From my soapbox...accountability.

When we first moved to this town of Barnstead I decided I would join our fire department as a way to integrate myself into the community and contribute to helping neighbors in need. I had no ulterior motives and no personal agenda other than giving back. However it has come to my attention that not everyone feels this way and it has become very clear that our elected officials do not approach their job as selectmen without personal agenda and ulterior motives. It's disgusting and disheartening. They have bullied and harassed with the most knit picking micro management until we no longer have any department heads leading the fire department the police department, and the highway department.

Now I find out that one of them took it upon himself to go to the town of Gilmanton to see if they wanted to merge departments...police, fire, and highway. This is the same selectman who stated at last nights meeting that he wants the new fire chief to live in town...is that because he already has someone picked out, but forgot that the BARNSTEAD firefighters association has to be directly involved in the selection process. Oops forgot about that contract you signed a few years ago. Oh and he never mentioned last night that he was at Gilmanton's s meeting the night before.

Another wants a chief who works...hello what has the current chief been doing? The fire chief needs to be an administrative position. He should not be dragging hose and working interior during a structure fire. He needs to be at the command post making sure that his firefighters are safe and accounted for. Why would anyone suggest that the chief be working shifts? Because he clearly does not understand what a fire chief is supposed do. And he kept reminding us that he used to be on the fire department. Then he should know first hand what makes an effective chief. The fire service has changed a lot since his days. It was recently named the third most stressful work environment. We deal with inherently dangerous situations and we need someone to lead us. I have a husband and child at home and I want to come home to them at the end of the day. I want safety and accountability for my fellow brothers and sisters to be at the forefront of each call we go on. We all come home. It's what we are repeatedly taught in training. Our safety first...all else second.

Accountability...that is a perfect word for tonight's post. The people of this town need to start holding the board of selectman accountable. They are running this town into the ground. It's time we stand up and take our town back. I love this town and hate to see the current state of affairs that three members of the BOS have created with their personal agendas. Please go to the meetings on Tuesday nights...ask question! It's time to turn the tables on them.


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