Our Voice : Citizens For a Better Lebanon Maine

178 responses so far ↓

• 1 resident big mac // Mar 2, 2010 at 5:00 pm

  we would like to see a breakdown of money spent on road improvements. When is the last time anyone looked at upper jim grant from the church to the dump road. this is a highly traveled road and i think the worst in lebanon. maybe we should throw on some more coal patch or fully pave some dead end roads instead.The plow drivers are even saying how bad it is when your plowing a road and one side of your plow is two feet off the ground you might have some issues with your road.It’s not a big section of road from the church to the dump road so maybe we could do it the right way this time and don’t waste our money doing a little section or the whole thing about a inch thick so it needs to be done again. Do it right the first time. Thanks Big Mac

• 2 Aaron // Mar 2, 2010 at 5:52 pm

  I agree with Resident Big Mac. That is a bad section of road.

• 3 glen stadig // Mar 2, 2010 at 6:24 pm

  Waste has been going on for a long time….
  Waste in the form of doing things improperly…
  Waste in the form of achieving a quick fix…
  Waste in the form of not spec. and bidding effectively..
  Waste in so so many ways and areas…
  I suggest in the near term Mac you Squeak….Squeak loud and hard. When that doesn’t work exercise your right to vote and become more involved.
  Our town is facing a crisis financially…..people want to blame it on lack of State this and County that, but in the end WE the residents of Lebanon need to ensure we are doing are part to make cuts, manage monies wisely and live within our means.
  Roads are in such disrepair all over, and we have no “plan” to fix them properly. Selectmen Patch said some towns were even grinding roads back to dirt.
  Until people take notice, become involved, and demand better…things won’t improve. We need improvement and we need it yesterday.

• 4 chris gilpatrick // Mar 2, 2010 at 7:05 pm

  if you are a town sub-contractor or vendor this is not waste as you stated glen.this is called job security!! what other town carries as many sub-contractors doing sub par work as lebanon?? this has been going on for years. our selectmen think giving more money to the road budget(over $200,000 more than last years budget)is the answer.how about grinding the roads,changing rotted culverts,adding crush gravel,then paving.paving over rocks and holes isn’t the answer. this looks good for a year but the same rocks and holes will appear in a year or two.not happy with the road conditions june is around the corner!! get out and vote.

• 5 concerned resident // Mar 2, 2010 at 9:26 pm

  Is the road work competitively bid and who establishes the spec’s for road repair? If repairs are not lasting more than a year,who is addressing this?

• 6 chris gilpatrick // Mar 2, 2010 at 9:42 pm

  if your elected as a road commissioner and you own an excavator and all your buddies own one tons why would you put work out to bid when you could milk the job all year, make $100,000+/- a year ,your boys are making $50,000 +/- a year and next year redo everything you did this year ?? are you nuts to bid this gravy work out?? who’s addressing this wasteful cycle?? the residents in june when election time comes around.don’t vote?don’t complain about the waste or the roads!!!

• 7 Julie // Mar 2, 2010 at 9:51 pm

  Good question. What exactly is the budget for road work this year and do we have any kind of break down as to what gets worked? Who exactly decides this ? and last,but not least is there a break down on how last years road budget was spent dollar for dollar.

• 8 chris gilpatrick // Mar 2, 2010 at 10:21 pm

  tomorrow night at six the budget committee is meeting with the road commissioner at the town hall.this meeting is open to the public.last years budget for the year was $902,802.00. this years budget request is for $1,121,750.00.remember when taxpayers vote on a budget they have no say so where this money is spent.this years budget is combined both summer and winter meaning our road commissioner can spend what he wants in the summer and if he runs out of money next winter the money will be taken from surplus to pay the bills.we do have the breakdown where money is spent which will also be discussed tomorrow.

• 9 Aaron // Mar 2, 2010 at 10:27 pm

  Good point Chris…Sounds like corruption. I believe all jobs should be out for bid. I just may go down to the town hall and put my name in for budget committee enough is enough.

• 10 striveforchange // Mar 2, 2010 at 10:39 pm

  Would it be a conflict of interest if a husband and wife were to be on the same committee, say for instance the budget committee? Not sure how that would work……………

• 11 Aaron // Mar 2, 2010 at 10:46 pm

  yeah I think it would

• 12 chris gilpatrick // Mar 2, 2010 at 10:49 pm

  join the budget committee.being on it all you can do is point out waste and mismanagement of taxpayer money but you have no say so on where money is spent.frustrating to see this happening but all you can do is let public know what is occuring with their hard earned money.when your neighbor is lossing his house,his job,etc. when is the greed enough?? as i’ve stated given them more money isn’t getting better roads but more money in all the sub-contractors pockets doing sub par work.

• 13 Aaron // Mar 2, 2010 at 10:58 pm

  what do we do. I am a fiscal conservative and I am tiered of the waste and the no bids. The part about public service is, you are their to serve the public not your own financial and friends, family needs.
  Public service just that service not a career. Have the people in this town government ever heard of conflict of interest or ethics.

• 14 Average Resident // Mar 2, 2010 at 10:59 pm

  no strive, it would not be a conflict of interest you guys would do awesome!! You guys care for the community.

  I don’t know if you would fit in the majority of the budget board though, you have no relative that would financially benefit from your position!

  Ill help you guys get the signatures!!

  THINGS NEED TO CHANGE – NOW!!!

• 15 striveforchange // Mar 2, 2010 at 11:23 pm

  Our major interest would be to make the rest of the town’s people/tax payers aware of the corruption that goes on and the lack of transparency. Your right all my relatives are way down south. I have nothing but wanting good for this town.

• 16 chris gilpatrick // Mar 2, 2010 at 11:28 pm

  what to do?get residents to get involved and vote at election time.with over 5,000 residents and less than 1,000 voting this is the problem.people don’t care ’til the tax bills come out and they see an increase then they bitch but do nothing to change the cycle.

• 17 striveforchange // Mar 2, 2010 at 11:39 pm

  Speaking of taxes, has anyone REALLY taken a good look at the tax bills online? I noticed there is something not quite right. There seemed to be inequities in the bills. When you have some time just go on the town website and take a look. Tell us what you think……..
  Also, I was at a meeting and was introduced to a state employee and this person asked what town I lived in. I told him and he said ugh, Lebanon has been a thorn in there side for 30 years. Until they get in the 21st century they will continue to be so. I wonder why they don’t want change? Can anyone take a guess?

• 18 Aaron // Mar 3, 2010 at 8:57 am

  That is a conflict in interest how is it any better than what we have now. I’m not saying he or she is corrupt but why have the possibility of conflict interest, its called ethics. I’m glad they want to help to change things but the husband or wife should just support the other. Avoid the possibility of conflict of interest.

• 19 striveforchange // Mar 3, 2010 at 9:29 am

  I did not say that we WERE going to run for Budget Committee. I ONLY asked a question. LMAO, we are FAR from corrupt. Have you read ANY of our posts on this website? Lord knows we only want good for this community. We have been fighting corruption for over 6 years and thought we were all alone until Glen made this website. Although, I can understand your paranoia. We have been there for SOOOOOOOOO long.

• 20 resident big mac // Mar 3, 2010 at 11:14 am

  So how do I find out what they are going to do with upper Jim Grant and when? They should be able to squeeze thuis section in with 1.3 million this year

• 21 chris gilpatrick // Mar 3, 2010 at 11:28 am

  road budget to be discussed tonight at six at the town hall with the budget committee.public is welcome to attend.i will ask this question to get you an answer.

• 22 resident big mac // Mar 3, 2010 at 11:36 am

  Thank you Chris

• 23 resident // Mar 3, 2010 at 11:57 am

  Who is running for selectman and road commitioner this year and is that number accurate for lebanon voters.Just a idea. what if we put the road work info on this site and people could actually put in info on road conditions and it would be looked at and a action list would be built from this and on and on. hey, huh ,a little continous improvement never hurt.lol. great site by the way.

• 24 striveforchange // Mar 3, 2010 at 12:06 pm

  That’s a good idea resident. Also, I had a thought about voting day. What if we have a designated person to pick up voters who don’t drive or are elderly or sick who can’t get to the polls. Some how get a list going of these residents. Maybe we can put a phone number on channel 6 or something? Maybe that would cut down on absentee ballots? Is it true that when you do an absentee ballot you don’t know what you are voting for? Someone told me that. Just curious.

• 25 chris gilpatrick // Mar 3, 2010 at 12:12 pm

  a few years ago we tried to get a road review committee established but our selectmen and road commissioner didn’t want any part of this idea.residents have asked for a five year plan for road work but we just keep winging it as we go year to year.vicious cycle and we pay for it!!

• 26 resident // Mar 3, 2010 at 12:22 pm

  Who is actually running for these positions this year.I only hear the same names. Someone did say we had a couple new people to vote for these positions this year though.People are talking about some new guy maybe running this year? lets try again for the road work committee.we have to have some say, it’s our town too.

• 27 Julie // Mar 3, 2010 at 1:48 pm

  when are the terms up for selectman and road commitioner? and who ran for them last election. The poll on the sight show’s ballots for selectman,but only two names and nothing for thr road commitioner? Any info would be great to help me out as to who i would like to see in these seats.

• 28 chris gilpatrick // Mar 3, 2010 at 2:01 pm

  bob frizzel is up for selectman
  ray davis is up for road commissioner
  nomination papers are available on march 15th
  only one seat was open last year glen stadig ran against ronald patch

• 29 Julie // Mar 3, 2010 at 2:20 pm

  Who ran against Mr. Davis?

• 30 chris gilpatrick // Mar 3, 2010 at 2:25 pm

  mark stuart ran and lost by a handful of votes,that was three years ago.this is a three year term.

• 31 Julie // Mar 3, 2010 at 2:32 pm

  Anyone running this year that doesn’t do road work for a business?

• 32 striveforchange // Mar 3, 2010 at 4:50 pm

  Chris Gilpatrick is gonna shoot me lol, but I think he would be a WONDERFUL AND FAIR road commissioner. What do you say Chris? Please run!!!!!!!

• 33 Average Resident // Mar 3, 2010 at 10:53 pm

  I’ll sign those papers Chris!!

  Claire, I hope you BOTH run. There is no conflict as neither one of you also work for the town, so you wouldnt have to abstain from any votes

  It would be nice to have honest, caring people in there!

• 34 chris gilpatrick // Mar 3, 2010 at 11:14 pm

  sorry but being self-employed i have obligations that i have with municipalities and schools which i’ve done business with for over ten years.after plowing/sanding for this town for so many years and being let go it felt good to have a full nights sleep this year.if elected their would be a large group at the soup kitchen and unemployment line ’cause this is their only source of work.come milk the cash cow every day at our expense !!

• 35 striveforchange // Mar 4, 2010 at 12:11 am

  Thanks Average, but we both feel like Aaron, that both of us don’t need to run. I personally believe it would be a conflict of interest and wouldn’t want it to be upsetting to people. You gotta practice what ya preach. There are too many people in office that just don’t do that.
  Oh well Chris, I tried. lol. Although I do understand how you feel.

• 36 resident // Mar 4, 2010 at 8:10 am

  What is the cost difference ( ballpark ) between grinding our roads,grading and paving and skimming and laying a overlay. Also if we have a couple roads we are going to tackle this year it wouldn’t hurt to get one flat bid from different companies as a package instead of individual.Tell me again about this road budget committee that was formed and we no longer have. I think it would be a great idea. A team working together to do what’s best for the town and helping to save money.

• 37 chris gilpatrick // Mar 4, 2010 at 9:01 am

  in actuality it is cheaper to grind and fix our roads right instead of just putting new hot top on top of a problem(rocks,holes,etc.)which will reappear in a year or two.example check the roads that have been ground(west lebanon road,part of center road,part of long swamp)then check roads just paved(jim grant,merchants road,upper guinea to name a few)and you’ll see the difference.the road committee was presented to the town by a group of concerned residents.idea was to form a committee to work with road commissioner to establish a road plan to figure a plan of attack on prioritizing roads in need of repair,looking at cheapest but best way to get roadwork done,overall a plan for the future to get the biggest bang for the taxpayers buck.

• 38 resident // Mar 4, 2010 at 12:30 pm

  So how did the idea get crushed.If i was on the board I would be all for it.I don’t see any downfall’s with a idea like this.Was it because it was never able to go any further than a couple residents wanting change and to help out and bringing it up to only one individual? How was this committee never implemented?

• 39 resident // Mar 4, 2010 at 12:44 pm

  One more question.what is the point of a budget committee if all that is going on is us just pointing out the waste and not actually putting any action on it? A team that meets and throws out idea’s to help each other out and better our community is a committee or team. This budget committee, do they have any say in idea’s to save money,voting on what roads that really need repair and on and on and on or nothing and just look at money being wasted and turn the page to the next item again and again?

• 40 resident // Mar 4, 2010 at 1:42 pm

  A couple quotes that jump out at me for our town.
  The world we have created is a product of our thinking; it cannot be changed without changing our thinking.

  Improvement usually means doing something that we have never done before.

  Sometimes we are to busy mopping the floor to turn off the faucet.

• 41 Glen Stadig // Mar 4, 2010 at 4:33 pm

  I think all your quotes are applicable..
  Your comments on the Budget Committee are on point. Not because of desire…the Budget Committee wants to help and does point out areas to improve. Unfortunately they are not listened to and there is no “stick” to encourage anyone to listen.

  The Selectmen and Road Commissioner have demonstrated they will do what they want, when and how they want. The CEO Budget has not been revisited and the Budget Committee has no effective input in the process.
  I say turn off the faucet..

• 42 striveforchange // Mar 4, 2010 at 11:17 pm

  All I can say is “WOW” Glen. Isn’t there any legal recourse that we as residents can take? I knew things were bad but after reading your post something more has got to be done. I also agree turn off the faucet.
  I do have one question. After the voting in June, who counts the votes? If they do back room deals and the unethical behavior that has been going on is blatant, I would almost bet to insure their cash cow, somehow they could FIX the votes?

• 43 resident // Mar 5, 2010 at 8:16 am

  Can anyone tell me how many streets or street signs we actually have in lebanon maine.lol.I think we turned the page on that one also.What was the budget for signs last year again?

• 44 My 2 cents // Mar 7, 2010 at 8:31 pm

  I am probably a little off, but there are the same issues with the budget committee as the selectmen. I watched some of these videos and have learned about special interest on the budget committee. Its sad that we residents let this happen at all.

  What is the budget committees huge issue with the policy the selectmen did? It limits conflicts of interest, which are evident on this committee.

• 45 striveforchange // Mar 7, 2010 at 8:46 pm

  I was just reading through these posts. My thought is doesn’t who ever runs against the good ol’ boys network ONLY LOOSE BY A HANDFUL…..What about a recount if this happens again?
  If people want change they need to stop voting by absentee ballots……..

• 46 C0nfused // Mar 9, 2010 at 1:44 pm

  I am not sure why we need another new fire truck. The time is bad, they should wait a few years. They are showing how greedy they are. This should wait.

  Has the selectmen and budget committee voted yet? Are the results on how each member voted public.

• 47 C0nfused // Mar 9, 2010 at 1:45 pm

  I agree it seems like some budgets get rubber stamped and you can see that some members of the budget committee have grudges and favorites

• 48 Greed // Mar 9, 2010 at 10:47 pm

  Greed. so is it Greed that causes the fireman to get out of his cold bed at 2am (when he has to be to work a 6am). rush to your house though tired and sore climb a ladder to the second story to rescue you, your parents, or your kids from a house that is so hot and has so muxh smoke you cant see your hand infront of your face. Then after the rescue and your house is saved the GREEDY firefighter leaves to go home and shower so he can go to work an hour late and yes probably get introuble at his main place of employment. If you call those brave men and woman greedy then you are the most expecting people to risk THERE live using old and unsafe equipment to save YOUR life.

  You are the most greedy person I have ever talked to and I hope that we never meet.

• 49 confused // Mar 9, 2010 at 11:08 pm

  greed,

  It is extremely greedy when people are losing their houses and jobs to ask us for 400,000 for a new fire truck that you say we don’t need. You should all be ashamed.

• 50 striveforchange // Mar 9, 2010 at 11:30 pm

  I’d like to know who greed is referring too?

  I kinda take offense to that post. We had a $3500 liner job done by a supposedly reputable chimney contractor. He had a very difficult time doing this job. We bought a wood stove and have NOT YET had it installed. We think the job he did was very shabby and most of all not fire safe. I WILL NOT put anyones life in jeopardy.

  To get a new fire truck at this time is just not feasable and I agree with confused.

• 51 My 2 Cents Also // Mar 10, 2010 at 1:12 am

  I truly think this is a bad year to be going for this fire truck and am disappointed the fire department is even asking for it. I understand that the fd said it took a couple years last time. Maybe they should understand that residents didn’t feel they needed it last time and then they finally shifted a few voters, (last time it barely passed).

  By doing this during such hard times and them telling people they really dont need the truck, they have caused A LOT of people in town to talk about the “greed” of the department, even though I am sure they have some good members.

  I also agree with the other comments, people are losing their houses. Fire calls are down more and more every year. We have 4 pumpers that work now, and 2 of them are more expensive pumper-tankers. We have a forestry that works fine and 2 squad trucks that work. This is Lebanon, cut us some slack and lower the taxes. I understand you want a new truck to impress sanford when you go there mutual aid as I was told the reason we needed a “special, custom chassis truck” during the november election. But as far as I am concerned, if we did ever get this truck, its for Lebanon. Send an older truck. My taxes pay for it, not Sanford. Keep the equipment in town. I understand they come over here, but they will be happy I am sure with one of the many other trucks you have.

  no new fire truck this year and I am disappointed they are asking for $400,000 during such bad times.

• 52 My 2 Cents Also // Mar 10, 2010 at 1:16 am

  Greed: I just read your post some more. I dont think anyone is questioning the volunteers or their work. I do laugh, because Lebanon averages 2 fires a year and we have had a shed which brought in like 15 trucks including a ladder truck and I think the paper said 50 firefighters for a 10×12 shed. The other fire was a garage. I am not seeing many rescues as you depicted in your dramatical story above. Lets keep to the facts and not try to “scare” people into why we need a $400,000 fire truck to be used 2 times a year.

  Didn’t Acton and Newfield just buy new engines for their departments? I think one was a 1984 and one a 1985. These trucks are older then the one we just sank all this money into to make it a viable and good fire truck. Why? Why? Why?

• 53 striveforchange // Mar 10, 2010 at 8:30 am

  I for one am happy that people are FINALLY becoming aware of all the waste in this town. It truly has got to stop. Instead of HELPING THEMSELVES, why not help the person who is loosing their home, or helping the families in need, whatever it may be?
  Why only think of what their department wants? I say want because they surely don’t need another fire truck. Also, I think it is sad that they throw a hissy fit and try to intimidate to get what they WANT.
  Some of these people who intimidate to get what they want should NOT be in any department. What’s wrong with this picture.

• 54 Glen Stadig // Mar 10, 2010 at 9:22 am

  In most cases the people that volunteer and work for the town are good people.
  They work long hours, doing varied things, they put up with a lot of bull from people who could never be satisfied even if they did it for free.

  It also is not there fault that residents have lost the reigns and (perhaps never had) control over their the spending and town policy.

  It is our fault for letting it happen.

  We should be mad at ourselves and resolve to improve, and improve rapidly.

  Face It, costs money just to be a town, we pay state and county fees, we require basic services, which is about what we have. We just need tighter checks and balances, and more disclosure and transparency EVERYWHERE.

• 55 striveforchange // Mar 10, 2010 at 10:46 am

  I know that MOST people who volunteer are great and caring people. They only want good for this town. I am talking about the good ol’ boys network who have had a hold on this town for over 30 years or so. It’s time we take it back.
  I agree with most of what you say Glen except I don’t think we need to be mad at ourselves. This town has been like this for a long time. It is very frusturating because the good ol’ boys just keep on finding ways to hold the reigns. The unethical and sometimes close to illegal things that are done here have GOT TO STOP.
  It is frusturating for us who tell the truth and try to do things the right and proper way.

• 56 Dee // Mar 12, 2010 at 4:31 pm

  OK – What is going on with Lebanon – First let me say that my ties to the community are more than 20 years. We voted out the police department (that’s right Lebanon doesn’t have crime) – let me tell from first hand experience that is a bunch of bull. Now we don’t want to give the FD what they NEED in order to protect us and our property – are you kidding me? I know the economy is tough (I live it too) – but maybe it is time for the residents of Lebanon to pull up their big boy and girl pants and pay the extra taxes it will take to make us a better community. I simply don’t get it. As far as having both the FD and Rescue department – I will lobby to have the FD personnel certified as EMT’s and roll it all into one program, do away with the Rescue department. Please don’t forget that we have both Sanford and Rochester within minutes of us – a trained firefighter would be able to manage any situation until either department arrived. I give up – it is the ignorance of the town selectmen that have me wanting to leave. If ignorance is bliss then at least Lebanon must be the most blissful place in the world.

• 57 Greed // Mar 12, 2010 at 4:49 pm

  Though I don’t agree with joining the two departments. I do understand where you come from but I urge this as an option if we dropped rescue we could use there budget to hire an outside ambulance company and there is no liability on the town. (it would actually cost less than the rescue budget).

• 58 chris gilpatrick // Mar 12, 2010 at 5:10 pm

  this is partly what is wrong with our town.uninformed residents.do you remember when we hired out our ambulance service? it cost about $200,00 a year and THIS WAS FOR DAYTIME COVERAGE ONLY !! being the first one at a parachuting accident several years ago a young lady crashed onto upper guinea road.the sheriff and rescue were on scene in minutes.the ambulance was back in somersworth n.h. for the night.the ambulance was called and arrived which seemed like an eternity.once on scene the girl was transported to the hospital after the ambulance got lost going there!!!!is this what you really want for alot more money with no revenue from the transports?i hope this situation doesn’t happen to you because i remember this like it was yesterday.unfortunately the girl past away .i am not beating a drum for the rescue but i have seen the alternative and it isn’t pretty.

• 59 Dee // Mar 12, 2010 at 5:26 pm

  I remember that incident – the young lady was an experienced jumper who had an very unfortunate outcome. That was very tragic – I remember watching the jump from my backyard. I think that incident made an impact on all of us.
  I still think that it would better serve Lebanon to have the fire personnel certified as EMT’s and run it out of 1 department instead of two separate budgets.

• 60 striveforchange // Mar 12, 2010 at 6:23 pm

  I have to agree with chris gilpatrick. Alot of the thinking is due to uninformed residents. While I admit I don’t know much about either rescue or fire departments, I do have sense enough to know that when we just spent all that money to have a fire truck fixed, why would I want my taxes to go up and say yes to a $200-400,000 brand new fire truck when the rescue dept. is self funding? and they have NOT had a turn at a new vehicle, which is much in need.
  VOTE NO NEW FIRE TRUCK.. And Oh lord, please don’t combine the two and make the fire personnel certified as EMT’s!!!!!!

• 61 Dee // Mar 12, 2010 at 6:41 pm

  I certainly did not place my opinions here to be told that I am uninformed – I vote at each and every election and generally am pretty well versed in politics on the local, state and federal level. I run a very successful organization and I work at Goodall. I am college educated and I like to think a pretty intelligent woman. As a law abiding, tax paying citizen of Lebanon, my input is just as important as anyone elses. The difference may be that I am not in the “Good Old Boys Club” and I have no aspiration to run for any office. I simply want to see Lebanon thrive and grow into itself. Many local departments REQUIRE their FD staff to be certified as EMT’s. Have you toured the FD recently? Have you looked at the equipment the fire fighters are using? I am not sure about other locations in Lebanon, but I have a well, I don’t have city water or sewer – do you not think that a pump truck would be useful to the community?
  Am I pro fire fighter? You bet – I am a military brat whose father just happened to be a military fire fighter – I have seen first hand the danger these men and women are placed in and how fast things can go wrong –
  There is a better way for Lebanon to do things and it is time for everyone to put their issues aside and do what is best for the citizens and the town.
  Geeze – I could go on and on – from the budgets to the elementary schools (which I did not allow my children to attend, I sent them out of state for school). Is this the way the town wants the residents to view the community?

• 62 striveforchange // Mar 12, 2010 at 6:50 pm

  I am NOT in the “Good Ol’ Boys Network” either and I will NEVER be a part of that.
  It’s great that people can come on here and voice their opinions that is what it is for.
  I also vote at every election and am pretty well versed in local politics. I am sorry you took that statement personal, please don’t. That was not my intention at all. It’s good that people can come and share their ideas and thoughts!!

• 63 striveforchange // Mar 12, 2010 at 7:00 pm

  Oh, one more thing, I am PRO rescue but admire the fire department and their volunteers for all they do……….

• 64 chris gilpatrick // Mar 12, 2010 at 7:49 pm

  dee, i apologize if you thought i was referring to you.i was referring to outsourcing our ambulance service which we have tried cost huge amounts more than the roughly $80,000 we currently spend.the rescue has a large group of volunteers dedicated to our town at a very little cost.as i stated i don’t beat a drum for rescue or fire but the town should be greatful for what they do.without the training,time committement,etc. these two department budgets would be unbearable to the taxpayer.as i’ve always stated ,look at other towns and see what our town and future generations could have if some of our residents weren’t so greedy and worried of their future and not our towns.

• 65 Laugh Out Loud!! // Mar 12, 2010 at 10:21 pm

  Its funny to see Whartever come back as some new names!!

  The rescue costs the town zero and has 3 times the calls then the fire department. The rescue budget is like $75,000 and that is paid for all by revenue. The fire department has 1/3 of the calls and they costs us $120,000 plus now they want ANOTHER new fire truck.

  We are so fortunate to have Lebanon Rescue, who have received countless awards for their work. They are the busiest all volunteer department in the state and they have incredible people.

  When we had the outsourcing of the ambulance, it was like $200,000 a year. We pay zero, so whartever/dee, maybe you should check your math on what is cheaper.

  Now the fire departments wants to raise taxes again and buy a luxury pumper truck to replace one that is barely used and is the 4th pumper. Most towns have 2. We have 4 pumpers/tankers, a forestry, 2 squad trucks and a boat.

  That is why MOST towns have seperate ambulances then the fire department. Large cities mostly have combined departments.

  Just shows how ignorant some people with half truths can be!

• 66 Confused also!! // Mar 12, 2010 at 10:30 pm

  Dee, do you think the 3 other pumpers can handle the calls in Lebanon, since most towns do it with 2. Yes I am aware they had 2 fires last year and most years. I do know we have had that massive shed fire thats smaller then my bathroom and a small fire which one fire truck put out. So why do we need all these trucks? We are the only town with so many trucks.

  Our fire department has always been expensive and poorly managed.

  Then you look at how pro-active the rescue is, they have triple the calls, triple the members, triple the manpower hours and they cost us nothing.

  The fire department has a huge budget, has lots of fluff in their budget, and never does anything pro-active.

  Am i pro-rescue, you bet (as you put it in yours). Am i pro-fire, I honor the men and women who do their jobs, but we could contract with sanford for fire services and pay less and have better service.

  I agree, most towns are seperate. From what I have seen, and I have lived in town my entire life and raised my kids in this town, the fire and rescue was combined for a short time. The current fire chief and rescue chief were appointed right about the same time. Skip wanted nothing to do with rescue and everyone felt the ambulance should not be part of the fire department. The selectmen appointed Samantha as rescue chief and Samantha and Jason and all the members have won multiple state and national awards for our community.

  We are so fortunate to have them in town. I have some information that I recently learned about expenses for the fire department that I want to share to see the fleecing they do, but I want to confirm them before I say them. I check before I speak, whartever or whatever you call yourself today!

  Dee, I also have several family members that work at Goodall and they say Lebanon Rescue is top notch and probably the best in the county.

  You are also wrong, most fire departments do not train their members to be EMT’s. Sanford does because they are a city and they run the ambulance.

  Combining them unless we could get Samantha or Jason to run it would be a bad thing, because of the mis-management of the fire department

• 67 Confused also!! // Mar 12, 2010 at 10:32 pm

  dee, yes a pump truck would be helpful. We just bought them a new one, they have 2 other pumper tankers and they have a fourth that is the pumper we just put all the money into that has a warranty – and the fire department says they don’t need the truck?? Yes, we have 4 pumpers, more then most any town or CITY in the region.

• 68 Average resident // Mar 12, 2010 at 10:41 pm

  Dee -

  I also agree. I know members on both departments. Why do you think the rescue has more certified firefighters then the fire department does? They left the fire department due to the mis-management.

  You should check around before you speak. You are wrong, more then 80% of ambulances are not part of the fire department. In some cities they do combine them.

  If Samantha would do both jobs, I would say bring it on. But then we would lose grant money and many other things.

  I am thankful that everything the rescue has and all the operating budgets for the past few years has cost the town ZERO!! Keep up the good work.

  I am not anti-fire, I am anti-ANOTHER NEW FIRE TRUCK and RAISING MY TAXES AGAIN!!

  I agree with you Chris, I think we are fortunate to have all the volunteers in town. I have seen how hard they work and I just don’t think we need a 4th pumper at a cost of $400,000, which I think is more then Sanford and Rochester has paid for their new pumpers which are top of the line since they use them so much, not just 2 times a year.

• 69 Greed // Mar 12, 2010 at 11:02 pm

  If you look at rochesters public record they spent 1 million on there new tower truck and I believe they spent about 500-600K on there new pumper.

  Why is it that this year wakefield a town much like our own is buying a new firetruck, a new ambulance, and a new police car?

  Rescue does not have more certified firefighters then the firedept. and though some are firefighters in other towns it is incredibly hard to be a firefighter in two towns at the same time.

  (if you look at any new depts hiring requirments most require there staff to be atleast emt-B and most are requiring emt-I) Portsmouth NH requires Paramedic level.

  And how bout this idea

  350,ooo (new fire truck)
  -200,000 (left over winter road budget_
  ——————
  150,000
  -200,000 (increase in road budget*?)
  ————————-
  +50,000

  * Why is the road budget going up 200K if he has 200K left over from last year.

  and rescues ambulance is a 2005. (they do have a new vehical that is a 2010 ford expedition)

  Did you Know the town insurance will not cover Firefighters who are trained as emt’s who do medical care so non of them will. (why risk there butts for someone who can later sue them

  as for the FD budget It is pretty well detailes where they list.

  How much they need for maint, New gear, repairs, tools, deisel, etc.

  I dont think there would be anything wrong with training the fireman as EMT’s simply because the budget will drop. Now I know those of you who love the Coles and think they do a good job and they do. But there is no need to pubicize everything. Like I look at some old papers. Why is there a right up on Lebanon rescue cleaning there station? this should be no special occasion. Be it is a nice thing to do it does not need to be in the paper. Jason is really good with PR but most of it is not needed. So the fire dept. doesnt publish when they clean the station or repaint. etc. its not something people need to know.

  I would think that everyone on here should before bashing the FD go town to the station one day and meet the firefighters they bash and yes even get a tour of the station.

  BTW- lebanon is about 3x as big and has double the population of acton so yes I believe that 4 engines is well deserved. Matter of fact lebanon is about the same size as rochester Land wise and rochester has 14 vehicals.

• 70 Greed is wrong!! // Mar 12, 2010 at 11:34 pm

  Whartever/Greed or whatever you are tonight.

  You have proved that a little bit of information proves ignorance. Where to start?

  The ambulance was approved and purchased in 2003. So, it is not a 2005. Nice try though!!

  The expedition, which is a first response and command vehicle and cannot transport, was GIVEN to the rescue in 2009 and is a 2009, not 2010 (again, you were wrong).

  Rochester spent about $300k for their newest pumpers, again you are wrong. They did pay $1 million for a speciality tower truck that Lebanon does not or will not ever need.

  The rescue did a press release that I saw on line about saving the town over $2,000 in labor costs to repaint and winterize the station. They showed the citizens what good work they do and saves us money. The papers decide what goes in. I know several reporters and Lebanon Fire sends just as much in, but its not newsworthy and doesn’t make the news. When they save us $2,000, I am glad to read that. At least its not us spending more money to put more coffee pots on the fire trucks and us spending $$ each month for these speciality coffees as I have heard the townspeople do pay the FD now.

  Do you know in some communities that the police has taken over the fire and they are cross trained. I agree, the town shouldn’t pay for FF’s to take EMT classes. They can’t by LAW use it. Should we pay the firefighters to carry guns and arrest people because some towns do it? Why spend the money on something they can’t use (but then again, we want to buy them a luxury pumper at 400,000 that will sit there).

  I have seen the fire station and all the equipment they have. They have a lot more then most towns. You have to remember Lebanon is small, about 250 fire calls a year. Rochester doesnt have 14 vehicles, check out their website or talk to Norm. But since they have 20 times our tax base and 7 times our population, we should have 1/7 of their vehicles.

  I just heard Lebanon Rescue go out on their 6th call of the day. Thats almost a full month for the fire department!!

• 71 striveforchange // Mar 12, 2010 at 11:57 pm

  Totally unbelieveable!! I think I am just going to call Wharterever, Dee, Greed, and on and on, Legion. Why change names like that? Your thought and the way you type are the same and your facts are always wrong!!!! Geesh, get a grip…Your not going to change anybodys mind that way…..

• 72 Proud of rescue // Mar 13, 2010 at 12:46 am

  I also work at Goodall and I can assure you Lebanon Rescue is one of the best departments around. They sit with the patients at the hospital, they have helped drive family members over and they are so compassionate.

  I also live in Lebanon and am very proud of these guys. They truly are amazing!!

  Thank you rescue for all you do. I am proud to say I live in Lebanon.

  I am not for a new fire truck right now, maybe when times get better. We desperately need another ambulance, I see these guys several times a day and they have to rush back for another call. If it doesn;t cost the taxpayers money, I don’t even realize why we have to vote on it?

• 73 Former member // Mar 13, 2010 at 1:57 am

  I must say that I served on both departments and both have good volunteers. There is a lot of BS on the FD and I got done. The volunteers are great, the leadership lacks. They have lieutenants with no experience at all and they think they run everything.

  This town does not need another new fire truck. We cannot get the current ones out in a timely fashion.

  Greed, the rescue does have more trained firefighters then the fire dept, but that shouldn’t be an issue.

  The issue is that the rescue needs a new ambulance, the fire department members know that (besides you) and see the rescue go out 3 times more then the fire dept.

  All of your facts you mentioned are incorrect. And like others have said, most departments are not combined. They work better seperate as they have different jobs. We are lucky that we have Sam and Jason to get the grants and work the butts off to get the ambulance revenue to keep the operation self funded.

  Its ok to admit your jealous )

• 74 Former member // Mar 13, 2010 at 2:00 am

  Greed/Whartever or whatever your name is, LMAO,

  Rochester has like 35,000 people, which is 7 times more then lebanon. How can you even compare, but they dont have 14 vehicles!!

  And I have heard the fire truck is $400,000 – thats more then $350k you are misleading people on.

  Since you seem to be a great pathological liar and mislead so well, have you thought about running for political office?

• 75 Greed // Mar 13, 2010 at 6:00 am

  Rochester does have 14 vehicals, I never said they have 14 engines 3 are command cars, there is a forestry etc. But yes it totals 14.

  Two. Open the door panel on the ambulance pretty sure it says make :2005

  Fire does not submit nearly as many articles to the paper simply because people don’t need to know what is happening such as cleaning etc. and they dont need to worry about there press releases because Jason invites himself and does them.

  Acuse me of being whoever you want but you are wrong in you assumptions. and yes you are correct rochester does have more people that is why I compaired us land wise. Lebanon is a very big area to cover 55.8 square miles. That is a lot of land.

  as to the person who mentioned contracting FD’s Imagine the time is would take an engine to get to lebanon from sanford…

  You call me Ignorant because you don’t like what I say but it is the truth you dont want to hear.

  Greed is Wrong: you said you have toured lebanons fire station and we have more than most communites. In what way. we lack severly with tools compared to other surrounding departments so please tell me besides having 4 engines what else they have that others do not.

  And what you heard is wrong the FD proposed 350K to the budget commitee for the new truck. at one point it was 400K but they have cut cost to make it more affordable so your taxes wont go up a total of 5 dollars this year.

  good morning all.

• 76 Greed // Mar 13, 2010 at 6:01 am

  Correction I ment for the door panel is says

  Model Year:2005

• 77 Greed // Mar 13, 2010 at 6:42 am

  And one more thing I never attacked getting another ambulance I just simple cant imagine wherer they will put it? Is it gonna stay at the Coles house on depot road just like the exedition.

  as for the expedition being a 2010 maybe you dont know but automakers switch there model years 1/2 way through the year.
  eg. aug 2009 means the car is a 2010.

  And it is no unlawful for firefighters to respond and treat patients aslong as they are trained as emt’s (note sanford does it) However the town insurance would have to cover them which it currently does not.

  I understand that most of you are in love with the rescue department because they are alway sharing things with you eg. PR but if you have ever noticed (and I doubt you have) Fire sponsers a little league team and lets out station be used by senior citizens etc.

  But yeah they don’t publish that in the paper because you don’t need to know.

• 78 Dee // Mar 13, 2010 at 7:04 am

  I honestly do not know what is going on here – this was my 1st time ever visiting or posting on this site (I learned of it from employees at Goodall) it will be my last time here – opinions and ideas should be free to share and not accusatory, I am speaking directly to “Former Member” when I say that – I will say that God forbid anything happen to me, my family or my home – I certainly do NOT want to be taken care of by rescue – actually there was a car accident once and they showed up about 30 seconds before I did – I grabbed my son and took him to the hospital myself – I do not like or trust the department. I have actually made it clear to my family that they are to call Goodall or Frisbie and have them come – and by the way – I know rescue attends lots of incidents – I have the pleasure of listening to my husbands stupid scanner for every little thing they do (even when they aren’t the ones being called upon) – why do they show up when fire has been called and not them? For their numbers that is why – I will say that more attention needs to be paid to what is actually happening.
  I think that every selectman needs to be replaced and that both the fire and rescue chiefs need to have set terms – maybe then things would be a little clearer to you folks.
  So much for a free exchange of thoughts and ideas.

• 79 striveforchange // Mar 13, 2010 at 9:39 am

  WOW!! What a thing to wake up too….Do you rant often DEE? Hate is a powerful word. Careful what you pray for when you say you don’t want rescue to help you…..
  You have said that before about not coming back here, but you seem to find a new name so you can. Next time when you get a new name, change how you type and don’t forget your punctuation!!!!!

• 80 Greed is wrong!! // Mar 13, 2010 at 10:21 am

  Greed,

  I spoke with Rochester FD this morning, they DO NOT HAVE 14 vehicles and laughed when I told them Lebanon FD says they do.

  Dee, its too bad you feel that way, you are one of few – maybe thats why they are the busiest all volunteer department in the state and have so many patients that return their surveys that shows excellent care?????

  Dee, sometimes the dispatch forgets to tone either fire or rescue to a call. The rescue only goes if there is a MOI. Like the fire dept has self toned themselves to many calls when just rescue went.

  Greed: Call Maine EMS, Lebanon Fire cannot perform any patient care – it is UNLAWFUL. They are not licensed to do so. Sanford can as they have a combined dept – learn about things before you state them – it shows your ignorance.

  Its funny every article I have seen says 2003 the ambulance was voted on and I got a copy of the town report and there it was – 2003!!! So again, you have no clue and everytime you post, you lose more votes because people see your lies!!

  And you are also wrong on the expedition, it is a 2009. Call Starkey Ford or stop in and I am sure Jason or Sam will show you the registration Or does the State lie now when they do registrations, LMAO!!!!

  The point is, you are jealous of the rescue and you make the FD look very bad with your lies!

• 81 Greed is wrong!! // Mar 13, 2010 at 10:23 am

  I am the same way with the FD – if I ever need anything for my family, I will make sure we do it ourself. They are hilarious to watch and if the clown car ever shows up because I have a little camp fire and am burning legally, I will laugh even more!!
  90% of the FD calls are self generated to make their numbers look better – they drive around looking for kids roasting marshmallows!!

• 82 laugh Out Loud!! // Mar 13, 2010 at 10:35 am

  Dee, I feel the same way about Goodall Hospital where you say you work – there is someone from accounting over there from Lebanon who makes the whole hospital look bad!!!

  I would rather bring my family to the vet clinic on Rte 202 then Goodall Hospital!!

  I would call Lebanon Rescue anyday for my family, and I have – they are truly great!!

• 83 striveforchange // Mar 13, 2010 at 10:40 am

  LMAO Laugh……I HAD to go to Good All Hospital yesterday, I truly don’t like it at all. I’d rather be at Frisbie. Which dept. do you work in Dee at Good All? I’m not saying what I am thinking lol………..
  Jason and Sam and the volunteers are truly caring about others and the MOST honest people I know. No wonder you don’t like thme Dee…..

• 84 Amazed // Mar 13, 2010 at 4:54 pm

  I am amazed when I read some of these posts. We are so fortunate to have a rescue department that has cost us nothing, all of their equipment has been through donations and grants and they have received several awards for their work.

  I read through the fire log after reading what the FF wrote about the rescue announcing that the volunteers once again went above and beyond by doing the entire painting and crack filling and saving us $2,000. The FD’s weekly logs have had no calls some weeks and they have several entries of “mopped the floors” then another “entry/call” for taking the trash out. Wow, i guess since they have no calls some weeks, this to them is newsworthy, lol.

  I was recently advised that the fire department also always PAID its members once a week to clean the station an hourly wage like $13.00 an hour. Fortunately our selectmen cut that item with this current years budget. Why should the members get paid to take the trash out? They already get paid more for a stipend then the rescue, even though they have 1/3 the calls and 1/3 the people. Obviously they needed to be paid extra for doing the trash when the rescue volunteers seem to be here for the right reasons. From what I hear, the rescue volunteers take turns cleaning. At least the selectmen caught this and stopped it!!!

• 85 Greed // Mar 13, 2010 at 7:11 pm

  First regarding Rochester FD. Count the Vehicals on there website (you might have to take of your shoes) there are 14 listed.

  The point system is the same for both depts.

  here is the timeline of the ambulance

  -Voted on 2003

  -Ordered 2004
  -Delivered Mid-late 2004 (2005 model year)

  anything else do I need to draw it for you? just wondering.

  As for Illegal burns. Burn Permits are free and it is pure lazy-ness to not get one or you are burning illegal materials.

  The fire dept. must respond to anything it is toned for the same with rescue.(even if it is kids with marshmallows)

  again if there are any respectful questions you may have and not bashing I will do my best to answer them.

  (and for the logs that mention cleaning etc. that is the same format that rescue does.)

• 86 chris gilpatrick // Mar 13, 2010 at 7:45 pm

  as i continually read the postings about ambulance versus fire truck,fire truck versus ambulance maybe residents should step back and look at another picture.the road budget has $275,000 left over from winter budget.the selectmen added $200,000 to the budget this year resulting in a $1.2 MILLION dollar budget.why not put the left over money into the general fund and keep the road budget as it was.(the town could appropriate $4 MILLION for the road budget and residents will still have sub-par work as we are used to).when the fire truck is approved the town will already have this money saved.whether it be this year or two years from now.being self-employed for over twenty-fire years i thought the whole idea is to strive to better ones self (the town in this case)and flourish not funnel money over and over again hoping they’ll eventually get it right.the stimulas money didn’t happen last year.we’ve been doing it forever for a select few.

• 87 Amazed // Mar 13, 2010 at 8:01 pm

  Actually, I looked at the chiefs report for the rescue and they do not put normal station maintenance things down.

  And you are very wrong on the ambulance. I called Jason today and if you look at the ambulance dedication held in February 2004 when the ambulance arrived – LOL – just shows your ignorance. Shows you truly have no clue, it is not a 2005 ambulance – but its funny to see how little you truly do know.

  I wasnt aware that you were counting the vehicles the chiefs drive to work as apparatus. Then if you count the fire chief for lebanon who gets paid like $500 a month to use his personal vehicle on top of his $1500 a month salary, we have 8 they have 14. They have 7 times the population and about 30 times the calls.

  Its sad that you make the entire fire department look ignorant, but if your one of their high performing members, I am very scared!!!! I heard a joke from another city’s fire department about Lebanon. They said they respond to all Lebanon fires and you guys haven’t lost a cellar yet!! LMFAO – ROFL!!

• 88 Amazed // Mar 13, 2010 at 8:03 pm

  Why do we fix fire trucks to the point they work fine, they have a warranty and we are told we don’t need it this year – isn’t that the same as the roads?

• 89 chris gilpatrick // Mar 13, 2010 at 8:11 pm

  my point was the left over money and the extra money added this year could pay for a new truck AND ambulance.i know rescue have their own account but i wanted to show what throwing money out the window would buy.as i wrote whether this year or in the future the purchase will happen.

• 90 Greed // Mar 13, 2010 at 8:31 pm

  As again I will explain about the ambulance delivered in late 2004 the vehicals model year is that of a 2005. Vehical manufacturers do not follow the julian calander year. there year start and ends mid year.

  eg a vehcial purchased in july/ aug 2009 is a 2010 model year.

  What the chiefs do or dont receive is non of my concern and you would be better of asking them.

  Chris I am unsure if you had seen my previous post about the road budget and new fire truck.

  350,000
  -200,000 (left over)
  ——————————-
  =150,000
  -200,000 (road budget increase)
  = +50,000

  And why dont you ask other town what they think of our rescue department, I have friends on Acton, Shapleigh, Alfred, and Milton and non of them respect our rescue department.

  There is also some unhappy factions within rescue at this time over the favoratism over paying for peoples classes much like the ill scratch your back if you scratch mine world of the selectmen.

• 91 chris gilpatrick // Mar 13, 2010 at 8:54 pm

  i had seen your previous post.several residents have asked me why this money isn’t put back in the surplus account when spring is next week and there is $275,000 left.we voted for a summer and a winter budget not a combined budget as they are trying to slip through this year.i am not hear to bash rescue or fire because i respect both departments for all they do.i am just throwing an idea out there for residents to ponder.

• 92 Greed // Mar 13, 2010 at 9:00 pm

  No, Chris don’t get me wrong Its my tax money too I just wanted to make sure I wasn’t Crazy.

  Would there be a way to get an Special Accountant from the state to come down and audit the towns books, to see exaclty where the money is going and how much is being “misplaced” by our faithful leaders?

• 93 Amazed // Mar 13, 2010 at 10:25 pm

  Greed, I am not sure how February is late 2004, once again you show your ignorance! Check the registration or call Jason or Sam – call Ford (I think Granite Ford does their work).

  I have friends on the same towns and that is why they call Lebanon Rescue a lot – they do respect them and they have asked them to help set up policies. Thats why several rescue members belong to those same towns and Lebanon. That is also why Lebanon Rescue receives so many awards!

  We should put money into the roads, they need it desperately and the fire department has said they don’t need the truck, they are just greedy. I would rather see roads done and done right then for a fire truck to sit in a station and do nothing.

  I think when you say the towns dont respect a department, its the fire department. They dont ever get called even when the call is on the lebanon line. Every fire department around laughs at our fire department – but as the full time firefighter said, Lebanon hasn’t lost a cellar yet.

  Jason, is it possible you could post a copy of the registration on here to show how ignorant Greed/Wharterver is?

  Fortunately greed/whartever is one of very few opinions this way and maybe its time for daddy to come turn the computer off….

  And greed, they are asking for $400,000 for the new fire truck, I confirmed that tonight.

• 94 Amazed // Mar 13, 2010 at 10:28 pm

  And unlike fire, the members get a long. Anyone who has put in for training, was covered. But I know you don’t understand the concept of money, but when the training budget is used, its all used. They cant just send everyone. I got denied going to a training, but I understand with the limited budget the rescue has, that not everyone can go. But everyone who signed up for the advanced life support class went.

  Just more ignorance, whartever. I talked to some people who was in favor of the fire truck until they saw your posts, and now I think they have reconsidered. You are doing a great job making sure you DONT get the fire truck!!

  LMAO – keep up the great work of trying to mis-inform the citizens and scare them – its not working!!

  VOTE NO NEW FIRE TRUCK!!

• 95 Confused Also // Mar 13, 2010 at 10:30 pm

  I agree with amazing and the other posts, greed is showing his true name – they have said they don’t need the truck – so dont waste our time or money.

  I also agree, the more he posts, the more people get turned off from the whole fire truck and fire dept.

• 96 Greed // Mar 13, 2010 at 10:33 pm

  Really because I was definatly at the meeting where they asked for 350,000 but yes if you round up that is 400,000.

  and you know that the roads will not be done right until we get an outside town manager to run this town. BTW all the full time departments around us have called us for mutual aide at one time or another so sorry you are wrong.

  you think I am greedy because I am pro safe equipment. ha. I am sorry the Coles’ have Brainwashed you into thinking they do no evil and they are perfect. that is funny and well honestly I Laugh out Loud at that.

  Oh and BTW Fire has citations from the state aswell but they do not need to put it in the paper the volunteers know the good work they do and that is enough for them. again the public does not have a need to know.

• 97 Rescue Member // Mar 13, 2010 at 10:37 pm

  I am a rescue member and find it funny that someone not on our department is commenting on our department and a perceived friction. Trust me, I served on many departments and this by far is the best administered and everyone gets along. Sam and Jason have made it very clear at meetings that no one bad mouths the others while they are at the station. I used to be on the fire department and had to leave because i couldnt put up with the BS and badmouthing of other people. They bad mouthed other departments during meetings and in the bays after. And if you want to talk about favoritism, its the fire dept – unless you are in a click of members, you get nothing. Look at the officers now – they have no experience.

  I have friends on all the departments you mention and they call Lebanon because we cant get a crew and they like working with us. We have members helping teach a basic class in acton and helping their chief set up their policies.

  Greed or whartever your name is today from the other posts, you are doing the fire department an in-justice every time you lie and open your mouth – though comical, its sad that people now perceive you as the poster CHILD of the department. There are some good members on the fire department who care and tell the truth. I am so turned off by the negative campaign you have done to discredit the rescue, I am also going to encourage everyone I know to vote no on the fire truck.

• 98 Confused Also // Mar 13, 2010 at 10:41 pm

  Greed.

  Once again you are wrong!!!

  I purposely asked tonight at the supper at the station and they said it was like $79,000 a year for 5 years. Thats $395,000 .

  I know you have shown your ignorance several times already – but:

  $395,000 is closer to $400,000 Its $5000 less.

  $395,000 is not close to $350,000, its $45,000 less.

  So, maybe you should check your math!!

  LMAO!!

• 99 Laugh Out Loud!! // Mar 13, 2010 at 10:42 pm

  LMAO to all the posts – everytime I see a post from greed or whartever his name is tonight, I see the votes going down for the new truck!!

  I agree, it seems $400,000 is a lot closer to $395,000 then $350,000 is – and I am not a math major!!!

  I also agree, I have heard several other fire departments say they would never call Lebanon fire.

• 100 Laugh Out Loud!! // Mar 13, 2010 at 10:44 pm

  Greed, what citations did the fd get? I know they got a combined one with the rescue for the work the rescue did and 1 member about 4 years ago?

  I think its good that the state announces this things and that Lebanon Rescue has won so many distinquished awards.

• 101 striveforchange // Mar 13, 2010 at 11:11 pm

  The fire department and the rescue department are not the only issues that are up for vote in June. However, I think that Whatever, Whaterever, Duh-Huh, , Dee, Greed,whew, what was I gonna say lmao. Oh Whaterever you do a good job for the fire department keep it up……..Even the ones that usually vote absentee ballotts are gonna come and vote this year. Because of your posts!!!! lol

• 102 Laugh Out Loud!! // Mar 13, 2010 at 11:21 pm

  I agree strive, i am so turned off that everyone I talk to I am telling them about the lies that whaterver he wants to call himself tonight is telling.

  Late 2004 is now February 2004. I called Jason and he confirmed the ambulance is not a 2005, it was purchased in 2003 and delivered and in service in February 2004. But someone who doesnt have a clue is trying to spread lies!!

  Every posts he adds, I think its helping my tax rate stay lower because more people see why we dont need a fire truck!!

• 103 Greed // Mar 14, 2010 at 5:19 am

  What makes you “rescue member” so sure I am not on rescue and disgrunled because yes Jason has screwed me over?. You know damn well that Jason Runs the department ans Sam only shows up every once in a while. Mainly on meeting nights but we dont see her on calls much ans Jason just rubber stamps everything in her name. Pretty much everything that says Rescue Chiefs Office is from Jason and you know it.

  Again I am done arguing about the price of the fire truck with someone who does not seem to understand the fact that they are wrong and I have more intel then they do. Who told you the truck would cost 395,000? not all FD members are at the truck meetings and things have changed.

  And as for the old acton only has 3 fire truck arguments here’s something for ya.

  They are a smaller town!!! population and land wise.
  Well they bought a used truck: I asked there Chief he stated they dont plan on keeping it for more than five years it is just to be used until they can get a new truck.

  and NFPA Recommends having a Firetruck Refurbished after 20 years. Now thats all nice and dandy but it cost around 150,000-200,000 to have this done. (whys spend that much when a new truck cost 150,000 more?)

  Im sorry that some of you dont want to bite the bullet and do what is right for the town. I for one am okay with my taxes up becuase lebanon is a pretty cheap town to live in anyway.

  And I to those who say people are loosing there homes or have lost there jobs here’s something for you: I Pay my bills, and Have made myself usefull enough at my place of employment to keep my job and possibly get a promotion. (thats what happens when you work hard) so my house is fine.

  Dont get me wrong, yeah loosing your house sucks, loosing your job sucks but it could have been prevented. It is not my fault that tom,dick, and jane messed up and bought a house that they could not afford, or a car they could not afford etc.

• 104 Kurt Schluter // Mar 14, 2010 at 9:43 am

  The town does not need a new fire truck at any price. It costs money and is little used. A new ambulance generates revenue for the town and is used daily. Municipal spending must be cut at least 25% so layoffs are inevitable since state and federal aid will be much lower than before and will not be going up within many years at least. A small stipend for selectmen and a paid professional manager with no road commissioner is the best way forward.

• 105 striveforchange // Mar 14, 2010 at 9:54 am

  A small stipend? Correct me if I am wrong, but don’t the selectmen get paid $12 an hour? They milk it for all its worth. Putting in for travel time to and from the meetings. They SPEND our money however they feel and whenever they feel like it. I can tell you from past experience that just going through the books one or two years is NOT going to proove anything. I think it is ludicrist that we as citizens don’t raise a stink and demand Patch’s and Frizzell’s resignation. We the people, who pay our taxes and do the next right thing are fed up with this unethical and sometimes close to illegal practices of some of our officials. Good lord, when is enough enough. Also instead of the crap about the fire truck stuff, be concerned about what is happening at the dump and how our money is being stuffed in the pockets of some of officials…… Get a grip Greed, your words of Jason and Samantha are WRONG WRONG WRONG, did I say WRONG??? YES WRONG

• 106 Laugh Out Loud!! // Mar 14, 2010 at 10:34 am

  So greed now you are making fun of people who have lost their jobs because of the bad economy and cant pay their taxes.

  Shame on you. Another great representation of the fire department.

  I see Samantha on many calls and its hard when she has to do 35 hours a week of paperwork, work full time as a firefighter and raise a family. I think her giving 35 hours a week is doing her part and everyone on the rescue knows that Sam is the chief and Jason is very active, unlike many fire officers.

  First you post that you have no issue with rescue or jason or sam – then when people figure you out, you come out and try to make sam and jason look bad?? Pathetic.

  I know your not on rescue, Sam wouldn’t allow someone like you to stay on.

  AND, if you were on rescue and you have been screwed over, then QUIT!! It can’t be that bad, LMAO!!! Now you are saying you MAY be on rescue because you want them to look bad like you have made the fire department look bad.

  I have to say again that I think you have gone to new lows making fun of people loosing their houses because they lost their jobs. I am sure they would love to go to work and have tried to find a job – you are so pathetic. I guarantee the new fire truck will lose even more votes now that you are making fun of people loosing their house.

  Does the town have an employee assistance program that you could get counseling??

• 107 Amazed // Mar 14, 2010 at 10:37 am

  Someone better call the Governors office also and update them. Last year Samantha was chosen as the administrator of the year award from his office. Greed/Whartever says she does nothing, but apparantly greed in between making fun of people loosing their jobs and homes forgot to check on that.

  Greed, I agree, you are pathetic

• 108 Average Joe // Mar 14, 2010 at 11:42 am

  We have a scanner and I heard Sam on lots of calls, including several this week. I know the FD only had like 2 calls all week, but the day that rescue had 6 (which most days they only have like 3), I heard Sam going from one side of the town to the other.

  We are so lucky to have her and her wonderful ability to bring a department from what it was to the award winning and excellent department it is now. I hear so many great things about the rescue and all the area towns admire their work.

  It truly is sad that a member of our fire department is representing the fire department like this. I agree with the other posts, I would never vote for this new truck now. They should be ashamed of themselves for making fun of people loosing their houses instead of making the people who lost their jobs feel like they are 2nd rated citizens. SHAME SHAME SHAME on you

• 109 Greed // Mar 14, 2010 at 12:41 pm

  for the record where does it say that I am currently on the FD? currently on Rescue…yes. A new ambulance would be nice but it brings too many issues with it.

  -where to house it?
  -more equipment
  -increase in maint. cost
  -higher insurance
  -and so on.

  I am not making fun of people loosing there houses I am saying they will Not get any sympathy from myself. They could have either prevented it or there are plenty of places that higher both part-time and seasonal now and any job is better than no job. So people need to get over pride and start flipping burgers. as for houses most of them are people who spent more on a house than they could afford (why would you do that?) I know I can’t afford a porsch so I dont drive a porsch etc.)

• 110 striveforchange // Mar 14, 2010 at 1:46 pm

  Get this information. I just looked on the fire department website and saw this. Don’t they know how old these fire trucks are?

  1989 – Pumper, Engine 1 – 21 years old (Looking to replace this truck)

  2006 – Pumper, Engine 2 – 4 years old

  1989 – Tanker, Engine 5 – 21 years old

  1996 – Tanker, Engine 6 – 13 years old

  What do they mean when they say 6-13 years old. Geesh, this sounds like a good ol’boy way of thinking. What do you think? Can’t they count? Now I know I will vote NO NEW FIRE TRUCK……………

• 111 Greed // Mar 14, 2010 at 2:34 pm

  Little confused about your post laugh out loud, but anyway.

  I have been thinking less about the Fire Truck or ambulance and more about the overall town budget Ill try to put something together that yall might find interesting to say the least.

  BTW LOL you have stated a million times you will not vote for a firetruck, it is noted.

• 112 Greed // Mar 14, 2010 at 2:42 pm

  what they are saying is engine one is 21
  engine two is 4
  engine five is 21
  engine six is 13

• 113 Why Greed? // Mar 14, 2010 at 3:38 pm

  I read with such disappointment the posts by greed. I know people who have lost their jobs and their houses. They are good people who did not intentionally lose their job. The economy sucks.

  I know that you probably am in line for a promotion at wendys or mcdonalds because they have done well in this economy. I am happy you will go from 4.50 an hour to $4.51 to be the burger flipper supervisor. Those of us who dont live with our parents and have decent jobs are struggling to make it.

  The FD has said we dont need the fire truck, but they still pushed it down our throat this year. They are very similiar to the roads budget, if they dont need it, dont ask for it.

  Send a message – dont only vote down the fire truck, vote no on their budget – send a clear message we will no longer put up with this wasteful spending.

• 114 Bad times // Mar 14, 2010 at 3:44 pm

  Greed – did you see in todays newspapers all the houses and land that the town is taking for not paying taxes? Are these bad people? I think not – I agree, you should be ashamed of yourself being a volunteer firefighter and making fun of people who cant pay their bills.

  You lost my vote

• 115 striveforchange // Mar 14, 2010 at 4:11 pm

  You know I am about fed up with GREED and his stupid comments, along with whatever or whatever their names are. It shows the mentality of the fire department. It shows that they will go to any lengths to get what they WANT, not what they need.
  I think it is awful that they bash the families that are having a really bad time. My home is in foreclosure but I can tell you its not due to anything that GREED says. If you have read my posts it is due to the GREED in this town. I had to PROTECT what we own from the GREEDY SOB’s that stoop to the low handed crap to get what they want. We will be OUT of foreclosure within the next couple of weeks but it has been because we have some wonderful caring people here in town. Gosh why can’t people just grow up!!!!!

• 116 chris gilpatrick // Mar 14, 2010 at 4:22 pm

  how bad is the economy,really?it can’t be too bad in lebanon because the budgets have had little increases or basically stayed the same.this of course except the dump (over $16,000 in two years) or the road (over $200,000 this year)budgets.several budget committee members have questioned why no decreases in budgets due to the economy.do our selectmen watch the news and see whats happening around us?town hall staff cut,road projects delayed,schools closing,etc. everywhere but here.i for one has spoken on this matter several times falling on deaf ears.

• 117 Greed // Mar 14, 2010 at 4:35 pm

  I regret that you feel I was targeting anybody however my point was I should not feel bad because for years I was wise enough to save money as well as learn all the skills and tasks at my place of employment making me promotable. No sorry I do not work at a fast food place (damn no free slurpiees) and I don’t live with my parents (damn mortgage) but my point was that I have been wise over the years not buying what I cannot afford and not everyone in this town took the same precautious steps.

  No, I dont want to step on toes but the facts remain this is not the towns fault it is not my fault, it is not the banks fault, or the governments fault it is your own fault and you are responsible for what happens.

  Those of you who say I represent fire I do not I have never signed any of my content as a Representative of the fire department and should not be taken as such, I have never stated that I was on the fire department and though you are free to make you assumptions they are again just that assumptions. Am I close Freinds with a lot of the Firefighters, Many years ago I left the department a few month after a Fatal and that memory still haunts me but the needs of firefighters remain the same and I will be there everystep of the way backing up each and everyone of them because firefighting is a brotherhood.

  as I re-read my comments some of them are in-sensative and I am sorry but things get said out of stress because some people cannot handle being wrong or the fact that people have lied to them. so it must be my fault. I will no longer argue about fire or Rescue related activited because this is a who can piss further match. However I will still comment on the corrupt town government because before anything can be done this must be fixed.

• 118 striveforchange // Mar 14, 2010 at 4:45 pm

  You have finally said something that has made sense. You are right about that part. Nothing will be fixed here in town until WE AS CITIZENS do something about the corruption that is blatant in this town.
  When people get used to a certain way of living they will go to any lengths to keep that way of living flowing NO MATTER WHO IT HURTS!!!! I think its ludicrist that the manager of the dump can do what he feels and when he feels. Where are the records of the monies coming into the dump? For that fact where are the records of the road commissioner? Good gosh, its time for us to take our town back…..

• 119 Bad times // Mar 14, 2010 at 4:48 pm

  Greed, nice try too late – you HAVE mentioned and admitted you was on the fd, I know you like to lie and then change your mind, but its in black and white.

  And yes, you did make fun of people loosing their homes – shame on you.

  Now that you have been caught, again, you are changing your stories again and now you want whats best for the town. Such a sad story, I hope you do take that counseling that was offered above, LMAO!!

• 120 striveforchange // Mar 14, 2010 at 4:51 pm

  Oh s*** Bad, LMAO I was trying to be nice to GREED. It’s hard I know lol. I wonder what name he will come back as now LMAO

• 121 Bad times // Mar 14, 2010 at 4:55 pm

  So you was at the meeting for the new fire truck, funny to me $395,000 is closer to $400,000 then to $350,000.

  I would have thought your education at McDonald University would have helped with math.

  The fire department is the same as the roads. Their budget is too much for the calls they have, they waste money and now they want lots of extras. We have a fire truck that they says runs fine, but we should have our taxes raised again $400,000 to buy a truck we don’t need?

  I agree, VOTE NO NEW FIRE TRUCK

• 122 Greed // Mar 14, 2010 at 4:56 pm

  Please bad times show where it says in words “I am on the FD” it may have been implied but never said.

  anyway, I am currently crunhing numbers on the 2009-2010 taxes to see what the towns income will be and see where it gets spent and what amount mysteriously vanishes.

• 123 Greed // Mar 14, 2010 at 5:00 pm

  Though I said I would no Longer discuss the truck let me say this. the cost of a truck to the average resident is 14.55$ a year for five years.

  ill show you the math.

  400,000
  divided by population of 5500
  =72 dollars

  72 dollars over five years = 14.55 a year
  not that much money.

• 124 striveforchange // Mar 14, 2010 at 5:07 pm

  I have togive it to ya GREED. You don’t give up easily. The answer is still NO NO NO NO NO NEW FIRE TRUCK.

• 125 Greed // Mar 14, 2010 at 5:30 pm

  can you please give it a rest. and focus at the more important things right now like oh why we don’t have a town manager and what is up with the selectmen?… anyway I should have a rather interesting tidbit of info for everyone in a few days.

• 126 Bad times // Mar 14, 2010 at 7:39 pm

  I got some really good tidbits of info today on the fire department budget and will also have that to share in the next couple of days after confirming.

• 127 Bad times // Mar 14, 2010 at 7:41 pm

  So my infant son has to pay for the truck because he is included in that population.

  The whole concept that your missing is:

  THEY DONT NEED THE TRUCK, SO WHY SHOULD MY TAXES GO UP ANY??

• 128 Confused // Mar 14, 2010 at 7:48 pm

  Greed,

  I looked through and in several times you do say you are part of the FD.

  ‘”Greed is Wrong: you said you have toured lebanons fire station and we have more than most communites. In what way. we lack severly with tools compared to other surrounding departments so please tell me besides having 4 engines what else they have that others do not. ”

  You put that we lack, you say “we”. Its obvious

  Then you show your ignorance and say we should hire an outside company for an ambulance and use the rescue budget to pay for it, but the rescue has not cost anything and their equipment has all been grants or donated. So reading through your posts, it just shows your ignorance.

  You also say that you checked the door of the ambulance and its says 2005. I met Jason yesterday and he showed me it and the registration and your wrong. But the funny thing is, only members of fire and rescue can get into the station, so once again, you said your a member.

  You have already showed us what type of person you are, you lie and try to make others look better so you can get the fire truck you dont need.

  Time to flip those burgers.

  NO NEW FIRETRUCK – SEND A MESSAGE LOUD AND CLEAR!!!

• 129 big mac // Mar 15, 2010 at 10:47 am

  Shut down the town hall. loud and clear. it’s the only way to get the message out. do it again and again and again. please shut it down.

• 130 chris gilpatrick // Mar 15, 2010 at 10:59 am

  the town needs to go one step further and vote out the article for “essential services” because this is only followed through when it benefits the selectmen and their agendas and not the residents as was shown last fall.with this article in place there is no reducing budgets in any department as this years budgets show.lets cut the waste and only use what money is necessary as other towns are doing.

• 131 Greed // Mar 17, 2010 at 8:14 am

  Obviously as with you it is fairly easy to get a tour in either station. second the use of “We”

  Lebanon as a town can be considered a “we”

  We the town of Lebanon need to get our crap together and sorted out.

• 132 Glen Stadig // Mar 17, 2010 at 8:17 am

  “We the town of Lebanon need to get our crap together and sorted out” – - Amen to That!

• 133 striveforchange // Mar 17, 2010 at 8:48 am

  Anyone know what happened at the selectmens meeting last night? Was trying to get there but couldn’t…..

• 134 jasoncole // May 2, 2010 at 10:11 am

  [Name Removed]

  I have the pictures, title, registration and a letter from Ford and Greenwood proving that we bought the vehicle in 2003 and that it is not a 2005. I think you work til 6 today, I am happy to meet you at the station to show you on the door where it DOESNT say its a 2005.

• 135 jasoncole // May 2, 2010 at 10:12 am

  And we are all still waiting for this interesting tadbit of info [Name Removed], you said a couple days and its been a couple months. Did you do your research and find out it was a rumor?

• 136 jasoncole // May 2, 2010 at 10:15 am

  [Name Removed]/Greed, in your earlier posts, you mention that you are not part of the fd? Are you going to correct that now? Haven’t you been on for a couple years now? I think you had applied to the rescue about a year ago and had been on the fd a year before that. Last I knew you lived in Rochester, unlike what your posts above say about you being concerned about “your” taxes.

  Sorry, it wasn’t a fast food place, it was a fast tool place

• 137 striveforchange // May 2, 2010 at 10:21 am

  Hmmm.. where is GREED/[Name Removed]? Maybe on a fire call lmao…….maybe he is going back through his posts Jason to see what he did say lmao.

• 138 Art // May 2, 2010 at 1:41 pm

  it is sad to have a representative of the fd causing such hard feelings. especially if they live in rochester.

  which [Name Removed] is it jason?

• 139 striveforchange // May 2, 2010 at 3:24 pm

  How in the world can this town hold a hearing in New Hampshire? Isn’t that against any rules? I guess the town government doesn’t have any rules they have shown they do things the way they want to do them. I also want to know how it is possible that Karen Garrish a reporter can get her place of employment to hold this hearing? D***, this just makes me sick to my stomach. How sad this truly is.

  I believe we ALL ought to vote no on ALL budgets except the rescue!!!!!!!!!!

• 140 striveforchange // May 2, 2010 at 4:43 pm

  Sorry for posting so much, this will be the last for now lol. Did I miss something? In the town calendar it says that the hearing will be held in Lebanon, someone told me that it will be held at Foster’s. Could someone please clarify that, and if it is in Lebanon I do apologize for speaking my mind out of line……

• 141 glen stadig // May 2, 2010 at 7:32 pm

  There is a hearing coming up at Noble High School to review the school budget before we vote on it.

  There will also be a town meeting to review the town referendums at the Lebanon Elementary School.

  I have not heard of any other town hearings. I see nothing at the Foster’s website either.

• 142 striveforchange // May 2, 2010 at 7:49 pm

  Thank you Glen for clarifying. I did check my email I got and it did say Foster’s. My OCD started working over time lmao. Once again I do apologize for going off to the races on that.

• 143 Chris // May 15, 2010 at 1:06 pm

  I think its sad that all the departments are cutting and the fd has to be greedy and ask for a truck that they dont need. Didnt they just fix and replace most of the parts on the truck they want to replace? I heard we have more fire trucks then all the towns around us? WHY? the fire department is not busy. Save the taxes, no new fire truck!

  why would the budget committee support this when they asked to cut everything. Shows the budget committee is one sided, so i say no budget committee also!

  what a waste!

• 144 chris gilpatrick // May 16, 2010 at 6:06 pm

  waste??watch the budget committee meetings and see where the towns waste occurs!better yet attend the public hearing tomorrow night to see your tax dollars at work and maybe you’ll change your mind on what we do.

• 145 striveforchange // May 16, 2010 at 7:49 pm

  Is the hearing going to be held at the school? It’s at 7pm right?

• 146 chris gilpatrick // May 16, 2010 at 8:25 pm

  lebanon elementary school at 7 p.m.

• 147 Chris // May 16, 2010 at 11:27 pm

  Isnt the goal to try to keep the taxes stable? Can you explain why we needed the fire truck this year? I did watch some of the videos and it seems some budgets were went over with a fine pick comb and some breezed through

• 148 Tom // May 19, 2010 at 10:04 am

  So the budget committee recommended all these cuts and then decided to vote in favor of a $400,000 fire truck that they keep saying we do not need this year? What the heck is the reasoning for that? It is so disquesting that the budget committee thinks like this. Who voted on the budget committee for this?

  Cut the library and make recommendations to cut from the small amout of money we give them for books, I think they said $2,000 a year so we can fund a luxury fire truck that the fire department says we do not need?

  Sounds like somone bought off the budget committee?

  Arent people losing their jobs with the proposed budget and they suggest we raise taxes, they voted to approve the budget with the cut in personnel at town hall and BUY A FIRE TRUCK FOR $400,000.

  WOW- THIS TOWN IS F—ED UP!!! PEOPLE NEED TO OPEN THEIR EYES!

• 149 striveforchange // May 19, 2010 at 11:33 am

  Why is it that people on the budget committee just go along with the majority vote? Why don’t they stand up for what they REALLY believe in? Why did everyone vote in a $400,000 fire truck which they DON’T need.

  I’m with you Tom it is really hard to understand!!!! I know its up to the people on June 8th but when they see that the budget committee voted for it they will most likely go along with it. They are not putting how the selectmen and budget committee voted on the ballot, but they hold a hearing so everyone will know. SNEAKY???? You be the judge. Don’t just go along with the flo, vote your gut feeling.

• 150 chris gilpatrick // May 19, 2010 at 12:01 pm

  to clarify the disclosure of the vote numbers,this was done by the selectmen not the budget committe.the budget committee was told after the voting was finished that actual numbers would not be shown on the ballot.the majority felt this is a way to mis guide the residents how we voted to try passing articles that were not as close of a vote as residents think.most residents feel these articles that were RECOMMENDED by budget committee were unanamous are wrong.so sneaky,YES !!! but not by the budget committee but our entrusted selectmen (looking out for the best interest of the town)!!

• 151 Tom // May 19, 2010 at 3:27 pm

  I actually liked the recommendation thing they did, i think its easier then seeing 5-4-2, etc.

  I was curious who voted for that question, which under the old way it didn’t show and under the new way it didnt show. I want to know which members

• 152 chris gilpatrick // May 19, 2010 at 4:58 pm

  selectman cole is to post who voted on what ,when he has finished reviewing ourvoice website to make sure the names are posted correctly.you could watch the voting process yourself on this website also.remember when the budget committee votes we are voting on the best interest for the town with the information we recieve whether through the selectmen or our own research.

• 153 Progress! // May 19, 2010 at 8:51 pm

  I am seeing progress finally with our selectmen. They seem to be more pro-active and informing us on things. I saw they have a new facebook site which is awesome since the town website never gets changed. I came from a town similiar to lebanon where they don’t even put the budget committees recommendation on the ballot. I also feel that the way they did it is easier and I for one like it. Change is tough people, but sometimes change is good also!

  I also am curious so when I vote to know who voted for the fire truck. I think they do not need it, and from what I have been told, they said during the meeting they didn’t need it. So if the budget committee had a clue, they would have said to wait instead of trying to cram it down our throats.

  Mr. Gilpatrick you say you vote in the best interest of the town? Cutting library books and jobs but approving a $400,000 fire truck, shame on you. I thought you stood for taxpayers, not family members.

• 154 chris gilpatrick // May 19, 2010 at 9:31 pm

  do you really know what your talking about?maybe you should put your name in next year for the budget committee then you would get some facts right.i proposed cutting the book budget because we were told the school could purchase the books roughly 50% cheaper than the town could.thus buying twice as many books for the same amount of money.i actually voted against the fire truck but recommended a capital improvement fund to start saving for a truck.people are having financial difficulties but i do support our rescue and fire departments 100 % and members know this.family members? who am i related to that i favor in my decision making?? please enlighten me ’cause i may have a family member i didn’t know i had but would like to meet.progress with the selectmen?were you at the public hearing when only one selectman did the talking?i believe the other two may have fallen asleep due to lack of interest!!when repeatedly asked for the other two to answer questions there was no response(good representitives for the taxpayers).

• 155 striveforchange // May 19, 2010 at 10:05 pm

  People who know chris know that he only has the interests of the town at heart. He has NO personal agenda like SOME on the committee might have.
  I could not get over how uninterested and irritated Mr. Patch and Mr. Frizzell looked sitting at the head table as representatives of our town and the taxpayers. I wonder how much Mr. Frizzell is going to charge in mileage to and from the public hearing as we had the gull to make him come out for the interests of the citizens.
  My husband made the comment that Selectmen Cole looked like a rose between two thorns.

• 156 Frechette // May 20, 2010 at 11:01 pm

  I am glad you shared that you didn’t vote for the new fire truck they say we really dont need this year. I would like to know the names also who did, obviously they dont care about the town, they voted for a $400,000 fire truck when we don’t need it and people are getting laid off? Come on – seems like we don’t need a budget committee.

• 157 striveforchange // May 20, 2010 at 11:25 pm

  We DO need a budget committee, but members who DON’T have a personal agenda. That is difficult to do with a small town. Won’t having a town manager in place help with this kind of situation? Why waste our tax dollars?
  I wonder what the motive is for pushing the $400,000 on us is? What it TRULY is?

• 158 Jr. // May 21, 2010 at 6:24 pm

  Let me start by saying that my name is Chris Gilpatrick Jr. and I live at 424 Upper Guinea road. I have been a resident of this town since I was 3 years old. I read a comment on this site that really stuck in my craw and all day I’ve been stewing about it. I don’t normally let politics bother me but when someone questions my families ethics that is something else. (If people don’t believe me they can ask Selectman Patch.) I’d like to respond to Progress. I don’t know if you’ve been under a rock but what progress are you speaking of. At every meeting I have ever been to two of the selectmen are sleeping while the other one plays on his cell phone. And town officials on facebook give me a break!!! Do you really think local vendors interested in performing services for this town are going to check someones facebook wall? What I think would be “awesome” is if the selectmen got off their duffs and fixed this broken thing they call a government. And I would also like to know who this relative of mine is that owns a bookstore, or sells fire trucks. You know the one my old man is attempting to make a back door deal with to sell the town a new fire truck and supply their books. I really hop that progress isn’t talking about me because I’m the only family member I can think of with ties to the town. And I know I’m no the one reaping the benfits of my fathers actions. Progress or anyone else can check it out, I made 5,000 dollars from the town last year and 3,000 was spent on repairs. So don’t question my fathers intentions because I’ll tell you what he may be abrasive and speaks blunt and to the point but this town is a better place because of people like him. Also I love how He becomes the lightning rod for ridicule yet everyone turns a blind eye to the interests of our selectmen. Patch who is head of the transfer station which employs himself and his wife; Frizzell who’s company is contracted by the public works department, supplies the sand, and built the town hall; or Cole who is assistant chief of Lebanon Rescue which also employs his wife. So let me ask you progress who has more political motivation my father who runs a successful business and receives no income or financial benefits from the town? Or the three stooges with their hands in OUR cookie jar, All of whom hold key positions in various aspects or our towns infrastructure and ALL of whom receive monetary benefits from Town departments. One last thing progress, you know my fathers name to give him grief and now you know my name and where i stand. What say you? whats your story? how long have you lived in town, how long have you seen the corruption and backsliding? You can hide under your anonymity but talking from the shadows only gives so much truth. If you are going to call someone out at least have the humanity to put your name on it and stand behind it!!!!! He does, I do, and you should too. And i encourage all of the people in this town, if you want to see real progress vote Stadig for Selectman and Torno for road agent. Then we can start to repair both our roads and our government the right way!!!

• 159 glen stadig // May 21, 2010 at 10:07 pm

  Well put Mr. Gilpatrick Jr.!
  I believe anyone who knows your father knows the truth, but you certainly cleared the waters for those that don’t.

  It is easy to get mad, be upset, complain, and cast stones from afar and in anonymous ways.
  It is another when one takes some time, attends meetings, pays attention, and gets involved as Mr Gilpatrick does.

  Mr. Gilpatrick Sr. is a steadfast advocate for residents of this town and sets an example of involvement and participation few others will commit to. He is a straight shooter and has spent plenty of his hard earned money paying for reports and other information from the Town Hall.

  Progress applauds the changes to the Ballot only showing a recommendation, then wants to know the votes?

  Progress believes things are more open in Town yet the Selectmen repeatedly failed to answer questions during the Town Meeting, even the simple ones.

  It Just doesn’t make sense…

• 160 striveforchange // May 22, 2010 at 9:02 am

  There are a few here in town that just kill me. Progress has NOT come on here since their statement about chris. People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.
  I’ve noticed when people like chris, glen, and others are honest and try to do good for the community, the ones that are used to the old way of life here in Lebanon lash out. They feel threatened that their old ways will be no longer, and are afraid they might have to go out and get a real job instead of lining their pockets with taxpayers money.
  Way to go chris with your steadfast ways in persuing the truth on many aspects of town government!!!!!

• 161 jasoncole // May 22, 2010 at 6:18 pm

  Mr. Gilpatrick Jr,

  First, the townspeople elected me knowing my wife was the rescue chief and I was the asst chief.

  2nd, the facebook page was done to enhance communications and that is why I think over 400 residents have signed up for updates in one week, compared to the town website that only like 12 signed up for.

  Are you saying that government shouldn’t try to communicate in effective ways with its residents?

  Have you noticed how many towns use facebook. Our rescue was one of the first town agencies in the state to have one, and now has nearly 900 people that follow it.

• 162 jasoncole // May 22, 2010 at 7:14 pm

  Oh yes, I forgot the part of me having my hands in the town departments for money, I make far less an hour working for the town then you do. My $1.20 an hour for rescue is more of re-imbursement for gas, wear and tear, etc. Last year I got like 3,000 and you received over $15,000 from the town and your dad over $15,000 from the town? So, for me going out for about 2000 hours a year helping people thats digging into town funds? You plow snow a few months out of the year and you make $15,000? I am not saying that you do not do a good job, but to say that I am a person in “OUR” cookie jar, I think its important for the people to see you made 5 times more then me and you make like 50 times more then me an hour?

• 163 striveforchange // May 22, 2010 at 7:36 pm

  I had to go back and read what Jr said. After reading Jason’s.
  Gosh, Jason Cole is one of the most transparent people I know. He only wants what is best as well as chris does for this town. He didn’t employ his wife. He does NOT hand in mileage to and from the meeting like Mr. Frizzell does. As far as I am concerned Jason is the best of the three selectmen we have. The two other selectmen, however?????????

• 164 My 2 Cents // May 22, 2010 at 7:40 pm

  Strive, i agree. jason works his butt off for this town and i have lost some faith in chris gilpatrick. jason is honest, hardworking and cares for the community. what a cheap shot at saying he is in our cookie jar when he gets like a buck for a call. wow, call the FBI, he may ask for a soda with his chips that he can afford to buy.

• 165 chris gilpatrick // May 22, 2010 at 7:44 pm

  jason to clearify your numbers.i made $0.00 from the town of lebanon because i did not plow for the town last year . as a selectman perhaps you should look at past time slips where i would put in for time plowing and sanding and most one tons recieved almost double what i made for the same storm.some of us who have and still do work for the town do our jobs and go home whereas some trucks sit at the salt shed or corner store with the meter still running.or better yet go home to sleep ’til dawn then finish there plow route while others have been out all night,putting in for hours not worked.trust me i’ve seen all the backdoor deals,back scratching,over paid time slips and anything else you want to call it.maybe your fellow selectman can tell you about SHINAGANS that has occured past and present.i believe he can tell you the story about how three selectmen and a road commissioner all became suddenly ill and resigned or didn’t rerun for office.i wonder what was dug up back then???huh!!

• 166 jasoncole // May 22, 2010 at 8:08 pm

  I am looking at the town report from last year which would be the 2008 FY – it says a little over $15,000.

  As I stated, I did not say you nor Jr. did a bad job, I simply stated that he made 5 times more then me at a rate 50 times more then me

• 167 chris gilpatrick // May 22, 2010 at 8:09 pm

  it would be nice if people read who is posting what.my son,who is a taxpayer and resident of this town definately doesn’t need me to tell him what to write on this site.some of his views mirror mine and others we are at different ends of the spectrum.my dad always told me if you have something to say,say it if that’s what you believe and don’t be afraid to put your name to it.unfortunately uninformed people post on here to stir the pot and post under different names because they don’t want people know who you really are.the fire truck issue is the best example.why keep bitching about it over and over again?let the voters vote on how they feel.as far as lossing faith in me,could care less!!!!!i know where i stand and ain’t afraid to say it,whether it’s here,public hearing,selectmen meeting or any other place i am and everybody knows it except a select few apparently.my FIVE cents.

• 168 jasoncole // May 22, 2010 at 8:09 pm

  And thank for bringing the tractor today, the kids liked climbing on it and lots of kids took pictures.

• 169 chris gilpatrick // May 22, 2010 at 8:14 pm

  i believe my plow truck sat in the door yard last year the same place it’ll be this winter.that was ’08 we are in 2010.

• 170 jasoncole // May 22, 2010 at 8:16 pm

  Chris, I don’t think anyone would ever say that you don’t speak your mind I totally know when you feel something is wrong, you share it!

• 171 jr // May 23, 2010 at 5:59 am

  i would just like to ask selectmen cole if he know what happens under his nose? this is 2010 is it not? look at my slip and then look at a truck on a comperable route, thats all I’m saying. and as far as the rescue all of us did know your status in that department before the election. and i love how people make it sound like you are in the bread line because you dont make enough money working on the rescue department. I dont see how you are any different from any of the other countless volunteers in this town who donate their time and effort to local organizations. so dont go tooting your horn or crying poverty because from the looks of things you are doing alright. and im not saying the rescue isnt doing a great job because they are, your wife does a great job. and you really cant compare when i made 15,000 and you made three. last time i checked i had, liability insurance to pay for, fuel, breakdowns, a 44,000 dollar truck, so its kind of comparing apples to oranges is it not? and dont get me started back on facebook, all im saying is why dont the selectmen fix the webite, updating vendor lists, and other things that facebook doesnt offer. facebook is great but i dont think i can look up bid specs or updated tax maps, do you know what im saying? in the end this wasnt meant to be a personal attack, just a wakeup call to a few individuals who should look at the whole scope of things not just what they want to see.

• 172 jasoncole // May 23, 2010 at 9:34 am

  Mr. Gilpatrick Jr,

  I make the same as the other rescue volunteers, who actually make less then other town volunteers because they share less money as a group, there are more volunteers and they have double the manpower hours.

  I don’t think any volunteer does it for the money, and if they do, I don’t think they are in it for the right reasons.

  I think if you count the money I spend on the rescue, I probably make about negative $5.00 per hour. I donate a ton of stuff and don’t log most of my time. I do it to help the neighbors i live by.

  Yes, my family is fortunate, we have great jobs and thats why we do as much as we can to help the community.

  I agree, the town website needs work. Until I can find out how to fix it, I did something instead of sitting back. Now over 425 people get daily updates, which is better then before.

• 173 striveforchange // May 23, 2010 at 11:25 am

  Town website needs work? I think it should be deleted all together. We pay tax dollars for that website and when I have looked at it many of the departments haven’t been updated in several years. There needs to be a better system for the tax bills and the tax maps. It looks good on the main page but when you go to the different sites where are they? Some say Error 404 Not found. Puzzles me. Didn’t the person that installed that program get paid big bucks? Let me know if I am wrong about that. I don’t want to start any rumors.

• 174 Jr. // May 23, 2010 at 6:43 pm

  let me say it was never my intent to come to this forum to trade blows. I believe many people my self included have lost sight of what my message was that this government needs an overhaul and sitting idle doesnt solve anything. I applaud selectman Cole for responding and showing his side and taking ownership for his comments. I feel we are both in the same boat, trying our best to right this ship but going against the tide. We are all frustrated by the goings on in this town from road work to the budgeting of the town hall but lets not go after each other, we are the solution and should work together as such. If the residents have responded well to Facebook than I am all for it though I do believe the town site could use serious attention. I also commend selectman Cole for his efforts in volunteering, I never meant to question his ethics or devotion to our town. I was only stating to Progress (who obviously doesnt have the stones to respond to my comments!) that there are people who could sway public opinion to their benefit. I never said any of the selectmen have or will do this i was only saying it could be done. I also say that progress and all the other Chris Matthews wannabes with their pseudo intellectual rants and half cocked political theories need to clam up because they are part of the problem, people standing in the shadows complaining yet doing nothing but talking poorly about people who try to benefit the town. I agree with selectman Cole that there is a need for better communication and that we as a town put too heavy of a burden on our selectmen who have other careers and families to take care of. I feel and believe Mr Cole will agree, that a town manager will solve these problems and give the government ears to the people, not just the ones that are fortunate enough to have the internet. Also it will ease the burden on the selectmen allowing them to make more informed decisions with out the strain and research. So lets all work together to set this ship on the right course and let the naysayers speak in the shadows because I know that if we work together we can all make our home town the place we know it can be!!!

• 175 Jr. // May 23, 2010 at 6:47 pm

  also strive, if you are using firefox like I do, i get the same error screen try using the regular internet explorer. i hope this helps.

• 176 jasoncole // May 23, 2010 at 11:20 pm

  Jr,

  I totally agree that our town needs a town manager. I have always been for a town manager as I see many great things that can come from a town manager, especially grants and costs savings. I will be the first to admit that I do not do everything right, and have made mistakes. But I will admit them, learn from them and try to make sure they do not happen again.

  I have worked in a town managers office for a couple years and was amazed at what they can do.

  I think the more the community works together, the better things will work. We cannot have people always trying to break things. Yesterday was a perfect example, the town had an amazing day and over 1000 people came together to celebrate Lebanon. Hours later, someone destroyed the new lawn for the Civil War Memorial. So we went from good to bad.

  Jr, I appreciate your post and always hope that if you have any ideas or suggestions, to please pass them on. Things can’t change over night, but things will get better – I really hope we can find who did that to the town hall – they took pride away from a lot of people who did a lot of work to make a nice memorial.

• 177 Pat // May 25, 2010 at 2:35 pm

  We pay for the town’s website? Really? I use Internest Explorer, and I still get the Error 404 Not Found all the time. None of the sports are current. There was a notice in the Hanson school when soccer sign-ups would be, but nothing on the town’s website. It seems whatever we are paying for this website, we are paying too much.

• 178 Pat // May 25, 2010 at 2:37 pm

  *Internet Explorer
  My apologies for the typo

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