On August 6th police departments across the states held “national night out” to try to better community relations.
I stopped by the Keene police department. Present was the BEARCAT – which was brought to town last year despite the overwhelming pushback from townsfolks who said “Thanks but no tanks!”
Right now, just an hour or so to the north, so-claimed “public officials” in Concord are attempting to do the same.
But hey – at least some folks at the LENCO plant down in Pitsfield, MA have jobs right?
They’re staying busy cranking out these vehicles. Thanks to federal money from the misnamed Department of Homeland Security – BEARCATS are now in 300 towns.
A DHS grant – which, to be clear, is coin stolen from taxpayers – also provided a mobile command center to the Cheshire County sheriffs – the outfit now headed by former Keene police employee Eli Rivera.
I was hopeful that I could finally have a conversation with someone who has thus far, played hard to get since my time in Keene.
Despite a number of attempts to initiate a convo, or even just get a reciprocal “hello” or “good afternoon” Ken Meola has steadfastly refused to engage. Perhaps today, in public, things would be different.
________________________
Kenny,
It was good to have crossed-paths on Tuesday. I look forward to our conversation.
In the meantime, as a friendly reminder, please refer to the page “Police Chief Welcome” that bears your signature, upon which transparency was called “essential.”
Agreed.
Further, when you have a moment, kindly review the text near the bottom of your “Professional Ethics” page, which states:
It is my responsibility to keep the community informed on local government affairs, encourage communication between the citizens and all local government officers, emphasize friendly and courteous service to the public, and seek to improve the quality and image of public service.
Also, as was noted by Ian Freeman, here’s the text from Article 1 Section 8 of the New Hampshire Constitution that I’m told you swore an oath to uphold:
[Accountability of Magistrates and Officers; Public’s Right to Know.] All power residing originally in, and being derived from, the people, all the magistrates and officers of government are their substitutes and agents, and at all times accountable to them. Government, therefore, should be open, accessible, accountable and responsive. To that end, the public’s right of access to governmental proceedings and records shall not be unreasonably restricted.
Please don’t be shy about reaching. Sharing ideas is key.
Best,
-Pete
pete@copblock.org
________________________
Ken “Kenny” Meola
603.357.9813 x7033
Posts tagged “Kenneth Meola” at KeeneCopBlock.org
Posts tagged “Kenneth Meola” at FreeKeene.com
________________________
RELATED
Keene City Council Drinking Game from YouTube.com/FreeKeene on August 10, 2010
Drinking Game Involves Keene City Council from NPR.org on August 10, 2010
Trackbacks/Pingbacks