Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Elections results

Mike Burns 199
Skip Smith 139

Congratulations to Mike.

And thank you Skip for all the hard work you did
for the town, especially last spring with those long days
at the town office.

Administrative Assistant

yes 187
no 143

Recall petition

yes 222
no 103

3 to 5 selectmen

yes 188
no 143

Kudos to all that worked very hard to make this happen

217 comments:

  1. Congratufrickilations!!! To Mr. Burns, all the people behind the scenes at the Fixers, and all our neighbors, I truly think these votes represent a huge win for our whole town.

    Here's to fresh starts!

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  2. I feel this change is much needed! Good Luck Mike Burns. We are behind you 100%.

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  3. Citizens of Newburgh:
    I have a dilemma, I attended our town meeting this morning, I was late and arrived about 9:15 AM . I walked up the drive and spoke to a nice gentleman by the name of Mr. I. We spoke regarding our town manager, Mr. Briggs. He told me that a friend of his, the chief of police for Hampden , Mr. Rogers told him that everyone including himself was extremely surprised that no one from Newburgh called to check out Mr. Briggs, not one person, before he was hired. I then entered the building and request a booklet of the articles that were to be presented. The man sitting at the table told me if there were any left they were by the door and he appeared irritated that I had asked. There wasn't any left and no one to make any copy ? How poor of planning is that ? I have a hearing problem and because I was a little late I sat at the back which made the booklet very important as I could not hear a lot of the discussion. Without a booklet, I had no business being in the audience and that my friend may have been more by design than an copying miscalculation.
    I present the following for consideration, for future town meetings. Make enough booklets, if not have some one copy more at the meeting. all tax payers need one to make any type of informed decision and without one, cannot. Invest in a portable microphone so folks can speak ,at their seat. I saw several folks leave as there were not enough seats and there were no booklets and no one to assist. All I can say, is very poor planning and I don't think I'm the only one that was left out, by this situation. Change and common sense is definitely needed.

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  4. Anon. March 12, 2001 4:04 pm everyone received a copy of the town report in the mail. As far as not being able to hear u should have said something several times people were asked use the microphone maybe it would have help if they knew there was someone that was hard of hearing. You can't expect people to do something to help u if they don't know u have problem

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  5. When you plan a yearly meeting you need to take into consideration your audience. I don't think it is my place to raise an issue with several hundred in attendance it became much easier to just, bow out. The hearing aspect was that I could not hear the issue's so I could not vote, accordingly. All I wanted to indicate was that in the future when there is a large meeting, common sense should play a role in traffic and audio which has never been in play. Oh yes, and enough material copied so that each and every tax payer has a copy even if someone has to go to the copier and copy one. As I said I was not the only one that left for one reason or another but one would believe, that not being able to follow the meeting, may have been one major concern.

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  6. Cindy Duntons hearing that was scheduled for tomorrow at 2 pm has been postponed!

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  7. To Anonymous on march 12th 2011@ 4:04
    Next time look in your mail box because the town sends one to every resident every year.

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  8. I assume the poster may have forgotten to bring his or hers and it is common practice and a courtesy to provide a copy to the tax payer and anyone else that is in attendance so they can follow along. For such a important yearly meeting, why wouldn't it be done ? Remember, when you attend conferences , seminars and or workshop's ? This is the way that is " normal"

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  9. After leaving the town selectmen's meeting tonight, I lost a lot of faith in this town. There is no place for this town to go but down the tubes. I believe wholeheartedly we have lost three great assets to this town of Newburgh, which will be felt with great despair. They were honorable, quality people, who's only down fall was to care to much about this town and its people. They put in countless hours with little gratitude or backing, and performed above and beyond the pitiful $2000.00 we paid them. I pray we get the same service from the new selectmen as we have been receiving from our selectmen over last many years.
    At this time I would like to THANK Buddy, Skip, and Leona for a great job done.
    I am not anonymous, like most of you hiding behind anonymity. What I say I feel is true.
    Sincerely, Joseph L. Butera II of Newburgh

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  10. Unbelievable! You succeeded in running them out on a rail, like they were criminals. The real criminal got caught and the person responsible for overseeing her work, that being the town manager/treasure, walked away scott free. In their wake was left three sacrificial lambs to take the blame. Not because they were guilty of anything, but because there was no one left to blame. If the manager wasn't responsible, being paid a $54,000 package, how do you blame the selectmen at $2000 a year pay. Oh, and they have to be professional engineers so they can spend our $360,000 road budget appropriately, too. And they have to be certified CPA's to check every number. Now if we could get them to shovel our walkways, we'd really be getting our money's worth, wouldn't we? I think we are asking way to much of these people. They put in more effort than I would ask them to. Buddy, Skip, and Leona have dozens of years between them of listening to complaints, solving problems, answering questions, all with the best interest of the town in mind. So what direction are we heading in now? Thank you Skip, Buddy, and Leona. I will agree with not being anonymous. Jim Cote, Newburgh, Maine

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  11. I could be wrong, but didn't the selectmen choose, based on advice from the hired attorney, to NOT go after Nancy Hatch due to the costs associated with doing so? At the same time, also choosing not to investigate the embezzelment further back than 4 years?

    I don't agree with those decisions, AT ALL. Too many people getting off way too damn easy. If this were just a regular Joe, like myself, I can assure you my ass would be in jail so fast it would make my head spin. This odd bubble of protection just blows my mind. My jaw still drops when the news refers to Dunton as "accused" of theft. HELLO...didn't she flat out admit to it pretty much at the same time she was caught red-handed?

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  12. Kathy P. Yes Cindy did admit to the embezzlement. This is the first case that I know of that an immediate court order to freeze ther assets, was not sought, Yes, the attorney would have had to obtain a judge's signature but where she admitted the theft and we had plenty of proof, any judge would of signed it in a minute without any dialogue, needed. Especially, where she was in a position of trust and responsible to a town of many. Beaupain did so many things wrong and still is. Thus ,his lack of criminal experience and I can see he isn't asking any of his brotherhood, for advise.
    As I have said before, he will make Cindy's Attorney look like a genius.

    Time to request some folks who have common sense, some time and a honest and big heart to step up and fill some seats on the board. No ego involved.
    Maybe Briggs and Kendall will follow Belcher and Smith.
    This is a good start for recovery and the beginning of coming together with a single goal, to do what will benefit our town and our citizens.

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  13. Jim Cote, Run them out on a rail???

    Skip lost a regular term cycle because more residents voted for his opponent. Buddy and Leona on the other hand resigned on their own for what ever reason. They were not recalled or voted out, in fact they were very much in charge, they had the majority between them (2 to 1) if they really wanted to continue to serve they were in control. They still had the entire town office staff in tact.

    How is that scenario anything that could be turned into "running them out on a rail"? In you opinion every time someone is defeated at the polls is that "running them out on a rail"?

    What I believe the real issue is that a majority of the voters (perhaps not a majority of the residents) wanted a change, this change involved adding a fiscal conservative to the board. This person has some skills with numbers, computers, business management and organization the other three clearly do not have. This new person may not have the best people skills but the reality is we did not need another glad hander we needed some operational improvement and supervision to protect our other assets. It could be the most distressing problem for Buddy and Leona is there will be some new transparency in our local government.

    After going this far with the turmoil in town over the past year I had hoped they would finish their terms. But I wish them luck in the future as they decided to move on and could not possibly even consider asking them to change their minds and stay.

    We needed a new direction, here it is let's deal with it and support the new selectmen who ever they end up being, change is not always a bad thing.

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  14. Kathy p. Did u attend the town meeting. There was a petition that went around town asking for signatures to go after Nancy and was brought before the town meeting and the towns people decided not to go after her because of the cost. I asking would like to thank Buddy, Skip and Leona for their hard work and dedication to this town.

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  15. BUDDY AND SKIP ON TV 5, WORRIED ABOUT THE TOWN BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT THERE. SKIP HAS BEEN CLAIMING HE NEVER AGREED WITH BUDDY AND LEONA BUT WAS ALWAYS OUT VOTED. TRUE COLORS ARE NOW COMING TO LIGHT. THE TOWN WILL BE FINE AS MANY GREAT FOLKS ARE STEPPING UP. WE WILL MOVE AHEAD AND PUT OUR DARKEST DAYS BEHIND US. GOOD LUCK TO ALL WHO ARE OFFERING TO HELP OUR COMMUNITY.

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  16. To: Joseph L. Butera II and Jim Cote...
    *****POWER TO THE PEOPLE*****

    Johnna Smith

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  17. To anonymous, could you sign your name to a five paragraph letter if you're going to use my name, please.
    It's good that Mike Burns was elected in a democracy such as ours. I pray he does well. It sounds like he's quite qualified.
    I'll admit that I'm pretty apathetic about town politics, because generally, they go pretty well, or have for the 30 some-odd years I've been voting here. But the truth is, the gossip and slander are happening still. I've read it on this blog. It has to be intimidating to those people.
    We spend about $154,000 in wages and salaries in the budget, and the three selectmen get to split $6000 between them, $2000 each. That would barely cover gas these days, which, essentially makes it volunteer work. Jim Cote, Newburgh, Maine

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  18. It is easy to dodge our responsibilities, but we cannot dodge the consequences of dodging our responsibilities.

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  19. I have read some wild stuff in here and the BDN, seems Buddy has shown his true colors and lord knows Leona could not lead she would have to follow.

    I do not dispute it has been a difficult year, many have attended a few of the selectmen's meetings and saw the thrashing handed out by the fixers some of it enough to make you queasy. But there was huge improvement over the past year implemented by the selectmen, please do not be mistaken this was 90% driven by the concerned citizens for without their non-relenting style we would not have changed much. Even when the selectmen put in checks and balances early their attempts to force change were ineffective because they did not follow up and 5-6 months down the road they were struggling, did not know our true financial situation and even had additional missing checks AGAIN.

    Like it or not the turning point in the town office was Rick Briggs, that does not make up for his condescending, long winded and sometimes arrogant attitude but that is when we started to get it together.

    As far as this solid financial position I keep hearing/reading about, we did not spend all our appropriated road repair money for 2010 and did not experience the theft that we did in 2009, 2008, 2007 etc. all years that Belcher was a selectman.

    So I guess the former selectman have pointed out a fact, we are better off than ever in more ways than one.

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  20. Briggs did not bring accountability to the office.
    Sue Lessard did. For those that do not know she is the temporary treasurer, and her work has been exemplary. Give credit to the right person.
    Briggs is a salesmen not a manager, and will take credit for everything and responsibility for nothing.

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  21. They knew before I did that Cindy Dunton was stealing money,” said Belcher to the Bangor Daily News on Tuesday. “Damn them for not telling us.” NO, YOU GOT THE AUDIT REPORTS EACH YEAR AND FAILED TO READ THEM OR UNDERSTAND THEM, WHICH EVER THE CASE. tHE AUDITOR WILL CONFIRM THIS IS CASE ANYONE DOESN'T BELIEVE IT.
    “The Fixers have always felt the selectmen were at fault,” said Skip Smith. “I’m not saying I don’t share some of the blame; all the selectmen do. Our mistake was that we relied too much on [former Town Manager] Nancy Hatch.” YOU FAILED THE TOWN AND YOUR OATH TO THE TOWN. YOU ALL WERE GUILTY OF DERELICT OF DUTY AND YOU ALL SHOULD OF RESIGNED THEN AND THERE. YOU FAILED TO REMEMBER YOU 3 WERE THE SUPERVISOR OF THE TOWN MANAGER. AGAIN, YOU FAILED TO DO YOUR JOB AND HAVE ALWAYS BEEN IN DENIAL.
    The three former selectmen all said they will continue to attend meetings — and to some degree treat selectmen as they have been treated.
    “Now it’s my turn,” said Belcher. “Now I’m Joe Citizen.”
    Skip Smith agreed.
    KEEP IN MIND THAT BELECHER ALWAYS SAID WE WILL MAKE NOTE OF THAT AND GET BACK TO YOU HOWEVER, HE NEVER HAD ANY OLD BUSINESS AND MOST OF THE TIME, WHEN HE DIDN'T KNOW THE ANSWER AND WOULD AVOID IT AND SAY, MOVING ON. AGAIN, THEY ARE STILL IN DENIAL SO I GUESS THEY WILL ALWAYS BE.
    THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE CONCERNED CITIZENS WAS TO GET THE RESIDENTS OUT TO VOTE AND PROMOTE VOTING, AND THAT IS NEVER WRONG. THE CITIZENS VOTED THAT THEY WANTED TO COME TOGETHER ,IN A POSITIVE NEW DIRECTION. THE CITIZENS DERSERVE A BIG THANK YOU. NO MORE OUT OF CONTROL CLICKS INFLUENCED BY FAMILY AND FRIENDS. ALWAYS REMEMBER, NEWBURGH CITIZENS ARE A LOT SMARTER THAN YOU EVER THOUGHT. NOW, TAKE YOUR MARBLES AND MOVE ON TO SOMETHING ELSE AWAY FROM TOWN BUSINESS.

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  22. Guess who had a couple of bad checks posted to the cash register at Neally's Corner Store ? Not so good for public relations.

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  23. NEWBURGH, Maine — The Town of Newburgh has nomination papers available for two vacant positions on its Board of Selectmen. The forms may be obtained from the Town Office at 1220 Western Ave. The nomination forms, which require signatures from 25 registered Newburgh voters, must be returned by 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 29.

    The election will be held on Wednesday, April 13, for both positions. The polls shall be located at the Newburgh School and will be open 2-7 p.m. The election is to fill one position until March 2012 and another position until March 2013.

    Please readers, we are all set to head in a new responsible direction and need the support of good intention residents, no ego involved , that can offer service of time, thought, and a vision for our community and to treat all residents with equal respect. Think about it.

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  24. I'm thinking about it! No EGO involved??? Treat ALL residents with equal respect??? That's a laugh.....Obviously you have not ever spoken to or heard your remaining selectman speak.

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  25. The woman, who was the most disrespectful sitting official, I have ever encountered. Skip Smith coming unglued and yelling at Mr. Porter in a public meeting and Belcher sitting at the table with his old ,tight Bermuda shorts was totally disgusting. Thank God, we are looking at a new day and direction for our community . I have found Mr. Burns to be articulate and respectful and am looking forward to the others that will be coming on board. We do have some wonderful citizens so be positive. This is our chance to rise from the ashes and be a town that others can look up to and we can be proud residents, once again.

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  26. What is going on at the town office with Briggs providing the incorrect voting hours to The Bangor Daily News ? Oh boy, Mike you need to be auditing Tricky Ricky from this point on.

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  27. To anonymous, You should pay your back taxes before you bad mouth someone about a bad check at a store you do not own. and who are you to bring up other peoples personal bills. Before you dig up dirt on other people make sure you don't want people to dig up your personal things. you F*^&$#ing people make me SICK you people have gone way to far with your lies and bull s**t.
    I DO NOT HAVE TO JUDGE YOU THE LORD WILL KEEP THAT IN MIND.
    THE WATCHMEN

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  28. No lies, the truth hurts doesn't it ? Former selectmen promising to disrupt town meetings, now that is something that makes me sick. As Rodney King said, Why can't we get along. Now you have formed a new group of " The Watchmen" as long as its the truth with documents of facts and not opinions, then I'm sure everyone can respect that. The truth will set you free and please, don't throw God at people as God may not like it.

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  29. I thought this page was to talk about how to get the town back together and its people back together, but has turned out to be a way to spread hate and discontent between our people and town. So now is the time to drop our hatred and pick up our pens and paper and get this town back on the map as a great town. The past is over now. Lets move toward 2012 and beyond this point.

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  30. To Anonymous March 17, 2001 12:46PM
    the quote you are referring to from above:

    "The three former selectmen all said they will continue to attend meetings — and to some degree treat selectmen as they have been treated."
    are you also stating that your own group was disruptive at town meetings?? sure sounds like it and sounds like whats good for the goose is NOT good for the gander??

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  31. The town I care about so much.

    My A--

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  32. This is interesting. The Lord has become a topic of conversation in this argument. May I suggest some reading....."To those who have ears, let them hear"....
    If we're gonna talk with God as the authority, perhaps it's worth seeing what He says about these things.
    And perhaps we should consider the plank in our own eye, before we tell someone about the sliver in theirs.
    I'm certainly not trying to be holier than thou, just suggesting some reading as it relates to this discussion.

    Reference: NIV Study Bible
    1PE 2:1 "Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy,and slander of every kind."
    Lev 19:15 "Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly."
    Lev 19:16 "Do not go about spreading slander among your people."
    Pr 10:18 "He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool."
    2 Co 12:20 "I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder."
    Eph 4:29 "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice."
    Titus 3:2 ...."to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men" (Note it says humility, not humiliation}
    1Co 4:12,13 "when we are persecuted, we endue it, when we are slandered, we answer kindly."

    Please consider these as we move on.

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  33. Please keep the conversation civil!

    To Anon 2:08 : Thank You for the gentle and timely reminders

    Claude

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  34. The former Selectmen have had their say and dammed the folks that found out the problems. Finally, Belecher did admit, it was the Concerned Citizens that exposed the theft and not himself. Wow. We have a great alot to deal with and we need some honest folks with a vision to do right, to take out papers for Selectmen and assist our town. We need to know that the past slate is now clean and Cindy in on her way soon, to The Big House. So, lets all agree, its a new day and a new beginning. No more past tense stuff and what ever the former selectmen do, everyone will need to deal with that accordingly. Just maybe if no one is paying them attention, they will just start to blend in to the community and all this will be just a memory/

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  35. Winners never quit, and quitters never win

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  36. How can you swear like that and address the Lord? We look Foolish enough to the rest of the State do we have to have foolish comments like this? What is wrong with forgive and Forget? Kathy @ Jim lets hear from you. Some of the most educated writers on this Blog. I really enjoy your comments. We have some new people taking out selectmen papers give us your opinion .

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  37. I would vote for Kathy P. Common sense with a great sense of humor. We could use that.

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  38. Don't forget citizens of Newburgh, you need to take out the papers for the 25 signatures, to collect. Dam, today is Friday and the town office won't be manned and open until next Tuesday. Don't we need these hours, changed to serve the community better ? How do we do that ? Is there anyone else in agreement ?

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  39. I have been out of town working at a power plant shutdown this week, I have logged on a couple of times to do some reading and to say I am surprised that the battle lines are still in place would be a stretch.

    It was good to see Jim Cote on the blog, I have not spoken to Jim in many years and even though I had heard he was still in the area a while ago I guess I had forgotten until I saw him at the selectmans meeting last Monday. So Jim I am looking forward to catching up with you soon so I can tell you about my Scott Downes at the Detroit airport story.

    It looks like there are quite a few new people posting, can not be sure since most continue to blind post but new voices are something that good or bad would indicate progress to me.

    I am happy to say that Darren Robinson attended his first selectmans meeting with me last Monday, I was surprised when he asked me if I minded if he rode over with me but extremely pleased that he has shown interest. The way I see it is we all need to encourage the youth of our community to get involved more, let's face it these 30 and under residents started "keyboarding" in 2nd or 3rd grade. When us old farts get a new watch for Christmas or need to change our car clocks twice a year we do not pull out the manual when there is a 30 and under standing nearby or on their way over. We all should make an effort to promote better political balance in town, people with some fresh ideas, a big shot of positive energy, hell we might not even agree with them much but that is the balancing tool that could help heal the community.

    This may sound corny but what if each of us could convince one new person to attend a meeting or get involved somehow, how about the people that never vote (I know many of them in town), can we just try and ask them if they are interested and see what happens.

    Do you think this may be the key to filling some of the committees, boards or other volunteer positions?

    Just a thought, I am looking forward to the feedback.

    Jim Hopkins

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  40. Great positive tone and good insight. Absolutely right on with your message and it echoes the message that The Concerned Citizens of Newburgh have been promoting. Regardless, of what has been said about them, their main objective was to get the citizens out to vote so as a democratic society , the majority rule, as it should be. Its all about the tax payers regaining control where it has been lost for several years. I sincerely believe the only real resistance that has been raised with a continuing badgering is that by the family and friends of the former selectmen and they are only trying to defend their own. So, now that the voters came out and most all want a new direction with new faces, we can move ahead. There may remain a couple of stumbling blocks but time will resolve them. And yes, we do need some new folks coming in and voicing their concerns. I see someone just above in the posting would like to see the town office hours adjusted to meet the citizens needs.
    Good Start, right here Jim, Thanks

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  41. I agree with the post we need better hours to serve our citizens. It is to much time of to have mondays and fridays of. It should be open on Fridays because the end of the week is when the average citizen gets paid. They are in the office but it is closed. If we are paying them to be there we should have services. Let our new town clerk work I am sure she would be happy to earn the extra money. Let us hope that the new selectmen will put there foot down and do this for the citizens. I hope you all know that the selectmens board have the full control of that staff over there that means everyone they are all paid by the hour. I also see a need for a time clock for every employee to clock in and out.

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  42. I also have heard that Mr. Briggs comes and goes as he wants and there are no set hours. This is no way to run a town office, that is for sure. A manned town office and not open to the citizens, now that is unheard of. The citizens and their new board, needs to address this ASAP. It's our tax paying dollars, hard at work. Maybe not hard.... Everyone will have to change their ways now they will be held accountable to report to their new board as it was suppose to have been. That's town government and nothing unusual.

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  43. This will take time, but I think this year you will see some much needed positive changes. Although there has been some changes, its been mostly fun things,(that's what a PR person does, Briggs is not a qualified town manager, he's good at PR, but we need someone to step up and be the treasurer and clerk like the town manager was hired for) those are wonderful when the timing is right, (fun things), but before that we needed changes in other areas. I believe the new select board will now be the governing body as they should be, seeing to the different things that the "taxpayers" want and need. Mike will listen to concerns because he "cares" about the people and will have a more open policy. No more behind closed door operations. Lets work toward helping things get into place. Open, Honesty, Respect, Answers, Belief and BEGINNING to heal together!

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  44. Mentoring young people? Encouraging others to vote? Asking people if they would like to get involved?

    You must be up to something Jim!!!

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  45. I think the town office should be open 20 hours a week and open Thursday and Friday evenings until 7:00, and Saturday morning until 11:00.

    I was in the town office Thursday evening a while back and there were 10 people in line. These are the times the bulk of our citizens can come to the office.

    Many times during the rest of the week there is hardly any business traffic in the office. So why pay to be open? Doesn't make sense to me.

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  46. ditto to anon 11:00 regarding Briggs.

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  47. To those that do not know the Mission Statement of the Fixers it is:
    _______________________________________________

    We believe in the collective wisdom of an informed townspeople. We will work to empower the citizens of Newburgh. We are committed to:
    • Understanding the systemic failures that led to this crisis.
    • Soliciting input.
    • Informing our fellow townspeople.
    • Proposing ordinances, warrant articles that give choice and responsibility back to the townspeople.

    We will not abdicate our responsibilities as Newburgh citizens again.
    _______________________________________________

    I know it's a bit idealistic, nevertheless it has been our goal.
    Nice to hear other people with similar ideas/goals.

    There is a lot of inertia to the old ways, and it will take a while to evolve to the point where the legislative branch of town government (the voters) is integrated into the management
    of the town. However the first steps have finally been achieved, let us work to nurture it.

    Claude

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  48. This A.M.(Friday) while someone was dropping off their child, they noticed Mr. Briggs and Stanley (Skip) Smith at the office. They had a question, but no one answers the door.

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  49. Will someone notify Mike Burns of what the prior poster said about Skip Smith in the town office with the acting town manager today, (Friday) when the office is closed to the rest of us, tax payers . Will it never end. Does anyone else see the problem, here ?

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  50. I have always felt Friday was the most important day to have the office open.

    Pick 2 other week days but it has to be open Friday (payday)

    Run another poll and see what the people want. M-F rank the days 1-5 with 1 being the most desirable day 2 second most desirable day etc.

    Keep in mind every half day means we will be asking people to drive in and have the same cost as working a full day, let's try and be fair and reasonable with our staff too.

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  51. Everyone needs to know who the above poster is ?
    You sound like your involved, are you in the town office, now ? I mean an employee ? Will you notify Mike Burns, please ? an unauthorized poll offers little value as it needs to be sanctioned by the powers to be. We need Mike Burns to get a handle on this, now. Could it be called abuse of power, that was ?
    Or is it a privdged benefit without regards to the rest of our citizens ?

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  52. Who is responsible to police these things ? If Briggs cannot abide by policy and procedure , to treat all tax payers with equal respect and allow them to use the facilities
    as needed than, he needs to step down. This is a slap in the face of all tax payers except Skip Smith of course. No one else can obtain entrance of Friday, they must wait until next Tuesday. Unbelievable.

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  53. Now, that makes me mad as hell.

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  54. Hey fixers, Fix the above problem for us, will you ?

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  55. Has anyone else decided to run for the open seats? It is time to move on. I am hoping for someone not directly a follower of either side but a few who have some sort of business background and just plain common sense about budgets and taxes etc.

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  56. If you are all so smart on this blog why dont some of you fill the selectmen seats. Skip said you just go up once a week and sign the warrant and collect your check. Marty at Neallys store will be glad to fill in any stores about the Belcher checks. They are not second party checks. They are personal and the Belchers have not made them good. We had better be more careful about our new selectmens finances oh that is right Belcher was in the money as long as Cindy and Nancy were in the office go figure does this look funny at best?

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  57. The Concerned Citzens Of Newburgh, The Fixers,(New) The Watchmen, our only Selectman Mike Burns, Lois Libby and average tax payer. Several of the above posts are waiting on replies, and someone needs to address them, to what degree is not as important as just letting people know that the town cares and will look into the matter and hopefully respond within a reasonable amount of time on the post questions.

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  58. Hmmmm. Are these fixers holing some sort of power that I'm not aware of? I understand Mr. Burns holds a selectman's seat, and perhaps they may have people to fill the vacant seats, which is fine. However, I don't believe I want some fixed group of people governing me, like everything they believe is what I have to believe. And a reminder to the slander: people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. (to those with ears to hear..." let he who is without sin cast the first stone.")

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  59. OMG, God back into Politics. Please keep Religion and state, separate. We lost many lives to do this.
    If one does not understand or have the know how to accomplish they refer on to the ones who may know.
    No one suggested that they do, only reply to questions as they may know how or know the right party to get an answer from, and to acknowledge the bloggers. Why try to classify the Fixers, if it were not for them, you may still have Cindy. The Fixers, as it has been told over and over, only want the people to rule and vote. If this is not your desire than you have the opportunity to always move to a dictatorship, elsewhere. We are for a democratic society. Apparently , with your attitude and narrow mind you will never move on so.......

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  60. I agree, no one who is not guilty , is not afraid of someone looking over their shoulder once in a while, if its a group or individual, who care's, if everything is on the up and up.
    The more that audit and take an interest, the better our community. I bet that past comment was a relative of, who was.

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  61. Hi,Skip here. I didn't leave my house until 2pm yesterday and then it was to ride to Knox. I haven't been in or near the town office since Mon. night to attend the selectmen's meeting. Nor have I talked to or seen Rick since last Saturday's town meeting. I am a happily retired selectman so please get the facts straight before you start anonymously posting rumors about me

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  62. Would the poster that posted the comment, please explain ?

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  63. See the post dated March 18 @ 3:14 pm

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  64. I posted the message about seeing S. Smith at the town office Friday because there was a blue van parked up by the door, it was there in the morning when I was dropping off kids at the Penquis Cap along with R. Briggs vehicle. I assumed it was Smiths as it looked like the one I've seen now and then over the past 6 months that belonged to S. Smith. If I was mistaken, I apologize. I guess assuming without actually seeing Smith was something I need to not do.(think my wife has told me something about that before) Again, sorry to S. Smith.

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  65. Now, there is what is really important, someone stepping up to admit a mistake. Thank you poster for posting this as it is so very important to this blog's, creditability. This is really other than word of month, our only way to be informed and stay informed since our town thought it was alright to send out " opinion's " without offering point and counterpoint. Our town newsletter needs to be facts. Poster, you did bring up something here, that we do need Friday hours for our town office. Currently, it is not working for the tax payers, isn't it suppose to ?

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  66. I noticed the town's web site still doesn't list Mike Burns as our only Selectman with 2 open seats ? Should it not be updated by now ?

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  67. Kathy P. I have been thinking and I would be comfortable with a person such as your self
    being on our selectmen board. You are said you work from home, so if you could offer some of your time to assist your community I think we would all be grateful. It certainly doesn't take a genius only someone with a honest approach to do the best job that they can.
    follow procedures and treat all citizens with respect. In your case, we will add some humor.
    What about it ? Time is flying so its time to act as there are 2 seats available and we need both seats, to be filled. Homer

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  68. Mike Burns is a town Selectman, Why don't he FIX IT HIMSELF AS HE IS A FIXER ?????

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  69. So that whole story about Skip Smith and Rick Briggs being seen behind a locked door at the town office is a lie?........ This is why I write. The lies and slander are driving people away, which is what I believe is the intent. You are continuing to expose yourselves for who you really are by posting a letter like that, and I see you're still not willing to sign your name to letters like that..........the apology is kind of after the fact, the damage was done...kind of like what was said second hand at the town meeting in regards to why we should have cut the first responder's budget.
    In regards to the "watchmen", I'm not real comfortable with the use of that name, whoever you are. It kind of belittles the name.
    I continue to have a problem with the anonymous slams. Jim Cote Newburgh, Maine

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  70. Mr.Cote, it was NOT a lie. I saw a blue van parked at the school Friday morning. It was parked where S. Smith always parks his van, right beside the door. I did not intend to make this into some big issue, just that a lot of people have tried to go to the office on Fridays when Briggs / Lois and the treasurer are there only to be turned away. (myself being one) I now realize with the new change things will eventually be a lot different. Let's give it time.
    I did apologize for my assumption and felt it necessary for me to do so. I apologized to Skip because I see he wrote here. I have not been involved with the concerned citizens although I do seriously believe they have done exceptionally good work in all of this. If it had not been for the 5 or so that started the group, we would not have come this far. Cindy would still be in the office.
    Before you continue on your way, sit down with them and understand how / why and what they had / are working on.
    I don't know who anyone here is including the "watchman". I did see where someone posted that people writing anonymous could just take a screen name for this blog. Maybe that is what the watchman did as I saw one signed Homer also. Again it was my feeling that I wanted to apologize and I did.

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  71. No Jim, it was not a lie. you address an assumption. In the posters follow up he said, potential. so, he did not fabricate it, which would be a lie. I would like to add that Skip did come out and deny that it was him but you didn't refer to his statement so it appears you have already decided and are moving full force ahead as if Skip's comment was gospel. Today, there is no way to prove it or not but we, are all assuming that it is true. Can't you grasp the big picture here ? I for one make no judgement call but I do respect the poster for coming forward and Skip for his answer.There has been so many lie's that have emitted from our town office, I can see where you may have run into trouble. Hopefully, we are going to be above that. The idea behind Anonymous has been stated over and over with the bottom line , it is a very useful tool. Its a freedom of choice rather to view it or not. I see it has a helpful tool as all one has to remember 9 family members of one family working for the town. So, it allows one to continue to move freely without being scolded or dammed.
    No Jim, nothing is driving folks away, you came to the blog, didn't you? More of our community are coming together as they have listened and analyzed the proof and facts and can indeed see the big picture and have a vision for truth, justice and the American way. The apology was after the fact ? Are you kidding me, when does one apologize, before they say something ? Jim, please take some time and revisit your thoughts before you take them to print ? Can I hear an apology here ? The Watchmen, kind of belittles the name ? Again who cares, what is in a name. Sort of referring you may not like a person's name. Doesn't make any sense. What they do, does. I don't care who they are as long as they are looking out for our community in a positive way such as The Concerned Citizens have. We all own them a great deal of gratitude. Without them, where would we be ? Cindy and Nancy would still be there and the Selectmen would not have had to addressed, anything. Jim, there is also a big difference between an assumption and a slam and unless you want to advance your understanding you cannot move ahead. That is not a slam it is only an obversation from your writings. Bottom line is we all are in a much better time than we have been for a very long time. Homer.

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  72. This is Homer , sorry but I am not a member of any group, gang, brotherhood and such. Just one individaul trying to make my single vote count when it is necessary and to do the right thing. I haven't had my computer for very long so am still trying to get use to it. From all I have read and seen, Newburgh is going in a positive direction now, and it seems to be that folks need to get on board to assist and that includes you too, Jim. No right or wrong just a desire to assist in doing the right thing or in some cases, to do the will of the people. Homer

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  73. I still see lies and rumors going around about the ex-selectman. They are not in office any more, so it seems to be that a certain group of people can't get past it. How about instead of putting all that effort in the wrong direction, we start by getting the two selectmen seats filled with people who will not beat that dead horse any more, the thing is dead already, Enough.
    These few people seem to only wanting to start trouble in town, so how is that fixing anything.
    Let's all look in our own mirror at ourselves.
    P.S. The name (The Watchmen) is not meant to belittle or intimidate any one. It is just another set of eyes to pay attention to matters, nothing more nothing less.
    The Watchmen

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  74. I agree Homer!! Let's try to have a positive outlook and make things happen! If we don't know, let's ask someone who does!
    Be honest - trustworthy - helpful - and understanding country folks. We can do it together!
    Let's work hard! Burger

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  75. OK .To write accusations about Skip and Briggs anonymously and apologize, anonymously. after you "found out the truth", and to continue writing anonymously is what bothers me. Show a spine and sign your name if you're going to post those accusations. This is my last letter on this blog. Very few people in here are willing to stand behind what they say by signing their name.I appreciate Kathy P. and Skip and anyone else willing to sign their name to their letters. Anonymous letters carry no weight and have no merit, in my opinion. Show some guts. I'm gone. Bash all you want. Jim Cote Newburgh, Maine

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  76. Could someone please explain to me just what the Fixers or the Watchmen or any other group have fixed in this town to date ? I thought it was the existing town staff that helped get us thru the Cindy problem and budget problems.

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  77. Jim, you yourself carry this on, to far. Only once someone made an assumption and apologized. Which is creditable , in doing so. To scream lack of spine ,gutless and your out of here is really crying for some type of emotional and anger issues. The things that I have read about Briggs have been verified by facts, the same with Skip as the only things beside his derelict of duty was his performance at town meetings and his decision not to abide by the bid process. I think you will be surprising pleased after the dust settles. Keep in mind that the voter's spoke their will, for moving on with new faces and direction.
    To the other poster about what the fixer's have done. If you read the other blogs and Newspaper, News on TV, and Belcher finally admitting in print that it was The Concerned Citizens that are dammed. This was because they are the ones who really exposed the thefts and lack of competence at the town office. This is backed up by the former auditor who kept claiming to blind eyes for several years. We almost have a clean slate now and I believe that most citizens are looking to the day that Cindy get her punishment for stealing the tax payer's money. This all has been said over and over . We need to address finding some new faces for our town government. For anyone who is thinking, it should be a great challenge and rewarding to move us in a positive direction. We should have 5 seats but for some obvious reason, the town manager delayed the process so we have to wait until 2012. 5 board members and good discussions, it can't get better than that for us, all.

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  78. How about some positive out-look today! Let's list what we feel we want or feel we need changed eventually. This will come about within the next year or so, not immediately.
    1. I feel we need to change the town office hours. What do you feel we need for hours?

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  79. Hey there poster, I'm always positve. I have to say, I do hope that the new Selectmen will change the town office hours to be more in line with the communities needs. Maybe 4 hours on Friday's 2 to 6 and 3 hours on Saturday 8 to 11.
    Wednesday's off ----Monday Am, Tuesday PM
    Thursday 1/2 way between each AM and PM. How is that ? As it is, what does the office do ? We only have so many registrations and dog license's to handle. I for one just cannot understand all the manpower in the office and being closed. Homer

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  80. Hi Homer,
    The town voted a few years ago to cut hours at the town office to save money

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  81. Yes, but in their wisdom I don't believe they had any idea that it would reduce the days open only the hours. In addition I don't believe anyone ever considered adding additional staff. The hours of actual operation to serve the citizens, are not conducive to our citizens needs. They are actually the desire of the acting town manager, who implemented them without seeking any advise or guidance from the tax payer, who some folks actually forget ,pay the bills.
    Someday, soon I hope, the tax payer will be asked first regarding these issues not after or having to suffer the conquensence, of bad and improper decisions. Homer

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  82. Good for you Homer, to say it like it really is.
    Maybe, when Briggs contract / agreement is up in April, you should consider applying for the Admin Assistant. ( new title)Of course, a background check will be necessary and not overlooked from now on as it was to have been an in-placed policy but again, overlooked for a former classmate of Belchers. We certainly need folks that are and willing to be subject to the citizens needs and not their own, desires. I am looking forward to our, New Town Government.

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  83. In reply to the positive out look for the day. Isn't the snow beautiful. Yes, I like the new, clean, white look. Change is good!
    Anyway what do you think of the .50 cents per sheet for any thing you'd like a copy of from our office? 1. We already pay their salaries, correct? 2. We have already paid for the copy machine / paper and ink, correct? Now by having to pay fifty cents for each copy, aren't we paying a 2nd time? Like to know what people think of this!

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  84. To the poster who thought they saw Skip's van at the town office last Friday and to Jim Cota. The jury is still out of this as another has indicated that they too thought it was Skip's van parked in the handicap area and it was of the same color and model as Skip's. So, there you go, for consideration. Of course, it may not have been however, it does show how someone could make a honest mistake, if indeed it was, a mistake. Skip says it isn't so, so we must take him at his word unless someone has definite proof and that would be sad. For we only need , honest people as our past and present , trusted town public officials.

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  85. Are you telling the readers that our town is charging us, the tax payer $.50 for a copy ? I don't believe our citizens sanctioned this type of over charge. Is this some type of in-house rip off , again ? Who's idea was this, Briggs ? The voters need to come together to address this as it is absolutely wrong.

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  86. Seems like double jeopardy and to charge the citizen would almost certainly require voter approval. Citizens charging citizens for something that the voter has already paid for ? Who is responsible for this seemly irrational decision to continue to irritate the community as a whole. This definitely needs to be address and someone needs to be brought to task for this. Petty cash for the pocket, is what is stinks of. Screwing the tax payer, yet once again. Come on community we need to make this stop at once.

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  87. The selectmen voted on it at a meeting to have copies .10 cents a sheet. Ricky Briggs changed it to .50 cents as soon as he came in as town manager. I think now with the new select board these kind of things will change!!

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  88. I was at town office today and saw a citizen pay $16.00 for a bunch of papers. I was waiting to do my business and heard the exchange. So yes they charge .50 a sheet.

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  89. Now, I find that absolutely deplorable. Even 10 cents per copy exceed value. $.50 is outrageous and we need the selectmen and or the voters maybe in conjunction with one another , to investigate and resolve this. Briggs did this , on what authority ? This is for the voters and tax payers to determine not Napoleon from Hampden. Why has he been allowed to get away with this ? How much has he collected and where has it gone ? Is this another , Newburgh Varity Store benefit box scenario ? The funds should be going back to the tax payers if anything but it should not be charged , there is no justification for such an act against the community. Just totally Outrageous and it continues on until the community puts a stop to it. Its up to " The People" not Briggs.

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  90. Excuse me, I'm told he is not from Hampden, he just lives there, for the time being.

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  91. I see several new people are on board and that is good. It is good for discussion and good for the community. A new direction seems to be in order and appears to have been wanted and needed for some time. It seems that neighbors have finally agreed to agree. Homer

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  92. To the posters who "saw" Skip's van at the town office Friday AM..perhaps you should have then driven next door and then seen HIS van in his OWN driveway!!

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  93. Please put Skip to rest. He did his time now let his life get back to normal thanks.

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  94. I hear that there is a petition to change back from five to three selectmen is this true?

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  95. It is hard to understand some folks. The posters as I read it, said it was a coincidence that the same make, color , model was parked in the handicap space, that is all. A coincidence and one offered a apology. Why belabored this ? coincidence is all and Skip said it was not his Van so, that was accepted. End of story. I guess another saw and thought the same but Skip has denied it so it must of been someone's else's van. Suggesting people go next door and intrude on Skip, is pure stupidly and ridiculous to even suggest. Moving on. No we need the 5 person board so that a balance is established. Other towns have mostly adopted the 5 person board and are very satisfied that they did. After what has taken place here in our community, to contemplate such a thing doesn't make any sense. We want to stay in this century and proceed accordingly. Neighbors have agreed to agree and that is a major step forward and the pieces will now, fall into place and benefit our entire community. I have called other nearby towns and all agree with the 5 person board that it is and has been a necessity for quite a few years. We should be following the lead of another poster about the town office hours that the citizens need and desire to make their lives run more smoothly. This is the discussion that needs to take place, now.

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  96. 5 selectmen are not needed in a town this size with the office hours we have if you have 2-3 GOOD selectmen.

    Regardless we need to shorten the terms to 2 years.

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  97. I always remember this about cars that look alike?

    Mona Lisa Vito: No, there's more! You see? When the left tire mark goes up on the curb and the right tire mark stays flat and even? Well, the '64 Skylark had a solid rear axle, so when the left tire would go up on the curb, the right tire would tilt out and ride along its edge. But that didn't happen here. The tire mark stayed flat and even. This car had an independent rear suspension. Now, in the '60's, there were only two other cars made in America that had positraction, and independent rear suspension, and enough power to make these marks. One was the Corvette, which could never be confused with the Buick Skylark. The other had the same body length, height, width, weight, wheel base, and wheel track as the '64 Skylark, and that was the 1963 Pontiac Tempest.
    Vinny Gambini: And because both cars were made by GM, were both cars available in metallic mint green paint?
    Mona Lisa Vito: They were!


    Sincerely
    Judge Chamberlain Haller

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  98. LOL that is pretty funny, so what are you driving Skip a 64 Skylark or a 63 Tempest?

    Gerry Gallow

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  99. Regarding the TOWN OF NEWBURGH copy costs, I can see this aggravates others, we are still dealing with this pissy issue so let's get it out on the table again.

    I just pulled our copier invoices to try and take a look at actual cost per copy. We have a state of the art machine it does color or B&W with scanning abilities it is a Konica Minolta BIZHUB C253 PRINTER/COPIER. I believe it is comparable to what the town uses.

    Our fixed cost are the lease, and maint agreement with the lease being $107/month and the maint agreement for a per copy price of one cent per BW and 7 cents per color copy (this includes all repairs and toner). We are a small office and we average 700 BW copies a month and 300 color copies. So 70% of our lease would be BW or around 11 cents a copy and color 9 cents a copy.

    Paper costs us under 1/2 a cent a sheet of 8 1/2 x 11 paper.

    B&W per copy costs .11 + .01 + .005 = 12.5/cents/copy

    Color per copy costs .09 + .07 + .005 = 16.5/cents/copy

    I did not figure labor into our per copy price since I will be paying associates if they are copying on not. I do not know for sure what the power consumption is per copy but I can find out if needed, I suspect from discussions in the past it is less than a penny a copy.

    I asked at a selectmen's meeting last month if copying was a revenue stream for the town and was told no it was not, but it appears it may still be from these previous posts.

    So now you have a real cost to work with let the per copy charge and what type of business is chargeable discussion begin, I am looking forward to others thoughts because this tiny aggravating and annoying issue really pins the tail on my donkey and does not seem to be fixed.

    Jim Hopkins

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  100. Is Briggs buying the refreshments with the copy cost money?

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  101. Following is a letter sent to Mr. Briggs on No response has been received yet.

    February 11, 2011

    Claude Bolduc
    2007 Carmel Road North
    Newburgh, Maine 04444

    Mr. Ricky Briggs
    2660 Western Ave.
    Newburgh, Maine 04401

    Dear Mr. Briggs

    This letter is to request that the copier cost for Freedom of Information (FOAA) demands be adjusted to a reasonable amount. Previous cost estimates given to you showed cost ranging from .02 to .10 per copy. These were not satisfactory to you, If I understand you correctly you believe that the direct costs(see attachment #1,2,3) to the town of making copies is 5 times greater then the national survey of school districts figures. To satisfy your demands following is the cost estimates for the town copier.

    The copier fee of .10 per page was voted in last summer by the selectmen. Shortly after your arrival to the town office the fee was raised to .50 per page. This action was not taken by the Selectmen; it must have been initiated by either you or Ms. Libby overriding the Selectmen’s vote. Regardless, this fee exceeds the copier fee allowed under the FOAA.

    Using the specifications of the town machine (Zerox Workcenter 5225)(attachment #5) the costs were calculated)(attachment #6,7). As to be expected they are not substantially different from other surveys previously provided. The first page cost .0515, subsequent pages cost .0175.

    Please adjust the copier prices for FOAA request to reflect the town’s direct cost.

    Seeing that this issue may escalate I would appreciate a signed response in letter format.


    Sincerely,


    Claude Bolduc

    Costs per sheet breakdown

    Consumables (includes shipping) Cost____number of pages____cost per page
    Toner $190 30000 0.0063
    Paper $35 5000 0.0070
    Drum Cartridge $200 50000 0.0040

    cost per page 0.0173

    Electrical costs
    Power Consumption Operational 615W
    WorkCentre 5225 Pages per minute 25
    Runtime @ 615W (seconds) 60/25 2.4
    Cost per KWh 17.3985

    Cost per page 615/1000*2.4/60/60*17.3985 0.0071


    The cost of the first page for warm up is : 0.034


    Total cost of first page 0.0515
    Total cost subsequent page(s) 0.0175

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  102. Jim: Great research and investigation, thank you. I for one do not understand this type of reasoning and behavior toward our towns citizens by our town office. I do remember requesting from Lois sometime ago , a copy of something that I wanted to retain a copy for and she said there was no problem and provided me with a copy at no charge. Of course, to be honest I didn't offer and she didn't ask, so payment was not mentioned. This leads me to believe that this idea was instituted by Mr. Briggs, himself. We do know, he made up the office hours for when the public could be served. Convenient time for him without regards to the town's citizens which is why it should of gone to the voters. He does his town business in Hampden so he doesn't have to worry. Many have complained , to no avail. I certainly can understand closing on a weekday and shorten up the hours but......we have added hours and added clerks , these hours are not for operation only for office staff to be there. Why, no one knows. There are only so many registrations and dog licenses to issue and the rest of the time must be spent reading books or playing on the internet as it is not, assisting its citizens. We need to be bringing this to the selectmen to resolve or selectman as it is. Imagine some poster believing a 3 member board is fine after all that we just went through with a 3 member board that proved without a shadow of doubt that it only took 2 to usher in policy that was not well thought out. Elimination of the bid process because one of the selectmen, liked Kendall and he said that. So many municipal statue violations that Newburgh if cited , would of taken a lot more of our tax money, for resolving. No one has mention if we, as a town will be getting fined for tax violations for not reporting the Cindy Dunton event correctly on the tax forms to the state, fica and social security. No 1099's were filed either for her or her husband. Could be a big penalty coming down the road, and someone had the audacity to suggest we go backward , to a 3 member board without balance to offset, lapse of positive thinking . Towns are moving forward these days not returning to the old days when mistakes ran rampart and embezzlement happens, Control and balance with citizen involvement can keep Newburgh respecting and taking care of its citizens through proper town government, policy and procedures which will need to be put in place as soon as we can. My belief is, a few more steps and we will be on the mend. Again thank you Jim for thinking of your community and please continue on with your thoughts and advise. Most of us, are listening.

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  103. I thought there were laws in effect regarding Freedom of information ? What our town is not following the law ? Imagine that

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  104. Mike Burns, I know your new to The Board however, Briggs has to report to you so move ahead with your adminstration and get our town office in order. It's on your shoulders, now.

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  105. Yes let's move ahead the people have voted - we want a 5 selectmen board obviously three did not work people. The town manager concept did not work how can anyone say it did. Time to move on. On another note it is quite maddening to drive to the town office on a Monday or Friday and see the workers but they won't let you in to do your town business - what the heck. I say go Mike we are glad to have you.

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  106. I loved that Movie, those Jersey people do taaalk like dhatttt!

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  107. Does anyone know if Cindy Dunton has returned from her vacation yet ? Sooner or later her attorney will have to have her in court. Has anyone spoke to Chris Almy or his office lately ? If so, please fill us in. Thanks

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  108. I called the DA's office yesterday and was told that there was nothing on the court docket at this time. Since the dispositional court date was postponed that affected the April 14 court date. So she won't be in court in April either.
    The wheels of justice often times run slow. Will try to keep you up on what we know.

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  109. Chris: We really appreciate how you try to keep us up to date. Without your dedication and community commitment, we would all be in the dark about many things. I think you, Kathy Perin and Jim Hopkins all could run for the board of Selectmen and Vic B who use to post. We need good people who can help guide our community not to try to run our town like a dictatorship. It's all about, We the People. Its hard to stay informed when no one will tell you or ask you things. We have to ask family and friends of past members to give it some time and allow, new blood to come in with a new set of eyes and vision for the community.
    Its time to move away from the relative group even though there may be some good people, our community , right now needs a new direction with accountability that had been lacking, responsibility and Administrative Assistance with grant writing experience, verifiable, this time. What public officials need to realize that once in public, people can and will scrutinize you and well they should as that is what a public official is, public. In our case, it is also "trusted" we put our faith in them to guide our community to a prosper end with protecting the tax payer which makes it so important to put the right folks into office. This also is why we need 5 board members , to balance and to offer. Orrington and Winterport both went from 3 to 5 and are very pleased as they both had unpleasant experience for years with only 3 and finally went on to 5 and both towns are doing very well. The yearly audit reports are gone over with a fine tooth comb and acted upon , if recommended. No hidden agenda's, great transparency so the town can see how they are doing at all times. We desperately need to get on board as soon as possible with full transparency in our town government. The only way that this can be done, is to vote the right people in. We all need to vote with our noggins, from now on as it could have a devastating effect if we were to get it, wrong. Onward and upward as Newburgh can bounce back all we need is the right guidance.

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  110. Can any one tell me who is running for Board of Selectmen and what their agenda is , if none than what their principal's are and what they are offering, to be elected, to our community ? Its very important that they believe in a democratic form of government and the will of the people which includes , transparency, all the way from top to bottom, to the voters. Thank you, Homer

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  111. Yes, I would like to know that also. I'm sick and tire of my town trying to over charge for making me a copy of something, of paying folks to sit around when the office is not open to the community, to run up the town lawyers bill without advising the community, of not trying to collect from " The Dunton's" we were paid with stolen funds, we need to reverse the taxes and take their property as they are laughing all the way to the bank, with not paying their current taxes and collecting rent for the other house. Someone is not to apt on this aand not paying attention. This is a great resourse to Newburgh if acted upon, now before someone forecloses on the property and we lose out as there is no equity for a 3rd place lienholder and a worthless IOU. Beaupain did not represent Newburgh to the best of his ability as his oath states. Anyone with a sense of how the legal community works knows that Beaupain gave lip service and what he did for the thousands of dollars in fee's was to shuffle a few papers and convince the 3 prior selectmen, that he was doing all he could. This is not true and Beaupain should be held accountable for his in action. Our office needs help with folks that can see and act upon the big picture with common sense and really be our town, guardians. God help us, if we get this wrong, again. Homer

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  112. http://sor.informe.org/cgi-bin/sor/step3.pl?id=2625&search=2&city=NEWBURGH&limiter=

    Copy and paste the above url to go to the State of Maine Sex Offenders Registry and see who is going door to door getting signatures for new petitions. It does speak volumes about whomever is putting out these petitions. Nice face to have! Be careful people.

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  113. Goes along with everything else, sort of.
    Briggs bankruptsy just before appointment here. Belcher's law suits in Newport Court, etc. Must of been a hell of a class they were in, together.
    Don't steal and get caught, steal and use the system. Principal's are all but gone.

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  114. Your sure that the town doesn't want to rename the Severance Road , McClain Blvd, now ? Did they not want to do that in lieu of paying back " The Tapley's ?

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  115. OMG, was it with his own kids ? I don't think it is wise for him to be contacting, our community. Who in the world would of asked him to do this and why ? Something is not right here, folks.

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  116. Thieves....a bankrupt manager....law suit defendant....now a sex offender going door to door with petitions to reverse what the GOOD citizens already voted in. It will be more than interesting to see exactly who the people are signing these new petitions....will speak volumes about them! What next for Newburgh???

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  117. WOW. I just went to the Maine sex offender registry and your right, this is the person who knocked on my door this morning on the Kennebec Road. I have seen him at the Town Office several times. What about the Pre-school that is there? Who in their right mind would have a registered sex offender out getting signatures for petitions? And he told us a bunch of bull about what the petitions were for, he is not telling the truth or he doesn't know what he's saying, he's making people believe that the recall petition he is circulating is to re-do it, when it is to stop it! Where do we go people? Newburgh needs HELP.

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  118. Residents of Newburgh: Please do not sign this so-called petition that Mr. Jeff McClain is bringing about. Something is mighty wrong.
    Any questions please contact any law enforcement agency, at once.

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  119. If this sex offender didn't compose these petitions himself.... To Whomever did... ARE YOU COMPLETELY OUT OF YOUR FREAKIN' MIND????? You are putting every citizen with children at risk in Newburgh. Great way for him to scope out what is what.... He has a big playground to play on now!!!! I have no idea how many people actually read this, but I am hoping, for the children, that word flies around town about this horrendous act.

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  120. The place to go for the truth is here on this blog and if there are further questions, go to the new Selectman, Mike Burns, and to any of the 'Fixers'. When the petitions come back to the town office, they should be photo copied and put in this blog so we can see exactly who signed them. Is McLain the only person circulating these petitions? Did he compose these petitions? Rick Briggs and Lois both knew beforehand that these petitions were being acted upon. Did Lois know that a sex offender was going to go from home to home in her town asking for signatures? Is McLain a citizen of Newburgh? His file says Dixmont. Did Rick Briggs know that a sex offender was going to go home to home in Newburgh with petitions? If anyone out there knows who composed these petitions and who assigned McLain to get signatures on them, please step up and let us all know....for we need to know who these people are!!!!! This desparate attempt to 'take back the town' and their selection of who is doing it for them paints a great picture of what kind of people they are.

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  121. Seriously, I think we need to have the authorities investigate this ASAP, Something is wrong here and we need it, exposed.

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  122. Just when you don't think it can get any worse, some folks will show you that it can...What kind of people are you, who are doing this.

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  123. This cannot be true. What has our town come to. How can our town officals let this go on are yoyu saying Briggs and Lois knew about this sex offender and let them go to every house in this town. we as tax payers were assured that there was no way that sex offenders would be at our town office what a lie.

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  124. It appears that the web sites shows 4 offenses against children ? Some his own. What in hell is going on, out here. Yes, The Town Office is also a school and as such, he is not allowed there. Yes indeed, who ever has concern, needs to call Law Enforcement on this before something happens.THIS MAY BE SOME TYPE OF PLAN ?

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  125. I'm hoping this is all just a BAD JOKE! Please tell me this isn't happening in our small town. I just moved here with my husband and children and am not feeling to comfortable hearing all this about the officials in our town office. Why would anyone circulate 3 of the same petitions the taxpayers of our town just got voted in? What good is a petition and vote by the majority of the people if it can be reversed before its put into affect?

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  126. Anonymous said...
    http://sor.informe.org/cgi-bin/sor/step3.pl?id=2625&search=2&city=NEWBURGH&limiter=

    Copy and paste the above url to go to the State of Maine Sex Offenders Registry and see who is going door to door getting signatures for new petitions. It does speak volumes about whomever is putting out these petitions. Nice face to have! Be careful people.

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  127. Can anyone explain what the 3 recent petitions prove? What the purpose of them are? I really don't understand it. I don't see who in their right mind would not give the 5 select board a try, 3/4th of Maine has gone to this and have found it to be much better. We are currently putting in all 3 new selectmen and someone thinks we DON'T need a recall ordinance? SERIOUSLY??? What town do you know doesn't have a recall? Giving the select board more say with an administrative assistant is what is needed, that way 4 people decide on things, not just an individual or board over the manager. I need to know who initiated this. Hmmmmm I bet they have no idea how a town runs or what is needed. Thanks!

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  128. This Mclain is running for a selectmens position. Lois said he took out papers. what kind of town is this? please voice your opinion.

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  129. you do not want a recall ordinance but you let sex offenders run for selectmen glad I do not live in that town.

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  130. Basicly the three new petition are about people that have run the town for a long time who don't want to give up control. Anything that gives more contol to the people is a threat to them.

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  131. The town office is sort of a reverse halfway house. It's a place you go and have your last chance to get your act together or you go to jail. ; )
    (you do get to collect $200 on the way however)

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  132. It was a 1/2 house alright, half way between bankruptcy and the actual crime of THEFT. No way you cut it, it represents the same thing and our town office obviously condoned, it.

    Who in their right mind would give this sex offender papers to run for a seat, anywhere ? Does his parol officer know about this and his being in Newburgh plus going and contacting a school. Something is not right here > Yes somebody needs to be checking this issue out before it becomes an event. Better Hurry, so it seems.

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  133. Isn't this the town where Nancy Hatch ended up ?
    The voters want the same as Newburgh, Imagine that. Votes are the way to make sure that you get your town needs and wants, addressed.

    Concerned Citizens of Clifton
    When it comes to Clifton citizens unhappy with government, the tea party isn’t the only thing brewing. Our meetings will be open format following the general principles established by the Tea Party Patriots.

    A slew of hyper-local government watchdog and advocacy groups have popped up in Maine — formed by residents fed up with how tax dollars are spent and with elected officials they believe do not listen.

    CCC’s mission said Lorin LeCleire, a founding member, is to inform people how their tax dollars are being spent. The group came together when they felt that the small board “was doing things under the table” LeCleire said.

    The group is pushing for more transparent information, publishing of notices, a website and easier access to public documents.

    Concern over how dollars are spent also spawned the Concerned Citizens of Clifton.
    “Like everyone else, we see escalating property taxes and a lack of transparency in how things are handled,” said LeCleire, a founding member. “We want more transparency in the municipal government and accountability.” “We try to be the voice of people in town.”

    The group is intended to be progressive with a mission to "promote ethics and accountability in government and public life by targeting government officials - regardless of party affiliation - who sacrifice the common good to special interests." CCC will advance its mission by engaging in public advocacy, public discussions, creating a shadow board to review events, Freedom of Information Act requests, media outreach and official complaints to government agencies such as the Maine Municipal Association and Attorney General’s Office if warranted.

    We commend anyone who offers to serve in an elected position; in fact we would encourage everyone to get involved serving on a committee or running for a select board or planning board position. As Maine Municipal states in their articles voters are angry, it’s not voter apathy, but the feeling that the deals are already cut and dried and their vote doesn’t matter – we opt to change that view of our town and have everyone involved in the decision making process.

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  134. Corruption doesn't give up easily, does it! No one is coming forward in answers to the questions about who drew up the petitions and who had McLain circulate them....and for sure there are people reading this blog who know all about it! Isn't that more than curious? Why did Buddy and Leona resign? Is it possible that they were just running scared of what was going to be found out about the web of deception going on in the town office for the past few years while they were the powers in charge? These new petitions are going to prove out to be a good thing...in the long run. The only purpose for them could be that a refreshed (lol) bunch of the 'good ole boys' want to get control of all our money again. I keep seeing Buddy or Rick (can't remember which one) on tv stating that Newburgh was in better shape this year than it had been for a good long time. Duh! Doesn't take a genius to figure out that our new Selectman, Mike Burns, and the Fixers scared the hell out of them and turned it around. Keep supporting Mike and the Fixers, and you will end up with a wonderful little town in which to bring up your children. Isn't it logical that Cindy's embezzlement was way too big to go unnoticed by all the selectmen in office and had to be found out by a group of just a few citizens???? That, in itself, tells you the whole story! Mike and the Fixers wanted a board of five selectmen. Why? Simply, so this atrocity could never happen again! They are willing to 'police' themselves! The someones who are circulating this petition don't want to be policed....they want to work for themselves, not for the People! Come on now, tell us who drew up these new circulating petitions and appointed a sex offender to get signatures, I dare you! And...is it really true that this sex offender is running to fill a selectman seat, or is this just a rumor??

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  135. I hope if the sex offender is really running for the position of selectman that someone is standing there handing out the information to the voters - info that is public knowledge - so we know who he is. I believe he is not allowed on the town office property because there are always children there...WTH people. When I go to that town office I know that things are not as they seem, people shouldn't be so trusting of the workers there. I am hopeful someone will step up and help Mike Burns because this is going to be a difficult term.

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  136. So what it's the fixers fault, if they left well enough alone we would be a little poorer but we would not have a sex offender going door to door?

    I feel sorry for the town and can not wait for the day the entire town office experiences a total 100% rebirth. Pour some disinfectant on the whole mess and clean all the jack asses out so we can start over. If it turns out Lois and or Briggs had anything to do with the new citizens petitions on our time they need to be dismissed immediately, we have had our share of political horseplay in the town office to last a lifetime.

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  137. The Fixers can't be faulted for anything! They have, in actuality, saved the Citizens of Newburgh thousands and thousands of dollars that would, as we speak, be going out the door in graft and corruption as it was before they became involved. Cindy and Nancy and the 'good old boys' would still be there having fun on your penny. Somebody let this sex offender loose on all the residents. Wonder who it was. Who would benefit by not having five selectmen, by not having a recall, and by not having the town manager type of government?

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  138. We all came together as in, We The People and elected Mr. Burns and currently he is the only selectman. Why can't he institute policy change such as hours open verses hours just sitting around ? Why Did the Selectmen that resigned fix it so he couldn't do anything? This was a preplanned set up so nothing can be done ? How absolutely cruel and to deny operational procedures . They resigned together so to screw everyone and everything up . Nice neighbors. All us voters , need to remember this and thank them as well as their fans and family. What an absolute disgrace to our community when we are trying to pull together.
    We must endure more embarrassment until we are one ? Not the right thing to have done to our community.
    PS. I see the sex offender resides in Dixmont at the address of a siding contracter. How interesting.

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  139. He is the siding contractor. Wonder if he will get any work from the Town of Newburgh???? A favor maybe? For the petitions?

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  140. We loose one siding contractor and now another one wants to get in to town politics, their thick as fleas.

    Only thing we have more of is concrete contractors and Smith and Wesson's

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  141. We do indeed have a lot of Smith's and Prescott's. If they are not Leona Smith's relatives they are Lois Libby's. Go figure.
    How about someone running without any agenda, that is honest and wants the best for the community. Please reply and let the readers know who you are.

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  142. to anynymous March 27 411 pm...who are you?

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  143. I heard Steve Burgess was running! He's lived in Newburgh all his life, been a selectman before, honest, good family, would def. want the best for his town. Don't believe he'd have any agenda. Good candidate.

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  144. I have met Steve and yes, he is honest and sincere and willing to do good for his community.
    May be good to have some past experience on board as newer members to the board may need a little guidence,if only , once in awhile. So, yes on STEVE BURGESS . Thank you

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  145. I'm out of the loop but what is this about the diaper sniper living in Newburgh or Dixmont ? He is contacting residents in Newburgh to sign some type of paper for him ? How many children's lives has he ruined ? Why is the town condoning this ? This is beyond belief. We need this investigated. Please residents and readers, help.

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  146. its sad that it takes the diaper sniper to get the town to unite on a subject

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  147. Five qualified sex offenders in Newburgh how do you pick one.

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  148. Unfortunately, they pick you. However, in this case, all one has to do is drive by Belcher's trailer and you may see Jeffrey McClain's black car in the yard for some type of networking session , one would have to assume. Scared the crap out of community, I can tell you that.It seems he uses a Dixmont address but really stays in Newburgh. If someone has put him up to making house calls and going to the school, they do need to be investigated and justice delivered. Let us hope that we can find out the truth for the benefit of the entire community.

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  149. I don't understand how someone living in Dixmont can take any petition or paperwork out and about in Newburgh. Do you have to be a resident of Newburgh to do this? According to the state of Maine's sex offender registry Jeff Mclain lives in Dixmont on the Simpson Corner Road, and this address was verified on 2/24/11...just a month ago. So what's going on? IS there a business on the Severance Road? I've never seen a sign up for auto repair. Can anyone answer these questions?

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  150. Can't answer many of your questions, but I do know you have to be a resident of a town in order to be selectmen.

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  151. So what was the premise of him going to house to house, unescorted ? Who hired or solicited him to do this and for what, outcome ? The community needs to know, this.
    This is something that everyone needs to have investigated and exposed ASAP.

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  152. He's circulating 3 petitions for the following:
    to repeal the change from the town manager plan;
    the increase in the number of selectmen; and
    adoption of the recall ordinance.

    Although he is not telling the truth about the petitions when he presents them to you. He's also been told stuff to repeat about Ricky Briggs that is not true.

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  153. If he was hired to go door to door, spreading lie's and pushing folks to sign forms that contained something other than he was telling folks, then he is actually a door to door salesperson and as such is violating the law on disclosure. This is a crime people and we need to find out who put him up to it.

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  154. Yes, we agree. The person that hired Mr. McClain needs to be investigated and charged, accordingly. This was a terriable thing to do, to our community. What I hear
    1. He was speading lies about the forms and tryng to get people to sign them under false pretence. 2, He was seen at the school while children we there 3. He told one person he was working in Milford, Maine ????
    4. He lives with the lady, wife or girlfriend, I don't know but he isn't living in Dixmont as stated. 5. 4 sexual charges 6. He scared the hell out of our communinty. 7. Someone put him up to do this and needs to be held responsiable.
    We need the Concerned Citizens of Newburgh to get this investigated and resolved. He just would not have done something this stupid, on his own. Who ever hired him to do this, then that person or persons would hire someone to do more than this and that could be " disastrous ".
    Has anyone called the news yet ? Exposure for control.

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  155. If McLain's car is parked at Buddy's house, then that pretty much tells you how he got involved in these new petitions. I just sent the BDN an email to read the latest posts so they would know what is going on in Newburgh.

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  156. Why dont you concerned citizens start with the town office. Lois was seen talking with him alone on tuesday march 22. He started his drive to get this done on friday till monday when the town office was closed so you citizens could not call to find out what was going on with this. It is time you all wake up and figure out Lois libby is behind all of this. When briggs goes so goes lois. I feel she will stop at nothing to keep her face in that office she is taking a bundle in wages out of there. CALL THAT TOWN OFFICE DEMAND ANSWERS

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  157. WHERE ARE you THE FOR THE CHILDREN GROUP NOW?

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  158. If what you are saying is true about Mr. Briggs and Lois being behind the McLain horror, I just can not understand for the life of me how YOUR boy Selectman Mike Burns let this go on RIGHT UNDER HIS NOSE!!! How ironic don't you think? HE surely expected the last board to know every move that was made in the town office, yet he let this happen. Interesting point to ponder, he must not be doing his job, can we call that direlection of duty? Maybe a Recall for his position is in order, he apparently can't keep control over his own office.

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  159. Maybe because YOUR 2 selectmen left Mike all alone to handle all this crap. Mike is alone as selectmen in this town. It is very limited as to what Mike can do as the lone selectman. He is fighting a very up hill battle right now. Keep up the good fight Mike. Most of us don't expect you to fix everything in your first month in office all by yourself. It took more than 10 years to make the mess in this town we don't expect you to fix it in a couple weeks.

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  160. I was going to respond, but there are times when the statement "Don't roll in the mud with the pigs comes in VERY handy"!

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  161. Well said! But...when the pigs get on a roll, it's a good idea to stop them if you can. They should be going after Buddy and Leona, the two who really put Newburgh in great jeopardy....and Rick who closes the doors to transparecy. Those three know what they want, and are afraid of Mike Burns! There is no 'board' now and Mike hasn't been able to make any decisions on his own, and guess what, he can't get any answers from them either...and he was not consulted about the three petitions that were out and about! Mike isn't entertaining a sex offender in a school, either, Lois and Rick are....sounds like you (2 posts up) think that's ok. This is going to be a real cleansing for Newburgh in the end, you will see...and if it's not, you probably won't have to use the recall...because Mike won't want to work with the pigs who want him gone. The nastier your posts are shows just how scared you are. There must be other bad secrets buried in the town office files you don't want Mke and a couple other good guys to find out about.

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  162. How are you supposed to recall Mike's position when your buddy (sex offender)is out there trying to get the recall overturned? It can't work both ways for you....something you didn't think of? This is quite comical.

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  163. Mike hasn't done anything to be recalled.

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  164. The recall procedure isn't even in effect yet, as that's how the 3 previous select men wanted it when they were in the seats. To take effect in 2012. Besides that someone is circulating petitions to stop the recall. Who in their right mind would stop a recall when we have no town charter? This is all to messed up.

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  165. Mike has done nothing but good for this town for well over a year. The thief/thieves would still be in the town office if it weren't for his close attention to the town report and when he started digging in to find out what was wrong. If you were any kind of people out there, you would go shake his hand and all the hands of the Fixers and say 'thank you'. You, the majority of you anyway, did a good job when you elected him to serve as your selectman. You won't be sorry, and he WILL make you proud and able to sleep a little better knowing that your money is safe and your town is no longer a scumbag place in which to live.

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  166. To the poster who says Mike should know and stop it. How come you thought the THREE BLIND MICE did such a great job. This town will take the next three years getting the town to begin to trust anyone. as soon as LIBBY , BRIGGS, DAVIS, are gone we can begin to heal.

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  167. A new investigation is on the way. Out with the old, in with the new. This time maybe someone is going to go to jail. Fraud is not a nice thing to do, to the hard working tax payers. False reports, or for that matter false anything equals, FRAUD.

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  168. To the last poster... You talk in riddles, please explain.

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  169. If Briggs & Libby are gone, I hope Mike & the new selectman can put thier time in at the town office like the former selectman did.

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  170. I have to ask this because what I'm reading honestly makes my guts hurt...why the hostility towards Lois?

    In my few interactions with her, she has been nothing but kind, professional, and knows her job inside and out. I feel really bad for her when I read postings that say she is corrupt and needs to go, just because of the job she needs to do, and I can't help but think maybe she will read these things on here too. Is it simply that she is the face of the front lines and that makes her a target? ...and a target of what exactly?

    How many years has she given to this job, this town? A neighbor told me she used to run things out of her kitchen...THAT'S dedication.
    :(

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  171. to poster 3/30 204pm...no Mike probably didn't entertain the sex offender at school, but he did at his house for a couple of hours last week. Ask him about it.

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  172. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  173. You must be really lonely.....or sick.

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  174. Buddy, Skip and Leona, what a exit. don't suppose they are keeping things stirred up, do you ?

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  175. Kathy P. I think Lois got caught up in the Nancy , Cindy thing and with the 3 Selectmen,She was caught between a rock and a hard place. She had no one to report it to without it costing her, her job. So, she took the hush money in Insurance payments and Christmas bonus and kept quiet. If by chance she get called upon, in court, by the District Attorney on the Dunton case, we may hear the truth, etc. She is good at P.R and pleasant to deal with, no one questions that. Lois knows a lot and somehow she needs to come clean and help the town before the court case comes up. The District Attorney is all ears.

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  176. She could have paid back the funds the took by not paying her heath insurance as her contract said.
    Instead she said "I hope I don't get audited".
    A tax collector that does not pay their taxes and what they owe the town.

    yeah she knows her job all right!

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  177. I've never heard Lois say "I hope I don't get audited", could have said it I just never heard that one. What I did hear her say was "I don't feel I owe it"! She does owe it.

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  178. She said it in the hallway coming out of a selectmen's meeting, this would be at one of the last meeting held at the town office so late April early May some time in there. The audio might have it although she was out of the meeting room.
    The selectmen at the next meeting said we have forgiven the money Lois owes the town. Someone said to them "when did you do, that it was never done at an open meeting". They then got a sheepish look oh yeah forgot about that, so they then voted to not pursue the unpaid funds.


    Wonder what the tax collector does if you do not pay your taxes: annnnnnnnnnnnnnn


    Sorry she takes your property if you do not pay what you owe the town.

    Kathy P. for the record nobody I know started not liking Lois.

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  179. She said it in a selectmen's meeting, this would be at one of the meetings when all this was coming out, so late April early May some time in there. The audio might have it .
    The selectmen at the next meeting said we have forgiven the money Lois owes the town. Someone said to them "when did you do that, it was never done at an open meeting". They then got a sheepish look oh yeah forgot about that, so they then voted to not pursue the unpaid funds.
    Wonder what the tax collector does if you do not pay your taxes: annnnnnnnnnnnnnn

    Sorry she takes your property if you do not pay what you owe the town.

    Kathy P. for the record nobody I know started off by not liking Lois. And she still has a great public persona, although a little ragged around the edges lately.

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  180. A small town such as Newburgh just cannot have so many members of one family working for the town. The improprieties and innuendo's are many. It is bad medicine for the citizens who need independent judgment and wisdom. It isn't a question of right or wrong or even politics, It is a question of fairness and giving democracy a chance to survive. Please no more Libby's, Leavitt's and or Smith's as town employee's or their near relatives, lets get the new faces in and enjoy the beginning of a new, Newburgh. Homer

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  181. Boys oh boys, are you asking for an ear full.
    The people you mentioned don't take likely to someone updetting their apple cart. What you say, it the right and honest approch but, you in Newburgh and the clan, cannot just sit back and let demoocray and the American way, stand. To many years invested with their family being totally involved and not taking a back seat in town politics. Just wait and see, you can bet your britches that something or someone is going to object getting Newburgh and giving Newburgh a fair chance and a new direction. Change is not a welcomed, in Newburgh. You guys just don't get it. We wish it could be so but its going to get nasty. Good luck to you supporters of a new Newburgh as I sincerely wish, that it will happen.

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  182. Now that Neighbor has been the problem that many folks are trying to change,they want to see a new Newburgh and that was the reason for making some and moving ahead with change. So that all, will and can be proud residents and know that there are guardians ---our trusted selectmen who took that oath, on the job, for all taxpayers. Fair and honest election and if someone steals again, we will be able to dismissed them immediately . In addition, we will have a recall
    notice and 5 member board with 5 sets of eyes and 5 votes, to keep fairness and honestly, in tack. Again as most other town's today, have. Newburgh will finally get out of the news and we
    can rely upon the new system with checks and balances. policy and procedures. The way the tax payers life should be. But...its up to our town any screw ups and backwards we go. The sex offender with the petitions is one way. Hopefully, that is over and being investigated.Someone was trying to turn around all that we have gained, some folks just don't use their heads, to see that it is for the protection of all, our residents. Again another reason for the 5 member board.

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  183. 3 blind mice, 3 blind mice, see how they run, see how they run. They all ran outta their fun play house, they're done protecting the head house mouse. The house is falling all down, down, down, once the citizens took charge of the town. What now my followers what shall we do, to many eyes watching us, booo hoooo hooo.

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  184. The Citizens Petition to repeal the ordinances that was passed was not only a sex offender but one of lois libbys own brothers Jim Leavitt check that out. How about it he was a former selectman so I have been told. How deep is this corruption in that town office anyway. Stop at nothing. wow wow wow

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  185. OMG......Has anyone asked Lois about all this ? Mr. Leavitt must of got his forms from the same as the sex offender. The answer is almost here who is trying to upset the town. I also hear that whomever is responsiable also somehow, had the town pay the attorney for their requests at $185.00 per hour. We didn't vote for this ? Will it ever end ? No can think that this is legit and alright. This needs to be investigated too.

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  186. Okay, I know Mike Burns is only one man and our only selectman, at this point. As I understand town government. Lois reports to Briggs and Briggs reports to Burns and Burns reports to the tax payers. Why can't we find out who authorized all these forms and who had the town attorney involved and who is going to pay for the attorney ? It sure as hell cannot be Newburgh's tax payer. Looks like , a lot of crap going on behind the scene to under score the vote of the tax payer. We might as well have Nancy Hatch back. This makes me sick and we need some answers. How about the concerned Citizens , The Fixers, get us some anwers, now ? If not, why can't we get The District Attorney involved, now ? I thought all this was behind us ?

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  187. The pot is boiling now for sure. Corruption takes a long time to clean up because it gets between the cracks and contaminates everything. Put your faith in Mike Burns and vote a couple of respectable and honest people in to help him, and it will all come to light. By now, ALL of you out there know that the family MUST go! They are all contaminated. Rick Briggs COULD HAVE, but DIDN'T help the situation at all, just made it much harder to do business with the town. Cheer up. The end to this despicable mess is nearly upon us.

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  188. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  189. To anon 2:45.
    The issue with the town attorney has been taken care of as far as Mike can go at this point. He has notified Mr Beaupain that he will NOT sign any warrants for the petitions that he looked at. These petitions were faxed from the office without Mike's permission or knowledge. The taxpayers will not have to pay for the petitioners. The people that started the petition are still unknown. Anyone can start a petition, it's the best form of government we have as far as being a taxpayer is concerned.
    As far as calling the D.A., that has been done before and there is no criminal issue here concerning the petitions.
    Please be patient, this didn't happen overnight and it is not going away over night either.

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  190. Misrepresentation and falsifying information for signature's may be a reason. Wouldn't that be obtaining signatures under false pretence ? Just a thought. Hoping that the new election for two new selectmen who will assist Mike and bring law , order and equal treatment , to The New Newburgh. Thanks for the reply. Homer

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  191. Hi Homer: There is still a lot of things going on in the town office that will all come out with Mike in office. Please be patient he is doing his best to get all of the information out to the tax payers,Briggs and Lois are doing there best to keep him in the dark but he is on to them and is doing what the attorney is telling him that is legal. Please this is up to all you good citizens to keep an eye on them anything you see or hear please pass it on to Mike or one of the concerned citizens group asap it will make for a healing town.

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  192. It's all becoming crystal clear in just finding out who was behind the new petitions to drive the town backwards....and then the failed attempts to defame Mike. Who do you supposed was behind that? It is still curious as to why they got a sex offender to take around their petitions....bad for them but good for the town in the long run. Do you voters out there who overwhelmingly voted for administrative government, five selectmen, and a recall actually get the warmies for a select few who consider you all worthless? The benefit of the doubt about those left at the town office is now gone! Get out and vote for some good help for Mike, and you will see a big difference in the town meetings from now on.

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  193. Little do I know about running a town office but it seems to me, using just some reasoning, no one other than the office crew could submit forms etc to the town attorney and running up his bill for the tax payer except someone within the town office. On the same level was the town newsletter with opinion's and remarks stated. You just cannot do this using the tax payers money unless they give you exact approved per item. This was not done and isn't being done. Combine this with conveying misrepresentation for signatures and this is obtaining something under false pretence, thus a crime. The question is to our voters, What is the world can we do to curb the crimes ? We still only have our one option, Votes.......Sad to say but we need another audit for fraud. It boggles the mind that employees are in the office on days that it isn't open to the community. Our community is small, what gives with this other than to run up the employee hours. Now of this makes any sense to me. We need a clean slate and
    ACCOUNTABILITY, RESPONSIBILITY, POLICY, PROCEDURES AND OUR NEW REFORMS TO BE PUT IN PLACE. One has to question, the folks against this as it is a defense against honestly. How can that be.........More at work here than wanting to do the right thing. I for one do not think anyone can get our town to vote for using or taking the town's money, at will , without any recourse . We have been through enough, and want a new direction not more of the same. Please do not forget to vote, it is all so important. Homer,

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  194. Do any of you know-it-alls realize what you sound like, do yourselves a large favor and read what you keep writing over and over like F-n crazy people, same as listening to Rush, Sean and Howie over and over and over and over. You remind me of a bunch of bible thumpers reading the same passages to each other again and again so eventually it has to be true in your narrow focused minds.

    What a load of crap, I attended a couple of the selectmans meetings last year, if you think any of those three hammer heads were smart enough to conspire and pull off any sort of corruption you are just as full of batsh-t as your theories. I would be amazed if any of the three former selectmen even had a highschool diploma. No sorry I don't buy it they were just plain and simple in over their heads knob jobs. Keep looking for the smoking gun if you want or better yet concentrate on whats needed to reverse our misfortunes.

    Former selectmen in summary: Real Big egos, small brains, not smart enough to steal.

    The crook got caught end of story move on stop the drama you are acting like a bunch of miserable women trying to focus on the evil good looking girl down the street.

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  195. the poster of April 2 at 1:43 PM. If you have any thoughts about our former selectmen not being intelligent enought to steal, please refer yourself to The Newport Court and check out the writs of file. I believe one on file and its all public information is for $7,000 plus and another for $19,000 plus, The acting town manager filed for bankruptsy in June and that dollar amount is on file in Bangor, the list continues on. Stealing is intent of not paying back weather using the system or plain theft. No, as simple as the offense may seem and the person involved, there are usually other factors, sometimes a mentor. To start fresh, you do need, new people and we have a hard time getting that because of the old time network and it is still at work, trying to confuse the voter.

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  196. You need to understand , one selectman lost by votes. The other two, resigned but not without a plot to screw up the town, retain office secrets, and have Cindy Dunton get as little time as possible. You see, she has not even had her hearing and has not paid the town back, one red cent. Why do you think that is, my friend ?

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  197. He's just scared.

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  198. YOU need to understand something as well, the concerned citizens, fixers including Mike Burns have been screaming for the resignations of all the selectmen since last March. In my mind, the fixers and Mike got what they asked for time and time again, read some of your older posts and you will see. So now that they have granted everyone's wish THEY are the bad guys? the previous poster is correct you are all freakin' nuts!!

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