Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Candidates for 2nd Selectmen

Charlie Gibbs
Craig Toothacker
Jeff Watson

The person elected would be in office until town meeting of 2012.

89 comments:

  1. Will there be a newsletter to the residents introducing the candidates?

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  2. Next Monday night at 6:00 PM, there will be a "meet the candidates" evening where they will answer pre-set questions from the townpeople. If you have questions you need to submit them to the office before the meeting.
    This is listed on the town's website;
    http://newburghmaine.com/
    If you need more information, call the town office.

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  3. Someone just told me that We, The community, must submit any question to The Acting Town Manager for pre-approvel before it can go to the candidate, to answer. Good Grief, This is not on National TV and a race for president, this is only Newburgh and most folks have known the people running for many years. This is being taken way out of content and to put controls on the questions, someone must be out of their mind as it makes no sense at all. And some still don't see we have a town office problem with the Little Napoleon who lives in Hampden and not, Newburgh. I for one will not attend the meeting of the candidates as I will not reduce myself to that level. If we do not stop his ego we will regret it. If I have a question, I'll call the candidate, at home. This is Bullshit and very disrepectful of our community.

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  4. The filter must of removed my last comment so here goes again. I was told that Little Napoleon ( Rick Briggs ) from Hampden not Newburgh will be taking all questions that we may have for the candidates. He, himself will check out the validity and decide if he wants them submitted for a reply. He must think Newburgh, is Washington DC and this is a race for the President where all the network televisions camera's are here and he is the M.C.

    I'm sorry but I will not be attending the candidate night as I refuse to be disrespected and treated like a child. If I want an answer I will call the candidates at home. This is totally disrespectful to the entire community and Briggs needs to be told to take his ego out of it and allow the candidates to speak, freely about whatever they want or are asked. This is totally uncalled for. Homer Sorry , but I'm really disappointed with this.

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  5. I agree. I will not be attending either. I feel that each candidate has lived in Newburgh at least 40 yrs, aren't they old enough to attend a candidate night, mingle with the local town people, shaking hands, engaging in conversation and enjoying the evening? Why would they want to be judged by someone (Briggs) who should not decide what is asked and who and how the evening runs! GIVE US A BREAK!

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  6. The Dictator has taken over HE DOES NOT SPEAK TO PEOPLE WHO HAS OPPOSED HIS OPPINION. I will not go to the meet the candidate night because of him. He has got to take his Hampden attitude and go. Please hope he takes Lois with him as she is Hampden attitude now. Not the same we know and Love.

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  7. Why is our town so disrespectful of the communities needs ? The above is a prime example, to treat us like children. We can't ask our own questions. They gave us the hours that They would be open, not what would assist us as a whole. Something is going on or there is some type of mental breakdown as no one would do this to their boss, if they were working in the real world plus the boss would never allow it. Lets hope that the new Selectmen will change this direction and be more community friendly and respectful to us, all. Is that really to much to ask for ??????

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  8. Well, I posted the above questions on www.asmainegoes.com and received a few pretty good responses. You can read them here (copy and paste link into your browser):
    http://www.asmainegoes.com/content/legality-our-town-newburgh-holding-short-window-voting-hours-and-another-question

    Basically, what the town office is doing is legal. I think it's a bummer, but who am I. Here's the link provided by one of the AMG posters to the portion of the maine.gov site about how polls must be open for at least 4 consecutive hours:
    http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/30-A/title30-Asec2528.html

    I feel it may be legal, but it sure doesn't seem ethical :(

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  9. Thank you Kathy P, shut out as many voters as possible and hope. Seems to continue to be the way.How about submiing your questions to the acting town manager so he can alone, determine if he wants the candidates to reply, at the "Meet the candidates night" This is so dam disrespectful to all the residents of Newburgh. What about you and Jim H to run for the other Selectmen position's next year ? We should of had this opportunity this year but delay after delay by the acting town manager caused failure to meet the time allowed, thus we have to wait until next year. Boy as I ask questions, I get a ear full and I have an open mind when I ask my questions. I should of started, long ago.

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  10. Just write out the questions you want answered, I believe you can write them at the door, turn them in... If they do not ask your question, raise your hand and ask it. I am sure that Mike Burns will be there and would not allow Rick to throw out any questions. Remember, Mike is Ricks boss! The only one until this coming Wednesday night.

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  11. Mike is the only selectman until Wednesday. Vote on Wednesday, April 13th from 2-7 at the town office. I am voting for Steve Burgess, a former selectman with experience. He is a super nice man who believes in small government. He will listen to all citizens - and will work for the townspeople! I am also voting for Jeff Watson! Jeff is also a super nice guy with a good head on his shoulders! Jeff wants to help lower taxes, keep them low, fix our roads and get back to common sense government, a government run by the people for the people. Both Steve and Jeff will work with Mike to make our community whole again. PLEASE VOTE FOR JEFF AND STEVE!!!!!!

    signed.. a member of this community for over 30 years. I would sign this post with my legal name as others have asked.. But I don't like the nasty looks at town functions, meetings, get together, or even just going to the store. Once this town goes back to Norm and is united, I would sign my name in Capital letters.... So my name for now will be "Simply Me".

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  12. MONDAY 4/11/2011 AT 2:30 PM DISPOSITION HEARING ON

    CINDY DUNTON OF NEWBURGH, MAINE , EMBEZZLEMENT CASE

    DOCKET CR-2010-4030

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  13. Thank you poster, for this blog and the folks who maintain it. Otherwise, we wouldn't have a clue as to what is going on. Homer

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  14. Don't you citizens think this hearing on Cindy Dunton should be on the (NON NEWS) town website? What a joke that site is, check Carmels, Dixmonts (really go look at the small town of Dixmont, see what their people put together). Also wouldn't you think it would have something about Mike Burns as our new selectman? Wouldn't it be time to start asking for donations of household items or all your spring cleaning stuff you throw out for the annual Fire Dept. yard sale this Spring? Voice your opinion to the current town manager @ 234-4151 (of course next Tues) about all these things he's allowed to do. Of course here we are with yet another 4 days with NO office open!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why don't you people step up, go in the office and DEMAND to have the things that need to be in place done. The selectmen's meeting April 19th at 6 pm is not even listed.

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  15. OMG, No experience, no managerment skills and so on, you cannot expect anything else. The town office is open on his desire not the communities needs. Hopefully, the voters can have all this changed ,soon.

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  16. Just arrived back in town from Iowa, starting to catch up on the happenings on the blog and to tell you the truth I am not surprised at the continued level of turmoil.

    I for one will make every effort to attend the "meet the candidates nite" and will not boycott the event. I plan on showing up to support and show respect to all the candidates for without their interest in the rest of us we would remain in serious trouble going forward. I may not agree with the questioning format I am reading here but do believe the most important thing we can do as a community is to find out as much as we can about the individuals that care enough to run and use their feedback to select the most appropriate person to represent us. I am also a believer in face to face contact and think there is much to be said for how a person handles themselves in a formal public environment especially when they are running to represent all our interests in exactly that type of setting.

    We have an opportunity to send these people a message that their efforts are not taken lightly, are appreciated and sorely needed, let's do the right thing and come together for them.

    Jim Hopkins

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  17. Thank you Jim, I made my comments while facing disappointment with inappropriate rules regarding our questions . As a member of our community and being disrespected I will turn around and not do it, myself. How rude of me, now that I have reconsidered my position and comment. Sorry to all and yes, we all should try to attend and show our support to our neighbors for stepping up, regardless.
    A re-birth of Newburgh is in progress. Homer

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  18. To "Simply Me"...you must be simply insane to think Jeff Watson would be any kind of asset to the operations of the town. The only qualification he seems to have at this point is that he's buddy buddy with Mike Burns and the fixers. Ya hoo lets vote him in, we'll see what kind of intelligent answers he comes up with Monday night, hopefully Mike and the fixers have coached him well. Apparently he put on quite a performance this past week at his swearing in for the planning board. I for one am going Monday just to watch the drama unfold!

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  19. Here's what I don't understand...all this whining and bitching about the town manager, hours etc etc..then you go on about how Mike is Rick's boss. Sounds to me like you all ought to be riding Mike's back to get your things done, he may not be doing such a great job after all. Really, just read your posts, you say Mike is Rick's boss, so why aren't you calling Mike and complaining to him instead of posting to a bunch of computer geeks, go to the source!!

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  20. Wait, Wait Wait...was it not just a year ago when all you Fixers had such a stinkin FIT about Watson getting on the planning board in the first place,,that Mike didn't get to pick his own person to be on the board, that the selectboard planted him there to be a spy for them????? My my my how times change, with Watson on the selectboard, it's gonna make the 3 blind mice look damn good!!

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  21. To the last 3 posts, seems to be the same person.
    The prior Selectmen who resigned, fixed the process so Mike couldn't change or do anything until there was a second selectman. His hands were tied as they intended with their little plot.
    But then again, I bet you knew that and just wanted to provoke.

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  22. I must agree with Jim H if we allow Tricky Ricky to divide us and people do not show up he will successfully divide the town again to promote his special interest and his agenda.

    It is even more important that we unite and hear what these people have to say, what would you think if you volunteered to help out and nobody even cared enough to show up and support you. It does not matter if you were happy or sad that Leona and Buddy stepped down this nite is about going forward we would be fools to not show up.

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  23. Steve Burgess is for smaller government? Was he not one of the people pushing for 5 Vs 3 selectmen? As usual I am confused how does that translate to smaller government? Is he now one of the people driving the petition to recall the number of selectmen back to 3? Or is he only interested in reducing the staff at the town office, does he want to cut the staff and also have the town office open more hours?

    Jeff Watson super nice guy with a real good head on his shoulders? Would that not be like saying Charlie Gibbs is a super nice guy with a real good head on his shoulders? Are they both not really operating on another planet? Or at least receiving their life direction from a radio station most of us are not able to pick up on our equipment? I could not even picture the newspaper and TV interviews we would get from either of these two although I can see them always available as they usually would be pre-wired and ready to transmit.

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  24. I guess you definitely need to be there at " Candidates Night " and address your questions and concerns to the candidates themselves and not us. I hope that all our candidates are for the 5 member board of selectmen so there is a good balance and please give this some thought, you obviously could make your statement for the last group, we had. I don't think that we will have another group that will have their eyes shut for what, 8 years.

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  25. Operating on another planet LMAO that is hysterical! but true....

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  26. I'm for smaller government too, but I was under the impression that because the "Administrative Assistant" form of town management was voted in, that is what made the requirement for 5 instead of 3 selectmen.

    I could be totally wrong...I often am ;-)

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  27. The gossip has it Leona Smith is gong to be the write in vote. That sounds about right she would love to divide the town even more. the Witch is still flying her broom.

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  28. Come on, why do you jerks have to resort to name calling???

    Someone please try and wake Loeona Balogna and the family up to tell them she was just on the board and quit. Not that I am against her being on the board again, in fact would be comical to see her up there with no leader, head bobbing gum smacking I really miss it. I think she wants to use her massive language skills to fillibuster all future meetings, (they say she is a very cunning linquist). As far as her loving to divide the town even more, stop right there that is not possible, her inaction and complacently last time has just about divided the town as much as you can.

    Could be she is doing it for the Children in town?

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  29. NOW IS THE TIME TO GET IT RIGHT AND WE CAN. VOTE FOR THE RIGHT SELECTMEN WHO WILL BE FAIR AND RESPECTFUL TO THEIR COMMUNITY AND OPERATE THE TOWN OFFICE. ETC FOR THE COMMUNITY AND NOT THEIR OWN DESIRES. OUR TOWN OFFICE NEEDS TO BE RESPONSIVE TO ALL TAXPAYERS, PERIOD. CINDY DUNTON HEARING TODAY, LET US HOPE THAT THE COURT GETS IT RIGHT TOO, AND MAYBE WE CAN GET SOME RECOVERY MONEY EVEN THOUGH IT IS REMOTE. WE NEVER WANT TO BE IN THIS POSITION EVER AGAIN. HOMER

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  30. Is there a fair and respectful candidate running? There doesn't seem to be a right choice on the ballet, just one not as bad as the next. Pretty unfortunate turn out for all the trash talk thats been going on, I would have expected to see 20 fixers on the ballot, they seem to have all the answers, Maybe Jeff Watson was their pick. Good job.

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  31. Gee I wonder who that was???

    Could be a former select-person or someone with a common DNA thread. Lucky for us we have new options we could not afford another year of reruns featuring asleep at the wheel, three blind mice or the three stooges.

    Good job to you if you had done your job 50% as well as you believe you did we would probably not be in this position. Cindy and Alan lived very well while you were in office, the entire network of non-related tax payers will be thinking about your legacy forever.

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  32. Why make idiotic accusations when these are the only folks that took on, to volunteer for our community. Being so narrow minded won't help us. We need to vote for the one's who will look after our community as a whole and help create a new, Newburgh. I see one with some experience and I hopefully will be able to ask a question or two, tonight. By the way, yes the Fixers and the concerned Citizens, were right all along.

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  33. Yes indeedio, Cindy and Alan had some of the best years of their lives because Cindy could add and subtract allot better than our selectmen. I would have to say Jeff and Charlie could also add and subtract better then the arrogant ones. Accept the blame and go lay down in the corner like the mutts you are.

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  34. She certianly knew how to subtract!!!

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  35. Comment from the DA on Cindy Dunton, she stole the $$$ because she fell on hard times and needed it. WHAT????? Last time she said her husband was sick and she needed it. If she needed it so bad why did she use it for new car / new truck / commercial grader / ATV's / dogs from another country at the tune of $2500 each, she only has 14 dogs and other expensive toys!! Interesting. Think some of you need to write that DA telling him what she used OUR $$$ for, not that it matters much.

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  36. Meet the candidates night, what did everyone think?

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  37. I learned a lot about the candidates... for example some don't feel that there needs to be any community interaction with the selectmen other than the selectmens meetings.... I thought they were doing what's best for us. How can they do that if they don't KNOW us? I am also curious if elected, would Craig Toothacre be taking the summer off? He said he spends all his time during the summer at Swan Lake. How is he going to be "poking around" if he's not even in Newburgh? I for one think we need new blood in the town. I'm voting for Cindy Prescott and Charlie Gibbs. They didn't spend their time contradicting themselves as some did. They also didn't try to brag up what they have, but what they have to give to the community. The thing that makes me sick though, is that with all of the opinions posted on here, I'm wondering who did anything about it? Did you check to see if there would be time during the meet and greet for audince questions, or just start complaining and jump on the bandwagon about not showing up... Maybe if some of you put your money where your mouth is, and put a little action behind your words things might be different. It's scary that you're putting your trust in someone's opinion posted on here or said to you instead of checking into it yourself. I look forward to reading your continued complaints on here after the wrong people are voted in.

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  38. I took it that Craig spends his spare time at Swan Lake, that usually means weekends. Remember he works and lives in Newburgh. Steve Burgess has experience as a selectman.
    They have my votes.

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  39. to anaon @ 9:45
    "The thing that makes me sick though, is that with all of the opinions posted on here, I'm wondering who did anything about it? Did you check to see if there would be time during the meet and greet for audience questions"
    ------------------------------------------
    Many of us have been to Ricky Briggs shows before and know what to expect. In his own words "It's just a shell game"
    He had said prior to the meeting that questions needed to be submitted, then he would select questions to be asked. Obviously he changed the format and allowed questions from the floor. So yes we did check, complain and the game plan changed.
    Some of us are vigilant and will continue to be so regardless of who is in office; it is part of our responsibility as citizens of Newburgh.

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  40. A Voice for the people, is only a cleaver sentence when you have nothing else to offer.
    We need folks who can see the big picture and have the vision of a new, Newburgh. Policy and Procedures will need to be written so there is a guideline and we need capable folks at the helm.
    This time around, for sure. I see we still have some off the wall remarks and insights that make no sense at all unless your on planet, Pluto. Leona's realtives still at work.

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  41. We have policy and procedures now they were written up by Briggs. Have you seen then? You can get a copy of them for a mere .50 a page.

    Written policy and procedures are not the total solution. After all we had those written up in 2000. They are empty words unless followed. We still have that problem today, although not to the degree of the Hatch era thank god.

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  42. Folks please remember when you vote, we need people who not only can read but understand, procedures and offer and use, guidence as they are the towns, guardians. Homer

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  43. Pluto is no longer considered a planet, pick another one how about Venus ? : )

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  44. Another example, why we still need to reverse her back taxes that she paid with stolen money, from the town and take the property.

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  45. The format for the candidates nite was well done, the turnout was good, the question were good, the candidates did well, were sincere and responded to the best of their ability and for that we should all thank them.

    Craig Toothaker clearly rose to the top of his group but will have to give some more thought to Cindy and Steve I do not believe we would loose with either one of them it just comes down to who is better qualified.

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  46. I pick Steve because he has experience as a selectmen, plus I know him I don't know Cindy.

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  47. To anon @ 7:16 - Who are you calling a relative of Leona's? The person that you disagreed with? Whoever you are, I'm glad YOU aren't running for a position in the town as you're obviously willing to make snap judgements and unfounded accusations. I happen to know who made the first post after the meeting, (not the question, the response), and they were NOT a relative of Leona's. Like you, though, they chose to remain anonymous. Like I also will, as it's obvious on here you can't post your opinions and have them respected and listened to, only criticized and attacked.
    I also disagree with your statement, "A Voice for the people, is only a cleaver sentence when you have nothing else to offer." Why should we want someone going in with an agenda of their own? I've met Mrs Prescott, used to be in the ladies Newburgh Christmas club with her, and knew her uncle, Frank Prescott. There was never a more honorable man working for the town. So you'll have to forgive me if I'm not going to jump on your bandwagon and assume that the candidate has nothing to offer because she says she wants to listen to us and hear what it is that is important to US. Our representative listening, what a novel idea.
    As for where Mr Toothaker is in the summer, all we that don't know him personally have to go on is his own words, so I can't agree that it's probably only weekends. But I'll also be fair and say that he'd spend 2 weeks a month there. Still, we have only HIS own words.
    To anon @ 7:13, good answer. And good job simply answering a question. It's too bad people chose to take the question as a slight instead of the way it was intended.
    I apologize I rambled on, I'm like that, =) (As for the "anon @ 7:13, 7:16, I chose the time stamp UNDER the person's comment as the last post here now has a timestamp under it, so I assumed that that would be correct, forgive me if I'm not, I'm sure I was clear enough for it to be known who was being addressed).

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  48. Sorry, so many of Leona's family have made demeaning comments throughout the months that, I'm at fault for assuming. Yes, everyone's opinion is important as long as everyone is on the same page. If one's in a different book than the subject, changes. I'm for the best possible result with people who not only can interrupt but also can comprehend as we need a new beginning so we all are able to move ahead. I view the selectmen as a challenge and as such, what they say and do not say, act as an verbal resume because that is all you get ,beforehand. I guess my ending comment and view is, may the best people win and the tax payer come out to vote their belief. I refuse to name who I believe are the strongest candidate's and hope that our voter's will do our town, justice at the polls

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  49. I completely understand. Our emotions are all high because of this, and it's going to be hard to give our trust again. I choose to believe that Cindy Dunton is the exception and not the rule, and that those running all want what's best for us, (the town). The only way we can even attempt to move forward is to take these candidates at their word. Fortunately we've learned from what happened and are doing more to protect ourselves from it happening again. I've a feeling that all running now would not dare try anything as they know that we'll be watching their every move.
    I still would rather remain anonymous here, so I'll just sign myself as Sad Sox Fan, ;)

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  50. You can just say sox fan we will all know you are sad.

    Go Yankees!!!

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  51. I would be all for an ordinance stating if a selectman resigns they are not eligible to serve again until after the term they resigned from is over.

    I'm in, I'm out, I'm in, I'm out, Leona is not really making a stalking horse write in bid is she? That is bizarre.

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  52. @ Anon 1:16 - Harsh, ;)

    @ Anon 1:25 - Agreed. It seems quite childish to me. We need a stable board of selectmen, whomever they may prove to be. Not people who threaten to resign if things don't go their way. Good job on following through, though, Leona. I suppose it shows you keep your word? or something

    SSF

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  53. Complaining is merely whining about what you're choosing to do nothing about. And by the way Toothaker said "he's not even in town most of the summer" his own words... you can't choose what you want out of what was said. To the person who said they are voting for someone because they know them... Is that really a good enough reason? There are plenty of people I know, one is even my neighbor, who I wouldnt trust to take care of my pocket change much less the town. Maybe checking into those you don't know, give them a call, it might be enlightening. We don't only need someone who knows finances or who has previous experience. We need someone with a goal and the will to stand up for the people. Someone above even said this isn't an election of the president, so it didn't need to be that big of a deal. Do you think who runs your town, your HOME, the person who has say in your childs schooling isn't important? This is America, we have rights, we have a democracy. Let's fight for what is right for us.

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  54. I am shocked some above were offended with the potential selectmen's answer about being available 24-7.

    There needs to be certain levels of urgency and common sense associated with complaints and issues and for the time being the chain of command should be bring your problems, comments and questions to the town office 1st. Then if you do not get the answers or results you want you should bring it to the selectmen's meeting and be prepared to discuss in an open forum as "new business".

    Calling a selectman at home should be reserved for critical, emergency and highly personal or sensitive requests. This is what we pay Rick for, it is his job to field these grounders and provide day to day solutions. Calling a selectman at home or on their cell for anything other than described above is selfish and rude and could be the reason many avoid serving in our community.

    Let's use some common sense and take the burden off the selectmen and put it where it belongs.

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  55. This woud be funny if not so sad, that some folks can take things out of content and somehow justify that they are " thinking" like normal folks. He merely was honest and said he spent time with his kids during the weekends at his camp as a million others do. Swan Lake is only 20 miles away not 100 so its not a big deal as we have others and next year, we will 2 more. Grasping at straws instead of the real issues and that is, to overcome what the past selectmen did to this town. It was all 3 of them Cindy was only 1 tool in the downfall and all of them should be in court with Cindy.

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  56. No one mentioned contacting him... Someone merely said that he contradicted himself. Should he clarify that he'll be spending the days at the lake and the weekends poking around.... The point was that he said he was going to do something, and soon followed it with the statement that he's not home most of the summer. It'll be hard to poke around Newburgh when he's 20 miles away. And by the way, he said and I quote, MOST OF THE SUMMER, not just weekends.

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  57. I guess it all comes back to perception. I didn't get that anyone was "offended", just reinforcing their opinion. I'm quite sure that's allowed when your opinion is questioned? And the only time calling anyone at home was mentioned was to do so BEFORE the election, to "meet" the candidate, as we had the opportunity to do last night. And it was said in response to someone saying that they were voting for a candidate simply because they knew them personally, not because they felt that the selectmen should be available 24/7. And I believe my point holds true for the post following, as well. It was just reinforced that it was the initial posters view of what was sad. I don't know why everyone has to be on attack mode, we aren't going to help ourselves like that.

    SSF

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  58. I believe the point about being available is more in reference to being a part of the community. In my opinion the person voted in should have regular contact with the towns people so that they have a good idea of what is needed and wanted.

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  59. Leona Smith has a sign to the foot of Rt. 69 asking townpeople to vote her in as a write in candidate.

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  60. OHEMGEE... That's as courteous as I'm capable at the moment...

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  61. I for one, do not care where he stays in the summer or on weekends. Unless its an emergency, I do not intend to call him or anyone else. If I do need him, he may be able to get here ( 20 miles) sooner than someone living down the road. If I have the availability to everyone's telephone number than, we are all set. Why debate this moot point. We all saw that he is capable.

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  62. The point trying to be made, in ALL of the posts was that he contradicted himself, that is all. No one said it was bad, good, or otherwise, just that it happened.

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  63. A few thoughts: Whoever said that the select-people need to be available 24/7? I cannot even imagine what I would ever need to call a select person for during regular business hours let alone the middle of the night. Seriously what does the job pay $40 a week? Let's get real and get the job done and stop knit picking everything everyone says. It isn't against the law to spend time away from Newburgh especially if you work 5 days a week in Newburgh. I believe Swan Lake is a 15 minute drive. I believe others work out of town and are not even available during regular business hours and I am not complaining about that it is just a fact of life that people leave the town of Newburgh on a daily basis no matter what the reason is.

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  64. When you find the comment that stated the selectment needed to be available 24/7, please share it with the rest of us. It appears to have been someone's interpretation of a comment by another that simply took off and has been treated as fact. (Which is really rather sad as we've all got the same information available to us)
    Someone said this would be funny if it weren't so sad. I agree, but not the way you meant it. Everyone is running off criticizing a statement that was NEVER MADE. Come on, guys, really?

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  65. Just saw the sign at 69 and Rt 9 ----Write in Leona Smith if you want a gum chewing, yep and nope, cell phone ringing, sarcasm, kind of person that looks down on the community.
    The way we are is because of her, are you kidding me ?

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  66. to anon April 12, 2011 7:56 PM I AGREE WITH YOU!!!

    -200k+ lost on Leona Smith's watch! Can you imagine voting her in? Integrity and Experience? You have got to be kidding me. What a joke!!!!! AND.... She is a quitter! I would be embarrassed to admit I voted for her! If she gets voted in, the town will stay where it has been for the past years! Get out and vote for Steve Burgess!!!! A brand new board of selectman is what this town needs! Leona didn't even know there was a Selectman's Manual! In fact, all of the former selectman didn't know there was one. Hell, they didn't even take any of the courses offered for Selectman through MMA. I believe Buddy took one of the classes just recently, but not before Rick Briggs came on. As far as experience that Leona Smith possesses.. She missed selectman's meetings during the summer so she could go to camp, she rarely signed the warrants every other week, she was always in a hurry at selectman's meetings to get it done and get home, NEVER, OBVIOUSLY, looked at our town finances and compared them to the monthly bank statements.. If she did, we wouldn't be in the mess we are in today! Is this the type of Integrity and EXPERIENCE this town needs?

    It up to you voters! Get out there and vote! The continuation of fixing this town!!!!

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  67. http://new.bangordailynews.com/2011/04/12/news/newburgh-embezzler-says-worst-is-behind-her/

    Cindy Dunton was interviewed today by BDN, here is one of the comments she made. This makes sense to re vote in Leona Smith, don't ya think?

    When asked what she did with the money and how she was able to steal it she said:

    “There was no oversight,” she said. “Nobody ever checked anybody in the town office.”

    So townspeople you want Leona again?

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  68. I still don't see why the other candidates are forced to gather signatures and a write in has to do nothing. I also don't see the logic behind quiting as selectmen and turning around and being a write in for your own seat.

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  69. Fromm all I have seen and heard, Most of our voter's who are hard working taxpayers and who don't say much, are level headed and employ, common sense. That being said, we really don't have to much to worry about as they will vote and vote for the right people, this time. We all made bad choices before, including this writer. However, it did bring me to my senses, maybe late, but I believe I will be voting for the right people now. As one person said, for the re-birth of Newburgh, our home and for The Guardian's of our tax dollars. Homer

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  70. I'm so happy for Cindy. The worst is finally over for her. It must have been tough for her. She has paid NOTHING back and done 0 jail time. That is a pretty rough thing to go through. It's a good thing she did not do something really bad like shoplift a candy bar or get a DWI or she would have been in real trouble.

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  71. “There was no oversight,” Dunton said. “Nobody ever checked anybody in the town office.”



    Who were the selectmen when Cindy was in? Oh sorry, there is no way a selectmen could have looked at the books in the 10 years Cindy was in.

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  72. “There was no oversight,” Dunton said. “Nobody ever checked anybody in the town office.”

    Why did the town vote to not pursue Nancy Hatch for a civil suit?
    She was the treasurer. She was Cindy boss.

    I don’t understand.

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  73. I feel so sorry for Leona she wanted to retire with dignity from town politics and go off and live a quiet life of leisure.

    But noooo some meat head (probably a fixer)is playing this horrible practical joke on her, please can't you just leave her alone all of you SOB's. Normal and sane people who resign do not want to run/serve again a couple of months later, use some common sense and you will figure out this is just a miserable attempt at a joke.

    I think your ultimate goal is sick, trying to make her publicly have to embarrass herself by turning this down again if enough of you write her in.

    Leona I am sorry someone did this to you, I will by vote make sure I am not responsible for putting you through the pain again.

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  74. I was at the "meet the candidates" meeting on Monday and unfortunately left the meeting with just as much conviction about all of them as when I arrived. I have only lived in town about 9 years, I know very few of you, and I couldn't tell from the answers given if any of the candidates were worth my vote. I am happy for all of you who are voting for their friends and neighbors that they have known for 30 years. I am at a disadvantage however - No one in town has ever been very open or friendly with me, I don't know my neighbors other than by name, I don't know who I should or shouldn't vote for this evening. Perhaps I should write in Mickey Mouse for Selectman/Woman, as it would have about as much meaning to me as voting for any of the candidates. With all of you hissing at each other like spiteful cats, it is no wonder people like myself are unable to make a thoughtful and informed decision. Additionally if attitudes continue in this framework, it will be highly unlikely that we will ever be a town worthy of our pride and devotion. I appreciate the efforts made to bring the embezzlement to light, but everything that has happened since then just seems like sour grapes and spitefulness to me. Let me know when you guys all want to play nicely again.

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  75. Sorry to hear the Newburgh people have not been friendly. There are a lot of great people here. I for one haven't been in town long either, almost 5 years and I do not know these candidates as friends / family or such. I choose Steve Burgess for 1st selectman to vote for because he has experience, did well when he served Newburgh from what I am hearing and seems like he really cares about our situation here at the time. I have met Mike Burns and find him to be very interested in getting things done and with the approval of the towns people. He took all the time in the world to talk to me open and honestly. I like that I've seen Mike all over town looking at the roads, and a friend even said he saw him over on the Littlefield Rd. going over the bridge that needs repair. There is a lot to be done and with Mike on board I think things will be done with the best and most reasonable contractors. I have talked with him 2 or 3 times and find him very intelligent, willing to listen and a great sense of caring for our community. I had talked to the former selectman and found all he talked about never even got looked at. I also was very upset after talking to him right in our driveway, he told us a lot of stuff, later that week we find on the news and in the BDN paper what he told us was exact opposite from what he told the news. This did not set well with my husband and I. So, in a nutshell I'd like to say to the previous poster, I don't think you can go wrong with Mr. Burgess as our 1st selectman and as far as the other one, they are equally as good. I do not know any of them, but I choose Jeff Watson as he is a planning board member that has taken time already to go to classes and learn the job where I hear the other selectmen were in for 8+ years and never even knew there were classes. It scares me to see in the paper today Cindy Dunton saying "it was easy for me to steal the $$$, no one ever looked at or asked a thing it the town office". OMG and Leona Smith has signs out to vote her in again!! Would anyone do that? If so this town is in worse shape than I think.

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  76. Anon 2:13PM

    I moved to town about 6 years ago but I am able to help you. I know most of these people and for the limited time left on these terms as well as the best interest of the town overall here is what you need to do.

    Vote for Craig Toothaker and Steve Burgess Vs throwing it away on Micky Mouse.

    Just prior to the next town meeting we will vote for 3 new and 1 replacement or re-elect 1 selectmen as the case may be and life will be better.

    Now as far as living in town 9 years and not being accepted here is what I suggest. Show up a little early to the next selectmen's meeting, stand by the door with a name tag and 9 years no friends written below your name and meet some people as they come in, introduce yourself, shake hands etc. After the meeting speak to a few more people, perhaps you could join one of the committees like the recreation committee, or look into the openings on the planning board. I think if you wait at home for people to stop in with apple pie welcoming you to town you will be in the same position 9 more years from now.

    I have found the people in the town very approachable if you make an effort, yes it sucks to be from away but you will only get out of it what you put into it.

    Good Luck, I look forward to meeting you at the next selectmen's meeting.

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  77. Anon 2:41

    Amy is that really you by any chance?

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  78. Anonymous 12:13

    I am not going to sway your decision either way but as my momma always said "avoid anyone with the initials JW or CG" and you will live a full and happy life with many friends and a friendly neighborhood.

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  79. The next time you see balloons on a mailbox that means they are throwing a party for anyone who has not lived here all their lives.

    You should stop in and check it out.

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  80. I have lived here all my life and really do not have any friends either.

    Charlie

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  81. Anon @ April 13, 2011 3:11PM writes "Good Luck, I look forward to meeting you at the next selectmen's meeting. "

    I haven't been sitting at home these past 9 years, I have attended town meetings and been involved in a few other things. But because of the malicious behavior I have witnessed recently I am less than enthusiastic to start making friends with people who may or may not actually BE friends.

    And my actual point was NOT "oh poor me, I have no friends" it WAS "with all the nastiness going on, it is difficult to figure out who to vote for".

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  82. malicious behavior I have witnessed recently I am less than enthusiastic to start making friends with people who may or may not actually BE friends. Please explain this, when and where have you witnessed malicious behavior.

    And my actual point was NOT "oh poor me, I have no friends" it WAS "with all the nastiness going on, it is difficult to figure out who to vote for".
    Nastiness, did you see any of that at the meet the candidate night??

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  83. To Anonymous @ 3:39PM - Well your response to my comment is PARTICULARLY friendly and inviting, for example. As was the sarcastic response in regards to standing at the door at the beginning of the next selectmen's meeting with a tag saying I have been in the town for 9 years and still have no friends. That was a very helpful and friendly suggestion. (note sarcasm)
    The malicious behavior and nastiness to which I refer is the arguing that I find on this blog, and the comments and tone of some at the town meeting we all recently attended. It serves no purpose, other than to create hard feelings, and it accomplishes nothing.
    You are welcome to ignore my comments and opinions since I will no longer be participating in this particular blog due to the negative attitudes and the negating of others opinions and feelings. I came here to see what others were thinking and it seems that if one does not immediately agree with those opinions, then one is obviously wrong. And being wrong, I will now take my leave of you and your friends.
    Thank you anyways

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  84. To Anonymous @3:39PM - Well your response to my comment is PARTICULARLY friendly and inviting, for example. As was the sarcastic suggestion that I stand next to the door of the next selectmen's meeting with a tag saying I have been in town for 9 years and still have no friends. (note sarcasm).

    The malicious behavior and nastiness to which I refer is the arguing and name calling that I find on this blog, and the comments and tone of some at the town meeting we all recently attended. It serves no purpose, other than to create hard feelings, and it accomplishes nothing.
    You are welcome to ignore my comments and opinions since I will no longer be participating in this particular blog due to the negative attitudes and the negating of others opinions and feelings. I came here to see what others were thinking about the candidates and the general opinion of the townspeople in regards to town government. But what I have discovered is that if one does not immediately agree with the opinions expressed here, then one is obviously wrong. And being wrong, I will now take my leave of you and your friends.
    Thank you anyways

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  85. Sorry about your 9 years of looking over your shoulder.

    There are many nice people in town and just like anywhere else in America there are some not so nice people.

    Not sure why you are struggling to find out who they are on either side.

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  86. I responded twice to the comment above, but my response was either erased or flew off into the ether - either way I am done.

    Thank you anyways

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  87. Now the nasty's can be put to rest. The community can be a community once again that we all have come together and the root of the problems, are now gone. All 3 of them along with the Town Manager and Cindy. It was a combined effort, for sure. Now, I must say it is sad only one is going away but that is better than no one.
    We have new people in place that will be making some adjustments which will be for the better of all. We all need to pull together now and offer to help.

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  88. It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day in the neighborhood..... would you. please finish the next lines.......

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  89. Sure I can do that for you Neighbor

    Would you be mine?
    Could you be mine?

    It's a neighborly day in this beautywood,
    A neighborly day for a beauty,
    Would you be mine?
    Could you be mine?

    I have always wanted to have a neighbor just like you,
    I've always wanted to live in a neighborhood with you.

    So let's make the most of this beautiful day,
    Since we're together, we might as well say,
    Would you be mine?
    Could you be mine?
    Won't you be my neighbor?

    Won't you please,
    Won't you please,
    Please won't you be my neighbor?

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please be couteous!

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