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• Gregory (Saturday, October 04 25 06:16 am EDT)

  The gym people can’t walk too far, get over it morons.

• Firedog (Friday, October 03 25 12:16 pm EDT)

  The junk yard on West Pleasant is next to ole Bill Binders place. His family must be sick of the mess.

• Sarah (Friday, October 03 25 08:24 am EDT)

  Timmy, where were you headed to shop. If the people using the gym parked somewhere not immediately in front of the gym there would be more spaces. Damn contractors finishing a full remodel and housing for a few million. Good job Claremont allowing investment.

• Jack (Friday, October 03 25 03:32 am EDT)

  Jill: The problem with the school board isn't party politics. Crawford is a democrat and Whitney is a republican. The problem is that they are all incompetent. They were all there as the district's finances imploded, an none of them did a thing to prevent it. We’d be better off if any of the current board member were swapped out for someone of the opposite party, but who isn't a complete moron.

• Tim (Thursday, October 02 25 09:17 pm EDT)

  I was going to go down town but when I couldn’t find a parking spot cause contractors have take over I decide to take my business elsewhere out of town. Great job helping small businesses Claremont!

• Jill (Thursday, October 02 25 09:09 pm EDT)

  Democrats on the school board have been failing the people of Claremont for way too long. After watching the meeting tonight I am completely appalled to see a push to put a former teacher of the district on the board. Candy Crawford who is a prominent democrat couldn’t even hide her distaste for Mr. Tyson during his interview. The dog and pony show with David “Dilly” Putnam was clearly scripted. Gary Merchant forgets he lost his election and the people rejected him for a reason. How much do we pay the attorney for playing on his phone?

• Insida (Thursday, October 02 25 08:22 pm EDT)

  Whipple can do what he wants, moron.
  The youngest Whipple should come back as mayor and get this town turned around.

• Insideher (Thursday, October 02 25 05:08 pm EDT)

  Selling VC? Yes they are
  Junkyard inspection not happening. Whipple junkyard has spilled over and not meeting the LadyBird law.

• Wondering (Thursday, October 02 25 04:37 pm EDT)

  Anyone know why the School Board member links to email them have been deactivated? One is no longer able to email them? The names used to be clickable and would open their email address…

• Breaking news (Thursday, October 02 25 11:38 am EDT)

  Heard the city will be selling the visitor center and moving everyone to city hall. Money will go the schools to help. How the city builds a new and improved visitor center with no structural issues.

• Citizen (Thursday, October 02 25 11:08 am EDT)

  Insider - who will be resigning? You say two people?

• Bigdog (Thursday, October 02 25 07:54 am EDT)

  Can anyone give me the latest on the dollar amount that our School District is short. I heard it is just shy of $4.5 million??
  
  I am not sure who is running the city Junk Yard inspections. I thought zoning ordinance should take care of their locations!!
  
  TAKE A LOOK THIS WEEKEND AT JUNK YARD ALONG WEST PLEASANT STREET ACROSS FROM THE CEMETERY. I counted 10 cars, junk all over the front yard, and the LandOwner should be ashamed of the place. If that place caught on Fire the junk would burn but the apartments and house would go as well.

• Insider (Thursday, October 02 25 06:19 am EDT)

  ‼️‼️Big News‼️‼️
  Resignations multiple coming
  
  I’ve never been wrong once
  
  Jim, request info about the visitor center

• Jim Sullivan (Wednesday, October 01 25 04:43 pm EDT)

  Steve, I have no idea. I submitted a right to know request for information regarding this complaint on August 14, 2025 and I still have not received any information from the City Administration. Today I sent a reminder to the City Manager's Executive Assistant. It has been my experience that the City Administration drags their feet regarding my right to know requests whenever I request public documents that will prove embarrassing to either the City Administration, the City Council or individual City Employees or all of them. Time will tell.

• Barf Bag (Wednesday, October 01 25 02:52 pm EDT)

  Claremont food inspectors, do they have training?
  The name on some of the certificate is Vinny
  Who is Vinny? Isn’t that old?

• Steve (Wednesday, October 01 25 01:25 pm EDT)

  Was the rat problem solved?

• Richard (Wednesday, October 01 25 12:46 pm EDT)

  Having a city councilor in the restaurant business may have something to do with it.

• Chet (Wednesday, October 01 25 11:41 am EDT)

  I am seeing these comments about inspections. It made me wonder how Claremont does their inspections. I used to operate a sandwich location in Southern NH. I am surprised to see here that you don't have to meet the same requirements for hoods and fire protection. The new coffee shop producing a full menu where I came from would require an insult hood. How does Claremont not require that in a building with 4 floors off office space above it?

• Frank (Wednesday, October 01 25 10:59 am EDT)

  Didn’t Chris Irish bully a woman on the school board then quit?

• Gary (Wednesday, October 01 25 10:01 am EDT)

  Ward 3 doesn't have a good choice of candidates. They both suck.

• Guy (Wednesday, October 01 25 08:17 am EDT)

  I see Chris Irish is running again, didn’t he quit the last time he was elected?

• Chuck (Tuesday, September 30 25 01:46 pm EDT)

  Yeah, because that is not posted on the SAU page or parentsquare. You guys are really dumb as fuck here aren't you?

• Kathy (Tuesday, September 30 25 09:06 am EDT)

  Just like the dam the public would have never been informed
  about this new deficit if Jim Sullivan hadn't investigated. Jim is looking out for all of us unlike Claremont's school and city leaders. Thank you Jim for all you do for all of us.

• Sarah (Tuesday, September 30 25 07:58 am EDT)

  Almost 1 million more added to the deficit. Where will this money come from? If the money isn't found teachers and other school employees could lose their health insurance coverage. It doesn't affect just them but their whole family too. Will more teachers and staff quit? What a mess.

• Jim Sullivan (Monday, September 29 25 07:52 pm EDT)

  Special Report!
  
  Another Unexpected Significant Budget Deficit for Claremont School District!

• Mark (Monday, September 29 25 06:11 pm EDT)

  Right Marie because that is how the NH dam bureau works. There is no set schedule of inspection. They rely on Jim Sullivan a local Virgin and one term councilor for dam safety. Good job Jim.

• Frank (Monday, September 29 25 06:09 pm EDT)

  Dave. You are full of shit and should probably stop eating lead paint chips. That is fact. Slam your head in a drawer.

• Marie (Monday, September 29 25 02:04 pm EDT)

  If it were not for Jim the dam would not be in the process of being repaired. The councilors and the paid personnel have no interest in the dam or the safety of the people.

• Concerned Parent (Monday, September 29 25 01:25 pm EDT)

  My child is in 5th grade at Bluff…their classroom teacher left and they put a title 1 teacher in that classroom-someone named Kristine.The only problem is she never comes to work according to my child—she’s out all the time. I also heard through the grapevine that she is a special education teacher—I thought they didn’t have any SPED teachers st Bluff? what the hell is going on at Bluff!!!???

• Dave (Monday, September 29 25 10:05 am EDT)

  I watch the meetings and read the documents on this website. Jim did not embellish the facts about the dam. He showed the proof about the terrible condition of the dam. DPW leaders and Yoshi covered it up until Jim revealed the truth. The councilors sat on the information for six months and so far we only have an inspection report and a bud advertised with no completion date. Jim is trying to get the dam repaired before a tragedy happens. The councilors are doing nothing and Nick Koloski vilified Jim for doing what Nick Koloski and the other councilors should have done. That is the truth.

• Bill (Monday, September 29 25 08:34 am EDT)

  Rick, logic would say otherwise if you actually know him or watch public access bud. It must be difficult thinking Jim's rants are always the gospel and people in the community disagree with his diatribe. Your Emu comment shows lack of ability to understand context. Does Jim guide your daily life? Try thinking for yourself. Make a new friend or get some air. In your mind Koloski must be the only person who votes for himself. Get to know your councilors before being like Jim and talking out your ass. You perhaps need a safe space.

• Rick (Sunday, September 28 25 10:19 pm EDT)

  It looks like Nick Koloski is upset with what Jim wrote about him. Isn't that right "Gary"? Nick you are so obvious it is pathetic.Go take your stuffed emu.

• Tommy (Sunday, September 28 25 09:26 pm EDT)

  Asking the city to pay for a private residence with a problem that doesn’t affect anyone sounds fishy to me. So will pay for it? Mr. Thibeau has cost the city more money than he’s worth. Why would he care about he doesn’t even live in Claremont. I’ve notice more and more people that work for the city don’t even live here so why would they care.

• Gary (Sunday, September 28 25 08:25 pm EDT)

  Kinda funny. I watch the meeting and you seem to omit anything Koloski says unless it fits your agenda. Who asked the building inspector about occupancy Jim? Who directed the outcome and presented and argument Jim? You expend effort calling Koloski calling you out on your dramatic bullshit childish but in fact you painted a picture of danger and fear which you fabricated. You name call yet call this childish. You definitely are text book narcissist. You might be able to tell Koloski does not give a hoot about you or this page. Despite that you believe you strike a nerve with everyone. You are a pissant. You are just clear as they come self loathing. A guy who name calls reflecting on someone else is priceless. You missed a bunch of the meeting apparently.

• Jim Sullivan (Sunday, September 28 25 07:41 pm EDT)

  Five new articles published today on the News Flashes page of this website.
  
  1) Candidates for City Council Election 2025.
  
  2) Claremont School District Update.
  
  3) When it rains it pours!
  
  4) Top SCU #6 Administrative Contracts.
  
  5) Claremont City Council accomplishes little during September 24, 2025 Council meeting.

• To scared to run (Sunday, September 28 25 07:26 pm EDT)

  Nobody from ward 1? ( with the exeption of the wet blanket)

• Jim Sullivan (Sunday, September 28 25 05:51 pm EDT)

  No articles today.

• Anxiouslywaiting (Sunday, September 28 25 04:46 pm EDT)

  Will we be blessed with any articles today @ jim

• Shawn (Sunday, September 28 25 10:44 am EDT)

  Ohearne has done so much. I can recall him speaking atleast 4 times and asking 7 questions in multiple terms. Good job to him. Always never responding to citizen concerns. Keep up the minimum amount of effort. Thanks

• John J. O’Connor (Sunday, September 28 25 07:48 am EDT)

  I am extremely disappointed that Frank Guathier isn’t running for City Council.
  Since Frank’s has embraced AI technology, he sounds intelligent and would be an asset on the council because of these skills.
  I consider Andy O’Hearn a friend and he has done a great job as a City Councilor but no one should ever run unopposed.
  With that being said, I propose nominating Frank Guathier to be a write in candidate for City Council in Ward 1.

• Bigdog on da Porch (Saturday, September 27 25 10:49 am EDT)

  Henry you and I may be laughed out of the City.
  The school board made a promise to cut ALL Extra curriculum and outside non-essential program!!
  Unfortunately, sports may become a pay to play reality.
  My vote is to cut at this point of fiscal crisis….. extra curriculum and all after school activities UNTIL we a financially back on sound financial footings.
  Others may disagree??
  
  Big dog

• Henry (Saturday, September 27 25 04:56 am EDT)

  Cut sports for good, make them pay to play.

• Tom (Friday, September 26 25 07:42 pm EDT)

  What up with this special counsel meeting?

• Snapppy (Friday, September 26 25 06:37 pm EDT)

  Dear Citizen(s) Kane,
  
  Do you now think that the true $$ of the school funding are coming to light, that the School Board and SAU will make meaningful cuts? We were promised the suspension of all non-essential programs would be on hold….. Right??
  Citizens….. call the Board members, and ask them to cut all unnecessary spending.
  
  Snappy

• Tim Mulligan (Friday, September 26 25 05:02 pm EDT)

  I’m back by request of Jim Sullivan. We are collaborating on a new initiative to hold our government workers accountable. Each week I will be picking a random employee to review all of their emails and will publish the results.

• Jen (Friday, September 26 25 08:11 am EDT)

  Richard, you seem like a salty bitch through and through. Keep up the solid crying.

• Richard (Friday, September 26 25 07:22 am EDT)

  Koloski is not a reliable source of information. He is a slimy politician through and through. Koloski covers for city staff all the time. This is no different.

• Jeff (Thursday, September 25 25 06:53 pm EDT)

  I asked Councilor K about it today. He said he doesn't fault him as he just started the job and transitioning from another community to learn local code. A certificate of occupancy would be required if it was brand new structure and since there has not been a permit pulled for one during his tenure he would not have the experience of processing one. This was Nick's take. He thinks he is good inspector based on what he had heard from Pleasant Street developers. He continued on that significant remodel or change of use would trigger one. I was originally miffed but, after speaking to a councilor I get it. Sometimes you can pick up the horn and complain directly to council members btw.

• No one (Thursday, September 25 25 06:42 pm EDT)

  It’s what the council asked him about the “CO” (had to google it myself) - and he had no idea the answer? Crazy to me

• Insider (Thursday, September 25 25 05:57 pm EDT)

  What’s a certificate of occupancy?

• No One (Thursday, September 25 25 03:41 pm EDT)

  Did anyone else pick up on the fact that the chief building inspector didn’t even know that you don’t need a Certificate of Occupancy…isn’t that his job…

• Frank (Thursday, September 25 25 03:06 pm EDT)

  They cancelled the meeting because of the 8 million.

• Patrick (Thursday, September 25 25 11:29 am EDT)

  Remember when that guy learned how to use Ai
  lol

• Jim & Pat (Thursday, September 25 25 11:28 am EDT)

  Not bad

• Citizen Kane (Thursday, September 25 25 10:50 am EDT)

  Looks like financial report for school board presentation is available at SAU 6 website. Looks like a deficit of ~8 million.

• Insider (Thursday, September 25 25 08:59 am EDT)

  Good pay tho…
  Nice corner office
  Congratulations

• Jim Sullivan (Thursday, September 25 25 06:38 am EDT)

  No you did not. At last night's Council meeting Acting City Manager Nancy Bates announced that she has offered someone the job and that person verbally accepted and she is waiting until things are put in writing and signed before announcing her choice and introducing that person to the Council, presumably at a future Council meeting held soon.

• No one (Thursday, September 25 25 06:16 am EDT)

  Did I miss where they announced that the building inspector is the director of planning and development

• Greg (Thursday, September 25 25 06:00 am EDT)

  Another unqualified person slithers into a high position with the city by an unqualified city manager, who is paying more than the governor.

• Insider (Thursday, September 25 25 05:42 am EDT)

  No one - Director of Planning and Development
  Dummy

• Citizen (Wednesday, September 24 25 06:49 pm EDT)

  No live stream of the council meeting?

• No one (Wednesday, September 24 25 06:38 pm EDT)

  @ insider what kind of promotion would a building inspector get I don’t think you know what you’re talking about

• Insider (Wednesday, September 24 25 11:13 am EDT)

  Will the building inspector get a massive promotion? Big new coming your way boys and girls

• Tom (Wednesday, September 24 25 08:58 am EDT)

  Will the councilors vote on fixing the dam tonight? So far it's taken them about six months to get around to making a decision. Nothing yet. These people are terrible leaders.

• Jim Sullivan (Tuesday, September 23 25 06:09 am EDT)

  I did not write that post at 6:55PM. The inspector likely wrote it. What we see is the inspector riding around in the official vehicle with no purpose but wasting time. Try to go to the office after 3:30 or on a Friday afternoon and it’s a ghost town. No leadership, no accountability and no oversight. Of course the inspector doesn’t inspect roads, that was the dumbest thing I’ve ever read on here.

• Jim Sullivan (Monday, September 22 25 06:55 pm EDT)

  I did not write the posting attributed to me at 11:30 AM today. Besides the Building Inspector does not inspect roads as this posting implies since the article that I published this weekend was about E. Green Mountain Rd. Although, this is the highly dysfunctional City of Claremont so perhaps the Building Inspector could be inspecting the roads because the Director & Assistant Director sure don't seem qualified based on their past job performance. It would certainly explain a lot!

• Jim Sullivan (Monday, September 22 25 11:30 am EDT)

  How many trips has the building inspector taken up east green mountain this year? You’re about to find out next week

• The ghost of Yoshi (Monday, September 22 25 06:19 am EDT)

  You are such a f*ck if turd, Jim.
  
  Had the school board wilted in the face of teacher pressure the headline would have read “spineless school board refuses to do what’s right due to fear mongering teachers”.
  
  You are the most negative pos in the community and I can’t wait for your typing fingers to go limp.

• Jim Sullivan (Sunday, September 21 25 06:25 pm EDT)

  Seven new articles published today on the News Flashes page of this website.
  
  1) Water Conservation Public Notice.
  
  2) More absence of transparency from the SAU #6 School Board Members!
  
  3) SAU #6 Administrator's reason to close the Bluff Elementary School just doesn't add up!
  
  4) By a 4 – 1 vote Claremont School Board Members intentionally ignores Parents & Teachers by deciding to close the Bluff Elementary School!
  
  5) What are SAU #6 School Officials hiding?
  
  6) Claremont Savings Bank Community Center Members Beware!
  
  7) Is this Progress?

• Tyler (Sunday, September 21 25 06:02 pm EDT)

  We were told that the school district purchased the building on Maple Ave in order to “redistrict” 10 special-ed kids, thus saving the taxpayer 1.2 million dollars. However, school has been in session now for about a month and the building remains vacant. Where are these 10 special education students receiving their education? If it is at the high school, then why did they need to purchase and renovate the maple ave property? For many years the Claremont Alternative Program (CAP) was held in the basement of the high school. Why does it need to be different now? More wasteful spending, perhaps?

• Ron (Friday, September 19 25 07:47 pm EDT)

  Why is the pavilion at broad street locked and has slime pained on it? Who is Slime? Because of it being locked and vandalized by Slime nobody came to my campaign for ward 3. I am going to try to book a room at the senior center to give a speech to ward 3 residents. I will explain why I am running for ward 3 council. I want to ban drones in Ward 3, change the noise ordinance in ward 3, lower EMF frequency’s, and also ban WiFi signals that are not your own from reaching your property. I want Ward 3 residents to be healthy, smart, and brave. Let’s bring Claremont back to the prosperity it once had. RON FOR WARD 3 COUNCIL SEAT

• Ron (Friday, September 19 25 04:08 pm EDT)

  I will be at Broad Street park hoping to get ward 3 voters to vote for me. Please have EMF protectors on your phone, keep wifi away from me, and support me of a new noise ordinance in ward 3 and no cameras. Ron for city council WARD 3.

• Jim Sullivan (Friday, September 19 25 03:46 pm EDT)

  I did not post the comments attributed to me at 5:59 AM this morning. There are desperate people in this community, who will lie about everything in order to try to discredit citizens who are trying to provide important information about local government actions to the public, especially when Claremont no longer has a local newspaper. These desperate people are frantically trying to stop the Citizens of Claremont from learning the truth about things that city and school officials are trying to hide from the public. Don't be fooled by these unethical imitators! Now I am going to go start working on the articles that I will be publishing on Sunday. Providing more information and bringing a hell of a lot more transparency to the Citizens of Claremont and beyond regarding Claremont's City & School Governments.

• Insider (Friday, September 19 25 12:50 pm EDT)

  You discovered AI? Also, you can’t say it is “by” you if you use Ai. Thats a bit dishonest.

• Francis Guathier (Friday, September 19 25 11:49 am EDT)

  I fully into run for City Council, with my new ability to use AI I actually sound like I know what I’m talking about and that should fool the voters into electing me.
  See you tonight at 5 pm Broad street park !!!
  I’m also accepting campaign contributions.

• Mike (Friday, September 19 25 09:31 am EDT)

  I hope Sullivan and Koloski both run and we can see who gets more votes. I’d say the same for Francis but I’d be afraid he’d actually win. He seems so likable and popular.

• Jennifer (Friday, September 19 25 08:17 am EDT)

  He did announce when I asked him in July if Jim's rumors of him not running were true or not. He said he would see what the communities choices would be. I can assume the haters never bothered to ask.

• Gary (Friday, September 19 25 08:14 am EDT)

  Dick, you sound like a whiny bitch. You seem to think people are not allowed to make their own choices. You mean to say Jim Sullivan twisted someone announcing they plan to retire from politics someday as any announcement to the contrary. Jim, nor yourself apparently picked up the telephone and asked. You just assumed and your opinion is the only one that matters.

• Richard (Friday, September 19 25 07:20 am EDT)

  Nick Koloski announced he would be retiring from the city councilor at the end of this year. Many did not believe him because he is desperate for attention and a big liar. He us running for reelection. He hasn't announced yet bur he has a website dedicated to his reelection campaign. He has shown us all what a lying POS he is. DON'T VOTE FOR NICK KOLOSKI!!!

• Jim Sullivan (Friday, September 19 25 05:59 am EDT)

  Join me this evening at 5 pm at Broad street park. Francis and I will be kicking off our Campaigns to be your next City Councilors .
  There will be Hot dogs and gummies !!!!

• Jake L. (Thursday, September 18 25 08:21 pm EDT)

  Gary. He has spoken at the last 3 school board meetings and the school tour with the senator and was in her video if you actually don't just talk shit and pay attention to your community. He has also spoke during every planning board meeting, council meeting, public ribbon events, arts committee meetings as well as republican and democratic events and 2 funerals I have been at in the last 2 years. Has nothing to do with elections. Also is in parades bud. At some point you realize it is part of being engaged in a place you live and has nothing to do with a clock for election. You should continue to show you don't know anything and impress this echo chamber. I didn't see Sullivan or Gauthier.

• Bucky Fuller (Thursday, September 18 25 06:46 pm EDT)

  “Gary” at least the kiss ass Koloski spoke unlike our Mayor/State Rep Girard…he has been at numerous meetings and doesn’t say shit

• Whistleblower (Thursday, September 18 25 02:48 pm EDT)

  Hearing that one or maybe two of the school board applicants don’t actually live in Claremont.

• Gary (Thursday, September 18 25 12:47 pm EDT)

  Koloski spoke last night. He didn't have anything intelligent to say just good job to principals and Nelson at CCTV. Koloski is beginning to Kiss all of the right asses. He is so running for reelection.

• Fact (Thursday, September 18 25 08:59 am EDT)

  Oh look, the Bluff school is closing

• Tom (Wednesday, September 17 25 06:15 pm EDT)

  Look at the city spending money on dilapidated building when the schools can’t even get funded. Time to raise taxes to help schools when the city spends money on unnecessary building like visitor center and now the opera house square building. Raise taxes to help them fund more useless projects.

• Question (Wednesday, September 17 25 05:46 pm EDT)

  Who remembers what bank it was Chris Irish worked for when he got caught stealing computers?

• Gregg (Wednesday, September 17 25 02:14 pm EDT)

  Have you seen this Lewko dude at a meeting. Tell me you like pretending you are somebody. Let me copy and paste everyone's information and ruin my credibility by sourcing the Sullivan report. You can tell be being in the same room for 5 minutes that something is a bit off. Figure out how to use Google bud.
  
  Jim Sullivan is going to get his wish. A network of Claremont Cares members have been meeting and asking random people to step up and do their handy work. So far Chris Cogsworth and Chris Irish have stepped up. More democratic agenda for all. How many times did Irish quit as a councilor in years past? It was more than once correct? All new council members should so us really well so they can spend 7 months understanding their responsibilities.

• Ron (Wednesday, September 17 25 11:12 am EDT)

  I am running for city council ward 3. I want to change the noise ordinance in ward 3 and not allow drones or cameras. Also I don’t want other peoples WiFi to intrude on my own. This is a major invasion of privacy. Vote for Ron Ward 3.

• John J. O’Connor (Wednesday, September 17 25 10:40 am EDT)

  We need Jim Sullivan and Frank Guathier on the City Council.
  If they are elected, the 91-A would drop to zero, that alone would increase administrative productivity.
  If they don’t officially run, we should do a “write-in”. Claremont needs them more now than ever

• Geoffrey (Wednesday, September 17 25 10:10 am EDT)

  Mark & greg for city council and school board

• Kathy (Wednesday, September 17 25 08:56 am EDT)

  School Board meeting today ar HS Auditorium. Be there.

• Snappy (Monday, September 15 25 08:13 pm EDT)

  BigDog to answer your question, the School Board and its top administration are fully funding the Athletic programs. Even though we were all told at the first Board meeting that ALL outside activities would be cut this year. This cost must be covered by the free money or grant money the Savings Bank has given us.
  
  Readers, don’t forget the SAU’s was made up of 3 surrounding communities. And their respective elected Boards all had a hand in the Superintendent selection process. Cornish bailed some years ago, and Unity may leave as well.
  Note that Cornish was in the program, but sent their High School kids to where-ever they wanted to go. Result, Steven’s and the Claremont system never saw their Tuition dollars. Unity does the same…… so let them leave. They did what was best for them and not the SAU as a
  whole.
  
  So as I see it my taxes will go UP. Special Services will continue, sports both home and away will cost upwards of $500,000 plus.
  
  If you have the Nads to complain, your BUTT had better be on the Ballot for the School Board.

• Bethany (Monday, September 15 25 08:38 am EDT)

  Actually if the school board reduces the staff at the SAU/Dow building, they will be doing the city a huge favor. The SAU has been so "competent" the Cornish preferred to leave and now Unity is doing the same. With just the Claremont district left, many of those positions will become unnecessary. But actually, let's circle back to "competent" Damien Fisher with the NH Journal is about the only reporter actually covering this crisis. If you read this article, Claremont’s Fiscal Disarray Flagged by State Reviews Years Before Current Crisis - NH Journal https://share.google/P716lkTGi5PhivPmy, I'm not sure how you justify continuing to pay any of them. And given the shift towards wanting a forensic audit, there may be more than just incompetence in play. The administrative side caused this. Its about time they paid the price instead of the teachers and janitors who had no part in it.
  
  Chris Pratt had the dignity to resign. Unfortunately the price was a settlement, but still better than paying out his entire contract. Mary Henry is almost certainly negotiating something as well. Why did we hire a rookie superintendent? Very simple. There almost certainly were no other options. Patrick O'Hearn wasn't properly qualified and truly could only be temporary, and no one from the outside would want to come here under these circumstances. Is Kerry Kennedy any good? Hope so, but realistically she can't be any worse than the "experienced" hires that got us here. They just needed someone to commit to the position so there is some degree of stabilization to move forward.
  
  Why are we paying high priced lawyers and consultants? Also, pretty obvious. Claremont is in a huge mess and lacks qualified people to unravel what happened and correct it for the future. If you listen to what Matt Angell has said, we need to bring in people who actually know how to run a school district, and particularly someone who knows how to run the special ed program. Apparently the state warned us not to hire Mary Henry: Ousted Claremont Superintendent Gets $40K Parting Gift From Taxpayers - NH Journal https://share.google/3jiSzD1BFpUjAH7H4 and someone did it anyways. There has been a lengthy list of terrible hires, poor administrative review, and horrible fiscal practices.
  
  We had a slow motion train wreck in the works for years and no one even noticed. The fiscal side is a disaster, but reading between the lines of what the lawyers and accountants are saying, so is the education/programs side. Costs are out of control because of incompetence, poorly implemented programs, and not even properly applying for state reimbursement. So you need outside eyes to get things back on track. Unfortunately that has a cost, but if done right, will be worth it in the long run.

• Amy (Monday, September 15 25 04:51 am EDT)

  The school board members are rotten people. Planning to fire innocent employees at the Dow building so lawyers and several consultants can rake in outrageously high fees is unfair. Mary Henry is still on the payroll. Why? The school board members hire a human resource person with no teaching certifications to be superintendent and replace him with a rookie superintendent with Vermont certifications but she has never stepped into the role of superintendent anywhere and she never stays long at any position. Why? No one would have known about this devious plan if Jim Sullivan had not realized the school board members neglected to seal the meeting minutes of their private meeting discussion. Thanks to Jim we now know the truth that layoffs are coming in the SAU and probably in the Claremont and Unity school districts because of the budget deficits and cash flow problems in all three places. What a mess.

• Grace (Sunday, September 14 25 08:48 pm EDT)

  I just took a look at Clay Hill Dam on Clay Hill Road. It holds back a small pond and it’s in awful shape water leaking through it and under it. It is also covered in debris and has trees growing out of it. If the dam was to break it would wash out a couple houses and a large part of the road. I took a look at the last time it was inspected and it was the 1990s. After White Water Dam is all figured out I think the Clay hill dam needs some attention before something bad happens to that dam. I can’t believe it looks the way it does.

• Duh (Sunday, September 14 25 08:43 pm EDT)

  Jim, it's very simple. The Bluff principle and nurse will have to move to CMS. If CMS had to close because of lack of staff there's no option for the middle school kids. Unlike Bluff. So you sacrifice Bluff for CMS. Without staff Bluff has to close. You put one school om the chopping block that doesn't have an option. It makes closing Bluff easier to swallow.

• Jim Sullivan (Sunday, September 14 25 07:45 pm EDT)

  Seven new articles published today on the News Flashes page of this website.
  
  1) Voluntary Water Conservation Notice.
  
  2) Filing Period for November Municipal Elections.
  
  3) September 4, 2025 Non-Public Meeting Minutes reveals more secrets by SAU #6 School Board Members!
  
  4) SAU #6 Administrators use despicable bait and switch tactic to try to shove Elementary School: Consolidation Plan down the throats of the Claremont School Board, School Staff, Parents & the Citizens of Claremont at Emergency School Board Meeting!
  
  5) September 11, 2025 SAU #6 School Board Meeting Synopsis.
  
  6) What are SAU #6 School Officials hiding?
  
  7) September 10, 2025 Claremont City Council Meeting Synopsis.

• Jim Sullivan (Sunday, September 14 25 04:35 pm EDT)

  I did not write the last comment. There will no articles today .

• Jim Sullivan (Sunday, September 14 25 03:48 pm EDT)

  I did not write that posting attributed to me at 3:06 PM. I am still writing articles and I am on the last one now.

• Jim Sullivan (Sunday, September 14 25 03:06 pm EDT)

  Kenny,
  I will be running. I am announcing my intentions to be your next At-large City Councilor.

• Kenny (Sunday, September 14 25 02:52 pm EDT)

  Anybody going to run for city council or school board?

• Jim Sullivan (Sunday, September 14 25 12:50 pm EDT)

  I did not write the comments falsely attributed to me at 12:44 PM. I am still working on articles to publish for today and have two more to write. Hopefully I will get done in time to publish them later today.

• Jim Sullivan (Sunday, September 14 25 12:44 pm EDT)

  I’ve proposed budgets for the City and the School District and have been ignored each time.
  Good luck.

• kenny (Saturday, September 13 25 08:55 pm EDT)

  Can regular citizens propose a plan or do you have tork for the school district or be on the board?

• Tyler (Saturday, September 13 25 10:28 am EDT)

  Erin, your comments are well written and useful. Thanks.

• Erin (Saturday, September 13 25 09:20 am EDT)

  At the meeting everyone supported the principals plan. They demanded that the people in the schools every day be listened to. OK, fair enough. But how were the principals planning to divide up Bluff kids? This needs to be presented.
  
  If there are 2 classrooms per grade for K-5, did they plan to send one classroom per grade to Disnard and the other to Maple? That would balance the split of kids per grade and their teachers fairly between schools. But it would split teachers who may have worked together for a long time and it would split Bluff kids from their friends in the other class. Kids on the same street now could be in two different schools. Parents would potentially fight and be angry about which school their kid's class got assigned to. And next year for incoming kindergarteners and any family that moves in, how do you determine which school their child is assigned to going forward? And if a Bluff 4th grade teacher leaves, then that class would have to be divided and added into the 2 existing classes at the school they had moved to, making those class sizes much larger.
  
  Or was it the rumors where they planned to move some full grades to Disnard and some to Maple? If that is the plan, what happens next year? If the Bluff 2nd graders and their teachers are at Disnard, but Bluff 3rd grade teachers are at Maple, then what? At the end of the year the Bluff kids will have to be fully integrated into their new school. But it will be a total mess if one school took all the Bluff K-2 students and the other school took all the Bluff 3-5 kids. Each school would have a bloat of students in 3 grades, but then the students will then advance to the next grade, but their teachers won't. You will end up with around 2/3 of the districts students for some grades at Disnard and 2/3 of the districts other grades at Maple. And again, how would you assign incoming kindergarten or new families? If you sent all Kindergarten classes to Disnard for this year, is that where you send all Bluff area kindergarteners next year?
  
  The principals deserve to present their plan, but they need to explain what happens right now, this year AND what happens at the end of the school year. It appears their plan might be the softer approach in the short term, BUT will create ongoing disruptions if more teachers leave and have to be totally reset and more changes at the end of the year.
  
  An objective review of these options would point to the administration's plan being more logical. In the short term, it is far more disruptive, but far more forward thinking and practical long term. You make one big change now, but no major additional changes at the end of the year. Patents and teachers would be clear on what to expect next year. The administrative plan also needs to be presented with clear details, logic, and reasoning. It wasn't. And the concerns of teachers should be heard. Maybe schools need to be closed for 2 extra days around Columbus Day so they have 2 paid days to pack up current classrooms and 2 paid days to set up their new rooms.
  
  And if the administrative plan is approved teachers and parents need to model resilience and adapt to change for the kids. You can make the best of bad circumstances. Make the first day, the first week at the new schools fun. Do like a grand opening. Do spirit week at the new schools. Have back to school 2.0. Welcome the merger of grades. Do activities, even if just at recess, to help integrate new students. Maybe local businesses would donate to have a special pizza or ice cream party on the first day. Think outside of the box. No one likes change, but the response doesn't have to be tears and angry outbursts. It can all work out in the end. Adults need to have the positive attitudes the students are always told to have.

• Guy (Saturday, September 13 25 06:32 am EDT)

  After Charlie Kirk’s assignation, I can understand why Jim is never seen in public and never goes to public events.
  Jim is Claremont Charlie Kirk.

• Jenna (Thursday, September 11 25 06:09 pm EDT)

  Last night was bad all around. The principals have a favored plan. The administrative side has their preferred plan. Neither were clearly presented in a way that made any sense. The teachers were hyper emotional. The parents were angry, confused, and upset. The board was not given good information. The plans severely lacked details or logical reasoning
  No one was rational. Additionally, there is clearly a huge problem in the schools and the solution requires resilience, not tantrums.
  
  It looks like Bluff School needs to close. Call it staffing, special Ed, or long term fiscal reasons, but that seems like it is the cold reality. This means all the Bluff families and teachers are going to face disruption. This isn't ideal, but cooler heads need to prevail. It's not the world's worst tragedy. A realistic sense of urgency means it is better to solve this quicker so the disruption is as early in the year as possible even if that means details will be ironed out as it goes and there will be some missteps. Everyone, admin, teachers, staff, and parents need to show some patience and consideration to people trying to figure out the best path forward.
  
  The current administration is a mess. Bad hiring has caused top people to be on leave who deserve to be fired. Other staff have left. The disaster wasn't caused by many of the people involved now. They are just stuck picking up the pieces and the board was asleep at the wheel and never picked up on the problems. The acting superintendent is an HR guy and not adequately qualified. But you needed someone with working knowledge of the district and the people to have some sense of cohesion in the process. It's not the best case, but that's all that exists right now. You have to work with who's there, inadequate as it is, and take the right amount of time to hire more qualified people later.
  
  The principals have to be taken with a grain of salt. If schools consolidate, one of them will no longer be needed. They were all trying act like they are united and not say anything that would anger parents. Since nothing was clear, the rumors were that the softer approach they favor of dividing the Bluff kids between Maple and Disnard wasn't a half and half thing. Based on current student load by grade, the kids would be split. So a couple grades housed at Disnard and the other grades at Maple. So Bluff parents could end up with one kid at each school. This plan kept the kids with their exact class and teachers, just a physical relocation to clasroom in a differentschool. Allegedly this was the principal's plan.
  
  The principal's plan doesn't address the class size disparity between the schools. Let's say there are 100 second graders in the district. If 48 are at Disnard, 22 at Bluff, and 30 at Maple, with 2 classrooms per school, the class sizes are 24 kids per at Disnard, 11 for Bluff, and 15 for Maple. Moving 2 classes of 11 kids to one of the other schools, with their teachers, keeping them separate from the existing kids at that school, does not fix class size inequalities.
  
  If the principal's plan was to move some full grades to Maple and the rest to Disnard, then the administrative plan makes more sense. In the short term it is more disruptive for the entire district, but long term far better. If Disnard were to house K-2, then all 100 second graders would be together with 6 teachers. Now all classes could have 16/17 kids. Lose a teacher, which apparently is very possible, and each class has 20. It is a fairer, better use of resources. All kids of the same grade in the same building makes things far more flexible and adaptable if there are additional staff shortages. If parents are worried about kids in both schools, start Maple with the grades 3-5 fifteen minutes earlier than the Disnard start time.
  
  Splitting the kids into K-2 and 3-5 could actually be very beneficial long term. Having more teachers of the same grade could improve teaching, sharing ideas and techniques. The kids would have more friends to choose from. You could (someday when the budget is corrected) offer better programs. You could potentially have a teacher dedicated per grade for more advanced kids and a teacher dedicated to kids who need a slower pace to succeed. You could do after school based sports teams/learn to play because more kids of the same age were all in the same place. You could strengthen your arts and music program. Younger kids could have bigger groups of their own age to sing in choir with. Perhaps instrument lessons could begin earlier in 3rd or 4th grade. Maybe you could have a dedicated French or Spanish teacher for 4th and 5th grades to give kids a head start. There's a lot of future decisions that could improve the schools. The admin side did a horrible job advocating why they wanted to take this path.
  
  Special Ed apparently is a huge driving factor. You could divide up the assets you do have as fairly as possible to maximize resources. It seems we need someone with actual expertise to help Claremont clean up their special ed programs. Only having to deal with 2 elementary schools has to be easier. It would also help minimize the impact of lost secretaries and janitorial staff.
  
  The problem is nothing was explained. Neither the administrative side or the principals sold their ideas. They didn't present the upsides or the downsides. They had no vision. They stuck to meaningless generalities. Emotions and tension was high. The teachers appear adamantly against change. Sometimes change has to happen. Sometimes it works out better then expected. Instead everything was presented so poorly that in the end the board bailed and did nothing. Hopefully next time they actually have some clear details and the reasoning behind them.

• Nickey (Thursday, September 11 25 04:21 pm EDT)

  Heads up everyone whitewater reservoir only has about 100 million gallons of water in it. It usually has 140 million in it. Good news is that the dam is less likely to fail in the near future. Bad news is that we are in an extremely severe drought.

• Bigdog (Thursday, September 11 25 02:39 pm EDT)

  Can anyone tell me honestly IF Steven’s High School is fielding sport teams this school year??
  
  I understand they cut the extra curricular activities ( including sports), to the tune of $500,000.
  
  If sports and other outside activities are ongoing where is the money coming from(CSB) loan? Sports, transportation, and officiating all cost big money, especially when you are some $5.0 million in arrears/dept.
  
  Great comment John O

• John J. O’Connor (Thursday, September 11 25 08:22 am EDT)

  Why do you feel the need to call for an “Emergency” meeting and absolutely nothing gets accomplished other than people having even less faith in the current administration (if that’s even possible)than they did before.
  There is currently a Acting Superintendent that isn’t qualified to even apply for the Superintendents job much less to be doing it that completely disregarded the “expert” advice of the 3 Principals that will be directly affected.
  The School District knew about the lack of qualified teachers months ago and did nothing about it. Those 19 people that were abruptly terminated, only 1 was a qualified Special Ed. teacher. We were told we need 24.
  Since the consolidation isn’t related to the millions that’s missing, this consolidation could have been implemented during the summer instead of a month into the school year.
  I watch these meetings hoping to see the District has turned the corner, it has not, it’s still lost in oblivion.

• Jim Sullivan (Wednesday, September 10 25 04:25 pm EDT)

  New article published today on the News Flashes page of this website.
  
  Location change for tonight's School Board meeting.

• Anonymous (Wednesday, September 10 25 12:17 pm EDT)

  Just got word there will be a few more open positions within the city soon …

• Tom (Tuesday, September 09 25 10:24 am EDT)

  Ex city councilor who works for Koloski.

• Cowboy Carl (Tuesday, September 09 25 09:19 am EDT)

  Who the hell is this Switser Sweetser woman?! Been told her kid doesn’t even go to Claremont schools. What does she know?!

• Jim Sullivan (Tuesday, September 09 25 05:14 am EDT)

  New article published today on the News Flashes page of this website.
  
  Claremont School Board holding special meeting regarding Bluff Elementary School Closure on Wednesday, September 10, 2025!

• Insider (Tuesday, September 09 25 04:46 am EDT)

  Who cares? Close it all down

• Bluffalowed (Monday, September 08 25 07:10 pm EDT)

  Who started the Bluff School Closing Rumor? We invested big dollars into its upgrade, to keep it as a neighborhood school in Ward 1.
  
  How do those parents I. ward 1 feel about this closing rumor.

• Rebecca (Monday, September 08 25 04:21 pm EDT)

  https://www.claremontnh.com/index.php?section=view-jobs&docid=94

• Insider (Monday, September 08 25 11:06 am EDT)

  What will close first, Bluff of the visitor center

• Jim Sullivan (Monday, September 08 25 05:02 am EDT)

  New article published today on the News Flashes page of this website.
  
  Will the Bluff Elementary School be Closing?

• Breaking News (Sunday, September 07 25 09:03 pm EDT)

  Bluff To Close!

• Dave (Sunday, September 07 25 08:07 pm EDT)

  I think they need to look at who’s in charge of that building. If it’s unsafe for people to be in there then why doesn’t the city building inspector not shut it down. Only reason the inspector won’t shut it down is because he’s clueless and only reason he got the job was he was banging hr.

• Class’72 (Sunday, September 07 25 05:20 pm EDT)

  Why do we need a Resource Officer in the Schools. Listen we are down to bare bones, in an effort to get our school back on track financially and re-establish some sort of trust with our Board.
  
  Listen, I was at Steven’s during the late 60’s and early ‘70’s. Please correct me IF I am wrong. I do not recall an in-house Resourse or Police Officer in the School!! Parents have a responsibility to make sure your students are ready for school, and if they can’t behave out the door and find a Job…. Market Basket is hiring. Maybe save in excess of $68,000 from the tight budget?
  
  How about asking the City….. well the Trustees of Trust Funds to fund some extraneous NEEDs that us citizens cannot afford in dire times…
  
  Don’t forget we used to graduate over 325 kids back then…. And yes times have changed, but a Resouce Officer when we graduate 125 kiddos!!!

• Insider (Sunday, September 07 25 05:19 pm EDT)

  Shut up rebar. You know the good ol boys involved in the project
  Don’t take no engineer or moron inspector to see the freaking problem. Shut it down! Now!
  And you wonder why they can’t hire anyone there except the family of HR

• Rebar (Sunday, September 07 25 04:38 pm EDT)

  What is all the fuss about the visitors center?? Another City building that need maintenence work.??
  
  Has any professional souls or foundation engineer been called in to give their professional opinion. DPW may have access to such a professional.
  
  How about calling in the original Architect, this would be the professional who designed the building……, and the City must have had an inspector on-site to assure us that all work was in compliance with the plans and specifications. WHO issued the final inspection and Certificate of Compliance and Occupation.

• Jim Sullivan (Sunday, September 07 25 02:11 pm EDT)

  Four new articles published today on the News Flashes page of this website.
  
  1) Claremont City Councilors decide not to decide regarding Claremont School Officials Bailout Request!
  
  2) September 3, 2025 Claremont School Board Meeting Synopsis.
  
  3) September 4, 2025 SAU #6 School Board Meeting Synopsis.
  
  4) Will SAU #6 School Officials be releasing documents regarding any Disciplinary Actions or the Termination of Former SAU #6 Superintendent Michael Tempesta?

• Jim Sullivan (Sunday, September 07 25 09:22 am EDT)

  I did not write that last comment that was falsely attributed to me. Some desperate people will do anything to try to stop the public from reading my articles and educating themselves about what is really going on regarding Claremont's Local Governments. I am presently writing the last article that will be published this week and then I will begin publishing all of the articles a little later today. Till then.

• Jim Sullivan (Sunday, September 07 25 08:38 am EDT)

  No articles today, you people are not worth my time or energy.

• Insider (Sunday, September 07 25 06:47 am EDT)

  If the visitor center was any other building the building inspector would have shut it down and not allow occupants. Jim has never cared to look into it, and this is tied to the emails I told him to obtain. The building was flawed from the beginning
  A case of rules for thee and not for me

• Tom (Saturday, September 06 25 09:32 pm EDT)

  Heard bunch of noise coming from the visitor center Friday. So my curiosity kick in and went to investigate while it looks like work been done no one was around to ask questions.
  
  Is the city already spending money on work without know what is wrong with the visitor center?
  
  Looks like to me that no one is actively working on the office so where did planning and development go? No told us. Or does no work anymore?
  
  With the school budget going on should the tax payers be worried about work being done without any cause or reason.
  
  Is money being wasted when we could have help the school?

• Nicky Napps (Saturday, September 06 25 03:59 pm EDT)

  Timeout on DoorDash!!!! yum

• Harmonious Pleasure (Saturday, September 06 25 12:11 pm EDT)

  Who is still here in 2025?

• Gary (Friday, September 05 25 07:24 am EDT)

  Is Nick so hard up for customers that he is resorting to posting fake reviews?

• Cowboy Carl (Thursday, September 04 25 08:34 pm EDT)

  This is what happens when you let wokeness invade our public schools. Stop worrying about gender studies and focus on what matters.

• Becky (Thursday, September 04 25 07:51 pm EDT)

  Just ate at time out and the food tasted amazing. Thank you Nick for offering such a fun and great tasting restaurant. I’ll be back.

• Snappy (Thursday, September 04 25 01:55 pm EDT)

  John O’Connor I could not agree with you more, with respect to Extra Curricula activities. I will not be supporting the outside funding/fund raising UNLESS it includes ALL extra curricular. I heard the school chair indicate that philosophy during the very first special meeting. This dedicated fund assignment is not good!!
  
  This school year needs to be bare bones, live within our means, and not be to BIG for our PANTS.
  
  Does it seem funny that a lot of the speakers do not know what Ward they live. Well if they got off their butts and became informed Voters, they would know what Ward they lived in to VOTE.
  
  Are any of the complainers going to run for a school board position or Council seat. I doubt it!!
  
  John your 80% rule is spot on. Between Special Education and long term teacher- principals-administrative- maintenance Unions, things will be tough…..
  
  Snapdog

• John J. O’Connor (Thursday, September 04 25 12:38 pm EDT)

  They didn’t hire 19 teachers and it saved the district 1.2 million, how many teachers will they get rid of in April to get 4 million in savings?
  They can close an elementary school but that won’t save 4 million unless you get rid of everyone employed there.
  It’s going to be a blood bath at levels never seen before considering 80% of the budgets tied up in personal.
  Buckle up !!!!

• O (Thursday, September 04 25 10:42 am EDT)

  John, what they're doing is trying to cut 4 million out of this year's budget so in April they don't have 4 million dollars of current bills to pay. Because that 4 million will pay back the Grant. Like not hiring new staff.

• John J. O’Connor (Thursday, September 04 25 09:29 am EDT)

  After last nights meeting, I’m more confused than ever.
  We were told the deficit was between $1-5 million. That’s a huge gap.
  Last night I hear about a 4 million dollar loan that is needed now so the schools can stay open that will be paid back in April when they get 4 million from the state.
  My question is, what will the School District do in April when it doesn’t have the State money to spend? Doesn’t that put them automatically in a 4 million dollar hole for next year ?
  Another issue I have is with the donations. The policy as I understood it was all monies got placed in a general fund and shared equally among all sports and activities.
  Now monies can be earmarked for specific sports and activities.
  The sports programs will get funded through earmarks but will the extra curricular activities that don’t get sports page mentions, will they get enough funds to survive?
  I’m a sports guy, had 3 kids play at Stevens so it hurts me tremendously to say this but all sports should be suspended (fall, winter, spring).
  If you can support ALL sports and activities , don’t have any until you can support them all.

• Fact (Wednesday, September 03 25 04:57 pm EDT)

  Candy said nothing at the meeting, then sat down and fell asleep. Just like the school board for the last several years.

• Richard (Wednesday, September 03 25 08:59 am EDT)

  Crawford was at the council meeting to ask for over 5 million and trick the public into thinking that none of the deficit problems was the school boards fault because they are volunteering. She said they were distracted with administration turnover construction projects and covid. Nothing but a bunch of excuses

• Jackie (Tuesday, September 02 25 08:43 pm EDT)

  I just tripped and fell over the bridge on redwater road and broke an ankle. Am I able to sue the city for this as the guardrail is inadequate for pedestrian traffic?

• John J. O’Connor (Tuesday, September 02 25 07:33 pm EDT)

  Mrs. Crawford,
  Great job in explaining how the School District got into the financial mess it’s in.
  Prayers for your grandson.

• Crawford just go somewhere else (Tuesday, September 02 25 06:26 pm EDT)

  She is a liberal shitbag who was a nothing at claremont bank but waddled around like she something

• Bill (Tuesday, September 02 25 05:11 pm EDT)

  O'Connor is right, Crawford should resign!

• John J. O’Connor (Tuesday, September 02 25 05:07 pm EDT)

  If Mrs.Crawford is unable to perform her School Board duties, she should resign regardless of the reason.
  Problem solved !

• ! (Tuesday, September 02 25 09:12 am EDT)

  Candy is a piece of shit regardless

• Hey Asshole (Tuesday, September 02 25 08:06 am EDT)

  Candy Crawford is away because she had a grandchild who had to have a MAJOR medical procedure.
  
  How about you learn the facts before you open your big fat suck. Moron.

• Dennis (Tuesday, September 02 25 07:45 am EDT)

  No need for legal counsel on that topic. It could have been discussed at council meeting. I think Joe is one of the councilors lying to us for political cover. I trust the councilors as much as I do the school leaders. Not at all

• Joe (Tuesday, September 02 25 07:27 am EDT)

  This is the beauty of this page. Did anyone of the keyboard rattles on this page attend the council meeting? I did. I waiting for the meeting to start and they announced they had consultation with legal council and met with an attorney. They came back out and started the meeting and made the public announcement about the school funding meeting. Here the people that did not attend including Jim Sullivan talk smack but are far too lazy to actually participate. Good job. You let someone tell you how things went even though he has no clue. I just started attending meetings and strangely it is nothing like Mr. Sullivan claims it is. You should attend for yourself.

• Gary (Tuesday, September 02 25 07:24 am EDT)

  How much advance money is the school leaders asking for? Will it shortchange the city budget,? I don't know if this is a good idea or not.

• Rachel (Tuesday, September 02 25 04:34 am EDT)

  The city councilors are so corrupt. Last week they had an illegal meeting and the mayor confessed to it probably not realizing he was confessing the illegal actions of this council. The councilors signed an illegal contract with ehe city manager and most of the councilors broke the law several times trying to stop the city charter amendment for binding resolutions to be put on the ballot so the voters could decide. What else are these crooked councilors doing behind our backs?

• Erica (Monday, September 01 25 04:02 pm EDT)

  Jim, he may well have applied for those additional credentials and is under supervision until they're approved and you won't see them until approval. I'm not sure saying he has but, it's a possibility. II can tell O'Hearn has not even applied for super credentials because he does not have the prerequisites to apply. Elliott may have the prerequisites to apply for principal credentials. I'd have to dig more to figure it out.

• Jim Sullivan (Monday, September 01 25 03:37 pm EDT)

  Jen, I believe so.
  
  Erica, that Certification is for Teaching not for being a Principal or a curriculum Administrator, which are the positions that he has held within the Claremont School District & SAU #6.

• Erica (Monday, September 01 25 03:15 pm EDT)

  Jim, when an educator gets credentialed it lists the place of employment at the time of credential. Look up Elliott without an sau attached. He got credentialed in 2023 with no employment listed. You can also look up the revoked credentials on the same site, but it's updated monthly. He isn't on the August list.

• Jen (Monday, September 01 25 03:06 pm EDT)

  Is 10 articles the most ever posted at once?

• Jim Sullivan (Monday, September 01 25 11:27 am EDT)

  Ten new articles published this week on the News Flashes page of this website.
  
  1) School Officials still have no real answers at emergency Claremont School Board Meeting!
  
  2) August 21, 2025 Claremont School Board Meeting Synopsis.
  
  3) Claremont School Board Member Frank Sprague Resigns!
  
  4) SAU #6 Director of Special Education Mike McCosker Resigns!
  
  5) SAU #6 School Board hires Unqualified & Uncertified SAU #6 Staff Member to be Temporary Superintendent of Schools!
  
  6) New Hampshire Journal article uncovers more fiscal mismanagement by Claremont School Administration Officials!
  
  7) SAU #6 Curriculum Director Rick Elliott "engaged in sexual harassment of female colleagues" at a former position & he received a nearly $18,000 Separation Agreement Payment when he resigned from that position!
  
  8) Interesting Right to Know Request.
  
  9) August 27, 2025 Claremont City Council Meeting Synopsis.
  
  10) Another One Bites the Dust!

• Jim Sullivan (Sunday, August 31 25 05:06 pm EDT)

  So much happened this past week that I am writing several articles for publication this week and it is taking me too long to finish for today. Fortunately I have the day off tomorrow because it is Labor Day so I will be publishing tomorrow. Thank you for your understanding.

• Jake (Saturday, August 30 25 01:36 pm EDT)

  Oh don't worry. Jim will point out some big flaw. Fake scandal. All that and it is remediation site with environmental assessment having to occur. It is almost like Jim jas never owned real estate, a business or knows what he speaks of, ever.

• John J. O’Connor (Saturday, August 30 25 12:39 pm EDT)

  That profit made on the Water Street property is the reason why the City should get into real estate and build more public housing. If run properly, it could generate a long lasting revenue source and cure what ills the city.

• Greg (Saturday, August 30 25 08:30 am EDT)

  Wow $1 million for Water St. Jim has to be pissed. Yoshi got the last laugh in the war against Sullivan after all.

• Glenny P (Thursday, August 28 25 05:44 am EDT)

  I might be. Polyamory is my game. It’s an elite thing you wouldn’t know about.

• Insider (Wednesday, August 27 25 05:23 pm EDT)

  Check out Koloskis posts on WUC. District take a loan?

• Baby Daddy (Wednesday, August 27 25 02:21 pm EDT)

  Glenn P are you her baby daddy?

• Wendy (Wednesday, August 27 25 02:19 pm EDT)

  Glenn P, I totally caught that as well!

• Glenn P (Tuesday, August 26 25 06:07 pm EDT)

  Welfare Queen wants us to pay 120k for her special kid to school her. Welfare Queen moved to Claremont for the best education. Welfare Queen should hit up her baby daddy to pay for the kid.

• Snappy (Tuesday, August 26 25 11:47 am EDT)

  Snappy,
  
  Big Dog you make some interesting points. I would be willing to say that half of those who spoke, did not know their Ward, because they did not vote.
  
  Claremont should shut down all the extra curricular activities outside of CORE curriculum. That includes Junior and High School sports.
  
  Stick to the CORE, until the taxpayers can absorb this $5.0 million deficit

• A. Himmelfarb (Tuesday, August 26 25 10:05 am EDT)

  Board Member Sprague:
  
  You spoke up about the Medicaid position at the Dow Building...Isn't that your wife?
  
  What about the "data" about all the other positions that were cut. How will these schools that are in need of improvement improve now? This will set the district back years.
  
  Will the teachers be cleaning the toilets?
  
  What about the kids who won't go to school unless there is sports?
  
  Whether there will be sports. the arts etc. or not is as clear as mud.
  
  Wow.
  
  A. Himmelfarb

• Fact (Tuesday, August 26 25 08:54 am EDT)

  People should be calling Mary Henry! She is responsible and at 135k year should have some fucking answer.

• BigDog Onda Porch (Tuesday, August 26 25 07:08 am EDT)

  BigDog Onda Porch observation,
  
  -The State pays for 67 percent of SpecialEducation....and I bet the Federal Govt pays only 67 percent. so you Trump supporters, call your Secretary of Education.
  
  -raising $300 to 500K for sports, when the Chair said any fund raising would go into a "pool" to support all extra curriculum. Who is going to referee that pot of money? The football coaches? i petty the drama club and music kiddos, they will be selling baked goods.
  
  -how about the travelling to your sporting event, driving your buddies this winter to basketball games? That will make the school's attorney squirm with Liability, as well as, the new business administrator.
  
  -$1.2 million for out of District SPED? this outrageous number should have been caught long ago....it is now ok to do SPED locally??
  
  -School Board only controls about 20 to 25percent of the Budget, the rest is controlled by the separate Union contract (Teachers-Para-Secretaries-Principals-Maintenence and ???)
  
  -next time you vote, remember your Ward number. Many of the Voters who spoke last night did not even know what Ward they lived in....High School civics lesson.....VOTE

• Jim Sullivan (Monday, August 25 25 04:54 pm EDT)

  I just got home and see that someone has been posting under my name. None of those posts are mine. I will be looking into the Visitor Center matter as things progress. I will not be attending tonight's Claremont School Board meeting for the reasons I stated in yesterday's article.

• Jen (Monday, August 25 25 04:52 pm EDT)

  All the tech teachers just had their contracts bought out. The tech center will not be operating this year.

• Jim Sullivan (Monday, August 25 25 04:26 pm EDT)

  Greg, you are scared of what I will find. I will be speaking tonight.

• Greg Smalls (Monday, August 25 25 01:34 pm EDT)

  Jim I will be attending the school board meeting, and doing a full investigation into that since you refuse to join.

• Jim Sullivan (Monday, August 25 25 12:03 pm EDT)

  I will be doing a full investigation into the visitor center including staffing and other allegations.

• Insider (Monday, August 25 25 11:35 am EDT)

  Jill, only a very small number of people know about the serious structural concerns at the visitor center. We will be interrogating to find the leaker and mole rat. Get off the Sullivan report website and get to work. No solitaire!

• Patrick (Monday, August 25 25 10:47 am EDT)

  The school board will be reading the vibe of the room and may even ask for a vote. If school should open on time and close at a later unknown date or delay the opening of school until they have everything figured out. Make your voices heard tonight Claremont.

• This sucks (Monday, August 25 25 10:18 am EDT)

  I’m a coach and was just told that sports are cut, and if sports are to continue. We need to fundraise over 300k preferably 500k. We can squeak by with 300k but it will be ugly.

• Jon (Monday, August 25 25 09:55 am EDT)

  Greg is living proof that there are stupid people in Claremont.

• Greg (Monday, August 25 25 09:43 am EDT)

  I would vote for Koloski again. Please run Nick!

• Gary (Monday, August 25 25 09:01 am EDT)

  Jake who is really Koloski. You are just like the asst mayor only concerned about yourself. There is a dam in dire need of repairs and so far 5 months went by and you and your cronies have not done anything. Same so far regarding the visitor center. What good are you?

• Jake (Monday, August 25 25 08:20 am EDT)

  Jim, do you just keeping speculating or perhaps you could just ask Koloski to run. Perhaps your loyal followers as you put it could ask for you. Perhaps you might want to share in its entirety what Koloski wrote and shared publicly. I see you chose to just screenshot post a tiny fragment of it. Almost seems like that was intentional to then write about him and claim it is ranting. Interesting. Enough people asked him to remain in office. Just ask sir. You can stop making it about a question you don't want to ask yourself.

• Francis Gauthier (Monday, August 25 25 06:31 am EDT)

  Rebuttal Comment:
  
  Mike, it’s always amusing when the anonymous hecklers crawl out from behind their wall of fake names and sock puppets. You call it “progress” when John O’Connor lobs threats and personal jabs because he can’t win a debate with facts, or when Deb resorts to insults instead of substance? That’s not progress — that’s weakness.
  
  If you really believed in your point of view, you wouldn’t have to hide behind a screen name, and you wouldn’t celebrate personal attacks as victory. Some of us debate issues head-on, with our own name and our own face. That’s what courage looks like. What you’re peddling here is just noise.

• Jill (Monday, August 25 25 06:07 am EDT)

  Claremont has a visitor center that is sliding down the hill and a dam that is in danger of breaking. City officials have known about both for years and did nothing. They hid the truth from the public. The dam now has a $1 million price tag to fix and who knows how many millions of dollars it will cost to fix the visitor center. All because city officials did nothing. How are city officials any different from the school officials who allowed audits to lapse for five years, spend money and buy new property when the school district did not have any money to spend and let deficits pileup to $5 million and maybe more and with no guarantee that the schools will stay open past September 30. Claremont has many problems with the biggest it seems is bad city and school leaders. It is time for a big change starting with all new leaders with no exceptions.

• Mat (Monday, August 25 25 05:12 am EDT)

  ‼️SPORTS ARE BEING CUT‼️
  COACHES NOTIFIED AND WILL BE ANNOUNCED TODAY.

• Robert (Monday, August 25 25 04:31 am EDT)

  Jim, do not listen to the naysayers. I understand your reasoning for not attending the school meetings. You are worried about the actions of others. Anger and high anxiety levels are a dangerous combination that can lead to violent outcomes. As you said, you accomplished what you wanted to do with your website and an email addressed to the school board. Thank you for showing us a new perspective. If the school board cannot manage the school district with over $40 million then they are the problem. Shutting the schools down should not even be a discussion but school leaders are fanning the flames of fear when you are trying to calm things down and solve this problem without fear mongering.
  Our vain Assistant Mayor is consumed with her public image rather than the school crisis or the dangerous condition of the White Water Brook Dam that is under her control. You warned the public about the danger in March; a danger that city leaders suppressed for over two years keeping all of us in the dark and five months later there is still no real progress. Just a three page report stating the deteriorating conditions and a $1,095,000 cost estimate for repairs. The White Water Brook Dam is still deteriorating and it could be months before it is repaired and the public will still be in danger. Jim has shown us the funding sources to pay for this project. He is trying to keep us safe and pressure city leaders to do their jobs and protect us from danger. A job that not one of them is doing. How long will it take our city leaders to take action? Actions that should have happened two years ago. Like the school crisis the two directors of the public works department should be fired for their negligence and for hiding the truth about the dangerous conditions of the dam.
  Jim, thank you for caring about our community and keep up your good works.

• Mike (Sunday, August 24 25 09:47 pm EDT)

  Wow this is beautiful. Francis gets his ass handed to himself repeatedly by John O’Connor and Deb Matteau absolutely rips Jim a new one on his own website. Enjoy this everyone! This is progress.

• Greg Smalls (Sunday, August 24 25 09:35 pm EDT)

  Jim you shouldn’t even be reporting on the school budget issue if you refuse to go because you may act out and cause a scene. You are an adult you should know how not to do that and speak professionally. Your excuse of not going is pathetic and this is coming from someone who has been reading the Sullivan report for many years. I hope you reconsider going and do speak, if you don’t go and don’t speak and use the same excuse it will be pathetic and I will stop reading what you have to say. Be a real reporter and a decent human being and go. -Greg

• Francine Sullivan (Sunday, August 24 25 09:34 pm EDT)

  I really, REALLY hope that is actually the assistant mayor.
  
  The thought of civil servants actually pushing g back against Jim like Francis pushes back on Jim’s penis is amazing.
  
  Go Deb!!!

• Deb matteau (Sunday, August 24 25 07:57 pm EDT)

  Little Jimmie. Oh you qualified your inaccurate statement but then trash councilors for not caring. Admit it….you devote your life to trashing anyone who volunteers in this community. You cost taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars annually chasing your inept conspiracy theories. You’re pathetic. Why didn’t I speak at the podium. Well I went to hear what the plan was as did we everyone there. I listened. At that point there were no real answers so I did not feel I needed to speak. I support our school board,our teachers and our kiddos. I have to say I almost spit out my dinner when reading your comment about why you,little jimmy, didn’t go. You condider yourself a lightening rod. Bahahaha! You’re a rod alright…a nimrod! This community will survive this storm because most folks here are good people who work towards solutions not slinging mud. You’re saving no one little jimmy. Find a new hobby. By the way how many times were you reelected? Oh that’s right. ZERO!

• Jim Sullivan (Sunday, August 24 25 07:05 pm EDT)

  Four new articles published today on the News Flashes page of this website.
  
  1) School Daze!
  
  2) Who is responsible for the Multi-Million-Dollar Claremont School District Deficit & Cash Flow Shortage?
  
  3) "High Risk" White Water Brook Dam needs seven-figure major repair!
  
  4) Another one bites the dust! City of Claremont searching for new Superintendent of Parks & Facilities

• Jim Sullivan (Sunday, August 24 25 06:59 pm EDT)

  Deb, notice that I qualified that statement by saying based on accounts I received from attendees of that meeting. Since both you and O'Hearne were there as you say then why did neither of you speak at the podium? Even though you are not School Officials, you are supposed to be leaders of this community aren't you?

• Deb matteau (Sunday, August 24 25 06:53 pm EDT)

  Well jimmy as usual you get your facts wrong. I was in attendance at last weds school board meeting as was councilor Ohearne. Maybe you should not depend on your sources feeding you inaccurate info and get off your ass and show up yourself. You degrade city councilors without any evidence. Just here say. You call yourself a journalist. Give me a break!

• Frank (Sunday, August 24 25 03:40 pm EDT)

  Ya we know sports is cut who cares

• John J. O’Connor (Sunday, August 24 25 01:48 pm EDT)

  Ohhhh and Frank, I am a private citizen not a public official. I would have thought with your recent legal problems in-regards to your comments about Nick, you would be thinking twice before you make statements that could be perceived as “Slander and defamation of character”.
  I strongly suggest you “AI” that and do exactly what you’re told… like you always do.

• John J. O’Connor (Sunday, August 24 25 01:37 pm EDT)

  Frank,
  Everyone knows you are illiterate.
  Everyone knows you can’t string 2 sentences together without the help of your wife.
  And now you lie about what I said, typical Frank, no character no integrity.
  One day we will meet up, you’ll turn around and I’ll be there when you least expect it. I don’t understand why you’re so afraid?
  Frank, you are an old man, seriously out of shape, I pity you but it doesn’t excuse you. I now realize you don’t have the education to form your opinions so you need AI to give people the impression that you know how to read and write.
  You told me that you have a disability, I always assumed it was a mental one , now I see it’s more educational.
  You have nothing to fear from me Frank, you have suffered enough in life. I’m sure that’s why you are so socially awkward.
  I look forward to seeing you soon, very soon so we can discuss these issues in greater detail.
  Have a good day Frank .

• Asking for a friend (Sunday, August 24 25 12:54 pm EDT)

  Why was Mary Henry hired in the first place? She has long history of being a financial disaster both professionally and in her personal life.

• Francis Gauthier (Sunday, August 24 25 11:30 am EDT)

  The Hypocrisy of the Bully Boy
  
  John O’Connor wants to brand AI-aided writing as illegitimate. Well, let’s ask John a question:
  
  Does the President of the United States write every speech he gives, line by line? Of course not. He’s got a team of writers, editors, and policy staff who put those words together for him.
  
  Are we calling them charlatans too, John? Is every politician who relies on a speechwriter suddenly “illegitimate”? What about every mayor who has a staff prepare statements? Every CEO who has a communications director? Every editorial published with an editor’s touch?
  
  By O’Connor’s logic, the whole political class is a fraud. And maybe that’s the Freudian slip right there — because the truth is, what he really fears is ordinary citizens having the same power as politicians: access to professional-grade writing tools.
  
  The Real Reason for the AI Panic
  
  Here’s why O’Connor is panicking: with AI, the farmer, the mechanic, the schoolteacher, the taxpayer can write with the same polish as the mayor, the governor, or even the President. That evens the playing field. That strips away the bully boy’s edge.
  
  And when the old guard can’t win the debate on ideas, they try to discredit the messenger:
  
  “That’s fake.”
  
  “That’s not real writing.”
  
  “That’s AI!”
  
  But at the end of the day, the content comes from the citizen. AI is just the typewriter, the pencil, the printing press of our age.
  
  Final Word
  
  So let’s say it plainly: AI doesn’t diminish human expression. It amplifies it. And if John O’Connor thinks that makes voices less legitimate, then he better start calling out every President, every Senator, and every Governor who ever leaned on a speechwriter.
  
  Because the truth is, John — the only difference between them and us is that now, thanks to AI, we’ve all got access to the same caliber of words.
  
  And that’s what really scares you.

• Francis Gauthier (Sunday, August 24 25 11:15 am EDT)

  The Bully Boy Complex: John J. O’Connor Exposed
  
  When a man can’t win with ideas, he swings his fists in the air instead. That’s John J. O’Connor in a nutshell. The self-styled “truth-teller” of the Sullivan Report forum isn’t arguing from strength — he’s lashing out from weakness.
  
  His pattern is predictable:
  
  Dismiss what he doesn’t understand (like AI-generated posts).
  
  Attack the messenger when the message hits too close to home.
  
  Escalate to veiled threats when words fail him — “the next time I see you in a store, watch out.”
  
  That’s not reasoned debate. That’s textbook bully behavior.
  
  The Psychology of the Bully Boy
  
  Psychologists have studied this type for decades. O’Connor fits the mold perfectly:
  
  Intellectual Insecurity: Bullies fear being outmatched in knowledge or skill. When faced with arguments they can’t counter, they pivot to insults, intimidation, or demands for censorship.
  
  Projection of Weakness: By calling others cowards, liars, or cheats, they’re really exposing their own fragile sense of self-worth. O’Connor’s digs are more about him than anyone else.
  
  Threats as a Crutch: When the intellect runs dry, the bully leans on aggression. “Watch out next time I see you” isn’t courage — it’s desperation. It’s a last-ditch attempt to reclaim authority by manufacturing fear.
  
  Why the Threats Fall Flat
  
  Here’s the reality: O’Connor’s tough talk collapses the second it’s exposed to daylight. He’s not fighting for principle; he’s fighting for ego. His “bully boy” routine doesn’t make him stronger — it proves he’s weaker. It shows he has no tools left in the box but bluster.
  
  Every time he demands AI-generated posts be removed, every time he tries to silence others instead of answering them, he reveals his true psychology: a man terrified of being out-argued and irrelevant.
  
  The Bigger Picture
  
  This isn’t just about one loud voice in Claremont. It’s a microcosm of what happens when insecure gatekeepers feel their grip slipping. They lash out, they censor, they threaten. But at the end of the day, they’re fighting a losing battle against open dialogue and citizen empowerment.
  
  O’Connor’s “bully boy complex” is nothing more than the last howl of a man who knows his arguments don’t hold water.
  
  Final Word
  
  Here’s the psychological truth: the bully only thrives when others let fear silence them. The moment people call it out for what it is — intellectual weakness wrapped in aggression — the mask falls.
  
  And John J. O’Connor’s mask has slipped. All that’s left is a man lashing out, scared of ideas sharper than his own, clinging to threats like a drowning man grabs driftwood.

• Francis Gauthier (Sunday, August 24 25 11:00 am EDT)

  Application to the Sullivan Report Context
  
  John O’Connor’s line—“If Jim is going to start removing posts, he should start with anything AI generated”—isn’t really about AI quality. It’s about a fear of losing the power to gatekeep discussion. Labeling posts “AI-made” is just a weapon to delegitimize speech. In reality, the hostility has less to do with the technology and more to do with the voices using it.
  
  In short, what you’re witnessing in the Claremont forum isn’t a technical debate—it’s a cultural clash. On one side, AI-curious citizens using tools to amplify their voices. On the other, AI-phobic figures like O’Connor, who view the rise of AI as both a personal threat and a loss of control over the old guard ways of debate.

• John J. O’Connor (Sunday, August 24 25 08:13 am EDT)

  If Jim is going to start removing posts, he should start with anything AI generated.

• John (Saturday, August 23 25 08:30 pm EDT)

  Is it me or is Jim removing post more and more ?

• Larry Johnson (Saturday, August 23 25 05:37 pm EDT)

  Thanks, Jim
  I am a resident at Tolles and have a continuing interest in Tolles vis a vis the City Council and will seek to visit your reportage if and when it appears.

• Stevens (Saturday, August 23 25 03:29 pm EDT)

  I was on WMUR!!!

• Insider (Saturday, August 23 25 12:19 pm EDT)

  ‼️HUGE announcement coming‼️
  Get ready Claremont

• Ginny Rhoades (Saturday, August 23 25 12:18 pm EDT)

  Mat or Pat for 250 please Alex

• John J. O’Connor (Saturday, August 23 25 09:34 am EDT)

  Ok Frank, it’s what I expected from someone like you … I often see you out and about, stores and such.
  I look forward to seeing you because I know your comments are not your own, they are AI generated but unfortunately you’ll have to answer for them.
  I’d just like for you to repeat what you wrote. You can read it off a printout, doesn’t matter to me. I just want to see you say it. Like a man… anything else would be a clear indication about your character and integrity. Which many people doubt you have so lets prove them wrong and have a real discussion like we use to in our drives to Concord.

• Francis Gauthier (Saturday, August 23 25 09:23 am EDT)

  Response to John J. O’Connor
  
  John,
  
  Let’s be perfectly clear: I have no interest in meeting with you in person, now or ever. I am not going to engage in any kind of personal interview, confrontation, or “discussion” outside the public forum. Do you understand?
  
  If you want to talk policy, do it publicly, where it belongs. If you want to sling personal threats or drag this into a private arena, you’ll be doing it alone. I’m not interested, and I won’t play that game.

• John J. O’Connor (Saturday, August 23 25 07:38 am EDT)

  Ok Frank… now we have a problem, I’ll discuss it with you next time I see you in person.

• Francis Gauthier (Friday, August 22 25 11:10 pm EDT)

  Perfect — let’s take your “Letter to the Editor: Claremont’s Very Own Gomer Pyle” and run it like a comedy sketch where Wayne Hemingway is Gomer Pyle and John J. O’Connor barges in as Barney Fife every few lines, puffing his chest and defending him. Here’s how that plays out:
  
  ---
  
  **Letter to the Editor: Claremont’s Very Own Gomer Pyle**
  
  Dear Editor,
  
  Surprise, surprise, surprise! We finally figured out who Wayne Hemingway really is. He’s not a state legislator, not a city councilor, not even a Republican leader. Nope. He’s Claremont’s very own Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
  
  *Barney Fife (John J. O’Connor bursts in, finger wagging):*
  “Now hold it right there, Francis! Don’t you go picking on Gomer—uh, Mr. Hemingway. The man cares about his child! That’s leadership, by golly!”
  
  Think about it. Gomer was always well-meaning, always polite, but hopelessly out of his depth. He bumbled, he stumbled, and he drove Sergeant Carter insane. Sound familiar? Because while Claremont stares down a \$5 million school budget default, Wayne’s big contribution was…
  
  Telling us his daughter can’t play soccer. (Golly!)
  
  *Barney leaps in, pulling out his bullet:*
  “Now, Francis, that’s low. Real low. Don’t you dare bring kids into this! That’s beneath you! And besides, soccer’s important—why, Andy would say so himself!”
  
  Scolding taxpayers for not watching more CCTV. (Shazam!)
  
  *Barney, jittery and red-faced:*
  “Hey now, hey now! If folks would just sit down and watch those tapes like Wayne asked, maybe we wouldn’t be in this pickle! Ever think of that, hotshot?”
  
  Admitting he knew about the budget crisis back in March and still did nothing. (Well, golly gee, guess I forgot to lead!)
  
  *Barney, flustered and sweating:*
  “Aw, come on, Francis! You can’t expect Gomer to run the whole camp! He’s just doing his best! He might’ve missed the bugle, but at least he showed up!”
  
  Here’s the difference, though: Gomer’s antics were funny. Wayne’s are tragic.
  
  At least Gomer tried. At least Gomer showed up. He might’ve messed up the marching drills, but he was there in the mud, taking orders and learning. Hemingway? He’s on the sidelines, wagging his finger, offering excuses, and acting like leadership is somebody else’s job.
  
  *Barney, stomping his foot, voice cracking:*
  “Now that’s not fair! He *was* there—maybe not in the mud, but in spirit! You just can’t see it, Francis. You’ve got anxiety, that’s what it is. You freeze up at the podium, and then you pick on Gomer instead of helping!”
  
  Meanwhile, the Democrats are already rattling doors in Concord. They might not win, but they’ll at least try. And what do we get from Wayne Hemingway? Gomer’s voice echoing through the chamber: “Shazam! Guess that’s not my department!”
  
  Folks, we don’t need a sitcom character in Concord. We don’t need a Republican Gomer Pyle shrugging his shoulders while our kids’ futures are on the line. We need warriors. We need fiscal hawks. We need somebody who doesn’t turn every crisis into a punchline.
  
  *Barney, pointing his shaky revolver at the reader:*
  “Now just you hush, Francis! You’re making this personal. It’s official business, and I won’t have you insulting Claremont’s Gomer. He’s got one thing you don’t—heart! And that’s enough for me. Now let’s all calm down before Andy hears about this!”
  
  Wayne Hemingway may be the Benedict Arnold of Sullivan County by inaction, but he’s the Gomer Pyle of Claremont by performance — a clown act in a uniform who thinks his job is to entertain while the house burns down.
  
  And let me tell you: taxpayers aren’t laughing.
  
  Sincerely,
  A fed-up citizen who doesn’t think this is funny
  
  ---
  
  🔥 This version sets up your op-ed like a back-and-forth skit, with O’Connor/Barney jumping in every chance he gets to shield Hemingway/Gomer, but only making him look *more* like the bumbling sitcom character.

• Sad Comedy (Friday, August 22 25 10:55 pm EDT)

  Seeing all the useless past board members trying to take the spotlight is rich.

• John J. O’Connor (Friday, August 22 25 08:58 pm EDT)

  Hey Frank,
  Please enlighten me, what words of wisdom did you sprout at that meeting ?
  I doubt you said anything at the podium, you seem to have anxiety and a major fear of speaking in public so why are you personally insulting Mr. Hemingway ?
  The man cares about his child, don’t you care about your children?
  Keep it business, not personal and leave kids out of your insults, it’s beneath you.

• Francis Gauthier (Friday, August 22 25 08:34 pm EDT)

  Letter to the Editor: Claremont’s Very Own Gomer Pyle
  
  Dear Editor,
  
  Surprise, surprise, surprise! We finally figured out who Wayne Hemingway really is. He’s not a state legislator, not a city councilor, not even a Republican leader. Nope. He’s Claremont’s very own Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
  
  Think about it. Gomer was always well-meaning, always polite, but hopelessly out of his depth. He bumbled, he stumbled, and he drove Sergeant Carter insane. Sound familiar? Because while Claremont stares down a $5 million school budget default, Wayne’s big contribution was…
  
  Telling us his daughter can’t play soccer. (Golly!)
  
  Scolding taxpayers for not watching more CCTV. (Shazam!)
  
  Admitting he knew about the budget crisis back in March and still did nothing. (Well, golly gee, guess I forgot to lead!)
  
  Here’s the difference, though: Gomer’s antics were funny. Wayne’s are tragic.
  
  At least Gomer tried. At least Gomer showed up. He might’ve messed up the marching drills, but he was there in the mud, taking orders and learning. Hemingway? He’s on the sidelines, wagging his finger, offering excuses, and acting like leadership is somebody else’s job.
  
  And let’s be blunt — the Sullivan County GOP is standing right there in the background, clapping politely like laugh-track extras. “Not his job,” they say. “He has no authority,” they say. Well, newsflash: leadership is about showing some fight even when the rulebook says you don’t have to.
  
  Meanwhile, the Democrats are already rattling doors in Concord. They might not win, but they’ll at least try. And what do we get from Wayne Hemingway? Gomer’s voice echoing through the chamber: “Shazam! Guess that’s not my department!”
  
  Folks, we don’t need a sitcom character in Concord. We don’t need a Republican Gomer Pyle shrugging his shoulders while our kids’ futures are on the line. We need warriors. We need fiscal hawks. We need somebody who doesn’t turn every crisis into a punchline.
  
  Wayne Hemingway may be the Benedict Arnold of Sullivan County by inaction, but he’s the Gomer Pyle of Claremont by performance — a clown act in a uniform who thinks his job is to entertain while the house burns down.
  
  And let me tell you: taxpayers aren’t laughing.
  
  Sincerely,
  A fed-up citizen who doesn’t think this is funny
  
  🔥 This version really plays up the humor, catchphrases, and scorn to roast Hemingway as both clueless and useless.

• Pam Tee (Friday, August 22 25 08:24 pm EDT)

  I saw Goothier swerving all over the road like a danger ‼️

• Jill (Friday, August 22 25 08:20 pm EDT)

  Is the Maple Avenue project still being done or have they suspended the work on it?

• John cloutier drools is the answer (Friday, August 22 25 08:18 pm EDT)

  John cloutier has drooled and spit on him self what an embarrassment to think that's he we let represent but I guess pretty good representation of our population of scum whom dont work from there disability social security

• John J. O’Connor (Friday, August 22 25 07:06 pm EDT)

  I see they put the BA on paid Administrative Leave, so now we are paying two people to do one job for an indefinite period of time.
  The School Board still plans on opening Schools but won’t commit to staying open for the entire school year. They also did not hire 19 Teachers for a huge savings. How can they justify not hiring those badly needed Educators and still have a Fall Sports program , not to mention Winter and Spring.?
  Another question that’s needs to be answered.

• William (Friday, August 22 25 05:12 pm EDT)

  Can anyone tell me what John Cloutier has done in his 30+ years of being a state rep to fix the education funding issue? I didn't see him on cctv at the meeting.

• Cool story bro (Friday, August 22 25 02:58 pm EDT)

  Thank you for the rehashed opinion. Did you say anything at the podium Francis or did you just yell dumb things from your chair?

• Francis Gauthier (Friday, August 22 25 12:08 pm EDT)

  Hemingway’s Hollow Words vs. Citizen Outrage
  
  At Claremont’s school crisis meeting, Wayne Hemingway — State Representative, City Councilor at Large, and Ward 1 resident — took the floor. What followed was a speech that sounded more like a PTA gripe session than leadership in a time of crisis. He spoke about his daughter not being able to play soccer. He wagged his finger at citizens for “not paying attention.” He admitted he had known about the deficit problem since March but brought nothing concrete to the table — no call for a special House session, no pressure on the governor, no promise of legislation. Just vague platitudes about “responsible laws” and reminders to watch city government meetings on CCTV.
  
  Meanwhile, the citizens in attendance — and those voicing their frustrations online — cut sharper to the heart of the matter than Hemingway ever did.
  
  Jill laid it out plainly: “The fact many city councilors were not at last night’s meeting should send a clear message about how much they care.” She was right. Leadership shows up, not only when it’s convenient, but when the community is in turmoil. Hemingway scolded citizens for not tuning in, but Jill’s criticism reminds us the absence of elected officials speaks louder than any lecture to the public.
  
  Justin, on the other hand, defended the council, reminding people that technically the council has nothing to do with the school district. He scolded Jill for “bitching” and said some councilors were answering questions indirectly. His point? Citizens should get educated on how government works before demanding accountability. Fair enough on the civics lesson — but it still misses the forest for the trees. The taxpayers of Claremont don’t care which silo of government failed; they just know they’re staring at closed schools and higher taxes. The buck stops with someone, and Hemingway offered no answer to who that should be.
  
  John J. O’Connor raised perhaps the most cutting, practical question of all: If the district can’t guarantee schools will stay open for the full year, why open them at all? His warning is stark and full of common sense — don’t drag families through the trauma of a mid-year shutdown. Either commit fully to staying open or face the hard truth now. That kind of plain talk was missing from Hemingway’s remarks, which danced around the problem rather than addressing it head-on.
  
  The Contrast
  
  Wayne Hemingway represents the epitome of Sullivan County Republicans’ problem: low energy, vague commentary, and no plan of action. The citizens — frustrated, sharp, and unafraid to call things as they are — are showing more clarity than their so-called representatives. While residents demand guarantees, leadership, and accountability, Hemingway talks about soccer and tells people to watch meetings on TV.

• Robert (Friday, August 22 25 06:35 am EDT)

  Mat…had the most passion
  And . The
  Good ideas
  Go fund me. For. mat.

• Justin (Thursday, August 21 25 09:21 pm EDT)

  Perhaps you don't understand the council has zero to do with the school district. First become educated in your own city before coming on here and bitching about something you don't understand. Several councilors were present. Several with in tune and answering city related questions that were not physically present. The fact some of the internet biggest mouthpiece who were rallying people to revolt and attend were not present. Focus on your own self Jill. The adults that attended and reach out to converse with their representative don't have the same concern as your negative outlook.

• Jill (Thursday, August 21 25 06:04 pm EDT)

  The fact many city councilors were not at last nights meeting should send a clear message about how much they care.

• John J. O’Connor (Thursday, August 21 25 04:11 pm EDT)

  I’m no Chris Irish fan but at least he made common sense recommendations and spoke with passion.
  My question isn’t if the school will open. My question is will the school remain open for the entire school year ?
  If there is even the slightest doubt of it remaining open after September, don’t open it at all.
  Imagine the clustertruck that will happen if the school is closed in October or November and parents are scrambling to get their kids into a school mid year. That’s not fair to the kids or parents.
  If the School Board cannot guarantee the schools will remain open for the entire calendar year, do not open the schools.

• Snappy (Thursday, August 21 25 12:22 pm EDT)

  I know one thing….. Chris Irish is full of horse shi-, most of the time. His outburst from the peanut gallery last night show his bare arse every time.
  
  I am with BigDog, on this one.

• Arlene (Thursday, August 21 25 11:37 am EDT)

  I was too distracted to notice anything but "DNA Dog Poop Francis" yelling things from a chair over people. I didn't see him take to the podium and say a single actual suggestion or word. The community is lighting you up on many forums for your behavior. Funny how keyboard heros don't speak at public meetings. They don't serve on boards or volunteer.

• Community (Thursday, August 21 25 11:27 am EDT)

  Francis, perhaps you were too distracted yelling moronic things out while people were speaking to notice where he was. I just know him as Nick. He didn't ever proclaim such. I think the people did at the polls. Can't go a day without thinking of him huh. Very nice deflection buddy. I see given his interaction with area citizens on many forums he seems pretty engaged and not shouting from a chair like a self-loathing fool. Oh. I understand why you would be asking here as you have him blocked on Social media as well as anyone who says something you do not agree with. You probably didn't see the 9 pages of board suggestions prior to your online rants. Your bff Jimmy would say if Koloski took to the podium some negative spin or it should be a private email. He would only be there for his narcissist ways blah, blah. It is whichever direction you like to spin things. Please save the A.I. rebuttal blah blah blah. Sincerely, the community.

• BigDog Onda Porch (Thursday, August 21 25 11:27 am EDT)

  Jim and your Readers.
  
  In my opinion (yours may differ), let's not be softies with our elected school board. They basically have 3 essential functions:
  1. To hire and manage the school's superintendent, and
  2. To set broad reaching policies, and
  3. assume the fiscal responsibilities given to them by us voters.
  
  Now of those who attended last night's meeting (and the voting public for that matter), how many actively participated in the public deliberative budget sessions?? Not many, and I did not either.
  
  This immediate fiscal crisis did not happen overnight, this break-up may go back 3 or more years.
  
  Schools will open this August, spending freeze is now in place, and we may need to take a hard look at what we can offer our student with the money we have. If cuts to programs and extra-curricula are to made.....so be it. Football over the Tech Center, I will take the Tech center funding every day. Intergrated math vs. Basketball, my vote is Math. Essentially, academic curricla over extra curricula every time for me.
  
  Do not let the school board of the hook, they are responsible for allowing this mess to happen, instead of nipping things in the butt several years ago.
  
  who runs your schools.....Superintendent-Principals, and UNIONS.
  
  BACK TO MY PORCH

• Jasmine (Thursday, August 21 25 10:39 am EDT)

  I spoke to WMUR last night at the meeting. They were told options, ideas, and answers were going to be presented at the meeting. Instead we got IDK for all questions. They were very confused and felt lied to.

• Francis Gauthier (Thursday, August 21 25 09:13 am EDT)

  And Where’s “Topstone Nick”?
  
  And through all this chaos, one has to ask: Where’s our little buddy, “Topstone Nick”? You know, the self-proclaimed “man of the people.” The one who never misses a chance to smile for a ribbon-cutting, mug for the camera at the farmer’s market, or claim he’s got Claremont’s back.
  
  Funny thing though — when the Finance Committee laid out the ugly truth about a $1.8 million deficit, unpaid bills, and a looming financial collapse, Nick was nowhere to be found. No strong words, no tough questions, not even a warm body in a chair.
  
  This is the same “man of the people” who’s been more than happy to cheerlead vanity projects like Topstone while taxpayers drown under the highest property taxes in the state. But when it comes time to defend those same taxpayers in the trenches of a financial meltdown? Crickets.
  
  It’s the classic insider act: play the part when it’s easy, hide when it gets messy.

• Lyndsay Hummingbird (Thursday, August 21 25 05:59 am EDT)

  Why are school board memebers dressed like adolescent children
  
  Why was that fat guy yelling, was he high or something
  
  That last guy was a tool, asking stupid questions
  
  Frank “asparagus” show some back bone

• Insider (Thursday, August 21 25 05:52 am EDT)

  This is the fault of every lazy claremonter who couldn’t be bothered to attend a meeting or even care to know what is going on

• Jim Sullivan (Thursday, August 21 25 05:14 am EDT)

  Take it easy on Frances, he didn’t have A.I. or his wife to help him.

• Eff you frank (Wednesday, August 20 25 11:47 pm EDT)

  Gauthier was there. He acted like a complete buffoon all evening. Shouting out like the uneducated Neanderthal that he is. In other words, he did Jim proud.

• 40 maple (Wednesday, August 20 25 09:09 pm EDT)

  who the FUCK AUTHORIZED the school district to buy 40 maple ave and have contractors there working for more delinquent kids to go somewhere off campus because they cant handle being in a classroom we need to know who

• Insider (Wednesday, August 20 25 08:07 pm EDT)

  Surprise surprise, no Jim Sullivan, no Norm Blouin, no Francis Gauthier, no Nick at the school board meeting
  We need BERT SPAULDING
  In claremont to speak up for us

• Paul (Wednesday, August 20 25 06:46 pm EDT)

  Newport,
  "I have no idea what Claremont ever did to any of you, but please do tell your stories "Well for starters Claremont raised my taxes close to $2000 dollars after having a shady tax assessor double the value of my home. My 1/2 Arce doubled in value which is strange considering my neighbor on one side of me has a nice house sitting on 35 acres and their property is somehow roughly worth the same amount as mine and on the other side of my property is 53 Acres owned by a schoolboard member and that property was appraised at $145,400 but only assessed at $5,210. Over $4000 of my property taxes is going towards a dysfunctional school system and now there is a 5-million-dollar deficit and their floating an idea of making taxpayers pay over a thousand dollars more on top of that because of their "mistake"! That would mean I'm paying over $3000 dollars more in taxes just from a year and half ago! That's not including the fact that were now paying the current city manager more than the governor of the state New Hampshire and now I hear Claremont is looking to hire an assistant for the current city manager we've just hired for $152,000. Now that's a story!

• Jim Sullivan (Wednesday, August 20 25 04:49 pm EDT)

  John, according to Josh Nelson the CCTV Director, the meeting will be filmed and aired live on CCTV Channel 8 tonight.

• Francis Gauthier (Wednesday, August 20 25 02:35 pm EDT)

  Mary Henry and the Claremont School District’s Fiscal Meltdown
  By Francis Gauthier
  Claremont’s schools are broke. Not just short on cash, but broke — as in, $1.8 million in the red even after raiding $900,000 from capital accounts. That’s not a budgeting error; that’s a full-blown financial crisis. And sitting right at the center of this storm is Business Administrator Mary Henry.
  YouTube : https://youtu.be/s5-mp7wc22g?si=_hiENVc-x07z3dfc
  At the July 30th SAU 6 Finance Committee meeting, the picture could not have been clearer: bills can’t be paid, audits keep exposing structural deficits, and the district is running out of gimmicks to hide the bleeding. Yet instead of clarity, taxpayers got murky explanations. Henry admitted she “found” $300,000 in adjustments the day before — with no detail on where that came from — and then dangled the hope of $1.3 million in “future savings” if students are transferred out of district in 2026.
  Let’s be blunt: Claremont doesn’t need promises of future savings, it needs accountability today.
  And that’s where Henry’s record comes under scrutiny. A quick look at her résumé reveals a pattern: Winchester School District, Fall Mountain Regional, Hillsboro-Deering, and now Claremont — all in short stints. Each district she leaves behind has seen its share of fiscal headaches. At the same time, she’s been Vice President of Monadnock Brewing Company in Keene. Nothing wrong with running a brewery, but let’s be real: managing millions in taxpayer dollars is not a side hustle.
  Taxpayers have a right to ask: Is Claremont just the next stop in a career marked by instability and red ink?
  The Finance Committee did the right thing by demanding explanations of where and how these over-expenditures happened. But explanations aren’t enough anymore. We’ve had years of audits exposing “structural deficits,” and nothing changes. Claremont families are being crushed under the highest property taxes in New Hampshire, while the school district can’t even pay its bills.
  It’s time to stop accepting vague adjustments and rosy projections. We need forensic audits, transparency, and leadership that treats taxpayer dollars with the seriousness they deserve.
  Here’s the bottom line: If Claremont taxpayers don’t stand up and demand accountability now, they’ll be on the hook for another bailout tomorrow. And Mary Henry — just like in Winchester, just like in Fall Mountain — will be on to the next district, leaving the rubble behind.
  The people of Claremont deserve better.

• John J. O’Connor (Wednesday, August 20 25 02:31 pm EDT)

  Is tonight’s meeting going to be televised?

• Francis Gauthier (Wednesday, August 20 25 09:25 am EDT)

  https://youtu.be/s5-mp7wc22g?si=i0iTZYIVJwb_r50Z
  
  🔥 Town Hall Barn-Burner: Claremont, Property Tax Abuse, and the Call for Freedom
  
  Friends, neighbors, fellow taxpayers — let’s speak the plain truth.
  
  Claremont has become the poster child for what’s wrong in New Hampshire: corruption, incompetence, and the crushing weight of property taxes. This isn’t just bad policy — it’s outright abuse of the citizen.
  
  Claremont’s Shame:
  
  We’ve got the highest property taxes in the entire state. That’s not “bad luck” — that’s decades of failed leadership and backroom deals.
  
  While other towns attract business and keep families afloat, Claremont stumbles into deficits and leaves us footing the bill.
  
  And now, we’ve got a school district $5 million in the hole — because they couldn’t even fill out federal grant applications when money was flowing everywhere. You’d have to work hard to be that incompetent.
  
  Corruption in the Ranks:
  
  We all know how it goes:
  
  The insiders, the cronies, the ones who kiss the right rings at City Hall — they skate by with sweetheart assessments.
  
  The rest of us? We get slammed with doubled property valuations overnight. That’s not taxation — that’s theft dressed up in a suit.
  
  And when we complain? The mayor shrugs, spins a story, and tells us “everyone’s working hard.” Working hard to cover their own tracks, maybe.
  
  The Bigger Picture — Property Tax as a Weapon
  
  Here’s where it gets bigger than Claremont.
  
  Down in Washington, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene said what millions of homeowners already know in their bones: property tax is nothing more than rent to the government on land you supposedly own.
  
  Think about that: You work your whole life, you pay off your mortgage, and you still don’t own your home. Miss those tax payments — and the government seizes your house. Folks, that’s not freedom. That’s feudalism. That’s government weaponizing the tax system against its own citizens.
  
  And Claremont proves her point. We’ve seen firsthand how the property tax system gets abused, twisted, and turned into a blunt weapon to keep working families under the boot of a bloated, corrupt bureaucracy.
  
  The Conservative Answer:
  
  Abolish Property Tax Abuse. Whether it’s federal reform like Greene is calling for, or a local crackdown here in Claremont, property tax should never be used as a tool to strip people of their liberty.
  
  Cut Spending, Not Families. Schools and city hall need to live within their means like every family in Claremont does.
  
  Fairness for All. No more insider deals, no more sweetheart assessments for political cronies. If we pay, everyone pays their share.
  
  State Oversight. If local government refuses to be honest, Concord has a duty to step in and protect the taxpayer.
  
  The Call to Action:
  
  Claremont doesn’t just have a “school crisis.” It has a leadership crisis. It has a moral crisis.
  
  This isn’t about numbers on a budget sheet. This is about whether a man or woman can truly own their home in America, or whether we’re just permanent tenants of the government.
  
  So let’s be clear:
  
  We want an end to the abuse.
  
  We want honest leadership.
  
  We want the burden lifted off the backs of working families.
  
  The people of Claremont deserve better. New Hampshire deserves better. And with leaders willing to fight — both here at home and down in Washington — we can finally put an end to this corrupt racket and restore true ownership, liberty, and fairness to the Granite State.
  
  🔥 That ties Greene’s abolish property tax fight into the Claremont swamp. Local failure becomes Exhibit A in the national case for reform.

• Newport (Tuesday, August 19 25 06:11 pm EDT)

  Stop posting crap about Claremont on Reddit. There has been 3 posts in the last few days made about Claremont at least. I have no idea what Claremont ever did to any of you, but please do tell your stories of Claremont hurt you.

• Francis Gauthier (Tuesday, August 19 25 02:31 pm EDT)

  NHGOP Opinion: Claremont’s Collapse Was Avoidable — Incompetence Made It Worse
  
  The Claremont School District has been teetering on the edge of collapse for months. A $5 million deficit threatens payroll, benefits, and even the ability to keep schools open past September. Vendors aren’t being paid, audits are years behind, and board members admit they’ve been stonewalled on basic financial reports.
  
  But now we’ve learned something even more damning. According to School Board member William Madden, Claremont’s administrators failed to secure federal grant funding during COVID. While school districts across the country were awash in emergency federal cash, Claremont somehow botched its applications and lost out.
  
  “It’s unbelievable and egregious,” Madden told NHJournal.
  
  Think about that. When Washington was handing out money like candy during the pandemic, Claremont managed to miss the boat. The money that could have covered deficits, eased cash flow, or at least bought time for reforms was squandered — not by taxpayers, not by the board, but by administrative incompetence.
  
  Decades of Dependency, No Accountability
  
  Claremont’s decline didn’t start with COVID. When the mills closed 50 years ago, the city failed to rebuild its tax base. Instead, it turned to the courts, and the infamous Claremont Decision forced the state to pour more money into “adequacy aid.”
  
  What changed? Nothing. Student performance didn’t improve. Union coffers grew fatter. Bureaucracy ballooned. And taxpayers kept footing the bill.
  
  Now, the school budget is twice the size of the city’s budget. For decades, Claremont has chosen dependency over growth, bailouts over accountability. The grant fiasco proves just how deep the rot goes.
  
  Taxpayers Have Had Enough
  
  Claremont property owners are already squeezed dry. Seniors are being forced out of their homes. Families and small businesses are suffocating under high taxes.
  
  Now they’re told they must somehow find millions more to cover deficits caused by missed grants, overspending on special education, and mismanagement in every corner of the budget?
  
  No. The answer is not higher taxes. The answer is reform.
  
  What Must Be Done
  
  Forensic Audit — Granite Staters need to know exactly how this happened. Why were grants missed? Who dropped the ball? Where did the money go?
  
  Competent Management — Without new leadership, nothing changes. If administrators can’t manage finances, they should be replaced.
  
  Special Legislative Session — The Claremont delegation — Reps. Hope Damon, John Cloutier, and others — must demand a special session in October to deal with the crisis. They have a duty to their city and their state.
  
  No Bailouts Without Reform — Taxpayers should not pay another dime until transparency is guaranteed and accountability is enforced.
  
  The Conservative Lesson
  
  Claremont has become the perfect example of what happens when government promises everything but delivers nothing:
  
  Decades of dependency on state aid.
  
  Courts forcing more spending without reform.
  
  Administrative incompetence so severe they couldn’t even cash in on federal giveaways.
  
  A bloated system that protects union payrolls while leaving taxpayers and students holding the bag.
  
  Bottom Line
  
  Claremont’s collapse was avoidable. The money was there. The opportunities were there. But incompetence at the top made the disaster worse.
  
  Now taxpayers must demand accountability, a forensic audit, and a legislature willing to step up with real reform.
  
  Anything less will ensure Claremont remains exactly what it has been for half a century: a case study in failure, dependency, and the consequences of bad leadership.
  
  Elections have consequences. And the voters of Claremont — and all of New Hampshire — must demand leaders who will fix this, not repeat it.

• Richard (Tuesday, August 19 25 02:17 pm EDT)

  School administration hid truth from school Board members August to April about $1.5 mil deficit. School Board spent nearly $9 mil from savings to pay down debt. Rest was to come from budget cuts. Now in August school administration says we have a $1 - $5 mil or higher deficit . School administration hid that from school Board too and everyone else too.

• Questions (Tuesday, August 19 25 02:02 pm EDT)

  The real question is, did the superintendent know and when? Did the school finance people know? Was the situation kept secret from the school board? Did the school board fail to supervise the superintendent?
  
  Will we ever know the truth ?

• Fact (Tuesday, August 19 25 01:56 pm EDT)

  If only the school board spent more time on their fiscal responsibility instead of transgender policy.

• David (Tuesday, August 19 25 10:39 am EDT)

  Bill the Mayor kisses up to everyone. He is a politician in every bad sense of the word. He is trying to put a positive political spin on this disaster and give political cover to everyone who is responsible. The Mayor is a snake in the grass and it is time for the people of Claremont to wake up and realize that and that we need all new leaders.

• Francis Gauthier (Tuesday, August 19 25 08:48 am EDT)

  school budget deficit** so bad they’re not sure the lights will stay on past September. And what do the city’s so-called leaders say about it? “Don’t worry, we’re working very hard.” That’s not leadership—that’s a *punchline*.
  https://www.wmur.com/.../claremont-school.../65810521...
  The Mayor’s “Hard Work” Routine
  Youtube Link full Meeting : https://youtu.be/s5-mp7wc22g?si=BWBqT1g6zzck0URQ
  Mayor Dale Girard went on WMUR and delivered what might be the most uninspiring pep talk in New Hampshire history. He reassured us that everyone is “working very hard” and that the Department of Education is “well involved.” Translation: *We don’t have a plan, we don’t know what we’re doing, but hey—lots of meetings are happening.*
  This is the same group of people who let the schools slip into financial quicksand in the first place. Now they want us to believe they’re the ones who can pull Claremont out? That’s like asking the arsonist to head up the fire department.
  ### A City with No Pilot at the Controls
  Claremont today looks less like a city and more like a rudderless ship drifting toward the rocks. The school board points at the city. The city points at the state. The mayor points at the Department of Education. And the DOE? They’re shrugging their shoulders and calling in accountants.
  Nobody is in charge. Nobody is accountable. But everybody’s “working very hard.”
  ### The “Victory Lap” While Rome Burns
  Let’s be blunt: these folks are acting like they deserve credit for doing damage control. The mayor and the board want pats on the back for trying to clean up their own disaster. That’s not heroism. That’s political theater at its worst.
  Parents, teachers, and taxpayers aren’t buying the song and dance anymore. They’re watching their schools crumble under mismanagement, while the city’s leadership class fiddles like Nero watching Rome burn.
  ### Time for a Clean Sweep
  Claremont doesn’t need another committee. Claremont doesn’t need more bureaucrats wringing their hands. Claremont doesn’t need another year of excuses. What Claremont needs is **new leadership, top to bottom.**
  The old guard has had its chance—and it failed. The deficit proves it. The mayor’s interview proves it. The total lack of answers proves it.
  It’s time for Granite Staters in Claremont to take back their city, sweep out the incompetence, and replace it with real leadership—men and women who don’t just *talk* about solutions but actually deliver them.
  Because the truth is simple: **Claremont doesn’t have a money problem—it has a leadership problem.** And until that changes, nothing else will.

• Bill (Tuesday, August 19 25 07:59 am EDT)

  Q. What authority does the mayor or city council have over the school board?
  
  A. None
  
  Hope we get some answers Wednesday.

• Robert (Tuesday, August 19 25 07:13 am EDT)

  The Mayor is blowing smoke out of his ass again. WMUR interview about school crisis. He says everyone is working hard to come up with answers to solve this. The same folks who made a mess of this in the first place. Time for a new Mayor. Nobody in power now. Schools and city needs clean sweep of leaders.

• Donk (Tuesday, August 19 25 05:49 am EDT)

  Rename Sullivan street to Koloski Street.
  Ask Slivera about the skating rink he is a skating lover
  Nick pulls a trick to attract beloved local landlord to buy back more property. The days of Tony providing quality housing are over bub
  Burr run him out of town

• Frank (Tuesday, August 19 25 04:27 am EDT)

  🚨 New Democrat Trick in NH: Sue You Into Silence 🚨
  
  The new Demo-rat playbook in New Hampshire isn’t fixing taxes or helping working families — it’s suing you if you dare speak out online. They brag about having “free lawyers” ready to crush anyone who posts the truth about their failures.
  
  Here’s the reality they won’t admit:
  ➡️ A Facebook URL proves nothing.
  ➡️ Subpoenas take months and cost tens of thousands of dollars.
  ➡️ Privacy tools (Linux, OpenDNS, Privacy Badger, uBlock) make tracking nearly impossible.
  ➡️ At best, they can maybe show a device logged in — not who wrote the post.
  
  This is pure lawfare — an intimidation game, not a path to justice. They can’t win the debate, so they try to silence it in court.
  
  But this is New Hampshire. We don’t back down. We Live Free or Die. Speak boldly, and don’t let the Demo-rats scare you off the battlefield of ideas. 💪🇺🇸

• Jim Sullivan (Monday, August 18 25 08:17 pm EDT)

  Location of School Budget Crisis Meeting Changed – Details Found on the News Flashes page of this website.

• Zilrose (Monday, August 18 25 08:12 pm EDT)

  All,
  
  Please read this article from May 2025:
  
  https://vnews.com/2025/05/30/claremont-school-district-faces-2-million-deficit-61194035/
  
  -5 years with no audits?
  -Receipts not turned in for reimbursement?
  -Giving money back to the taxpayers that they didn’t actually have to give back?
  
  If I were Richard Seaman, I wouldn’t answer the phone either! I would leave the state!
  
  Frank and Jason and Michael P, why didn’t you ask basic questions on the finance committee?
  
  Are school administrators indemnified?
  
  Just like in Watergate: follow the money.
  I would turn this over to the Sullivan County Attorneys Office!!!
  
  Z

• Francis Gauthier (Monday, August 18 25 04:53 pm EDT)

  Frank my not be Frank he may be John !

• John J. O’Connor (Monday, August 18 25 01:16 pm EDT)

  Yes, Frank does have original thoughts, but only after hearing them from A.I.

• Claremont inquirer (Monday, August 18 25 11:28 am EDT)

  Does Francis every have an original thought?

• Francis Gauthier (Monday, August 18 25 04:55 am EDT)

  NHGOP Opinion: Time for a Special Session – The Claremont Collapse Demands Action
  
  Claremont, New Hampshire is once again at the center of a storm that could reshape education across the Granite State. Decades ago, the Claremont Decision forced the state into redefining its role in funding public education. Advocates swore that more state money would solve the problem of struggling districts.
  
  Today, the irony could not be sharper: Claremont itself has collapsed.
  
  At the August school board meeting, taxpayers were stunned to learn of a $5 million deficit in the district. The business administrator admitted schools can only be guaranteed open through the end of September. The district’s own attorney described the situation as “a state of fiscal distress.” Vendors aren’t being paid, payroll is in jeopardy, and a “catastrophic” collapse is imminent.
  
  This is no longer a local issue. This is a crisis that reaches to Concord. And it demands that the New Hampshire legislature hold a special session in October to address the Claremont collapse.
  
  The Claremont Decision Comes Full Circle
  
  The original Claremont Decision ruled that the state has a constitutional duty to ensure an adequate education. Advocates for higher spending celebrated. The state poured money into adequacy aid.
  
  And yet, three decades later, Claremont is worse off than ever. The district is insolvent, parents are left in limbo, and taxpayers are on the edge of revolt.
  
  If the state could intervene to expand obligations then, it must intervene now to face the consequences of failure.
  
  Why a Special Session Is Necessary
  
  Prevent a Precedent of Collapse – If Claremont’s schools implode, it won’t stop there. Other districts already teeter on the edge of insolvency. The legislature must act before this spreads.
  
  Address Unfunded Mandates – State-imposed special education rules are bankrupting districts. Eligibility raised to age 22, the burden of proof shifted to schools, and catastrophic aid capped below 100%. Legislators must revisit these mandates immediately.
  
  Provide a Legal Mechanism – Current law doesn’t allow school districts to borrow to cover deficits. That leaves towns with two bad options: massive tax hikes or collapse. A special session must establish emergency mechanisms.
  
  Protect Taxpayers – The people of Claremont are already maxed out. They cannot and should not be forced to foot the bill for decades of mismanagement. Any solution must shield taxpayers, not exploit them.
  
  Restore Confidence in Education – Parents must know schools will open, teachers will be paid, and children won’t be left stranded. Without legislative action, that confidence will collapse along with the system.
  
  Responsibility Lies With Claremont’s Delegation
  
  The first step belongs to Claremont’s own representatives in Concord.
  
  Rep. Hope Damon
  
  Rep. John Cloutier
  
  And the rest of the Claremont delegation
  
  It is their responsibility to immediately contact House leadership and demand a special session this October. They owe it to their constituents, their city, and to the taxpayers of New Hampshire to lead on this issue.
  
  No excuses. No delays. The Claremont delegation must act, and Granite Staters are watching. Let’s see what they do with it.
  
  The Conservative Case for Leadership
  
  Republicans should not allow Democrats to spin this as an excuse for endless new spending. The Claremont collapse is not proof we need “more money.” It’s proof we need accountability, reform, and taxpayer protection.
  
  A special session must:
  
  Demand a forensic audit of Claremont’s finances.
  
  Roll back costly and unfunded mandates.
  
  Put transparency requirements on every district.
  
  Empower families with school choice options so children aren’t trapped in failing districts.
  
  Bottom Line
  
  The Claremont Decision was once used as a cudgel to force higher taxes and bigger government. Now, Claremont itself proves that more money without reform is a recipe for collapse.
  
  It is time for the legislature to return to Concord in October and face this crisis head on. Not with platitudes, not with bailouts, but with real conservative reforms that protect taxpayers, empower parents, and ensure no New Hampshire district ever collapses again.
  
  The Granite State cannot afford to look away. Claremont is the canary in the coal mine. If we fail to act, more towns will follow.
  
  And the people of Claremont — and the taxpayers of New Hampshire — deserve leadership now. It is time for a special session, and it is the duty of Claremont’s delegation to make it happen.

• Nick (Sunday, August 17 25 08:33 pm EDT)

  Claremont...the shiteist little over taxed and way under served corrupt town in NH ....to bad the state has no oversight!!!!......a shame the liberal ass hats have control.

• Fact (Sunday, August 17 25 08:27 pm EDT)

  Elections have consequences, the school budget is twice the city budget. Why does anyone care now?

• Gary (Sunday, August 17 25 07:22 pm EDT)

  You should all pay more taxes, the kids need the school

• Francis Gauthier (Sunday, August 17 25 06:24 pm EDT)

  Claremont’s Backward Politics: The More He Complains, The Stronger Koloski Gets
  
  Councilor Nick Koloski has often claimed that his business suffers from all the negativity surrounding public debate. He has said the criticism, the investigations, the social media chatter — all of it has hurt him. But if you take a drive by Topstone or his other enterprises, the story looks very different.
  
  There are more cars in the parking lot than ever before. Families are pouring into his arcade, puzzle room, Pirate Cove mini-golf, and outside dining area. He has expanded opportunities, grown his business portfolio, and continues to draw in crowds. In fact, every round of criticism seems to bring more attention, more foot traffic, and ironically, more popularity at the ballot box. Koloski has steadily gained votes at each election, and today, he stands as the senior member of Claremont’s City Council.
  
  This contradiction is important. On the one hand, he presents himself as the victim — the businessman being unfairly targeted. On the other, the evidence on the ground shows steady growth, expansion, and political resilience. The negativity he bemoans has not destroyed him — it has acted as free advertising, fueling both his private ventures and his public career.
  
  And that’s the real issue for taxpayers. A system that rewards conflict of interest and insider advantage doesn’t punish misconduct — it feeds it. In Claremont, criticism doesn’t seem to hold leaders accountable. Instead, it props them up, while homeowners and small businesses pay ever-higher tax bills with no relief in sight.
  
  If this cycle continues unchecked, Koloski’s paradox will become the template for every insider: play the victim, rake in the attention, and ride it all the way to bigger profits and bigger power. Granite Staters deserve better.

• Tom (Sunday, August 17 25 06:05 pm EDT)

  Nick Koloski must have read Jim's articles. He is already posting under phony names. Nick we all know that it is you doing this.

• Steve (Sunday, August 17 25 05:58 pm EDT)

  The irony is rich. The distrust The public has in Jim Sullivan has been present since the day he was voted out of office. None of us have the time because we have lives, to give any itemized list as to why. It is self evident. Imagine if Jim ever picked up the phone and asked someone anything instead of costing staff time in a 91a. Request. Be sure to also ask about the properties around Topstone. The one DeCamp was paid by taxpayers to clean which is onwed by the railroad, pull the file for Sweetfire BBQ and the yellow residence across from Topstone, and the flock building. That way Jim it won't look like a targeted witch hunt attack. Doubt you will though. You have never done the right thing ever.

• Jim Sullivan (Sunday, August 17 25 05:39 pm EDT)

  Five new articles published today on the News Flashes page of this website.
  
  1) Unprecedented Financial Crisis in Claremont School District: Claremont School Administration Officials have been hiding the truth for the second time!
  
  2) Opinion – Claremont School District Financial Crisis.
  
  3) August 13, 2025 Claremont City Council Meeting Synopsis.
  
  4) Is Vermin another public safety concern at the Topstone Building?
  
  5) Opinion – Property Tax Crackdown!

• Zilrose (Sunday, August 17 25 05:16 pm EDT)

  All,
  
  Heather Whitney should resign as Chair…she has been on the board for too long and has been an abject failure as Chair. Asleep at the switch and more concerned at promoting her MAGA agenda.
  
  Frank Sprague is another who should resign immediately as he is a lifelong educator, board member, and has been proudly involved in the finance committee…clearly he has failed.
  
  Shame on Mr Madden for suggesting folks turn to VLACs…work the problem and accept responsibility. Madden is kind of nutty so we need to give him a break…plus a newcomer to this board.
  
  I would immediately implore law enforcement to start a criminal probe and do an audit from a forensic crime perspective.
  
  This is for starters…more to come.
  
  Z

• Gravedigger (Sunday, August 17 25 10:38 am EDT)

  Well it appears ol' Mr Sullivan has been right all along about the shaky finances of the city...the school district is a mess. There should be a mass firing of the board and administrators of SAU6. And to think this was one of the top school districts in the state at one time. Have far they have fallen. I suspect the city government will be next.

• 03743Watcher (Sunday, August 17 25 10:00 am EDT)

  Oh now Slick Nick is spamming social media about his "skating rink."
  
  "Oh, Nick! Great idea! You're such an ASSet to the community! Bless you, Saint Nick!"
  
  All i see is deflect, deflect, deflect.

• AssKiss (Sunday, August 17 25 07:47 am EDT)

  I just want to say, that's very good news, so I can have more time with Nick to soothe his anxiety.

• Jim Sullivan (Sunday, August 17 25 07:29 am EDT)

  No postings today, my feelings are hurt.

• Francis Gauthier (Sunday, August 17 25 06:20 am EDT)

  OPINION: Governor Ayotte, When Will You be Launching a Property Tax Crackdown? https://granitegrok.com/new-england/nh/2025/08/opinion-governor-ayotte-when-will-you-be-launching-a-property-tax-crackdown

• Jenny (Saturday, August 16 25 08:37 pm EDT)

  Saw that the Claremont school budget made New Hampshire Reddit again and everyone is laughing at us again just like the stop sign. What will be next?

• Cindy (Saturday, August 16 25 01:29 pm EDT)

  Francis and Jim. What you both mean to say is the information you posted has not been taken down or retracted. You purposely made people believe something recently occurred vs. 2018. You lit a match and intentionally attempt to hurt Nick, his business and reputation. You claim John O'Connor had let his anger cloud his judgement but for years with your attacks, name calling and purposely writing just enough to let doubt be cast proves you have actually done that. Your information and articles had led to attacks I have seen online against Koloski and his family. Perhaps neither of you are aware of what is coming next. Enjoy expending funds on the lawsuit. Winning or not is not the point. Running you into the ground and placing attachments on anything you own should be reward enough for someone. You might want to be a bigger person and fix your ways prior. The day has finally come and Francis crossed a clear line posting a letter altered and signed indicating someone said something they never did. Odd to see Francis use a term Koloski posted in a comment online of collapse. Very original. Will you copy the suggested plan as well? You whine about Koloski blocking you Jim but your boy Francis has does the same for years of anyone who questions or disagrees. You both should be ashamed of trying to rip apart any volunteer. Koloski shared information with me once that his employees were subject to harassment with vandalism and a sign left outside the restaurant when you allowed this forum to attemp to gay bash him with false accusations. Someone listening to the words you allow left a sign saying Faggot at their business. What type of scumbag allows this stuff. You, Jim Sullivan. You are that scumbag. Imagine being attacked as gay when you are not even. Nobody should be subject to that behavior at all. Do better. Both of you.

• John J. O’Connor (Saturday, August 16 25 11:31 am EDT)

  Jim,
  You knew there was a problem and did nothing about it. You can choose to plead ignorance but I’ve seen you beat a dead horse till its eyes were bleeding and then drone on for weeks over something trivial but a possible 1-5 million dollar school deficit doesn’t generate one 91-A request ?
  Why haven’t you investigate this with the same due diligence as you have the Topstone tax issue?
  Some might think you got paid off to look the other way.
  Just admit you made a mistake and you’re more like Jimmy Olsen than you are Perry White and get to the bottom of this before it’s too late.
  Claremont needs you…. But not Frank

• Jim Sullivan (Saturday, August 16 25 11:20 am EDT)

  John, as I said I wrote an article about the topic last April and since then there was nothing to do as there was no new information about either the size of the deficit or the causation. As I already stated, School Administration Officials kept everyone in the dark and that includes the public and the School Board Members. Neither Frances nor I are psychic. You can't report anything when there is no information to report about because that information is intentionally and in my opinion unethically kept a closely guarded secret. You are being unreasonable with your expectations.

• John J. O’Connor (Saturday, August 16 25 11:06 am EDT)

  Thank you Frank for finally realizing harassing Nick is a total waste of time.
  According to Jim, he knew there was a problem with the Schools finances in April and did nothing about it. How many “Nick” articles were written in the mean time ?
  Don’t just throw Jim under the bus, you are just as much to blame being Claremont “Public Advocate”. If you spent half the time you spend playing with A.I. being a true Public Advocate, you would have known about this sooner.
  Shame on the both of you !

• Francis Gauthier (Saturday, August 16 25 09:04 am EDT)

  (
  
  John,
  
  It’s time to get off the Nick thing and move on. The situation in Claremont schools is no longer about personalities or old grudges. We’re staring at a projected deficit of up to **\$5 million**, a cash flow crisis so severe the district’s own business administrator admits she can only guarantee schools stay open until the **end of September**.
  
  This isn’t noise, this is collapse. Payroll, benefits, and keeping the lights on are all in jeopardy. Officials are already floating cuts to everything not mandated by law. Vendors are being put off. Parents and taxpayers are being left in the dark.
  
  The “Nick” saga is yesterday’s news. The **real story now** is whether Claremont will even have a functioning school district come October. That should be where the energy goes — accountability, transparency, and demanding answers about how we went from a \$1 million deficit in April to a \$5 million disaster by August.
  
  The people of Claremont deserve focus on the crisis in front of us, not distractions from the past.
  
  Francis

• Francis Gauthier (Saturday, August 16 25 08:36 am EDT)

  Youtube link:
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5-mp7wc22g&list=PLPvoSxiIkoHxaKJDeam9_i-ZG_RZ6s2YO&index=119
  CLAREMONT — The crisis in Claremont schools is no longer a budgeting hiccup. It is an outright collapse. At Thursday’s board meeting, officials admitted the district is staring down a deficit of up to $5 million for the academic year just ended.

• John J. O’Connor (Saturday, August 16 25 08:17 am EDT)

  Awww Jim,
  I hold no anger towards you or Frank, I’m just disappointed.
  You have continuously reported on the almost decade old Topstone tax situation, rehashing facts and opinions over and over again but you only reported on the school deficit once … why haven’t you peppered the SUA with 91-A requests ?
  This is not personal for me Jim, it’s business as it should be for you. A 5 million dollar deficit will cripple any school district but a school district that is perpetually at the bottom of education results, it will devastate. This is a much bigger story than your personal beef with Nick.

• Jim Sullivan (Saturday, August 16 25 08:00 am EDT)

  John, believe what you will no matter how untrue it is. This current batch of Claremont School Administration Officials are very adept at keeping secrets without any information leaks. None of the Claremont School Board Members were aware of the severity of the deficit until Thursday night. Candace Crawford & Frank Sprague are both members of the Budget Committee and it is unclear if they knew the gravity of the situation prior to Thursday night. All of the other School Board Members were completely in the dark as was the entire public. Those are the facts. Also, back in April it was only a $1 million to $1.5 million deficit the $5 million number did not surface until Thursday night. I may have good sources but that only gets you so far. When School Administration Officials contain leaks without a single drip (release of any information) then things like this blindside occur. Expecting anything else is quite unreasonable. You are letting your anger towards me cloud your judgment.

• John J. O’Connor (Saturday, August 16 25 07:38 am EDT)

  Jim,
  Excuses are like asshole, everyone has one.
  You portray yourself as an “Investigative Reporter” with insight and snitches everywhere and a 5 million dollar deficit only gets mentioned once, in April.
  I expected better from you Jim, in the past, you would have known about this before anyone else, now all you have are excuses.
  You don’t seem to have any time restraints when your reporting about Nick but now I understand why, that’s personal, the school district deficient is business and you have no time for that .

• Jim Sullivan (Saturday, August 16 25 07:03 am EDT)

  First of all John I did report about this deficit when it was first announced last April. School Administration Officials hid the information from everyone including School Board Members until that time. It was left with School Officials would be watching the situation. They all dropped the ball until Thursday night when School Board Members and the public were blindsided once again by these same School Administration Officials now saying that the deficit for the current budget is between $1 and $5 million or more and there is a cash flow problem and bills are not being paid many incredibly late already and there is a question whether school will be held for the full school year are not. I work during the week and publish on Sundays. I did watch the School Board meeting and will publish an article about this on Sunday. Since all of this was hidden from the School Board Members and the public until Thursday night how could I possibly have known about the huge increase in the deficit until then? As I said I reported the deficit last April and nothing was ever said about it since then until Thursday night. Complain all you want as I hold City Officials accountable and I will be doing the same regarding School Officials. I am only one person working a full-time job and in my free time trying to inform the public about what is going on in local government. This is more important now than ever before because Claremont no longer has a local newspaper and the Valley News only realizes that Claremont exists when a big story breaks. I will continue to do what I can and provide free access information to the public.

• John J. O’Connor (Saturday, August 16 25 05:15 am EDT)

  Jim,
  Looks like you dropped the ball…
  While you were spending soooo much time doing articles after articles about your “man crush”(Nick) you never noticed the school district was 5 million dollars in the hole.
  Jim, maybe if you just spent half the time looking at the District’s finances that you spent trying to ratfuck Koloski , the citizens of Claremont would have know of this financial disaster much earlier.
  And Frank… you are a self proclaimed “Public Advocate”, maybe if you stopped playing with yourself using A.I. and piggybacking Jim’s attempt to personally harass a public official, you might have found out about this deficiency.
  Shame on the both of you !!!

• Kevin (Friday, August 15 25 05:42 pm EDT)

  The school is running out of cash yet had $255,000 to purchase 40 Maple Ave! something's fishy!!!

• Question (Friday, August 15 25 01:29 pm EDT)

  How is the Democrat controlled school board working out for everyone?

• Zilrose (Friday, August 15 25 11:24 am EDT)

  “Richard”,
  
  The school only has enough cash on hand for the first month of school.
  
  School Board meeting last night…crisis….educate yourself, man!!
  
  Z

• Richard (Friday, August 15 25 11:21 am EDT)

  How have the schools screwed us Zilrose?

• AssKiss (Friday, August 15 25 08:42 am EDT)

  Dear Mr. Kowalski,
  I just wanted to say how much I admire your unwavering strength and composure in the face of such relentless attacks. As a transitioning male It takes real courage to stand tall when the knives are out, and you've done it with grit and grace. I’d truly be honored to meet you in person one day—to shake your hand, share a laugh, and celebrate our steadfastness in the most memorable way possible. If you could autograph my developing breast

• Zilrose (Friday, August 15 25 07:29 am EDT)

  The schools have screwed us again.
  Will school opening be delayed?
  Will kids be educated this year in Claremont?
  
  Whitney and Pratt have to go!
  
  Z

• Mayor McCheese (Thursday, August 14 25 05:19 pm EDT)

  Hey Jim and Francis, we missed you at the brownfield walk today.

• Dems (Thursday, August 14 25 03:15 pm EDT)

  New Hampshire Republican Party Chairman Jim MacEachern is calling for Attorney General John Formella to launch a new investigation into Executive Councilor Karen Liot Hill, alleging she used her taxpayer-funded office to advance the interests of a prominent Democratic law firm.
  
  In a letter sent to Formella this week, MacEachern accused Liot Hill of “taxpayer-funded electioneering” for the Elias Law Group, a Washington, D.C.-based firm known for representing Democratic candidates and causes, including efforts to challenge voter ID laws. He cited “numerous messages” sent from Liot Hill’s official Executive Council email account that he said promoted the firm’s work.
  
  “Granite Staters expect their elected officials to use their positions to serve the people, not to further their political interests. Liot Hill’s decision to use her official capacity to communicate on behalf of a political law firm adds to the ethical concerns that have already been generated by her previous scandals,” MacEachern wrote.
  
  “In addition to her campaign finance issues, Liot Hill has had other issues with the law, including two (2) arrests for driving under the influence. This pattern of poor ethical decisions is unbecoming of anyone trusted by the people to hold elected office.”
  
  Emails obtained by NHJournal appear to show Liot Hill using her official position to recruit plaintiffs for a possible legal challenge to New Hampshire’s newly enacted voter ID law, Senate Bill 287. The measure requires absentee voters to provide a copy of an acceptable photo ID or appear in person when they request an absentee ballot.
  
  In emails from her official Executive Council account, Liot Hill reached out to several activists and special interest groups asking for help identifying voters who might be affected by the law.
  
  “I am working with some folks who are trying to identify voters who will be impacted by SB 287,” Liot Hill wrote, and connecting her prospects to Elias Law Group attorney Tina Meng Morrison, who was copied on each message.
  
  Critics say that if Liot Hill is being paid by the firm, her actions raise ethical questions about using her state position to aid a political law group in preparing litigation against the state — a case that could cost New Hampshire taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.
  
  Liot Hill has already faced criticism over her campaign finances. Disclosure reports show she has spent thousands of dollars in campaign funds on meals, clothing, salon visits, a $190 ferry ride to the Hamptons, $181 in vehicle registration fees, and repairs to her home. Her campaign finances are already the subject of a review by the Attorney General’s office.
  
  “It should come as no surprise that Karen Liot Hill is involved in another unethical scandal,” MacEachern said in a statement. “She previously misused campaign dollars; now we come to learn that she’s electioneering with taxpayer dollars. It’s shameful that she is still in her position. Granite Staters deserve better.”
  
  Liot Hill, a Democrat representing District 2 on the five-member Executive Council, has not responded to the allegations.
  
  -Michael Graham

• Francis Gauthier (Thursday, August 14 25 06:45 am EDT)

  Note:
  Whoever sent over the PDF file on the Right-to-Know Law (RSA 91-A) court case — thank you. This is important material for keeping track of how our public access laws are being interpreted. If you’ve got more like this, by all means, keep them coming. The more eyes on these documents, the better informed we all are.

• Breaking News (Wednesday, August 13 25 07:16 pm EDT)

  Jim & Francis are asleep at the wheel again
  
  https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2025-01/01-22-2025-defendants-redacted-brief.pdf

• John J. O’Connor (Wednesday, August 13 25 05:35 pm EDT)

  Hahaha… Frank has no worries, he is too old and frail to be a concern. The point I think Bill was trying to make is Frank writes checks with his mouth that his body can’t cash, not an actual physical confrontation.
  See Frank, the masses have spoken, A.I is doing you more harm than good for you.
  Stick to letting your better half write your posts, it will be less embarrassing.

• Todd (Wednesday, August 13 25 03:56 pm EDT)

  Hahahaha. The one time Francis didn't use his wife to write his words or A.I. Will end up getting his teeth knocked out. The irony. Should have stuck to A.I. or Arlenes Intelligence. I guess it's one in the same. You should ask A.I. if you should fight O'Connor or for the best dentist in the region for emergency visits.

• Bill (Wednesday, August 13 25 03:19 pm EDT)

  Francis your are kind really mentally handicapped? As a bystander here I can see where nobody owes you a thing. Are you asking DES and every lawmakers that chose not to forward your personal vendetta bill that went nowhere to come here and answer to you? Pardon my French but who the fuck do you think you are? This was 8 years ago you fool. You wouldn't say any of this to O'Connor in public and I know for a fact he would knock your teeth out and not think otherwise. You lost your pleas with the state. You lost your chance with voters. You somehow think the Sullivan report is an arena someone is required to answer you in. Last I checked you are a nobody. You didn't answer that attorney in regards to those allegations. What did the speaker of the house say to you? How about you start giving us facts? Did you ever have any issues with a tenant claiming something about cameras? What would we find if we 91a police reports involving you? You may not realize Koloski represents the community and the majority of us don't give a hoot about your grievances. Why don't you call the owner of Topstone so he can go tell you to piss up a rope. You have concerns with someone take it up with the folks it ivolves. Save the rebuttal. I am logging off this page and not returning. I used to check in but this is just really dumb. I hope you and Sullivan both get sued. I can't be the only one that has heard Shaheen & Gordon has offered to take a case pro Bono. Probably just local rumor. Is that Shaheens husbands firm. Didn't she launch her campaign from Koloskis restaurant. Hmmm, there must be photos of that with Pat Leahy. You should probably realize when you are not the smartest person in a room. It is understandable you never made friends or connections. He is an independent and figured out having friends in both parties is a good thing. It helps keep Claremont relevant. Something you never figured out.

• Francis Gauthier (Wednesday, August 13 25 01:47 pm EDT)

  John, you can hurl armchair psychology all day long, but it doesn’t change the fact that you’re doing Nick’s bidding like a loyal little sock puppet instead of letting him stand up and speak for himself. If he’s got a case to make, he can come here, sign his name to it, and answer directly for Topstone, HB1212, and the public record. But instead, we get you — the middleman, the messenger boy — trying to run interference and toss personal insults so you don’t have to talk about the actual facts. That’s not debate, John, that’s deflection.
  
  And as for your “decades” comment — the reason there have been no arrests isn’t because the accusations aren’t serious, it’s because New Hampshire’s good ol’ boy network shields insiders and looks the other way when it’s one of their own. The lack of charges says more about the protection racket in local politics than it does about the accuracy of the claims. That’s why public forums like this matter — because without public pressure, nothing changes. You can sneer at AI all you want, but at least AI doesn’t hide behind somebody else’s skirt when the hard questions come.

• John J. O’Connor (Wednesday, August 13 25 10:56 am EDT)

  Frank,
  It’s your opinions or should I say A.I.’s opinions that are inaccurate. For decades Jim has accused public officials with criminal misconduct, how many arrests have resulted?
  Zero…
  I really trying to figure out your problem , it seems you didn’t get enough love and attention from your mother and now you seek that attention, whether it be positive or negative from your inaccurate, offbeat opinions and personal attacks.
  Seek help Frank, I sure AI will agree.

• Mike (Wednesday, August 13 25 10:00 am EDT)

  Zilrose, I’ve never met him either but he seems like a childless cat lady who’s obsessed with dog poop and Nick Koloski. These long screeds aren’t convincing and he hasn’t addressed any counterpoints. I guess thank you Jim for giving this guy a platform. It’s the making the site unreadable.

• Francis Gauthier (Wednesday, August 13 25 07:59 am EDT)

  A Public Challenge to John O’Connor (and anyone crying “inaccurate”)
  John, you keep waving the “inaccurate information” flag like it’s a force field. Here’s your homework—public record only, no spin:
  
  1) Start with the receipts you keep ignoring
  On the Sullivan Report intro page, scroll to the bottom. You’ll see:
  
  Topstone Building
  
  Topstone 2
  
  Topstone 3
  Those sections compile years of documents, meeting notes, news stories, photos, and first-hand accounts. If you think something in there is wrong, then say what, where, and why—with specifics. Otherwise, the “inaccurate” mantra is just hot air.
  
  2) Then watch the videotape—hours of it
  Go to my YouTube channel → Playlists → look for “City Government,” “City,” or “City Council.”
  You’ll find all the public meetings from the Topstone fight—complete with public input and a whole lot of angry taxpayers on record. It’s not rumor. It’s video. Hit play.
  
  3) About the bill (the part you’d rather memory-hole)
  When we all served in the State House—you, me, and Frank McCarthy—you supported that bill. That’s not opinion; that’s the legislative record.
  
  The bill addressed a statewide problem, with Topstone as Exhibit A. Mentioning how the same issues hit places like Nashua isn’t a “distraction”—it’s proof the problem wasn’t isolated.
  
  4) Who decides what’s “accurate”?
  Facts: voting records, minutes, filings, contracts—checkable.
  
  Opinions: protected speech. Calling a situation “corrupt” or “incompetent” is a judgment, not a false statement of fact.
  
  For public officials, defamation claims require actual malice (New York Times v. Sullivan). If you’ve got a specific false statement you can prove is knowingly false, name it. If not, stop threatening people with lawyers to chill speech.
  
  5) Ground rules going forward
  Cite it: If you dispute a point, quote the line, link the source, and show your counter-evidence.
  
  Own it: If you changed your mind on the bill, say why. New facts? Or new friends? Granite Staters can tell the difference.
  
  Do the work: Read Topstone, Topstone 2, Topstone 3, and watch the City Government playlist. Then report back with specifics.
  
  Bottom line: The record exists. The video exists. The public remembers. If you want to be the judge of “accuracy,” start by doing your homework—and bring citations, not warnings.
  
  —Francis

• John J. O’Connor (Wednesday, August 13 25 07:57 am EDT)

  Frank,
  If you want to “challenge “ me, I suggest you do to my face.
  Keep doing what you are doing and you will eventually end up in court. I am sure it won’t be successful, courts are extremely liberal and would no doubt side with you… but at what cost ?
  You got rid of your multi’s because you were afraid tenants would sue you….Id be afraid, very afraid.

• John J. O’Connor (Wednesday, August 13 25 07:51 am EDT)

  Mike,
  I was a State Representative during the same time as Frank.
  Franks bill was never taken seriously and never made it out of committee, so I never had an opportunity to vote for or against it…. But if I did, I would have voted against it.
  Frank is a decent guy who has some “issues”. He isn’t able to convey his thoughts on his own, not sure if that’s because of an educational disability or pure laziness but his wife, who is a lovely woman, would write his opinions and post those comments under his name.
  Now Frank uses A.I. and comes off like an asshole but I know deep down he cares about the community and only wants what’s best for it’s citizens.

• Francis Gauthier (Wednesday, August 13 25 07:49 am EDT)

  the nuclear point they don’t want dragged into the sunlight.
  
  4. The Evidence Mountain They’re Pretending Isn’t There
  John, you keep tossing around “inaccurate information” like it’s a magic phrase that shuts the conversation down — yet the Sullivan Report itself is loaded with documented history. All anyone has to do is scroll to the bottom of the introduction and there they are:
  
  Topstone Building
  
  Topstone 2
  
  Topstone 3
  
  Those aren’t two-line rants — they’re massive archives of news articles, meeting notes, legal documents, photos, and first-hand accounts gathered over time. They’re not hidden; they’re laid out in plain view.
  
  If you honestly believe the content in those sections is “inaccurate,” then you’ve got a clear path: review each piece, line by line, and tell the public exactly which parts you dispute and why. That’s what an accountable public official does. What you don’t do is ignore a documented history because it’s politically messy for your current alliances.
  
  Challenge to John O’Connor
  Here’s the straightforward ask:
  
  Go to the Sullivan Report.
  
  Scroll to the bottom of the intro where Topstone Building, Topstone 2, and Topstone 3 are clearly listed.
  
  Read every linked document and story.
  
  Tell the public — specifically and in detail — what you think is factually wrong.
  
  Until you’ve done that, your “inaccurate information” claim is just hot air, and everyone can see it.
  
  I can now fold this “Topstone evidence challenge” right into the earlier Sullivan Report rebuttal so the whole thing reads as one unified takedown — would you like me to stitch it together that way?

• Francis Gauthier (Wednesday, August 13 25 07:46 am EDT)

  Exactly — who gets to be the judge of “accurate” and “inaccurate” when we’re talking about political disputes?
  Here’s the breakdown:
  
  1. In Politics, the Judge Is… Everyone
  When it comes to political speech, there is no single referee — the “judge” is the court of public opinion, unless something escalates into an actual court case.
  
  If you post an opinion based on documented facts, it’s protected by the First Amendment, even if the other side calls it “inaccurate.”
  
  In defamation cases involving public officials, a real judge (and potentially a jury) would decide if something is legally false and harmful. But the legal standard is extremely high — it requires proving you knowingly lied or acted with reckless disregard for the truth (New York Times v. Sullivan, 1964).
  
  2. “Accurate” vs. “Inaccurate” — Who Decides?
  Facts can be checked — voting records, meeting minutes, contracts, official filings, etc. Those are objective.
  
  Opinions are protected and subjective — you can call someone “incompetent” or “corrupt” as an opinion without it being “false,” because it’s interpretation, not a provable fact.
  
  Disputed narratives are trickier. If both sides cite sources but interpret them differently, it’s not necessarily “inaccurate” — it’s contested.
  
  In the Sullivan Report case, unless John O’Connor or Nick can point to a specific factual statement you made that is demonstrably false (and not opinion), their “inaccurate information” claim is just political rhetoric.
  
  3. The Danger of Letting Politicians Be the “Judge”
  If public officials got to define “inaccurate” on their own terms, every uncomfortable truth would suddenly be labeled “false.” That’s why we have free speech protections — to stop those in power from deciding what’s true based on what benefits them politically.
  
  If you want, I can now add a fourth section to your Sullivan Report rebuttal that directly addresses this “Who’s the judge?” question, so it’s baked right into the public debate. That way, the next time they try to use “inaccurate” as a club, you’ve already called them out on who really decides.

• Mike (Wednesday, August 13 25 07:16 am EDT)

  Also it seems like Frank doesn’t seem to understand that as a NH rep his bill would’ve affected other towns? He seems to think that bringing up how it would’ve affected places in Nashua is a “distraction” from the Topstone issue. Was the bill solely focused on punishing Nick?

• Mike (Wednesday, August 13 25 07:13 am EDT)

  John, it seems like much of this about a bill Frank sponsored that Nick and the rest of NH opposed. As you were a rep at the time, was your take on that bill?

• John J. O’Connor (Wednesday, August 13 25 06:22 am EDT)

  Frank,
  You are harassing Nick. You feel you are protected because Nick is a public Official and you are partially correct.
  The fact that you continue to post inaccurate information in an effort to slander and ruin Nicks business, takes it to another level and I STRONGLY suggest you seek legal Counsel.

• Francis Gauthier (Wednesday, August 13 25 04:41 am EDT)

  pointing out how this lines up (or doesn’t) with **New Hampshire Bar Association ethics rules** and common professional conduct standards for licensed attorneys.
  
  ---
  
  ## **Where This Message Goes Off the Rails**
  
  ### **1. Contacting You in a Public Forum**
  
  * **Problem:** If this person really is a lawyer, Rule 4.2 (Communication with Person Represented by Counsel) and Rule 4.3 (Unrepresented Person) both expect that serious legal warnings are handled **privately** and **formally**, not by public posting.
  * A public forum post can:
  
  * Prejudice the matter by turning it into a public spectacle.
  * Violate confidentiality and professionalism expectations.
  * Appear to be intimidation through public shaming rather than legitimate legal process.
  
  **Bottom line:** A real NH lawyer almost never delivers a formal legal warning like this on an open forum.
  
  ---
  
  ### **2. No Proper Identification or Verification**
  
  * In New Hampshire, if you’re acting in a lawyer capacity, you’re expected to **clearly identify yourself, your firm, and your NH Bar number** in such a communication.
  * This post doesn’t give:
  
  * Full legal name
  * Law firm name and address
  * NH Bar Association license number
  * Without those, there’s no way for you to verify they are in fact a licensed attorney in good standing.
  
  **Bottom line:** That’s not how an actual lawyer would open a communication on behalf of a client—it’s unprofessional and raises red flags about authenticity.
  
  ---
  
  ### **3. Unverified Authority to Represent**
  
  * Lawyers must have **actual engagement** from the client before claiming representation.
  * They say, “I have been tasked with issuing this response” and “our firm will be extending pro bono legal representation,” but:
  
  * They don’t name the firm.
  * They don’t confirm that representation has been established.
  * There’s no letter of representation or formal notice.
  
  **Bottom line:** If they truly represented Mr. Koloski, the proper step would be to serve a written notice to you or your counsel directly—not make an announcement online.
  
  ---
  
  ### **4. Use of Legal Analysis in a Public Setting**
  
  * They’re giving what reads like **legal advice** and applying case law to your alleged conduct.
  * Under NH ethics rules, a lawyer shouldn’t give legal analysis to an *opposing party* in a public venue—it’s essentially arguing the case before it even starts, and it risks being seen as prejudicial extrajudicial commentary (Rule 3.6).
  
  ---
  
  ### **5. Tone and Purpose**
  
  * The post is styled more like a **public accusation** than a private legal notice.
  * That’s dangerous ground for a lawyer—NH Rule 4.4(a) prohibits using means that have no substantial purpose other than to embarrass, delay, or burden a third person.
  * Delivering a “warning” in a way that also humiliates the recipient is not best practice and can be seen as harassment rather than advocacy.
  
  ---
  
  ## **How a Real NH Lawyer Would Do It**
  
  1. **Private, Written Communication**
  
  * Sent via certified mail or email with read receipt.
  * Includes name, firm, contact info, and NH Bar number.
  2. **Formal Letterhead**
  
  * Clearly marked as a legal notice, with the client’s name and the lawyer’s signature.
  3. **Direct, Limited Scope**
  
  * States the alleged issue.
  * States what is requested (e.g., remove content, stop conduct).
  * Gives a reasonable timeframe to comply.
  4. **Professional Tone**
  
  * Avoids inflammatory or unnecessary allegations.
  * Keeps statements factual, not speculative.
  
  ---
  
  ### **Likely Possibilities Here**
  
  * If this person is **not** a NH-licensed attorney, then this is a **false claim of authority**—and misrepresenting oneself as a lawyer is a serious legal violation under RSA 311:7.
  * If this person **is** a NH lawyer, then delivering this kind of notice publicly, without proper identification, and without formal service is **unprofessional** and arguably skirting NH Bar ethics standards.

• Francis Gauthier (Tuesday, August 12 25 11:19 pm EDT)

  **PUBLIC RESPONSE:**
  
  If *P.Moulton* is, as claimed, a licensed attorney representing Mr. Koloski, then there are certain ethical and legal obligations that cannot be sidestepped — especially when posting threats or legal claims in a public online forum.
  
  **Here is my formal request, right here in public:**
  
  1. Your **full legal name**
  2. Your **law firm’s name**
  3. Your **official business address**
  4. Your **office phone number**
  5. Your **NH Bar license number** (or the state in which you are licensed)
  
  If you are indeed acting in the capacity of legal counsel, providing this information is not optional — it’s required for proper verification and accountability.
  
  If you cannot or will not provide this information, then we must consider the possibility that you are not an attorney at all, but rather a private citizen — possibly even Mr. Koloski himself — using AI tools and a pseudonym to try to intimidate critics and shift the conversation away from the real issue: **the Topstone Mill situation and the misuse of public narrative to distract from facts.**
  
  A real attorney typically does not conduct sensitive legal matters in public internet threads. Doing so raises serious questions about professionalism, authenticity, and motive.
  
  Until proper identification is provided, I will treat these public threats as just another attempt to distract, deflect, and shut down legitimate public discussion about taxpayer liability, city decision-making, and accountability in Claremont.
  
  — *Francis Gauthier*

• P. Moulton (Tuesday, August 12 25 09:45 pm EDT)

  Francis,
  
  It has come to my attention that you have repeatedly used artificial intelligence to create and post misleading or altered material, including an incorrectly formatted and altered version of a letter purportedly from Mr. Koloski. Upon being confronted, you then posted another version—again taken from approximately eight years ago—without providing proper context. From research easily located online I can conclude the following:
  
  To address the record:
  
  You were the prime sponsor of the referenced bill, and it is a matter of public record that the bill was not advanced by lawmakers.
  
  Multiple municipalities and legislators publicly expressed opposition to the bill.
  
  The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NH DES) issued testimony that echoed points raised by Mr. Koloski.
  
  You subsequently accused Mr. Koloski of improperly influencing NH DES—an accusation without evidence.
  
  You were spoken to directly by the Speaker of the House for your actions in this matter.
  
  Further, your conduct reflects a recurring pattern of harassment and questionable behavior toward citizens, including prior incidents involving the recording of neighbors, the filing of complaints regarding their pets, and alleged staged actions intended to provoke an animal—actions reportedly documented.
  
  Publishing altered or misleading statements falsely attributed to another individual is defamatory and actionable under New Hampshire law.
  
  Targeting a person’s livelihood or business through knowingly false or misleading statements constitutes tortious interference.
  
  My advice would be to govern yourself accordingly. If you are wondering whether Mr. Koloski loses legal protection because he serves in public office — the answer is no. These causes of action still apply. However, the legal standards shift in important ways under U.S. Supreme Court precedent governing public officials and defamation.
  
  Here’s the breakdown:
  
  1. Defamation (Libel) – Higher “Actual Malice” Standard
  Because Mr. Koloski is a public official, the standard for defamation under New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, 376 U.S. 254 (1964), is higher.
  
  He must prove that the false statements were made with “actual malice” — meaning the defendant knew the statements were false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.
  
  Mere negligence or sloppy research is not enough for a public official to win a defamation case.
  
  However, fabricating or altering a letter and publishing it while knowing it’s altered would clearly meet the “actual malice” threshold.
  
  New Hampshire Case Example: Thomas v. Tel. Publishing Co., 155 N.H. 314 (2007) recognizes that public officials must meet the higher standard, but it also upholds liability when intentional falsity or reckless disregard is proven.
  
  2. False Light
  New Hampshire recognizes “false light” claims, but they are closely related to defamation and the same actual malice standard applies to public officials.
  
  Altering historic letters and posting them in a misleading way to harm reputation would likely meet the standard if the intent to mislead can be shown.
  
  3. Tortious Interference with Business Relations
  This is not affected by public official status — it’s a separate claim under New Hampshire law.
  
  If someone intentionally interferes with Mr. Koloski’s business relationships (e.g., harming his entertainment business) by spreading knowingly false information, he can still sue without meeting the “actual malice” requirement.
  
  The standard is: (1) a valid business relationship, (2) knowledge of that relationship, (3) intentional interference, and (4) damages.
  
  This claim could succeed even if defamation claims fail under the higher public official standard.
  
  It is evident that the citizens of Claremont are deeply engaged and concerned, as this matter has been brought promptly to our attention. I have been tasked with issuing this response and hereby confirm that our firm will be extending pro bono legal representation to Mr. Koloski in this matter.
  
  We’ll reach out should it become necessary.

• Francis Gauthier (Tuesday, August 12 25 09:20 pm EDT)

  Here’s the upgraded distraction narrative section with the new comments from Zilrose and Mayor McCheese integrated. This keeps the NH GOP firebrand style and shows exactly how these off-topic jabs are being used to derail the Topstone discussion.
  
  ⸻
  
  The Distraction Tactics Keep Coming
  
  When the facts get uncomfortable, the personal shots start flying.
  
  From Zilrose:
  
  “Is Gauthier retarded? … cut the power to his house so we don’t have to read his ChatGPT ravings… Will the chubby DJ be the voice of the people tomorrow regarding the stop sign?”
  
  From Mayor McCheese:
  
  “Francis, go home your drunk.”
  
  This has nothing to do with the Topstone Mill’s 76% tax cut, the $222,725 waiver, the 2% building condition rating, or Councilor Koloski’s legislative letter opposing HB1212.
  It’s an intentional pivot away from the documented facts — a classic “attack the messenger” routine designed to make sure we stop talking about the issue and start talking about personalities, body types, or made-up distractions.
  
  ⸻
  
  Why This Matters
  
  In every public corruption or cronyism case, there’s a point where defenders can’t win on facts — so they resort to ridicule, name-calling, and dragging the conversation into the gutter. The goal is to exhaust the truth-teller, discourage bystanders from engaging, and create a circus so no one notices the hard numbers sitting in plain sight.
  
  It’s not going to work here.
  
  ⸻
  
  Back to the Real Story
  
  While some folks are obsessed with mocking individuals, the reality remains:
  • The Topstone property’s undervaluation is still costing Claremont taxpayers in 2025.
  • The legislative interference angle is documented in Koloski’s own words from his January 22, 2018 letter.
  • The conflicts of interest and financial benefits tied to this property have never been fully addressed.
  
  You can throw insults all day — it won’t change those

• Zilrose (Tuesday, August 12 25 08:02 pm EDT)

  All,
  Is Gauthier retarded?
  I’ve never met him.
  Someone needs to cut the power to his house so we don’t have to read his ChatGPT ravings.
  
  Will the chubby DJ be the voice of the people tomorrow regarding the stop sign?
  
  Z

• Mayor McCheese (Tuesday, August 12 25 07:55 pm EDT)

  Francis, go home your drunk.

• Francis Gauthier (Tuesday, August 12 25 06:47 pm EDT)

  Here’s the **upgraded, integrated New Hampshire GOP firebrand op-ed** drawn from the full thread — including the corrected Koloski letter, the Para Legal deflection rebuttal, the tax fairness argument, and the ongoing “victim card” pattern.
  It’s written in the tone of a town hall barnburner — ready for Granite Grok or to be read aloud in front of a crowd.
  
  ---
  
  ## **The Topstone Scandal: Conflicts, Cronyism, and the Taxpayer’s Bill**
  
  *By \[Your Name], Concerned Claremont Taxpayer*
  
  In New Hampshire, we value fairness, accountability, and fiscal discipline. But here in Claremont, the **Topstone Mill** case shows exactly how those values can be twisted when political connections, selective enforcement, and insider influence get in the way.
  
  This isn’t about gossip. It’s not about cases in Keene, Nashua, or Somersworth. This is about **one property in one city** — the Topstone Mill — and the way it’s been handled to the disadvantage of the Claremont taxpayer.
  
  ---
  
  ### **The Facts They Can’t Spin Away**
  
  * In 2018, Topstone received a **76% property assessment cut** and a **\$222,725 tax waiver**, wiping away 97% of its tax bill.
  * The “Building Percent Good” rating was dropped to an absurd **2%**, implying the property was nearly worthless — even while housing multiple businesses.
  * One of those businesses? Run by **Councilor Nick Koloski**, who also owns an adjacent parcel that gains value from any redevelopment.
  * The sweetheart assessment **still exists in 2025**. That means the lost revenue is still being covered by you, the taxpayer.
  
  ---
  
  ### **The Legislative Fight — and the Victim Card**
  
  When HB1212 came before the Legislature in 2018 — a bill that would allow municipalities to restrict occupancy of tax-delinquent, environmentally compromised properties — Koloski wasn’t just a bystander. He wrote directly to the Legislature opposing it, citing **Topstone** as his example.
  
  In his own words from his **January 22, 2018 letter**:
  
  > “This bill goes after local business owners who have no control in their landlord’s actions… This only really punishes those that have no control of the situation… I use Topstone as example as I believe that is where this bill comes from.”
  
  The letter paints Koloski — an eight-year councilor, tenant in the building, and adjacent landowner — as the **innocent victim** of a bill supposedly aimed at absentee landlords. But what it omits is telling:
  
  * That his landlord was already pursuing a massive tax reduction.
  * That the property had long-standing DES monitoring and code concerns.
  * That his financial interest was directly tied to keeping the building in operation.
  
  ---
  
  ### **The Para Legal Deflection**
  
  Some defenders want to talk about brownfields in Keene or tannery sites in Nashua. That’s a diversion. We’re not debating the statewide history of contaminated properties — we’re talking about the **here and now in Claremont**.
  
  Dragging the conversation into unrelated cases is a tactic to confuse the public and change the subject. It doesn’t change the facts about Topstone’s abatement, the 2% valuation, or the conflict created when a sitting councilor advocates in Concord on legislation tied to his own place of business.
  
  ---
  
  ### **The Pattern**
  
  This isn’t the first time the “victim card” has been played to shift the focus. It’s a familiar pattern:
  
  1. Position as the misunderstood public servant.
  2. Blame political opponents for “attacks.”
  3. Skip over the key facts — the money, the connections, the outcomes.
  4. Keep the insider-friendly status quo in place while the taxpayers foot the bill.
  
  ---
  
  ### **The Conservative Standard**
  
  We don’t oppose economic development. We oppose **rigged systems**. The conservative position is simple:
  
  * **Equal rules**: No special treatment for connected properties.
  * **Full transparency**: Disclose and avoid conflicts of interest — don’t legislate in the shadows.
  * **Taxpayer protection**: If a property’s so bad it needs a 2% rating, it’s too bad to stay open without a full fix.
  
  ---
  
  ### **The Call to Action**
  
  Claremont taxpayers need to demand:
  
  1. **Public disclosure** of all abatements over \$50,000, with plain-English explanations.
  2. **Independent review** before any large settlement on a commercial property’s taxes.
  3. **Conflict-of-interest rules** that stop councilors from lobbying on matters tied to their own landlords or tenants.
  
  If the City won’t act, then voters must. We’re not here to be polite while the bill keeps coming to our doorstep. We’re here to remind City Hall that **in New Hampshire, the people — not the insiders — have the final say**.

• Donk (Tuesday, August 12 25 05:54 pm EDT)

  Make Prospect Street great again

• Francis Gauthier (Tuesday, August 12 25 05:40 pm EDT)

  The corrected version, typographical error.
  
  HB1212 concern from a local business owner and City Councilor
  Nicholas Koloski [njkoloski@yahoo.com]
  Sent: Monday, January 22, 2018 2:42 PM
  To: Bixby, Peter
  Dear Representative Peter Bixby,
  
  This email is being send to address my concern with HB1212 as proposed. I feel that this bill goes after local business owners who have no control in their landlords actions. Despite a lease that would offer protections it leaves a large area of concern for a small business owner who may want to expand their current business, add employees or for those seeking to invest in New Hampshire to begin or grow a business. This would be
  detrimental statewide.
  
  The bills main sponsor, Representative Gauthier, when asked has not been able to answer how taking away a landlords income and booting out tenants would benefit anyone by removing the properties certificate of occupancy. One might argue that the tenant could go after the landlord but if a municipality is not recovering funds chances are the tenant would be in a long list of creditors and hard pressed to recover any as well. The City tax bill would take precedent. This bill only really punishes those that have no control of the situation. It doesn't really support cleanup efforts, research or mitigation of any hazards no matter how large or small. It does not support New Hampshire businesses and development. The bill as proposed actually can make or force the absentee owners want to hand the keys or abandoned it.
  
  I can provide you with an example. The case of Topstone Mill in Claremont. Using this as an example the city opted not to take it for past taxes owed as it has exterior ground issues at the rear corner of the lot on the fence line. NHDES has been involved since day 1 of the discovery. One of the owners fell ill and the remaining out of state partners in the LLC have been using the buildings limited income to navigate the process of addressing whatever is found of the fence line to mitigate it. Funds being
  already limited and a current case before the Land of Board and Tax
  Appeals arguing the buildings assessed value have delayed addressing the tax issue. The municipality does not have the funds nor should it be on tax payers to address the ground issue. Communication has been maintained and site assessments have been conducted by a licensed firm and monitored by NHDES. The building has a current certificate of occupancy and is up to
  code.
  
  The bill I believe is contrary to the benefit of the public and the
  opposite goal is achieved by giving an option of removing the certificate of occupancy and any income. If someone was arguing a properties value it could assist in only proving the case that the building would be deemed less valuable before the Board of Land and Tax Appeals. Any City or Town could end up having to "inherit" an Abandoned property like they do with other properties that run in to abandoned disrepair, having to spend local taxpayers dollars to mitigate any hazards. This makes it highly unlikely anything would be recovered.
  
  I use Topstone as example as I believe that is where this bill comes from. Representative Gauthiers public social media posts can be found online and lead me to believe this. When asked questions Representative Gauthier kept referring back to the "local option" section of the proposed bill. In fact local option already exists by opting to take or not the property in any tax deed period. A municipality may opt to wait for better times to act.
  
  In closing I would like to stress this proposed bill could punish tenants who choose to invest in a city or town. It is also a punishment in this case towards property owners who work to make things right and not walk leaving taxpayers holding the bag. I am concerned this would hinder development and expansion of local businesses knowing this could happened at any time. If a municipality doesn't believe taking the property by tax deed would be in it's best interest why would the option to financially
  restrain the owner make any sense. This would hinder mitigation of any issues. The municipality and potentially the State could end up having to take on additional financial burden as it relates to cleanup and stewardship. In this one case alone it would have dire consequences on several employers in this example property. 9 tenants, a restaurant, manufacturer and 48 employees. total. I understand Representative Cloutier after seeing the unintended consequences removed his name from supporting the proposed bill . He came to see the ripple effect and meet with local employers alongside Representative Gagnon. Requests on my behalf to
  Representative Gauthier to do the same were denied. I thank you for
  hearing me on this issue. I would be in attendance to testify as not only a business owner in an example property but as an 8 year City Councilor recently reelected in my community but unfortunately I am away on other business.
  
  Thank you,
  Nicholas J. Koloski
  3 Princeton Street
  Claremont, NH

• Francis Gauthier (Tuesday, August 12 25 05:23 pm EDT)

  Here’s your conservative New Hampshire GOP rebuttal to the “Para Legal” comment, making it clear we’re talking *specifically* about Topstone, not some general statewide issue, and exposing the diversion tactic:
  
  ---
  
  ## **Conservative Rebuttal: Keep the Spotlight Where It Belongs — On Topstone**
  
  It’s telling that instead of addressing the *specific facts* surrounding the Topstone Building and Councilor Nick Koloski’s involvement, the “Para Legal” defense immediately tries to drag this conversation into a broad statewide debate about brownfields, HB1212, and other municipalities.
  
  Let’s be clear:
  We’re not here to relitigate every contaminated property from Keene to Nashua. We’re talking about **one building** — the **Topstone Mill** in Claremont, New Hampshire. We’re talking about **one set of relationships** — between a sitting city councilor, the property owner, and the city’s handling of a lucrative tax abatement. And we’re talking about **one fundamental question** — whether there was a conflict of interest and whether taxpayers were put at risk.
  
  ---
  
  ### **The Attempt to Change the Narrative**
  
  What we see in Para Legal’s response is a classic political move: when the heat’s on, change the subject. Instead of directly addressing the issue — that Koloski involved himself in legislative testimony on a matter tied to a property where he had a business relationship — they pivot to a laundry list of unrelated environmental horror stories around the state.
  
  That’s not a rebuttal; that’s a deflection.
  
  ---
  
  ### **Topstone Is Different**
  
  The Topstone case isn’t about a city inheriting a toxic mess by accident or struggling to clean up an abandoned site.
  It’s about:
  
  * **A property with an existing tax abatement deal** negotiated under a cloud of potential conflicts.
  * **A city councilor testifying on legislation** that could affect how properties like Topstone are handled — while having his own business interest tied to the same building.
  * **An ongoing pattern** of portraying oneself as a victim while quietly benefiting from inside connections.
  
  This is a Claremont-specific problem, with Claremont-specific facts, and no amount of “look over there” will change that.
  
  ---
  
  ### **Why This Matters for Taxpayers**
  
  Every time an official with direct ties to a property weighs in on policy that could impact that property’s financial future, taxpayers should be asking questions. Every time the discussion gets pulled away from those questions and toward vague “statewide trends,” transparency dies a little more.
  
  The Topstone situation isn’t a hypothetical, it’s happening right here, right now, and the public deserves a straight answer — not a political filibuster dressed up as a legal analysis.
  
  ---
  
  **Bottom Line:**
  The Para Legal comment is a masterclass in changing the subject. But New Hampshire taxpayers — especially here in Claremont — know better. We’re not going to get distracted by statewide smoke screens when the fire is burning in our own backyard.

• Enough Already (Tuesday, August 12 25 03:33 pm EDT)

  Francis are you falsifying peoples letters or public documents? The city did not have claremontnh.com addresses, Koloski address is incorrect and your copy pasted and altered actual testimony doesn't even make sense. Jim Sullivan you harbor this garbage here? Even the outgoing email is incorrect. I has seen Koloskis letter and that is not his handy work. Are you off your meds? You have not protections when attacking someone's character. I would be very careful before he owns 8 Trinity Street via court action.

• Para Legal (Tuesday, August 12 25 03:05 pm EDT)

  If you followed along and like facts, HB1212 posed such a threat to local authority, tenants, and community economic development. You should probably stick to facts and not attempt to redraft a letter from Koloski that is not even the actual letter or testimony. He also never resided at 3 Tremont Street. Your desperate grasps are really looking weak.
  
  Allowing revocation of Certificates of Occupancy (COs) at the state level undermines the essential role of local inspection and oversight, putting responsible property owners and tenants at risk.
  
  Your example of the Topstone Mill remediation effort shows the harm that could be done by disrupting cooperative efforts with DES and municipal partners.
  
  Raising this bill without fully understanding its impacts—and letting it proceed as a "scare tactic"—was a serious misstep. It would have set a harmful precedent and rewarded absentee ownership instead of supporting local entrepreneurial recovery.
  
  
  
  You fail to highlight that the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) submitted a letter echoing these same concerns, reinforcing that local remediation efforts—when coordinated—work effectively and should not be overridden by legislation like HB1212.
  
  Legislative Pushback Was Real
  
  In fact, several lawmakers who initially lent their names to HB1212 later withdrew their sponsorship once they were made aware of the bill’s unintended impacts. That exodus of support speaks volumes about the flawed process under which this proposal advanced.
  
  Former Rep. Gauthier's HB1212 would have dangerously shifted power away from local municipalities and accountable remediation pathways. Further, DES’s own submission confirmed that localized, collaborative remediation is the most effective route.
  
  The fact that multiple legislators removed their names from the bill once the consequences were explained reflects how poorly this bill was vetted—again underscoring the importance of local governance.
  
  Thank you for raising these points so clearly and persuasively Francis or Arlene or A.I.
  
  
  
  Adverse Effects When a Municipality Is Forced to Take Tax-Delinquent Brownfield Properties
  a) Financial & Environmental Liability
  A municipality inherits not only unpaid tax debt but significant liability—cleanup costs for brownfield sites can easily escalate into the hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars. Without grants, the financial burden can cripple local budgets.
  
  Example: In Keene, the cleanup of a former railroad brownfield cost $800,000, aided by loans and support from DES and EPA. NHDES+10REDC+10Somersworth+10
  
  b) Hinders Economic Redevelopment
  Contaminated, municipally owned properties become landlocked—unlikely candidates for private redevelopment, increasing blight and losing out on property tax revenue.
  
  c) Resource Drain & Unstaffed Complexity
  Managing contamination requires environmental expertise and grant-writing—straining municipal staff already stretched thin on municipal services.
  
  In cities like Nashua, redevelopment often depends on federal and state funding—without it, brownfields remain stalled. Nashua+1
  
  d) Legal & Liability Risk
  New Hampshire law allows municipalities to refuse a tax deed if acquiring it would expose them to environmental liability. RSA 80:76 explicitly empowers this option. Manchester+3Justia Law+3New Hampshire Municipal Association+3
  
  
  
  
  Real NH Brownfield Cleanup Examples
  Keene (Former Railroad Site): Cleanup cost was $800,000, supported by REDC, DES, EPA, and private partners for redevelopment. Northeast-Midwest Institute+9REDC+9US EPA+9
  
  Nashua (Mo hawk Tannery): EPA is overseeing a $31 million cleanup, with $9.5 million in federal support enabling residential redevelopment on a previously abandoned industrial property. US EPA+2Somersworth+2
  
  Summary of Impacts Combined
  If required to take such contaminated properties:
  
  
  The tax base is eroded—communities lose out on both immediate and potential future revenue.
  
  Cleanup liability is high and can exceed a municipality’s capacity, especially in smaller towns.
  
  Redevelopment stalls, turning brownfields into long-term blighted holdings.
  
  Staff and fiscal resources get diverted from essential services to environmental and legal management.

• Francis Gauthier (Tuesday, August 12 25 02:55 pm EDT)

  Here’s a **New Hampshire conservative GOP rebuttal** to Nick Koloski’s 2018 letter to the legislature, dismantling his “victim card” narrative and pointing out the contradictions and omissions.
  
  ---
  
  ## **Rebuttal: The Truth Behind Nick Koloski’s Letter to the Legislature**
  
  Nick Koloski’s 2018 letter to the New Hampshire Legislature, opposing HB1212, is a textbook example of a politician trying to cloak a private interest in the language of public service — while sidestepping the real issue: fairness for taxpayers and accountability for property owners.
  
  Let’s break down his claims and put them in context.
  
  ---
  
  ### **1. “Misuse of powers best left at the local level.”**
  
  HB1212 was designed to allow municipalities to restrict occupancy of commercial properties with delinquent taxes and environmental issues. That’s not “misuse of power” — that’s ensuring public safety and fiscal responsibility.
  
  In practice, “leaving it at the local level” in Claremont has meant sweetheart deals, pre-hearing settlements, and artificially low assessments that shift the burden onto every other taxpayer. Koloski’s call to keep it “local” ignores the fact that local politics is exactly where the influence of well-connected insiders is most effective.
  
  ---
  
  ### **2. “Tenant hardship” and the “victim card”**
  
  Koloski leans heavily on the idea that this bill would hurt innocent tenants — like himself. But here’s the problem: when you choose to rent in a property with known code violations, environmental monitoring, and tax delinquency, you accept that risk. That’s not an attack on tenants — it’s a fact of business.
  
  This “victim card” framing tries to turn a policy debate into a sympathy play. In reality, HB1212 wasn’t about punishing legitimate tenants — it was about pressuring owners to fix problems instead of letting unsafe or non-compliant buildings continue in use for years on end.
  
  ---
  
  ### **3. “The landlord has navigated the process with DES approval”**
  
  Yes, and the property still had open DES files, monitoring wells, and code issues cited in city records. Koloski admits in his own letter that the case was pending before the Land and Board of Tax Appeals and that remediation was ongoing. That’s precisely why HB1212 mattered — it would prevent partial, long-term use of such properties until they were brought fully into compliance, protecting both tenants and taxpayers.
  
  ---
  
  ### **4. The glaring omission: the tax deal**
  
  In his entire letter, Koloski fails to mention the **massive 76% assessment reduction and \$222,725 tax waiver** the Topstone Building later received — a deal that remains on the books to this day. Whether he directly arranged it or not, he had a financial stake as a tenant and adjacent property owner, and he fought against legislation that could have made such arrangements less lucrative.
  
  ---
  
  ### **5. “Economic growth” vs. reality**
  
  Koloski warns that HB1212 would undermine economic growth. In reality, allowing unsafe or non-compliant properties to remain in use without full remediation undermines both safety and the integrity of the tax system. Economic growth built on selective enforcement and insider deals isn’t real growth — it’s a rigged game.
  
  ---
  
  ### **6. The conservative position**
  
  * **Rule of law over political influence** — Environmental and tax enforcement should apply equally to everyone, no matter how connected they are at City Hall.
  * **Taxpayer protection** — No property should get a tax break so steep that it shifts the burden onto working families and small businesses.
  * **Transparency** — Legislators and the public deserve to know when an elected official is advocating for legislation that benefits his own landlord.
  
  ---
  
  ### **Bottom line**
  
  Koloski’s letter wasn’t a defense of the people of Claremont — it was a defense of a status quo that keeps a favored property open, keeps rents low for insiders, and leaves taxpayers holding the bag. HB1212 threatened that arrangement, so out came the victim card, the selective facts, and the “protect the tenants” talking points.
  
  Conservatives in New Hampshire should see it for what it is: another example of why local government needs more sunlight, not less — and why legislative safeguards like HB1212 are sometimes necessary to keep the playing field level for the taxpayers who don’t have a seat at the insider’s table.

• Francis Gauthier (Tuesday, August 12 25 01:32 pm EDT)

  HB1212 concern from a local business owner and City Councilor
  Nicholas J. Koloski
  nkoloski@claremontnh.com
  Mon, Jan 22, 2018 at 2:14 PM
  To: peter.hickey@leg.state.nh.us
  Dear Representative Peter Hickey,
  This email is being sent to address my concern with HB1212 as proposed. I feel that this bill opens the door to a massive misuse of powers that are best left at the local level. Cities and towns should retain the authority to inspect and issue landlord CO’s. Denying a tenant who would offer consistent rent is unfair to the property owner and can hinder economic development when that tenant wishes to begin or grow a business. This would be an extremely bad precedent.
  The bill’s main sponsor, Representative Gauthier when asked had not been able to answer easy access to any landscape mowing businesses or tenants who would become anxious by removing the prospective certification of occupancy.
  One might argue that the tenant could go after the landlord but if a municipality is not foreclosing from chance can the tenant be in a worse state. For example if you purchased a property to occupy as well as to have a tenant, would you be able to find financing or secure any permit usage of the site? This doesn’t accomplish cleanup of the site; it only really pushes longer the time frame to get usage or justification of any hazardous to mother usage.
  In effect, it forces out many legitimate NH businesses and tenants due to politics. It does not support the NH marketplace and other legitimate use that could be much better handled. It makes no sense for them absentee owners want to hand the keys or abandon it.
  I can provide you with an example. The case of Topstone Mill in Claremont. This is a property the city agreed not to take in 2014 over the fence lines. Fencing had been removed since day one of the discovery. Use of the fence still has the landlord limiting the use of the property and the City of Claremont agreed to put in monitoring wells to safeguard the process of remediation. The landlord in this instance has navigated the process with DES approval in a number of instances. The Land and Board of Tax Appeals have this case pending today and have the funds now allocated to the site to address these guidelines. Two City-owned funds and snow shoveling have been kept as a means beyond insurance. Communication has been maintained and site amendments have been conducted by a licensed firm and monitoring wells have been kept.
  The bill I believe is contrary to the benefit of the public and the opposite goal is achieved by giving an option of revoking the certificate of occupancy and moving forward. This sets a precedent where a property owner could spend money on remediation and still have their CO removed, leaving the property to having to “sit” in abandoned property limbo. The City of Claremont is working to market the property with the local owners having the best interest of the tenants and the city in mind which is highly unlikely anything would be abandoned.
  I use Topstone as an example as I believe that is where this bill comes from. It seems to be a scare tactic used to question property owner’s ability to operate. This bill allows question on possible fraud on impact that I cannot believe the NH marketplace would be happy with. I feel this bill is not necessary and we have the proper channels already in place to take care of the property tax issues rather than speculatively ramp up to worst for better times to exist.
  In closing I would like to stress that this proposed bill could punish tenants and property owners unnecessarily while having no real impact on addressing the underlying issues. The City of Claremont, in the case of Topstone, is already actively engaged with the property owner to address environmental concerns in cooperation with DES. Passing HB1212 could disrupt that progress, harm tenants who are operating legitimate businesses, and undermine economic growth in our community.
  Thank you,
  Nicholas J. Koloski
  3 Fremont Street
  Claremont, NH

• Mike (Tuesday, August 12 25 01:32 pm EDT)

  Francis, I agree that the assessment is low and that Nick benefits from the situation. But you haven’t pointed out the conflict of interest. He doesn’t set the assessment and he has no control over the assessment. If he did have control over it, that would be a conflict of interest, but unless you can prove that he or his landlord are paying off the assessor, you have no argument. Just a series of disconnected facts you keep repeating.

• Francis Gauthier (Tuesday, August 12 25 01:04 pm EDT)

  Here’s a **New Hampshire GOP-style conservative rebuttal** addressing each of those comments directly, sticking to facts, dismantling the spin, and calling out the double standards.
  
  ---
  
  **To Dennis**
  You’re missing the point. The criticism isn’t “innuendo” — it’s documented in city records, legislative testimony, and property tax cards. The Topstone Building received a 76% assessment reduction, a \$222,725 tax waiver, and a “percent good” rating of 2% — numbers that still stand today. That means every other Claremont taxpayer is subsidizing a politically connected property. Whether or not Koloski personally pushed the abatement through, he is a tenant in that building, purchased adjacent property that will benefit from any redevelopment, and lobbied against legislation that could have affected his landlord’s property. That’s not rumor — that’s **conflict of interest 101**.
  
  ---
  
  **To Brian**
  Name-calling isn’t an argument, it’s a dodge. If you want to defend Koloski, explain why a multi-million-dollar property is still assessed at \$299,300 and why the taxpayer is covering the difference. Explain why a sitting councilor is testifying in Concord to protect a property he rents from, while telling the public he’s “just a tenant.” These aren’t made-up scenarios — they’re public record. If you think holding officials accountable is a “fantasy,” maybe the problem isn’t the facts — it’s your willingness to face them.
  
  ---
  
  **To Dennis (response to your second point)**
  Exactly — facts matter. And the fact is, every time someone points out the numbers, the conflicts, or the optics, Koloski’s defenders default to character attacks instead of addressing the substance. That tells you everything you need to know about the strength of their case.
  
  ---
  
  **To Brad**
  You claim “nobody cares,” yet here you are spending your time defending him. The “bigger picture” you speak of is precisely why this matters — if politically connected properties get sweetheart deals while the rest of us pay full freight, it undermines trust in local government. And as for “there are certain people you don’t go after” — that’s exactly the mentality that breeds corruption. In New Hampshire, no one is above accountability, especially not elected officials.
  
  As for personal insults, they’re the weapon of last resort when you can’t dispute the facts. The facts remain:
  
  1. Topstone’s tax deal is still saving the owner hundreds of thousands.
  2. Koloski’s role as a tenant and adjacent landowner creates a vested interest.
  3. His legislative testimony against the occupancy-restriction bill directly benefited his landlord.
  
  That’s not “painting good as bad” — that’s **calling out conflicts and demanding fairness**. If that makes you uncomfortable, it’s because the facts hit too close to home.
  
  ---

• Mike (Tuesday, August 12 25 10:38 am EDT)

  Dennis, I haven’t seen one actual criticism of Nick yet. It’s a lot of innuendo and a lot of “just asking questions.” Nick doesn’t control the assessment of Topstone and he never had a say in the tax abatement. He bought an undeveloped area next to his business. What did he do wrong?

• Brian (Tuesday, August 12 25 10:36 am EDT)

  "Dennis" or James or Francis or Arlene. Leaves the rest of us out of your fantasy love triangle. You can call me whatever you like. Doesn't change the real facts. If you chose made up speculation that's fine. Francis is a moron. Ask around.

• Dennis (Tuesday, August 12 25 10:32 am EDT)

  Francis has used facts to justify his legitimate criticism of a shady city councilor. Brad, you are just throwing mud and name calling because you cannot argue against the facts. Or should I call you Nick Koloski?

• Brad (Tuesday, August 12 25 08:01 am EDT)

  Francis. If you have not figure out by now nobody cares about your rantings. Responding over and over with a rebuttal is making you look even dumber. You lost. You should learn by now there are certain people you don't go after and try to paint their good as bad. We all know sorry is a word you won't use and only a real man would understand the bigger picture. You should go back to the days you used to show up to council meetings crying about dog poop in the city. That is your legacy. I can't wait for your to use a.i. to break down a rebuttal. I am surprised a.i. has not told you that you are a loser at this point. O'Connor is right. You are and appear to the community as an asshole. You don't realize Koloski represents a large majority of the region not just a few bitter uneducated people like you do.

• Francis Gauthier (Monday, August 11 25 09:16 pm EDT)

  .
  
  ---
  
  **Rebuttal – Concerned Taxpayer**
  
  When the only defense offered is name-calling and “bro” jokes, that’s a sure sign there’s no real counterargument. Let’s get a couple of things straight:
  
  1. **This is not “just 2018.”**
  The Topstone Building’s artificially low assessment and 2% “percent good” rating from that flawed 2018 deal are **still in effect in 2025**. That means the tax bill is still artificially low, and the rest of Claremont is still making up the difference. The year it started doesn’t erase the fact that it’s an ongoing arrangement benefiting the same connected parties.
  
  2. **Accountability doesn’t have an expiration date.**
  If a bad deal is still on the books, it’s fair game for public scrutiny — especially when the beneficiary is still a public figure. The passage of time only matters if the problem has been fixed. It hasn’t.
  
  3. **Popularity isn’t proof of integrity.**
  Claiming Koloski “garnered more support in 1 hour” is meaningless unless you believe politics is a popularity contest instead of a question of ethics, fairness, and fiscal responsibility. Crony deals don’t become good policy just because someone has fans.
  
  4. **Insults aren’t a defense.**
  Calling people “deranged” or “asshole” doesn’t change the math, the public records, or the conflict-of-interest concerns. If there’s a factual rebuttal to the documented tax abatement, the sweetheart assessment, and the adjacent land purchase, by all means — present it. But personal attacks are just noise meant to distract from the substance.
  
  At the end of the day, this isn’t about who “wins” an argument thread — it’s about whether Claremont taxpayers are being treated fairly. If someone wants to defend the Topstone deal, they should explain **why** one property is valued at \$299,300 when it would cost nearly \$4 million to replace, and why everyone else is expected to pick up the slack.
  
  That’s the conversation we should be having — not playground-level name calling.

• Rick (Monday, August 11 25 09:14 pm EDT)

  This may have happened in 2018 but nothing has changed since then. The property is still only 2% good rating so the building should either be condemned or the building really is better than 2% and this is a tax dodge perpetuated by the assessor and the city leaders and taxpayers are making up the difference in their property tax bill to support the bloated city budget because city officials do not know the meaning of the word thrifty.

• Sarah (Monday, August 11 25 07:50 pm EDT)

  Frank you kinda sounds deranged dude. You are talking about an issue in 2018 not 2025. You can keep using a.i. to push a narrative but even a.i. thinks you are a tool. Give it a rest bro. I think Koloski garned more support in 1 hour and feedback than your entire page in years. Put the keyboard down bro.

• John J. O’Connor (Monday, August 11 25 07:29 pm EDT)

  Hey Frank… I just looked up the word “asshole” and I was shocked to see your face.

• Francis Gauthier (Monday, August 11 25 06:50 pm EDT)

  New Hampshire GOP firebrand op-ed**, incorporating all the prior rebuttals, the public exchanges, and now Nick Koloski’s own statement — with a conservative, fact-focused takedown pointing out the omissions and contradictions.
  
  ---
  
  ## **Claremont’s Topstone Scandal: Cronyism, Conflicts, and the Never-Ending Victim Card**
  
  *By a Concerned Taxpayer*
  
  In a healthy city government, facts speak louder than spin. In Claremont, the spin machine works overtime — especially in an election year. Once again, the *Topstone Building* controversy is in the spotlight, and once again, Councilor Nick Koloski is playing the role of the misunderstood public servant while conveniently skipping over the most uncomfortable details.
  
  Let’s get back to the facts — because they matter.
  
  ---
  
  ### **The Numbers Don’t Lie**
  
  * **2018 Deal**: The Topstone Building received a **76% property assessment reduction** and a **\$222,725 tax waiver** — erasing roughly **97% of its tax debt**.
  * **Building Percent Good Rating**: Dropped to an absurd **2%**, meaning the city claimed the building was 98% useless. If that were true, it should have been condemned for safety. It wasn’t — in fact, it was and is in use, including by Koloski’s own businesses.
  * **Current Assessment**: Just **\$299,300** for a building with a replacement cost of nearly **\$4 million**. The taxpayers of Claremont are footing the difference.
  
  That’s not a “molehill,” as some defenders claim. That’s a mountain of lost revenue — revenue the rest of us are forced to make up.
  
  ---
  
  ### **The Parking Lot Story Doesn’t Add Up**
  
  Koloski now frames his purchase of adjacent land as a noble effort to prevent a junkyard from forming. But here’s what’s missing from his narrative:
  
  1. That land directly benefits the Topstone property — the same property tied to the massive tax break.
  2. Being an adjacent landowner positions him perfectly to profit in any future redevelopment deal.
  3. Calling it “just parking” is like calling a gas station “just a shed” — the value is in what it enables.
  
  He admits he split costs with his landlord — who happens to be a co-owner of Topstone — but glosses over how such financial entanglements can create **influence and leverage**, whether or not he technically “recused” himself in 2018.
  
  ---
  
  ### **The Victim Routine**
  
  Koloski claims he’s been “attacked” for 14 years and blames critics for election losses, calling them smear artists. This is the well-worn political tactic of turning legitimate questions into personal vendettas. It’s not about whether he’s “accessible” by phone or “nice” in conversation — it’s about whether public resources and public trust are being safeguarded.
  
  He boasts of transparency because he didn’t use a registered agent to hide his name on LLC filings. That’s fine — but listing your name on paperwork is the bare minimum. Real transparency means avoiding conflicts of interest, explaining the full financial relationships, and being willing to open the books when taxpayers start asking questions.
  
  ---
  
  ### **The 2018 Excuse**
  
  Koloski insists the Topstone tax deal was flawed, that he recused himself, and that it was “years ago.” Here’s the problem:
  
  * The artificially low assessment and 2% rating **still exist today**, keeping the tax bill far below what it should be.
  * He still operates businesses in the building.
  * The taxpayer is still paying the price.
  
  Time doesn’t erase bad policy — it cements it. And if it’s truly “flawed,” then where’s the call from Koloski to fix it now?
  
  ---
  
  ### **The Network of Influence**
  
  The problem isn’t just Koloski. It’s the culture of Claremont politics:
  
  * **Jon Calkins**, Koloski’s business partner and Topstone co-owner.
  * **Stephan Hamilton**, interim city assessor who’s kept the 2% rating in place.
  * City employees moonlighting in ways that raise safety and ethical concerns.
  * A City Council that has historically looked the other way when insiders benefit.
  
  This isn’t “fiscal conservatism.” It’s **cronyism dressed up as civic duty**.
  
  ---
  
  ### **A Conservative Call to Action**
  
  As New Hampshire conservatives, we believe in:
  
  * **Fiscal Responsibility**: No more sweetheart tax deals for politically connected properties.
  * **Transparency**: Public officials must disclose and avoid conflicts — not explain them away after the fact.
  * **Accountability**: When flawed policies are identified, they must be corrected, not allowed to quietly persist for years.
  
  Claremont taxpayers have been carrying this burden for too long. We deserve leaders who aren’t afraid of sunlight, who welcome hard questions, and who put the people ahead of their own business arrangements.
  
  Nick Koloski may answer his phone — but it’s time he answer **to the taxpayers** about why a multi-million-dollar building is still taxed like a shack, why his business sits inside it, and why he seems more interested in consoling himself with his SOC friends and liberal mouthpieces than confronting the hard truth.
  
  Until that happens, the so-called “negativity” is just the sound of the people doing the job City Hall won’t.

• Francis Gauthier (Monday, August 11 25 06:12 pm EDT)

  **Response from a Concerned Taxpayer – Brian**
  
  You can dress this up however you want, but the facts remain the same: this isn’t about whether Nick Koloski is “nice on the phone,” “serves good food,” or “plays a mean game of bingo.” This is about a taxpayer-funded sweetheart deal on the **Topstone Building** that gave away **\$222,725** in tax obligations and dropped the **Building Percent Good Rating** to an absurd **2%**, all while Koloski operates three businesses inside the same property and positions himself to profit even more when redevelopment comes.
  
  For those defending him:
  
  * **John O’Connor**, saying “nothing has happened in a decade” isn’t proof of innocence — it’s proof of a lack of accountability in Claremont. When the same people benefit from the same system year after year, it’s not because there’s “nothing there,” it’s because the insiders have made sure nothing changes. And by the way, “prospering and expanding” while getting massive tax breaks at everyone else’s expense isn’t a virtue — it’s a red flag.
  
  * **Jim Sullivan**, your point about being blocked from reading a City Councilor’s posts is exactly the problem — elected officials shouldn’t be cutting off constituents from accessing public commentary related to city affairs. That’s not transparency; that’s information control.
  
  * **Kalen**, mocking people and tossing around “AI” insults doesn’t change the property records, tax assessments, or the glaring conflict of interest. Waving it away with “he went back in the pool with a cocktail” is exactly why some politicians keep getting away with this — because their friends treat serious questions like a joke.
  
  * **O’Connor again**, throwing personal insults at Francis Gauthier to avoid discussing the issue is just more deflection. Attack the argument, not the person. The documents and numbers don’t care who typed them.
  
  * **Briaenn**, I’m glad you like his cooking, but this isn’t about the menu or bingo night. This is about the taxpayer being left with the tab while the politically connected walk away with the benefits.
  
  * **Bill**, your last line might be crude, but it cuts to the truth — political habits are contagious in small cities with no checks and balances.
  
  And let’s not forget — Koloski is already cozying up to his SOC friends and little liberal mouthpieces again, playing the victim, consoling himself in the echo chamber. That’s the oldest trick in the book: turn legitimate questions into a sob story and hope the outrage dies down.
  
  This isn’t “axe grinding.” This is demanding fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability from people who hold public office and control public money. If Koloski and his defenders want the criticism to stop, the answer is simple:
  
  1. Justify the tax breaks with evidence that they served the public, not private gain.
  2. End the conflicts of interest.
  3. Open the books and let the people of Claremont see the full truth.
  
  Until then, the rest of us will keep asking the questions they don’t want to answer.

• Lori (Monday, August 11 25 06:10 pm EDT)

  Sully you sound like a whiny bitch. Koloski blocked me because I stalk him so I am going to trash him. Need a tissue?

• Ed (Monday, August 11 25 05:54 pm EDT)

  James Sullivan. If someone stole my photos, mocked me, allowed a website they own to call me gay, insult me, attack my business and family I would block you as well. Are you crying? I call bullshit on the fact checking. One of you sits in meetings and the other watches from TV at home. One has a successful record and the other nothing to show. Let's take his businesses posts which are done by employees for marketing. You post "articles" about it. You can seperate parody and real life. You choose your actions. People don't choose for you. Time to grow up Jim. Perhaps you have not figured out the more you 2 assholes go after him the more the city stands up for him. If you did to me what you do to him I would not only block you I would knock your teeth out. Good things it is not me. It is just anyone who serves on a board.

• John J. O’Connor (Monday, August 11 25 04:37 pm EDT)

  Jim,
  I have never had a problem connecting with Nick. He has always been assessable and has answered my questions in a thoughtful and timely manny.
  You have been after Nick for over a decade in regards to his Topstone affiliation and absolutely nothing has happened because of it.
  Nicks business prospered and expanded during that time. You are great for his business, unpaid advertisement.
  Time to give it up Jim but I will give you credit for one thing .. at least your posts are your opinions and not generated by AI, like your boy Frank .

• Jim Sullivan (Monday, August 11 25 04:14 pm EDT)

  John, Nick Koloski blocked me on Facebook years ago because I was fact checking and correcting some of his postings with the truth and I stated the source of the truth. Nick could have started posting accurate information to the public but instead he chose to blunt me instead to stop the fact checking and corrections. Nick is a Claremont City Councilor At Large so I am one of his constituents and he is preventing me from reading his comments on Facebook and I have been told that many of those comments are relative to city affairs. So what does that say about Nick Koloski? Francis is a private citizen Nick Koloski is not!

• Kalen (Monday, August 11 25 04:01 pm EDT)

  Poor Francis ranting like a nut job with AI. Meanwhile Koloski went back in to the pool with a cocktail. Compare track records homes.

• John J. O’Connor (Monday, August 11 25 03:58 pm EDT)

  Frank Guathier has blocked me also on Facebook. He doesn’t write his own posts and he blocks people that disagree with him.
  That says all you need to know about his character.
  Frank, before you respond via A.I., just know, you are embarrassing yourself more than you usually do. I say this because I care about you and don’t want people laughing at you .
  Sound out your words or let your wife help you write your reply, I sure she won’t mind.

• Briaenn (Monday, August 11 25 03:30 pm EDT)

  Yo why you all mean to my man kowlisku?? He’s my friend and serves great food and has great bingo skills. Stop attacking him please. What fed her ever do to any of you? Kowlisku for mayor of clerking. Love Brian.

• Bill (Monday, August 11 25 01:22 pm EDT)

  Nelson must have learned how to fuck the taxpayers from Koloski

• Francis Gauthier (Monday, August 11 25 01:09 pm EDT)

  Nick Koloski as a “master of identities”**, clearly points out the three-writer dynamic in the thread, calls out his sympathy-seeking victim act, and ties it back to the Topstone property controversy.
  
  Here’s a cleaned-up, firebrand draft:
  
  ---
  
  **Opinion: Koloski’s Many Faces — and the Taxpayers Paying the Price**
  *By Francis Gauthier*
  
  If you’ve followed the latest drama, you’ll notice something odd: three “different” voices all defending Councilor Nick Koloski with near-identical talking points — **John O’Connor**, **Brian**, and an unnamed “concerned citizen.” But if you’ve been around Claremont politics long enough, you know exactly what’s going on.
  
  Nick Koloski is a master of identities. He’s been doing this for years — hopping between his own name, friendly mouthpieces, and outright fake identities to push the same narrative: that he’s just an innocent, hardworking guy under attack from mean old critics.
  
  The truth? This is **Koloski, Koloski, and Koloski again** — with maybe one or two actual friends sprinkled in. It’s a chorus sung in harmony, but all with the same conductor.
  
  Before the **Topstone** tax-break debacle, Koloski was already running the same playbook. Always looking for sympathy. Always portraying himself as the helpless victim. Always saying he “recuses” himself when the heat’s on — all while the deals line up in his favor.
  
  Here are the facts that matter to taxpayers:
  
  * **Topstone property** gets a **76% assessment reduction** and a **\$222,725 tax waiver** — erasing nearly all of its debt.
  * The **Building Percent Good Rating** magically drops to **2%** — which would mean it’s basically condemned… unless you’re getting a sweetheart deal.
  * Koloski runs multiple businesses in that very building, enjoys the artificially low costs, and just happens to scoop up adjacent land — perfect for future redevelopment profits.
  
  You can call that “cleaning up the neighborhood” if you want. But in the real world, that’s called **positioning yourself for a payday** while taxpayers foot the bill.
  
  The defenders in this thread can huff and puff about whether I block him on social media or whether AI helps me write — it doesn’t change the numbers, the deals, or the smell of cronyism hanging over City Hall.
  
  Claremont taxpayers deserve straight answers, not sock-puppet defenses and a victim act. And until we get them, I’ll keep calling it like it is — no matter how many “personalities” show up to try and shout me down.
  
  ---

• Richard (Monday, August 11 25 01:01 pm EDT)

  Koloski posting under false names again. So obvious.

• Mike (Monday, August 11 25 11:37 am EDT)

  Sorry Francis but you’re an idiot. I gotta take John’s back on this one.

• Brian (Monday, August 11 25 11:36 am EDT)

  The building Koloski recused himself in every conversation and has publicly stated the city judged it up and should have let the state decides it fate? That building? So he is already in business with the owner as a leasing tenant so in 5, 10, 15 years as that or any relationship grows and businesses grow he should form any further businesses relationships. Make sense. Are you mad you didn't buy land that could be worth something before he did? Sort of the point of buying property. You clearly don't anything or want to talk to him or ask him. What a legacy you leave. He said to me once try to leave a place better than you found it. You should try that. I am pro team Koloski as most the region is. That must really frost your rear.

• Jake (Monday, August 11 25 11:27 am EDT)

  Francis. Perhaps you don't want answers. I just spoke with Koloski who said and showed me you have him blocked on Social media. You publish this speculative trash attacking him and his businesses. He just said to me he is aware you and Jim scour public documents and it is why he left everything public and didn't use a paid registered agent which would have left his name off everything. You too scared to allow him to respond on your page huh? Always a coward. I stopped down to see him. He's mowing the field he purchased with his new llc to clean up the neighborhood. Why don't you do what he does and put your money where your mouth is. What have you invested in to this community? Jobs, business? Anything? O'Connor atleast says it to your face. Koloski told me you see him in public and act like a scared bitch. Unblock him if you want to offer the public truth in matters. You won't. You are a mouthpiece and that is all. First Arlene had to write all your content now it is A.I. You think you would have learned the first time when you got pulled aside at the state house. Is Topstone the building you went after in the statehouse and lost?

• John J. O’Connor (Monday, August 11 25 10:21 am EDT)

  Frank.. amazingly intelligent writing, that’s how I knew it didn’t come from you.
  I’ve never gone to a GOP dinner more have I ever smiled to your fave and stabbed you in the back. Unlike you, I always use my God given name and use my own words to convey thoughts and have no problem expressing those thoughts to your face.
  Again, unlike you …

• Francis Gauthier (Monday, August 11 25 09:54 am EDT)

  Response from a Concerned Taxpayer – Brian,**
  Francis Gauthier
  You’re missing the forest for the trees here. This isn’t about whether someone *answered your phone call* with a smile — it’s about whether the arrangement benefits the taxpayers of Claremont or just the insiders who keep circling the same block.
  
  Let’s be clear:
  
  * The **Topstone property** was given a **76% assessment reduction** and a **\$222,725 tax waiver** — wiping out 97% of its tax debt. That’s not “a molehill,” that’s a mountain of taxpayer money gone.
  * The **Building Percent Good Rating** was dropped to an absurd **2%** — which either means the building is unsafe and should be condemned, or someone is gaming the system.
  * **Councilor Nick Koloski** runs three businesses inside that very same building, benefits from artificially low rent, and just happens to have purchased adjacent property — which, in any redevelopment deal, will make him a prime beneficiary.
  
  You say the land purchase was to “clean it up for parking.” Fine — but parking for *what*? For the very building tied to this tax break scheme. In the real world, that’s called **positioning for profit**.
  
  Transparency isn’t just “listing your name on an LLC.” Transparency is about avoiding conflicts of interest, recusing yourself from votes that benefit you financially, and ensuring the taxpayers aren’t subsidizing your business arrangements through backroom deals.
  
  You can dismiss this as “mud slinging” if you want, but real conservatives believe in accountability, fiscal responsibility, and rooting out cronyism. This isn’t personal — it’s about whether City Hall is operating for *the people* or for *the connected few*.
  
  Koloski may answer your phone calls, but I’d rather he answer to the **taxpayers** about why a multi-million-dollar property is assessed at \$299,300 while the rest of us make up the difference.

• Francis Gauthier (Monday, August 11 25 08:33 am EDT)

  Alright — here’s the **fully rewritten, firebrand version** with **both John J. O’Connor and Wayne Hemingway** in the crosshairs, blending all the points you’ve made into one hard-hitting opinion piece.
  
  ---
  
  **Opinion: When the “Operators” Do Nothing but Run Their Mouths**
  *By Francis Gauthier*
  
  Politics is like running heavy equipment. The machine can be powerful, but it’s only as good as the person at the controls. Put a skilled operator in the seat, you get progress. Put a bad one in there, you get disaster — or worse, nothing at all.
  
  Sadly, in New Hampshire politics, we’ve got too many bad operators collecting paychecks while pretending to work.
  
  Take John J. O’Connor. He was supposed to be a GOP friend. But when it suits him, he’ll play nice up front and stab you in the back the minute it’s convenient. His latest cheap shot? Saying my opinions aren’t really mine because I use AI as a tool. That’s political laziness disguised as criticism. It’s like saying a carpenter isn’t building the house because he uses a power saw. The ideas, the vision, the arguments — they’re mine. The tool just helps me deliver them faster.
  
  Then there’s Counselor Wayne Hemingway — another Sullivan County GOP member, a State House representative for Claremont, and a city councilor. Instead of reaching out and asking a question like a professional, he comes out swinging with “fake news.” That’s his answer. No conversation, no inquiry, no leadership. Just a lazy label. And when it comes to actually getting things done? Wayne, like John, seems to specialize in doing nothing.
  
  Both of them are classic examples of the “two-faced Republican” problem we’ve got in this state. They’ll smile at you at the GOP dinner, slap your back at the parade, and then undermine you in public when it serves their clique. They’d rather protect their little inner circle than fight for the people who elected them.
  
  Here’s the truth — if we don’t clean out the do-nothing, backstabbing wing of our own party, the Democrats won’t have to beat us. We’ll beat ourselves. And the people of Claremont, Sullivan County, and New Hampshire will be the ones paying the price.
  
  So to the real conservatives out there — it’s time to demand better operators. Because a machine — whether it’s a bulldozer, a city council, or the State House — is only as good as the person running it. And right now, too many of ours are just idling in neutral while pretending they’re building something.
  
  ---

• Tom (Monday, August 11 25 08:20 am EDT)

  Nick Koloski's multiple personalities are all coming out to try to save his declining reputation. Nick we all know it is you spreading more lies. Give it up.

• Jamie (Monday, August 11 25 07:27 am EDT)

  You must not understand business and the sole purpose of an active NH llc, laws and rules for such if you even ask that question Jim. You reach expert level on small business now? That was fast.

• Brian (Monday, August 11 25 07:23 am EDT)

  Right James. We all know you don't take documents, public ones at that, and twist them into a narrative that fits your narcissist mind. A public documents that could choose to use a registered agent and not list their names as you have pointed out in the past. Here is another example of trying to make a mountain out of a mole hill. Thank you proving Koloski is transparent by publicly listing the names. It was established to purchase a parcel of land to clean it up for parking. That would be logical. The same land you announce Player Three purchased on its own. How do I know? I picked up the phone. For a guy who surely could tell me to go pound sand he answered my question without hesitation. Just calling him to ask doesn't fit your narrative and personal axe grinding. Nice try at diverting attention over the fact you don't ask, you just mud sling. Better luck next time! I asked him if he is running for office again. Another thing you won't do.

• John J. O’Connor (Monday, August 11 25 06:27 am EDT)

  I served 2 years with Frank Guathier in the Ststehouse and there is no way on Gods green earth he wrote that opinion.
  Frank has become a Wizard Master of A.I. Those are not his “opinions” those are computer generated.
  You’re better than that Frank !!!

• Jennifer (Monday, August 11 25 05:29 am EDT)

  Jim Sullivan gave us a lot to think about with his article about Mrs. Bates and the condition of the city government. The city council led by Dale Girard, Debora Matteau, Nicholas Koloski and Wayne Hemingway are failing everyone. Other places have strict criteria for qualifications for their managers and I believe Mrs. Bates would not qualify for employment in any community the size of Claremont or larger. Other places pay their managers by their individual qualifications. Our city councilors paid the top rate for someone who would not qualify for the job. Jim Sullivan is right about Mrs. Bates’s failures in the finance office. She is not the right person for the city manager job. The city councilors are setting up Claremont for more years of failure by not doing the work to search for a qualified candidate.

• Jim Sullivan (Sunday, August 10 25 07:14 pm EDT)

  In regards to Green Grass Holdings LLC, that is simply a notice from the Secretary of State for failure to pay the annual fee and file the annual reports and that the LLC will automatically be discontinued if this is not rectified, which has not happened yet because the deadline has not passed. The annual report may be filed and the fees paid by then. Presently the LLC is not good standing. It doesn't change the fact that Koloski started a business with one of the owners of the Topstone Building. Besides, even if the LLC is discontinued by the Secretary of State who is to say the LLC will not continue to operate? Nice try to divert attention away from the truth. Better luck next time.

• Jim Sullivan (Sunday, August 10 25 06:58 pm EDT)

  Five new articles published today on the News Flashes page of this website.
  
  1) What do other New Hampshire communities paid their Municipal Managers and how does Claremont's Government compare?
  
  2) New information services regarding CDA property sale. This is a good deal?
  
  3) Council & Acting City Manager hold unnecessary non-public meeting to hide information from the public!
  
  4) Another Granite Mic podcast; another wasted opportunity to better inform the public!
  
  5) Opinion!

• Andrew C. (Sunday, August 10 25 06:48 pm EDT)

  So it really seems Jim needs new projects because it is the same name calling rehashed stories over and over. You probably should do better homework. Another search of the LLC shows zero business was conducted under the one you found. No federal ID and a voluntary resolution meaning llc withdrawn. Please tell me you know nothing without telling me you know nothing. By the way. My lawn care company is the new keyholder as of 2024 for Crescent Street. I also purchased a neighborhoring property diagonal. I was warned about this page from the seller. I wasn't ever going to say anything on here but, have to a moment to call you out on false information. Perhaps call the secretary of state or call Koloski directly and ask him his plans. For some reason you don't like going directly to anyone in the know. You rather publish false information and pretend you are a journalist. The rest of your rantings I can't comment on but, they could be as factual as your lazy research on the topic I do know. Try to do better for your community Mr. Sullivan.

• Fred (Sunday, August 10 25 05:48 pm EDT)

  What counselor spent time with MR.Beast? Where is the video of this?

• Brandon (Sunday, August 10 25 01:18 pm EDT)

  I can help explain in simplest terms as people here seem to eat paint chips for lunch. The contacts for the city manager of the city of Claremont were immediately changed once someone is let go. I happen to know as 2 days later I got a reply from the acting managers. The city managers office email and phone number never change nor does the fact that whomever calls the phone number gets the receptionist on the phone. So please continue with the fake story of missed opportunity. Did you know a Claremont City Councilor just spend time with Mr. Beast in his offices and on set? Is this why there is the fake story? Be real odd if they were in the same room but couldn't reach anyone in Claremont. Jim is a stalker and surely has had seen the trip of someone who works on TV and film from our region being a guest at YouTube. I did and it is all my teenager has been talking about. By all mean post the actual contest details. You can enter a contest but can't figure of the internet to copy and paste as someone suggested? Gabby the new Betty?

• John J. O’Connor (Sunday, August 10 25 12:51 pm EDT)

  Gabby,
  When was the last time you walk down Sullivan Street?
  Irregular boxes smack in the middle of the sidewalk, plus it looks incomplete.
  It’s easy to blame Yosi but he has 9 bosses and they see the same thing I see so it must be acceptable to them.
  See it for yourself.

• Remmi (Sunday, August 10 25 11:18 am EDT)

  I love how Yoshi is still going around telling people he is the active city manager in Claremont. He also still states on his Linkden he is the City Manager of Claremont still. I can understand how Beasts team may of got confused with trying to contact the city manager if Yoshi is still promoting himself as our city manager.

• Gabby (Sunday, August 10 25 11:09 am EDT)

  John Pleasant street was just fixed, and Sullivan street just got a new sidewalk. Why on earth would these things need to be fixed again in such little time?

• Brian (Sunday, August 10 25 08:24 am EDT)

  Copy and paste the email. Post it on wuc?

• John J. O’Connor (Sunday, August 10 25 08:09 am EDT)

  Jim,
  You need to find out when the city is going fix that mess at Sullivan St. and Pleasant Street, it looks awful and makes the city look ridiculous.
  Who in their right mind approved that, who puts irregular flower boxes in the middle of the sidewalk ? Probably the same people that approved a Stop sign in the middle of a sidewalk !

• Chloe (Saturday, August 09 25 08:14 pm EDT)

  I have an email I can share. Anyway to share a photo here?

• Todd (Saturday, August 09 25 05:17 pm EDT)

  Fake user "Chloe". You would have no issue posting a link to this contest that you won then right. Your post is just like the same dude that posts fake stuff on FB that Aldis will be coming to Big Lots etc. You mix real events like cathole conversation at the council level with fake info. Cathole just got posted as a discussion on the city website with a grant funded federal study. No fake contest award. Do you think Yoshi and Mr. Beast had each other's cell phone numbers. You think when you email the manager or his office it's still goes to Yoshi? All bullshit information. Find a hobby besides this fake crap.

• ? (Saturday, August 09 25 04:22 pm EDT)

  Where is the real Jim Sullivan?

• Chloe (Saturday, August 09 25 02:12 pm EDT)

  MR Beast is coming February 14th to Cat Hole Road. They couldn’t get in contact with the city because they still had Yoshi listed online as the city manager when they were reaching out. They were able to reach out to Bates and the police. The city says they will approve the Cat Hole road being shutdown for the event as long as certain conditions are met. I do not know what those conditions are but Beasts team says they will be met. Expect more info to be posted on What’s up Claremont and discussed at a planning board meeting and a city council meeting in September.

• Jim Sullivan (Saturday, August 09 25 08:53 am EDT)

  Boy, the Internet Trolls are busy today. I did not write the comments attributed to me at 6:09 AM. I am not banning anyone from posting on this Public Forum. Someone, presumably from within the City Government, is really nervous about this public discussion about how Nancy Bates' compensation as Acting City Manager compares to what is paid in other communities. They should be, especially with what I am going to write about it along with the proof, which will all be published tomorrow.

• Sam (Saturday, August 09 25 06:29 am EDT)

  Bill,
  Franklin has had its fair share of problems recently; Newport's manager's pay is up there due to a residency stipend. Durham doesn't have a city manager, it has a town administrator who does the work of what it takes 3 people to do in Claremont and nearly has 2000 more people living in it and has a state university in its community, so it's justified. Lebanon's median household income is $96,676 compared to Claremont's median household income of $54,520. That's a difference of $42,156, therefore Lebanon's tax base can handle the city managers salary. When it comes to "similar town populations" Concord has a population of 44,629 compared to Claremont's 13,111. To call that similar when one community has 31,518 more residents living in it then the other is an unfair comparison especially when Concord happens to be the state capital with all the perks of being the seat of state government. They have a city manager who raises everyone's taxes every year and somehow his salary goes from $192,026 just a few years ago to $250,000 ,yeah that's something we should not be replicating especially with a "city" like Claremont with a population of 13,111 that has a poverty rate of 15.2%, that means nearly 2000 residents of the 13,111 are living in poverty and you want to give this current city manager a larger salary than the governor of New Hampshire. Something's not right here!

• Jim Sullivan (Saturday, August 09 25 06:09 am EDT)

  Rebecca wrote the comment at 5:16am EDT. This is the real Jim Sullivan. I don’t want reb her and will actively look for ways to ban zir.

• Jim Sullivan (Saturday, August 09 25 05:16 am EDT)

  Rebecca, I did not write that post attributed to me at 5:01 AM this morning. It appears that this topic and my involvement is making one or more public officials quite nervous. I tend to do that to them. Rebecca, I want to publicly thank you for your comments because it sparked an interesting thread of information and I am going to do an article about this topic and publish it tomorrow. This will contain good information for folks to ponder. Thank you.

• Jim Sullivan (Saturday, August 09 25 05:01 am EDT)

  Rebecca stop talking

• Jim Sullivan (Saturday, August 09 25 04:57 am EDT)

  Bill, you will see why tomorrow. Your information is misleading.

• Bill (Friday, August 08 25 09:07 pm EDT)

  Well I just googled cities that had similar town populations and found news articles with quoted city manager compensation. Took all of 2 minutes. Found some cities that hadn’t hired a manager in a long time so the numbers were old and ignored those. Not sure why grains of salt are needed.

• Jim Sullivan (Friday, August 08 25 04:21 pm EDT)

  Take Bill's quotes with a grain of salt. You will all know why on Sunday as I am doing an article about what Municipality Managers get paid in New Hampshire. Reserve judgment till then when you see the proof.

• Bill (Friday, August 08 25 03:32 pm EDT)

  Zil, I just did a little googling for similar cities and found out that newports town manager makes 135k, franklins city manager makes 160, lebanons city manager makes 170, durhams city manager makes 173, and concords city manager makes 250. So I dont think your zip recruiter stats are remotely correct.

• Rebecca (Friday, August 08 25 03:14 pm EDT)

  Nancy Bates salary is $152,000.

• Bill (Friday, August 08 25 01:10 pm EDT)

  Liberal Democrats have ruined Claremont for years. Expect more taxes in the future. This council is the worst I have ever seen, and it keeps getting worse every meeting.

• Zilrose (Friday, August 08 25 12:20 pm EDT)

  “Bill”,
  
  According to zip recruiter the NH average is $112,000:
  
  https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/City-Manager-Salary--in-New-Hampshire
  
  How much does our untested, newbie acting city manager make?
  
  It does not pay having a bunch of liberals negotiating salaries!
  
  -Z

• Bill (Thursday, August 07 25 04:26 pm EDT)

  How much do other city managers make?

• Rebecca (Thursday, August 07 25 03:20 pm EDT)

  Why is Nancy Bates getting paid more than the governor of New Hampshire? For a "city" with a population of only 13,000 she's getting paid roughly $35,000 more than the average annual salary for a city manager in the state of New Hampshire.

• Insider (Thursday, August 07 25 01:31 pm EDT)

  Shut up Dennis

• Dennis (Thursday, August 07 25 11:07 am EDT)

  Who is resigning?

• Insider (Thursday, August 07 25 10:52 am EDT)

  True. Very temperamental. It’s eggshells for everyone. I’m considering resigning because I’ve had about enough

• Sally (Wednesday, August 06 25 04:45 pm EDT)

  You mean desire for people to actually earn their keep, not make excuses and be held accountable. Oh, poor tax funded city employees. The Claremont taxpayer bleeds for you.

• Gabby Simpson (Wednesday, August 06 25 04:22 pm EDT)

  I just went through a divorce. Does anyone know of any of our city council members are single? I really want my road paved. Thanks

• Denny (Wednesday, August 06 25 04:20 pm EDT)

  Why the heck did they resign? Who’s going to do their work now?

• Brian (Wednesday, August 06 25 01:01 pm EDT)

  Nancy Bates is destroying employee morale with her harsh tone and uncontrollable temper. She is not cut out to be a city manager.

• Jonathan Nelson (Wednesday, August 06 25 10:46 am EDT)

  Jim,
  
  Thank you for the response, though I found it lacking. You ignored my point about your repeated mistakes. It seems you expect your own errors to be graciously overlooked while offering no grace or understanding to anyone else in this city.
  
  I’ve acknowledged my culpability on this issue. The city may very well have the legal right to cancel the 79-E on the technicality of a missed but plainly wrong deadline. That’s a legal question that neither you nor I are qualified to answer. But you also ignored the larger question of whether they should.
  
  So I’ll ask you directly: do you really believe the city should revoke a 79-E for any project that goes over the stated deadline? Even when that deadline was never discussed by the City Council, was never discussed with me, was not in the resolution read by the Council, and was clearly inserted into the covenant by a city staff member in error? Then, when that deadline approached and passed, and the city knew the renovation was hadn’t even begun (through multiple inspections and direct conversations), the deadline was never raised, and no extension was ever discussed?
  
  Is that really how we encourage investment in Claremont? Or is that how we ensure no one will ever want to do business in this city again?

• Insider (Wednesday, August 06 25 05:43 am EDT)

  2 massive resignations coming this week
  hook up hallway strikes again

• Duh (Tuesday, August 05 25 08:01 pm EDT)

  I call bullshit on your Mr. Beast contest claims. If this page stalked a city councilor as much as it seems to you would note given his public posts that he was just a guest of Mr. Beast at YouTube Hq. Here is Jim bitching about videos of a Lemu and this dudes is youtubes guest. Jim is always asleep at the wheel. If there was truth to this they had a city councilor in their offices and would have no problem getting in touch with the city.

• Tom (Tuesday, August 05 25 01:47 pm EDT)

  The slash lines were put in about a week after Ohearne spoke up at the council meeting. That was a few weeks after the sign was placed in the middle of the sidewalk. Its an afterthought to cover up a screwup.

• Zilrose (Tuesday, August 05 25 12:24 pm EDT)

  “Bill”,
  This stop sign issue is a part of the DEI rollback mandated from the Trump administration. This is so callous, cruel, and unnecessary when they could have put the sign back in its original spot.

• Richard (Tuesday, August 05 25 12:24 pm EDT)

  It was always a sidewalk and it still looks like a sidewalk. Lame excuses are all the city is good for

• Bill (Tuesday, August 05 25 11:01 am EDT)

  I went and looked at the stop sign myself. Looks like the city is not considering it a sidewalk cuz they poured concrete sidewalks on the other side then just a did a strip of asphalt over here in front of the bank. The rest of this side of the street is grass against curb. I don’t think the stop sign will be moved.

• Jill (Tuesday, August 05 25 10:41 am EDT)

  City manager will only order it done when she is damn good and ready to and not before . She really is worse than Yoshi.

• I miss Betty (Tuesday, August 05 25 10:28 am EDT)

  Can Betty make a post to get the stop sign moved or go do it herself? She got the benches back on Pleasent street so she could sure get the stop sign moved.

• Gary (Tuesday, August 05 25 07:51 am EDT)

  Yes it is a ADA violation. CM Bates doesn't care. Ohearne told her a month ago and she did not do a thing about it. She is lazier than Yoshi. Stupid councilors will probably give her a big raise and tell her to keep up the good work.

• Jim Sullivan (Tuesday, August 05 25 04:59 am EDT)

  Jonathan, there is no question that the Claremont Planning Office under the “leadership” of Former Planning & Development Director Nancy Merrill bungled your Covenant application. You and your partner also bear responsibility for not carefully reading what you signed and agreed to do. As I stated in my last article, the deadline based on your project timeline stated on your application should have been April 1, 2022. Even if that proper deadline was given, you still missed that deadline by several years. In regards to Apartment #3, the cost of this renovation was used in your project budget on your application to qualify for the Covenant, so you can’t have it both ways by now saying that Apartment #3 had nothing to do with the Covenant. Simply put, you missed the deadline by several years and the Council was in my opinion, within its right to terminate the Covenant.

• RizzFranko (Monday, August 04 25 08:47 pm EDT)

  Isn't a sign in the middle of a sidewalk a violation of ADA?

• Zilrose (Monday, August 04 25 08:34 pm EDT)

  Mr Nelson,
  Isn’t that implied that you would rent those two apartments? I mean…they are apartments after all…that would speak to the public benefit. There are plenty of other people who would love to receive this sweetheart deal who are paying their fair share if taxes.
  Thoughts?
  
  Ultimately, it begs the question how many other people are falling through the cracks? I have no faith in the acting city manager to get to the bottom of anything.

• MR. NESTER (Monday, August 04 25 04:08 pm EDT)

  I don’t feel guilty cause I hate all you MuthaF*$kers. The city is so dumb that they even allowed this mistake and issue to go on so long. The city does nothing they take reports of things and issues and never act upon them. So no I don’t feel guilty. The people who should feel guilty are the people who elect these morons to the council who appoint a city manager then fire them then hire one within and have numerous job openings. Our community center sucks, it’s dirty and failing, our schools suck, pleasant street looks like S*it weeds everywhere and empty stores. Downtown looks like it’s getting better but the town doesn’t do anything about it. The city let Pike push them around like a baby in a stroller and got the Washington street project delayed for months. The resident of this city should feel embarrassed of who they elected and who work for this city. The taxes are high and I’m so glad I took advantage of the city and got mine lower than they should have. That’s everyone’s dream. Now it’s the residents job to elect better people who will do a better job get a good city manager and clean house and replace bad workers with good ones that know what they are doing. Oh maybe to attract a good worker it will cost an extra 10k per year in wages but will save the city half a million in mistakes per year. The city really needs to think.

• The Real Question (Monday, August 04 25 03:24 pm EDT)

  Does Mr. Nelson feel guilty for stealing from all the taxpayers of Claremont?

• Chloe (Monday, August 04 25 01:24 pm EDT)

  I won a MR.Beast Contest and he wants to do an event on my road (Cathole Road) he would need to close down the road for two days and will provide free transportation to anyone affected by helicopter or a special limo to stick to the theme/event he wants to host on my road. Anybody know the process of getting the city to close down a road and host events? They do it for Pleasant Street so I know it’s possible. MR Beasts team has been trying to get in contact with the city for a couple weeks now and they have informed me they have been unable to get in contact with anyone who could help me and will need to host event at the 2nd place winners place which is in Nebraska.

• Jonathan Nelson (Monday, August 04 25 01:20 pm EDT)

  The resolution Jim posted states "Whereas Jonathan Nelson & Berkley Heath plan to invest approximately $70,916 to substantially rehabilitate the Property into 2-3 apartments." I don't see anywhere that it requires us to actually rent the apartments. Of course we did rent unit 2 out as soon as we had permission, but if this had been another time and we couldn't find tenants to occupy unit 2, I don't see anything that makes the case that we would have been in violation of the covenant.

• Zilrose (Monday, August 04 25 11:31 am EDT)

  Mr Nelson,
  Was part of the deal to provide housing in those apartments at your residence or was it enough to have two refurbished apartments with zero tenants?
  I await your response.

• Jonathan Nelson (Monday, August 04 25 10:22 am EDT)

  Jim,
  
  You made this same "typo" back in your July 13th article about this issue. If it had only happened once, I’d understand. But the fact that it's repeated again, points to the deeper issue: a lack of editorial accuracy and a habit of twisting facts to fit whatever narrative you’ve already settled on.
  
  As for the claim that a certificate of occupancy for the third unit was required under our 79-E covenant, you’re entitled to your opinion. But the document itself is clear. It refers to a 2–3 unit building, which means that having two units with valid certificates of occupancy is sufficient to meet the terms of the agreement. The work outlined in our application: electrical upgrades, plumbing, and lead abatement, was completed in full. That’s not in dispute.
  
  Where things changed was at the very end of the project, when we were informed that a sprinkler system would be required to get the certificate of occupancy for the third unit. Around the same time, a bipartisan bill was introduced at the state level to eliminate that exact requirement for three-family homes. We had already expanded the project’s scope and budget several times, and we made the reasonable decision to pause rather than spend upwards of $100,000 on a sprinkler system that might soon be optional. That third unit was not a requirement of the covenant, and we acted accordingly.
  
  As for the project budget, the final tally for labor and materials was $255,435.70, a number I’ve shared with the City Council and would have gladly shared with you had you reached out before publishing. I don’t know why you and your oddly ChatGPT-obsessed friend Francis, insist on spinning this into a conspiracy. I invited questions. I encouraged contact. And once again, you published an article without all the facts. I’m left to conclude that this isn’t an oversight. This is a pattern.
  
  On the subject of the deadline: I appreciate your concession that the April 1, 2021 date would not withstand legal scrutiny. That’s correct. I’ll also acknowledge that the project took longer than expected. Delays from both the city and state pushed our start date to June 2021. We completed the work in July 2023, meaning the project took just over two years.
  
  That’s not unusual for this kind of work. This wasn’t a cosmetic flip. It was a full-scale historic restoration, subject to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards. It was also my first lead abatement project — requiring compliance with strict oversight from the EPA, OSHA, and the NH Department of Health and Human Services. Add in COVID-era supply chain disruptions and it’s obvious why this wasn’t completed within just one year.
  
  You wrote, “In my opinion, the City Council is well within their right to have terminated the 79-E covenant because of that incredibly missed deadline.” But you’ve already acknowledged that the deadline was legally flawed. So you're justifying the termination based on a clause you admit wouldn't hold up in court. That contradiction says more about your reasoning than it does about the law.
  
  Look, I’ll acknowledge that I should have read the covenant more carefully, and I shouldn’t have signed it with a deadline of April 2021. When we went before the City Council in the fall of 2020, we brought forward a good-faith proposal to restore a historic building. I wasn’t a real estate lawyer or a seasoned developer. I was someone with construction experience, trying to invest in my community and do something positive for the city. And we were guided through the 79-E process with help from city staff.
  
  Then we spent two years of our lives, and everything we had, executing on that project.
  
  The covenant may have had flaws, but the intent was clear, and the work was done. If that isn’t enough to earn the city's good faith, what message are we sending to anyone else thinking about investing in Claremont?

• Insider (Monday, August 04 25 06:17 am EDT)

  You think this is bad, you have no idea about the hook up culture.

• Charles (Monday, August 04 25 05:49 am EDT)

  Claremont’s city government reeks of incompetence and corruption. A planning board member benefits from a 79 E that was not completed in time with no extra taxation and a very low assessment for several years. Planning and assessing staff looked the other way for several years. A newly hired human resource director’s husband secures a high-paying job he may not be qualified for. Different skill sets are needed for a health officer and who knows if he has those skill sets. The CDA property sale looks shaky. If it was a good deal the CDA members would be telling us the details instead of hiding them. The councilors hire someone less qualified than Yoshi and she proves it by not moving a stop sign placed in the middle of the sidewalk creating a hazard for pedestrians. It is still in the same spot a month later. The DPW management is choosing road maintenance with favoritism to councilors and directors diverting public funds to increase their property values. Councilors are seizing property and buying them cheap at the tax sale. A councilor is operating his businesses on a Brownfield site in a building that should be condemned that the assessors have that is 98% dilapidated. If the building is in better shape than that then the assessors are not doing their job and giving another tax break that should not be given to a property owner associated with a councilor leasing space in their building. Firefighters and other city employees are holding down second jobs and the taxpayers may not be getting the full benefit of employing these people with good pay and benefits. $200,000 of tax dollars is being gambled to hire a consultant for plans for a weather system for the airport to put in a grant to buy the weather system and the city may not receive the grant. This is to benefit Mayor Girard and other people who own airplanes in Claremont. The airport never needed such a weather system before. This benefits wealthier residents when roads need to be fixed but the Mayor’s road isn’t one of them. Folks need to wake up and see that we are being taken advantage of and we are paying high taxes and others are getting the benefits of those high taxes as they are using their influence to benefit themselves.

• Keith (Monday, August 04 25 02:51 am EDT)

  Nancy Bates is worse than Yoshi Manale. That stop sign on Franklin Street is embarrassing the city. The sign should have never been placed there at all. The DPW director and his assistant are incompetent. They are authorizing roads and sidewalks maintenance for city leaders and ignoring other streets in worse condition and the stop sign shows a level of stupidity that is beyond belief. If Nancy Bates was a good manager that sign would have been removed the day after Councilor Andrew O’Hearne told her at the Council meeting. Almost a month later and it is still there blocking the sidewalk. Yoshi Manale had many faults but he would have had that stop sign removed immediately. Claremont does not need a city manager not cut out for the job and Nancy Bates is not cut out for the job. If the city councilors cannot see that and let her keep the job then we need to fire all of the city councilors this next election.

• Carla (Sunday, August 03 25 10:24 pm EDT)

  Jim your dislike of certain councilors blocks your ability to hear or see fact. Koloski never said city employees were not to blame. He indicates more than once the city dropped the ball and goes on to point out delays, contact with a citizens and how permits are not being closed out and passed along to assessing. He actual states "I hope the city manager is hearing this". Are you really going to continue this non reporting and putting words in people's mouths. You want to pretend to be an informative reporter and educate the public, then actually pay attention to the meetings and take notes. Your commentary is negligent and sloppy. I have never weighed in here before but the more I actually watch city meetings it is clear to me you do not pay attention. A small child can read demeanor, tone and figure out what is being said faster than you apparently can. Do better.

• Tom (Sunday, August 03 25 09:15 pm EDT)

  it is public record.

• Unknown (Sunday, August 03 25 07:18 pm EDT)

  Posting peoples addresses is a low thing to do.....
  
  This site needs to be removed

• Jim Sullivan (Sunday, August 03 25 04:47 pm EDT)

  Five new articles published today on the News Flashes page of this website.
  
  1) Was the Hiring of Claremont's New Chief Building Inspector and Health Officer Nepotism & a Conflict of Interest?
  
  2) 31 Myrtle Street's 79 – E – Another Look.
  
  3) News of the Bates Administration's idiocy spreads! Bates' abysmal leadership turns Claremont into a public laughingstock!
  
  4) CDA Property Sale Update; A Wasted Opportunity!
  
  5) What is going on with the sale of 17 Water St.?

• Baily (Sunday, August 03 25 02:50 pm EDT)

  What’s Reddit?

• Fred (Sunday, August 03 25 10:27 am EDT)

  Replacing the Eagle times with the Sullivan report ain’t a bad idea. Thanks for proposing that idea. Maybe Jim will do it?

• Road Crisp Arbies (Sunday, August 03 25 07:32 am EDT)

  You meant to say the same moronic user that posts on reddit that the Eagle Times has closed and was replaced with the Sullivan Report with a link whined about a sign on a street that has a curb and tar with stripes. Perhaps find a real hobby besides jerking off Jim Sullivan. Francis does have soft hands though and Arlene sure does like to watch.

• Gabby (Saturday, August 02 25 04:22 pm EDT)

  Kevin I didn’t believe Cindy at first until I saw your comment. Glad a majority of NH residents are able to see how much of a joke Claremont is.

• Kevin (Saturday, August 02 25 03:45 pm EDT)

  https://www.reddit.com/r/newhampshire/comments/1mdkb85/claremonts_new_sidewalk/

• Cindy (Saturday, August 02 25 02:48 pm EDT)

  I saw the Claremont Sullivan Street Stop Sign in the middle of the sidewalk picture on the front page of New Hampshires Reddit page today.

• Ayotte Bans Sex Changes for Minor Children (Saturday, August 02 25 02:05 pm EDT)

  Weeks after her controversial veto of a bill restricting biological males from women’s spaces, Gov. Kelly Ayotte on Friday signed legislation banning sex-change procedures for minor children — a move signaling the Republican governor is largely in step with her party, and with voters, on the issue.
  
  “Medical decisions made at a young age can carry lifelong consequences, and these bills represent a balanced, bipartisan effort to protect children,” Ayotte said.
  
  “I applaud Governor Ayotte for signing HB377 and HB712, which protect minors in New Hampshire from harmful cross-sex hormones and irreversible surgeries,” said Rep. Lisa Mazur (R-Goffstown), primary sponsor of both bills. “These commonsense safeguards, strongly supported by Granite State voters, ensure children aren’t subjected to life-altering medical interventions they can’t fully understand or consent to.”
  
  “New Hampshire is now the first state in New England and the Northeast to take this important step to protect vulnerable youth. I’m proud to stand with families across our state in putting children’s safety and well-being first. Thank you to my colleagues and Governor Ayotte for their leadership.”
  
  Democrat opposition was nearly universal. Only one Democrat in the New Hampshire Legislature, progressive Rep. Jonah Wheeler (D-Peterborough), voted for both bills. Rep. Dale Girard (D-Claremont) also voted for HB 377.
  
  Granite State voters, however, overwhelmingly support the legislation. A July 2025 NHJournal/Praecones Analytica poll found that New Hampshire voters back the ban by a margin of 69 to 16 percent.
  
  Ayotte and the GOP majority also have the U.S. Supreme Court on their side. In June, the court ruled 6-3 in favor of Tennessee’s right to ban sex-change treatments for minors.
  
  Democrats suffered significant defeats in the November 2024 elections, and many political observers say one reason was the party’s perceived extremism on gender issues. Vice President Kamala Harris, for example, supported taxpayer-funded sex-change operations for illegal immigrants in prison — a position critics say contributed to her loss in all seven swing states. In New Hampshire, Democrats went from a nearly even split in the House of Representatives to a 222–178 GOP majority following two years of advocacy for biological males in girls’ sports and opposition to restrictions on sex-change procedures for minors.
  
  -Michael Graham

• Jiffy Dilliams (Friday, August 01 25 08:44 pm EDT)

  Hey J. Dubbs, just so you know writing the same fake protest over and over against the planning office under the same IP address and pretending it is different users doesn't really work. Good software has exposed you. Did you pay your violations yet that you owe to the Claremont taxpayers for the illegal junk yard nuisance you ran or the other neighborhoods you popped up in with fake business. You are now online begging for money. Get a job ya bumb.

• WTF (Friday, August 01 25 08:08 pm EDT)

  George, you know what he’s going to be eating for lunch then

• George (Friday, August 01 25 07:53 pm EDT)

  New Chief Building Inspector is the HR Director’s husband..that’s not a conflict of interest or anything.

• Time to take a stand (Friday, August 01 25 07:46 pm EDT)

  It’s time to take a stand against the city of Claremont. It starts with planning and development. All they are is a waste of tax payer money and space. We could use the visitor city has something that has meaning and not public offices. You have employees who are way over paid for what they do. Half the time they don’t even answer calls or show up. Building inspector can go to fire department, city planner can go to anyone qualified, project manager can be dpw problem and the rest can just go find new jobs. The money we save from them can go to new roads, maintenance on city buildings, parks and more. It’s time to see where our taxes are really going. To people who make a difference and not sit behind the desk.

• Dirty hands (Friday, August 01 25 04:14 pm EDT)

  Drain your balls in Jims fat ass.
  Sweetheart, backroom , secret society deals is all a make believe story from lazy keyboard warriors who do nothing and expect everything. Fuck you and all the rest of you winey bitches

• Drain the Claremont Swamp (Friday, August 01 25 08:33 am EDT)

  For every Jonathan Nelson getting sweetheart deals, there’s a single mom in Claremont struggling to pay her full property tax bill. For every lazy bureaucrat like Austin Ford, there’s a hardworking taxpayer getting fined for a zoning violation or late fee.
  
  This ends now.
  
  We don’t need more excuses. We don’t need finger-pointing. We need a bonfire lit under this city government—and it starts with citizens getting mad, getting organized, and getting involved.

• Ben (Friday, August 01 25 08:16 am EDT)

  Jim please buy the water street building

• Sarah (Friday, August 01 25 07:28 am EDT)

  Richard is right. Jim is not the problem. He tries to help Claremont.

• Richard (Friday, August 01 25 07:22 am EDT)

  Jim doesn't create the news he reports it with government documents that prove that what he is reporting is the truth. The city leaders cause the trouble and creates all of the crisis in Claremont. Jim even suggests solutions and that is way more than all of the city leaders are doing.

• Mayor McCheese (Friday, August 01 25 06:31 am EDT)

  Jim keeps investors away.
  Investors search Claremont, find his BS and move on.
  Jim is a cancer on the community. He is afraid to do anything real time or in person so he leaves his Yellow journalism, sensationalism, misinformation, and disinformation here to harm not only those he targets but Claremont as a whole.

• George (Thursday, July 31 25 07:14 pm EDT)

  Why haven’t we sold the water street property yet? I was told we bought it for half or and we still can’t sell it.

• Kevin (Thursday, July 31 25 03:55 pm EDT)

  Talk about Pleasant St did anybody else notice a druggie last week who was only wearing small blue undies and nothing else. He was walking down Pleasant St in broad daylight completely cracked out waving his arms and legs around erratically covered in scabs and sores while holding what looked like a clump of his own hair that he had just ripped out of his head, he then made his way around the corner onto Sullivan St. WTF! is going on in Claremont!

• Nick (Thursday, July 31 25 02:49 pm EDT)

  Reed optical is moving out from pleasant street.

• Jonathan Nelson (Thursday, July 31 25 01:21 pm EDT)

  It was not in the packet because I didn’t get the info to the manager until after the 16th, when the packet went out. It was my understanding that the information could’ve been provided to the city council anyways, but perhaps I was mistaken. It’s something I’d like to figure out.

• Zilrose (Thursday, July 31 25 12:34 pm EDT)

  So when did the acting city manager receive the materials from Mr Nelson…why was it not in the council packet?
  
  Here we go again!!!
  
  Ultimately, the city council did the lazy thing again in hiring this person…why can’t we get real leaders in this fair city?

• Jonathan Nelson (Thursday, July 31 25 11:41 am EDT)

  I appreciate the question Fred. I did receive tax relief for two years and that’s exactly what I told the council. The 79-E covenant was for 7 years, so no we did not save money. We’ve lost 5 years of tax abatement that we agreed to with the city.
  
  I thought that the tax relief was due to the 79-E, not due to some error by the assessing department. Because from the perspective of the tax bill, they’re the exact same thing. But it is now my understanding that legally, it is different. I don’t plan on asking for the full 79-E from this point forward. That would be unfair to my neighbors. But we are owed another 5 years of tax abatement.
  
  Finally, I could not attend the last meeting, and had no cell service or wifi for several days. Before I left, I sent the city manager all of the documentation the council asked for as well as a letter to give the council. This letter explained that I could not attend, and tried to shed light on the the timeline of the project and some other much needed context…some of what I’m laying out here today. When I finally got back to wifi and was able to watch the video, I was very surprised that none of that was given to the council.

• Fred (Thursday, July 31 25 11:07 am EDT)

  Didn't Nelson testify during the public hearing that he received the years of tax decrease? Shouldn't you be aware of what you got and didn't? I am trying to understand. You attend a meeting publicly state you received the benefit. In actually you just didn't see any increase when everyone else did. The cities error saved you money. A public hearing is set to come back with information for the council to make a decision and you don't attend or send a representative. If you were unavailable why wouldn't you request it be moved to another meeting. Now that you realize you did not get the benefit you want it even though you thought you had already received it. Something doesn't make sense. If you go to court good luck explaining public comment out of your own mouth followed by not showing up to the hearing. Hope you have documentation of communication if claiming such. A smart move would to enjoy the years of lower taxes you did get by error and remain quiet. The city has no way to go after the difference. Sometimes it's best to remain silent.

• Jonathan Nelson (Thursday, July 31 25 10:50 am EDT)

  I’ll continue to monitor this page for the next week or so in case anyone has legitimate questions about what happened. I’m a taxpayer, I care about financial responsibility in our city, and I’m glad the Council is scrutinizing the 79-E process. I’m even fine with them scrutinizing me. I have nothing to hide. What I’m not okay with is the city illegally canceling the 79-E on my property after we completed the work we committed to, created the public benefit clearly outlined in our covenant, and then were left holding the bag due to staff turnover, poor communication, and policy breakdowns on the city’s side.
  
  As for the question of “trust in Jim,” I’ve already pointed out serious factual errors in his article. If he finds legitimate errors in my statement, I welcome the correction. But I suspect what he’ll present won’t be actual contradictions, but rather differences in interpretation, framed to cast suspicion.
  
  There’s a concept known as the Gell-Mann Amnesia effect, coined by Michael Crichton, that feels relevant here. The idea is this: You read a news story about something you know well and are shocked by how wrong it is, how it gets basic facts backward, confuses cause and effect, and misses key context. But then you turn the page and read about something you don’t know much about, and assume that story must be accurate. It’s a reminder that sloppy reporting is not limited to topics we’re personally familiar with. It may be happening everywhere, we just don’t always know when we’re being misled.
  
  Jim seems to do about 80% of the homework and then stops. That remaining 20% often contains the most important facts. And without them, it’s easy to create dramatic, misleading narratives about anyone. He doesn’t have editors. He doesn’t reach out to the people he writes about. And he rarely leaves his computer screen to verify anything in the real world. I check in here every few months out of curiosity, but I don’t trust what he writes. And until he improves his process, neither should any of you.
  
  Jim, I appreciate that you’re now listening. But you should have reached out before publishing your article, not smeared me with falsehoods and speculation. I’ll read Sunday’s follow-up with interest. If you’d like to do real journalism this time, ask me what you need to know.

• Dave Nelson (Thursday, July 31 25 09:25 am EDT)

  I went to Claremont savings bank with some non alcoholic beers in a cooler, and some popcorn. I sat down, and all they had playing was the news. I wanted to watch some sports but couldn’t find the remote. So I asked and they called the cops on me because they thought I was drinking in their lobby.
  
  I now have a no trespass order from there. The only free TV place I knew of has kicked me out. I really don’t want to go back to ass hair dingleberry Comcast and get sore in the ass again. Does anyone have other recommendations where I can watch free TV in Claremont?

• Special Treatment (Thursday, July 31 25 09:04 am EDT)

  Nelson is a thief and should be removed from all the boards he serves on. He clearly defrauded the city of tax dollars. Isn’t his father the director of the CCTV and prominent member of the Claremont Democrats?

• Tony (Thursday, July 31 25 08:42 am EDT)

  Jim is taking a second look at the Nelson 79 E matter and he found that Nelson said something wrong in his comments. Jim says he has the proof that bears Nelson and his partners signatures. Give Jim the chance to publish those documents and then comment about them. Jim has a solid reputation of saying he has something and then proving it. I think Jim will show the proof again on Sunday.. His comments upset someone or several people. When you piss in someone's Cheerios that is usually what happens.

• Susan (Thursday, July 31 25 08:03 am EDT)

  Treat fairly?
  Similar to Nick? Justin? Alex?
  To any city volinteer or official?
  How about fair treatment for Local non-profits and business?
  
  Nelson had the cahonies to coment that your half-truths and assumptions fall short of factual and now he get a fair shake.....okay!
  
  You snag one sided assumptions, publish them as fact and condemn anyone that fails to listen to you.
  
  Most who visit this site must agree it's is entertainment at best.

• Jimmy from the Block (Thursday, July 31 25 07:41 am EDT)

  I wish to treat everyone fairly. That doesn't mean I won't name call, ridicule and decipher facts incorrectly using my 2 years of public office as my entire resume to do so. I have never pulled a building permit, owned a home or paid a tax bill but I know thieves when I see one. I hang out with a few. They were also one term experts at governance. Francis has extensive knowledge in historic homes and drilling holes in floors for cameras. I am a narcissist so can't escape the fact I think I have higher authority than I do to expertly weigh in on topics in which I was never involved in the first place. I just chalk everyone that disagrees with me as a internet troll. I fail to see that is what I actually am. Thanks, James

• Jim Sullivan (Wednesday, July 30 25 05:08 pm EDT)

  Jonathan Nelson – Thank you for your very informative response; I appreciate it. I have decided to write a follow-up article for Sunday, where I will republish your statement on the Public Forum and go through your points one by one. I don't have time today to research everything but I did look up your original application that was published in the October 28, 2020 Claremont City Council Information Packet, which I have and I found some inconsistencies within the original application which both you and your partner signed compared to the comments that you made today on the Public Forum. I intend to publish that document to show everyone the inconsistencies and people can then draw their own conclusions. In regards to your comments about the City Code regarding permits what is required and what isn't, when I have time later I will fact check that and if you are correct I will state so in that article that will be published on Sunday, because I wish to be accurate in my reporting. I do intend to fact check everything that I can regarding your comments using the information I already have. If I don't have the information to fact check something I will state so as I will treat you fairly.

• Josh (Wednesday, July 30 25 04:13 pm EDT)

  Nelson is still a thief, no matter how he spins it.

• Just a neighbor (Wednesday, July 30 25 02:56 pm EDT)

  Sad to see John out here getting attacked by fuckin vultures.
  
  The guy puts effort in to Claremont, gets involved, make a difference and of course gets shit on by the keyboard thumping knuckle draggers who frequent Jims muck racking report.
  
  House elevates the entire street. Nice work Mr Nelson.

• Zippyhead (Wednesday, July 30 25 02:55 pm EDT)

  Dave, Go to the Claremont Savings Bank lobby and watch for free. They also have free coffee.

• Dave Nelson (Wednesday, July 30 25 02:34 pm EDT)

  Anybody know how to get live TV for cheap? Comcast has been pulling dingleberries out of ass hair for years with their prices, and I’m starting to get real sore from it, too old for this crap from them. Sincerely -Dave

• Zilrose (Wednesday, July 30 25 12:19 pm EDT)

  Mr Nelson protesteth too much!
  
  Y Tu Brutus?

• Jonathan Nelson (Wednesday, July 30 25 10:15 am EDT)

  Hi Jim,
  Regarding the 79-E issue at 31 Myrtle Street, I want to correct the record, for you and for your readers, since the facts of this project seem to be misunderstood and have generated some unwarranted speculation.
  You stated that the project had a deadline of April 1, 2022. That is incorrect. Per the covenant, which is public record, the deadline was April 1, 2021. I’ll return to that point shortly.
  You also claimed that I failed to file the appropriate permits for the work performed. That is false. The majority of the work at our house involved lead abatement and historic restoration, categories of work that are often exempt from permit requirements. According to the City of Claremont’s own website (https://www.claremontnh.com/permits), the following are explicitly exempt:
  “105.2 Work exempt from permit: Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work…105.2.2 Repairs. Application or notice to the building official is not required for ordinary repairs to structures.”
  Preserving and repairing existing windows, doors, siding, roofing, and other original architectural elements falls well within this exemption. The exception was our third-unit build-out, which did involve structural and mechanical changes. For that phase, we filed the appropriate permits, underwent inspections by both building and fire officials, and were found in compliance. No issue was ever raised by any city official regarding permits for the earlier exempt work.
  And let’s be realistic: if I were trying to “hide” work from city officials, would I have voluntarily gone before the Zoning Board, the Planning Board, and the City Council to seek approvals? I don’t control the city’s internal process for closing permits. If any remain open despite completed and inspected work, that is a matter for the city’s administrative system, not a reflection of noncompliance on my part.
  Now to the larger issue.
  The City Council’s role in this matter is to determine whether the 79-E covenant was violated. It was not. The agreement does not require the addition of a third unit to qualify for tax relief. What it requires is the substantial rehabilitation of a historic property, which is exactly what we did. That is visible to anyone who has visited or even driven past our house.
  At the time the agreement was approved, we had not yet received zoning approval for the third unit. That approval came on February 1, 2021. It would have been impossible, both legally and logically, for something we were not yet permitted to do to be a condition of the tax relief. Moreover, the addition of a third unit is not even defined as “restoration or rehabilitation” under the 79-E statute, and is therefore irrelevant to the covenant’s terms.
  The city council’s other role is to debate whether or not the public benefit underpinning the 79-E has somehow been diminished. That question was never raised or debated at the most recent Council meeting. And in truth, the benefit remains exactly as it was when the covenant was signed: a blighted historic home has been fully restored and maintained, preserving one of Claremont’s most prominent properties and contributing to the integrity of our downtown neighborhood.
  Now, back to the April 1, 2021 deadline. Yes, that date appears in the covenant, and on its face, it would suggest a technical breach. But it is abundantly clear that this deadline was inserted in error. The date was never discussed or approved by the Council, is not mentioned in my application, and makes no practical sense. We did not receive Planning Board approval until February 8, 2021. That would have left less than two months, in the middle of winter, to execute a full-scale rehabilitation of a severely deteriorated structure. That is neither reasonable nor feasible. Should this issue be appealed, I am confident the state will find the deadline unenforceable and immaterial to the underlying terms of the covenant.
  Finally, your repeated suggestion that I am a city insider is both unfounded and insulting. At the time of our 79-E application, I had lived in Claremont for only one month. I did not serve on the Planning Board or hold any other role with the city. The idea that my later volunteer service somehow retroactively makes me part of an insider scheme is not only inaccurate, it discredits the many residents who give their time to improve this community in good faith.
  Best regards,
Jonathan Nelson

• Nina (Tuesday, July 29 25 09:20 pm EDT)

  I imagine the bike shop, but can’t think of any city owned property that would support that inside? I’ve seen some indoor ones and they need to be pretty wide with a high ceiling.

• News from the hall (Tuesday, July 29 25 05:32 pm EDT)

  Overhead discussion today between a business and city officials making plans to put a indoor bicycle playground inside a city owned property.
  Can you guess who and where

• Henry (Tuesday, July 29 25 01:00 pm EDT)

  The community center is so dirty. How on earth does the city even allow it to be as dirty as it is?

• Cindy (Tuesday, July 29 25 10:30 am EDT)

  I've noticed. I'm switching my membership over to Planet Fitness when they open. I'm not alone many other members will be doing the same.

• Kathy (Tuesday, July 29 25 07:48 am EDT)

  The pool is still filthy. Doesn't anyone clean the community center? It is generally unkempt too.

• Jake (Tuesday, July 29 25 07:12 am EDT)

  Nah Tom, just another casual observer that also has friends and favorite restaurants. Of course in this arena that is hard to understand for the people like you that jiggle James balls like it is an honor. I don't know either individuals. Try hard to process that. You are not that arrogant Tom Luther fellow are you? That would make sense if you jiggle Jim's balls. Both low caliber contributors to the region that in their own mind think they command respect. Also never invited to anything. Makes sense now. Carry on peeping Tom.

• Mud (Monday, July 28 25 04:37 pm EDT)

  Bob sort of has a point. But there is a not so transparent side of public forums for projects that either are run by city department or sub committees that are there to drive a desired out come for a project.
  1. Claremont brownfield walk through in August. It looks like a public tour but is is a deceptive public input session. It is presented in a way to make it look like a presentation with a lead desired outcome. It does not proved a direct dialog to allow for option to be discussed. Due to the vagueness of the presentation it is assumed it will be the river walk area (visitor center park area from broad to spring streets and the state office building. What they are not going to tell you is that brownfield clean up work is separate from development. Despite the city can't do enough infrastructure repair with the tax base. The still insist that taxpayers should fund recreation walk/path and historic culture trail and historic building preservation. In short push on do the clean up as is pretty much paid for as a federal project. The development of the area should be paused until conditions improve. The focus should be on existing recreation trail systems and park facilities. As this will not provide any significant value. As this are will not provided any value income as a tourism destination. While on pause the historic material should be developed and can be used as apart of published materials to promote tourism passing through such as the visitor center when general open 9-5 M-F, again not general period for tourism passing through the area .
  2 . Recreation economy for rural communities program. This was crated as a way to pitch that mountain biking was going to save Claremont. That included all the outdoor park venues and trails and sheepishly included Arrowhead. This was sheepsly done purposely. At first glance was about the Arrowhead grounds but it was to include the lodge. What happen is there was no representative disustion or stake holders representing winter operations or and the public reserving the facility for both public and private events. In fact not even mention of park department events. like summer camps and shelter building, and tough mudder, and previous events that Martin was actually involved in his previous position. In actually Claremont is missing its mark should invested in ATV If they are truly want to score on the Tourism map.
  3. Rethink Pleasant street and glidden and broad, and parades Like brownfield there were two parts that were blended to fleece the final product that it was all necessary. I like any informed person agree a complete rip out was necessary. It was the shit show that got played with that fucked its function or disinfection. Loss of parade capability, winter plowing nightmares, and didn't even really create space to do side walk sales. Then secret land scaping problems created on broad and later Sullivan st. That used unproved money claimed to be left over funds that were not authorized budget line item that can be be rolled over to next cycle. Like Nicky poo said he had concern but planning and management went ahead whither there predetermined plan. Finlay take a look at these projects one thing the leave out in publications is the public comment documents in most cases referenced as an appendix that is public but not conveniently included.

• Tom (Monday, July 28 25 02:31 pm EDT)

  Jake I mean Nick Koloski your hatred for Jim is showing.

• Jake (Monday, July 28 25 02:03 pm EDT)

  Sounds like Mr. James Sullivan has never had a friend. Been given a gift card to anything. Been to Maine or has a favorite restaurant. Never had a successful business, has never donated anything and has no understanding of Financials or brownfields. Poor fella. The articles don't past the smell test. They wreak of jealousy. Try not to be so obvious James.

• Richard (Monday, July 28 25 09:00 am EDT)

  Bob that sounds great in theory but in Claremont the reality is that no questions can be asked and no open dialog is allowed because city leaders shut all that down. These leaders also keep unnecessary secrets and they lie to us often. No trust no open government.

• Kalen (Monday, July 28 25 08:56 am EDT)

  "Robert" thank you for the regurgitation of Jim's rantings.
  
  1. You are a fucking moron if you think Kolozki gives a shit about this page. If you want to stalk him follow his social media presence.
  
  2. Nobody cares what Jim's opinion is. When he shits on someone they get more notice and it does the opposite of what he thinks.
  
  3. Pick up the phone and ask him if he is running. Somehow this has turned in to an online mystery which is only wondered by Jim Sullivan on his page and nobody else. If he decides to run cool. If not cool. Jim or you which are the same person don't realize when you are being trolled for clicks. He alludes to retiring a seat someday and Jim takes the bait and talks it up. Good job moron.
  
  Roberto, in summary nobody cares what this page says. Everyone considers the source. A one time sore loser narcissist spening his days trying to prove everyone wrong. How's that worked out thus far?

• Bob (Monday, July 28 25 07:24 am EDT)

  We are all working with local government. (Or should be) it's a collaborative process where residents participate in decision-making and problem-solving, working together with their elected officials and local agencies to improve the community and the lives of its members.
  Its called Community engagement.
  Attending and participating in public meetings, such as city council.
  Volunteering for local government programs or initiatives, like park maintenance or Joining local boards and commissions that advise the government on specific issues like planning, parks and recreation, or human services.
  Providing feedback and input through surveys, online platforms, or direct communication with elected officials.
  Collaborating with community organizations and stakeholders to address local challenges and implement projects.
  This active participation by community members can lead to numerous benefits, including:
  Strengthening democracy by ensuring that residents' voices are heard in the decision-making process.
  Improving service delivery by providing valuable feedback that helps local governments tailor services to residents' needs.
  Fostering social cohesion and building stronger communities where residents feel connected and supported.
  Empowering residents by giving them a stake in local governance and a sense of collective responsibilit

• Robert (Monday, July 28 25 04:28 am EDT)

  Nicholas Koloski can’t help himself. Using a fake name to attack his biggest critic every week. We all know its Nicholas writing these entries because he is always the main character being slighted when Jim Sullivan criticizes all of the councilors and many of the top level administrative staffers. I believe Nicholas is running for reelection and I do not believe anything that he says out in public or by using a fake name on this website.
  I was surprised to see that so many city staffers have other jobs. I remember Jim Sullivan’s articles about the firefighters holding second jobs and not reporting to emergencies here and in other surrounding communities. I don’t believe that problem has been solved by the new fire chief as he was part of the problem. He may not have been one of the firefighters not responding to emergencies but he definitely kept his mouth shut when he saw it happening. He was more concerned about his coworkers than the public’s safety. Now he has been promoted to Fire Chief. The removal of the names of the firefighters responding to emergencies in the fire reports is a cover up and the councilors colluded by changing the firefighters contract and permanently instituting the 24 hour shift. Both changes empowered the firefighters to continue holding second jobs and to continue to not report to emergencies with no consequences and no public shaming by Jim Sullivan.
  The city staffers are taking advantage of the taxpayers and the councilors are all in bed with them covering it up and facilitating its continuation as they did with Nancy Bates and her contract. The councilors are not working for the people and maybe they never did.
  Jim Sullivan is hated by those affiliated with local government but he does look out for the average citizens like me and my family. I think the people who bash Jim Sullivan on this website are with the local government trying to discredit the only person exposing their secrets and fighting for us.
  This week Jim Sullivan looked into the Jonathan Nelson 79 E issue and learned that the taxpayers can be reimbursed for the property taxes that the city staffers never collected. Jim Sullivan informed all of us that the state law requires the councilors to order that the money be collected. The councilors and the city staffers were not going to do that. They were going to give Mr. Nelson of the planning board a big tax break at our expense but now Jim Sullivan is forcing their hand to collect that money because it is state law and he told everyone here in Claremont about it and he showed us the proof. Jim Sullivan may not be a councilor anymore but he still acts like a good one by looking out for the people with this free access website and his deep dive reporting that always shows us the truth with impossible to refute documentation. Thank you Mr. Sullivan all of your hard work.

• Rob (Sunday, July 27 25 10:35 pm EDT)

  I now think O'Connor is correct. Your jealousy of Nick Koloski is so very evident now. He is every single thing you failed to be Jim. I am so sick of seeing you name call everyone who gives of their time. In this meeting you actually have to say something negative about Koloski gifting someone something and offering a thank you. Really Jim? I recall you calling him a cheapskate for donating money to a committee. I just have to wonder what the hell you have ever done for this community or someone else in your life. You really do talk out both sides of your mouth. In one single rambling you say a list of items should be an email but then complain when councilors say nothing or do everything out of the publics eye. You then complain about a stop sign. Maybe the council emailed and resolved it? You can't win can you? You just want to bitch, complain and pretend you are smarter than everyone else. You clearly are not based on your double talk rantings and side tracked mind. By the way the only narcissist we can all say is you. The guy who showcase every trait of a narcissist and has a website named after himself.

• Jim Sullivan (Sunday, July 27 25 03:44 pm EDT)

  Five new articles published today on the News Flashes page of this website.
  
  1) Road closure on July 28, 2025 at 40 Maple Ave.
  
  2) July 23, 2025 Claremont City Council meeting synopsis.
  
  3) What is going on with the Chief Building Inspector & Health Officer Positions?
  
  4) Are Claremont Citizens & Taxpayers getting hustled by City Employees & enabling City Officials regarding Municipal Employee Side Hustles?
  
  5) Stop Sign Update!

• Rick (Sunday, July 27 25 03:02 pm EDT)

  Sullivan is starting to post his articles.

• Inquiring Minds Want to Know (Saturday, July 26 25 10:12 am EDT)

  Who is Betty?

• Betty (Friday, July 25 25 10:40 pm EDT)

  If you are reading this, your fuckin dumb..

• Kyle (Friday, July 25 25 05:35 pm EDT)

  There is no one at the FD by the name of Betty.

• Fred (Friday, July 25 25 03:58 pm EDT)

  How do you know Betty works at the fire department?

• Voting ID Matters (Friday, July 25 25 03:07 pm EDT)

  Lax NH Voter Law Allowed Non-Citizen to Vote Three Times, Records Show
  
  When news broke that a Jamaican citizen had been arrested for illegally voting in New Hampshire — in three different elections — the first question many Granite Staters had was “How is that possible?”
  
  And the answer, say voting law experts, is that New Hampshire’s law at the time made it possible. But not anymore.
  
  Naseef Bryan, 34, was arrested and charged this week on three felony counts of wrongful voting. At the time he started voting in Manchester, Bryan was engaged in multiple lawsuits with the federal government in an attempt to force his way into becoming a citizen.
  
  The lawsuits indicate that Bryan knew he was not a citizen when he registered to vote in the November 2023 municipal election and could therefore not legally vote. But if he knew he wasn’t a citizen, why didn’t the New Hampshire election authorities know it, too?
  
  According to a representative for the city clerk’s office, Manchester election officials followed the law when Bryan registered. He was asked to prove his identity, his current address or domicile, and his status as a U.S. citizen.
  
  For the first two, Bryan presented a New Hampshire driver’s license as photo ID and his car registration to prove he lived in the city. As for his citizenship, New Hampshire law allowed voters to sign an affidavit in front of a poll worker attesting that he or she is an American citizen.
  
  Unless the affidavit is challenged, the citizenship claim is neither questioned nor confirmed, and the vote is counted. Or at least it was.
  
  Bryan could not register to vote today, thanks to the law signed by Gov. Chris Sununu last year. HB1569 requires people registering to vote for the first time to prove their citizenship status. Democrats and liberal groups attacked the law, calling it “unconstitutional” and “a clear attack on one of our most fundamental rights.”
  
  Democrats in the state House and Senate overwhelmingly voted against the proof-of-citizenship requirement.
  
  “Make no mistake: this law will disenfranchise eligible voters with no evidence or data to back up any reason as to why,” Devon Chaffee, executive director of the ACLU-NH, said at the time.
  
  Then came the Bryan case.
  
  “For years, Democrats told us that a signature on a piece of paper was all that was needed for proof of citizenship for voting, and for years, we told them the system was wide open for abuse,” said Rep. Ross Berry (R-Weare), chair of the House Election Law Committee. “Turns out we were right, and thankfully, we have already closed that loophole over their objections.”
  
  The new Granite State requirements are similar to those in the federal SAVE Act, a law Democrats like U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander claimed — falsely — would disenfranchise married women.
  
  “These women would not be able to use their birth certificates to prove their citizenship under the SAVE Act. And, if they do not have a passport, which roughly 44.5 percent of Granite Staters do not, they would not be able to register to vote at all under the SAVE Act,” Goodlander said in a statement.
  
  However, the New Hampshire law only affects new voter registrations, and married women who are already registered to vote won’t be turned away from the polls if they have taken their husband’s last name.
  
  Affidavit ballots have also been used for same-day registration when would-be voters show up without either proof of identity, address, or both. Under the old rules, they could fill out an affidavit and cast their vote. They then had one week to provide proof of identity, thus allowing their vote to be added to the total count.
  
  In 2024, 27 voters who registered at the polls without an identification earlier this month were provided with affidavit ballots, the largest number ever in a single election. Of those 27, only three sent in their proof of identity, according to the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s Office.
  
  It’s not yet clear from the available records how Bryan was caught. Speculation surrounds the fact that he’s a litigious and outspoken gadfly in the New Hampshire legal system, seeking the sort of attention that could catch the eye of election law enforcement.
  
  It would only take a quick internet search to find his many lawsuits against various government agencies, including his legal battles with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
  
  -Damien Fisher

• Insider (Friday, July 25 25 03:01 pm EDT)

  "Betty" works at the FD.

• Victor (Friday, July 25 25 01:57 pm EDT)

  I think Betty was a Council members friend or a ex council member. She hyped up Claremont quite a bit to make the city look good and gain support. Then she pointed out flaws to make the city look bad and the council. She did this after she was well known and had support. If I had to guess Betty was trying to get some council members not re elected this year and instead was going to try to promote another candidate they liked more and better for Claremont. It’s a political move that may or may not work. Come voting time we will see how snooken up the council is. I’ve even noticed some council members have been posting more often in what’s up Claremont now ever sense Betty was doing a better job then them.

• Peter (Friday, July 25 25 01:27 pm EDT)

  "Betty" was a fake profile, one of the councilors for all we know. Do you honestly think the council needs anyone to make them look bad?

• Gabby (Friday, July 25 25 09:07 am EDT)

  She was most certainly kicked out. The admins kick out anybody they disagree with. None of the council members liked Betty and one of them even brought up some of her points in the last council meeting.

• Bring Back Betty (Friday, July 25 25 08:41 am EDT)

  So Betty is no longer a member of What’s up Claremont. It means she either left or was kicked out. I bet she was kicked out as council members and others were getting mad at her and this is a an election year. They were all being looked at bad from her most recent post she pointed out so many simple flaws in the city.

• Fact (Thursday, July 24 25 04:29 pm EDT)

  Nelson is a thief, he fucked all the taxpayers of Claremont.

• Kevin (Thursday, July 24 25 02:02 pm EDT)

  Zutter had his street paved!

• Zilrose (Thursday, July 24 25 11:01 am EDT)

  Councilor Zutter:
  The vote on 31 Myrtle Street should have been the easiest "No" in your short political career. You chose your connection to the owner via the Arrowhead debacle to support his fraudulent claims. You are not a man of and for the people but of the 1%. I am not sure if your term is up in November but I am hoping it is for the sake of Claremont taxpayers.

• Jabberwocky (Wednesday, July 23 25 11:59 am EDT)

  That Nelson fella at 31 Myrtle Street has not provided anyone an apartment as far as i know. Can't wait to hear him jibber-jabber tonight to splain himself.

• Dennis (Wednesday, July 23 25 09:57 am EDT)

  City did not help spending went up.

• Tax (Tuesday, July 22 25 04:31 pm EDT)

  The city only ones that helped we need to control the school definitely

• Greg's Wife Wendy (Tuesday, July 22 25 04:19 pm EDT)

  Maybe run your numbers again. The portion the city controls went down from what was actually requested. The county and school not so much. Try to follow along or shut up "Greggy"

• Becky (Tuesday, July 22 25 04:17 pm EDT)

  Writing the same thing over and over and pretend you are different people to pad your own opinion is amazing. Uh, contract law and severance. When placed ok leave immediately what do you think that means until you have a written separation agreement from your employer? Hmmm, maybe Jim can make you a pie graph that shows when the manager was placed on leave and when the public hearing as provided for in the charter was requested. Please by all means keep claiming someone wronged you when you have no idea what you are talking about. Amazing job all. These damn Volunteers all doing the work of the people while the anonymous know all better. Funny none of these fake users will step up and run for office. It is far easier to sit behind a keyboard and pretend.

• Greg (Tuesday, July 22 25 01:54 pm EDT)

  The councilors didn't do us any favors either. They did not cut spending as they promised and they gave Yoshi Manale a $64k plus going away gift with our money that they did not have to give to him. The councilors do not care about us at all.

• Taxes rising again !!!!!!! (Tuesday, July 22 25 11:39 am EDT)

  We need to gut the school and thank the county for putting it to us great services we get for the money we are paying taxes going up again !!!!!!!

• Steve (Tuesday, July 22 25 08:00 am EDT)

  The councilors made this secret deal to take money away from the taxpayers to give to Yoshi when his contract said he did not have the money coming to him when they were publicly promised to cut the budget and then they broke that promise. I don't think they ever were going to cut the budget anyway. More lies from the councilors

• Tom (Tuesday, July 22 25 07:39 am EDT)

  The councilors did not need to pay the severance to Yoshi because there were protective items in place in Yoshi's contract to save the taxpayers that money. The councilors lied to all of us by announcing they fired Yoshi then made a dirty underhanded deal to give Yoshi over 64 thousand dollars of our money that he did not deserve. The councilors do not care about us and they do not represent us. They represent themselves their friends and political allies. That's it.

• John J. O’Connor (Tuesday, July 22 25 06:22 am EDT)

  I’m shocked !!!
  Are you telling me Yosi got a “golden parachute “ from Claremont?
  Didn’t he get a “golden parachutes” from Brattleboro and every other place he has worked his entire adult life ?
  So why is anyone surprised, this is what “Grifters” do. It wasn’t like Yosi tried to hide it. He was hired by the Mayor after being fired and collecting his “severance” from Brattleboro.
  What made anyone think Claremont would be any different than Brattleboro?
  Keep doing what you’re doing and you keep getting what you get …

• Mike (Monday, July 21 25 10:27 pm EDT)

  Sarah 2 – Why should we believe city leaders who lie to us all the time, hold illegal meetings and do things behind the backs of the people all the time? The severance agreement for Yoshi Manale tells the truth and Jim Sullivan showed us the truth like he always does.

• Sarah 2 (Monday, July 21 25 08:40 pm EDT)

  Right. Whitewash. Comprehension skills are on point. You guys are fools. Funny when the entire elected body is wrong plus administration and we can assume legal staff. Learn contracts and employment then educate us all.

• Frank Bean (Monday, July 21 25 05:38 pm EDT)

  Yoshi was a master negotiator. He baited them, then he mastered them.

• Sarah (Monday, July 21 25 04:22 pm EDT)

  The severance agreement signed by the Mayor and Yoshi says that Yoshi resigned the day of the public hearing that was canceled that Yoshi requested to keep his job. That is an official city contract agreed upon between the councilors and Yoshi. The fake posters here can try to whitewash what the councilors secretly did that they tried to hide from all of us and these fake posters can say that Jim is wrong to try to divert the attention away from what the councilors did. However the proof is in the pudding and Jim supplied the pudding with the severance agreement document signed by the Mayor and Yoshi. There is no better proof than that.

• January Jones (Monday, July 21 25 03:40 pm EDT)

  Why does Pat think they are an authority in Claremont? Why does Pat pace a lot?

• AJ (Monday, July 21 25 03:23 pm EDT)

  Good one "Gary". Everyone is concerned about a fake users opinion. Perhaps do as suggested and stay in your lane and disability pay grade. Is the stop sign on a sidewalk or was that a dpw fuckup thus paint markings to correct? I already know as unlike you I called councilors to ask instead of just letting James give me his interpretation. Try it Boss. I didn't see the recanted resolution of termination. He is free to tell everyone he quit but would be hard pressed to explain quitting after being fired without rescinding a resolution. It is like announcing you are leaving a Facebook page. He couldn't even do the public hearing. Surely you have been broken up with and told everyone you did the dumping. What James fails to explain is what happens if someone is just on leave with no separation agreement. I worked in HR for 12 years before not wanting to deal with remote work. They just keep getting paid. So did the council do some housekeeping as the employer or is James take accurate? I would bet on the former.

• Gary (Monday, July 21 25 09:59 am EDT)

  The document says Yoshi resigned. The councilors paid him over $62 K severance they did not need to. They hired someone less qualified to replace Yoshi and paid her more. She is so lackluster she can't get a stop sign moved. How is this good leadership by the councilors?