REMINDER
PYBA Baseball Tryouts
The signup dates to be held in the
Pittsfield Community Center are: March 9th, 5:30 to 8pm and March
12th, 10am to 12pm.
The Pittsfield Food Pantry is need of a
replacement upright freezer. Any help by way of donation would be
appreciated. Please contact Carl O’Brien of the food pantry at
496-8345.
Congratulations to Bernard Dolan of
Pittsfield, who made the Dean’s List at Rochester Institute of
Technology for fall semester 2015-2016. Degree-seeking undergraduate
students are eligible for Dean’s List if their term GPA is greater
than or equal to 3.400; they do not have any grades of “Incomplete”,
“D” or “F”; and they have registered for, and completed, at least 12
credit hours.
Bernard is studying in the computer
engineering program.
The Merrimack County Stamp Collectors will hold its monthly meeting
at the Bow Mills United Methodist Church, 505 South St., Bow, on
March 15th beginning at 1 pm. All who are interested in stamp
collecting are welcome to attend. Meet other collectors and
learn more about their hobby and varied interests in Philatelic
resources and issues. For more information, call Dan Day at
603-228-1154.
Letter
Dear Pittsfield Voters,
Please consider voting for Carole
Richardson for selectman.
Carole gives amazing amounts of her time
and labor to make Pittsfield better. As a member of the
beautification committee, she and the rest of the committee make the
town’s planted areas lovely to look at. She has taken on herself to
raise money for the new fence around Floral Park Cemetery, and the
project is close to being completed. She and her husband, Paul, put
flags on the veterans’ graves on Memorial Day. She has kept an eye
on various town affairs and put letters in the paper to help the
rest of us stay informed. She has been a member of the master plan
committee and a member of the school board. She is a frequent
attendee at various town-board meetings and always has some helpful
input.
Carole also knows the importance of
fairness in local government. She knows about unjust town-board
decisions, and she knows about the futility of appealing to the
state courts. She knows that we must do the right thing here in
Pittsfield because the state courts will often not correct a local
injustice. Carole’s sensitivity to this matter of fairness is
especially important to me.
Carole has my absolute highest opinion and
endorsement. Please join me in voting for Carole Richardson for
selectman on Tuesday, March 8, 2016.
Thank you,
Jim Pritchard
Letter
To Pittsfield Voters,
I am running for the Board of Selectman,
two year term. Some of my goals I would like to see take place, if
elected, back into office of the Board of Selectman:
• Better management of tax dollars! To work on the tax rate
problem, go back to weekly meetings, to have better
communications with all, more open discussions before decision
making takes place.
• Better explanations on notices to the
public. Try to get more involvement from the public.
• Put committees together to study cost
savings and more efficient ways to run our community at a tax
savings.
• Working with Boards, Department heads and citizens trying to
have some short and long term goals for Pittsfield.
I have served on the Select board for
eight years and been on the planning board for many years. I have
also been the Deputy welfare officer and building inspector, code
enforcement and filled in for Town Administrator. I filled many
roles with the town and feel I can bring that experience with me to
the Board of Selectman to serve the people of Pittsfield.
Thank You
Lawrence J Konopka
Letter
Dear Pittsfield Voters,
Carole Richardson and Carl Anderson are
running for positions on the Board of Selectmen. Both Carole and
Carl are conservative when it comes to spending our tax dollars.
Wise spending combined with a view toward Pittsfield’s future
prosperity (long term planning) is what Carole and Carl will bring
to the Select Board.
Please vote for Carole and Carl on March
8th.
In addition, James Hetu is running for the
Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA). He has spent countless hours
researching the lawful responsibilities of the ZBA. I am supporting
James because his approach on the ZBA will be based on following
State law, not being ignorant of or ignoring it. He will also ensure
decisions are made for the good of the community and not at it’s
expense. Abutters will be listened to and decisions will not
adversely effect their property values.
Please cast your vote for James.
Thank you for supporting candidates who
look at the long term effects that seemingly small decisions will
have on our community.
Ted Mitchell
Letter
To the Voters of Pittsfield,
I am announcing my running for the two
year seat on the Select board.
I have been a lifelong resident of Pittsfield. I attended both the
Pittsfield Elementary and Pittsfield Middle High Schools.
Along with my wife, Jillian, We decided to purchase our first home
here in 2014,. We are raising our two boys, and have a child on the
way, here in town. I couldn’t think of a better place with
that “hometown” feel.
My friends ask me, “Why did you stay in Pittsfield? You should have
left when you had the chance.” I say to that, “It is what you make
of it. We didn’t stay because we had to, but because we wanted to.
If you want change, be a part of that change.”
Why am I running??? I attend a good majority of the
selectman’s meetings. At these meetings, I have seen areas of
spending that could have been done, while saving money at the same
time. With the recent budget, we need to watch the spending.
We have systems and processes in place that need to be utilized in
the manner it was meant to be.
I also think that the Select board could
be more transparent and open to the citizens. I have talked with
many members of our community and think I have a good understanding
of their needs and concerns. I also believe that the voices of the
community members need to be heard. The citizens need someone, who
they can trust to voice their concerns to, on the Select board that
is not afraid to bring their concerns forward.
A fresh perspective, a fresh face, and
fresh ideas are what this town needs to move in a positive
direction.
Adam Gauthier
Letter
Dear Pittsfield Voters,
Please consider voting for Carole
Richardson for selectwoman and James Hetu for the Zoning Board.
As Pittsfield’s property values drop and the risk of even higher tax
increases loom in the not too distant future, it becomes imperative
that our elected officials focus on innovative ways to reduce
spending and stabilize our tax rate. This requires leaders
with the background, fortitude and discipline to consider the fiscal
impact to the town in their decision making process. Carole
Richardson’s degree in Business Administration combined with her
experience working in the office of Legislature Budget Assistance
make her the ideal candidate for the Select board when it comes to
budgetary considerations. Not to mention Carole’s passion for
the betterment of Pittsfield through the countless hours she has
spent volunteering on various other town boards through the years.
Good planning and zoning regulations also have a direct impact on
property values and the tax rate. Pittsfield is still paying
the financial cost for the lack of zoning regulations in the 1970’s
which precipitated the conversion of most of the beautiful single
family Victorian homes in our downtown to multifamily apartments
resulting in their lack of maintenance and eventual decay. We need
zoning board members committed to upholding our current zoning
ordinance while also considering the impact on neighborhood property
values before approving variances and special exceptions. We also
need members willing to make abutters concerns a priority before
making decisions. James Hetu’s past experience with the board on
these matters has given me the utmost confidence that he will be
absolutely committed to each of these points if he is elected.
Please join me in voting for Carole
Richardson for selectwoman and James Hetu for the Zoning Board on
Tuesday, March 8, 2016.
Thank you,
Daren Nielsen
Letter
Pittsfield voters,
I am writing to let everyone know that I am running to be re-elected
to the Pittsfield Zoning Board of Appeals. I have served on
the zoning board and for the citizens of Pittsfield for several
years! I started as an alternate to the board, as most
people who are serious about being on a board do, and then I was
seated as a full board member.
The board seldomly has a “split” vote, I
would almost venture that 9 out of 10 of our votes are unanimous!
I have done the law classes that are
offered for people who are on the zoning board, and I take the time
to do the research that is needed and included in the responsibility
of serving on a town board!
My family ties to the community run very deep, and I have a great
love for the town, and I hope that everyone will vote for me to keep
serving the citizens to the best of my ability on the Zoning Board
of Appeals. I serve the people, and will continue to do
so!
Sincerely,
Carole Dodge
Funds
Available For Heating Assistance
Community Action Program Belknap-Merrimack Counties, Inc. want to
remind homeowners and renters in Belknap and Merrimack Counties that
Fuel Assistance funds are still available and the agency Area Center
offices are open Monday through Friday to take applications.
If for some reason residents are unable to go to the Area Centers,
arrangements can be made for a home visit or phone interview.
Applications can be made until April 30, 2016. Applications
for Electric Assistance and some other agency programs may be done
at the same time.
The Laconia Area Center, 524-5512, assists
residents of the city of Laconia and towns of Gilford, Belmont,
Barnstead, Alton and Gilmanton.
The Meredith Area Center, 279-4096,
assists residents of Meredith, Center Harbor and New Hampton.
The Franklin Area Center, 934-3444,
assists residents of Franklin, Tilton, Northfield, Danbury, Andover,
Sanbornton, Salisbury and Hill.
The Warner Area Center, 456-2207, assists
residents of Warner, Bradford, Henniker, Newbury, New London,
Sutton, Webster and Wilmot.
The Suncook Area Center, 485-7824, assists
residents of Allenstown, Epsom, Hooksett, Pembroke and Pittsfield.
The Concord Area Center, 225-6880, assists
residents of Concord/Penacook, Bow, Canterbury, Dunbarton, Boscawen,
Loudon, Chichester, Hopkinton and Contoocook.
If for some reason residents do not think
they are qualified for assistance but are finding it difficult to
meet monthly expenses, they are still encouraged to contact the Area
Centers as there may be other forms of assistance available.
Letter
Dear Pittsfield Voters,
The Pittsfield Planning Board has proposed
four zoning ordinance amendments for the March 8 ballot, warrant
articles 2-5. Full text is at the town hall and on the town web
site.
Amendment 1 is an extensive clarification of zoning ordinance
articles 2 and 3, with minor changes to several other articles.
The purpose of amendment 1 is to make the affected parts of the
zoning ordinance more clear, specific, and lawful under state law.
The amendment avoids changes in what the regulations do except as
necessary to conform to state law or to satisfy the apparent intent
of the ordinance where the ordinance is vague. A clear zoning
ordinance helps town zoning officials decide zoning matters with
objectivity, consistency, and fairness; a clear zoning ordinance
also helps voters evaluate the performance of town zoning officials.
Amendment 2 would change how residential apartments are permitted in
commercial buildings. A commercial building adding a
residential apartment would have to put the apartment on the second
or higher floor, but such upstairs apartments in the Commercial
District, mainly Main Street, would be exempt from zoning
requirements for parking. (Other parking regulations might
still apply.)
Amendment 3 would state the current lawful restrictions on sexually
oriented businesses clearly and would remove unlawful restrictions
that could make the lawful restrictions void. This amendment
is housekeeping to avoid future First Amendment problems.
Amendment 4 would replace vague permitting
conditions for commercial signs with numerical permitting conditions
and would eliminate special permitting requirements for commercial
signs.
These four amendments will clarify vague or confusing regulations
and will serve public interests, empower voters, and make land-use
regulation more consistent for all property owners. Please
vote YES for these four amendments on March 8.
Thank you,
Clayton Wood, chair
Pittsfield Planning Board
Letter To The
Editor
VOTE on March 8th
I’m AGAINST Article 6 on the March 8th Ballot (Town Manager – please
vote NO!) This will increase the town budget. As far as
I’m concerned, our problem doesn’t center on our current Town
Administrator, but it certainly does center on electing a competent
Board of Selectmen. I have enthusiastically endorsed Carole
Richardson and Carl Anderson for the two 3-year Selectboard
positions.
What about the 2-year position with two candidates running for that
office? In this 2016 anti-establishment movement, how does one
relate an ‘establishment’ candidate to politics here in Pittsfield?
When one looks at a 34% tax increase in 10 years, does a candidate
who’s been in town politics for more than 6 of those 10 years become
an ‘establishment-candidate’? Has the
‘establishment-candidate’ written letters in this newspaper
promising transparency and lower tax rates? Has the
‘establishment-candidate’ written any prior letters at all this year
specifying his promise and plan to make improvements to our town?
Perhaps he assumed he’d win the election in the absence of public
promises.
I reviewed selectboard minutes and found that the
‘establishment-candidate’ opponent has attended many meetings and
participated in the discussions. He also wrote a convincing
letter on facebook introducing himself and expressing his views on
budgetary spending and transparency. He’s a lifelong resident
of Pittsfield and is a property owner. Who’s to say that Mr.
Gauthier wouldn’t be a better choice since our own property tax bill
is the ultimate manifestation of an ‘establishment’ record?
I also researched James Hetu’s record and
find that he’s absolutely qualified to hold a position on the zoning
board.
I’m endorsing Richardson and Anderson for
Selectboard and a NO vote for town manager. I’m additionally
sharing my inclination to go ‘anti-establishment’ and cast my vote
for Adam Gauthier for Selectman and James Hetu for Zoning Board.
God Bless Our Troops,
Rachel Wood
Letter To The
Editor
We want to acknowledge and Thank the Suncook Valley Rotary Club for
their generous contribution to our organization, Catamount Womenaid.
The Suncook Valley Rotary Club invited us
to be the guest speakers at their meeting on Wednesday, February
17th where they generously donated $500 to Catamount Womenaid, and
individual members donated an additional $220.
Catamount Womenaid provides short-term financial assistance to men,
women and children in Pittsfield, Deerfield, Epsom and Strafford.
The primary focus is to provide one-time grants of up to $500 to
make a difference for a family in need. (our website is at:
www.CatamountWomenaid.org)
We were overwhelmed with their gracious donation to our
organization. Thank You, Suncook Valley Rotary Club, for all
you do for the community!
Yours truly,
Deb Horton
and Lynn Hapke
Letter To The Editor
Selectmen
I am writing this letter not as a
candidate, but in support of one.
Although I was not initially convinced
that this was a good idea, I have reasons to believe that perhaps I
need to rethink my position.
In the past we have had boards that had
the good of the town as their main agenda, however, of late this
doesn’t seem to be the case.
I believe that when a citizen attends a meeting of the board they
should be treated with respect and when asking a question, be given
an answer, or be told we don’t know or we will get back to you, not
dismissed. Citizen attendance at meetings is important.
There are a number of good candidates and the goal of most of them
is to be more financially responsible, by keeping taxes down and
living within our needs not our wants. This is where experience
comes into play. We will all not agree on a candidate, but on
a personal note I can tell you that my husband, (Fred Hast), has
served this town for most of his adult life and still believes that
we can once again bring back the PITTSFIELD PRIDE, that seems to
have gotten lost.
The PRIDE still remains with the groups
and organizations that provide the town with Old Home Day, Balloon
Rally, Parks & Rec. activities, PYW, National Night Out &
Beautification to name a few.
I hope you will cast your ballot on March 8th. Success to
whomever the winner may be. That said your support for my
candidate would be appreciated.
Elizabeth A. Hast
Letter
To the voters of Pittsfield,
I am seeking a seat on the zoning board
of adjustment (ZBA) in this March town election, and I ask for your
vote.
I became acquainted with the ZBA in 2014,
when I was an abutter in a land use case. I expected the ZBA
to evaluate the use according to requirements in the zoning
ordinance and to give weight to the neighbors’ opinions. But
the ZBA did neither, even though state guidelines and local law
require the ZBA to go point by point and give specific reasons on
each point. Almost all of the neighbors objected, but some ZBA
members seemed scornful of the objections. The ZBA approved
the application 3-2.
I have since learned that my experience
is common. I have since learned that, precisely because of the
ZBA’s conduct, the town adopted (earlier in 2014) a zoning rule
requiring the ZBA to go point by point and to give specific reasons
on each point. But despite the new rule, the ZBA has not
changed its ways.
I am running to change the ZBA’s
direction. Very simply, the ZBA must follow the law in
reaching its decisions. The ZBA must respect all members of
the audience. It must give weight to abutter concerns.
It MUST, by local law, go point by point and give specific reasons
on each point.
In many cases, about half of the people
will be happy and the other half will be unhappy. But all can
be treated respectfully and with fairness under law. I will
work to change our ZBA to make this happen, but I need your vote, so
I ask you please to vote for me in this town election, Tuesday,
March 8, 2016.
Thank you,
James Hetu
Easter Lily Origins
Submitted By Gini Hayes, Owner,
Forget-Me-Not Flower Shop, Pittsfield
The Easter Lily: history, mythology,
literature, poetry, and art have all used the pure white flowers of
the lily to symbolize beauty, purity, and grace.
Lilies are said to have been presented to
the Virgin Mary by the Angel Gabriel while announcing she was to be
the Mother of the Christ Child and presented to Mary and Baby Jesus
by saints upon his birth.
It is also written that lilies grow where
Christ’s sweat fell to the ground at the site of the crucifixion.
They are therefore the symbol of hope and life-everlasting. These
pure white blossoms also signify joy, hope, and life.
Letter To The Editor
I am writing to ask for your support in
re-electing Eric Nilsson to the three-year term on the Board of
Selectmen. In my humble estimation, Eric has faithfully carried out
his oath to impartially serve the citizens of Pittsfield.
While there is a learning curve to every
new endeavor, I have observed maturity and growth in Eric and
believe he is well suited for the position. There are good things
taking place in our community. Let’s keep the momentum going by
voting for Eric on March 8th.
Also, please attend the School District
Meeting on the 10th (7pm) and the Town Meeting on March 12th, (10am)
both in the Elementary school gymnasium.
Appreciatively,
Linda Small
Letter To The Editor
To the Editor
Article 33 on the 2016 Town Warrant asks
voters to approve a commercial lease of town-owned land.
The NH Beagle Club is seeking a lease that
will give them exclusive use of 80 acres of public land for twenty
years. The land will be fenced off, closed to public access and the
club will be allowed to cut trees which are currently under forest
management for future benefit of the town.
If the voters approve this, it will
require that the town enter into the business of commercial land
rental, which is not a municipal function and not something the town
has experience in doing. The Town’s municipal insurance will not
cover this activity, nor will it be an activity protected from
liability.
The Beagle Club is offering only $800 in
rent. Not enough to buy the town’s own insurance, which will be
needed. And, the proposal provides no funds for site restoration
when the lease ends.
This lease would put the town into direct
competition with private land owners. These people pay taxes when
they rent land - property taxes, State business taxes and Federal
income taxes. The Town should not use its tax exempt status to
compete with its own taxpayers.
The nature of the Beagle Club’s use is
troubling. Rabbits can be a nuisance, but they are timid defenseless
creatures who deserve better treatment than being penned up behind
wire and then run down by dogs. This is cruel and the town should
not be part of it . And there is the concern about who will be
responsible if the rabbits become infected with a transmissible
disease: rabies or tularemia could cost the town if the State
Veterinarian had to get involved.
The Beagle Club can rent private land. The
Town should not be involved.
Bill Miskoe
Letter To The Editor
I have a crystal ball, and when I look into it, I see our
taxes going up.
To start with, we spent $345,000 of
reserve money last year to keep the tax rate down. This year we do
not have a $345,000 to take from Town reserves.
We started the budget process down
$345,000, then you add the $$200,000 decrease in State funding, and
the $130,000 mistake where some utilities were overvalued, and the
Town had to give back $130,000. We now start the budget season down
$675,000, before we even look at the budgets.
Do not blame your selectmen or your
school. It is us to blame. We tend to do things short term.
I am not critical of the selectmen or our
school system. I think our Town and School moved forward last year
on a number of improvement issues. We all need to support this
forward direction by attending our three meetings we call Town
Meeting. March 8th, 10th, and 12th.
Dan Schroth Piermarocchi
Letter
To The Citizens of Pittsfield,
It was recently brought to my attention
that a position on the School Board (two year term) was vacant and I
was asked to consider the position as a write in candidate. The
education of the young people of Pittsfield is critical for their
growth and the development of Pittsfield. I feel strongly about the
process and would like to pursue the position.
I have had the opportunity to become
involved with the issues facing the Town, the residents and the
students through the following activities.
Member:
Master Plan Committee
CIP
Aqueduct Purchase Committee
Community Wellness Coalition
Participated with several groups involved
with the reorganization of the school
I have thirty years of experience in
education, 25 in curriculum and program development. Having two sons
who are grown with professional careers I view education and needs
of a community from various prospectives. Seeking this position I
would like to use my experience and skills to help support the
highest quality of education and advocate for an appropriate tax
rate. I would appreciate your write in vote for the Pittsfield
School Board (two year term) on March 8.
Thank you,
Ralph Odell
Josiah Carpenter Library Monthly News
March 2016
The Josiah Carpenter library will be hosting an art exhibit of ink
drawings by Pittsfield resident, Gene Matras from March through
April. Stop by the library to view the detailed and various natural
New England scenes that this talented local artist has rendered.
Josiah Teen Book Worms Discussing “The
Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky on Thursday, March
3rd between 7-8:30 pm at the library
Preschool story hour Thursdays March 3,
10, 24, 31st 10:00 am – 11:00 am March themes are lambs, lions,
bunnies and clovers! Join Mrs. Grainger & Ms. Rosalie for a fun
filled hour of stories, crafts and a snack. Ages 2 – 5
Afterschool Lego Club offered on
Wednesdays March 9, 16, 23, 30 April 6, 13th from 3:30-4:30 pm is
limited to 15. Sign-ups required.
Library Board of Trustees Meeting Tuesday, March 15, 2015
at 7 pm
March 24th Mrs. Grainger visits Blueberry Express
Daycare to read stories from the library from 10:00-11:00 am
Pittsfield Writer’s Circle on Thursday,
March 24th at 7 pm at the library.
Read Meet & Talk Join us for an exciting
book discussion on “The Nepal Chronicles” by Dan Szczesny and the
“Little Princes” by Conor Grennan at the Pittsfield Senior Community
Center Tuesday February 23rd at 10:30. Stay for a leisurely lunch
afterward.
New materials sampler:
Y Fiction: “When Mischief Came to Town” by Katrina Nannestad
Graphic Y Fiction: “Secret Coders” by Gene
Luen Yang
Teen Fiction: “Lizzie” by Maxine Kumin
Adult Fiction: “My Name is Lucy Barton” by
Elizabeth Strout
Adult Non- Fiction: “Me to We” by Craig
and Marc Kielburger
The High school and the community are
raising “One grain of rice” for the Baby Life orphanage in Nepal in
preparation for the program by Dan Szczesny at the Pittsfield Middle
High School on April 5, 2016, from 1:00- 3:00 pm. Prizes will be
raffled at this free event open to the public.
VA Makes Awards Totaling Up To $4.6
Billion To Streamline Its Medical Surgical Supply Chain
Makes Good on MyVA Commitments to Improve
Service Delivery to Veterans and Transform VA’s Supply Chain
Submitted Via Merrill Vaughan
WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) today announced the awarding of four major contracts
that will bolster its ability to deliver timely health care to the
nation’s Veterans. The contracts make up a $4.6 billion Medical
Surgical Prime Vendor Next-Generation Program (MSPV-NG) acquisition,
and represent a major step forward in supply chain modernization – a
“breakthrough priority” of the Department’s MyVA transformation
effort.
“When MyVA was launched in September 2014, we made a commitment to
the Veterans who served our nation and the American public to change
the way VA operates,” said VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald. “To
accomplish this, we had to look at our processes – from the way we
deliver care – to the way we order the products that provide care.
This Next Generation program improves the acquisition process of
surgical supplies, and ensures a speedier delivery to Veterans.
It is one of many efforts underway to transform our supply chain to
provide the service our Veterans deserve and potential cost savings
to American taxpayers.”
Contracts were awarded to the following
firms:
American Medical Depot, Miramar, FL –
Small Business
Kreisers, Inc. Sioux Falls, SD – Small
Business
Cardinal Health, Dublin, OH – Large
Business
Medline Industries, Inc., Mundelein, IL –
Large Business
The contracts are being awarded for a
period of 20 months with two, 20-month options, with an aggregate
ceiling of $4.6 billion. The contract will be managed by VA’s
Strategic Acquisition Center based in in Fredericksburg, VA.
Letter
Dear Pittsfield Voters,
Please join me in voting for Carole Richardson, for one of the
3-year seats, on the Board of Selectmen on March 8th. Carole
is very qualified for this position, having had many years of
experience with both local and state government. Our town can
no longer keep up the spending trend, which has gone mostly
unchecked, over the years. We need our Selectmen to be
financially responsible, with knowledge and understanding of the
budget process. Carole has these qualifications. She is
fair and will listen to all of the residents of Pittsfield, not just
a select few.
Carole is a great advocate of volunteerism, as her record shows. She
is always volunteering at something to improve this town of ours.
Please vote Carole Richardson, for
Selectman !
Thank you,
Paula Belliveau
Mystery, Mischief And Murder
Pictured are two of the cast of “The
Game’s Afoot” — Vicki Watson, portraying Aggie Wheeler,
and Chad Boutin, playing Simon Bright.
The set is now under construction at the Scenic Theatre in
Pittsfield for the March presentation of “The Game’s Afoot,” a
prize-winning mystery/farce by Ken Ludwig. Audiences will find
continuous humor in the midst of a classic whodunit mystery.
As a couple of actors in Gillette’s acting company that tours in
performance in the play “Sherlock Holmes,” Aggie Wheeler and Simon
Bright are gentle, kind-hearted “youngsters” beginning their acting
careers. Aggie has had a difficult time following the
accidental death of her husband, but she has pulled through
successfully with the help of her good friend Simon. Host
William Gillette invites them both to his Connecticut mansion for a
Christmas party, and Aggie and Simon are present for the
disturbingly riotous experiences that occur on this fateful evening.
Will the perpetrator of heinous crimes be uncovered by this pair of
lovebirds? Have all the facts been revealed about their
individual pasts? It’s all to be seen and heard in “The Game’s
Afoot.”
The Pittsfield Players’ production of “The Game’s Afoot” will be
performed March 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. and March 20 at 2
p.m. at the Scenic Theatre, 6 Depot Street, Pittsfield.
Tickets are now available at pittsfieldplayers.com or by calling
603-435-8852.
Letter
To the Citizens of Pittsfield,
Many of you are aware there is a question
on the ballot about whether you are in favor of a Town Manager.
I would like to explain some things that
this vote would involve in the town government.
The Town is a 4 million dollar corporation
being run by Select people who have no education or training in
handling the proper running of such.
The Town Manager will be an employee at
will and could be removed for cause and shall have the proper
education, training, and experience to perform the duties of his/her
office (RSA 37:3)
They will handle preparing the budget for
review by the Select Board. They will be responsible for being in
charge of all properties, expenditures of monies, to keep the Select
Board fully advised as to the needs of the Town. (RSA37:6) These are
not the manager’s only responsibilities. They would also be
responsible for signing contracts, as well as other duties,
consistent with his/her office as required by the vote of the
Selectmen.
RSA 37:8 requires the vacancy of this
office if voted in to be filled as soon as practical.
Basically, the vote would make the Select
Board the Board of Directors and the Manager would be like a CEO of
the Town.
With the tax problems and efficiency
issues, I feel everyone should have a right to decide this in the
privacy of the voting booth.
The Select Board would still have the
right to review and accept or revise items the Manager brings
forward.
This will not hurt the Town it will only
put the control into an educated and competent person.
Hank FitzGerald
Pittsfield
Letter
Voters of Pittsfield,
Please vote No on Article 6, Town Manager,
Chapter 37 Revised Statutes Annotated on the official ballot at the
polls on March 8, 2016. (Bad deal, not needed.)
Cara Marston was appointed to Town
Administrator a short time back, being Assistant Administrator and
filling in for many, many years. She has the knowledge, capability,
and knows the ins and outs of the office better than anyone else in
Pittsfield. Give her a chance!
Also, my wife and I are endorsing Carole
Richardson and Carl Anderson for the two 3-year selectman positions.
They have the knowledge and capability and want to do the job
fairly.
Thank you.
Respectfully,
Pat and Paul Nickerson
Letter To The Editor
PEOPLE PEOPLE PEOPLE it’s time to vote
again. Let’s put the “people” back on “We The People” by voting
Carole Dodge for the zoning board. She has worked tirelessly for the
town’s people as a whole. She doesn’t play favorites. She votes what
is right for the Town of Pittsfield and its residents.
Carole also has strong roots
in Pittsfield. Her family has been here since 1783. Traditionally,
Pittsfield has stood by its long time residents. Don’t let outsiders
tear down Pittsfield in an effort to make it more like where they
came from. There’s a reason why they left those places. Don’t let it
happen here. Vote for Carole Dodge.
Daniel J Greene
President of the Pittsfield/Barnstead
Lions Club chapter, Bob Wharem alongside Lions member Ed Vien
present Meggin Dail, chairperson of the Pittsfield Players Sprinkler
Fund, with a check for $200.00 in hopes of closing the small gap
left to complete the fundraising on the fund by challenging other
organizations, businesses and townspeople to meet the Lions’
donation with a donation of your own. The Pittsfield Players are
happy to accept donations large and small and may be sent to The
Pittsfield Players, c/o The Sprinkler Fund, PO Box 177, Pittsfield,
NH 03263.
Letter
To the Voters of Pittsfield,
Apparently there are some special interest
groups lining up to oppose me in next Tuesday’s voting for
Selectman, which is hardly a surprise. I understand they have heard
rumors that if l get on the Board I will be looking over every
expenditure very carefully and won’t vote for items that cannot be
justified as necessities. It is also rumored that I care a great
deal about the public’s perception of various activities and the
necessity of some policies and uses which have become commonplace-
and that I plan to address each of them.
I am publicly stating that those rumors
are true.
Consequently, I am asking for your
important vote next Tuesday. I will be working all day on the 8th,
so unless we show up at the polls at the same time to vote, you
won’t see me out front at the Town Hall. Don’t take that to mean I
don’t care about your vote- I DO. If elected, I look forward to
working positively and transparently with the rest of the BOS as
well as the Departments and town employees to bring about change and
savings that will benefit the taxpayers most. And thanks to everyone
who showed up at Meet the Candidates Night- far and away the most
important thing a Selectman can do is listen to the concerns of the
public, regardless of their position, because ultimately this is
supposed to be YOUR town.
Carl Anderson
Letter
To the Voters of Pittsfield,
This year we have the opportunity to get some experienced
people on the board of selectmen . Please vote for Larry
Konopka and Fred Hast. They both have the experience and knowledge
as past selectmen and will do what is in the best
interest of the town and the citizens of Pittsfield. We need to put
a stop to the way the budget has been spiraling out of control.
Please vote for Larry Konopka and Fred
Hast.
Carl Anderson is a candidate running for a 3 year term on the select
board. He is a knowledgeable businessman who is concerned
with the town budget and taxes, which are both out of control.
He deserves your vote also.
William Elkins
Letter To The Editor
If I CAN BE SERIOUS FOR A MOMENT -
My name is Sandy Wingate and I am running
for Selectman. Here’s why.
As your Interim Town Administrator, among
all the details, I found two broad issues affecting our Town.
First, taxes. For good or ill, this State
uses the property tax to support itself. Property taxes are too
high. I had the opportunity to review the budget and saw the process
of its creation. But it is vital to address one more thing than just
the budget.
And that’s the tax base. It’s been proven
that you cannot raise enough money from the residential homeowner to
cover the costs of running the municipality. The tax base must be
expanded.
Since coming to town, over 10 years ago, I
have puzzled why the major trade route which passes through Town has
not been exploited for the Town’s benefit. I’ve seen opposition to
businesses at varying levels here.
I bring to the table a lifetime’s
experience, including being a selectman and police commissioner in
another New Hampshire town of about the same size as Pittsfield, as
a Veteran, a business manager, and as a lawyer of nearly 30 years. I
am a moderating force, able to build consensus, as shown by my more
than ten years as president of my church.
And I bring a fresh perspective to the
office of Selectman. When you scan the list of candidates, ask
yourself why it is that so many of them who have served before have
done so little to increase the tax base.
I respectfully suggest that if you want
the same old results, vote for the same old people. But if you want
an open mind vigorously seeking alternatives to the way it’s been
done here, vote for me.
Earle “Sandy” Wingate
Letter To The Editor
When you are elected in Town official’s
positions, you are doing things for the townspeople/voters, not
yourself. I think people forget, when elected. They wouldn’t be in
their positions, if the “voters” thought differently. At the recent
meeting at the school with the budget committee, it was clear that
taxpayers are tired of paying more.
The departments all have wants and needs.
We have to think, if this was something I had to pay for, could I
buy this or would I need to budget this. Pittsfield has a budget and
not bottomless pockets. A lot of people are still leasing houses or
facing foreclosure. They have been here since they were young, if
not born here, and have seen all the changes.
The problem with complaining about
something here in town is then you’re targeted by whichever
department head you made the complaint about.
The positions that get elected are
thankless jobs. You try to do something you believe instead of,
again, the taxpayers. This really needs to change. Only you, the
taxpayers can change this. You must get to vote.
A lot of people say they want change, but
don’t even go to Town Meeting to vote. Why?
People are afraid to vote against their
neighbor, because they will get pointed out.
Please get out to two votings.
1. Vote for the offices here in town. We
need strong decision making. No just their’s.
2. Vote at Town Meeting. You can make a
difference. We need to vote No on all these increases to lower our
taxes. It is running good people out of town. The spending needs to
stop.
A Taxpayer
Paul Rogers
|
