands of dollars. Maybe that’s why the LT’s position didn’t get filled like it was supposed to.
Maybe Phillips wanted to make himself look good?
Tedford doesn’t say that the police budget would have been over budget if Phillips paid his employees the way the budget is structured. Down 1 LT position @ $46,000 plus benefits & 2 full times down to part time at $1,000 a month for 4 months plus benefits. It’s easy to see that he would have been over.
So Tedford makes a motion to give Phillips permission for not only the $10,000 the taxpayers said NO to but another $2,000.00 on top of that. Why would that be?
This is to the selectmen:
It’s true that not everyone has the ability to dissect and digest all of this. But the time of everyone sitting back because they don’t know or they don’t understand is gone. There are people willing to share their ideas & their thoughts with others. People willing to point people in a direction to empower them to go further, empower them to make decisions based on facts, empower them to search down new roads & with new ideas. Empower them so things will change & change for the better for all of us not just a select few.
Hey citizens of Winchester, the following information is with the permission from Greg Patch,the manager of a reputable business on Warwick road. Please feel free to contact Greg if you have any questions about this blog. During this past winter, Roberts investigated a snowmobile accident behind the business in question. When Greg heard about the accident he called dispatch to find out what happened. In turn, the dispatcher reffered Greg to Roberts. Sgt.Roberts met with Greg and Greg asked Roberts what happened and why he was not told. According to Greg, Roberts said, you are all a bunch of idiots and don't know anything. Needless to say. Greg was not to happy with Roberts comment. Greg told Chief Phillips what Roberts said and Phillips said he would take care of it. A couple months later, Greg asked Phillips for a copy of the report regarding Roberts comment to which Phillips said he alreeady talked to Roberts about it. At my job, as well as any other company,if I said this to a customer, I would have been fired. It is my understanding, most police departments would have investigated an officer for conduct unbecomming, they would have been suspended and most likely fired and a written letter of apology would have been given to the offended party. Furthermore, my company would have prevented me from getting a promotion after making such a comment. I am sure most police departments would do the same. The question to be asked here, is why was Roberts promoted to lieutenant after making such a comment? How could Roberts, who has nineteen years experience, make such an insulting remark? It sounds like the chief was going to promote Roberts, no matter what. Judging by all the blogs,it sounds like Roberts has a history of being rude and this must be par for the course. I guess you can't teach an old dog new tricks.
From an outsider looking in, it sure sounds like the city of Winchester has corruption in its police department. How can this be? I thought small towns were supposed to be safe and honest!
It's well known and documented that Chris Roberts has a serious problem when it comes to dealing with the public and performing his job that represents the police community.There are many people in the police community who are well familiar with Chris Roberts and have a very negative view of his tactics, attitude and blatant disregard.Many of his counterparts in other departments do not like him and feel that he is one of the bad cops that give good cops the bad name.There are many more instances of Chris Roberts being rude to citizens, thats one of the reasons why Hinsdale had to give him the boot.There are instances where Roberts refuses to follow up on complaints, instances where he is rude to people making complaints, instances where he won't even get out of his vehicle to talk but makes the people come to him.Maybe some of these people can tell their stories too.Thanks Greg for coming forward with this.We'll be asking Chief Phillips for a copy of your complaint through the RTK request.Complaints to towns including about police officers are public domain.We have a right to see them.And Greg you press Phillips for that written response if you don't already have one.Write another letter stating you want a written response for your files that he is at least aware that you made the complaint.Make him put that on paper so we the public can start seeing the documentation build.That's why we never get anything from Phillips.If he puts something in writing than he has to deal with the problem and he doesn't like dealing with problems that are real.He'd rather say it's everyone else with the problem and eliminate their ability to show the truth, prove the lie.That's why some of the officers arent't there anymore so they can't tell and prove the truth.There have been too many complaints left unanswered.Corruption is an understatement in this town.Pressuer needs to be kept on this BOS and the top guys in the police department.Where are the other agencies we need in here to go through this stuff and monitor things?Time is running out for the truth to stay buried.Thank you Greg, many of us already know this story and know you have integrity and would not lie about this as well as the other people there to hear this comment and are grateful for you to allow this to be brought out into the open.On your behalf as well as the otheres we will show that these are not isolated instances, but rather a part of the daily day in the life of Chris Roberts.
Is that why they took away your rank and you were demoted in Hinsdale Chris Roberts? You were the Lieutenant and then they made you a Sergenat.What was the reason for that? The public has a right to know. We need to know if you can be trusted if we need your help.
Corruption in this police department both internal and external must not be tolerated by the people in this town. Too much power in the hands of those who can not handle that power is very dangerous. It creates a police state where average citizens don’t question the law or their rights because of fear of revenge or retaliation against themselves, their families and their neighbors.
It breeds an atmosphere of unaccountability and unruliness. It allows for property to be unaccounted for such as drugs, cash and other items of value.
Checks and balances are good to have.
Sweeping problems under the carpet that are illegal and go against public policy in an effort to thwart off consequences of the truth are unethical and just plain wrong.
We need to have some independent people assessing what if anything is happening.
It would seem to me that if this was all nonsense and lies as the Chief and his officers state then they would not object to having an open, public meeting to allow people to ask questions about these allegations made against these officers in HIS department.
It would also give HIM and HIS officers a chance to prove that these allegations are not true.
It would give the people of this town an opportunity to decide how they want to deal with it if they are true.
It’s obvious that this police department cannot operate properly in the midst of all these allegations and one has to wonder what we don’t know about if in fact these allegations are true.
How about it? Why not set up a meeting with the people so we can see and hear for ourselves your side?
Being anonymous is better - we would never know of these things if names had to be posted.
It has been alleged that the police chief is so upset he wants to investigate Mr.Jordan and who ever runs the informer. Its alleged that he is willing to do this with his own money if the town won't.
For what telling the truth and freedom of speech? That sounds a little reactive. Why waste his money on an investigation he should just hold a town meeting.
I have heard that he does spend his money on unethical things such as the sign on bonus Officer Eric Ammann received when he came to Winchester in 2007. That came from the police chief's own pocket. I wonder if the budget committe and the selectmen are aware of this. The chief of police effectively changed the town budget and salary structure voted on by the budget committee and selectmen.I doubt this was legal. How many other officers have gotten sign on bonuses? None that I'm aware of.
This is to BEWARE and this is Brian Jordan - why doesn't Chief Phillips save his money and just ask me in front of the people of Winchester and the County Attorney anything he wants to know. Thank you. Brian Jordan
In the course of reading some of the stories on this blog, especially the ones with accusations of double standards, I was reminded of an incident that took place in mid March of 2007 when Gus Ruth was running for office.
It was an incident involving Terry Qualters and Gus Ruth that eventually involved the Winchester Police Department and the NH State Police.
Terry Qualters picked up one of Mr. Ruth’s signs that had fallen over and fell in the roadway. Terry Qualters picked it up, changed the sign around to say Don’t vote for Ruth and put it on his property.
The next thing that happens is Gus Ruth accuses Terry Qualters of stealing his sign and demands the Winchester Police Department arrest him for – sit down folks – STEALING. Yes you read that right for STEALING his sign.
The Winchester Police not wanting to get into a situation of a conflict of interest, called NH State Police to deal with this.
In the meantime, Mrs. Ruth sees her husband’s sign on Mr. Qualters property which is now part of a new sign that Terry Qualters made. Mrs. Ruth then steals Mr. Qualters sign.
Here comes State Police to the rescue and Gus Ruth INSISTS that they charge Terry Qualters with theft and have him arrested.
Gus Ruth only decided to let the issue go when State Police told him that his wife would also be charged with trespassing and stealing Mr. Qualters sign and that she would be arrested too.
This information can all be verified through RTK requests for the cases to the Winchester Police Department and NH State Police.
Now I’m not going to pass judgment here but I have to wonder why a Selectman would try to have someone arrested for STEALING a campaign sign but doesn’t seem to have any problem with not investigating accusations that some of the police department are STEALING even as they admit to otheres they are doing so.
Where is the integrity. This stuff is not being made up so when threats get made to investigate the truth one can only wonder what the motivation is.
I think it’s about time people start going to the selectmen meetings whenever possible so that we have an input into what is happening in our town. Our presence can’t be denied.
Tens of thousands show up for the TEA Party in Washington, maybe with the help of the Informer and the brave people like Mr. Jordon,Bob Davis and Brian Moser we can fill the town hall at deliberative this spring.No one agrees with these people all the time but they are willing to stand up and be counted where most of us don't and that why things don't change.Let the selectmen and the budget comm. know how you feel, the ones that get it need your support.
It is obvious by the responses we have received that people wish to have the anonymous option remain so that they can post without fear of any reprisal from the town. It is a proven fact that in certain social environments the fear of reprisal is a major factor in coming forward with information detrimental to the status quo. This is one of the main reasons people don't get involved in town politics or even vote. I hope that because of the courage of those who have come forward and provided information to this blog, that others in town who have been fearful will also take heed and come forward in support of their fellow citizens. It will take a combined effort by all to bring about change.
In regards to the blogger who reported that Chief Phillips might be willing to use his own money to investigate Mr. Jordan and those who provide this forum as a means to discussion, I reply that perhaps the Chief of Police would be better served to use his time to investigate the claims of those who have raised concerns about officers under his command and to provide them with answers. "Those who live in glass houses should not cast the first stone.
I'd also like to remind everyone to please post your comments in the correct blog so everyone reading those blogs can follow along. When you post off subject, as some of you have done here, it makes it nearly impossible for someone following a particular topic to get all of the information that you have provided.
To BEWARE - if this is true the Chief has forgotten to remember that this is a free county and he doesn't have the power or authority to supress the truth.If he were to even try he would find out too many peole know too many things and more are becoming better informed every day.It's an outreach program started by Brian Jordan to let the public know about things that are going on around town. Even if he get a little misinformation here or there or someone gets a fact wrong does that mean the whole story is a lie? I think Brian Jordan is a folk hero and someone should make up a song about his mission to inform.
I say no to this as if you invite people to voice their oppinions.Then why do you need to have to make them sing up if you can't trust the facts that can be prove here. Most of the facts are true and have been backed up with others just to make sure its true and when a mistake is made there is usally a i am sorry for giving the wrong info given with seem to me to be a honest way of do bussiness.but some time ya just don't feel like putting your name on evey thing.Some may disagree with me on this but this is my story and i will stand by it.so here ya go
cope
Nope......this is a peaceful environment to express ones opinion and offer ones thoughts and share information where we know what is said won't cause us any reprecussions or retaliation. If someone finds information posted that is not true they can share their version and offer there argument. If some topics need more attention the people will share their concerns. This shouldn't be looked at as anything more than what it is. It should be used as a learning tool to find out what makes the community tick, because the elected officals are supposed to be the community after all. If someone wants to share who they are then they can do. Otherwise anonymous as I can see is working just fine.
To Beware above - if in fact the Chief of Police is so upset - why would he be?
If he hasn't done anything and his staff hasn't done anything I wouldn't think he would have anything to be concerned about.
Seems like this should be easy to straighten out unlike some of the other problems - what with court cases and state agencies involved.
Rumor has it the police dept is trying to terminate Gene Park. This after Dan Repucci, Warren Breu, Steve Formica. If this is true how many more and what depts are next. If you want to keep your job in this town and not have problems with the police you better not be heard questioning anything they do. Doesn't seem right that when something is wrong you can't talk about it.
It's true eliminate your adversary, in this case it appears adversries, and you win. Very dangerous waters here.
The reason we went to a secret ballot is because a few people controlled the town meetings and if you had a different opinion you were laughed at or ridiculed. Its not always wise to put your neck on the chopping block, so anonymous is OK. There are a lot of good people out there that have good opinions that don't need the hassle. Keep your ears and eye open folks, you are making a difference.
To set the record straight and to stay on track with sticking to the facts...Warren Breau resigned from the Winchester Police Department on September 17, 2009. Should anyone have any questions call the number he posted last week. Happy hunting people:)
There is a history in this town of stifling the truth and intimadating people for not agreeing with the powers that be and their wants and needs.
The following is a list of officers who left the Winchester Police Dept within the last two years.Clearly there is a management problem within the police dept.
Theresa Sepe
Rafael Rivera
Royce Pelkey
Mike Pelton
John Lovely
John Melia
Warren Breau
Dan Reppucci
Roger Beauchamp
Jim Fisher left and came back.
Truth be told Scott Hurley wants out of Winchester too - he's applied at other police departments from what I've heard.
Nice picture of the Winchester police chief in the Sunday Sentinel. Must of had the other office snap the picture to show the town dissenters he is on the job. Must be there was no detail work on Fri. Its Sunday morning , where are all the cruisers?
To the Winchester Informer of your comments on 9/15 - I hope you are suggesting the Chief use time to exlpain to someone independent to investigate his police department. I'm not sure I'd want him to be making any decisions anymore. It appears his judgement might be clouded.
Mr. Ruth's incident during election time just goes to show the standards and it goes to show what the elected officials see as priorties when it comes to using precious few resources of the town and state that come a price tag the equivalent of a precious gem. These selectmen clearly put themselves on pedestal, you can hear it in their words and see it in their actions.
There are many people who will make sure the voters are reminded about the double standards for at least the next three elections. We need to turn over the elected officials 100%. The best time to start will be 2010. Time to start cleaning house.
Why worry who has voiced their opinion? If what is said is untrue dispute it. Certainly the Winchester Police department, with a staff who has a wealth of experience(Phillips-27 years, Roberts-19 years, Jette a whopping 6 years, Fisher a whopping 4+ years and Hurley a whopping 2 years)could conjure up a defense as to what has been said about their department and the actions of their officers. The last time I checked this was America and unless something unruthful,malicious or defaming is said it is ok to speak your mind and voice your opinion. One for thing certain is this blog was borne out of frustration with the Winchester Police Department and its management practices. To Chief Phillips, it is incumbent on you to answer to the citizens of Winchester. You of all people should be well aware and well versed in the fact that your power and position come from the people, not the police department or local government. If you do not have anything to hide talk to the people,hold an open forum or a question and answer session. Anything less would be a clear indicator you have no respect or regard for those you serve and protect. Don't let this last statement be an oxymoron(a figure of speech by which a locution produces an inconguous,seemingly self-contradictory effect,as in "cruel-kindnass" or " to make haste slowly")on your part. Talk to the people not at them!!!
His whole attitude is being questioned by people in & out of town. Every knows there's a problem, we're just waiting for the outcome, the fallout, if you will.
Rumor Has It a Few Don’t Like this Website and are Unhappy with it’s content. This website has been in existence for years and is unpopular with those that disagree when an opinion is posted which does not agree with their opinion. To that we say THANK GOD WE LIVE IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA:
Let no one misunderstand that the NH State Constitution and US Constitution afford us the right to FREE SPEECH and any prohibition of that right is a violation of our 1st Amendment RIGHTS and our RIGHTS under Art. 22 of the State Constitution. Any violation of rights needs to be reported to the ACLU and elected state officials. [
State Constitution - Bill of Rights
Established October 31, 1783 Effective June 2, 1784 As Subsequently Amended and in Force January 2007
Art.] 22. [Free Speech; Liberty of the Press.] Free speech and liberty of the press are essential to the security of freedom in a state: They ought, therefore, to be inviolably preserved.
June 2, 1784
Amended 1968 to include free speech.
U.S. Constitition. (September 17, 1787) art. I-VII Published: Sep. 17, 1787
First Amendment to the United States Constitution
Amendment 1 - Freedom of Religion, Press, Expression. Ratified 12/15/1791. Note
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
If your rights are being violated here are some suggestions
Step 1
Understand the limits of the first amendment. The first amendment protects the rights of free speech. Individuals have the right to express unpopular opinions and speak out without facing censorship in most cases.
Step 2
Engage in protected activity. For your speech to be protected you have to be engaged in an activity that is protected under free speech rights. Actions include speaking out against corporations, government and protesting their activities.
Step 3
Notice a violation of your free speech rights. This may come in the case of a lawsuit against you, censorship of what you can say or being fired from your job.
Step 4
Contact legal representation. Protect your right to free speech by gaining assistance from a lawyer. Discuss the violations with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
Step 5
Seek public support. Write to editors of local newspapers to discuss your situation. Attempt to speak to news stations to reach a wider audience, set up a website and discuss your free speech violations in public forums.
Step 6
Influence policy makers. Contact local elected officials and members of congress to report violations of your first amendment rights. Change the future of how free speech is protected by voting for the candidates who support your belief.
A suggestion to those wishing to hush us up – Start your own website and blog and have your own discussions. We’ll pop in on you too, and if we see some things that make sense we would likely back you. We’re not as opposed to hearing what you have to say as you think we are contrary to how we feel you are opposed to hearing what we have to say and more importantly question. Try it….it might be more productive if we hear a differing opinion instead of it’s just a few malcontents at it again……
I have a question for all of you that are running down the town officials do you plan on running for office, and how do you plan on handling the towns issues, you think you can do better, I believe it takes a community to make this town better and with people like you who are hurtful, and just plain mean, I think you need to find something to occupy your time and get a life.
And this was said at 2 in the afternoon - good one!
I don't think that people are just bored and need to get a life. I think people would just like a little honesty and explanation about what is going on in the town. You really can't fix problems when you don't know what they are. To suggest that everyone just walk away from what has been discussed, suggested, brougt to light and sometimes unplesant facts disclosed would suggest that nothing change, everything to stay as it is and the bad folks just go away and let the elected officials and others do as they please. That's nonsense and it's not in this towns peoples best interest.
What’s up with all the chatter concerning the town coming from the area of the pharmacy dept at the Rite Aid in Winchester?
So it’s really just the method of free speech that one chooses that is in question?
I hope that you are not knocking a selectman that is in his second term of service to Winchester, and appears to be the only one with a backbone and common sense.The reason of town talk at rite aid is that he is assembly, and i bet it gets on his nerves and is not real fun day after day.
You usually talk to the people you can trust, if it happens to be in Rite Aid, oh well!
I took the rite aid thing to mean that it's ok to talk in person but not on a blog. guess that shows we all think different.
To anonymous 9/23 2:08 - maybe some will run - but that doesn't mean in the meantime that any questions about activities going on now and relative to the people in office now can't be asked, does it?
For a better understanding, are you suggesting spending money inappropriately or not overseeing the town departments isn't something we as part of a town shouldn't question or be interested?
How else can you get answers unless you ask questions?
Lets see all meetings are open to the public, so if you are so concerned on how your money is being spent, why don't you come to a few meetings and see, and voice your opinion and listen to the members ask questions to each town department, I look at it this way before you judge others, be in there position, and see what you would do, I find this website very cruel to the towns people, if you want to voice your opinion voice it to the people you are running down to there face not on a website.
to the above poster;
All meetings are not open to the public for comment. Comments are usually "taken under advisement" and never answered later. Many of our boards and commissions will not listen to any questions about anything other than the topic that is at hand. Others allow for NO PUBLIC COMMENT. I don't know where you have gotten your information; but your statements are very misleading. I attend a number of meetings a week and have for years and have first hand knowledge of what goes on. Secondly, no one posting on this blog that I have read has been mean to anyone in town. If by asking hard, unanswered questions on facts that have been posted, well that's just the nature of the beast and why shouldn't people be concerned over the outlandish behavior of those we trust to do best for ALL of us, not just a few who feel they are entitled and much better than the rest of us? Do you honestly think all of the problems people are talking about are just made up and that all of the information being provided by this blog is untrue? Don't you think those of us who foot the bills should receive an explanation when something is amiss? It is obvious that employees of the town, from the select board to the police chief are spending time reading here, why don't they provide an answer to questions asked or as some have suggested hold a public meeting to answer the citizens. It would seem the prudent thing to do with all of the concerns being raised about their conduct, don't you think?
People do participate and when they do all to often this is the result -
This REALLY did happen and the BOS 6/17/09 meeting minutes will confirm this, it's not made up jibberish from a couple of malcontents as some would have others want to believe:
THESE ARE THE FACTS OF THE BOS MEETING THE NIGHT OF JUNE 17, 2009.
1.) Phillips seeks boards permission to purchase a cruiser for 23,758.
2.) Phillips explains to the BOS where the money should come from - $10,000 from the operating budget –the rest from the Outside Activities Fund
3.) Phillips explains to the BOS that the "Warrant Article from March’s Town Meeting, asking the people to place $10,000.00 in the Police Cruiser Capital Reserve Fund, was voted down by a small margin. " SHOULD THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
4.) Phillips then explains to the BOS that he has done well with his budget this year and has 29,131.87 left
5.) Tedford tells Phillips he has done well with his budget but that Phillips is "short SOME full time staff"
6.) Tedford then makes a motion to remove $12,000 from the operating budget and a vote is taken and YOU GUESSED IT – 5-0 IN FAVOR OF GIVING PHILLIPS WHAT HE WANTS AT THE VOTERS AND TAXPAYERS EXPENSE.
The whole lot of them has no one to blame but themselves for the criticisms and lack of confidence in the decision-making that they have exhibited.
To say Phillips did well on his budget when he, deliberately, didn’t hire and promote is deception at it’s grandest and anyone sugar-coating that is irresponsible to the voters and taxpayers.
To give him more $$ is deplorable and inexcusable.
Now according to other comments posted on this blog another lawsuit from the police department has been filed, the second from the police department in the last few years.
This one involves an officer with 10+ years in Winchester and who was terminated for performance problems or something to that effect after doing 2 positions at 1 time for well over a year?
Having heard some things about this officer I highly doubt there were performance problems with him, especially in light of what is going on.
More likely he does have some information as has been previously mentioned.
SO HOW MUCH IS THIS NEW CRUISER WE VOTED "NO" FOR REALLY GOING TO COST US WITH ANOTHER COURT CASE IN THE WINGS?
HOW MUCH IS THE POLICE BUDGET BOTTOM LINE REALLY GOING TO BE OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS AFTER THE DUST FORM ALL SETTLES?
IT’S NOT GOOD ENOUGH "NO MEANS NO" FOR THIS GROUP – THEY CLEARLY DON’T GIVE A DAMN AND THEY SURE DON’T HAVE A RIGHT TO TELL PEOPLE TO STOP ASKING QUESTIONS.
There are many people in this community who are concerned about what is going on. There are many people who are trying to find a direction in which to go and trust me there are many people who are absolutely concerned about coming forward and saying anything for fear of retaliation. Many people know but are afraid to speak.
Numerous people have asked for a meeting and to date there has been NO Mention by the board or the Chief to meet with us. What does that tell you?
IF YOU ARE SEEING "CRUEL" THINGS ON THIS WEBSITE IT'S COMING FROM THE ONES IN CHARGE WHO HAVE NO RESPECT. STOP BLAMING THE PUBLIC FOR BEING FED UP AND IF YOU DON'T LIKE WHAT YOU READ YOU DON'T HAVE TO VISIT THIS WEBSITE. ANOTHER NOVEL RIGHT WE ARE AFFORDED BY THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE and thankfully not the domain of the BOS and the CHIEF PHILLIPS.
Not all that glitters is gold. Be wary what you wish for for you may not like what you hear or see. Not all law suits are as they appear to be. No one is perfect, we all have flaws and to say otherwise is foolish.
I don't think anyone cares about flaws - we just want the truth.
September 24, 2009 1:36 PM
Knowledge is Power - But ignorance is hurtful and harmful....
You should use your knowledge to be produtive and not to inflict harm or hurt on others..
People who talk in riddles typically either have something to hide or wish to cloud the problems. The facts are the town has serious problems in at least the town hall and the police dept and that's what needs to be fixed.
Nice try:)
The budget com. is going to have its hands full with selectmen Gardners misguided attitude. Bonuses and $300 dump truck bodies, good luck people.
He also likes 8% pay raises and thinks hour and a half lunches are OK. Its hard to understand.
Just thought everyone would like to know. Winchester is famous. The Winchester Informer is on the internet. If you do a Google name search using the names mentioned in the blog( Margaret Sharra, Gary Phillips, Chris Roberts , Nate Jette,Dean Beaman Warren, Breau, Dan Reppucci, Paul Mccoomb) at Google.com you will see the Winchester Informer and the related articles.
I think are selectmen should draft a letter to Governor Lynch, and let him know you don't cut hours or have layoffs, you give 8% raises.Oh don't forget the hour and a half lunch.
Anyone know anything about an accident at coombs bridge 3or4 weeks ago? IF its true one has to wonder if there was a cover up, and who paid for the guardrail repair.
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