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Sunday, May 15, 2011
Blog update from Admin.
Intent of the blog.
The intent of the blog is as stated on the opening page: "This blog was created to enable residents of Newburgh to discuss political affairs with each other. Please be courteous."
Lately, and to my disappointment, is has evolved into a ping pong arena where personal slams are passed back and forth. I realize that venting is important but when it has reached the point where other people are discouraged from adding their insights and observations the intent of the blog is no longer being served.
Therefore from here on comments that do not further the intent of the blog will be moved to the Hash and Bash postings. The comments will not be deleted unless there is a threat of physical violence, or are so inflammatory they would never be used in any other circumstance except where anonymity allows extremes.
In reply to the suggestion to take the blog down. Two reasons were given for this. One was that the blog had deteriorated to the web equivalent of the Jerry Springer Show. Hopefully this was properly addressed in the above paragraph.
The second was that there was no longer any need for the blog. A tangential comment to this was that the Fixers are no more. For me to reply to this I need to make clear I am only speaking for myself. The people that are and have been involved with our group are a very diversified group, ranging from tea baggers to union organizers. We would probably not ever be in the same room were it not for the compelling need we felt to fix the problems in our town.
My main concern, aside from the financial irregularities, was to make the legislative branch of our municipal government viable again. Consider for a moment in the past (2005-2009) an average 20 people attended the annual town meeting, the selectmen exceeded budget lines and in effect legislated where they thought the town should go. Another example is the last administration not including in the town meeting articles a discount for taxpayers that pay early and monies donated to various agencies like the Red Cross and Penquis CAP and Spruce Run. These have always been part of the articles. These administrative actions border on disdain for the voters and could only occur where the townspeople were apathetic or felt discouraged (might be one and the same) about what power they had to influence the direction of the town.
Change has begun to happen. Next year we will go to an administrative assistant/selectmen form of government. This will make the town employees responsible to the selectmen, one step closer to the townspeople. There will be 5 selectmen therefore more diversity and representation (and hopefully expertise on the board). These steps will help empower the townspeople.
Questions asked:
A question that was asked in various forms was is there a need for the Fixers or this blog. I say yes. I believe there are a number of major and minor issues that are the responsibility of or would empower the electorate that need to be addressed. Of the top of my head they include:
• What should we do about a municipal facility? Will the school meet our needs? Some have said is costing too much (we have yet to get a reliable cost estimate for being at the school), others have said we would be better off building our own facility, yet others have advocated moving back to the old town office.
• Changing to a line item budget. Presently budget items are grouped together and do not allow a person to vote on individual items. Granted we do not need to vote on pencil and paper but when the administrative budget has grown over 120% in ten years items that constitute the major portions of this item need to be understood and voted on. The same thing with roads; identify which road repair is being proposed and let the townspeople decide (versus this year where only a total sum was voted on, then is was at the discretion of the manager).
• Going to a referendum budget vote versus a town meeting. In the 20 plus town where this has been implemented the involvement of the electorate has increased 5 to 10 times. How this works is that the townspeople vote by secret ballot (at the same time they are voting for selectmen) for the following years' budget.
• A town survey asking various questions about the direction the town should go.
• Town office hours that would be most helpful to townspeople (versus the staff).
Implied in the question is that because we have a new administration there is no need for the Fixers or the blog. This is naïve. The legislative branch as we learned from the failures of the past must be an active part of town government. In whatever way the blog can assist in this it will.
We need to have an active, empowered legislature to have a healthy community. We need to have people do their civic duty, call them Fixers, concerned citizens or if you do not like the above simply call them townspeople. Regardless of the title, citizens will now (fingers crossed) be involved in their town or as the last line of the fixers mission statement says : "We will not abdicate our responsibilities as Newburgh citizens again." .
Hopefully we will get beyond the divisiveness that has occurred in the last year, although going by the comments left last week there will be remnants for a while. We hope those that do not agree with the direction of the town use a positive approach and use the same tools we had/have at our disposal: petitions, education of the electorate, and participation at meetings with articulated and researched facts and concerns.
Thank you for indulging me in this rather long dissertation, I promise not do to be so verbose next time.
1,024 comments:
- AnonymousMay 16, 2011 at 8:02 AM
Quakers meeting has begunReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 16, 2011 at 10:43 AM
I would like to know why the Newburgh Fire Department felt they should take down the veteran's memorial? What a thing to do I am ashamed to say that was a disgrace to all veterans who sacrificed so much for us. It was not by consent of the current selectmen. Selectmen's board please instruct the Fire Department to put it back up.NOW...ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 16, 2011 at 1:00 PM
Hi Claude:ReplyDelete
Bravo, I find your illustration of the direction of the blog, superb and meaningful. It behooves me that a few hooligans still want to cause havoc within our Selectmen Meetings that are constructed to benefit the majority of the town tax payers plus keep them informed through town government transparency. Yes, transparency the same that was promised to the town folks so many times before but became the total opposite, each time. Newburgh
has a re-birth and our direction is taking a new path, one that will re-construct our town government so that everyone will benefit and not just a few.
I sincerely believe the tax payers will control the couple of hooligans that seek to disrupt, embarrass and cause undo conflict at the meetings and otherwise.
So far, I find due diligence is back within the frame work of our town government and your blog greatly assisted in getting the messages out
and exposed varying elements so that the readers could come to grips with the truth supported by facts and document's and sometimes voice recordings of wrong doing, over spending and basically unauthorized shenanigans that have had a grip on our town for way to long. Let us enjoy, our re-birth and Yes, do
continue to keep your readers appraised of the current state of our town so that we never let our guard down, ever again. Homer
- AnonymousMay 16, 2011 at 2:36 PM
Homer: I agree 100% thank you. I only hope you come to selectmen's meetings.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 16, 2011 at 2:38 PM
I promise not do to be so verbose next time. EitherReplyDelete
odclay oda oya eakspa igpa attinlay oota
- AnonymousMay 16, 2011 at 3:21 PM
Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculareReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 16, 2011 at 4:12 PM
Ah Ha, I finally have proof.ReplyDelete
The fixers are aliens, I knew it and that is what scares me to death about them.
- AnonymousMay 16, 2011 at 4:17 PM
Get real, call one of the fixers, sit down and find out the real truth about their work. Now that hate, discontent,lies and all are not spewing from the town office, you will be able to talk one on one with the CCG members and know that they did nothing but good for this town. Where would we be today if they had not uncovered this mess? You should be thanking them, not spreading untrue rumors. Name 1 thing any one of them has done to you or against this town?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 17, 2011 at 7:55 AM
Please fill us in on the happenings last night several people reported there was another blue lite special at the town office again last niteReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 17, 2011 at 10:25 AM
I hear it was a wonderful meeting. Everyone held hands and sung campfire songs. All is well in Newburgh.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 17, 2011 at 10:47 AM
I was there. The selectmen were advised by the lawyer the town auditor and the insurance company not to run the before/after school program because it is not licensed as a daycare and is a huge liability to the town. The parents involved said it is not a daycare it is recreation. On the other hand were angry the license for the "daycare" did not go through. Well even if the license for the "daycare" went through it would be rejected because nobody is qualified to run a daycare at this point. It is a difficult situation for both sides. Apparently someone from the previous administration thought the program was a daycare also because of the application for the license to be a daycare. That is what I gathered at the meeting.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 17, 2011 at 11:08 AM
I only wish we as a town could be civil to one another. I understand there was much name calling last night. This is a sad thing and is getting us no closer to being a whole town again. It seems we have a group who wishes to have anarchy reign. I have to wonder if this will ever stop. We are all equal as residents of this town and no one should be intimidated because of their opinion.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 17, 2011 at 12:13 PM
I also attended the meeting last night. I to left early due to the unbelievable amount of disrespect toward the new board. This board has not held office for very long and has been given 1000's of items that were not taken care of for many years. The before and after program has not been insured for quite sometime, is not insured and cannot be insured as it is. The town lawyer, the auditor and MMA all are in agreement to close it down as soon as possible. The board is taking a chance but agreed to let it run until the end of this school year. The parents were obviously upset to get word of this and refused to believe any of it. Several of them were rude, outspoken, calling names, speaking out of turn, saying the selectmen were lying and carrying on out of control. One was asked to go outside and cool off before coming back and then asked to leave. The Sheriff had to be called at this point. Children being dropped off there daily, morning and night, to a non licensed, non insured program. We the taxpayers are responsible for this and it would be like cancelling your home owners and taking a big chance!! Please understand the danger of this and the chance your taking with your children in this program? This is NOT new, the previous administration knew it was not insured, they knew it had to be licensed over a year ago. State licensing in Augusta. was called today, the town was asked to get the license application in to them in 2010. The director has been contacted many times about the application before this board was even elected. Buddy, Leona and Skip spoke of this as did Brett and Vickie Leavitt (previous directors) at several selectmen meetings. This was dropped on the current board, it is not their fault nor did they create it as many were accusing them of. It's been in the mix for over a year. Support the new board, all these issues are NOT NEW.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 17, 2011 at 12:20 PM
I understand there is only 5-10 children in this program. Why would we continue this without insurance? We as taxpayers should run the risk of a lawsuit for the few who use this program? I would not want my kids going to a unlicensed uninsured daycare.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 17, 2011 at 12:42 PM
So some were upset because the rest of us taxpayers are not eager to accept the liability of running an unlicensed or uninsured daycare service? What about the other daycare providers in town are they upset because the town and their tax dollars have been subsidising child care in direct competition with them. They have accepted the risk, received their licenses and taken out insurance I would assume, should we be paying them some tax dollars to offset these expenses too, if no why not? Why did SAD #22 not want to be affiliated with the before and after school program in Newburgh?ReplyDelete
Why does common sense never figure into these arguments, are these the same people that voted for the town to move into the money pit in the first place?
I am all for the town supporting the daycare program (AKA before and after school program) if it is legal, if it meets all the requirements of the state, if it is well insured and if it is 100% cost supported by the users. If it does not meet all of these things I am all against it and not willing to take the risk with my tax dollars. Shut it down immediately if there is any chance I will be paying additional tax money to settle a lawsuit over this no-brain er.
- AnonymousMay 17, 2011 at 12:55 PM
If it were a private citizen running the same way would the state not shut them down and fine them? What is to stop the state from doing the same to the town? I hate to break this to people but our town is about broke. All the other towns around AND the state itself are cutting back on unnecessary spending. What makes Newburgh any different?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 17, 2011 at 12:55 PM
"Close it down as soon as possible", you have got to be kidding me selectmen, I hope you are not really considering running this one more day without the proper credentials or protection for the town. Sad for the people who have grown to depend on it but sometimes life has it's bumps in the road and we must steer out around them. As selectmen you have been trusted with making decision based on what is best for the town as a whole, we voted to move away from management that only benefited a few.ReplyDelete
Close it now please.
- AnonymousMay 17, 2011 at 1:15 PM
I do not like the sound of this at all.ReplyDelete
If this is a recreation program can you tell us how many of these parents that feel like they are somehow entitled to this program have volunteered for the openings on the Rec. committee? Or are they only concerned with receiving the greatly discounted baby sitting service at others expense. I also agree we can not afford to support an illegal program.
There is legal risk to the town that is known and acknowledged in open meeting by our selectmen, is there also personal legal risk to the selectmen for allowing it to continue. If the selectmen are willing to sign a letter saying they will be personally responsible for any costs and settlements that arise from a lawsuit I think we would all feel better about it. If they are not willing to do this then it needs to be closed immediately.
- AnonymousMay 17, 2011 at 1:26 PM
Are you serious, Newburgh cannot break the lawReplyDelete
by having a babysitting program, period. It isn't even an option at this point. People need to realize that all this sits squarely on the shoulders of the former selectmen who did not care about the laws and they would tell you that. We need to rise above all this and abide by the laws of the land, period. It seems to me that there is a group of people that need to consider relocation so they can run amuck as they see fit, just stop it, in Newburgh.
- AnonymousMay 17, 2011 at 1:31 PM
From: Rules for the Licensing ofReplyDelete
Child Care Facilities
10-148 CMR Chapter 32
Effective Date: August 27, 2008
1.1.Unlicensed facilities. No person or entity shall operate a Child Care Facility for more than two (2) children without a license from the department in force, authorizing such operation. (Title 22M.R.S.A. chapter 1663)
1.1.1.Violation of injunction. A person, firm, partnership, association, corporation or other entity that violates the terms of an injunction issued under this section shall pay to the State a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $10,000 for each violation. Each day of violation constitutes a separate offense. In an action brought by the Office of the Attorney General against a person, firm, partnership, association, corporation or other entity for violating the terms of an injunction under this section, the District Court may make the necessary orders or judgments regarding violation of the terms of the injunction.
You think we're broke now...
- AnonymousMay 17, 2011 at 1:55 PM
No I think it would be more like cancelling your home owners and then inviting the kids in town over to play in your non-conforming, unlicensed, daycare with non-certified attendants.ReplyDelete
I am sorry too, I can not see how any good can come from this for the "Town of Newburgh" at this point the users of the service loose and it is likely the town will loose if it continues.
Please shut it down now if you have not, until a legal alternative can be found.
Jim Hopkins
- AnonymousMay 17, 2011 at 2:20 PM
"The board is taking a chance but agreed to let it run until the end of this school year."ReplyDelete
I have supported and voted for every one of these selectmen. I must now say if the above statement is true and the board members knowingly and willingly are violating the law and putting the town in jeopardy, this is also exactly why I supported the recall ordinance.
- AnonymousMay 17, 2011 at 2:41 PM
The board is also making each and every parent of the before and after school program sign a waiver that takes all liability away from the Town of Newburgh and puts it on the parent. You can't expect them to tell the parents "screw you" and close it down immediately. These parents need to have a notice and be able to find the appropriate daycare. I applaud them for their actions. This program has been running for at least a year illegally, because of our past selectmen and town manager. This was dumped in their lap and they have to do what is best for the town. Screwing people over really isn't what they want to do. A waiver will make it a little better and allow them to go until June 17th, the last day of school.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 17, 2011 at 3:42 PM
That's good to hear as far as the liability issue, I assume it was a legal document drafted and approved by the town lawyer. What did the state say about continuing to operate an illegal daycare until June 17th. And just like you state above "they have to do what is best for the town" I guess that would include the entire town and not just the parents of these few kids.ReplyDelete
Business decisions are tough sometimes, let's hope for the best in this difficult situation but something tells me closing it down is the safer bet.
- AnonymousMay 17, 2011 at 4:08 PM
Last night at the Selectmen's meeting they stated it will go to an attorney. As far as the State... They have known it is an "illegal" daycare for over a year now. Trying to get the former town officials to do anything that was good for the town wasn't an easy task. It is uninsured and the auditor and attorney said to close it down and get out of it. I don't see an issue with it being opened until June 17th with a waiver. The parents need at least a couple weeks notice to arrange daycare for their children.... No, it is not REC-Care!!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 17, 2011 at 6:01 PM
It is pure and simple a Day care!!! close it now. I would not want the three people who take care of these children to take care of mine I do not think they have background checks . No rules in place. Putting complaints in to town about each other. No cpr or formal training in first aid. Do not watch the children out doors. Let a dog come over from a neighbors house and play with children. No training about sex offenders. all the things the state would stop.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 17, 2011 at 7:00 PM
I would like someone else's opinion please. Renee ODonald was all for keeping the day care open no matter the risk to the town. I guess I should not be surprised after learning these facts. Renee was on the board when we entered into the agreement to hire Nancy Hatch and on the board to hire Rick Briggs. She was on this years budget committee that sold us down the river for disaster. Who knows what kick back she took from Kendell she sure defended him real hard on the issues at selectmen,s meetings. Better think twice about her time as selectmen,s position she helped get us in the mess we are in . Please think twice about the business she and hubby are in before you hire them. Please all take a look at her past real carefully. She is just as guilty as the crew we just got rid of. Oh by the way the North rd. has no Grading so what was her point?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 17, 2011 at 7:18 PM
Oh Boy, I do remember when she tried and tried to defend Belcher with spacey comments that made no sense at all on this blog.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 17, 2011 at 7:33 PM
I wish the state would just come and demand it be closed now - but they haven't, they have allowed it this long, maybe they should come and solve the controversy.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 17, 2011 at 7:39 PM
Mike, Steve and Craig:ReplyDelete
I do not believe that a waiver to sign away your rights will be of any use and would recommend that you 3, comply with the law, rules and regulations and close it down, now. Do not wait. We all have had to face a situation that was not to our liking but we all made it through. It is one of those things, in life. Before we trust our children to any service it is up to us, to verify, confirm and research any pitfalls. If we take the least expensive road there is usually a reason that it is cheap.
You cannot allow these folks to put the burden on you 3 ? It was their responsibility as it is their children, at risk.
- AnonymousMay 17, 2011 at 8:11 PM
Mike, Steve and Craig:ReplyDelete
I do not believe that a waiver to sign away your rights will be of any use and would recommend that you 3, comply with the law, rules and regulations and close it down, now. Do not wait. We all have had to face a situation that was not to our liking but we all made it through. It is one of those things, in life. Before we trust our children to any service it is up to us, to verify, confirm and research any pitfalls. If we take the least expensive road there is usually a reason that it is cheap.
You cannot allow these folks to put the burden on you 3 ? It was their responsibility as it is their children, at risk.
- AnonymousMay 18, 2011 at 7:20 AM
It's funny how people only hear what they want to and block the rest out!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 18, 2011 at 8:45 AM
Hey let's think about this.ReplyDelete
Let me ask this question, if during the new administrations honeymoon period the selectmen discovered there was a defect in the building and there was a slight chance (very slight) that the roof could fall in, and in the file they found a memo from the state detailing the defect from a year ago but the former town management or state did not follow through and shut them down and or make repairs for some reason. So they take a look at their insurance policy and find roof failure is not covered if there are known documented defects and nothing was done, do they accept the risk of a roof failure while the parents find alternate day care? Or as protectors of the poor citizens do you immediately stop all operations until the building/program is safe inspected audited and in compliance? Wait let's try this, what if the parents are willing to sign a waiver does that make it all right? Will the town have any risk if the parents sign off on their kids safety to save a buck?
Why does everything go back to what the former or some other administration "dumped in our laps" or "did not take care of" or "dropped the ball on" or "it was their fault" bla bla bla. Will that really matter if there is a problem between now and June 17th and the town ends up getting sued with no protection in place, we all then are on the hook for a million or more dollars or some other figure? How will you sleep at night if something does happen to one of these kids, will you still think you did the right and fair thing for them and the town?
It may be one thing if you were not aware of these issues but you are aware and your decision to keep operating this program as is becomes absolutely the wrong one. If you are not going to listen to the attorney on things that put the town in jeopardy who the hell are your going to take advice from?
Your goal should be to perform better than any previous administration not equal to of worse.
- AnonymousMay 18, 2011 at 10:20 AM
Someone still insists on living in the past just raking muck and blaming others for anything and everything that has ever gone wrong, but almost all of you are snipers remaining camoflaged behind this blog. I find it odd most of you have no problem mentioning Renee ODonald or others including me by name but you refuse to sign your name to your posts and that is annoying.ReplyDelete
I have stated my position on the Day Care program and still believe the overall best interest of the town would be to terminate this program until we can get in compliance and become insured. Why is that so difficult to do, this is not and should not be a problem with someone having a counterpoint to my or anyone else's position either, just sign your name.
Jim Hopkins
- AnonymousMay 18, 2011 at 11:40 AM
"The town lawyer, the auditor and MMA all are in agreement to close it down as soon as possible. The board is taking a chance but agreed to let it run until the end of this school year."ReplyDelete
Wowzers. How did anyone even know to ask about this issue?ReplyDelete
The board is in place there by us, the voters. Therefore, they are speaking on our behalf and I can't imagine many of us are okay with our hired voices going AGAINST the advice of legal counsel. I'm certainly not. Yikes. It's just like playing with fire, ya know? Only really, really expensive fire.
Even waivers, unless they are drawn up by a lawyer and cover EVERY known contingency, are pretty useless in court.
I'm really saddened to see history sort of repeating itself here...aren't we supposed to learn from past mistakes?
- AnonymousMay 18, 2011 at 3:14 PM
You guys all know it's going to take more than a month to clean up all the mess Newburgh was in. All these inherited issues will get taken care of in due time, but if a few of you certain people keep up all this warmongering, there will not be peace for Newburgh for quite some time.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 18, 2011 at 3:52 PM
Agreed but,ReplyDelete
There will be no Newburgh if something serious happens in our illegal day care. Inherited issues or not it should be closed now.
- AnonymousMay 18, 2011 at 5:27 PM
War mongers I hope my concern for the town does not place me in that categoryReplyDelete
Jim Hopkins
- AnonymousMay 18, 2011 at 6:36 PM
So this is how we do things selectmen, you vote to keep the after school program until the end of the year then you turn around and close it on the spot and by putting a note on the door at that! You couldn't tell parents to their faces? You three are nothing but snakes! You can't even stick to your word, really three people I want running my town a bunch of sneaky, truthless snakes! Way to go selectmen! This is how I would earn the trust of the towns people!ReplyDelete
Heather Rines
- AnonymousMay 18, 2011 at 6:42 PM
I take it your talking about the 3 previous select board who knew about this, allowed it and left it? Am I correct?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 18, 2011 at 7:06 PM
Heather you can not have it both ways who are you Pointing fingers at this time the fact is these people are looking out for the community as a whole not just a select few as in the past. When you get more mature you will see this and you will learn how to behave in public, I know it is a hard decision but it really is the right one.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 18, 2011 at 7:09 PM
The three previous select board who knew about this, the two previous town managers, and Lois, (not to mention all the people running it and working at it) doncha mean? It was never a secret, that's why it was on the agenda. It's going to take a little longer to get this town running right, and it will take a LOT longer with these few disruptive people at the meetings. But, it will get done as promised.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 18, 2011 at 7:13 PM
Heather, the selectmen did their best to try and let it run until the end of the year. However, now that the news is involved and broadcasting all over the state don't you think the state may make a surprise visit and issue fines not to mention close it on the spot. Seriously I don't want the fines or the liability for this daycare with my tax dollars. Selectmen I say make the difficult decision and close it asap. Let the parents form their own daycare and hire the correct employees and follow the states rules for daycare. It is a daycare and the license would have been rejected had it been sent in anyway because it is not qualified face the truth.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 18, 2011 at 7:55 PM
Heather Rines : you are a big mouth punk. You can be assured that the police are on to you and your mother Dianna Prescott. You were on tv on the tapes. I hope that the town is going to make it ok with this kind of outbursts at meetings. You and your mother are the most ignorant people if you can even be called people.ReplyDelete
I just saw the news clip, which also had a sound byte of the meeting...holy moly. Are they always like that?! So bad they have to call in the fuzz?!ReplyDelete
Disheartened to hear that the program is shut down simply because the story made it to the news, and not for the proper reason, which is that it was illegal. I think that's sending a wicked bad message. What if it didn't make it to the news? It makes me wonder what else might be occurring that simply "hasn't made it to the news"...??
Also disheartened to feel that our whole town is/was put in jeopardy over 9 families--and for what I feel is a "convenience" issue at that.
I do feel empathy for our selectmen, however. I mean, the burdens at hand are just huge. I know I certainly couldn't handle being yelled at by my peers. What is happening is no one person's fault. Lots of damage was done by simple ignorance of laws.
Sure wish folks would remain civil though--both here and at the meetings. Yelling and verbal abuse isn't good for anyone, on any level. :(
- AnonymousMay 18, 2011 at 8:25 PM
I understand the emotions involved, but we have to separate ourselves from them and make rational decisions for our town. We CANNOT afford to be fined, w/e. If it's wrong/illegal, then it's wrong. I'm sorry for those losing jobs, and those losing their childcare, but we can't be selfish now.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 18, 2011 at 8:28 PM
Hi Kathy!ReplyDelete
This program has been running illegally for well over a year. The selectmen did not want to "screw over" the parents and close it down immediately. They gave them until the end of the school year to find new daycare. Two parents working is stressful all in itself, so giving them notice was the right thing to do... When the story went public, it made things worse. No matter what the Selectmen do, it won't be right. Can't win for losing...
Like the anonymous poster at 8:25 pointed out...it's not personal, it's business. I cannot imagine rational people would have a problem with that.ReplyDelete
Lots of us have similar issues like this we face every day...a layoff right before Christmas, foreclosure, tax liens, ticket for expired inspection sticker. Also things that affect hard-working people who are just doing the best they can to survive.
Stuff happens but people adapt. It's what we all do...what we have to do.
- AnonymousMay 18, 2011 at 8:52 PM
Think this town needs to have a few drinks and lighten up a little.ReplyDelete
Kumbaya my Lord, kumbaya. Kumbaya my Lord, kumbaya. Kumbaya my Lord, kumbaya. Oh Lord, kumbaya.
- AnonymousMay 18, 2011 at 9:19 PM
Please do not ask these loose screws to add liquor to the mix. That would be a disaster they are unruly enough. They make no sense. Mike, Craig, Steve keep up the good work. Don't let the threat of a recall stop you. Remember there is a petition out there to repeal the vote,by the same people who want to recall you. HA HA WHAT A JOKE?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 18, 2011 at 9:39 PM
We are now seeing why the town folks voted out and helped usher out the former Selectmen and why the other office staff took off asReplyDelete
all their cover-ups were going to be discovered. Now, maybe we can all agree that the end of the former selectmen board and office staff was in the best interest of the town. Please, no more trying to defend these outlaws that kept their mouth shut for their own benefit. All I can say is, thank god they are all gone and good riddance's. Now, we need to throw out the few constant troublemakers that keep everything in turmoil with their crazy comments and antic's. Many people have been saying all along that our town office was in a cover up mode and many would not believe, now they must. Hey, fixers, you all were right, again.
- AnonymousMay 18, 2011 at 9:49 PM
How about a relocation bus for Heather Rines and Diane Prescott ? They have proven that they do not care about our town and it is time for them to leave. They would be much happier living somewhere else. Imagine, wanting the town of Newburgh to, committ crimes.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 7:37 AM
Now that is funny, the police are on to me huh? And what have I done that is illegal, the last time I checked it was not illegal to stand up for what you beleive in and to voice your opinion. You guys make me laugh, thanks I needed that before starting my day! :)ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 8:58 AM
Just to let you all know the selectmen did not call the police, a citizen of the town decided that she would leave the meeting and call the police. When confronted about it she ran up to the selectmen at the end of the meeting to let them know that she was the one that called the police because she was threatened and that people leaving where honking their horns. She must be able to see into the future because that all happened after she called the police. She immediately called the police as soon as she stepped out of the meeting and while on the phone was telling everyone within ear shot that she was calling the police on them as they were outside talking or leaving the building. As for a daycare, it needs to be classified as a after and before school program for school age children and not a daycare and needs to be licensed and insured. Did the selectman ever check with SAD 22 to see if it was covered under SAD 22 insurance? Isle 5, Blue light special on another black eye for Newburgh!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 9:20 AM
The only black eye for Newburgh is the real uglies showing their true selves at the meetings and showing why the town WAS in so much trouble. They WERE the beginning. Newburgh now has a NEW beginning. It will take as long and the uglies persist.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 9:46 AM
I have to wonder why all the trouble makers left the meeting when they found out the police were on their way? If they were doing what they thought was right why was it not right if a police officer was present? I understand people were told to shut up and called names based on weight. Is this how they talk to their children? A parent should set a little better example.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 9:47 AM
Get Ready Newburgh the uglies have formed there own citizens group to recall the selectmen. I hope you citizens are smart enough to put a halt to such foolish meetings. I don't know how we will ever get down to the real business of what is important to us as citizens as long as these people keep the revenge going. Please everyone do not talk to these people about anything but good about the Town Of Newburgh.The uglies need help... To do this recall don't help them. Where are we going to find selectmen if you do think about it.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 9:55 AM
This is an adult situation being handled as such by the town officials. Please parents listen to them and conduct yourselves as adults. The interest here if for the children's safety. No one would go around looking for daycare anywhere without making sure it was 100% safe and insured. No matter how easy and convenient it is to drop your children off at the before and after program, without the proper procedures for everything, your children are not safe. There are so many things left undone, how can you blame a board that just now received the paperwork that has been sitting idle for years. I'm not sure if the families are thinking rationally at this point. It is stressful to suddenly find out your safe haven for your children was not what it appeared to be. Before things get to a point where you can't go back, take a deep breath and think of your families.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 9:57 AM
There was no name calling of any kind nevermind having to do with peoples weight! What is wrong with you people do you not have anything better to do then start rumors? Stupid rumors at that!!! GET A HOBBY! The people left because they had heard enough of the selectmens mouths most of them didn't even know the police were coming until they were outside and what would they run for there was nothing done that was illegal in any way shape or form. You people are SICK!!! I hope this new group is able to achieve their goals!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 10:06 AM
Their goals of taking the town back down illegal paths? Yep that sure would be best for us all.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 10:10 AM
The select little group of uglies ARE calling names - and threats, and it is NOT limited to the public meetings. All will come out.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 10:25 AM
I am seeing now that the fixers were not the bullies at all. The fixers were out to stop the illegal activities at that office. This new "group" is out to torpedo the town at all cost. If we have to vote AGAIN for the selectman we voted in 6 weeks ago it will only cost us money. I can not see how we are ever going to get out of this mess. Let me guess I can "move out of town if I don't like it." What a friendly little town we have become.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 10:33 AM
Ok so I can be told that I need to be chained up like a dog by all of you and that's ok but people can't say things to others OUTSIDE of public meetings? Wow it shocks me that all of you can say and do whatever it is that you feel like it but when someone else whispers one word the police are after us! Do you understand how you are making yourselves look? I may stand up for what I believe in which in turns makes me rude, a bad mother, and not even able to be called human, but at least I don't follow others and only stand by what others say because I am not brave enough to stand up for my own beliefs. Call me what you wish I don't care what all of you think of me because I KNOW that I am a WONDERFUL mother and a WONDERFUL wife and that my beliefs benefit someone other than just myself. I am sorry that you all feel I am rude unhuman like or a horrible person all together but at least I can state my name and hold my head up high and know that I didn't do things just because others wanted me to or because I thought that is what would make me look the way others felt I should. I am asking for you all too please stop with the personal jabs at me and my family and open your minds with the fact that not everyone is going to have the same beliefs as you and that it's ok. That doesn't mean that you or I as said by someone on this blog is immature or should take a bus out of this town. There will NEVER be a day that we all as town's people agree on EVERY issue and you all need to come to terms with that. You have no idea what is going on in other peoples lives and the fact that you sit at your computers day in and day out and attack them personally is in my mind very disturbing. The truth will come out about all of this and maybe then you can all see why we are fighting so hard.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 10:49 AM
You have painted your own picture, Heather, and it looks ugly. I never knew you existed until the disgusting meetings and this blog. The others who have protested in an adult way...I still don't know them. You will be in the minds of many for a long time. You want people to please stop taking jabs at you? You will hear about personal jabs (nasty name calling)soon, and they are definitely coming from the uglies. If you want anything done, you need to take a big deep breath and go about it in a different manner. The squeaky wheel doesn't only get the grease. When you're wrong, you're wrong and it's time for you to see it and what you are doing for what it really is.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 11:02 AM
Again unable to tell me who you are??? Interesting... and just because you feel I'm wrong does not mean that I am. Who are you to tell me when I am correct and when I'm not? Just because I may not act as "you" whom ever "you" may be thinks I should doesn't not make me a bad person. You really need to take a deep breath yourself know that you are not always right, grow up and lay off!!! I am not really sure why I am even trying to explain myself to the likes of you but again I'm not even sure who you are! You are all trying to bring me and everyone else down so that we will all step away and you can have your happy little fixer family well I am stronger than that and it won't happen so continue with your bad mouthing if that is what you feel you need to do but I will NEVER stop standing up for what I believe in, NEVER!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 11:03 AM
At least it appears Heather is listening, she may not understand what is being said but she is listening.ReplyDelete
That is a start down the road to civility.
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 11:15 AM
It doesn't seem there is anything civil about Heather and some of her family. Heather, do you really think that ANYONE would want to sign their name and suffer all the name calling and wrath you and your cohorts dish out? Trying to turn the town around is turning into a very hard and long job, and it is certainly bringing a lot of nasties out of the woodwork. This all has to go away before any real strides are taken for Newburgh. These selectmen are working twenty to thirty hours a week just keeping up with all the nasty disruptions.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 11:25 AM
If you and your family are 'right', Heather, why then does the state, the town lawyer, and the town auditor all disagree with you - not to mention three recently elected officials of your town who are neither family nor social acquaintances? What sort of agenda do you really think they have against you? You are totally lacking logic here.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 12:18 PM
And what is it exactly you're fighting for? Could you please let us all in on what is happening here. I truly don't understand. Mike won fairly in the election between he and Skip. Skip has been helping the new board in anyway he can. Leona was accepting a lot of help from Mike, asking him to give her the statues, pages and pages of information and so on. Buddy was shown all the information the citizens group had. The citizens group did not disrupt the meetings with the former board, they spoke only when asked to speak, conducted themselves as adults, was polite and courteous. I know this for a fact because I requested all the audio tapes from the Yountz's for the past year, they plainly show that nothing was ever directed toward the other board from the citizens. Buddy and Leona resigned on their own. The election for all 3 new board members was done by the town taxpayers of Newburgh, Maine. I am proud to say "I voted for all 3" and have total faith in their ability to get the job done. I also am not involved with the citizens group, although I'd be PROUD to say I was if I had had time. THANK YOU GROUP for all you've done, continue to do what you can.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 12:21 PM
What staggers the mind is that Heather and her clan advocate that the town continue to commit crimes as long as it benefits, them. This is why folks......that they didn't want to lose their hold on the Selectmen positions or the office so it could go on. Once the selectmen lost their control, the office high tailed it and left in a cloud of smoke for they knew it would be only a matter of time until it became, exposed. As it certainly did....now they are upset. Just imagine the thought process going on here. When you have a town that had 3 incompetent selectmen and an office that went along with it all, legal or illegal as long as they were getting paid, kept their mouth shut The same scenario as with Nancy Hatch and Cindy Dunton and why Lois kept quiet. Because it benefited her, plain and simple. If we ever get the state to come in. rest assured many more dark issues will be exposed. The new selectman are overwhelmed by all the issues. The real question is, how in the world did they continue to cover up all the wrong doing for so long? Did it take the town that many years to get some honestly in our town office ? Truly amazing. All honest tax payers and citizens, your town needs you to help and tell these folks you will not put up with stupidity and/ or illegal activity by Newburgh, any longer.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 1:35 PM
The rambling of a mad woman!!!ReplyDelete
Just because I may not act as "you" whom ever "you" may be thinks I should doesn't not make me a bad person.
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 1:35 PM
To the poster of 12:21ReplyDelete
You know that we have been thinking the same thing. Good for you to have put it in writing.
Has anyone called 60 minutes, yet? Small town corruption, exposed by 3 honest selectmen after years of cover up. Great Story for a well versed writer.
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 1:42 PM
What? We can make no sense of thisReplyDelete
May Be Thinks I Should Doesn't Not Make Me A Bad Person.
Heather please translate back into english, without screaming too please.
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 1:46 PM
Sounds like a proper sentence to me maybe you all should learn to read. Oh sorry I forgot who I was talking to!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 2:15 PM
It sounds like you are losing it now, Heather, and this is not at all worth it. You have no stand, and it looks like you are taking yourself down fast for nothing. Please back up and take a good look at the whole picture and save your animosity for something worthwhile. The town is out of family hands, thank goodness, and there is nothing you can do. Just don't have a nervous breakdown for nothing, and it sounds as though you are close.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 2:23 PM
If you don't like it move out of HER town.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 2:45 PM
I thought I was doing just that when I voted for the three new selectmen.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 3:04 PM
No your vote was for nothing. Mike won buy 60 votes but they seem to think he can't get those votes again I guess. Let them do the recall. It may cost us money to do it but maybe when Mike wins AGAIN they will understand what it means to get a MAJORITY of the votes. I love the idea of recalling a selectman because he wants to stop the town from having illegal programs. Can't wait to see the signs. "Recall Mike burns. Let lawlessness, thugs, and anarchy rule Newburgh again!"ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 3:07 PM
Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 3:21 PM
That's pretty much what they are doing at the meetings. Extremely disruptive, but it won't victor in the end. The meeting tonight will be verrrrry interesting to say the least. I hope they have the tape running again so they can play it on the news for the nasties.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 3:32 PM
DID ANY OF YOU READ THE STATEMENT THAT CLAUDE MADE ABOVE???? YOU'LL DO BELONG ON THE JERRY SPRINGER SHOW! WOWReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 3:47 PM
No, the Jerry Springer Show airs tonight at the town office.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 4:55 PM
To this poster, perfect...What staggers the mind is that Heather and her clan advocate that the town continue to commit crimes as long as it benefits, them. This is why folks......that they didn't want to lose their hold on the Selectmen positions or the office so it could go on. Once the selectmen lost their control, the office high tailed it and left in a cloud of smoke for they knew it would be only a matter of time until it became, exposed. As it certainly did....now they are upset. Just imagine the thought process going on here. When you have a town that had 3 incompetent selectmen and an office that went along with it all, legal or illegal as long as they were getting paid, kept their mouth shut The same scenario as with Nancy Hatch and Cindy Dunton and why Lois kept quiet. Because it benefited her, plain and simple. If we ever get the state to come in. rest assured many more dark issues will be exposed. The new selectman are overwhelmed by all the issues. The real question is, how in the world did they continue to cover up all the wrong doing for so long? Did it take the town that many years to get some honestly in our town office ? Truly amazing. All honest tax payers and citizens, your town needs you to help and tell these folks you will not put up with stupidity and/ or illegal activity by Newburgh, any longer.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 5:03 PM
Let's recall the selectmen because they went over the books with a fine tooth comb, discovered money moved freely from one account to the next when one budget didn't look so good,discovered someone summoned unapproved legal consult, discovered the daycare was unlicensed and followed the lawyers recommendation to close it, created a rec committee to try and bring this messed up town together, want to thoroughly investigate changing the name of a road (yes look into all matters) not just sign on the spot,want to compare every single warrant with an actual invoice and check number, monitor payroll..., found an excellent more qualified town manager, those are all excellent reasons. SERIOUSLY - you couldn't have asked for a more thorough board - what are you people thinking all because you don't get your daycareReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 5:10 PM
Newburgh's dirty little secret, total town office corruption and...they want it to continue. The relatives of Leona's Smith's are up to no good. Be warned......ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 5:14 PM
I heard that the "group" even called Kendall Davis to show up, at tonights meeting. Think he will be wearing his Wizard outfit ?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 5:19 PM
My New Book, The Great Black Hat Limo Robbery of Newburgh. Any Interest ?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 5:21 PM
You know your in trouble when your board has the names of Buddy, Skip and Bubbarete. Thank God, they are history.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 5:29 PM
Channel 2 is already at the town office waiting for the show to begin. They were told that 20 children get dropped off before school and picked up after school. Gave sort of a slanted view, but I am sure that the selectmen will paint it right. Good luck to all the selectmen tonight, and I hope the cops don't have to arrest anyone.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 5:36 PM
CLAUDE IS A HORSES ASS !!!!!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 5:41 PM
You say that out of context just so he will shut this down again? Getting too hot for you and not with your view?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 7:49 PM
Well fill us in on selectmen's meeting tonight.I am sure it was all quiet. Kathy / Jim were you there or even Homer.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 9:00 PM
Would love a response with facts only.....Here are some facts:ReplyDelete
1) The after school program/daycare had a temporary license....the paperwork was all in order for the full license when the selectman left. The state was waiting on the $$$. Mike Burns refused to send the money.
2)The program was insured.
Thank You.
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 9:05 PM
I was there. And as I expected it was not a good experience everyone was uncomfortable and in a bad position. There were no winners in this deal but my position still remains the same without documented insurance or crudentials IReplyDelete
must support the decision to shut it down I feel sorry for all involved as it had to be uncomfortable for all, no winners only losers
Jim Hopkins
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 9:09 PM
Well please defend why the selectman had a vote during a workshop then ended the meeting without anyone getting to speak? Why are they having meetings on the weekend? Ie mothers day, they rail on the previous selectman and then do the same. I voted for all three and for change. The new selectman r just as bad and r slashing and burning all programs, except mens basketball!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 9:14 PM
All I can say is what a way to respect your board, calling names etc....Your mouth and crude and rude behavior, who in the world would want to help you ? If you offer any type of respect and professional behavior, you may have gotten some results. However, you got what you deserved. I do feel sorry for the non-Leona Smith's folks who got caught up in this ordeal. If it can be proven that the town is without liability I'm sure that our selectmen will act accordingly. You did mention when the old selectmen, left. They did leave and left you all, in total disarray so it is not the new selectmen that did this it was the old ones that left. So please put the burden where it belongs, with your own family and start acting like an adult.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 9:19 PM
I agree Jim, I was there also. I feel bad it had to be shut down, hard for the parents and esp. the children that have been there over time. But most of all I feel bad that the new board is getting blamed for this when nothing was ever looked at in the last several years, just covered up. You will never begin to believe how much they have found that needs to be address, thing that are costing this town tons. This issue was dropped on them, if someone had gotten hurt in the uninsured program or even during any one of the events the past officials allowed allowed (renting out the building) there was no insurance for any of it. Go to the office before you get angry, look at the paperwork from MMA, lawyer, auditor, state licensing agent on closing immediately. They had no choice, a waiver would not cover, they tried that option. Tonight was an emergency selectmen's meeting, not a workshop. The workshop was suppose to take place after the meeting, it was cancelled. Meeting on Mother's Day?? Why do you say they are slashing programs, do you not understand if we had an accident, had to pay the bills with no insurance, we'd have no town...ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 9:27 PM
To poster 9.01 pm. Yes, I can defend the selectmen. 2 law enforcement officers stationed by the door with extra handcuffs and armed. If you were at the meeting you would of heard the crude remarks toward the board. Any one with any sense would of shut everything down to prevent harm to anyone. It was shut down so Leona's family would stop and leave. Blame them as everyone else was acting like an adult and unless the tax payer can help control these people, everyone loses. I have a feeling that if these people were not there , there may have been a good discussion. To bad as logical discussion is good and everyone benefits. Remember the old board, the quote when no one wanted to discuss, moving on and never returning to any old business. Our new board is trying their best to protect the community and they deserve a lot of credit.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 10:05 PM
Have any of you ignorant people ever seen the papers from the lawyer auditor or mma stating we have no insurance or that the before and after program should be shut down ? didn't think so just hear say from your leader don't you people have a mind of your own.Ask him to show you the paper work he can't because thier is none.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 6:25 AM
Here is a quote from the Leona Smith family to the town of Newburgh. see above comment.ReplyDelete
" Have any of you ignorant people ", I guess that says it all, as shows the family true feelings for the citizens of Newburgh. I think it is time for the citizens to take a stand and shut these people down. They only hurt the greater good.
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 7:40 AM
It sounds as though the selectmens meeting, not a workshop, went well and got straight to the point.I like the way the can twist things to make a false point. This is a wonderful opportunity for the nasties to invest in and form a new daycare company, get their license and insurance, and rent the building. After all, they have the children already for them!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 7:40 AM
whats the matter running scared?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 7:46 AM
1) I am not a part of either the "Fixers" or the "C.C.G."; I am on my own side. I know a lot of people in town which means I know people from both groups.ReplyDelete
2)Members from both groups need to control their emotions a lot more then they have.
Now, as a parent of a child that is too young to be in school I do not know the day to day dealings with the Before & After School Programs and was unable to attend Thursday night's work-shop or meeting. However when a citizen of Newburgh who is also Leona's daughter yet still a citizen of our town that pays taxes and has a child in school finds information contrary to what the board is saying then she, as a citizen still has the right as you and I to speak and have that information shared. From what I have gathered is that this citizen personally talked to Rick Lyons, you know, the guy that oversees all of RSU 22, and was told by him that the Before & After School program was covered under the RSU 22 insurance and then this citizen has an expert/advocate who knows all about Before & After School programs come to the town meeting to talk to the board and prove to them that the program is covered under the RSU 22 insurance to only be cut off by the Selectmen and told they don't want to listen to her, a person who's job is Before & After School programs and therefore an expert on the issue who knows who to contact to find this info. This citizen also was told by the town lawyer that what the Selectmen did last night was illegal, I don't know if that is true or not but if the town lawyer did say that then what where they doing last night? Anyway, my questions for the Selectmen are:
1) Did you contact RSU 22 to see if it was covered under their insurance?
2) Did you contact any of the several agencies that promote and help towns with Before & After School programs to help you in deciding what needs to be done and how to keep the program running?
3) If not was it your agenda all along to shut this program down even though it was not at the expense of the town?
4) Did you ever consider temporarily shutting down the program till all issues regarding insurance and licensing was resolved?
5) Is it the Selectmen board unwilling to contact experts when it comes to issues or are they under a policy of everything kept in-house and all decisions will be made based on what the Selectmen's personal agenda is?
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 7:48 AM
I'm sure Warren has all the paperwork that any of you need, so the town office is the place to go first. It's a short walk from the daycare. Didn't they think of it before all their name calling and disruptions? To the poster of 7:49 last night: I'm sure Claude would post the temporary license and the certificate of insurance you talk about, along with the warrant that the three selectmen have refused to sign? I love facts and the paper work to back it up. You probably could copy and paste it to a post yourself. Please do so. Thanks.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 7:56 AM
The day care program was an expense to all town taxpayers. It did not pay for itself, was in the red. It was not in compliance with state day care laws. Why would the town lawyer give conflicting opinions? I wonder who paid him for his advice/opinion?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 9:15 AM
To the post at 7:56, yes, it was operating in the red to which all the parents of the 15 - 20 kids that use the Before & After School program told the Selectman to raise the rate. The parents are willing to pay more to cover the costs because they need this program. The program if run by the town could actually be a income if ran right with fees set at a reasonable price.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 9:44 AM
So, your posts says that you thought it was perfectly ok for the taxpayers of the town of Newburgh to pay for daycare for ten or eleven families??? You think? You really think that the Town of Newburgh needs to be in the day care business and running at a loss? Wasn't it your post above that indicated that the program paid for itself? Wow!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 9:48 AM
So the people running this daycare knew that it was operating at a loss? The parent who dropped their kids off at the center every day also knew they were getting a 'deal' and they figured it was ok for the townspeople pick up the difference? And, the people previously running the town also thought it was ok to tax the whole town to cover for these few families? All for the common good?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 10:19 AM
No, when Selectman Burns said it was in the red the parents in response said to raise the rate to cover all cost. Stop trying to spin it, the parents didn't know they where "getting a deal" till they where told it was in the red. By the way, are you going to sign up for mens basketball or the coed vollyball that is funded with $5000.00 of our tax money??ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 10:41 AM
I believe Men's basketball and coed volleyball are clearly rec opportunities not day care, do any of you know or admit the difference yet, talk about spin. This is where you start to loose some credibility with your argument, you are comparing apples to oranges again.ReplyDelete
Let's talk about the day care businesses in town, should the town compete with them too, how unfortunate they are they have to buy their own insurance become licensed/certified and in your mind they should have a portion of their taxes go toward supporting a competitor. That seems wrong to me, so I am sure you are going to disagree.
From what I saw on TV if you could solve problems with big mouths you would not have a worry in the world.
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 10:45 AM
It is convenient for you to forget that this is a day care for a very small select group of people. The vollyball and basketball is for the town, and is not even a close facsimilie. The people running the day care center knew it was in the red and they had known it for a very long time (run like the town used to be run). Are you trying to say that the day care being in the red was a complete surprise to you, to the parents, to the people running the center until this week? Wasn't it in the town report for everyone to see? Do you think that audio tape of Tuesday's meeting sounded like a group of people presenting their case to keep the day care open? All it was was a bunch of thugs demanding that the taxpayers take the risk and spend their money on a select few. You keep citing Selectman Burns. There are three of them the wide majority of the town voted in, remember? Did they ALL not vote to shut this down? Motion and Second?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 10:53 AM
The point I was making was that the tax payers are funding a adult rec program with $5000 of our tax money. The daycare program is suppose to be self sufficient but run by the town but fees haven't been adjusted to meet the bills. This was suppose to be done by the town manager who failed. You seem to care more about the apples (adult rec) then the oranges (the kids) of this town. My problem is that when we are being told that we have no money and we have to tighten our belts to pay the bills but we do have $5000.00 for a rec program that nobody really uses but because Selectman Thootacker wants to be able to have mens basketball and coed vollyball again we have the money for it. I don't want my tax money going to either, they both should be funded through fees paid by the people using the programs. I wasn't and haven't been on TV, just because I disagree with you doesn't make me part of who you are calling "big mouths."ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 11:06 AM
The following is my observance and please feel free to enlighten me, if I am mistaken. It appears that the only folksReplyDelete
who continue to cause disruption within our town government is the family of the past selectmen, Leona Smith.
Why do they continue on this quest, Leona is gone, she fled the scene except when she came back to assist Mr. Briggs
in loading up his trailer with " stuff" from the town office. Leona has done enough damage to Newburgh with her lack
of understanding and knowledge about town government. She was part of the past problems that our new administration is
trying their best to correct and bring Newburgh to operate within the law. So many years that varying issues were hidden from
the citizens so it is going to take awhile to resolve, all the issues. I can understand to defend family members however there
is a point that is beyond a reasonable doubt and you people need to recognize that and examine your thought process. Mike, Craig and Steve are
going to make sure, all expenses are accounted for, to protect the town and all the paperwork is in order. After many years of
operating a total mess with hidden agenda's, it is going to take time to uncover all that needs to be done. By disrespecting our
board, which cannot be tolerated any longer as we want our new board to keep us informed of all their discoveries and what they are
accomplishing in regards to assisting us and keeping our cost down. I believe I am speaking for at least 95% of our citizens.
If not feel free to comment. Another concern is that the previous board allowed the Cindy Dunton theft , for 8 continuous years and
Newburgh may never recover. so give these folks a chance to do things right and by the book.
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 11:09 AM
I am confused, are you guys talking about pickup basketball and volleyball or some kind of league?ReplyDelete
Why does it cost $5000 to play basketball and volleyball, is this to cover the cost of the uniforms, trophies, coaches, referees and the banquet at the end of the season? I think you can buy allot of whistles for 5K would be nice to know what this money would be used for.
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 11:19 AM
Let's see, the poster about the basketball cost, may have a viable and legit issue. He / She, needs to present it to our NEW BOARD and ask questions. I believe again it was the old board that approved it. It is an issue that should have voter approvel and I'm the one who just posted about Leona's family causing havoc in town, however, I believe in voter approvel and a level playing field on costly issues. I'm sure our new board would be happy to discuss your concerns, if you present them.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 11:24 AM
I care about the kids of EVERY town. I care, also, that the parents of these kids have their self respect regarding taking care of their own kids whether it be in their own home or at a day care. Towns should not be in business providing day care to ANYONE. They should be running the town. I am sure that if there are enough protests about the vollyball and basketball rec programs, they will also be in the past is the day care. Keep up the good work, Mike, Craig, and Steve. It is coming 'round despite the 'noise'.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 11:30 AM
Leona is gone?ReplyDelete
When a pigeon stands on a statue for a while you can easily find strong evidence for quite a while that it was there, unfortunately we are experiencing the same phenomenon.
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 11:35 AM
A very astute observance, I applaud it.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 11:41 AM
It wasn't $5,000 for basketball and vollyball. It was $5,000 funded for rec! Mike, Craig, and Steve inherited this! Fun things to do for anyone, kids and adults, alike! A picnic? A street dance? Speak to Alicia Durrell, she can tell you all about it. Maybe you have some ideas. This will not cover daycare!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 11:45 AM
The 5000$ rec budget was APPROVED by the towns people at the town meeting. There was no money approved for before and after school programs. If you have a problem with the voters who approved this budget maybe you should find them.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 11:46 AM
To the post of 11:06 name 1 thing leona smith or any one board member did wrong.Seems to me you are running off at the mouth with nothing but hear say where is the proof ? And i don't believe you are speaking for 95% of people.Talk about putting blame on board members what do you people think you've been doing cindy stole the money not the previous board members.And it was brought to nancy hatch attention twice she said it was being taking care of.So lets get the FACTS strait! chris did not find the theft like he and all of you would like to think.Leona is gone like the rest of them but they were run out from the likes of you people with your rude comments and crude remarks.As so will mike burnsReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 11:50 AM
So in reality the basketball and volleyball portion of this 5K is closer to ZERO, that makes more sense. Let's focus on programs that people enjoy and do not cost anything, those SOB's wanted to keep no cost rec programs how dare they.ReplyDelete
apples and oranges once again
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 11:54 AM
You are right I can notReplyDelete
"name 1 thing leona smith or any one board member did"
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 11:57 AM
Look, you obviously just don't get it. The previous board was asleep for the last 8 years and had no concern to do things right. Unauthorized bonuses, the highest paid town clerk, maybe in the USA, oh yea, the operating of the daycare without insurances or even a license, moving monies around from different funds, the list is just to numerous. They were only in it for their monthly check and their ego. Whats up with the derogatory comment, you cannot stand the truth ? Yep, run out with the likes of people like me and the other majority of citizens. Not a bad bunch to be compared to.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 11:59 AM
The post of 11:46 is indicative of the little left in this town that needs to be cleaned up. Mike is the one who started the probe into the huge thefts which were taking place in the town. He read the town report, and that's all it took! Is that why you want to run him out of town? No more freebies?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 12:21 PM
If Chris, Mike and Rosanna had not asked for all the records for 2009 from Cindy, received them, worked many hours going over the figures, Cindy would still be funneling money, moving money and writing herself huge checks every month. Chris found 29 checks missing in 09, received copies of the checks from the bank and found the checks made out to Cindy Dunton / Allan Dunton and signed by Cindy Dunton. (I have these copies if you would like them) Amounts of $3,000 up to $21,000. Do you think the previous board (Buddy, Leona and Skip) were awake? Do you see how the warrants are suppose to be legally handled, did you listen to that part at the selectmen's meeting? You have the invoice, the warrant and the check. You go over them, compare them before you put your signature on them. Skip told the Citizens group they never saw the invoices or the checks, he said Cindy had already mailed the checks out. (well in her case CASHED the checks). Skip said the board never asked nor looked. Why is that hard to see! If you want copies of the warrants ask the group, I've seen them, I've got copies of them, go by the truth not something you are making up. Most of the warrants I can tell you were not signed by Leona, just by Skip and Buddy. The group has found at least $100,000 more Cindy stole along with $30,000 she charged to the town credit card. They have found thousands of dollars more of funds moved and taken. If any of you want to see how clear it is to see how Cindy manipulated the books (Quickbooks) ask for a copy from the Group, the paper trail is so plain to see what she did and when, a child could understand it. As Cindy said on tv, it was easy to do because "no one ever looked". I also need to clarify the the statement you keep saying that the group was disruptive at the meetings, the group has every meeting on audio, I obtained copies of each meeting for the last year or more. Not once did anyone at those meetings get out of hand. Now I do hear and can assure you the board did a number of times, but there was no remarks back toward the board. If you want to keep saying you know this for a fact, then get the tapes from me and show us where that happened. MIKE, STEVE and CRAIG in no way in the short 5 weeks they have been in office made any of these messes, the mountain of paperwork they are slowly but surely digging through was there. How can anyone in this town accuse them of any of this in 5 weeks? Give the board a chance to sift through the 10 years of stuff not addressed. Like the last poster said "Give us a list of all the things the last board accomplished in their time in office". We would welcome it.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 12:38 PM
They managed to get the taxes right up there so the townspeople were paying their fair share to take good care of Cindy and all.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 1:32 PM
Rick was going to straighten out that mound of paperwork just as soon as he woke up from his nap.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 1:35 PM
let me make sure I'm getting this right, it is okay for the current Selectmen to slash the daycare without checking with RSU 22 about insurance coverage, without sending the funds to get the license from temporary to permenant, and not raising the fees to cover cost because the actions or lack of from the last group of Selectmen, town managers and Cindy? I'm looking forward as should everyone else and what happens now, what is decided now is what the current Selectmen decide and if someone doesn't agree with them stop blaming it on the past, Leona and Buddy jumped ship and Skip was voted out, they are not the ones running the town now and not voting if programs are to continue or not. I can tell you that the new selectmen are using a tatic that the previous board used, Previous Selectmen when asked a qustion - "We don't know or can't find the paperwork because of Cindy and Nancy." New Selectmen when asked a question, "We don't know or can't find the paperwork because of Briggs or the previous Selectmen." Same excuss, different names. Look, the previous board made BIG mistakes that Cindy took advantage of, no excuss for any of them. Skip was voted out and Buddy and Leona quit on the town, they could have stayed and finished their terms, no excuss for them either. I'm not a fixer, I'm not a Smith or Prescott, I'm a citizen of this town who is getting sick of both groups. I'm trying to listen to both groups and see what points they are trying to make but with so much bs being flung by both sides the messages are getting lost. What the board has done for transparancy with the checks and warrents are great, should have been done A LOOOOOONG time ago, what the different citizens of the town did in bringing to light the thefts that Cindy was doing was great, I'm not questioning that, I'm questioning the actions of the current Selectmen on current issues. I voted for all three of them but because of the mess left from the past 10 years to 5 weeks ago they already have lost some sort of aspect to the human side of Newburgh, they only see numbers and dollar signs. They have ingrossed themselves so much into the mountain of paperwork that current issues are just getting thrown under bassed on their agenda or views of the issues without looking into them in depth. Good luck to the board but I think they made a mistake with the daycare by not looking into it in depth by checking with RSU 22, the state that issues the licenses or asking anyone from the long list of agencies that would have helped them with this. They took what piece of paper they found and asked the town lawyer, who now is contradicting them? Sorry for any spelling errors.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 1:47 PM
They didn't slash the daycare as you say. There was much warning about this. Had your rowdy partners conducted themselves in an adult way, done their homework, and presented it to Rick when he was in the town office, you know, YOUR Rick, then it would have been all worked out prior to the new selectmen. You did this all on your own with your 'entitled' attitude. How do you get off expecting ME to pay for care for YOUR kids. Mine are all grown up and I alone paid for mine! You are in a fog. There is no 'temporary license'. Post it if you can. You made a good point: "the mess left from the past 10 years to 5 weeks ago". Get a clue. You need to take a ride to your NEW town office and ask to see the papers you say do not exist. Again, there is and was no license. This, too shall be feretted out for you with more long hours by the new selectmen. Just keep reading, and it will come together for you. They have all the facts, you just haven't availed yourself of them.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 2:01 PM
Share documents with facts, etc. This would have been the proper way for public disclosure and it would ofReplyDelete
appeased the audience. What has happen is that because of the name calling and outburst of rude behavior
and the lack of understanding, it raises the board's blood pressure and they just want out before they lose
control of their own feelings. You cannot dis- respect and call someone names in a public setting without engaging recourse of some sort
as we all have feelings. What we need is a moderator so to control our meetings, also a microphone. No more shooting from the hip
and just causing trouble, no one benefits from that and I must assume that is the intention of Diane, Heather and Felicia. On the other
hand in a controlled meeting, positive discussion can take place with both side listening. If someone acts out, they should leave or be ushered off
the premises. Plain and simple. Good community debate and discussion is a positive event. You cannot blame your board when they
don't want to be belittled as they are only trying to do their jobs. I bet if the people of the children had any facts that could have been presented to the board in support of their position,
it would have been discussed to see what could have been worked out. But with the attacks, no one wants to deal with that. You people involved need to get together
and pursue without the troublemakers. I think you would gain a lot for your effort.
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 2:16 PM
First, Anonumous 1:47PM he isn't MY Rick and they are not My rowdy partners and I am paying for raising my kids. Are you a Selectman? Is that how you know so much about the license and paperwork yet to "come out"? What about the insurance? My '"entitled attitude?" If I question your descisions I'm "in a fog" with a "entitled additude" yet you seem to be the one with the know it all attitude that knows more then the rest. Are you holding back information from the town waiting for the right time to release what you know when it suits you? My NEW town office? I wanted what Chris Martin suggested/offered to build which would have cost this town a lot less. Like I said several times now, I don't want to pay for the daycare either, that is why the FEES should be adjusted to cover the cost so we don't have to pay for it! Did your kids go to summer program which is also part of the daycare? So is it okay for you to use this program when it suited you but not now that you personally don't need it? Get a clue, how about looking in the mirror. By the way, the parents tried to present the information they had gathered Thursday night but the Selectmen didn't want to hear any of it. I completely agree with you Anonymous 2:01PM.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 2:19 PM
Your right there is / was no temporary license. If you want to verify this instead of listening to someone please call the state licensing agent at 287-9300. This will straightened out that rumor. As far as sending in the money for the license, this is another one of those "left" items. No one could send in the license application or money because they could not get insurance and the proof of insurance had to be included with the license. This is way its never been sent in. Our treasurer, Sue Lesard, signed a sworn statement saying she never talked to Diana Prescott or Lois Libby saying Mike Burns would not send in the money.ReplyDelete
Brett and Vickie Leavitt (former directors of the program) were contacted last year before the Newburgh School closed its doors about licensing the before and after care, Brett and Vickie attended several selectmen meetings and reported about the licensing, they were working on it at that time. Then came the fire marshall (call the marshall) saying there were problems with the building, needing 2 exit doors, illegal to have the kids in that back room without 2 ways out and other things such as the doors to the gym. The town paid $4500 for this and it was suppose to go in 3 phases, SAD 22 now has requested the town pay around $11,000 for all 3 phases because to have this before and after care in a multi-purpose building it needed more things done. The children were suppose to be moved to the Penquis side was the rumor, of which I do not think was true. Next came the water, this was an issue, not passing due to high lead. I do not know if that was taken care of or not, but soon we will find we will be asked to pay for a new well and piping. This has all been being done and paid for by the town for the before and after school program. Why would you people think the NEW board is not and has not been working hard to do these things and spending taxpayers dollers. So the auditor report in your town report stated facts about the program, read that. Then the licensing agent, call her she will tell you no application was sent in and if it was it could not be licensed because it is not and can not be insured. Talk to the town office about what MMA said about insurance. Mr. Lyons will tell you that SAD 22 did not have insurance for the program, he has insurance on the building only and for their program "Penquis Cap". We are tenants of SAD 22, renting our space. If you do not believe this call the superintendents offices in Hampden and he will verify it. I called Mr. Lyons and the state licensing agent yesterday and this is the truth. Stop posting if you have not made the calls.
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 2:29 PM
Oh facts are pesky little buggers aren't they?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 2:29 PM
Summer program has nothing to do with before and after school program. Rick Briggs was trying to get it that way, he had drawn up a paper for a 12 hour a day summer program, with 3-6 workers. He mentioned it at the selectmen meeting that Summer Program was an extension of the Before and After Program. Summer program was run by Rec. Rec. and the Before and After Program are totally different programs. Can anyone clean this up for the people. Rec. is funded by the town, we appropriated $5,000 for the rec. program, this will be for all ages and I believe the $5,000 is for summer program as well. We did not app. money for the before and after program, why, because we were told by the previous administration they were self sufficient,although this was not true. Now it shows they have run in the red for years. I'm sure the parents and employees did not know this.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 2:38 PM
Maybe for everyone's sanity they should be divided into three programs:ReplyDelete
1) Before & After School/Daycare Program
2) Adult Rec Program
3) Summer Rec program
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 2:40 PM
So, poster of 2:11, pay attention to the facts before you say aloud what you 'heard'. The facts are all at the town office. All of this has already been produced, you just have not paid attention. If I know it (and, no I am not a selectman, I just pay attention), then it has already been made public. The FEES should have been adjusted long ago, along with the license and the insurance. They have had that opportunity since their daycare started. They just did not do it because it benefited them that way. Have you ever been in touch with one of the fixers? I suggest you do before you make all these assumptions which are totally wrong. Again, again, and again, a summer rec program has nothing to do with babysitting!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 2:42 PM
The board announced that Alisha Durrell would be director of the Rec. She has formed a committee of citizens to get this off the ground.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 2:43 PM
So your saying we spent money the last few years on a program that was self sufficient? Where did this money come from? Was the money taken from another fund and if so what fund did we take it from? Was the new board expected to take from the same non voter approved fund? If we are going to spend money on this program I would like to have the opportunity to vote the same as we do for the rec. program.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 2:47 PM
Now you are talking about the 10 years of mess dumped on three new selectmen who have served for five weeks. No funds were sacred unto themselves. Money was grabbed from everywhere to pay anyone with his hand out. Don't you get it? Maybe you could volunteer with the Fixers and get the answers to all of your questions. Guess what! The previous town officials have just spent your money like water not caring at all where it went!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 2:51 PM
Thank you Anonymous 2:19PM for some info that actually was helpful. Like I had said, so much bs flying that the messages are getting lost. RSU 22 has requested that we pay for all 3 phases now but we have a contract and can still pay for it spread out like what was agreed. So is summer program still on for this summer? Is it Rec or daycare? Has that been sorted out? Is there insurance for that program?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 3:02 PM
2:42 posting: Alisha Durrell is in charge of the summer rec program for $5,000. No babysitting.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 3:11 PM
JUST MAYBE: WE COULD OF FOUND OUT ALL THE HONEST DETAILS, ETC IF THE CRUDE AND RUDE WOULD OF STAYED HOME, UNDER THEIR ROCK. IT IS UP TO THE CITIZENS TO CONTROL THEM, IT IS YOUR TOWN. IF YOU DON'T TELL THEM HOW YOU REALLY FEEL, THEY WILL JUST CONTINUE ON UNTIL EVERYONE HAS, NOTHING.MAYBE THAT IS THEIR WISH SO THEY CAN BLAME THE NEW BOARD.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 3:15 PM
One more thing, I would go to the town office but it was only open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and was closed when I got home from work. If I had to get any town business done I have to take time off from work. I am left to read through a lot of crap to get a little info so my apologies when questions I ask may already have been answered. My day starts at 5:30 with getting my kids ready, work then trying to spend some time with my kids at night so my free time doesn't start till after 9pm, I'm pretty sure even with the new hours it will not be open at that time. Today is a rare day off. Because of the name calling and mud slinging from both sides I take EVERYTHING said with a grain of salt and half true. When you lump me into one group or another then the salt gets bigger and the half turns more into a 10% truth. Again, thank you Anonymous 2:19pm, you may have put me somewhat in my place but you did it with style and grace, something a lot of people could try that write on this blog, a point Cluade was trying to make. On a lighter note, doesn't this post prove that I'm not related to Leona?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 3:16 PM
Good logic. They are pushing for a recall, and this is their tactic. Don't think it's gonna work though. There are too many logical people in Newburgh who voted all the new guys in. The new guys are doing a great job despite these horrid conditions and all the threats from the uglies. It still looks like Newburgh is winning regardless.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 3:36 PM
Noteworthy. I believe our new board of selectmenReplyDelete
changed the hours to be more in line with our citizens needs and are as follows. Mon 8-5
Wed 8-5 and Friday 10-7 ... best to confirm for yourself as needed.
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 3:52 PM
Are there any other benifits that have been available through the town office and subsidised by property taxes that I can take advantage of? I need a break now and then too, looking for some service for the over 40's crowd where I pay 25% of the value and the rest of you make up the difference, that would be fine with me. If you do not do this for me and four or five others, I will show up at the meetings and be an obnoxious a- hole and scream gutless liars at you repeatedly.ReplyDelete
Recall ordinance was a horrible idea when the friends and family program was in place, now it is a fantastic idea. These people are freaking insane and obsessed with personal agendas to make the whole town suffer for exposing the incompetents.
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 4:45 PM
I was at the town meeting. $5000 was appropriated for the Newburgh Recreation department. The recreation department needs a committee to help steer it- it can't rely on the town manager or the selectment they have other work to do. The $5000 can used as the committee desires for town recreation whether it be for the children at summer rec a few days a week, instructional sports or for various other fun ideas for all town members.ReplyDelete
As for the daycare - it wasn't insured or licensed - not hard to figure out.
The group of parents should form their own daycare and hire someone with a the appropriate credentials required by the state - read the states requirements. There is no way this town could afford to run a daycare. There would be so much time involved to get the program licensed and maintain all legalities including proper staff training and yearly education. Oh wait I thought it wasn't a daycare I am so confused.
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 6:19 PM
I hope that most of the town fully understands what is going on now. These people really don't understand the difference between recreation and babysitting/daycare. They have been able to have their way regardless of the legalities and who was paying for what, and they are going out for blood now. It is time that everyone has to pull together to fight off the final part of the old family and get out and start compaigning for the three selectmen. They have singled Mike out for all their hate,so he is going to need the most support. Anyone who has facts to share with all of us to combat this attack, please do so. Keep pulling it down so that it sinks in and doesn't get lost in all the smut on here.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 6:46 PM
Did anyone notice if there is trouble brewing at the town office Buddy magically shows up in the parking lot, what I did notice is he is not there to help and offer any sort of leadership or encouragement so why do you think he is there. He proved he did not care about the town when he quit and left the town out of business. Then it looks like we recovered and elected some new replacements and wham all his cronies quit and put us all out of business again, surprise Buddy appears again out of the blue. Last nite big controversy guess who is working the parking lot again, do you suppose he was there trying to help settle things down or to stir the pot. Can you imagine if he had spent a little of this energy managing the towns business what he could have prevented. What a piece of workReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 7:04 PM
Leonard Buddy Belcher better stay on the move as it appears that the folks from The Newport court would like to chat with him.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 8:31 PM
Did he remind you of a drug dealer waiting outside the jail?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 10:55 PM
One question can someone explain the difference between the before and after school program and the summer rec program please just not sure what the difference is thanksReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 11:20 PM
post mon. 2:19 Once again you don't know what your talking about like most of you,we did make the calls mike and you ARE LYING ONCE AGAIN i do hope people contact the state about the license they will find out the truth.Your also lying about sue talking to diana prescott i know for a fact she did. Show us where she sign saying she didn't. Also you so called people keep saying if you have question just ask a seclect man well they tried thursday night but mike burns wouldn't answer any of them as usual.I said it before and i'll say it again and again YOU PEOPLE ARE NOT LISTEN (but you will) whats wrong with you anyway don't any of you have mines of your own can't you do ANY research on your own or do you always take what mike says for the gospel.When something is proven then you say they must have been paid to change thier minds come on you can do better then that.The towns people voted for the program but 3 seclect man can cancel it for no good reason.Well they may have won this hand but they will not win in the end your going down mikeReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 6:01 AM
I am a "townsperson" and I never voted to have my town run a daycare - it was slid in through the back door.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 7:00 AM
TO poster 10:55 HAVING A FEW TODDY'S ARE WE ?ReplyDelete
Wow, what an ignorant bunch who still don't get it. Just because your in the Leona Smith clan, you some how have convinced yourself, that you can over throw our town government and the majority vote. Well, it
will never happen and your still looking like the fool. Remember, you need facts and figures with valid documentation. Besides that, the town cannot be losing money when they had no idea that it was because we were lied to, once again.
Newburgh is out of the illegal act business after many years and regarding the will of the people from the new election, Newburgh will be doing things legal and by the book.
Your bus is loading, I suggest you get on it. Here's a good idea, why not request a state audit to go over all the books, programs, and out lay of funds. Maybe, get The Attorney General and The District Attorney to come in. Now, the town would welcome that with open arms, then things would really come out and maybe justice would be metered out to the folks who took our trust and ruined it.
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 7:10 AM
I guess we will find out exactly how many people are in favor of the town paying for babysitting a handfull of children from a few households. If you can actually read through the post of 11:20 and understand it, it looks ominous for the town for the next few weeks. You need to ask Warren for a copy of Sue's statement. If what you say is true and Mike 'goes down' (more threats)and your family of thugs retakes the town, it is the town that goes down and becomes much more profitable for a certain few. I don't think the GOOD people of Newburgh will allow that, and my money is on them!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 8:27 AM
I think the entire town is smart enough to know the town should not be in the business of running a daycare. Running a daycare requires a full time director and we cannot afford that. I do not believe the selectmen will be out of office for shutting down an illegal daycare. Get serious.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 8:38 AM
The clan is working hard to get Mike recalled. We need to work hard to keep him in office.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 8:49 AM
The clan is working hard to make sure we never have a decent selectman on the board again. Who in their right mind would take those jobs now? These selectmen are being roasted for stopping the town from running ILLEGAL programs. I'm just happy these 3 men have not backed down. I doubt I would love my town enough to put up with the thuggery those 3 have seen in the last month.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 8:55 AM
This is what makes that group look really good. 1. A petition for a recall ordinance was circulating. (They wouldn't sign it because Leona might have been recalled)ReplyDelete
2. The towns people 200-300 signed it and the recall ordinance went into effect.
3. They immediately started circulating another petition to repeal the recall ordinance. (Do they know what "repeal" means?)
4.Leona quit so now we can now have a recall, but don't forget they have canvased the town with the petitions to stop the recall ordinance. (repeal it)
5. Now their going to use that same recall ordinance, the one they wouldn't sign, the one they didn't agree with, that then cost the town $800 for Lois to fax their repeal petition to the town lawyer illegally, to try and stop the recall, now their going to use it to recall the new board for changing all this illegal activity.
Tell me taxpayers, can you make some sense out of this for the 1000 taxpayers in town? This is really beyond funny.
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 9:01 AM
No one has answered my question about the before and after school program and the summer rec program I would just like to know the difference between the two if someone that knows the difference would answer that would be greatReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 9:08 AM
The before and after school program is babysitting for a few in the town. The summer rec is just that, recreation for all in the summer. It is funded. The babysitting is illegal and was supposed to be paying for itself.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 9:25 AM
Newburgh Rec. has been going for 20+ years,free for years because of volunteers. Now funded by the town along with monies from different programs. Brett and Vickie Leavitt started the after school program several years ago and added the before program just last year. Towns that can accommodate these programs, they work really well. Parents need the program. Like Hampden, the program is run separately from the Rec. program. This is what Brett tried to do, it worked well until they were told it needed a license to run, Hampden is working to get licensed. Once it needed to be licensed there were a number of road blocks, water / fire codes / being in a non functioning school building / in with a town office/ unable to be insured, to name a few. The Newburgh rec. is organized sports, Rec. has to be organized and scheduled.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 9:52 AM
So y couldn't the before and after school program be classified as a rec program I know for a fact that Mrs Hamilton set up things for the kids to just like the summer rec program and its offered to all kids that need it just like summer rec not just a select few and I have a hard time believeing that it is not self funded 10 kids inthe morning at $6 and ten at nite at $10 five days a week $800 dollars a week isn't enough to fund that programReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 10:09 AM
did you hear that Mike "found" the insurance policy for the Kid's World?????? Isn't that something? after running his mouth about illegal, uninsured..blah blah blah, turns out he was WRONG yet again.. Nice job selectmen!! I assume he will "find" the licensing paperwork as well. at the very least a public apology should be in order don't you think? Perhaps a reinstatement of the program would be even BETTER!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 10:28 AM
They won't find a license because we don't need one called the state and they said its not required just like all the other towns its under the rec program and mike knows that.Post 9:08 you don't know what your talking about.ONCE AGAIN YOU PEOPLE DON'T HAVE A CLUE hampden IS NOT LOOKING TO GET A LICENSE THEY DON'T NEED ONE FOR ONCE DO YOUR HOME WORK WILL YAReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 10:50 AM
If you don't need a license then why are all the parents mad that the license for the daycare didn't get sent in? You people are trying to put a twist on everything to meet your needs. It was a daycare plain and simple. I too talked with the state licensing inspector and she said plain and simple Newburgh needed to be licensed. You could try and pretend it was a rec program but that isn't being honest and you know it. Open your own daycare and see how far you get meeting all of the requirements.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 11:03 AM
Hampden has a recreation department that is huge and very well staffed. This town cannot afford to try and copy Hampdens recreation program.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 11:17 AM
Once again you don't know what your talking about like most of you,ReplyDelete
What you are missing in your rambling are the words "most of you" that would imply you are addressing the majority, right or wrong in your argument you need to get a majority of the voters to back your position. Now that said and thanks to the previous admin the recall must wait until next Town Meeting to be attempted. I do not have a dog in the fight, I am not a fixer or family just a taxpayer and the tactics I have seen on TV read in the paper and read here just about turn my guts inside out with disgust. You have made fools of yourselves and unfortunately the entire town is suffering, I would go so far as to say your antics have cost everyone in town a reduction in property value. I do not expect you to care that others are negatively impacted by your childish comments since I heard Diane Prescott scream out her true feelings that anyone could leave town if they did not like it or something like that. That was the turning point for me no matter how hard you all tried to make a reasonable argument you had lost my vote. This brings me back to my point, how in the world could you expect a majority of the voters to support your recall effort or your effort to bring back a before or after program or anything else you would propose. I have taken my ability to see both sides of issues very serious over the years and vote with the overall best interest of the community I believe there are many like me in town too. You have several months to grow up and clean up your act, step one would be a public admission that you have made a mistake and you are sorry you have behaved so poorly, next you need to promise you will not do this again. It is very clear you have had a sheltered life and are not used to being told how to respect others that also live in your community, stop the childish and spoiled behavior and you just may see some positive results, keep it up and you will remain frustrated while you remain in the minority.
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 11:23 AM
Any more outbursts and the handcuffs will be going on and that is how it should be. We are there for a positive discussion and to be informed. This group ruins it for everyone and we do need to let them know as they just don't get it.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 1:51 PM
There is no insurance coverage through MMA unless you have a license for a daycare. This town does not have a licensed daycare and cannot get licensed because we don't have the qualifications - read the state requirements. Talk to the town manager. time to move on.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 2:08 PM
Oh boy, another set back for the Leona Smith crew. I don't know but listening to them speak, if that is what you want to call it,ReplyDelete
reading Craig Rines near illiterate postings and their general knowledge, I would almost say that they are only one step
away from daycare, themselves. Unbelievable that they think that they are speaking for the majority. I even think that some
of their clan knows that they are way out of their league trying to discuss politics even on our local level. Fact findings and
documents are not in their thoughts, just what they think and can make up.
Oh yes, the town office does have the documents on hand for all to view, unlike our former selectmen.
Wonder what this crew will try to imagine, next. Screaming out you're a liar to our board, in total disrespect
and to be proven wrong, again. I vote that they not return until they provide our entire administration an apology, in the news.
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 2:25 PM
firstname.lastname@example.com; Attention: SteveReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 2:27 PM
It's really creepy what the thugs are coming up with. The Selectmen did all their research, and the Fixers did all their research about the babysitting morning and night at the leased building called the Town Office. I'd be careful, if I were you, to not get sucked in to these "facts" the thugs are citing on their posts. There must certainly be hard and fast rules on disruptions at town meetings, and if these thugs are breaking the rules, then they must be barred from any and all meetings at the town office. You couldn't believe an apology, anyway - can't believe a thing they say.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 2:45 PM
Please refrain from the name calling, we are trying to get the town to heal and get on the same page. If you continue to throw out these labels, its just going to make things worse. I understand and sympathize with both sides on the before and after care issue. The select board needed to make a decision, with all the facts they have and all the complaints, the townspeople just were uneasy with it being known now that there was no license or insurance. The board had to listen to the majority and believe me they received a lot of calls from citizens asking what they were doing leaving it open. I also sympathize with the families that need this service and have been comfortable using it not knowing it was unlicensed and uninsured. The parents and employees had no way of knowing this as Briggs was covering and continuing to try and push it into the summer to a 12 hour a day program. (Brett and Vickie Leavitt addressed this at the selectmen's meeting about it not being licensed). Luckily the board caught it before it went into the proposed 12 hr program. Now lets just hope that someone qualified is able to go through all the necessary red tape and get one opened within the next few weeks. I know the families were not rational at the meetings, but lets not lower ourselves to the point of name calling. We're adults here, set a good example.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 4:49 PM
I agree with the poster above but I as a towns-person do not believe the daycare needs to be run through the town. This town has no business being in the business of daycare. These people can go ahead and create a daycare and rent the space or have it donated by SAD 22. They can deal with hiring their own director and making the policies and doing background checks etc. I don't think the town is large enough to support such an undertaking.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 4:55 PM
I was the previous poster and I fully agree with you about it not being a town business. This town has enough on its plate now. The families need to come up with a plan, like you stated and start a licensed before and after care. Its needed and really should be private. The town doesn't need any more reasons to divide.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 5:38 PM
AGAIN YOUR NOT GETTING IT THE STATE DOES NOT HAVE US AS A DAYCARE DO YOUR HOMEWORK DON'T JUST GET HEAR SAY YOU DO HAVE A MINE DON'T YOU WELL USE IT THEN.THE ONLY THING THEY NEEDED WAS THE INSURANCE BUT MIKE BEING THE WEASEL THAT HE IS TOLD SUE NOT TO BUT IT IN THE WARRENTS WHY DON'T YOU CALL HER YOURSELF .AND THERE IS NOTHING AT THE TOWN OFFICE TO PROVE WHAT THE SLIPPERY SNAKE IS SAYING.SO LETS PUT THE BLAME WHERE IT BELONGS STOP BEING FOLLOWERS AND DO YOUR HOMEWORKReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 6:10 PM
It's CLOSED. Move on. Try to help get it open again IF it's about the kids. You know try to help your town. If the time spent name calling was spent working on a solution we may have it open again already.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 6:14 PM
Is this the coward selectman who served a tour in Iraq? How nice of him to put his life on the line so the friendly family have the right to call him names.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 6:37 PM
Poster 5:38 PM. Everyone knows your either Heather or Craig Rines as besides being stupid, you cannot spell either. Get on the friggin bus and leave Newburgh alone. Stop creating problems or you will hearing more from our town, not your town.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 6:40 PM
email@example.com; Attention: SteveReplyDelete
Any problems from the Rines
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 6:43 PM
Can't you understand we don't want Leona, we want Mike.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 6:56 PM
Seems our new board is uncovering illegal activity that was done, daily. I hope they are keeping track of it all. So many years, so much done. What a mess to come into and to try to explain it to the citizens when you have troublemakers in the background. No more cover-up's from now on, it will all be out in the open. I wouldn't be surprised if the past board and office staff, if audited would be facing some type of justice for their acts as they are being uncovered, now. No wonder they are so upset and have sent in the family to cause trouble. With the loss of one of their group they knew it was only a matter of time before it would all be discovered, one piece at a time. No wonder they all fled when they did. But, Newburgh came back without missing a beat, no thanks to them. We only can improve as we move on.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 7:44 PM
POST6:37 THIS IS NEITHER CRAIG OR HEATHER THINK YOU SHOULD TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR POST WHAT DOES "OR YOU WILL HEARING FROM OUR TOWN" SUPPOSE TO MEAN TALK ABOUT A IDIOT AND IF YOU SPENT MORE TIME ON THE BUSINESS AT HAND INSTEAD OF TRYING TO PUT DOWN SOMEONES FAMILY YOU MIGHT FIND OUT THE TRUTH.BUT THEN AGAIN YOU HAVE TO WAIT FOR MIKE TOO TELL YOU WHAT TO SAY TALK ABOUT STUPID LOOK IN THE MIRROR POST 6:43 KNOW ONE SAID ANYTHING ABOUT LEONA AND THE LAST I KNEW IT WASN'T JUST ABOUT YOU FIXERS AND WHAT YOU WANTED ITS THE WHOLE TOWN THAT INCLUDES ME AND I DON'T WANT MIKE I WANT SOMEONE WHO KNOWS WHAT THEY ARE DOING AND CAN 'TELL THE TRUTH' ALSO I AGREE WITH YOU ALL ABOUT THE DAYCARE BUT THATS WHY ITS NOT A DAYCARE ITS BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM YOU IDIOTS ARE CALLING IT A DAYCARE KNOW ONE ELSE. AND WHILE I'M AT IT WHATS WRONG YOU IDIOTS CAN DISH IT OUT BUT YOU CAN'T TAKE IT HOW'S IT FEEL TO BE ON THE OTHER ENDReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 7:51 PM
POST 6:56 STOP TRYING TO SPREAD RUMORS AND SHUT UP GET THE PROOF OF ALL THAT YOUR RUNNING YOUR BIG MOUTH ABOUT ALL YOU ARE IS A PUPPET ON A STRINGReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 7:53 PM
I guess the caps lock must be stuck huh?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 7:55 PM
Really Strange, you misspell the same words as they do. I will allow the reader to decide.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 8:28 PM
DO YOUR HOMEWORK DON'T JUST GET HEAR SAY YOU DO HAVE A MINEReplyDelete
No sorry I do not have a mine, if I did I would not be here I would be in St Croix
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 8:52 PM
TALK ABOUT STUPID LOOK IN THE MIRROR POST 6:43 KNOW ONE SAID ANYTHINGReplyDelete
Did you mean to say no one said? FN stupid do you have any idea what an idiot you look like I am looking at you Pea brains from a neutral position wondering how the F I could ever take you seriously, did you marry your next door neighbor by any chance?
Starting to get sick of you sh-t sticks that have a family tree that is actually a power pole, your dumb ass-s are costing me and others property value grow up and pretend you married someone at least 5 miles down the road with some alternate thought process.
Get it sister cousin?
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 9:16 PM
I am from away, I am not related, I am sick of this and like the previous post I am concerned with this rift and what it will do to our property values long term. I also do not have a "dog in the fight" regarding the daycare program. This does not mean I do not see value in this service that is why I would like to recommend Cindy Carlisle pick up the ball and run with it, she seems to have vast knowledge of the issue and tons of energy and free time to push it through to fruition.ReplyDelete
What do you say Ms Carlisle can you funnel your energy toward this project? All of you that would welcome her as the lead on this project please please let her know ASAP.
- AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 9:22 PM
I know for a fact Leona did not marry her next door neighbor, they lived across the street.ReplyDelete
Why does that matter, what are you trying to say?
Just found more in-depth reporting on the BDN site:ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 22, 2011 at 8:54 AM
Seems Newburgh is on the mend now, New Selectmen who are going by the book, New Office Staff, daily discovery of cover-ups, and a new good community outlook with the exception of one family, The Leona Smith Clan.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 22, 2011 at 8:57 AM
I hate to say it, but I do hope that we can get a complete audit done so the former selectmen can go right along with Cindy Dunton. There is more to this than just fleeing the office and leaving the town upside down. Think about it.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 22, 2011 at 10:06 AM
Well this just shows how stupid and low you all are myself nor my husband have posted on the useless blog in days! Talk about not talking until you have facts....trouble makers! Did you ever think that people just might have something better to do then sit around and talk to the likes of you? Now can you understand this post or do I need to write it at a 1st grade level?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 22, 2011 at 1:12 PM
Heather how come you did not post your name.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 22, 2011 at 2:46 PM
Can't be her. She said months ago she would NEVER post on this stupid blog again and she is a person who would NEVER lie so it must be an impostor.ReplyDelete