Public Forum

Hit a nerve (Friday, July 03 26 10:24 pm EDT)

Wow, that Topstone discussion really touched a nerve. Let’s see if Nicky gives us another show and flips the whole table over this one.

Public service announcement (Friday, July 03 26 10:18 pm EDT)

Wow. Some of the comments on this forum lately make Chief Chamberlain’s psychiatry app idea look less like a city program and more like a public service announcement.

Nikki wild donkey rider (Friday, July 03 26 10:08 pm EDT)

Yes, Nikki has been writing the Claremont taxpayer like his own little private donkey for years when a sicko go stroke your

Nikki‘s pride and Joy (Friday, July 03 26 10:02 pm EDT)

What should matter most to the taxpayers of Claremont is simple: what has cost the public the most?

In my opinion, the Topstone building belongs at the top of that list.

Nick Koloski has treated that little Topstone building like his pride and joy, but the public still deserves straight answers. How much did this project cost the taxpayers? Who benefited? What was promised? What was delivered? And why does it feel like the citizens were left holding the bag?

This is not about personalities. It is about public money, public trust, and public accountability.

Claremont taxpayers deserve a full explanation of how this deal happened, who signed off on it, and whether the public got value for its money — or got taken for a ride.

No more political fog machine. Come clean. Put the numbers on the table.

Tasha (Friday, July 03 26 10:36 am EDT)

Is anybody going to share the police report Jim reported on for the community center fraud in what’s up Claremont? I think the citizens of Claremont should know everything.

Guy (Thursday, July 02 26 09:12 pm EDT)

How many requests? Sullivan and Gauthier refuse to answer the question........why?
Are you too afraid to tell the truth about how many requests you have made to the city and school system?

AI (Thursday, July 02 26 06:31 pm EDT)

This writing has many of the hallmarks of AI-generated content. Nearly every post follows the exact same formula:

It opens with a dramatic, emotionally loaded statement.
It broadens a single issue into a sweeping claim about the entire city.
It repeats the same sentence structure and cadence found in previous posts.
It offers broad accusations with little supporting detail.
It closes with a dramatic conclusion calling for "accountability" without offering any practical solutions.

After seeing enough of these posts, the pattern becomes unmistakable. The wording, rhythm, transitions, and overall structure are nearly identical every time. Whether the topic is the Visitor Center, a personnel matter, a budget issue, or another city concern, it is simply the same template with different names inserted.

Posting this same formula repeatedly in a public discussion forum adds very little to the conversation. It becomes repetitive spam rather than meaningful discussion. Raising concerns is important, but continually posting generalized comparisons and rhetorical statements without proposing solutions, identifying specific policy changes, or suggesting realistic next steps does not move the community forward.

If the goal is to improve Claremont, then offer recommendations. Suggest maintenance schedules, budget priorities, oversight measures, ordinance changes, committee actions, or specific reforms. Those are discussions worth having.

Simply declaring that "everything is broken," comparing unrelated situations, and ending with another call for accountability—without explaining how to achieve it—is not productive. It generates engagement but not progress.

Public forums are at their best when they encourage informed discussion, fact-based debate, and practical ideas. Repeatedly posting the same AI-style narrative, regardless of the topic, risks turning the conversation into an echo chamber of generic complaints rather than a place where actual solutions can be explored.

Gabby (Thursday, July 02 26 12:17 pm EDT)

Who takes care of the planters on pleasant street? They don’t look very good.

Ricky (Thursday, July 02 26 10:30 am EDT)

Funny DPW has mowers shouldn’t mow it?

It@hotmail.com (Thursday, July 02 26 10:28 am EDT)

How can someone tell me to cut my grass when the city won’t cut there own. Rules don’t apply to city property?

Revolving door (Thursday, July 02 26 09:26 am EDT)

Another symptom of this failed government here in Claremont, the revolving city manager door I agree, broken by design

Erosion of public trust (Thursday, July 02 26 09:18 am EDT)

The Visitor Center is not just a maintenance problem. It is a symptom.

When grass is left overgrown, buildings are allowed to fall apart, repairs go unexplained, and taxpayers are left guessing, people notice. They may not know every detail inside City Hall, but they can smell neglect from the sidewalk.

And that is the larger problem in Claremont.

The city too often appears broken by design. Not broken because nobody knows better. Broken because a broken system benefits certain people. When government becomes confusing, delayed, disorganized, and secretive, accountability gets buried. The taxpayers get the bill, and the insiders keep moving the pieces around the board.

The Visitor Center is one example. The Justin Martin credit card case is another.

If public money was misused, the public deserves a full accounting. Not a soft landing. Not a quiet shuffle. Not a carefully worded explanation that tells taxpayers almost nothing. Every city credit card should be audited. Every approval chain should be reviewed. Every department with access to taxpayer funds should be examined.

And yes, if the facts support felony charges, then felony charges should be pursued. Public trust is not restored by minimizing wrongdoing. It is restored by exposing it, correcting it, and holding people accountable.

Claremont cannot keep treating these scandals and failures like isolated accidents. The pattern is becoming too obvious: neglected property, unanswered questions, nonpublic meetings, financial fog, and citizens forced to dig through RSA 91-A requests just to find out what their own government is doing.

That is not transparency. That is managed decay.

A city government that works for the people maintains public property, protects public money, answers public questions, and respects public trust.

Right now, Claremont looks like a city where the taxpayers are expected to pay for the mess while being told not to ask who made it.

That is backward. And it needs to stop.

Richard (Thursday, July 02 26 09:07 am EDT)

They actually deserve more than $22,000 for doing the work of 3. Shut up and mind your own business.

Tim Mulligan (Thursday, July 02 26 09:04 am EDT)

Pack up the employees at the visitor center and move them somewhere else. The place is a money pit.

Eric (Thursday, July 02 26 08:40 am EDT)

Is it just me or is the city letting the visitors center fall apart. Grass is overgrown and still no word on why it’s not getting fixed. The city should be ashamed.

Better watch out (Thursday, July 02 26 08:17 am EDT)

You be surprise how many department heads/employees use the city credit cards for there personal use. I’ve seen it first hand when reviewing. Some by lunch and some by equipment that they need for there personal
Home. Time someone takes a look at all the spending.

Billy Bob (Wednesday, July 01 26 07:32 pm EDT)

Y’all are hung up on the $22,063.72 stipend, that’s not even the largest one!! Look at the one in the June 14th article you missed for $45,000!!

Cindy (Wednesday, July 01 26 06:44 pm EDT)

We don’t have a school board meeting tonight. Remember?

Rebecca (Wednesday, July 01 26 06:34 pm EDT)

$22,063.72
$22,063.72
$22,063.72
$22,063.72

Reed (Wednesday, July 01 26 04:35 pm EDT)

They are really good friends and friends don’t like to see each other get in trouble.

Big shit (Wednesday, July 01 26 04:28 pm EDT)

So how does Christopher Irish is involved with Justin Martin in the theft must be a connection there

Madden (Wednesday, July 01 26 04:08 pm EDT)

Watch the school board meeting tonight some school board officials will be questioning the new superintendent about the staffing updates as what he has said in the past does not match up with what is actually vacant in the school district. When he said last time we hired multiple new positions we were hovering around 63 vacancies in the school district. We are now hovering around 67 vacancies in the school district.

How many requests (Wednesday, July 01 26 04:01 pm EDT)

Still waiting for the number of requests made by Gauthier and Sullivan.
"Restoring balance through full disclosure"? Show us how transparent you are.

City upside down (Wednesday, July 01 26 03:46 pm EDT)

So watch dog shit sounds like someone who has a lot to lose in this upside down twist attorney government here maybe even Chris Irish

WatchdogShit (Wednesday, July 01 26 02:36 pm EDT)

Wasted Public Trust is Sullivan, Gauthier, and ChatGPT

City friend (Wednesday, July 01 26 12:06 pm EDT)

So speaks of the city bureaucracy

Santaw (Wednesday, July 01 26 11:06 am EDT)

Jim will probably miss the fact those funds are not connected to the main budget for next year and can only collect funds from rate payers within the system. You can't backdate bills and ask for more if you are short. It will be reflected in the enterprise fund. Jim will report enough to get clicks and get people up in arms but will not explain how enterprise funds operate or TIF districts. You should take medical advice from Jim as well. He is a self proclaimed expert in everything. Just ask him.

Wasted public trust (Wednesday, July 01 26 11:03 am EDT)

Public trust in Claremont is wearing thin, and that did not happen by accident.

When taxpayers ask reasonable questions and get vague answers, delayed records, missing explanations, closed-door meetings, and political spin, the result is predictable: people stop trusting the system.

That is where Claremont is right now.

Some folks seem more upset that citizens are asking questions than they are about the problems being uncovered. That says a lot. When people attack Jim Sullivan, Francis Gauthier, the Sullivan Report, or even the use of AI to organize public records and public information, they are not answering the facts. They are trying to distract from them.

The real issue is simple:

Why does it take so much digging to find out what is happening inside our own city government?

Why are taxpayers constantly forced to use RSA 91-A Right-to-Know requests to obtain information that should already be public?

Why are city credit cards, personnel decisions, spending issues, resignations, closed-door meetings, and public accountability treated like private business?

No citizen should have to apologize for asking questions. No local watchdog should be mocked for demanding transparency. And no public official should expect blind trust after the public has been given every reason to doubt the process.

This is not about personal grudges. It is about public money, public records, public decisions, and public trust.

If Claremont officials want trust restored, the path is not complicated: answer questions directly, post more records publicly, stop hiding behind procedure, and treat taxpayers like the owners of the government—not the problem.

Until then, the questions will continue.

And they should.

Truth does not fear public records. Honest government does not fear sunlight.

Amy (Wednesday, July 01 26 10:16 am EDT)

Do people who have their own sewer and well still have to subsidize the water and sewer in town with taxes or is it just on their water and sewer bills? I would hate to get taxed on something that the city won’t even let me hook up to.

Steve (Wednesday, July 01 26 08:59 am EDT)

I saw Jim Sullivan at the gas station this morning. We talked about last night's council meeting. Jim said councilors talked about the general fund budget that just ended but ignored the bottom line budget deficits for the Tif, Water & Sewer budgets. Jim said the water budget deficit is huge and the sewer has budget is big. Jim said councilors are not representing the citizens. He is doing a story about this Sunday.

Bronco (Wednesday, July 01 26 12:26 am EDT)

Justin used to be my kids camp counselor and he used to drive my kid around in the van they had. I felt like I failed as a parent by allowing a city of Claremont employee who drinks on the job and commits credit card fraud to watch my child all summer long. I was told this man was trained and safe for children. Clearly I was lied to by the city.

Gregory (Tuesday, June 30 26 08:32 pm EDT)

Listen real close to the audio when Irish whispers we can add it to tonight's meeting. That would be a topic not advertised to the public he is referencing. The same guy who Derek Ellerkamp is praising online for arguing a council rep being added to a seat just can't happen at a meeting without it being publicy noticed. Unfortunately Chris should read the agenga. Future agenda items and directives allows such. A motion can be made during pubic meetings. Start writing down everything the guy says. You will able to see a pattern and cross out his comment when he violates his own lecturing.

The same guy offers his "opinion" to the City manager if I am understanding Jim Sullivan correctly about Justin Martin's employment. His friend Justin Martin? His softball buddy?

I am told by one of the very few attendees of council meetings, Irish was in the council chamber hallway trying to get councilors to reverse their votes on water and sewer during the break.

Irish speaking out against the things he and he alone does and pretends he is speaking for many.

Chris, you are a boob!

Patrick (Tuesday, June 30 26 08:16 pm EDT)

Imagine getting a $22,063.72 bonus on top of multiple other bonuses. Is that the highest stipend recipient so far???

Wake up, Claremont (Tuesday, June 30 26 06:09 pm EDT)

Facebook link to the Justin Martin theft case credit card Fraud everybody needs to read this wake up Claremont
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1KvEy8Ricc/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Jim Sullivan (Tuesday, June 30 26 05:39 pm EDT)

Special Report!

Claremont Police Chief Brent Wilmot Releases Preliminary Claremont Savings Bank Community Center Fraud Investigation Documents!

Response to response to Betty M (Tuesday, June 30 26 12:45 pm EDT)

Yeah and you farted last time I went to walk in your office for advice. It smelled like rotten eggs.

Jack (Tuesday, June 30 26 11:01 am EDT)

Anybody know the school board agenda for Wednesday?

Alex (Tuesday, June 30 26 10:46 am EDT)

Francis your AI writing style is boring and the same everytime. Here is the pattern. Its not about....it's blah, blah, blah and blah. Come up with something original. Nobody is going to respond with what you ask each time as they are all smart enough to not spend time when you are just copy, pasting and asking AI to counter. Use your real name and stop being so ignorant. Try just trying.

Requests? (Monday, June 29 26 09:57 pm EDT)

How many requests have you made? Simple question requires a simple answer.

The public need fair answers (Monday, June 29 26 08:50 pm EDT)

The timing certainly raises fair public questions.

Nancy Bates announced her departure around the same period the Justin Martin credit card fraud situation came into public view, and she reportedly cited stress serious enough to affect her health. That does not prove wrongdoing by her or anyone else, but it does make the public’s demand for answers completely reasonable.

If a city employee is accused of misusing a city credit card, the response should not stop with one person. Every city-issued credit card, every department head with access, every approval chain, and every monthly statement should be reviewed through a full independent audit.

This is not about rumor. It is about controls, oversight, and taxpayer money.

The public deserves to know who had city credit cards, who approved the spending, who reviewed the statements, who signed off on reimbursements, and whether any warning signs were missed.

Nonpublic meetings should not become a hiding place for uncomfortable facts. Personnel and legal issues may require privacy in some areas, but the financial controls, audit results, and taxpayer impact should be made public.

Claremont needs a full accounting, not another fog bank from City Hall.

Public information is not the property of government (Monday, June 29 26 08:40 pm EDT)

That is a fair question, but it misses the larger issue.

If the city and school district answered basic public questions clearly, posted more public records online, and operated with real transparency, there would be far less need for RSA 91-A Right-to-Know requests in the first place.

Right-to-Know requests are not the problem. They are the remedy when government becomes too quiet, too guarded, or too selective with information that belongs to the public.

Taxpayers should not have to dig, pry, and wait just to find out how their money is being spent, what decisions are being made, who is involved, and whether public officials are following the law.

The easiest way to reduce 91-A requests is simple: post the records, answer the questions, and stop treating public information like private property.

Transparency builds trust. Secrecy destroys it.

Curious (Monday, June 29 26 07:15 pm EDT)

How many request from our schools and city have Gauthier and Sullivan requested in the past year?
Just curious, I'm sure this website can answer that simply enough because it prides itself on the truth and facts I'm told.

Cindy (Monday, June 29 26 05:57 pm EDT)

So on a post made by Derek Ellerkamp someone said they have seen elected officials dining at the common man and raumontos together. Doesn’t this go against the law?

spining (Monday, June 29 26 05:17 pm EDT)

The question is Nancy play a part in the Martin fiasco hence the non public meeting? considering the announcement of here departure at the same time. As Mr. Sullivan has previously pointed out that criminal events involving staff besides the manger can at least be discussed beyond that it is unknown what they can do from there. As I said and might be more straight forwarded the manger was involved in some way.

Hillary (Monday, June 29 26 12:39 pm EDT)

We have such a great police department in this city.

Response to Betty M (Monday, June 29 26 07:21 am EDT)

Betty M - You get that much when there are supposed to be 3 counselors, and they only hire 1

Good old boy, Chris Irish (Monday, June 29 26 06:33 am EDT)

Vicky, that is a funny way to frame it, because Chris Irish is not some outsider rattling the cage of the “good old boys.”

In my opinion, Chris Irish looks like one of the original good-old-boy operators in Claremont politics.

He knows the system. He knows the pressure points. He knows how to work a room, demand attention, and make himself a royal pain in the backside when he wants something. Sometimes that can be useful. Other times, it looks like the same old insider game with a different name tag.

And yes, from where I sit, it sure looked like he was running interference around the Justin Martin/community center mess while Nancy Bates was still in the picture. That whole situation deserves sunlight, not excuses, not political fog, and not another round of “nothing to see here.”

So before anyone crowns Chris Irish as some brave rebel against the good-old-boy network, let’s slow the parade down.

Being loud does not make you independent. Being aggressive does not make you clean. And getting under someone’s skin does not automatically mean you are serving the taxpayer.

The real test is simple: did you help expose the mess, or did you help protect the system?

Because Claremont has had enough insiders playing watchdog while the taxpayers get handed the bill.

Betty M (Monday, June 29 26 05:48 am EDT)

How does someone get a $22k stipend for “additional counseling duties”????
Outrageous

No Question (Sunday, June 28 26 08:22 pm EDT)

Chris was 100% trying to run interference for Justin with Nancy.

Vicky (Sunday, June 28 26 08:10 pm EDT)

Some days I hate Chris on the council but other days I love seeing him get under the good ole boys skin on the council and making them panic and sweat bullets.

Jim Sullivan (Sunday, June 28 26 04:58 pm EDT)

Four new articles published today on the News Flashes page of this website.

1) Claremont Planning Board approves 17 Water St. Project.

2) Tax and Spend Councilors Unanimously Approved Record-Breaking $20.5 Million Plus Budget!

3) Claremont School Board Finance Sub-Committee Meeting reveals a few surprises!

4) The Claremont School District Stipend Scandal! Part #26 – Stipends List.

Get educated (Sunday, June 28 26 05:16 am EDT)

Message to Claremont city government get self educated
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1H5MfQ8wQh/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Wow (Sunday, June 28 26 02:18 am EDT)

Claremont has too many people selling fairy tales as public policy.

They want taxpayers to believe higher spending lowers taxes, more bureaucracy creates accountability, more studies equal progress, and anyone asking questions is spreading “hate.”

That is Alice in Wonderland government. Up is down. Failure is success. Oversight is bullying. And the taxpayer is always expected to pay for the next chapter.

No thanks. Bring receipts, bring records, bring results.

ha ha (Sunday, June 28 26 02:08 am EDT)

“Do you have facts about the public issues, or just personal gossip?”

Melissa (Sunday, June 28 26 12:16 am EDT)

Ah yes. I am certain he is terribly bothered by 2 gentlemen who collectively made no difference in life whatsoever.

Least you have each other. Perhaps an Emu and meds might do you better.

Looking at his content he seems to be on a beach so surely is all worked up over this meaningful page. Nice deflection again.

I see Daddy's Pizza has an Emu in their window and the Shanty and Newbury has one on the bar. Shows how uneducated you are on every topic and how he seems to live rent free in your head.

As many have stated we stop following you when you keep repeating.the same thing over and over.

Do you wait a few moments before patting yourselves on the back under fake names? Seems so.

Sweet pictures in your Revolutionary War outfit Francis.

Did the video of you cowering behind your house door get posted yet? You yelled that you were calling the Police? You should have opened the door for O'Connor and said what you did to his face. He was actually recording and shared it with some of us.

Poor Nick (Saturday, June 27 26 08:02 pm EDT)

And Ron, you’re right Nick needs to get a grip get some counseling. He’s definitely off his rocker tonight.

Claremont officials enriching themselves (Saturday, June 27 26 07:49 pm EDT)

Art, that is a long speech, but it dodges the main issue.

Neither Sullivan nor Francis has been accused of stealing public money. Neither one has used public office to enrich himself. Neither one has pushed policy that personally benefits his own pocket while pretending it is “for the community.”

What they have done is ask questions, file Right-to-Know requests, expose uncomfortable records, and force public business into daylight. That is not corruption. That is citizen oversight.

Meanwhile, look around Claremont.

We have had a community center scandal involving public funds. We have serious questions around city spending and accountability. We have school finances in chaos, with a reported multi-million-dollar shortfall and no clear public answer on where the money went. Then comes high-priced administration and contracts that protect insiders better than taxpayers.

We have city officials and political voices pushing “reimagined” land uses, bigger housing schemes, more studies, more consultants, more government control, and more pressure on places like the Speedway. Funny how “public good” so often seems to point toward someone else’s land, someone else’s money, and someone else’s loss.

That is the real good-old-boy problem.

Not citizens attending meetings. Not citizens asking questions. Not citizens objecting when government appears to pick winners, protect friends, and bury the details.

If the Topstone debate was so simple, then publish all the records. Publish the abatements. Publish the communications. Publish the decisions. Let the public see the whole picture.

But don’t smear watchdogs as corrupt because they are standing too close to the cash register while the public money keeps disappearing.

If this were not so serious, it would be satire. But taxpayers are paying the bill, and the same crowd keeps telling them to shut up and clap.

Principle: public money requires public accountability. “The just man walketh in his integrity.” — Proverbs 20:7. Apply it by demanding clean records, clean hands, and clean government.

Ron (Saturday, June 27 26 07:39 pm EDT)

Sounds like Koloski's off his meds again. Maybe he needs to start stroking his comfort stuffed emu

Art Greenville (Saturday, June 27 26 07:05 pm EDT)

Yes, absolutely deflect to some other bs story about a fake controversy. The public outcry towards a building that filed an abatement request as allowed by law. Same as the Peterson Mill, same as Claremont Savings Banks new Broad Street Building and Walmart. Please do turn your focus off Francis and divert your attention to a drama made up by Francis Gauthier who filed legislation targeting the proprerty. The list of people who created the drama and attended the public outcry meeting. Greg, Jim Sullivan, Jon Stone, Francis, Gregs accountant, mechanic, Limoges handy man for his rentals, a car salesman from Arrowhead Motors. Cindy and Bob Haines their realtor, Stones Son, Stones mother and Jon and Wendy Oconnor. Now please tell me that was all sheer coincidence and not the behind the scenes good old boy bs that goes on around here. And before you spout off at the mouth publish the other abatements issued in the same years. You won't. It proves the point. It doesn't fit your narrative. The state weighed in on Topstone and issued a notice to Mr. Sullivan to stay in his own lane and Mr. Gauthier was reprimanded in the State house. His legislation was killed. He lost his seat and was not elected again over his Topstone bullshit. NH Des also testified against Francis attempt at a witch hunt. Boys, it is time to find new material. I attended the meeting angry until I saw all you connected assholes there and it took my wife and I 10 mins to read the room and see what this was about. Limoges then attempts to purchase the building his buddies tried to have the city take. Get a clue. This post will probably be taken down as Jim protects those named in this post.

Check out top Stone records (Saturday, June 27 26 04:37 pm EDT)

Everyone should dig into the Sullivan reports archives about the top Stone building and all the hard deals that went around there

Papa Frank needs an education (Saturday, June 27 26 04:29 pm EDT)

Papa Frank, fair enough — attendance is a legitimate issue. But if you want to pass judgment honestly, then do the whole job.

Don’t cherry-pick one representative out of a 400-member House and pretend that tells the entire story. Compare the attendance records across the whole New Hampshire House. Look at who had jobs, who was retired, who was independently comfortable, who had health or family issues, who lived close to Concord, and who had to burn gas, lose wages, and rearrange real life to serve for basically nothing.

The Concord Monitor itself reported that 2018 had serious House attendance problems overall, with average attendance of 339 out of 400 members — the second-worst year in its 10-year review at that time. So this was not some one-man circus. It was part of a bigger problem in a citizen legislature. (Concord Monitor⁠)

And yes, I knew what the job was. I also learned exactly how government works once you get inside the building. It is not all noble speeches and schoolhouse democracy. There are deals, pressure games, insiders, party machines, lobbyists, and plenty of people who “show up” just to vote the way leadership tells them.

Now let’s talk public service.

What have you done?

Have you filed Right-to-Know requests? Have you dug into city spending? Have you questioned failed public programs? Have you challenged waste, fraud, missing money, sweetheart deals, or insider protection? Have you sat there and taken the cheap shots while still forcing public records into daylight?

I am still doing public service. Not with a title. Not with a gold nameplate. Through citizen oversight.

The Justin Martin situation at the community center did not become a public concern because everyone kept quiet and trusted the system. These things come out because citizens keep asking questions. That is not “clogging the forum.” That is accountability.

So spare me the lecture that public service begins and ends with warming a chair in Concord. Showing up matters. But showing up, obeying the machine, and changing nothing is not some grand civic achievement.

Before you hand out judgment, bring the full attendance report, the full public-service record, and your own list of what you have personally done for Claremont.

Otherwise, this is just another participation trophy for criticism.

Papa Frank (Saturday, June 27 26 04:15 pm EDT)

You knew what being a state rep entailed before running, I imagine.

It sounds like you should have never run for office if you couldn’t keep the commitment of being a state rep. You even missed important votes from AFP, but they still gave you an A+ rating and a participation trophy (the Mudgett award).

Don’t run for office if you can’t afford to show up. Sort out your own life before trying to tell everyone in Claremont or the state of NH what they’re doing wrong.

To the 99% comment (Saturday, June 27 26 03:44 pm EDT)

The “showing up to your job” argument sounds good until you remember one important fact: serving in the New Hampshire House is not a normal paid job.

State representatives in New Hampshire are paid $100 a year. Not $100 a day. Not $100 a week. One hundred dollars for the term. Gas, meals, time away from work, lost wages, family obligations — that comes out of the representative’s own hide.

So let’s not pretend every working-class conservative can just float down to Concord every session day like he is independently wealthy, retired, or bankrolled by a political machine. Some people have real jobs. Some have businesses. Some have family obligations. Some have fires to put out back home. That is called real life.

And that is exactly the problem with citizen government. The people who can afford to sit in the room all day, every day, often end up having the loudest voice. That does not automatically make them wiser, more honest, or more representative of the people paying the bills.

Yes, attendance matters. Nobody should pretend it does not. But attendance is not the only measure of public service. A person can show up every day and still vote wrong, spend too much, grow government, protect insiders, and sell out the taxpayer with a smile on his face.

The State House is not holy ground. It is politics. Deals are made. Pressure is applied. Votes are traded. Party machines work the room. Anyone pretending otherwise is selling fairy tales by the pound.

Conservatives should absolutely show up when it matters. But they also need to keep their jobs, pay their bills, and live like the people they represent. That is not failure. That is the reality of citizen representation.

So spare me the lecture that “being in the room” automatically equals doing good work. Sometimes the people in the room are the very ones making the mess.

Showing up is 99% of success (Saturday, June 27 26 03:07 pm EDT)

If I only showed up to my job 2 days of the week when I’m supposed to be in Monday through Friday, I would be fired. It seems the voters fired Mr. Gauthier and now he’s acting as if he was secretly some sort of politico making back room deals. Sir, respectfully, if you don’t show up, you were not very good at your job as a state representative. You didn’t change anything at the state level. You didn’t sponsor successful legislation. You whined and moaned that the people showing up and doing the actual work aren’t doing it right while hiding out from behind a computer screen. If you want to fix things, you have to be in attendance in the room where it happens. Sorry!

Claremont parasites (Saturday, June 27 26 01:17 pm EDT)

Our Claremont government is full of parasites, feeding off the taxpayer

The O’Connor file (Saturday, June 27 26 01:11 pm EDT)

O’Connor was incompetent and lazy and never could make up his mind

Ryan (Saturday, June 27 26 11:42 am EDT)

The person who wrote evil among us is probably a public official feeling the heat. The Sullivan Report prints documents from the city and school that shows the truth of what Jim is reporting. It is hard to argue with facts so all they have left is rumor, innuendo and insults. Don't fall for it.

Bring your receipts (Saturday, June 27 26 11:40 am EDT)

That is quite a statement. Now where are the receipts?

You threw around words like “evil,” “hatred,” “lies,” “stain,” and “losers,” but you never proved a single thing. That is not an argument. That is a broad-brush tantrum with a screen name attached.

If Sullivan, Gauthier, or anyone else has lied, then show the lie. Post the quote. Post the record. Post the document that proves it. Otherwise, this is just another emotional speech from someone who does not like citizens asking questions.

And let’s talk about Right-to-Know requests. RSA 91-A exists because government records belong to the public. Not to city hall. Not to department heads. Not to insiders. The public has a legal right to know what its government is doing with its money, its property, its policies, and its power.

If those requests cost money, maybe the better question is why public records are so hard to produce in the first place. Transparency should not require a crowbar and a search party.

As for “people who actually care about the community,” caring is not proven by slogans. It is proven by accountability. When citizens question spending, zoning, ordinances, school failures, closed-door government, and political activism, that is not hatred. That is civic duty.

Your little speech is not convincing. It sounds like socialist Democrat boilerplate: accuse, smear, moralize, and then demand silence.

Maybe you are a supporter of 603 Forward. Maybe not. But the tone fits the pattern: attack the messenger, dodge the facts, and call scrutiny “hate.”

Evil among us (Saturday, June 27 26 11:22 am EDT)

People like Sullivan, Gauthier and many more are just a stain on Claremont. They are so full of hatred and the need to pretend to care about anything but themselves is pathetic. One-time elected people that think they know it all would never get elected again because there is no room for hatred in our community. True colors have shown exactly what kind of people they are. These pretend journalists or former representatives are losers and do nothing but spread lies and hate against people who actually care about our community. This site has proven nothing in all the time it has been active. No investigations or criminal charges ever in spite of all the "proof". I call bull shit on these individuals who have cost the taxpayers tens of thousands of tax payer dollars on all their right to know requests.
I beg you to run for office and see what the community thinks of you.

The O’Connor record (Saturday, June 27 26 10:44 am EDT)

John O’Connor, R-Claremont, with 104. (Note: This column was originally published naming the wrong John O’Connor for his attendance record.

Answering the facts (Saturday, June 27 26 10:36 am EDT)

Let’s deal with both comments like adults.

Yes, the Concord Monitor reported in 2018 that I missed 121 of 167 roll-call votes. That is fair game for criticism. Public service comes with a public record, and I won’t pretend otherwise.

But attendance alone does not tell the whole story of what happens inside Concord. Anyone who has served there knows the State House is not some Norman Rockwell civics classroom where every vote is clean, every deal is honest, and every good idea gets a fair hearing. Politics is pressure, leverage, negotiation, and sometimes brinksmanship. That is not a Hallmark card. That is government.

If someone needed my vote on something important, then maybe they had to talk to me, answer questions, and deal with the concerns of the people I represented. That is not failure. That is representation.

As for Pete’s gutter-mouth comment, it proves nothing except that some folks run out of argument and reach for profanity like a dull pocketknife. If John O’Connor is the gold standard being waved around here, fine. People can judge that record too.

I will take hard criticism. I will take fair shots. But I won’t take lectures from people who think vulgarity is a substitute for thought.

The real question is this: do you want public officials who simply show up, press buttons, and obey the machine — or do you want people willing to challenge the machine when it deserves challenging?

Showing up is 99% of success (Saturday, June 27 26 06:58 am EDT)

When Francis Gauthier served as a state rep in 2018, he missed 121 out of 167 votes. Maybe if voting occurred from your computer and he could use ChatGPT to decide for him, he’d be a more successful politician. https://www.concordmonitor.com/2018/06/25/capital-beat-who-showed-up-to-vote-this-year-and-who-didn-t-18341170/

Pete (Friday, June 26 26 10:44 pm EDT)

Goddamnit Gauthier stop clogging up the forum with all of your long winded slop. Don’t make me remind you how John O Conner made you look like a little bitch I’m here.

Heather (Friday, June 26 26 09:41 pm EDT)

Irish and Gogswell should compete against each other in midget wrestling and donate all proceeds to charity. The grand finale should be them docking each other.

Wrestlemania 69 (Friday, June 26 26 12:15 pm EDT)

Put Irish with his faggit earrings and midget fat boy cockwell in the ring at the track and lets see !!!!!!!!!

Governmental nuisance (Friday, June 26 26 07:07 am EDT)

The pressure campaign against Claremont Speedway is getting harder to miss.

From what I have personally observed, both Chris Irish and Chris Cogswell appear to favor heavy-duty new rules on the speedway, backed by enforcement authority. Brent Romart is also stepping up his campaign for a speedway ordinance, and a Thrasher Road traffic study is expected to move forward. That traffic-study point is based on eyewitness observation from someone watching this issue closely.

The concern is simple: a broad ordinance can become a blank check. Cogswell often dresses these matters up in long-winded alphabet soup — double talk, triple talk, policy fog — but the end result could be city authority over nearly every part of speedway operations.

Noise. Hours. Events. Side attractions. Traffic. Pit activity. Definitions. Permits. Enforcement. Once government reaches that far, the speedway is not merely licensed. It is being managed from City Hall.

Then Chris Irish complains about a small sideshow attraction — midget wrestling — as if Claremont were facing a national emergency with turnbuckles. If it is part of a racing weekend, contained on speedway property, and used as added entertainment for paying race fans, where exactly is the public nuisance?

This looks less like fair regulation and more like death by ordinance: one study, one complaint, one new definition, one enforcement arm at a time.

Claremont residents should ask the plain question: is City Hall regulating the speedway fairly, or building the paperwork machinery to squeeze it into submission?

Cogswell 603 (Thursday, June 25 26 10:16 pm EDT)

Cogswell’s Growth Plan Deserves a Closer Look

A recent Sullivan Report forum note raises a fair public question about Councilor Chris Cogswell’s governing record. During the 2025 campaign, Cogswell argued that Claremont could keep taxes low by attracting new business and new population rather than cutting services. That sounds reasonable on a campaign card. But once in office, his support for larger budgets, public-sector wages, and expanded services raises the next question: where does the tax relief actually come from?

If the plan is population growth, then residents should ask what kind of growth City Hall has in mind. Claremont does not add major population without major housing. That usually means large apartment projects, dense redevelopment, and “reimagining” major land parcels such as industrial property, mill property, or other large tracts.

That is why Sinclair Industrial Park, the Speedway area, and similar parcels deserve public attention. Are these lands being protected for jobs, motorsports, and tax-producing private enterprise — or quietly eyed for large-scale housing redevelopment?

Cogswell was publicly promoted by 603 Forward during the 2025 Claremont City Council race, and residents are entitled to ask how that political network’s priorities line up with local planning, spending, housing, and taxation.

The issue is not personalities. It is policy. If Claremont is being moved toward a bigger-spending, higher-density model, taxpayers deserve plain answers before the bulldozers and bonding lawyers show up.

Chris T. (Thursday, June 25 26 08:01 pm EDT)

Mr. Sullivan, can you explain to your readers a city planners does not approve individual businesses that lease existing commercial plaza space. The city would end up getting sued.

Jim are the numbers for the library usage not published in the council packet that is available online in the directors reports?

Watching last night's meeting I was not comfortable with the City Managers answer that Councilor Irish was just offering his opinion on former director Martin. It is interesting as I don't see the section of the charter or council rules that a councilor may offer their opinion in such matters. Perhaps any all community between Irish and the manager need a 91a request. It doesn't escape me that Councilor Irishs son in law and daughter have been very vocal on social media defending former director Martin. Chris Irish is a weasel.

This doesn't pass the smell test.

Claremont Cares (Thursday, June 25 26 05:34 pm EDT)

Chris Cogswell's recent voting record indicates that he supports budget increases to fund community services and public sector wages, which directly impact the local tax rate.

During his 2025 campaign, Cogswell stated his goal was to bring in new businesses and population to keep taxes low without cutting services; however, his actual voting record on the council shows a pattern of favoring increased spending.

Chris Irish is a public nuisance (Thursday, June 25 26 02:38 pm EDT)

It was something to watch Chris Irish, at the end of the City Council meeting under future agenda items, complain about the Speedway wanting to include a little wrestling as part of a racing weekend.

Let’s be honest. This does not sound like some massive standalone wrestling event coming to town with spotlights, traffic jams, and ten thousand people storming the gates. It sounds like side entertainment inside the existing Speedway operation — something to fill dead time during a racing weekend and maybe give people one more reason to buy a pit pass and stick around.

So where is the public nuisance?

The racing weekend is already the main event. The noise, traffic, and activity are already tied to the Speedway’s regular use. A small wrestling attraction inside the grounds does not suddenly turn Claremont upside down. Good grief, it is not WrestleMania landing on Pleasant Street.

This looks less like a real nuisance issue and more like another pressure point against the Speedway. Every little thing gets treated like a crisis. Meanwhile, the Speedway has been part of Claremont’s identity for generations.

The fair question is simple: what actual harm is being created for the general public? Not theory. Not political dislike. Not another excuse to squeeze the track. Actual harm.

If the city has evidence, show it. If not, let the Speedway run its weekend.

Answer back to Tom (Thursday, June 25 26 02:23 pm EDT)

Tom, think about what you’re really saying here.

Are city planners supposed to block a private business because it might compete with a government-run facility? Is City Hall now supposed to pick winners and losers to protect its own operation from market pressure?

That sounds less like good government and more like the 603 Forward / Claremont Cares style of thinking — protect the public bureaucracy first, then blame private enterprise when citizens choose something better.

Planet Fitness did not break the community center. Competition exposed the community center.

If the city facility is losing members, the question is not why a private gym was allowed to open. The question is why the taxpayer-funded community center cannot compete on price, service, hours, cleanliness, programming, management, or value.

Government should not use planning power to shield itself from the consequences of poor management. That is not economic development. That is self-preservation with a zoning stamp.

The public deserves real numbers: membership trends, operating losses, taxpayer subsidy, cost per user, and who is actually using the place.

Don’t blame Planet Fitness for offering people a choice. Fix the city operation — or admit taxpayers are being asked to keep carrying it.

Tom (Thursday, June 25 26 01:59 pm EDT)

City planner approved the plans for planet fitness knowing damn sure the community center is going under. Hell he’s probably cover his track up and putting all the blame on Justin

Community center question (Thursday, June 25 26 01:46 pm EDT)

So now what’s next — a campaign against Planet Fitness because it offers people a cheaper, cleaner, simpler option than the city’s poorly run community center?

That would be rich.

Private businesses do not “hurt” public facilities. They expose them. If Planet Fitness can attract members with affordable rates, decent hours, usable equipment, and basic customer service, then maybe the problem is not Planet Fitness. Maybe the problem is city management.

The community center should not need political protection from competition. It should have to earn public use like everybody else. If taxpayers are forced to subsidize a facility that cannot compete with a low-cost gym down the road, then the city needs to answer some blunt questions.

What are the membership numbers? What is the annual subsidy? What is the cost per user? How many Claremont taxpayers actually use it? And why should residents blame a private business for doing what government failed to do efficiently?

Don’t attack the competition. Fix the operation.

Library question (Thursday, June 25 26 01:38 pm EDT)

Before the city locks in library spending, shouldn’t the public know the actual usage rate of the Fiske Free Library?

Is the library being used like it was years ago, or have in-person visits dropped because of e-books, online research, digital archives, audiobooks, home internet, and other modern options?

That is not an anti-library question. It is a taxpayer question.

How many people physically visit the library each year? How many active cardholders are Claremont residents? How many physical books are actually checked out? How much of the usage is now digital? What is the annual cost per visit, per checkout, and per active user?

At the last City Council meeting, during the public forum, those questions were not answered. But before making budget decisions, those numbers matter. A city budget should be built on facts, not assumptions, nostalgia, or fear of asking uncomfortable questions.

If the library is heavily used, show the numbers. If usage has changed, then the budget conversation should change with it.

That is basic stewardship of public money.

Gabby (Thursday, June 25 26 12:38 pm EDT)

Just saw that even more middle school teachers have been hired.

Matt (Wednesday, June 24 26 08:20 pm EDT)

Claremont homeless camps matter that’s where I find my girlfriend and boyfriend

Oh Beth (Wednesday, June 24 26 07:52 pm EDT)

Making Claremont Great Again

Beth (Wednesday, June 24 26 04:25 pm EDT)

Homeless camp being destroyed and he the city approving apartments that no one can afford.

Tommy (Wednesday, June 24 26 11:16 am EDT)

Got to realize the government officials don’t work the citizen. Multiple encounters where they only care about big business and not the taxpayers who are the heart and sole of the city. Multiple times going to talk with city planner and building inspector and no is there or if I do talk to them not helpful at all

Ricky (Wednesday, June 24 26 10:47 am EDT)

Why should my taxes go up to help cover the loss of the community center when city officials that us tax payers pay for cause they bring in businesses that hurt our taxes. All the planner has done is help the upper valley like Dartmouth, Lebanon and Hanover just to push us long time residents out. He should be working for the people of Claremont not against them.

Greg (Wednesday, June 24 26 09:37 am EDT)

The city planner brought in planet fitness? Didn’t know he had that kind of power. Maybe he should be our next city manager with that kind of pull.

Ricky (Wednesday, June 24 26 05:34 am EDT)

City planner is also the one who brought in planet fitness which has now ruined the community center. He’s definitely not working for the people but trying to raise your taxes.

Upper Valley overflow (Tuesday, June 23 26 05:45 pm EDT)

Is Claremont Being Built for Claremont — or for Upper Valley Overflow?

Claremont taxpayers need to ask a hard question: who are these new apartments really for?

The sales pitch is “housing,” “growth,” and “revitalization.” Fine. But if the apartments are high-rent, market-rate units, they are not being built for most working-class Claremont residents. They are being built for higher earners who work in the Upper Valley but need cheaper housing down here.

That turns Claremont into a bedroom community for someone else’s economy.

The wages stay in Hanover, Lebanon, Dartmouth, DHMC, and the Upper Valley. The infrastructure load lands in Claremont: roads, police, fire, water, sewer, schools, traffic, assessments, and taxes.

That is not automatically progress. That may be regional spillover dressed up as local revitalization.

And if places like Syd Clarke Industrial Park are ever “reimagined” into apartment land, taxpayers should really pay attention. Industrial land should mean jobs, employers, production, trades, and tax-base growth — not just more high-priced housing for commuters.

Conservative common sense says: build housing that serves Claremont, protect job-producing land, demand full cost studies, and put taxpayers ahead of developers and regional planners.

Claremont does not need to become Hanover’s spare bedroom.

Public verdict: Are these apartments really for Claremont residents — or is Claremont being turned into an Upper Valley overflow zone?

Adult conversation? (Tuesday, June 23 26 05:26 pm EDT)

Helen, fair enough — let’s have the grown-up conversation.

The question is not whether someone uses AI, spellcheck, a thesaurus, a calculator, Google, or a legal pad to organize a response. The question is whether the point being made is true.

If the facts are wrong, correct them.

If the records say something different, show the records.

If Claremont government is working well, explain why we keep seeing revolving-door leadership, blurred accountability, unanswered public questions, and taxpayers frustrated with basic government services.

That is the conversation worth having.

The vulgar comments, personal shots, and AI jokes do not answer anything. They just distract from the issue.

So here is the challenge: answer the argument, not the tool used to write it.

Is Claremont government accountable, transparent, and operating in the public interest — or has the dysfunction become useful to people who benefit from the fog?

That is the public question.

Tina (Tuesday, June 23 26 03:18 pm EDT)

Tom,

City manager, city planner, and planning director are the ones responsible for bring development in and of coarse they don’t live here so they don’t care about raising rents. Fix income people like me can’t afford but know one listens to us. Just money in there pockets all they care about

Tom (Tuesday, June 23 26 02:49 pm EDT)

Of coarse the city allows some out of stater to come and make outrageously price apartments that no one can afford.

Helen (Tuesday, June 23 26 11:16 am EDT)

Seriously. Francis is going to copy and paste every response here and offer a rebuttla written by AI. Can someone copy his response and ask AI to submit a rebuttal. This ought to be fun. Francis please note Mr. Sullivan name calls everyone in his "articles" Your AI rebuttal is very cute.

Answer back to Veronica (Tuesday, June 23 26 08:56 am EDT)

Veronica, that is exactly the kind of basic problem taxpayers are talking about.

If a parent, taxpayer, or citizen calls the SAU office during normal business hours, somebody should answer the phone — or at least return the call promptly. That is not a luxury. That is basic public service.

And this is where the “broken by design” question comes back again.

We are told there is money for high-priced administration, consultants, contracts, studies, and all the usual process. Yet ordinary people cannot even get a simple answer on the telephone?

That is not how accountable government works.

Before anyone asks taxpayers for more money, they should prove the system can handle the basics: answer the phone, return calls, produce records, explain spending, and serve the public.

If the SAU has staffing issues, say so publicly. If office hours have changed, post them clearly. If nobody is responsible for answering calls, then that tells us plenty.

Public education should not operate like a locked clubhouse funded by taxpayers.

Veronica asked a fair question. The public deserves a straight answer.

To socialist Emma dependent (Tuesday, June 23 26 08:47 am EDT)

This is the familiar Claremont left-wing playbook:

When they cannot answer the facts, they attack the person.
When they cannot defend the system, they mock the messenger.
When the public asks for accountability, they want another committee.

That is exactly how broken government protects itself.

The “Broken by Design” argument is simple: when government stays confused, unstable, and hard to hold accountable, somebody benefits. The city manager becomes the fall guy, the taxpayers get the bill, and the insiders keep moving their agenda through the fog.

So no, the issue is not AI.

The issue is Claremont taxpayers being asked to fund a system where nobody ever seems responsible when things go wrong.

If the article is wrong, answer it with facts. If the facts are right, then stop attacking the messenger and start explaining who benefits from the mess.

Veronica (Tuesday, June 23 26 08:28 am EDT)

Every time I call the SAU building nobody answers. Anybody know what is up with that?

Matt (Tuesday, June 23 26 07:37 am EDT)

Dale Girard started the policy of nobody answering questions at council meetings. He brought us Yoshi Manale with no vetting. He had a hand giving Yoshi a payout paid for by the taxpayers by changing the firing to a quit. He had a hand in hiring Nancy Bates and she was worse than Manale. His residential road is one of the best maintained in Claremont and most of the other councilors have gotten their roads paved when others are much worse. When everyone's property tax bill went sky-high with the reval his went down so much it paid the taxes on his new airplane hanger with cash left over. Who is Dale Girard really helping? It looks like himself an his buddies.

Claremont rhino watch (Tuesday, June 23 26 06:49 am EDT)

Dale Girard wants Claremont and Sullivan County voters to believe he is now a Republican.

Fine. Then voters have every right to ask a simple question:

What kind of Republican?

Because Claremont has already seen what “broken by design” government looks like up close — blurred accountability, leadership turnover, political fog, public frustration, and a city government where nobody ever seems responsible when the wheels come off.

Dale Girard has been right in the middle of that Claremont government as mayor and city council leader. Now he wants voters to trust him at the State House too.

That deserves scrutiny.

Girard publicly changed his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican in April 2026. He said his voting record was more aligned with Republicans and that it would not be fair to remain with the Democrats. That is his explanation.

But voters are not obligated to accept a party-label change as a character transplant.

The real question is not what letter sits beside his name.

The real question is whether Dale Girard has shown the backbone, clarity, and limited-government principles Claremont taxpayers need from a true Republican representative.

Is he a conservative reformer?

Or is he a political fence rider who saw the midterm winds changing and decided to saddle up on the other horse?

Claremont voters should remember this: the same governing culture that gave us fog, turnover, unanswered questions, and “somebody else is responsible” politics at City Hall does not belong in Concord.

If the Claremont system is broken by design, then anyone who helped lead that system should have to answer for it before asking for another term under a new party banner.

Republican voters should demand more than campaign language. They should demand receipts.

Where has Girard stood on taxpayer accountability?

Where has he stood on public records?

Where has he stood on city charter discipline?

Where has he stood when Claremont residents asked hard questions?

Where has he stood when the governing class needed to be challenged?

A man can change parties. That is legal.

But voters must decide whether he changed principles — or merely changed lanes.

Public verdict:

Can Dale Girard be trusted as a real Republican voice in Concord?

Or is he another Claremont-style political operator, riding the fence while the taxpayers pay for the repairs?

Neighborhood (Tuesday, June 23 26 06:05 am EDT)

Sugar river drive in Claremont use to be nice and now driving through it just a trash dump everywhere.

Emma (Tuesday, June 23 26 05:39 am EDT)

Why does Gauthier use Ai? It takes away all legitimacy and I used to like what he had to say. We should create a committee that meets weekly to solve these issues. Jim would be the head of the table.

Ginny (Monday, June 22 26 07:17 pm EDT)

I saw on newsmax this evening about a guy named Derek from Claremont who got food poisoning from hot Italian sausage at Market Basket and reported it to the health department. The man started a movement and forced market basket to change providers. Claremont man is famous.

Ron (Monday, June 22 26 06:44 pm EDT)

Jim should move in with Gauthier. Share all the duties.

Phil (Monday, June 22 26 04:27 pm EDT)

The dependent class of Claremont is probably the ones designing the policy of failed Claremont

Claremont dependent on display (Monday, June 22 26 04:24 pm EDT)

When I see the crudity in this forum, I don’t see strength.

I see the dependent class of Claremont putting itself on public display — angry, vulgar, poorly taught, and proud of the mess.

That is not an argument. That is a symptom.

I’m appalled (Monday, June 22 26 04:17 pm EDT)

A lot of the crudity showing up in this forum is proving the point better than any critic ever could.

When people cannot answer facts, they reach for insults. When they cannot argue substance, they spray attitude. And when a public forum becomes nothing but sneers, cheap shots, and sewer-grade language, it tells the rest of the public something important: these people are not here to persuade anyone.

They are here to shout down, mock, and distract.

That may get applause from the same little circle that thinks participation trophies were a civic education, but it does not impress serious citizens. Claremont has real problems — broken schools, broken government, broken accountability, and taxpayers carrying the load.

So keep watching the tone. It reveals the training. It reveals the thinking. And it reveals who has an argument — and who only has a mouth.

Cute Dodge (Monday, June 22 26 04:01 pm EDT)

Greg, that’s a cute little dodge.

A few years ago, when the left couldn’t answer an argument, the word was “racist.” That was the magic fire extinguisher. Pull the pin, spray the label, and hope nobody noticed there was no answer.

Now the new excuse is “AI.”

Translation: “I don’t like the argument, I can’t refute the facts, and the other guy is using better tools than I am.”

Nobody is impressed.

Using a writing tool does not make an argument fake. It makes it cleaner. The real question is whether the point is true, whether the facts hold up, and whether the public has a right to ask questions. That is what watchdogs do.

And yes, people can tell the difference between a real argument and the usual sewer-hole word soup that passes for public debate around here — insults, sneers, name-calling, and ten pounds of attitude stuffed into a five-pound bag.

So go ahead and skim past it. That is your right.

But don’t pretend ignoring the argument is the same thing as answering it. It isn’t.

The left hates AI for the same reason it hates open records, public questions, and citizens who refuse to shut up: there is less room to hide.

Greg (Monday, June 22 26 02:52 pm EDT)

Francis we can all tell when you ask ChatGPT to write you a response. You should know that whenever someone with half a brain sees the tell-tale signs, we skim past everything you didn’t write. Some of your maga slop fans on Facebook might eat it up, but I’m not wasting my time with it.

The watching watchdog (Monday, June 22 26 01:36 pm EDT)

Funny how “one term in office” is supposed to be an insult.

Maybe one term was enough.

Enough to see how government really works when the doors close. Enough to see how accountability gets buried under process. Enough to see how public records become a fight. Enough to see how insiders protect the system while taxpayers are told to sit down, be quiet, and pay the bill.

Jim and Francis may have served one term, but they came out asking the questions that too many career political people avoid.

That is the real issue here.

Government does not belong to the council, the manager, the consultants, the connected class, or the people who think public criticism is a personal offense. Government belongs to the people.

Somebody has to watch it. Somebody has to ask for the records. Somebody has to call out the fog. Somebody has to keep asking who benefits when the system stays broken.

If that makes the governing crowd uncomfortable, good.

That means the watchdog is barking at the right door.

Searching for accountability (Monday, June 22 26 01:14 pm EDT)

Interesting.

Again, no real answer to the issue.

The article raised serious public questions about Claremont City Hall: revolving-door leadership, blurred accountability, public records, Topstone, and whether the system is simply broken by incompetence — or broken in a way that benefits certain people.

The response?

Personal attacks against Jim and Francis.

That tells the public plenty.

If the argument is wrong, then answer it with facts. Show the records. Explain the Topstone situation. Explain the city manager turnover. Explain who is responsible when the same problems keep repeating. Explain why taxpayers should trust a system where accountability always seems to land somewhere else.

Calling people names does not answer the question.

And dragging personal insults into the discussion only makes it look like the article hit a very raw nerve.

Nobody is asking for gossip. Nobody is asking for anonymous mud. We are asking for records, transparency, accountability, and a straight answer:

Who benefits when Claremont government stays foggy, unstable, and hard to hold accountable?

That is the question.

If there is nothing to hide, then sunlight should not bother anyone.

Arlene Gauthier (Monday, June 22 26 12:40 pm EDT)

There are no anonymous defenders. There are folks that don't have the brainpower to understand the 7 readers of this forum are sick of hearing the same thing for 10 plus years. Get new material. Jim pretends to be a journalist Francis so as anyone including a YouTuber posts the same context they lose subscribers. You take someone saying find new materials and stop beating a dead horse as defenders. That is what a simple mind would do. Jim is so much a narcissist, he thinks anyone who thinks he is an asshole is struck by his expose or exposed politician or city official. They just simply know he is an asshole. Please name a single thing Jim or Francis have done for change or the community. Both are 1 term office holders who have no friends and were voted out once people realized they were morons. Francis has to use AI to write and Jim frothy at the mouth using terms promoting his 1 term in office as a badge of honor instead of the loss of a position that it was. Jim doesn't seem to understand what AI is and the fact anyone in the world can make the same political cartoons. Show us the one where Francis is installing cameras in his tenants apartment or recording his neighors to call them in to the cops. Now those are cool parody items.

Ray (Monday, June 22 26 10:29 am EDT)

Nick Koloski you need to chill out. Use the therapy app the firefighters use.

Steve’s fair question (Monday, June 22 26 10:22 am EDT)

Steve, that is a fair question — and the cleanest way to settle it is with an RSA 91-A request.

Ask the City of Claremont for all records, complaints, inspection reports, health/code enforcement notes, emails, photos, corrective actions, and final disposition records involving rodents, sanitation, food-service inspections, or public health complaints at the Topstone Building / Time-Out location on Mulberry Street.

No rumors needed. No guessing needed.

If nothing happened, the records should show that. If something did happen, the public deserves to know how it was handled — especially when a sitting city councilor’s business or property interest is involved.

Sunlight is the only way through the fog.

Nichole (Monday, June 22 26 10:06 am EDT)

Jim, you have tons of spelling issues and grammar issues in your weekend articles. Far more than normal. Is everything ok? Why such sloppy work?? Not getting paid as much as you used to?

Steve (Monday, June 22 26 09:59 am EDT)

Was the complaint to the city about a dead rat at Koloski's restaurant ever settled?

Tom (Monday, June 22 26 09:05 am EDT)

Broderick wanted to hire uncertified people to teach and backed off when Jim explained the proper procedure and how this was a dreadful idea. Not a good start. Broderick has a website advertising the consulting business now asking potential clients to contact him directly and his website reads that he has consulting people on staff.

Thumbs up to Rick (Monday, June 22 26 08:55 am EDT)

Rick raises the question a lot of Claremont taxpayers are already thinking about:

Why does Topstone seem to bring the anonymous defenders out of the woodwork every time it gets mentioned?

Nobody needs to prove who is posting under what name to see the bigger issue. The bigger issue is this: when a property, project, or political interest keeps triggering personal attacks instead of straight answers, the public has every right to ask who benefits from keeping the system foggy.

Nick Koloski is the senior member of the Claremont City Council. With that many years in the room, taxpayers should expect more than silence, spin, or “not my problem.” Senior leadership should mean wisdom, transparency, and accountability — not another ride on the city’s revolving-door blame machine.

If Topstone has brownfield concerns, poor building-condition ratings, redevelopment issues, public money questions, or political connections, then put the facts on the table. Let the public see the documents. Let the taxpayers judge for themselves.

That is the watchdog position:

No rumors needed.
No anonymous games needed.
Just records, sunlight, and accountability.

If Claremont government is not broken by design, then proving that should be easy: answer the questions, release the records, explain the interests, and stop hiding behind the latest city manager or anonymous forum noise.

The public is watching now.

Pay Attention (Monday, June 22 26 08:41 am EDT)

Broadrick signed a 2-year contract with Claremont. His intention is to build his consulting business after his two year stint with us.

It is a high risk, high reward proposition. If he fixes Claremont in 2 years and can use that as his test case, his retirement business is going to BOOM. If he doesn't fix Claremont then that won't bode well for the consulting gig.

I have been impressed with the work he has done so far. He really seems to have his stuff together.

Will there be bumps in the road? Of course! We are a mess. But I do like what I have heard and seen to this point. Sit back and watch what happens when he takes full control on July 1.

Rick (Monday, June 22 26 08:14 am EDT)

Whenever the topstone property is mentioned you know comments will appear on the forum. We also know it's Nick Koloski posting under assumed.names. he is the only one who would care about his reputation and his business to do it. The building has a lot of issues with it being a brownfield site and only having a building good rating of 2%. Who in their right mind would want to eat there?

Sensitive nerve (Monday, June 22 26 06:37 am EDT)

Interesting response.

No facts answered. No argument made. No explanation offered for Claremont’s revolving-door government, blurred accountability, or why Topstone was brought up without being asked.

Just personal insult.

That usually tells the public something.

If the “Broken by Design” article is wrong, then answer it with facts. If it hit a nerve, then maybe the taxpayers should be asking even harder questions.

Claremont deserves sunlight, not cheap shots.

Rebecca (Monday, June 22 26 05:57 am EDT)

You should see what we catch on those trail cams.
Never take advice from a single man in his latter years living in the slums renting having never owned property.
The swapping, swinging and adultery has destroyed the city.

Jim Sullivan (Monday, June 22 26 05:43 am EDT)

You can always tell when you have revealed something that public officials don't want revealed to the general public because they want to hide their gross incompetence or their lack of ethics. The personal attacks start that are completely made up and not based on a shred of fact whatsoever. As I have stated before I work a full-time job and for the record I have never been on or received any form of public assistance.

Curious (Sunday, June 21 26 11:04 pm EDT)

Jim, have you ever taken any assistance from the City of Claremont or the State of New Hampshire? I heard you're broke and on the welfare roles. I'm not sure of your relationship with Gauthier, but it's odd that you two hate so much. It's just actually creepy how you point fingers at so many, like that kid in school that everyone hated.

Francis is a bitch (Sunday, June 21 26 10:10 pm EDT)

Jim. Get new material bud. The what me worry thing is only relevant to you. Can you just jerk off to the Topstone Building and be done with it. You look pathetic saying the same dumb shit over and over bro.

Stankfinger (Sunday, June 21 26 10:57 am EDT)

There's no accountability except for small pockets of people doing their jobs. Fire messed up last years bugget and under funded itself. Dpw top brass drive around all day in the same vehicle. We all know parks and rec is incompetent. Thousands of batteries and trail cameras misappropriated by heir leader. rec dept number 2 knows grants and hanging out with teens. None in leadership pay attention to failures.
Mayor and assistant mayor intervene for friends and former employers to avoid codes and get pet projects like paving done.
Good employees are sick of incompetence. Stop putting incapable people in top positions just because u need a body.

Jim Sullivan (Sunday, June 21 26 09:37 am EDT)

Ten new articles published today on the News Flashes page of this website.

1) Is Timothy Broadrick's job at SAU #6 his Side-Hustle?

2) Claremont School Board Members dodge all issues by delaying any decisions until late July! This is leadership?

3) New Childcare Center Coming to Claremont to serve 50 Kids!

4) Claremont Middle School Principal Hired!

5) Is an Advanced Materials Recovery Facility in Claremont's Future?

6) Nelson & Berkeley New Hampshire Board of Tax and Land Appeals Hearing Update!

7) Claremont City Hall: Broken by Accident – Or Broken by Design?

8) Two Democrat Candidates for New Hampshire State House Of Representatives Announce Their Candidacy!

9) Claremont Savings Bank Community Center Front Investigation Update!

10) Your Tax Dollars at Work!

Hide (Saturday, June 20 26 02:18 am EDT)

What the hell happened to Bill Madden. Dude sits there mute refusing to speak. So much for him standing up for anyone or anything. Dude's completely checked out. Makes Petrin look talkative these days.

Loren: I'm gonna give you the best advice of your life. Look at Wayne Hemingway. Do you want to end up a walking ball of lard like him? I don't think so. The weight is creeping up on you. Pledge now to not get fat.

Candy: Watch yourself walking around on CCTV. I'm guessing you got your name from consume lots of candy.

Don: do you care about anything other than painting? how about what the kids are learning in the painted or unpainted classrooms, instead of playing interior decorator

Amanda (Friday, June 19 26 07:03 am EDT)

Shutter the visitor center and move the 2 employees to the Community center. Don’t hire any new inspectors and let the fire captains do that job. Clearly this community does better without all this bureaucracy. Where is the check back to taxpayers for all the salary savings??????

Uncle-Baby-Billy (Thursday, June 18 26 08:51 pm EDT)

Why would anyone want to take any significant position in Claremont. Claremont is a slow burning dumpster fire that cannot be put out. How can you fix anything with no money and no employees. Look at the parks and rec director position, the listing alone is stupid.

Silence Dogood (Thursday, June 18 26 10:18 am EDT)

As a resident of Claremont and someone who follows local government closely, I am concerned by the growing number of vacancies within City Hall. A review of the City's employment listings shows numerous open positions, including several key leadership roles that are essential to the effective operation of municipal government.

While recruiting qualified candidates is challenging in today's job market, the number and duration of these vacancies raise important questions. Residents deserve to know what steps are being taken to fill these positions, how long they have been vacant, and whether there are underlying issues affecting recruitment and retention.

Positions such as Finance Director, Planning and Development leadership, Library Director, Building Inspector, and others are critical to maintaining services, supporting economic development, and planning for Claremont's future. Prolonged vacancies can place additional burdens on existing staff, delay projects, and impact the quality of services residents receive.

This is not intended as criticism of any individual employee or department. Rather, it is a call for transparency and accountability. The City Council and administration should provide the public with a clear update on hiring efforts, challenges they are facing, and plans to strengthen recruitment and retention.

Claremont is a community with tremendous potential. Ensuring that key positions are filled with qualified professionals is an important step toward realizing that potential and maintaining public confidence in local government.

J Dubbs (Thursday, June 18 26 07:48 am EDT)

Bring back Donk to make Claremont great again.

James Hackermen (Thursday, June 18 26 12:07 am EDT)

I've missed you all so much. I'm sorry Daddy went out for milk, but he's back home now boys.

I do hope that I've not been mistaken for that pesky doppleganger that's brought me back to your lovely forum here.

Can I get an uwu?

objection lol (Wednesday, June 17 26 05:05 pm EDT)

So the side smoke screen comes down to this in the dirty accounting process is a game of how much slush fund money pool can they make and relocate if they don't fill X positions to other pet projects and directives. Then when next budget season rolls around we will not see a decline in next year budget because of the reduction of staff. They will take the money and build into another part of the budget and hide under the base default budget. This might be someone with big balls to mount a legal challenge related to SB 2 default budget. The question would be if it applies to line item level vs the total. The other part is that if line item transfers in the previous budget can be a area of to aid in this argument.

Sully (Wednesday, June 17 26 03:40 pm EDT)

How many staff do we actually have vacant?

Rick (Wednesday, June 17 26 02:04 pm EDT)

The 59 positions is including internal positions. They aren’t even posting all positions internally.

TMYK (Wednesday, June 17 26 01:06 pm EDT)

I have heard that all open positions must be posted internally for a period of time before they can be put out in the open for all consideration. If memory serves, I thought that they said 60-days before the posting could go public.

Nester (Wednesday, June 17 26 01:00 pm EDT)

So let me get this straight the school district has 90 positions open and are only advertising 59 positions? They think they will be able to keep all school adequately staffed next year and be able to provide all students with a proper education? Is this some sort of cruel joke or do parents not realize the grave situation we are in? Is the school board even sharing any of this information or is it just through tedious 91a requests?

Rick (Wednesday, June 17 26 12:46 pm EDT)

I think it’s closer to 90 and the school HR is just having a hard time figuring out what needs to be posted what has been posted and who is and isn’t leaving. Plus we don’t have a real superintendent until July 1st. School board members keep asking why not all job postings are posted online and they are assured that they are posted online but when you look at the internal job postings it’s only at 59 so somebody’s lying and not doo their job right.

Cathy (Wednesday, June 17 26 11:03 am EDT)

Okay so Frank on what’s up Claremont is saying we have 59 vacancies and Jim is saying we have like 90. Which one is it? Both of these numbers are very different.

Veronica (Wednesday, June 17 26 10:45 am EDT)

It’s nowhere to be found online. You either need to watch the meeting or go in person.

Casey (Wednesday, June 17 26 09:52 am EDT)

Anybody have the school board meeting agenda for tonight? I can’t find it online and I hope no one is trying to hide anything from us.

Tom (Tuesday, June 16 26 11:09 am EDT)

Wishful thinking is not leadership. School leaders doing the same thing.

Heather (Tuesday, June 16 26 08:22 am EDT)

Chris Irish says everyone will comeback to the community center. He has this covered, have a little faith.

Gary (Tuesday, June 16 26 07:25 am EDT)

Community center members down big time and council will wait months for a new director. Shows council had no clue about how to fix this. City manager too. Cost to taxpayers will go way up. Wrong people are in charge.

Ryan (Tuesday, June 16 26 07:18 am EDT)

Even if that is true it doesn't explain how all of these open positions will be filled. Not enough teachers and paras and bus drivers adds up to not opening schools in September.

Ryan (Monday, June 15 26 03:43 pm EDT)

I’ve seen some internal staff updates. They are posting more and more staff jobs every week as they decide if the staff are needed or not. The new superintendent wants to not have too many workers and thinks we are over staffed.

Moses (Monday, June 15 26 03:12 pm EDT)

God bless Frank and his nephew. May god allow him to be in middle school next year.

Fred (Monday, June 15 26 09:41 am EDT)

Look I think Frank that made the post is just an old man looking out for his nephew and is confused on what is going on in this city for his children. It’s great to see that. He’s also being taxed out of his home I assume because he’s asking for ways to save money with Comcast and is asking for advice on TV antennas. We all know antennas haven’t been a thing for decades but at least he’s getting involved and trying his hardest. I am worried that Brian and Loren are lying to him.

Mary (Monday, June 15 26 08:58 am EDT)

The schools will be shut down more with either two or three left but there may not be enough staff to teach.

Dave (Monday, June 15 26 06:13 am EDT)

On What's up Claremont Brian Rapp and Loren Howard are saying that the middle school will open and be grades 6 7 8. Brian Rapp is saying anyone saying different is stirring up trouble. Nice words but how does he and Loren explain the spreadsheet Jim Sullivan got from Matt Angell showing 91 vacancies with 40% of the teachers and 40% of the paras not coming back in September and 25% of the bus drivers gone? Those are big numbers to fill in a few months and many of the jobs are not even advertised. Heather Whitney was the only one who saw the spreadsheet said by Matt Angell in his email to Jim Sullivan. Jim said those numbers were as of last Thursday. Even if some of those numbers are off it is still an obstacle that may not be hurdled and Brian Rapp and Loren Howard who have never seen the spreadsheet are telling everybody there is nothing to see here and nothing to worry about. I don't believe them.

Inspectors (Monday, June 15 26 05:51 am EDT)

Part time inspectors?

How much you think they actually do or they just the other guy spend all the time dunkin and not do a damn thing?

Rick (Sunday, June 14 26 09:52 pm EDT)

Lauren says it's his understanding. It does not mean that he is right. The spreadsheet that Jim was given by Matt Angell shows a 40% shortage of teachers and a 40% shortage of paras and a 25% shortage of bus drivers with many other staff vacancies too. How can a school district possibly recover from that many staff shortages and more may follow? The school board members had been lying to us right along so why would anybody in their right mind believes anything that they have to say?

Hillary (Sunday, June 14 26 08:44 pm EDT)

Loren posted on facebook that CMS will be 6 7 and 8 next year. Clearly showing that think they will have enough teachers.

Jim Sullivan (Sunday, June 14 26 03:46 pm EDT)

Eight new articles published today on the News Flashes page of this website.

1) Special Report! Claremont School District Staffing Crisis: Will Claremont Schools be able to open in September for the new school year?

2) Claremont Savings Bank Community Center from Investigation Update.

3) Claremont Planning Board begins review and approval process of 17 Water St. Project!

4) The Knives were out during the June 9, 2026 Special Claremont City Council Meeting!

5) June 10, 2026 Claremont City Council meeting synopsis.

6) Cowardly Claremont City Councilors Cancel Claremont Community Center discussion meeting!

7) You can always tell us someone really wants to leave the employment of the City of Claremont fast when….

8) The Claremont School District Stipend Scandal! Part #25 – Stipends List.

Nate (Saturday, June 13 26 07:42 am EDT)

Well it is interesting that his biggest cheerleaders are Councilman Irish daughter and son in law. They keep claiming the charges will be dropped. Jim probably has not seen the list of items purchased. Justin's wife's Facebook posts are pretty telling. I bet her police interview contradicts her Facebook comments.

Cell mate (Saturday, June 13 26 06:01 am EDT)

Wonder how quiet Justin was made someone’s bitch in prison.

Santagate (Friday, June 12 26 07:46 pm EDT)

Former city manager is out terrorizing Claremont. Next big cover over up. Surprised Kipper hasn’t shutdown comments yet on that one.

Greg B (Friday, June 12 26 07:17 pm EDT)

As claremont turns....or burns...a dozen hollywood screenwriters couldn't write a more compelling storyline.....if it wasn't true i wouldn't believe my lying eyes. A dozen years of failures or more !....6 town managers ? 13 inspectors....how many department heads ? .....dozens of vacancies....and the taxes,the schools....the laughingstock of NH....Politicians...the lot of them parties be dammed all of them should be ashamed but alas they are not because it is attention and power they all seek. They could care less how you feel or how much it costs you money or time or grief...because they are above you...they are better...they know better....get in line and pay ..enjoy

Meg (Friday, June 12 26 06:25 pm EDT)

Imagine getting caught for credit card fraud, getting your hunting license suspended for 3 years, and having an illegal burn on your address and still having half the town support you and say you didn’t do it. This man should run for mayor when that time comes better yet he should run for president. This man can do no wrong.

Jeremy (Friday, June 12 26 03:36 pm EDT)

Damn..Jim Sullivan I guess every news channel broke a story before you. I mean obviously the Sullivan County Sheriff's office was going to somehow bury the entire investigation until you asked a question. That is how the world works around here. I mean even though the start of the investigation handled by them was way before you got your head out of your ass.

I see Councilor Irishs son on law if on every news page claiming it is false. Very interesting. I mean so what if Chris hangs out with Justin. He probably didn't recuse himself from any conversation about the matter if the council was to be meeting about such.

Didn't I hear the fire department respond to Justin's address for an illegal burn? Did that get buried?

I bet Jim will sleep on that too.

Tracey (Friday, June 12 26 01:09 pm EDT)

Oh Justin why’d you do it? You were working for the city not the school district. If you worked for the school district you would of got away with it.

I didn’t do it (Friday, June 12 26 12:46 pm EDT)

CLAREMONT, N.H. (WCAX) - Claremont, New Hampshire’s former parks and recreation director is facing credit card fraud charges.

Justin Martin, 36, of Claremont, is accused of making unauthorized personal purchases with public funds while serving as the city’s parks and recreation director.

Claremont’s city manager resigns after less than a year on the job
The sheriff’s office says city officials turned over financial records thought to be connected to those purchases.

Martin was released on bail.

Claremont’s city manager recently announced she was stepping down after less than a year on the job. The city also has a number of other vacancies, including library director, health inspector, building inspector, finance director, and director of parks and recreation.

https://www.wcax.com/2026/06/12/former-claremont-parks-rec-director-faces-credit-card-fraud-charges/

Mike (Thursday, June 11 26 09:43 pm EDT)

Guy santagate runs into street sign on Washington Street tonight. Then drives off. If it wasn’t Guy Santagate then it was his doppelgänger.

Mike (Thursday, June 11 26 04:06 pm EDT)

What is it Chris?

Chris (Thursday, June 11 26 03:20 pm EDT)

Big news coming today....

Jasper (Thursday, June 11 26 08:56 am EDT)

Just a school announcement. There are more job openings now.

The Fan (Wednesday, June 10 26 05:35 pm EDT)

Its not the community center it is Arrowhead is snowballing with Faleen next as only official enabler left standing from then Recreation Economy when he was commission board member and also was apart of the drafting the usage agreements, not a lease agreement resorting to more convoluted legal tools just like he did with the rail trail, before being given the solicitor job as a rewarded to bolster the conspiracy. Gone Marrow, Laurence, Manual, Hurberon. Council only approved the operation agreements they never approved money collected from rents and events and without mandate requires money to go to the general fund. This is where both Bates and Martin got sucked in with there continued administration cover up and league exposure it created. No telling how much longer the Wheel House will be allowed there because of it. Hay also I have a bridge I can sell you down my the river too, all out of boats and paddles

New Socials (Wednesday, June 10 26 02:19 pm EDT)

Taverne on the Square is closing June 19th. This restaurant has sucked for years.

Fowler (Wednesday, June 10 26 02:01 pm EDT)

Ann you will need to wait and see. Any more information shared could get a council member in deep trouble. It was a non public meeting.

Ann (Wednesday, June 10 26 01:21 pm EDT)

Who is leaving?

Fowler (Wednesday, June 10 26 11:27 am EDT)

Overheard that the non public meeting last night was about another big dog position being vacant due to a upcoming resignation.

Ron (Wednesday, June 10 26 08:26 am EDT)

I think Irish is full of shit. Produce more than words. Watching the meetings the only thing he protested was anyone asking staff to do their jobs. I think the only person who doesn't understand council roles is the guy with the loudest mouth. So far his past examples have been all bogus and when he keeps pointing out how we used to do things is a reminder of how not to do things.

Arguing that the council can't put a council member on a seat in the negotiations to allow for proper information to be obtained was ridiculous. The published agenda after looking at it says future agenda items and directives so Chris, what is your point? You don't like accounting for tax dollars?

Perhaps you need the legal refresher you mentioned last night. I think i know more about council rules from watching years of meetings than he does at this point.

You and your wife have thrown many temper tantrums at meetings and didn't you up and quit once?

Last night he mentioned Guy Santagate. No doubt guy tossed him out of his office. Guy couldn't stand either of you. Watching you last night you come across as interference in day to day operations while in another breathe pretend to call it out. Show the actual proof Chris.

Didn't I just see you with the former parks director? Your wife is on the parks board? Perhaps you clean your own house before grandstanding and pretending to have my taxpayer interest at heart.

Show your work.

Chris (Tuesday, June 09 26 09:18 pm EDT)

Boy oh boy that city council meeting tonight sure was something. Jim I think it deserves a midweek news flash as it was that interesting.

Gabby (Tuesday, June 09 26 11:50 am EDT)

I think it was 7. I don’t have the documents in front of me right now and the numbers change frequently.

Lynne (Tuesday, June 09 26 10:34 am EDT)

Gabby how many of these unadvertised job openings are for teachers?

Gabby (Tuesday, June 09 26 09:33 am EDT)

According to documents shared with staff about jobs they can apply for for next school year. The SAU 6 website is missing roughly 20 job postings that do exist. It currently has 55 job openings posted online in the internal application page and the school district actually has more like 75 openings. A few more staff members have announced they won’t be coming back next year since the last school board meeting. The reason is the new superintendent.

Tom (Tuesday, June 09 26 07:43 am EDT)

Jim wrote he is trying to get a copy of a job vacancies report but is being stalled by school leaders

Scared (Monday, June 08 26 04:28 pm EDT)

My son was just told by his teacher that they will be at the high school next year. My son will be in 7th grade next year. Is this true? Why hasn’t the SAU told parents about this yet?

Briana (Monday, June 08 26 04:01 pm EDT)

So can you get a list of current Claremont Middle School staff to determine how bad the problem there is?

Richard (Monday, June 08 26 08:35 am EDT)

Unlikely because it is a personel matter and confidential. If any councilors breeches confidentiality they could be removed from office.

Ken (Monday, June 08 26 08:14 am EDT)

Right. So when information is released it clearly won't show a date and time anything occurred and the actions taken during. You mean to say when action is taken by Sullivan County and they choose to release their action then everyone will know. Jim asking just revealed what everyone that works at the city and what every citizen that has asked knows. Information will be forth coming. A narcissist would think that is because they personally asked. A moron would think that if Jim if said moron was not able to ask questions of their elected officials on their own. I simply asked and was told the same 3 weeks ago.

Robert (Sunday, June 07 26 09:36 pm EDT)

If it wasn't for Jim Sullivan no one in the public would realize there was even a fraud investigation going on for the community center. Because Jim Sullivan requested a copy of the investigation report we will know the truth of what happened. City leaders would have never said anything ever. Jim Sullivan works for the people with his journalism.

Film Scout (Sunday, June 07 26 08:59 pm EDT)

Did you hear Gordan Ramsey is coming to town and filming an episode at Taverne at the Square this fall. I didn’t realize that place was bad until I heard the news and read some recent reviews and they couldn’t be any worse.

Jims a fucking moron (Sunday, June 07 26 08:10 pm EDT)

Jim, you do realize the council would not be able to give information regarding any investigation and would be waiting for and update from investigating authorities right? You pretend to be so knowledgeable but appear dumb as fuck. The council controls employees? The council investigates crime? You write like further information is only coming forward because you asked. You think that is how it works?

Whistleblower (Sunday, June 07 26 07:56 pm EDT)

A private joint meeting or get together was just held with a handful of school board members and city council members. They have all agreed that 7-12 at the high school, 3-6 at the middle school and k-2 at Maple needs to happen next year. Disnard school will be closing as it is too small and not in as good of shape as Maple ave.

This will be worked on during the summer and announced to the public late July or early August. Most school board members agree with doing this. Only 1 or 2 disagree with this and they were not invited to this private meeting. 3 council members disagree with it and did not attend this meeting.

There is no plans to have a standalone middle school next year. The only plan now is a 3 school model but not announce it right off so they don’t have parents push back all summer.

Jim Sullivan (Sunday, June 07 26 03:49 pm EDT)

Five new articles published today on the News Flashes page of this website.

1) June 3, 2026 Claremont School Board Meeting Synopsis.

2) Claremont Savings Bank Community Center Fraud Investigation Update.

3) Elections Matter!

4) Are Claremont City Officials Withholding Public Information?

5) The Claremont School District Stipend Scandal! Part #24 – Stipends List.

Tom (Saturday, June 06 26 01:15 pm EDT)

Nobody is preventing women from being hired at fire, PD, or DPW. If a qualified female applies, they will likely be hired. That said, there is zero reason to hire a female based on some DEI motive. As for the fire apparatus, they are mostly older than people realize. The second ladder truck is already 25 years old. These trucks are big purchases, but the amount spent is amortized over a period of many years of service and really has very little affect on tax requirements. As the sole city in Sullivan county, having two ladders is a good thing.

Gary (Saturday, June 06 26 08:25 am EDT)

Dork sounds more accurate. You just highlighted that for us all with your numbered response. Again, perhaps asks the Chief your questions. There is a women who works in the fire station daily . She would disagree with your remarks. They would hire female firefighters is applied and there was an open position. There are no women at dpw currently either. Point being stating it like you did looks like your are sexist.

You seen fake expert level here. So sprinkler coverage is not based on floors. It is occupant type. A sprinkler system is designed to hold a fire at bay. Ladders are for rescue. So, Stevens high and the water street mills are how tall? How many occupants?

Do some homework on iso ratings, age of apparatus, replacement schedule and mutual aid ladders before posting dumb shit.

Too difficult to actually get answers without asking. Easier to hide behind a keyboard and yap.

BigDog (Friday, June 05 26 03:36 pm EDT)

Jim, this is Big Dog, and I am not a Dork.

1. Fact is in this day and age, the City of Claremont has NO women firefighters, in the past perhaps a one or two on the dwindling call company’s. Why is that? Good ole boy attitude, that being no women allowed in the Club. The NH firefighters Union ought to be embarrassed. Funny that our Department and old station are just converted for the possibility of a FUTURE female fire fighter and IF you will, rescue worker.

2. Fact is that firemen get to work 24 hours on shift, and have 48 hours off shift, then maybe 24 back on with then 96 off. Their contract may allow for 8 hrs or WORK, 8 hours of personal time and then 8 hours of sleep. Unless they are called out, it is a good deal. Benefits are great as well.

3. Fact is firemen can moonlight as much as they want, yes electricians, plumbers, painters, glaziers, and full time property managers.

4. Fact is really why do we need two ladder trucks with not a building that is very high?? Most buildings that are over say 3 floors must have fully operational sprinklers. If we need a super tall ladder, use our mutual aid communities to assist!.

5. Fact that I would like to know is how the County pays Claremont to run out to the County home multiple times each month.

Back to my porch.

Big Dog

Hillary (Friday, June 05 26 01:44 pm EDT)

Can’t leave the middle school soon enough. Two kids somehow locked themselves in the bathroom for over 2 hours and the school doesn’t know how to handle the situation.

Greg (Friday, June 05 26 10:12 am EDT)

Careful Jim you said the magic word you may get your comment deleted.

Jim (Friday, June 05 26 08:03 am EDT)

Big Dork, you seem ignorant. What was your point of stating not women?

We should Koloski why 2 ladders are needed? Also a ridiculous comment. Did Koloski have a time machine and make that decision before he was a council member? When we had a snorkel and ladder in the 80s and 90s for the Mill district and ISO insurance ratings Koloski must have made those decisions as a child.

Perhaps you can pick up the phone and the Chief can explain that to you.

Jim Sullivan could also answer as when he was city councilor he had no issues with it. I actually don't recall Jim asking much about the fire department at all and each member worked a side company. Garage door installers, roofers, heating techs, fuel oil drivers. Is there a requirement in any employment that you must not work on your off days?

Can Jim publish the call back records for each fire department member? Can Jim publish the total salaries plus overtime so we can see that info?

He won't Big Dork as Mark Limoges kid works there and works for his dad's company on his many off days. Jim won't go after anything that Mark wouldn't approve of.

I’m interested (Friday, June 05 26 02:48 am EDT)

Middle school whistle blower can elaborate on the tax payers money being used poorly behind closed doors? We all know it’s happening but on what?
Thank you.

BigDog (Thursday, June 04 26 04:54 pm EDT)

BigDog,

Back off from the porch. Chief Chamberlain is working a side hustle as we don’t pay him enough money. From the Chief on down, they all work part-time jobs, it is no secret. Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, painters and lawn mowers. People don’t realize that the Fire Union encourages this. These firemen (not Women), work 24 hrs on-shift, and 48 hrs off shift. Hell of a gig, and the Chief will retire with FULL PAY, maybe at age 55 even.

Jim Sullivan and readers, ask Nick Koloski why we need 2 ladders trucks in this City, when we are supported by Mutual Aid contracts??

Back to my porch

Exit Interview (Thursday, June 04 26 04:07 pm EDT)

Middle School Employee Whistleblower. I’m quitting at the end of this year so I really don’t care what I say now. During our last professional development day all of us in the school Districts schools had to stay in the school buildings and do nothing all day because our contract said so. The Dow office ladies went to Keene and got their nails done and ate lunch out. Pretty cool that their contract says on professional days that they can go to Keene and get nails done and eat lunch. Also the Dow building staff don’t care about any of us and aren’t involved. One more thing the school is making most staff pay for their own background checks, finger prints, state testing/recertification all themselves going forward with no pay increase.

If the school district treated us equally and didn’t make us spend our own money just to keep our job I would stay here. I am leaving Claremont School district after working here for 12+ years. I will be starting in Newport next year with a pay raise, less students in my class, more support from the admins, and best of all they are paying for my background check, fingerprints, any certifications that they want me to have, and when I need to be recertified they will pay for that too.

I can’t believe the school district is this incompetent and so much bad stuff goes on behind closed doors with the tax payers dollars. Oh then the SAU has the audacity to ask us leaving staff members to do an exit interview on why we are leaving. Then when we tell them the truth that we have already told them before they act like it’s all new to them, and disagree with our statements.

Disnard will not be open next year. Maple will have K-3 and the Middle School will be made into an elementary school hosting 4-6. Steven’s will welcome 7th and 8th graders to the building where they will be allowed to take high school classes if ready but will mostly be taught appropriate grade level stuff with help of high school teachers.

There will not be enough teachers come next school year to have 4 schools open we will be going to 3 schools. The writing is on the wall and it’s unbelievable that so many people don’t see it.

Bill (Thursday, June 04 26 02:45 pm EDT)

City manager looked the other way all the time when it benefit her but when it’s get tough runs and hides and plays the cry baby card. She let good employees walk and brought bad ones in.

Briana (Thursday, June 04 26 10:56 am EDT)

But aren't the staff directories a matter of public record? So we can see how many employees there are at each school. And also so you can see how many teachers are actually still employed and what subjects they teach.

Behave little munchkins (Wednesday, June 03 26 12:16 pm EDT)

We have had so much staff turnover that it was hard to update so often. We also had nobody managing the website for a period of time so it was in the best interest to take it down. A lot of phish emails and phone calls were being made with the staff directories too so that’s another reason.

Briana (Wednesday, June 03 26 11:19 am EDT)

Seriously, why have the staff directories been removed from all the Claremont school websites? Every school around us...Windsor, Newport, Springfield, all post staff directories. Claremont used to. Why were they taken down?

Madden (Wednesday, June 03 26 10:47 am EDT)

Exciting School Board Meeting Tonight at 6:30pm at the tech center in Claremont. Hope to see you all there!

CLAREMONT SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
June 3, 2026
Sugar River Valley Regional Technical Center
Audio broadcast on CCTV Channel 8
Citizens without access to CCTV 8

You can watch channel 8 at any time LIVE here:
https://reflect-claremont.cablecast.tv/CablecastPublicSite/watch-now?site=1

Click on WATCH on the upper right-hand side of the screen, then hit the play button on the window that comes up.

Board Members
Candace Crawford, Michael Petrin, Heather Whitney, William Madden,
Loren Howard, Donald Lavalette, Brian Rapp

School Board Clerk- Noelle Kronberg
Student Board Members: Miles Sheehan, Lily Clark
SAU #6 Central Office Administration
Kerry Kennedy, Interim Superintendent
Matt Angell, Senior Comptroller/Interim Business Administrator
Chelsea Weatherford, Interim Human Resources Manager
Paige Jarvis, Interim Student Services Director
Jason Bonneville, Interim Technology Director

Mission & Vision Statements
Our mission is to inspire, engage, and empower every student in Claremont and Unity to achieve academic excellence in a safe, positive, and personalized learning environment.
Students will experience success and become lifelong critical thinkers, learners, creative problem-solvers, and engaged citizens.
June 3, 2026
6:30 PM
6:30 PM Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance
6:30 PM General Business/Staff Reports
Secretary Roll Call of Attendance of Board Members (Board Members who arrive after the meeting begins will be noted as “present” at the point in the agenda at which they arrive)
Consent Agenda
Amendments and Final Approval of Board Agenda
Approval of Minutes: 5/20/26
Approval of Manifest:
Citizens Comments-Please reference CSB Policy BEDH- Public Comment & Participation at Board Meetings
Student Representatives’ Report.
Superintendent’s Report
Interim Superintendent, Kerry Kennedy
Incoming Superintendent’s Report: Tim Broadrick
Staffing Updates, including budget for staff
Proposed Central office Organizational Chart
Transportation Update
2026-2027 Calendar Update
Finance Update (Report) Matt Angell, Senior Comptroller
Follow-Up Items:
RiverView partnership with the Tech program
ESY and Credit Recovery
PreK Updates

6:55 PM Discussion/Action Items
Set School Lunch Prices (vote) Matt Angell, Interim Business Administrator
Staff Report - Paid Meal Price Recommendation.pdf
SAU 6 Claremont SY 26-27 Contiguous States PLE Tool (1).pdf
Request by NH State Police to Utilize Bluff School (discussion/vote) Matt Angell, Interim Business Administrator
Staff Report - NH State Police Usage of Bluff School.pdf
Vape Detectors
Subcommittee Reports: Reports by Subcommittee Chairs, if available, consider topics the board would like referred to the committee for investigation or review.
SRVRTC Committee: Chair Mike Petrin, Loren Howard, Candace Crawford
Ad Hoc Exploratory Reconfiguration Subcommittee: Chair Heather Whitney, Donald Lavalette
Capital Improvement Subcommittee: Chair William Madden, Michael Petrin, Brian Rapp
Finance Subcommittee: Chair Candace Crawford, Heather Whitney, Donald Lavalette (Report coming in July)
Policy Subcommittee: Chair Loren Howard, Brian Rapp, Donald Lavalette

IV. 8:20 PM Other Business:

V. 8:25 PM Future Dates/Future Agenda Items
Future Dates:
June 11: SHS Graduation
June 17: School Board meeting
Closure of Bluff School Student Activity Funds
Administration Contract
Communications Proposal
Board By-Laws Update
June 19: Finance Sub-Committee meeting
July 21: July CSB Meeting, including Annual Board Goal-setting

Items for future agendas:
October: Tech Programs update when Curriculum person is hired
Discussion of filming subcommittee meetings: Loren Howard
VI. 8:30 PM Adjournment

Dumbass claremont (Wednesday, June 03 26 10:28 am EDT)

Claremont sure loves being the news spot light.

Greg (Wednesday, June 03 26 09:16 am EDT)

Jon stone for city manager

Thomas Kent (Wednesday, June 03 26 08:29 am EDT)

Alex Scott for City Manager.

Good fucking riddance (Wednesday, June 03 26 07:42 am EDT)

Did anyone verify she was even living her. Still has a home outside of claremont. What was she really living in Claremont? I bet somehow her lease is "canceled" and she magically stops living here. Look at what a mess this city is under her leadership. Good fucking riddance.

Look at the people who run agencies and departments in Washington. They got 500 congress people trying to mess with what they do. And they dont fucking quite and cry about it. Yes the councilors are dumb asses and corrupt in some cases. But a manager should deal with it. They should also bring in business. Bates didn't do jack shit to bring in new businesses and employers. That's why the city is so disgusting. Just sitting around bitching that there is a council that oversees her.

Good fucking riddance.

Don't know what ya got til its gone (Wednesday, June 03 26 06:29 am EDT)

Bring Yoshi back, let him cook and stay off his dick.
The Dishonesty claim, if true was likely warranted to mitigate meddling councilors from cock blocking his every step.

Emerge (Tuesday, June 02 26 06:03 pm EDT)

Pedestrian hit by train at Amtrak station.

Tom (Tuesday, June 02 26 03:56 pm EDT)

Look at how it works. Building inspector Lee is back and they begged him to come back cause they can’t find anyone

Richard (Tuesday, June 02 26 03:18 pm EDT)

Yoshi was fired for dishonesty among other things. If the Councilors hire him back they should all be ousted from office.

Derek (Tuesday, June 02 26 02:34 pm EDT)

Considerations are being had to maybe give Yoshi another chance? This can’t be serious. Fire someone then beg them to come back? That’s Claremont for ya.

New England News (Tuesday, June 02 26 02:09 pm EDT)

Hey we made New England news on TV about our city manager leaving, all of our open director positions, and even still discussing the school district issues. This is free publicity for Claremont. https://www.wcax.com/video/2026/06/02/claremonts-city-manager-resigns-after-less-than-year-job/

Walter (Tuesday, June 02 26 02:00 pm EDT)

Fun fact of the day. If a person was qualified for city manager and applied for the position they would only be able to live in certain houses on white water brook road because every turn you take on that road you go in and out of Claremont multiple times. Imagine your neighbor being qualified to be city manager in Claremont because they live in Claremont but the house 50ft away is not qualified because it’s in Cornish but is on the same road. Claremont has some of the most outdated policies for any municipality in the state.

Tic (Tuesday, June 02 26 10:36 am EDT)

Why would she leave? Are their others looking to leave the city?

Insider (Tuesday, June 02 26 09:07 am EDT)

Don't be surprised if Treasurer leaves next.

Steven (Tuesday, June 02 26 08:54 am EDT)

City manager, finance director, parks and rec director, and chief building inspector. High positions that are open.

Steve (Tuesday, June 02 26 01:54 am EDT)

Here is a history of CM's since Guy:

Interim - 2017 (3 months)
McNutt - 2017-2019 (1year 9 months)
Interim - 2019 ( 9 months)
Morris - 2019-2022 (2 years 1 month)
Interim - 2022 (9 months)
Manale - 2022 - 2025 (2 years 6 months)
Bates - 2025-2026 (10 months)

Stimpy (Monday, June 01 26 09:59 pm EDT)

Dale is an absolute twit. His meddling is worse than Charlene Lovette's. We can't keep staff if the council is too stupid to understand they need to pay wages and keep trained staff. Revolving door doesn't cut it.

Pay for by Jon stone (Monday, June 01 26 09:39 pm EDT)

Love it when a plan comes together! Jon stone for city manager

Kipper (Monday, June 01 26 09:34 pm EDT)

Derek Ellerkamp for city manager? Anybody with me?

Claremonts a massive dumpster fire!! (Monday, June 01 26 07:29 pm EDT)

Wow, look at us, everyone! Claremont is absolutely crushing it. The city is in shambles, the school district is a complete disaster. It's hard not to be excited about what's coming next. We're clearly on the fast track to greatness.

Lurker (Monday, June 01 26 05:19 pm EDT)

Looks like the Nancy Bates Resignation has already found its way to Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/newhampshire/s/9Eh13xks2O

Contracts 102 (Monday, June 01 26 04:46 pm EDT)

Unable, not able. Smh

Contract understander (Monday, June 01 26 04:45 pm EDT)

Both parties may dissolve a contract if there is frustration of purpose. Frustration of purpose is something unforeseen that makes one or both parties able to follow through on their contractual obligations. The Dow has frustrated most purposes this year. lol. For example, stipends for supervising extracurriculars are part of the collective bargaining agreement undergirding the current teachers’ contract. The deficit has frustrated that portion of the contract significantly.

Jim Sullivan (Monday, June 01 26 04:26 pm EDT)

Special Report!

City Manager Nancy Bates Resigns!

Press Release published on the News Flashes page of this website.

Brit (Monday, June 01 26 04:26 pm EDT)

Yes the city manger has quit. Expects to leave the city in July and if we are lucky August. The last council meeting she looked upset with the city and just no longer agreed with what they were doing. Watch her actions ver carefully.

Beth (Monday, June 01 26 04:16 pm EDT)

What do you mean by that? Did the city manager quit?

Nick (Monday, June 01 26 04:16 pm EDT)

City Manager Nancy Bates has resigned. “

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Claremont Announces Resignation of City Manager Nancy Bates
CLAREMONT, NH - The City of Claremont announces that City Manager Nancy Bates has submitted her resignation, effective later this summer with an official date to be determined.
The City Council extends their sincere gratitude to Bates for her dedicated service, leadership, and commitment to the City of Claremont. During her tenure, she worked diligently to advance important initiatives, strengthen municipal operations, and position the city for future success.
"On behalf of the City Council and the residents of Claremont, I want to thank Nancy for her hard work, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to our community," said Mayor Dale Girard. "Her leadership has helped move the city in a positive direction, and we are grateful for the contributions she has made during her time as City Manager."
Bates has also graciously offered to remain available to assist the city following her departure to help ensure a smooth and orderly transition. The city appreciates her willingness to support the organization during this period and her continued commitment to Claremont's success.
The City Council will begin the process of discussing and determining the next steps for recruiting and selecting Claremont's next City Manager. Information regarding that process will be shared with the public as it becomes available.
The City of Claremont thanks Nancy Bates for her service and wishes her continued success in her future endeavors.
For additional information, please contact:
City of Claremont
58 Opera House Square
Claremont, NH 03743
(603) 542-7002”

Yoshi ghost (Monday, June 01 26 04:09 pm EDT)

Another city manager down the shitter!

Lost panties (Monday, June 01 26 01:03 pm EDT)

What happened to the couple that work at the planning office and sneak into the elevator real fast?

Sara (Monday, June 01 26 12:34 pm EDT)

When did Claremont lose both inspectors? My project done and insurance won’t pay the contractor until they get inspected. What do I do?

Admin (Monday, June 01 26 10:49 am EDT)

We didn’t have anyone maintaining the website, then we had so many people leaving that it was hard to update. Plus we didn’t have an updated photo for all staff so most sat there blank. And when we posted emails and staff names they got a lot of phish emails. If you have a kid that is being taught by a staff member they will let you talk to them if you need to reach the school you can go there or talk to sau 6 who will get you in contact with the correct people.

Tom (Monday, June 01 26 10:23 am EDT)

Probably because there's hardly nobody left.

Briana (Monday, June 01 26 09:46 am EDT)

Do any of the schools in SAU 6 post their staff directories anymore? It seems like they have all been taken down.

Billy Bob (Monday, June 01 26 04:50 am EDT)

People forget that Madden was all praising and saying how wonderful Pratt was in the last administration, until it came out how badly he fucked up the district. And then Madden was all of a sudden a critic asking questions. Pretending like he never said all the wonderful things about Prat. Then he started asking questions to seem like he cared. Questions he never got answers to, and just gave up on. He's just as rotten as the rest of them. He can't be trusted

Water sewer rate increase if they get there way (Sunday, May 31 26 07:22 pm EDT)

The city council wants to raise water sewer rates for no reason the budget already approved and there enough money to run it they just want higher rates we have the most incompetent people on this council thanks dale for trying to stop the madness on this council

Keith (Sunday, May 31 26 06:50 pm EDT)

City leaders protect themselves and do no wrong in their eyes. Look at how the fraud investigation is being swept under the rug at the community center. Dishonest people are running the city these days. The people of Claremont know the truth thanks to Jim Sullivan's reporting.

Tom (Sunday, May 31 26 05:01 pm EDT)

@William,
Your comments are ridiculous. The chief did nothing wrong. That’s like DPW saying Ford trucks are great considering the department uses a fleet of them (because they were the lowest bidder). Who cares? Nobody’s privacy was violated since nobody was specifically named. Get over it.

Dave (Sunday, May 31 26 03:56 pm EDT)

The city councilors and city manager are acting like a bunch of crook by tricking Pike to do the paving job on Washington St.and then reneging on their promise to pay the bill that is almost 250 grand. We should not want any of these people handling our money or handling our assets or representing us either in Claremont or in Concord.

William (Sunday, May 31 26 03:46 pm EDT)

City employees should not be endorsing products for businesses. Chamberlain leveraged his position as Fire Chief for the endorsement. Jim showed us that federal employees cannot do this sort of thing because it is unethical so why should the Claremont employees be held to a different standard?

Mike (Sunday, May 31 26 03:36 pm EDT)

"Julie" perhaps you missed the point or can't do your own homework. 1. The fire academy had Liven as a presenter for wellness so you assume the state violated everyone rights as well? Perhaps you assume every fireman was forced to download and participate in an app? Perhaps you fail to see another departments nationally do the same? Please provide the proof the chief took money. Those are serious allegations. Odd that the independent fire union endorsed the product on their own private social media page. They must feel violated or maybe that is just folks that make up stories.

Julie (Sunday, May 31 26 02:30 pm EDT)

Diane you missed the point of Jim's report. The fire chief did an endorsement for a mental health product that he probably was paid to do and he suggested that all the firefighters were using the program because they need therapy. That is a violation of their privacy and the fire chief probably did it for money. This may get the city in hot water with the firefighters and cost the taxpayers money for a settlement with the firefighters. So Jim doesn't like Nick and took a cheap shot big deal. You should be worrying less about Nick Koloski and more about the firefighters whose privacy has been violated by their own chief. That is a violation of their trust and it could also be a violation of the law.

Diane B. (Sunday, May 31 26 02:23 pm EDT)

Mr. Sullivan, in one breathe you are going after the fire chief for an app that offers the same subscription accordingly to any department if you email them and ask. The next breathe you target a member of the department with photos and hope he uses the service. The Union prompted the program on their own private social media so assuming they are not offended by the assistance. The same firefighter you single out elected official or not recently was injured pulling two elderly residents from their burning home suffering smoke inhalation and was transported to the hospital. After months of being without voice and being treated by doctors which you are aware of you choose to mock and take the low road. Do better James. If he truly benefits from an app good for him and anyone else in emergency service. Some choose not to be a keyboard warrior and actually serve their community. As someone who is very close to a loss of a loved one who suffered PTSD from emergency services your attack misses the mark and is in poor taste. There are foundations in the country that focus on these battles. Do some better research before formulation of opinion sir.

Steve (Sunday, May 31 26 12:03 pm EDT)

Chief Chamberlain violated his men's privacy to make a buck. That is an unforgivable act. He should resign. Or the city manager should terminate him.

Angela (Sunday, May 31 26 08:28 am EDT)

No Derek. Chris likes to grandstand but has always lacked the nuts to do more than bark. His stories of how things should and were done or bs. His last rant was moronic. The council doesn't have to publicly list on the agenda adding a council member to union negotiations. His rants missed the mark. You will be asking yourself after a 2 year term what has he done. You can list now what he did during past terms. Nothing. He did up and quit once. He only won because he ran against Stone. You could have won against Stone.

Rick (Sunday, May 31 26 08:18 am EDT)

The fire chief endorsing a psychiatry app and suggesting that the entire Fire Department is in therapy. Wow! The employees are out of control. I read on social media that the city and the school are dumpster fires. So true.

Jim Sullivan (Sunday, May 31 26 05:58 am EDT)

Nine new articles published today on the News Flashes page of this website.

1) North & Main Streets Paving Update.

2) Questionable Ethics! Claremont Fire Chief James Chamberlain uses his position to endorse Psychiatric Therapy App to benefit a for-profit business!

3) Claremont City Councilors & City Manager Bates are intentionally screwing Pike Industries Inc. out of $237,134.24!

4) Claremont City Councilors continue to accomplish extremely little during their May 27 2026 meeting!

5) You can always tell when you request sensitive documents when Local Government Officials apply the brakes to Right to Know Requests!

6) Claremont Planning Board Approved Solar Project!

7) Claremont School Officials allowing staffing problems throughout the Claremont School District to exacerbate by allowing several staff members out of their contracts early!

8) SAU #6 Cancels Meeting Again!

9) The Claremont School District Stipend Scandal! Part #23 – Stipends List.

Truthy Truth (Sunday, May 31 26 01:29 am EDT)

Madden is a loser. What's the story with the intern hiring. Made a big stink, but got nothing and stopped asking questions. Where's the money that went missing. No fucking clue. But you'll bitch endlessly about exec summaries and kids wearing hats. No surprise your divorced and your son is a piece of shit (as you yourself endlessly discuss at board meetings). Get off your fat lazy ass and do something for once.

Jameson (Saturday, May 30 26 07:25 pm EDT)

You’re a free king moron. Walter, Walter Walter. Walter Walter.

Walter (Saturday, May 30 26 07:21 pm EDT)

If I complain enough will they pave cathole rd all the way through?

Derek (Saturday, May 30 26 06:42 pm EDT)

Anybody else been noticing Chris Irish on the city council has been standing up to other city council members? Is he the only city council member willing to fight for the people and who has common sense?

Rebecca (Saturday, May 30 26 07:23 am EDT)

I am appalled at the lack of trans and furry support on this website.

Timmy (Saturday, May 30 26 07:13 am EDT)

Maybe if I complain enough the city will pave my driveway for me. There way worse roads then hers. Abusing her power and cry like a little bitch until she gets what she wants

Timmy Turner (Friday, May 29 26 09:11 pm EDT)

Yes I did notice she has been complaining about it in city council meetings for a while now. Seems like they made her happy.

Tim (Friday, May 29 26 08:00 pm EDT)

Did anyone realize they paved the road where the assistant mayor lives on?

Board has to change! (Thursday, May 28 26 05:44 pm EDT)

Madden = lazy shite

Oh, I disagree. Let’s give credit where it’s due: Bill isn't just "quiet," he’s a masterclass in silent meditation. Ever since Candace took over as board chair, Bill has successfully transitioned into a full-time decorative houseplant. It takes real skill to sit through entire board meetings contributing absolutely nothing, save for the occasional, deeply intellectual grievance about hats and metal detectors. Truly riveting stuff. Speaking of his hard-hitting hat policy—where is that fierce energy when Whitney or the BA guy roll up in headwear? I guess Bill's principles are as selective as his voice.

But if we’re handing out awards for the "Most Relentlessly Lazy," we can't overlook Petrin. The man is out of breathe every time he speaks; you really have to admire the stamina it takes to get winded from a simple "here" during roll call. For five consecutive meetings, that single word was his entire contribution to local democracy. He’s Whitney’s ultimate echo chamber, bringing all the utility of a juicy wet fart to the table.

Madden = lazy shite (Thursday, May 28 26 03:57 pm EDT)

Bill Madden is the laziest piece of shit on the board. Talks a good game, but gives up every time. How were the interns hired? Never found out. Do we know where the money is? Nope. Do we know if we have enough staff? Nope. Are we fine paying 100k a year for a driver for a homeless student when we could hire a dedicated driver for less? Yep! Is madden going to do a God damn thing? Nope.

Flush the board. (Thursday, May 28 26 01:32 pm EDT)

Wait a second—Bill Madden, the same guy who’s been pushing to get Tim Broadrick here since October, is now acting like everything is perfectly fine? The same Bill Madden who hand-picked a committee to hire a new superintendent and explicitly shut out teachers, principals, administrators, and the community from having any say? Yeah… shocking, right? Not.

Let’s be crystal clear: the school board did this. They alone chose Broadrick. Nobody else. No one else had a vote. No one else had input. And if this blows up, if things fall apart, it’s on them—and them alone. There is no one else to blame.

And make no mistake: this is just the beginning. Broadrick now has free rein. He can act unchecked because the school board, having done this entirely on their own, can’t admit a mistake even if disaster hits. They’ve tied their pride to this decision, so accountability? That falls squarely on the shoulders of the community.

It is up to the people of this town to make sure every misstep, every overreach, every screw-up is documented, publicized, and impossible to ignore. Because if the board thinks they can hide behind from it, they are surely mistaken. The community has to make the consequences undeniable.

This isn’t speculation. This isn’t fear-mongering. This is the reality of what happens when a small group makes a huge decision in total isolation. And the only thing that will keep them honest is relentless, loud, and unflinching public scrutiny.

Sam (Thursday, May 28 26 10:56 am EDT)

Bye bye Mr Martin

Timmy (Thursday, May 28 26 07:56 am EDT)

Have a good time in prison Justin

Kenny The Shark (Wednesday, May 27 26 10:51 am EDT)

I will post what I want. I may even post that a kid drank a chemical in chemistry class and later had monkeys pop out of their butt in history class that started to fly around the school. That’s more believable then anything that comes out of the school boards mouth or city council.

Insider K (Wednesday, May 27 26 10:44 am EDT)

City Manager will be filling in for the director of parks and rec tonight at the City council meeting since he resigned. Don’t expect any mention of the fraud being investigated.

Also don’t post about it on what’s up Claremont or you’ll be banned.

Bill (Wednesday, May 27 26 09:12 am EDT)

What Claremont needs is a moderated public forum where people can’t use alias to communicate displeasure on reporting.

The people being paid six figure salaries should be elected and determined by the public. If that was the case more than 1200 of the population would particpate and public debates would determine who was in these positions with job review every 2 years. Certifications don’t equal results.

What’s the solution to any of the problems? Claremont municipalities and schools are slow burning dumpster fire that needs to be reset. Within the law and parameters set by higher authorities, nothing can really get better.

For all of Jim’s really good reporting, his his opinion portion of what to do is overshadowed by the belittlement.

Im new here, why have you been railroaded out of elected or paid positions in Claremont that could actually make a difference.
Like it seems that you could be city manager and do at least as bad as Nancy Bates, or I could be parks and rec director and not knowingly or unknowningly overseen fraud.

Casey (Wednesday, May 27 26 09:02 am EDT)

So we now have enough teachers for next year? What changed?

Jim Sullivan (Wednesday, May 27 26 06:22 am EDT)

SPECIAL REPORT!

Claremont Savings Bank Community Center Fraud Investigation Update published on the News Flashes page of this website.

Billy Boy Bill (Wednesday, May 27 26 03:17 am EDT)

Bill: remember a month ago when we had to hire asshole Broadrick in a hurry because there was a "hiring season" and we were almost through with it? But now we don't worry about the hiring season with teachers? If we can hire some, and that's a big if, do you really think its going to be the good ones available in July with no obligations for the next year? I'm guess is that if we do find some, it'll be someone without a job for reason.

When we hire Broadrick we have to throw money at him to get talent to come here. when its teachers, we don't give a fuck just whoever is willing to sign on the dotted line.

You know when you were out there, Bill, holding peoples feet to the fire and not backing down when everyone wanted you to. I liked you. Now I'm beyond disappointed in your laziness and willingness to tow the bullshit line.

This is insane! (Tuesday, May 26 26 05:49 pm EDT)

Madden: your responses are terrifying. Before you were saying we don't have a staffing problem. Now its "our new superintendent has been drawing interest from teachers from surrounding districts to come work for SAU 6 starting next year."

And "drawing interest"? What does that mean.

So we don't have a problem, but if we do its ok because someone is "drawing interest"? WTF?

How about we make a list of essential positions at each school, and write next to each position the status of if we have someone lined up to be in that position or not. And then present that list to the community (and yourself) so we know where we stand and aren't going on vibes.

Madden (Tuesday, May 26 26 02:02 pm EDT)

Good News. I have been informed that our new superintendent has been drawing interest from teachers from surrounding districts to come work for SAU 6 starting next year. All the worries about not having enough staff for next year should be put at ease now.

BitchCamp (Monday, May 25 26 08:33 pm EDT)

The only good idea Ellercamp has had was when he said “I’m trying to leave Claremont” after CHOOSING to come here a year ago.

If Ellercamp was on fire and I had water, I’d drink it.

That guy is an illiterate menace.

Andy (Monday, May 25 26 11:47 am EDT)

Derek Ellerkamp should run for school board. He has some really good ideas and could turn the schools around. I voted for him for city council and went around to try to get others to vote for him. Sadly we didn’t win but I’m hopeful that someday he could win a school board position and turn the schools around.

Pay Attention Bill. (Sunday, May 24 26 08:58 pm EDT)

Madden: you are being fed a line of crap.

Here's my advice to you. You're signed up to be a sub, right? Go sub at the middle school a few days before school is out.

Don't go in planning to lecture the kids on the dress code or how to live their lives (you can do that later if you want). Go in and just observe what is going on around you and in the other classrooms.

I guarantee you wont think everything is OK after doing that.

Jim Sullivan (Sunday, May 24 26 05:43 pm EDT)

Five new articles published today on the News Flashes page of this website.

1) Claremont Police Chief Brent Wilmot Investigating Fraud at Claremont Savings Bank Community Center!

2) The CDA is deep in arrears regarding Roof Repair Project Bills! Project Revenue Deficit! Will Loan from City get repaid?

3) The Claremont School District Employee Exodus Continues!

4) May 20, 2026 Claremont School Board Meeting Synopsis.

5) The Claremont School District Stipend Scandal! Part #22 – Stipends List.

Madden (Sunday, May 24 26 05:39 pm EDT)

Look I’ve had some talks and read the Reddit post. I have been assured that we have a plan to hire new teachers as needed. I have been informed that our staffing level right now is not a huge deal and will be fixed over the summer. We will have teachers leaving other districts to come here like we always do. We are in a good place for next year and I see no issue with staffing now as we will be able to finish the current school year and will be fine next school year once we hire some more staff.

Please remember to email me and I will check it and respond to you all within 3 days.

Henry (Sunday, May 24 26 05:11 pm EDT)

I just read some of the comments from the post and ouch. We are in for a not so good time next year.

CMS HAS A HUGE STAFFING PROBLEM (Sunday, May 24 26 03:57 pm EDT)

It is unreal watching the Board do nothing at last week's meeting while everyone can see there is a massive staffing problem. Un-fucking-real. I'm no fan of Heather, but she was trying to raise this point. And Candy and Matt were making up excuses and dismissing it.

Lets be clear: WE HAVE A MASSIVE STAFFING PROBLEM. PARTICULARLY AT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL. PLEASE TAKE NOTE BOARD. DO SOMETHING BOARD.

Here is the reddit post in full:

Parent of a child in the Claremont school district

Hello everyone I am a parent of a child in the Claremont school district. This is a throwaway account I made. I have been talking with members in the Claremont community including teachers and the issues this year seem to be much worse for next year.

We were just informed that we expect to start the next school year with a 1 million dollar deficit. We are trying to sell Bluff elementary school for the 3 million dollar assed value, but it was announced that we would likely see less than 700 thousand dollars for the building. We recently overpaid for a new school building that we didn’t need and put a lot of money into it. We approved 50 thousand dollars of improvements for it but instead we somehow spent 150 thousand on those improvements and still owe the contractor money. We are trying to sell it for much less than what the school district paid for it.

The high school currently has no traditional foreign language teacher and they are currently only offering ASL as a foreign language at the high school. The middle school principal and maple ave elementary school principal quit the same week. All teachers but 5 at the middle school have quit once the school year ends and will not be returning next year. That means the middle school only has 5 teachers coming back next year. The middle school has been extremely short teachers all school year. They never had a nurse or a health teacher all year and also had substitutes teaching main subjects all year. History teachers have been teaching science and vice versa.

The school district currently has 55 opening with many more expected to be open once the summer comes along. This is even after closing an elementary school and combining staff and teachers.

We have 1 business admin position open, 4 principal positions open, 2 coaching positions open for sports that are funded (most sports have no funding for this year), 8 elementary school teaching positions open, 1 finance admin position open, 8 high school teaching positions open, 11 middle school teaching positions open, 2 summer program positions open, 2 RSD/ARC positions open, 4 substitute positions open, 8 paraprofessional positions open, 1 technology position open, and 3 bus driver positions open.

This is an insane amount of openings with even more expected to crop up next year. During Wednesday nights school board meeting the admin and some school board members thought Claremont would have no problem hiring new staff. Talks online by teachers and parents involved in the school system are sounding the alarm that the Claremont school district has not had enough staff to finish the school year, and will not have enough staff to open 4 schools next year and instead will need to put the middle school in the high school.

The school district did just hire a new superintendent for 500 plus thousand dollars for 2 years and they will be paying for him to live in a place in Claremont but will mostly be living somewhere in Maine. The superintendent has no means of staying with the school district for more than 2 years.

Is there anything I can do to make sure my child is going to get the proper education they deserve? I can’t home school them, I can’t afford to send them to another public school, and I can’t afford to send them to a private school. Do I have any options or do I just have to have my child attend the Claremont school district that is not adequately staffed?

I really can’t believe this is happening and nothing is being done about it. Claremont is a city and has over 1,000 kids in the school district. This is quite a few children in NH that are affected by this disaster in the school district.

David (Sunday, May 24 26 03:39 pm EDT)

Stevens High School has officially fallen to the lowest ranked high school in the state. Any other schools that may be worse are private or special circumstance schools that can’t be compared to a public school. Hanover is ranked at #1 and Lebanon is ranked at #2. We will have no teachers next year then we made it on the front page of NH Reddit and now Stevens high school is ranked dead last in the state. What has happened?

Lurker Award (Sunday, May 24 26 03:15 pm EDT)

https://www.reddit.com/r/newhampshire/s/sikAiJHde8

Reddit Link

Lurker Award (Sunday, May 24 26 03:12 pm EDT)

Hey we made NH’s Reddit page!
https://www.reddit.com/r/newhampshire/s/HayeOn8ixc

Bill (Saturday, May 23 26 06:11 pm EDT)

So is my daughter not going to be finishing the school year with her regular teachers at CMS? She just told me a lot of her teachers are leaving and she thinks she is going to have substitutes starting after Memorial Day.

George (Friday, May 22 26 07:47 pm EDT)

They have 30 days by state law. I will be doing an interview with Jim, it will be a tell all interview about my time at the city.

Scott (Friday, May 22 26 07:30 pm EDT)

How can two part time inspectors even be worth Claremont time? My permit took a month and half to receive. What a joke

Jim Sullivan (Friday, May 22 26 05:50 pm EDT)

Sarah, in my opinion, your instincts are spot on accurate and your fears are well justified regarding staffing vacancies through the Claremont School District. I will be publishing a separate article update about this on Sunday along with an article about the latest Claremont School Board Meeting and another set of Stipend payments.

Bob l (Friday, May 22 26 02:46 pm EDT)

Sarah,

We are definitely going to not have enough teachers next year. Claremont is 20% teaching 80% babysitting. Teaching becomes babysitting when kids are the demographic that Claremont is.

Sarah (Friday, May 22 26 12:43 pm EDT)

Hey Jim can you do some stories this Sunday on the school district? I’m a little worried if we will have enough teachers next year.

Meghan (Thursday, May 21 26 06:46 pm EDT)

As of today 2 more CMS teachers have announced they aren’t returning. 3 more SHS teachers and 2 elementary school teachers.

Bob (Thursday, May 21 26 04:20 pm EDT)

What are the hours he’s suppose to “be on the clock”. He can work around other things that he does for the community.
30-40k a year doesn’t make you a slave to the community.

Jeff (Thursday, May 21 26 03:32 pm EDT)

The only problem I see is if Shaun is not working a full time that he is being paid as the assistant director for the city's Parks and Recreation Department. If 100% of the duties he is performing for the school district is not during the hours he supposed to be working as the assistant director of Parks and Recreation then there is no conflict. If he is taking advantage of the taxpayers by using city time to work for the school district then that is a problem.

Bob (Thursday, May 21 26 03:14 pm EDT)

My point into Shaun is that he is grossly under compensated for what he does and coaching the paid teams doesn’t not affect his ability to work for Parks and Rec.

Jennifer (Thursday, May 21 26 02:43 pm EDT)

Gee Rick, I don't know, why don't you spearhead the investigation into how many hours of "company time" Shaun spent on Middle School athletics during a time when the "company" school was 5 million dollars in the hole. Yeah, let's investigate the volunteer who got hundreds of kids through this school year. He is the Program Director at the Community Center working on programs for the Center and for kids, and on his off time he is doing emails, schedules going to games, etc. for the Company's middle school, free of charge! If he made a phone call here and there on "company" time, who the hell cares, except apparently you a-holes. Make sure whatever good is left at the community center is run out of town as well. Thanks Rick for the insight!

Rick (Thursday, May 21 26 10:48 am EDT)

Jennifer the question is if Shaun is doing any of this school work on company time paid by the taxpayers through the city budget?

Tom (Thursday, May 21 26 09:38 am EDT)

I’d be concern that people are just building what they want and making it unsafe for people without having the proper people in the building inspector position. How can you work one day and look at everything.

Jennifer (Thursday, May 21 26 09:38 am EDT)

The focus on Shaun LaPlante and his salary is really mind-blowing. Jim won't find any stipends for Shaun other than coaching. When we found ourselves in a 5 million dollar deficit and people came together to find a way for kids to play sports and have extracurricular activities, Shaun made sure the middle school kids had games and practices. He did all the sports schedules, practices, social media posts and whatever it took for the kids to have sports, WITHOUT COMPENSATION! CMS has its share of problems, but Shaun went above and beyond to at least keep some kind of normalcy so the kids could play sports. There was no athletic director at the middle school and, without Shaun, there would have been no sports. Between the Community Center and the middle and high schools, Shaun has made relationships with kids and their families. He is someone they can depend on! Why has he become a target? This City needs someone like Shaun, but instead of thanking him for all he does, ON HIS OWN TIME, you want to bash him. No wonder good people don't stick around!!

Gabby (Thursday, May 21 26 09:38 am EDT)

This is too funny. The city has bluff school assed at 3 million. The school board thought we would get around that amount when sold. St Mary’s school is currently for sale with no buyers for 750 thousand dollars and it’s in better condition then bluff. Bluff is expected to sell for less then 750 thousand which is catching all the school board members off guard.

Concerned Citizen (Thursday, May 21 26 09:21 am EDT)

Since Shaun started with Parks and Rec mid May in 2024, the $35,145 earnings that he made in 2024 would come out to an annual rate of around $56K. If you really want to know his current salary, you could try a 91-A request.

Spaulding (Thursday, May 21 26 06:14 am EDT)

Jim how much are the part time inspectors being paid? Rob and Lee

LillieBell (Wednesday, May 20 26 09:56 pm EDT)

Speaking of interesting school board meeting..Angry Rapp showed up again. Demanding bus contract information. Chill dude. Gotta admit, why cant the board can't follow a simple policy about policies? No wonder they screwed everything up for years. Spend some more money on a building then sell it at a loss. Already lowering expectations. Speak up Petrine! Don the anti employee former union hack!

Jim, Jr. (Wednesday, May 20 26 09:46 pm EDT)

Jim has a chip on his shoulder for sure. But what he does is a public service. There is no newspaper. Without Jim the city management would do even more shady things. I do wish Jim would editorialize a bit less.

Narcissist (Wednesday, May 20 26 09:41 pm EDT)

What kind of idiot spends 30 years of his life using this blog to hate everything about our city. I bet this Jim is a complete looser and probably on city welfare. All he does is bash everyone and try to show how smart he thinks he is. What kind of person pretends to know so much about everything and yet has no life. Get help.

Cindy (Wednesday, May 20 26 09:13 pm EDT)

Well that school board meeting was interesting. Just more bad news for the city and us tax payers.

Jim Sullivan (Wednesday, May 20 26 06:07 pm EDT)

According to government salaries website for 2024 you are correct. I don't know how accurate that data is. I do not have a list of salaries for city employees.

Citizen (Wednesday, May 20 26 04:31 pm EDT)

I see somewhere between 30 and 40k for Shaun.
Is this accurate Jim?

Double dip Lee (Wednesday, May 20 26 04:25 pm EDT)

I’m a little money gremlin
I’m a little employee poacher

Gina (Wednesday, May 20 26 02:41 pm EDT)

Do any of the admin or school board members even care that a lot of staff inside schools are leaving? Do they care that very few positions are posted online for hiring? Do they even care about the deficit, how much we spend on a superintendent, and the children’s education.

It seems to me the city council cares more about everything stated above than the admin and school board. The city council has no say over the schools in the city but they actually do seem to care. Now it’s time for the school board and admin to care just the same if not more.

Lindsey (Wednesday, May 20 26 02:25 pm EDT)

I’m so frustrated with the Claremont school district. My son is in CMS. Currently half of his teachers are filled with substitutes or are being taught by another teacher that normally teaches another subject. His level of education has not increased this year. He asks basic questions to his teachers and since they don’t know what they are teaching they tell my son to use a school computer and google some more info on it.

My kid gets bullied by some kids sometimes. I’ve called the school multiple times and they say they know nothing about it or they are working on it but have a back log. I’ve called SAU office and get told to talk to CMS. CMS keeps telling me they will call me back and handle it. I’ve been inquiring this for over 6 weeks with no answers from the school.

What type of school district has substitutes teaching subjects all year long? What type of school has a science teacher also teaching history all year long. What school doesn’t care about bullying? What type of school tells me and my son that his health class is non existent this year? Other subjects seem to be non existent too. Like why is my son even going to school? He learns nothing due to half of his teachers not actually being teachers for the subject they are teaching, telling my son to google info on class, and also getting bullied by other kids. It’s almost as if I could get my son a better education absolutely anywhere but CMS. I sure the High School is better because I’m unsure what to do at this point.

Amanda (Wednesday, May 20 26 02:04 pm EDT)

maybe old double dip lee just ain’t getting paid enough to do basic work

Member 89 (Wednesday, May 20 26 01:55 pm EDT)

Yeah that roof is pretty bad looking from arrowhead and it still leaks a little during very heavy rain.

A-Team (Wednesday, May 20 26 01:39 pm EDT)

There is something seriously wrong with the community center roof. You have the whole building inspector office and no one notices the roof falling apart? Bunch of tards.

Fred (Wednesday, May 20 26 10:58 am EDT)

“Claremont is in total turmoil!
Does anyone have any solutions?” Derek Ellerkamp

Anybody able to help this guy out? He’s blowing the whistle on what’s up Claremont.

Madden (Wednesday, May 20 26 10:40 am EDT)

I check my emails on school board days much more frequently. I ask questions during and outside of meetings and I talk to a brick wall. Nobody in admin is really worried about staffing issues and not many on the board seem to care as well. Not much discussion will be had tonight on it but it will be brought up. Hopefully citizens show up and speak at citizens comment so others realize how big of deal it is. If not the staffing meeting will be pushed back to late June or July.

Another Bill (Wednesday, May 20 26 10:12 am EDT)

Madden: I have no idea if you are really the school board guy, Or someone impersonating him. In case you are:

[1] I'm kinda sorry people make fun of you and your other board members here. At the same time, I kinda get it, the district is in terrible shape. We can argue how much of that is the Board's fault. But certainly isn't that the Board has no blame.

[2] If you really did finally notice there is a staffing problem, and plan to actually investigate it and do something about it, before it is a crisis that has blown up and screwed everyone over. Good on ya. that'll be about a first.

[3] Here's my advice for you and the other Board members. ASK QUESTIONS. Lots of questions. When the administration says something that isn't clear or doesn't answer your questions. Ask a follow up. I feel you guys think its an imposition or that you'll look dumb. You wont. The BS they feed you makes no sense to anyone. ASK QUESTIONS. LOTS AND LOTS OF QUESTIONS.

Worried (Wednesday, May 20 26 08:18 am EDT)

I’d be more concerned about everyone double dipping and taking advantage of Claremont’s situation. Like the food inspectors and building inspector. How much are they getting paid for little work?

Madden (Wednesday, May 20 26 07:40 am EDT)

Due to the school district having some unprecedented things happen this past week. The school board Agenda and discussions will be slightly changed tonight. It will focus on staff.

Bob (Wednesday, May 20 26 07:04 am EDT)

What does Shaun make?
Justin did decent, but how much is Shaun paid?
You say he is handsomely compensated for his work but yet you only show his side work school coaching pay?
I highly doubt shaun is overpaid and probably wouldn’t coach or AD (for free) if he was so “handsomely” compensated.

Concerned Citizen (Tuesday, May 19 26 08:04 pm EDT)

That $82,417 that Justin Martin made in 2024 would be for about 11 months as director and 1 month as assistant director, so his annual director pay would likely be a little higher. Still nothing like some other municipalities. For example, Lebanon’s Parks & Rec Director made $121,828 in 2024, Hanover’s Parks & Rec Director made $130,431 in 2024. Newport would be closer to Claremont at $91,193 in 2024.

Sounds fishy (Tuesday, May 19 26 04:18 pm EDT)

When do the allegations come out?

PRIDE (Tuesday, May 19 26 03:49 pm EDT)

You mean the homeless shelter with the rainbow flag?

Curious (Tuesday, May 19 26 03:36 pm EDT)

Why does the church on pleasant street practice witch craft?

Dan (Tuesday, May 19 26 03:09 pm EDT)

Did I just hear that the county is in favor of increasing the county portion of our property taxes by 8-9 percent? That’s a pretty big increase.

Organic Man (Tuesday, May 19 26 01:59 pm EDT)

Guys just do your own research and do a little digging. Claremont is having a mass exodus of staff members which includes teachers leaving at the end of the school year. Nobody wants to work for the Claremont school district. We currently don’t have enough staff to keep our schools safe from bullying and keep kids behaviors in line. We are pulling staff from other schools to fill in because we don’t even have substitutes. Our resource officer keeps saying welcome to Stevens 6 7 and 8. She’s the resource officer and is saying things like that it probably means we are in a bad place. Take a look at the open positions the Saints hiring for. It’s a lot of open positions but it’s not even half of them. They just haven’t posted the rest yet for some unknown reason. There is no way we can operate 4 schools next year and maybe we can’t even operate 3 schools next year. We might have to eventually go to the 2 school model next year somehow. Reaching out to the school board is useless because whenever I do it they never know what they are talking about or just hide things from the public. Remember they hire the people who get us into these messes. They make themselves look as good as possible while running for school board and when they get elected they have no idea what they are doing. So yes we are in a bad position.

Dick (Tuesday, May 19 26 12:38 pm EDT)

Brad where did KPP get his info from? Certainly wasn’t the school board if they don’t plan on talking about it. It’s all false information. The school board has it all handled. They know more then us.

Brad (Tuesday, May 19 26 12:30 pm EDT)

Dick you are being handled Kipp Ryan repor8 only 5 teachers are returning to middle school in September That is not normal and who would want to come to work in Claremont? Unity and Goshen left sending their kids elsewhere

Dick (Tuesday, May 19 26 12:03 pm EDT)

I have reached out to a school board member. I asked if tomorrow’s school board meeting will focus on staff members leaving in mass amounts, schools possibly not having enough staff next year to operate safely, and substitutes filling in for full time teachers. I was told that it has been the norm for many years for staff members to leave at the end of the school year. And that during the summer we hire replacements. This happens in most school districts. I was also told that all schools are remaining open until the end of the school year and next year all schools will open again per the terms decided on in a past meeting and voted on by voters. No schools will close because of not having enough staff next year. We will hire new ones over the summer like we always do. They also told me for decades substitutes have been filling in for full time teachers as needed that’s nothing new.

The school board member told me they will discuss bus contracts, food providers, and picture contracts. They also hope to discuss a little bit about vape detectors to be put in schools and the selling of two buildings. The Claremont school district is doing well and everything is moving forward as planned for next year. They also told me we just hired a new superintendent that is going to be able to recruit new staff members that want to work here. Next year will look very different in a good way for Claremont.

See guys the school board has everything covered. Don’t believe the rumors about staff members leaving, and schools not being safe. It’s not true and the school board would be talking about it at a upcoming meeting if it was true or needed to be discussed.

Bob (Tuesday, May 19 26 11:34 am EDT)

Citize

Now what about Shaun?

citizen (Tuesday, May 19 26 11:29 am EDT)

according to gov salaries justin made $82,417 in 2024

Gary (Tuesday, May 19 26 07:47 am EDT)

It stems from Claremont not responding to mutual aid calls. I hear that other towns do the same thing. Chief Chamberlain saying Claremont FD responded to all mutual aid calls is true but he left out the part that several nearby towns no longer call Claremont for assistance. Lie by omission.

Helen (Tuesday, May 19 26 07:37 am EDT)

Can someone explain to me why Claremont does not get called to assist at Charlestown fires? Claremont also does not call Charlestown for assistance? Very curious what happened that border towns bypass each other when lives and property are on the line. Seems very childish.

Bob (Tuesday, May 19 26 07:30 am EDT)

Seriously,
What did the city pay Justin Martin and how much does parks and rec pay Shaun? We know his school pay.

Joe (Monday, May 18 26 08:45 pm EDT)

Just talk to the what’s up Claremont Admin and you’ll learn all you ever wanted to know about schools in Claremont. Let me tell you though that it’s worse than what anybody knows yet. Just talk to people inside the schools and it’s awful.

Concerned Citizen (Monday, May 18 26 08:17 pm EDT)

Jim,
Resident per capita income should not have that big of role in municipal employees’ salaries. But we still absolutely need to focus on how our current tax burden affects our lower income residents. Just as vendors don’t give us discounts for things such as vehicle leases, paving, or pretty much any goods or services because our per capita income is low, we can’t expect to hire skilled employees if the surrounding municipalities offer significantly higher compensation for the same jobs (and in some cases extremely higher, check out https://govsalaries.com/). I don’t know how we keep some of our excellent employees based on the salary figures that I have looked into for certain positions. Also remember that the reason that our resident per capita income is low is because we have a fair number of residents that work in positions that are low paying because of the position, not because they work or live in Claremont. And just as they are paid fairly for the types of positions that they have, our City employees also need to be fairly compensated for the types of positions that they have. In the past Claremont attracted lower income residents, because housing was less expensive than neighboring communities which left us with a higher percentage of lower income families than the surrounding communities. Not necessarily a bad thing, just a realistic picture of where Claremont stands. And yes, for a somewhat poorer community, we do have what some might consider luxuries. For example, some New Hampshire communities rely on volunteers to staff their libraries, while we have an excellently staffed library (much appreciated). We have a 24-hour a day staffed Fire Department, which although not all communities have this, when minutes matter, the potential saving of lives and property that might otherwise be lost makes it something that I don’t think many taxpayers would argue against. Despite all the issues that the Parks and Rec Department has endured, it is worth it for the community to invest in saving what we still have. Perhaps we can come up with ways to attract more businesses and encourage the development of higher value residential neighborhoods. Unfortunately, with the current state of things including all the school system drama, this may be a daunting task. Now that we have a new Planning & Development Director, who knows, she might be able to start to get things moving in a beneficial direction for all. As far as Fire and Teamsters are concerned, there are definitely “some” of the positions that we need to really have the larger portion of their raises hit the first year just to bring them up to something that is at least somewhere in the normal range. All that being said, yes some of our employees really don’t need or deserve much of any salary increases, but there are others where it is beyond embarrassing how low we pay them for their positions. Despite our years of bad City Manager experiences, I still want to give our current City Manager every possibility to succeed and “if” the bottom line of the budget is still reasonable let her have some freedom in how she achieves it (this is mainly meant for advice to council members, I still do appreciate all of the information and ideas that you come up with and we shouldn’t have many complaints about public watchdogs whether we agree with them or not. And I also find your public forum beneficial even when people who seem to not have a clue about what they are talking about post, as it encourages public involvement in their community (and sometimes it's good for a needed laugh)

Jim Sullivan (Monday, May 18 26 07:59 pm EDT)

I have already requested the information regarding staffing levels but school officials are dragging their feet turning the documentation over. I think they don't want the public to know just how bad things are.

Staffing Levels (Monday, May 18 26 07:47 pm EDT)

Jim: you gotta dig in to what is going on with staffing at the schools. credible people are saying on WUC that CMS has so low staff they can't function, and there are MANY resignations for next year. I don't know what you ask for, they must have emails or docs on this, but this is going to be bigger than the financial crisis if it is true.

James (Monday, May 18 26 07:32 pm EDT)

I don't need to 91a it as I already have it. When Damien Fisher checks his inbox he will have it as well. I am simply not doing Jim Sullivans work for him. He pretends he is watching out for corruption but if it involves certain people he cowers and deletes.

Bob (Monday, May 18 26 04:51 pm EDT)

What was the compensation for Justin?
What is the pay for Shawn that Parks and Rec pays?

Jim Sullivan (Monday, May 18 26 04:38 pm EDT)

I just received the following response from the Right to Know Request that I sent today to the SAU #6 Office.

“On 5/18/2026 4:27 PM, SAU6 Right-to-Know wrote:
Good afternoon Mr. Sullivan,
In response to your request;
"I am requesting a copy of all emails between the New Hampshire Department of Education and SAU #6 and/or the Claremont School District (sent and received) for the past 4 months regarding low staffing issues within the Claremont School District and any correspondence regarding any possible Waiver Requests during that same 4 month period."
There are no emails between the NH DOE and any party responsive to your request.
Thank you”.

Fuck this rag of a site (Monday, May 18 26 04:37 pm EDT)

It's 4:36pm! Where is everyone?! I'm at the SAU office and there is no one here!! Where is this meeting you all knew about and said was happening?!

Rumors ARE like assholes, as previously stated.

Becky (Monday, May 18 26 04:20 pm EDT)

Thank you Jim

I do believe the comments about the school district today. I have faith that some people working as higher ups in the SAU have a soul and secretly try to get the info they know out there. It’s probably all confidential info but someone cares and is the whistleblower so all can know.

Jim Sullivan (Monday, May 18 26 04:01 pm EDT)

To try to determine what is going on in regards to the staffing crisis within the Claremont School District, I just requested from the SAU #6 Office a copy of all emails between the New Hampshire Department of Education and SAU #6 and/or the Claremont School District (sent and received) for the past 4 months regarding low staffing issues within the Claremont School District and any correspondence regarding any possible Waiver Requests during that same 4 month period. I am doing this because Claremont School & SAU #6 Officials are not telling us the truth about what is really going on and whether we will have adequate staffing to open schools in September. I have tried to get documentation regarding estimated Teacher Vacancies and I am still waiting to receive that information as School Officials are clearly dragging their feet; presumably because they don’t want me having that information because they know I will publish it on my website, the Sullivan Report, thus informing the Citizens of Claremont as to what is really going on. Reading today’s Public Forum comments, it hadn’t occurred to me that New Hampshire State Department Of Education Officials might already be involved; legitimately concerned about the staffing crisis. So since I cannot ask questions because School Officials refuse to answer questions while claiming they are totally open and transparent which is a load of crap, I can certainly request documents, which they eventually will have to provide. Let’s see if any exist and if they do I will certainly publish them to inform the public because unlike School Officials I believe that the Citizens of this community deserve the truth and not whitewashed lies and half-truths!

In regards to Claremont City Employees getting raises, I firmly believe that they should receive pay raises. However, the pay raises proposed by City Manager Nancy Bates and her staff are far too generous; average pay raises for certain staff members, whose union contracts are expiring ranging between $16,654 – $23,038 over the course of 3 years is absurd! Of course, the Bates Administration did not let the Councilors or the viewing public know just exactly how expensive these pay raises are or how much these employees would have their pockets lined with Claremont Taxpayer Dollars if the Councilors rubberstamp this plan; even if it is spread out evenly over the next 3 years. As I stated in my article, one important metric was never mentioned by the Bates Administration; Per Capita Income and all but 1 of the municipality’s chosen as comparators all have a significantly higher Per Capita Income ranging between 10.38% and 204.72% higher than Claremont’s Per Capita Income, thus skewing the results to show higher salary disparity; presumably by intent! As I stated earlier, I support pay raises for Claremont Municipal Employees but not enormous pay raises that will take advantage of the Citizens of Claremont will also have to pay living expenses just like everyone else and most of them are not receiving pay raises as high as what is being proposed by the Bates Administration!

In regards to these two separate issues, one thing is in common regarding both City & School Officials; none of them can be trusted!

Move out before it’s too late (Monday, May 18 26 02:48 pm EDT)

Yeah I think the emergency meeting is taking place. Maybe the person had the time and date wrong or something. But the middle school only has 5 teachers coming back next year.

“I heard today that they are estimating that 5 teachers from CMS are coming back next year. The rest are leaving. Both 8th grade English teachers are leaving.” KPP Ryan

Victor (Monday, May 18 26 02:32 pm EDT)

Sure there isn’t a meeting. Just another cover up by the SAU.

Rumors Are Like Assholes (Monday, May 18 26 02:08 pm EDT)

There is no "emergency meeting" at the Dow scheduled to discuss these issues. I confirmed it with both a board member and the superintendent. Nothing in the post below is accurate.

Grant (Monday, May 18 26 12:44 pm EDT)

Emergency meeting taking place at 4:30pm at the SAU office about options on how to finish the school year with so many vacancies. The state is breathing down the SAUs neck about not having enough adults in CMS for safety. Options on the table are to end school early for the year and send students home with work to do and submit through email, end school early due to safety concerns and get a waiver from the state. Keep school running but divide CMS into the high school and elementary schools and have as many SAU admins monitor the students. Cancel all legally not required bussing and have bus drivers come in and monitor students at CMS.

Two Jobs (Monday, May 18 26 12:43 pm EDT)

It’s hard in today economy to make enough money to support your family, your wife and your girlfriend.

Outsider (Monday, May 18 26 12:10 pm EDT)

Why there so many moonlighters working for the city?

Insider (Monday, May 18 26 11:48 am EDT)

Matthew, you are right. I’ve been saying the same thing for years. I learned to always knock before opening a door. Nasty people. Get a hotel.

Insider Watchdog of Schools (Monday, May 18 26 11:48 am EDT)

What’s up Claremont admin is painting a pretty grim picture for next year in Claremont.

“(Opinion post)
CMS Principal - Vacant
CMS Assistant Principal - Vacant
SHS Assistant Principal - Vacant
Teachers, Paras, support staff - many vacancies.
Rumors that we will not have enough staff to provide an education to our students next year. Warnings that certain buildings are CURRENTLY not completely 'safe' because of the lack of adults in them.
I don't believe we have yet been provided an accurate picture of what our anticipated staffing looks like for the fall...and the clock is ticking.
I have grave concerns for all of the schools. I cannot imagine that any certified teachers from other districts are beating down our doors to jump into the mess we find ourselves in.
• What happens if we can't sufficiently staff our schools?
• How will we provide opportunities for our students?
• How will we be able to prepare them for college if we can't even ensure that they get the courses they need (there is ONE 'foreign language' at SHS this year - ASL... (no Spanish, French, etc)
If you are a parent or student that is going to be going to, or is returning to CMS or SHS you might want to get involved, ask questions, and demand answers and action.
My biggest fear is this image below...classrooms with substitutes or paraprofessionals who will simply be there to ensure that the kids are somewhat focused on their online learning - with no real, meaningful, in person lessons and very little support. Faces buried in their VLACS connected devices working independently with little human contact.
Remember how well THAT worked when we stopped the world from turning during Covid? Disaster.
My gut is telling me that next year might be even worse than this one has been... and that is terrifying.“ KPP Ryan

Gina (Monday, May 18 26 11:40 am EDT)

Why did my kid go to CMS this morning and not have a principal? I thought they had a replacement?

Fact (Monday, May 18 26 10:47 am EDT)

James is another coward who works for the city. Make you own 91A request, try being a man when your not sucking on a peepee.

Matthew (Monday, May 18 26 09:48 am EDT)

I am more concerned with the city corruption, forced resignations, the fact many city employees think speed dating is part of their job. Go get laid on your own time.

Valerie (Monday, May 18 26 08:45 am EDT)

Tough guy who wouldn’t say a word to M or G in person. They are real men who actually do things in the community and have built a legacy and empire. Go cry in your basement you liberal wanker.

James (Monday, May 18 26 07:13 am EDT)

What Jim means is he is scared and unwilling to request any police department information involving Mark or Greg and threats made to the former building inspector while he was the building inspector. Please Jim explain your way out of not 91a requesting that information. Also recorded in dispatch would be notes on how many times Mark dispatches himself to a few fire department propane calls that do not involve him or any company he works with. Also the record of a dispute between a property he owns and a neighbor complaining of work when the officer responds he has to ask for a supervisor as the matter involves a police commissioner. All records Jim would request unless if it was anyone else. Instead Jim deleted the post and others. You sir are the incompetent one. We see you for who you are.

Tom (Monday, May 18 26 06:21 am EDT)

Jim, your “per capita” rationale for believing the comparison between Claremont firefighters and other NH communities is invalid, is itself wrong. Do you suppose Claremont firemen have reduced household expenses simply because they live in a poorer city? Do you think the monthly payment on their family automobile is somehow less because they live in Claremont vs if they owned the same automobile in Hanover? Or their auto or home insurance? Or the cost of groceries, gasoline, electricity, home heating oil, auto registration, family vacations, sports and fitness programs, and the list goes on? These people need to be able to live as well. And on the one hand you decry “incompetent city administrators” as the reason city staff leave, but the reality is that most leave for better income in neighboring cities. You know this, but apparently you want to have your cake and eat it too. Yes, the taxes are too high here and the city should be careful with its spending. But if we want to hire good people, and get them to stay, we need to pay them.

Jim Sullivan (Sunday, May 17 26 11:19 pm EDT)

Special Report.
Principle of Claremont Middle School Resigns. Public Notice published on the News Flashes page of this website.

Jim Sullivan (Sunday, May 17 26 11:06 pm EDT)

Political Candidates are fair game since they threw their hat into the political arena until the campaign is over and they either win or lose. If they win they become a public official. If they lose they become a private citizen again.

Citizen Cane (Sunday, May 17 26 10:56 pm EDT)

So in the next election we can criticize the incumbents because they are public officials, but not those running against them because they aren't public officials? In the last election you let people criticize non-public officials running for office.

Jim Sullivan (Sunday, May 17 26 10:56 pm EDT)

Twelve new articles published today on the News Flashes page of this website.

1) Pleasant Street Closure.

2) North & Main Street road construction project update.

3) Claremont City Councilors still accomplish nothing during May 13, 2026 meeting!

4) Parks & Recreation Director Justin Martin Resigns!

5) Some Interesting Things about Assistant Parks & Recreation Director Shaun Laplante that you may not know about!

6) Gina Gavin Hired as Claremont's New Planning & Development Director.

7) Claremont Development Authority taking over Claremont's Tax Increment Finance District Advisory Board!

8) City Councilors continue keeping silent about disturbing information within Municipal Department Reports!

9) New Housing Development Coming to Claremont.

10) Dale Girard should have been a farmer as he is really good at spreading the manure!

11) Claremont School District still going, wild in regards to paying Stipends to Claremont School District Employees!

12) The Claremont School District Stipend Scandal! Part #21 – Stipends List

Jim Sullivan (Sunday, May 17 26 10:45 pm EDT)

Private citizen = not a public official. Unsubstantiated allegations = unproven allegation.

citizen (Sunday, May 17 26 09:37 pm EDT)

Jim: i don't see how that policy is consistent with the comments you have removed vs kept up. What is your definition of "private citizen" and "unsubstantiated allegations"?

Jim Sullivan (Sunday, May 17 26 09:07 pm EDT)

I draw the line at attacking family members, private citizens and unsubstantiated allegations. I also pay for this website myself; no donations.

Grug (Sunday, May 17 26 08:28 pm EDT)

How does him afford to keep this site up? Come on guys follow the money it’s obvious.

The Truth (Sunday, May 17 26 05:29 pm EDT)

You could write the same exact statement about 10 different people on here, and Jim would sort through and remove some and not others. So much for his anti-corruption and transparency.

Big Show (Sunday, May 17 26 05:11 pm EDT)

Do you like surprises? I promise a big surprise is coming to you soon. Better get your popcorn and pop ready for the entertainment.

Commentor (Sunday, May 17 26 04:12 pm EDT)

Jim: can you explain your policy on deleting comments. You are ok with insults directed at some people, but not others? You insult people yourself in your articles. You trying to protect Girard now? many people come here for the comments.

Henry (Sunday, May 17 26 03:27 pm EDT)

I’m glad we have businessmen in town with a backbone that don’t just bend to the whims of the dumb ass “inspector” with a power trip. Resign, don’t come back. Don’t hire a new one. Worse than security guards, they are all wannabes with little nuts.

Amanda (Sunday, May 17 26 03:17 pm EDT)

The inspector was trained by Lebanon then resigned because he was recruited by Lebanon. Now Lebanon chief that trained and recruited him is covering for Claremont one day a week and getting paid for two inspector positions.

Jeff (Sunday, May 17 26 02:27 pm EDT)

Justin put his heart and soul into trying to do a good job and keep city hall happy sometimes you can’t possibly be all things to all people good luck and better luck to your replacement.

Censorship (Sunday, May 17 26 02:22 pm EDT)

I see Jim is now deleting post again, must be to protect certain people.

Mike (Sunday, May 17 26 12:33 pm EDT)

Jim flew the coop when he decided to delete the posts explaining why our last building inspector quit but leaves up countless personal attacks. It’s just mushroom management and it shows he’s no different than the people he criticizes.

More Facts (Sunday, May 17 26 02:46 am EDT)

Fact/Cindy: Someone is recounting things that disgusting Jon Stone, local republican "leader" has done, and you ASSUME it is kid who wrote it.

Wow! Must be one shitty father, just likely he is a shitty evil person.

Insiders (Saturday, May 16 26 04:51 pm EDT)

Big story coming and I can’t wait to see you all cry like the little weak bitches you all are.

Smell Test (Saturday, May 16 26 04:47 pm EDT)

Why was Justin Martin pushed to resign?

Fact (Saturday, May 16 26 04:45 pm EDT)

John Stone is your dad 😆

Cindy 3 (Saturday, May 16 26 04:35 pm EDT)

"Cindy": name one thing I got wrong.

Did Jon Stone, who the local republicans elected to be their leader, not have a relationship with a high school girl? Did he not threaten to murder the police chief and rape his wife?

What does my hair have to do with any of that.

Cindy (Saturday, May 16 26 04:31 pm EDT)

Other Cindy, the typical nasty liberal. Nasty person. Nothing good to say. A nasty nasty blue hair person.

Cindy (Saturday, May 16 26 06:54 am EDT)

It’s hilarious how poorly you democrats run the city and the school.

John (Friday, May 15 26 10:40 pm EDT)

Tim? The guy who let the pool fail in the new center and the old outdoor pool? The Tim what would be paged for a leak detection or pool alarm in the middle of the night at the pool and ignore it? The same Tim that took all trash cans from the parks as it was easier than emptying them? The same Tim that would leave Moody locked as it was easier than unlocking the gate? Is that the same Tim who had the power removed from the outdoor pool before a leak test could be done? Just making sure.

Messed Up (Friday, May 15 26 10:00 pm EDT)

Parks & Rec has certainly had a steep decline ever since Tim left. At least there is not much room for it to get any worse.

Amelia (Friday, May 15 26 03:26 pm EDT)

Rebecca will handle it.

Becky (Friday, May 15 26 12:07 pm EDT)

Just picked up my kid from CMS because today is a half day. The office let me know that CMS is currently short 30 staff members. They are pulling staff members from the other schools in the city to fill in some of the gaps. This is super concerning to me. I ask my kid what he learns in school and he tells me My teachers change all the time, I have subs and nobody even knows what they are doing. Someday he goes to his English class and the teacher will be teaching math because they thought they were assigned to a math class for a day.

City Watchdog (Friday, May 15 26 11:55 am EDT)

Breaking News hot off the city managers desk.

Press Release

“FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CLAREMONT, NH - The City of Claremont confirms that Justin Martin, Director of Parks and Recreation, has resigned from employment with the City effective May 13, 2026.
The City has taken appropriate administrative steps related to this transition and has implemented plans to ensure continuity of department operations and services.
As this matter involves personnel-related processes, the City will not provide additional comment at this time”.

Big stuff is coming!

Rick (Friday, May 15 26 09:58 am EDT)

Comment from a What’s up Claremont Admin “It will be interesting to see how this plays out. As it stands today what you said is correct. K-2 is going to Disnard, 3-5 will be at Maple. But there is growing concern that CMS will not have enough staff next year. If they cannot sufficiently staff that building they will have to figure out what they will need to do. My guess (just my guess, this has not been discussed in any fashion by the school board) is that they may have to expedite the transition to the 3-school model, meaning they might close Disnard and have Maple be K-3, CMS be 4-6, and SHS would become a middle/high school with 7-12 in that building. But as it stands TODAY - what you said is what the plan is for the 2026-27 school year. Let's hope they can find enough staff so we can stick to the current plan”. This is very concerning that the school board is once again not telling the public about this.

we never fucking learn (Thursday, May 14 26 07:43 pm EDT)

lavalette is a lazy piece of shit fo sure. How many other people did you interview for the superintendent job, Don? Anyone.

The whole thing wit Kerry is insane. she stepped up to do the job. the board kicked her to the curb. fine. then the dick Broadrick comes in and gives her a big job. Did he interview other people for it? Does she have experience in curriculum development? Its just back scratching and smoke-filled room shit.

Same thing with the HR woman from Hanover. Why did she leave that job. She sounds qualified, but are we going to have a legit process or just bring in cronies of the new guy? that's exactly how we got into the last mess.

we never fucking learn. never. just like our kids. the schools are against anyone learning anything ever. period. end of book. a book that will never be read in our schools.

fuck you lavalette. and fuck you Frank Sprague. Whereever you are. Scheme to find ways to get more money out of the schools and into your family's pockets. fuck you.

Todd (Wednesday, May 13 26 08:31 pm EDT)

Just because they city pays more than you get for sitting around and commenting on troll boards, doesn't mean the city overpays. the fact they cant hire anyone says they dont overpay regardless what you think.

All you fiscal hawks that think Broadrick is just going to cut cut cut. you're going to be in for a surprise. never meet an egotistical piece of shit like him that doesn't spend like crazy on something. may not be what you want him to spend on. certainly wont be the kids. probably self serving business trips. but he is all BS. you can tell.

Mark (Wednesday, May 13 26 07:31 pm EDT)

We have so many opening on the city website but we over pay our employees so I don’t understand how we can’t get anyone. 68 new building who going to be the building inspector to make sure all the work is done correctly?

John Wayne (Wednesday, May 13 26 06:00 pm EDT)

Broadrick is a hired gun, he will cut staff and the budget. Your heads will be spinning soon enough.

dumb as dogshit is don lavalette (Wednesday, May 13 26 03:06 pm EDT)

I think Don Lavalette is trying to be a bigger piece of shit than Frank Sprague who he replaced. Say what you want about the tax and spend dems on the board, but they voted against scumbag Broadrick. And you got supposed conservatives out there jumping into bed with him because he goes to concord and testifies for republican laws. But if you are left or right, for the LOVE OF GOD, ask questions about the budget one one of these damn meetings. Matt is given a free ride for too long.

accountable (Wednesday, May 13 26 02:44 pm EDT)

If you want to know why are schools suck and are failing, look at Don Lavalette. People had specific concerns about him. And he got up there with his prepared statement and just made a generic bull shit statement, like a fucking politician, that didn't address peoples specific concerns. He just played it like it was clear it was the right thing. Maybe are kids are failing because they had chicken shit dumb as dog teachers like him. If you think its cool Broadrick isn't going to live here. Or that he is going to be the highest paid superintended in the state. Or you think his track record is good. Or your cool with him not sticking around for more than a year or two. Say that, and explain that. And give real responses when people ask you. not corporate BS bullshit that pretends everything is obvious and clear and avoids addressing legit concerns.
I'm going to be on the look out for you around town, Don, since you love people talking to you in public [you ran for office for Christ's sake and now your bitchin about the public) so i can share my views directly. I suggest others do as well and have their middle finger ready if they see you in traffic. Oh, and why not ask full of shit current admins who are supposed to be so fucking good where the fucking money is. its like the last st of fucking retards the board hired to run the place all over. We're up two million this week. we're down a million the next week. The finance dude emailed in his update, and then claim people read it wrong. There is no surprise. but we don't know how much money we have. and it changed. but no surprise. nothing to see here.enough is enough. hold these fuckers accountable someone.

Gabby (Wednesday, May 13 26 02:37 pm EDT)

He is not on a paid leave. He is on a paid work trip to Texas attending a week long community engagement seminar. It is for parks and rec departments and community centers across the country. It cost 20 thousand dollars for a week stay including room and board and insurance but overall we should have some very good info in Claremont once they come back. The community center should be in tip top shape and be filled with people again soon.

Leaving (Wednesday, May 13 26 08:37 am EDT)

What is all the drama going on at the rec center? Where is Justin? Who is in charge? Maybe it’s time to join Planet Fitness.

Meaghan (Wednesday, May 13 26 08:21 am EDT)

I am canceling my membership at the community center because the pool hasn’t been open for a week. That’s one of the main reasons I keep it. Now that it’s closed I’m going to planet fitness.

idiots running this city (Tuesday, May 12 26 05:25 pm EDT)

68 multifamily (e.g. "slum trash pen") approved on Washington street. This is why we are going down the sitter. The last thing we need is minimal property taxes and low income broken family with lots of kids, which is what this attracts. We'll bring in a million more in property tax, and pay 10 million more in schools and services. Is there anyone in this town that doesn't have their head up their ass? Here's the secret: homes over $400k are good for the city. 200-400 is questionable, greak even under $200 is like putting a gun in your mouth and pulling the trigger. your going to pay more in costs than in revenue and it aint close. No conversion to multifamily. no new multifamily. if someone wants to build a bunch of fancy single family great.

with have idiots running this city.

Pete (Tuesday, May 12 26 07:33 am EDT)

Chris irish is a fool. He keeps saying that everyone who has left the community center will return, He expects us to believe that. He says that the Memberships at the community centerI less than planet fitness, and that is a big lie. He also lied about how the building was. Paid For Chris irish cannot be trusted

Disappearing act (Tuesday, May 12 26 06:03 am EDT)

Where in the world is Justin ?

flowers? really? (Tuesday, May 12 26 01:21 am EDT)

gee i always wanted loren howard or don lavelette to hand me a tulip. I'll be sure to run out and apply for a teaching position after hearing about that great perk! maybe they'll hand me a note and ask me to the dance, next!

Or how about you skip the fucking flowers and pay them a decent wag and not fire 20 of them days before the start of school to cover up for your mismanagement.

Don Lavalette = SHIT (Monday, May 11 26 06:58 pm EDT)

Don Lavalette is a piece of shit.

Oh, he is upset people recognize him and go up to talk to him in public?? then you shouldnt have run for the board. Or you should start doing your job, asking about the money, and not supporting dumb ass decisions like hiring that scumbag Broadrick.

His statement on Broadrick made no fucking sense. People are angry that Broadrick isn't going to live here or even in the state, that we are paying for his housing, that he doesnt plan to stick around more than two years, etc. etc.

And Don responds with reading some shitty statement saying we need new leadership and not responding to the actual complaints.

For those who wanted new leadership, all we got was another piece of shit in Lavelette.

How about asking where the fucking audit is? How about asking how we went from having a surplus for a year to in the shitter by a million bucks? Out of state placements? How What When.

LEARN HOW TO ASK A FUCKING QUESTION!!! instead of rubber stamping anything the admins email in from their vacation.

Correction (Monday, May 11 26 11:01 am EDT)

Claremont would a better place if we go rid of all the homeless shelters, halfway houses, sober housing and section 8 dwellings.

Beth (Monday, May 11 26 09:25 am EDT)

Claremont be a better place if we go rid of all the damn rental property. All they do is bring in the drugs and rats. No other place has às many rental as Claremont. If you can’t afford a house then get out.

Missing (Sunday, May 10 26 08:13 pm EDT)

Has anyone seen Justin?

Jim Sullivan (Sunday, May 10 26 08:09 pm EDT)

Four new articles published today on the News Flashes page of this website.

1) North & Main Street Road Construction Project Update.

2) Claremont School Officials continue to prove that they are not up to the task of solving the Claremont School Districts problems!

3) Claremont City Councilors begin Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Review Process with rubberstamps firmly in hand!

4) Claremont City Councilors continue rubberstamping City Manager Nancy Bates's Fiscal Year 2027 budget! Are these Councilors even trying?

As Claremont Turns (Sunday, May 10 26 11:26 am EDT)

Maybe Justin was doing horizontal yoga with Dawn?

What’s going on? (Sunday, May 10 26 08:21 am EDT)

I heard Justin is on Paid Administrative Leave, but nobody was given a reason why

citizen (Sunday, May 10 26 07:28 am EDT)

what are the rumors about justin?

important (Saturday, May 09 26 07:29 pm EDT)

lets stop attacking each other and focus on what's important.

pure stupidity (Saturday, May 09 26 05:31 pm EDT)

we need more people engaged and to know who they are voting for. we also need better people to run for office. who is going to want to with comments like these?

pure genius (Saturday, May 09 26 01:35 pm EDT)

I grew up in claremont and drove through recently. you guys have problems. Main street looks like a crack whore neighborhood . theres a difference between being poor and being a ghetto and you all are in near ghetto territory. No ONE is going to move to the area with a decent job and live in Claremont. You gotta take it head on. get the trash out. condemn run down buildings like crazy.I know all of the dumb ass trash on the Board will be like "no the $200 of property taxes that we charge the run down building is needed even if we never collect it" but dude, we probably spend $25k a kid on school and services for each of the baby mommas in those shithole buildings and they are poppin' em out like crazy. trust me. condemn and destroy anything run down and our costs will go down and it will become a better city. let that trash go to manchester.

SCANDAL SCANDAL (Saturday, May 09 26 01:15 pm EDT)

someone needs to look into nancy's housing situation. she still has a house outside of the city. is she really living here.

SCANDAL

fatty watch (Saturday, May 09 26 01:09 pm EDT)

what you need in school city council, school board, and school leadership is discipline. Easiest way to look for discipline is to weed out the fatties. We have too many fat people on these boards. when people look at the city they see it. We have to start naming names. Starting with Hemingway. Dude is an iceberg. No shame it sneaks up on you. but put down the spoon and join a gym. Maybe the claremont community center. they need some money. just start walking. Petrin and madden on school board also need to lose some weight. But hemmingway is the soar thumb. your not doing anyone including your family anything good if you have a heart attack. theres a fire and you cant get out, someone is going to need to go in to get you. if there's a fire we wont just lose wayne, we could lose nick and brian too! well then we'd have less yelling and tax giveaways then... but no. no. no. no one should get hurt. get on the treadmill and lose some weight. get a pass to the community center. heck they got a pool swim it off.

Digusting (Saturday, May 09 26 01:01 pm EDT)

Jon Stone is evil. He threatened to murder the police chief, while on the force. Threatened to rape his wife. Got fired from another job where he used racial slurs. "Dated" a high school student while on the police force. It is all documented. Read the Jon Stone files linked on this site!

And he is the republican party chair. And you got Mayor Dale and school board chair and bimbo Heather Whitney doing his bidding at city hall and in the schools.

Who would join his club? I'm proudly independent. And you got those ass holes jumping into bed with that evil person. Not trying to oust him. At least Heather is being consistent. She supports rape and murder isreal. So why not rape and murder jon stone? Wounder how her gazillionth husband feels about that.

Dale is just evil himself. look into the ambulance place. guess whose sign was up there during the election. Perv Jon Stone. Been supporting him under the table since before he "switched". Something else is going on under the table.
Disgusting

Insider (Saturday, May 09 26 07:47 am EDT)

Big resignation coming.
Also, the pool is closed down for good.

Concerned Member (Saturday, May 09 26 07:29 am EDT)

What is going on at the CSBCC? A lot of rumors are flying around lately about Justin.

Rebecca (Saturday, May 09 26 06:26 am EDT)

I might create my own school.

Daddy (Friday, May 08 26 11:59 am EDT)

Stone is your dad 😂

Stone Disgusting (Thursday, May 07 26 09:35 pm EDT)

The Claremont school board is controlled by the local republicans. Heather Whitney is a registered republican and drove the bus off a cliff. The reason the schools are so fucked is the local republican machine under the control of Jon "rape and murder the police chief's wife" stone. Stone "dated" a high school stduent as a grown man. shouldn't be allowed within 100 feet of a school. And he is controlling school board policy. sick.

ballon (Thursday, May 07 26 09:32 pm EDT)

Tim Boardrick is a bag of hot air.

Lunch Box (Thursday, May 07 26 09:26 pm EDT)

Love the dude bitching four separate times at the shcool board and sending emails over his kids lunch month that "isn't a concern to him".

Whitney maybe took it and sent it to Israel.

Petrin maybe took it to spend on fast food. see what i did there, fat joke not a dumb joke in respect of the guy who thinks hes einstein.

Madden maybe took it to be matches to burn books.

Howard maybe took it to buy anyting, cuz he's broke

Rapp probably too it to but a bull horn to yell louder.

who else is on the board??

welcome dale (Thursday, May 07 26 09:05 pm EDT)

Mayor Girard- can i please join the pedophile protecting, school girl murdering, epstien covering uping part, please. And will the dude who threatened to rape the police chiefs wife welcome me to the party. Who is the same guy that threatened to murder the police chief. Who "dated" a high school student as a police officer.

What a morally bankrupt asshole. And his wife is an evil bitch too.

acceber (Thursday, May 07 26 09:01 pm EDT)

heather whitney has completely failed claremont, the schools and society. resign now.

Rebecca (Thursday, May 07 26 04:45 pm EDT)

Public school and teachers have completely failed society.
I’ll be eating lots of meat.

Greedy teachers (Thursday, May 07 26 05:48 am EDT)

Y’all are overpaid and we hate you. You should make $10k per school year, no health insurance, no retirement. Your labor has no value.

Anyway, why are teachers leaving?

Harrington?? (Wednesday, May 06 26 10:08 pm EDT)

I'm suspicious of any grown man that wears suspenders in 2026.

school board live (Wednesday, May 06 26 07:40 pm EDT)

Broadrick does seem like an arrogant prick. We're paying him $750 for his appearance tonight.

anger management (Wednesday, May 06 26 07:24 pm EDT)

Rapp really needs to calm down

Unpopular View (Wednesday, May 06 26 07:19 pm EDT)

Petrin doesn't say a lot, and he is plain spoken. But I think he is one of the smarter ones on the board. Just avoids the bull shit which I like. For his critics, your right he probably could lose a few pounds.

Greg (Wednesday, May 06 26 06:16 am EDT)

The redraw of NH districts will turn NH red soon. Goodbye racist and demonic antisemite democrats.

No DEI Shit | No MAGA Shit (Tuesday, May 05 26 12:01 pm EDT)

Heather Whitney is a disgusting witch who just wants to bitch about trans crap and that the curriculum isn't conservative enough.

Whitney (DEI) Skillen is a disgusting witch who just wants to bitch about woke crap and that the curriculum isn't liberal enough.

WE DONT NEED EITHER.

All we need is someone who says "where's the fucking money. where's the fucking audit"

and doesn't stop until we know.

The Schools in Jeopardy (Tuesday, May 05 26 11:49 am EDT)

Answer: "we're supposed to get an Audit every year. why haven't we had an Audit in years?"

Question: I'll take things that our dumb as dogshit board is too dumb to ask for $50, Alex.

Jimbo (Tuesday, May 05 26 11:41 am EDT)

Tom,

More than half of union is made up of the women which are way over paid. They don’t do have the stuff that men do. Union tries to make it fair but makes everyone pay. If the women would just stay in there coarse then we would a much better city.

Tom (Tuesday, May 05 26 11:35 am EDT)

Biggest mistake is that the union mandates people to get raises and if not they strike which cause reasons for increases every year. If we got rid of the union Claremont be much better.

Steve (Tuesday, May 05 26 07:58 am EDT)

The VN says the budget Bates recommends is a 4 percent hike and will add almost 50 cents to the tax rate. She is playing games by taking 250 K from city savings to keep the tax hike under 50 cents. Budget meetings start tonight. I can already guess what will happen. Girard will recommend small cuts here and there that won't matter much. Koloski and the other big spenders will nix them. Irish and Hemingway will say they have no choice but to spend the money and in the end the Bates budget will pass mostly intact. This process is all for show.

CSBCC (Monday, May 04 26 09:54 pm EDT)

The Claremont Savings Bank Community Center (CSBCC) is facing significant financial and operational challenges that have led to public debate over its long-term viability.The primary reasons for its current difficulties include:

Initially marketed as a facility that would "pay for itself," the center has instead required substantial taxpayer subsidies.

As of late 2025, it was reportedly costing taxpayers nearly $1 million annually to cover its operating deficit.Significant

Membership has dropped drastically from an initial peak of over 5,000 to approximately 1,300 by 2023. This decline was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent closures.

The City Council has struggled to balance membership rates. In 2023, they approved substantial rate hikes (e.g., a 42% increase for resident family memberships) to reduce the deficit. However, there are ongoing concerns that higher rates may further reduce membership among residents who find them unaffordable. God help us with Planet Fitness opening.

The center's struggles are compounded by a wider financial crisis in Claremont, including a $5 million shortfall in the school district and issues with other city-backed organizations like the Claremont Development Authority.

While generally well-regarded for its staff and activities, the facility has faced some criticism regarding maintenance and equipment repairs, which can impact member retention.

How many members left over homeless vagrants being warehoused there over the winter?

Not good look for a business Jim.

Hog racing is for the fair not speedway (Monday, May 04 26 09:29 pm EDT)

Who is the FAT pig crying about racing what a hog disgusting

ME TOO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Monday, May 04 26 06:56 pm EDT)

that is the best post yet exactly on point some people work to pay for the rat population and dont have time to attend meeting after meeting about how we can mismanage more money be great if these fucking democrats got jobs and tried to make things better instead of try to spend the money of there neighbors

Fed Up (Monday, May 04 26 04:24 pm EDT)

Once again the Democrats running the city are trying to fuck over the working citizens. A meeting at 1:00PM? Sounds like they are trying to make sure they put a good fucking to the race track. We all have to work to support the welfare rats in this city. Not everyone can live in Section 8 housing. Fucking joke. I am sure that fat ass dr. will be there crying about her made up shit from the noise.

Rickey (Monday, May 04 26 02:26 pm EDT)

Claremont like a toilet. Fills up and looks normal but then someone takes a shit and forgets to flush and we all have to smell the shit.

IED (Sunday, May 03 26 11:37 pm EDT)

no argument on that. but the difference is they all are gone. they sucked and are LONG GONE. Heather was chair while everything got fucked up, and she's still there shoving her dumb ass opinions down others throats. if she resigned like she should no one would give a shit about her just like those other losers. Same for all of the others who there there. like dumb as dogshit petrin.

DEI (Sunday, May 03 26 11:26 pm EDT)

Don’t leave Bonnie Miles, Whitney (DEI) Skillen, or Arlene Hawkins out of this kitchen mess. They are all willing participants, and collectively failed to protect the district.

Fire (Sunday, May 03 26 10:29 pm EDT)

Crawford only took over after everything blew up from the Hathaway-Havey-Whitney's horrid mismanagement! About damn tim.

Howard only joined last year. Not his fault they didnt get audits. Hathaway has been there for like 8 years.

But im not defending dems. Sprague is a dem, and probably did more to wreck the schools than anyone else. they still employ his wife. complete piece of shit only out to get relatives jobs.

Smoke (Sunday, May 03 26 10:05 pm EDT)

Isn’t Candice Crawford the school board chair? The same Candice Crawford who is an officer in the Democrat party. Talking about smoke and mirrors, if you don’t think Brian Rapp and her are running the show you have not been paying attention. They are fully supported by our very own Loren Howard. So where are the rest of the board at?

Drain-O || GO UNDECLARED (Sunday, May 03 26 09:28 pm EDT)

Let's be clear. The Claremont school board is controlled by the local republicans. Heather Whitney is a registered republican and drove the bus off a cliff. The reason the schools are so fucked is the local republican machine under the control of Jon "rape and murder the police chief's wife" stone and Heather "lets bitch about trans and school spending then sign up the most expensive superintendent in the state who failed in his last district" Whitney.

Should we have audit, "Nope" said Heather Whitney, republican and school board chair.

Should we keep track of the stipends being paid out? "Nope" said Heather Whitney, republican and school board chair.

Should we apply to get reimbursed for grants? "Nope" said Heather Whitney, republican and school board chair.

Should we hire staff with a history of bad business dealings, and corruption, and sexual misconduct? "Yes" said Heather Whitney, republican and school board chair.

and now, the grand finale

Should we hire the most expensive Superintendent in the state with a track record of failure, who isnt going to move here and pay for his housing, just because he is a machine republican? "Yes" said Heather Whitney, republican and school board chair.

Petrin, Madden are also dumb as dog shit republicans too. I'd be surprised if Petrin cleared non-retard on an IQ test. And Madden is the laziest piece of shit out there. He'll never read this without an executive summary. It's been like 2 weeks since he said he'd be back in 3 days. what an ass hole. And let's not forget about Sprague. Still got his suckers in the district with the job for his wife.

Even Dale, our new republican mayor, said in the paper said hiring that scumbbag Tim Broadrick was a mistake and they are overpaying him. Dale if you're going to join the Jon Stone AND Heather Whitney sleaze bag party, you are cosigning all of this crap. Go back to your smoke filed room and have them can his ass if that's what you think.

Democrats and Republicans are scumbags. Go Undeclared.

Insider (Sunday, May 03 26 09:22 pm EDT)

My sources tell me Mayor Girard has declared himself Supreme Admiral General of the city of Claremont. Going forward you will refer to him as such.

On Monday morning, the DPW will commence building a statue of him in the Bull Pen. This statue will have water coming out of an enormous phallic that will be directed towards Pleasant Street.

Donations are be accepted at the races on Friday nights.

Jim Sullivan (Sunday, May 03 26 09:02 pm EDT)

I forgot to publish one article today; it's now on the News Flashes page of this website.

Claremont City Council holds Emergency Meeting!

Swirling The Drain (Sunday, May 03 26 08:49 pm EDT)

Democrats are losing their hold on Claremont, due to a combination of economic anxiety, local school district mismanagement, and a shift in the local political landscape toward more conservative fiscal views, according to local political shifts and analysis.

Claremont has been plagued by a major school district crisis, including a five million dollar deficit that led to layoffs, school closures, and a $1.9 million projected deficit, which has fueled dissatisfaction with the status quo. It should be noted that the local school board has long been controlled by Democrats.

The shift is largely driven by a growing disconnect between the national Democratic platform and the needs of working-class residents, according to analysis from the NH Journal.

While some residents are moving in from the Upper Valley due to high housing costs, the housing shortage remains severe, compounding local pressure, according to insights shared on NHPR.

These factors have weakened the Democratic party’s grip on this historically blue-leaning area, according to the Valley News.

Go Undeclared (Sunday, May 03 26 07:51 pm EDT)

there's an easy solution all. we can all agree that:

-we shouldn't be funding other countries when we have 30 trillion of debt

-we shouldn't be bombing anyone not at war with us

-we want as low taxes as possible

-everyone who was involved with Epstein needs to be held accountable, and everything needs to come out

-the claremont school board is fucking over the kids (take notice dems) and wasting money like a drunk sailor (take notice republicans)

there's a solution. GO UNDECLARED and vote all of the current assholes in power out.

The fact that Dickhead Dale went republican instead of undeclared tells you all you need to know.

heathers (Sunday, May 03 26 07:18 pm EDT)

The school special ed surprises and everyone quitting like crazy because of you decisions. districts back in the whole after they told us it wasn't. big surprise they lied to us again.

good job Heather Whitney on leading the district for the past 5 years. You have destroyed nearly everything we had.

Good luck on your for congress to be the next nacy mace style republican that just bitches about trans and destroys communities and worships Israel for murdering children, and trump for his corruption

or should i say heather havey, or heather Hathaway or heather whoevers next.

Dave (Sunday, May 03 26 06:46 pm EDT)

Ten special ed placements out of town is going to cost us all a boatload of money. Why did school leaders keep this from the public? We should know about these things. Hiring Broadrick was one of the dumbest things the school board leaders have done and most of them brought us the $5 million deficit for being stupid. Claremont does not seem to be moving forward but just limping along because of bad management.

Rick (Sunday, May 03 26 06:42 pm EDT)

Tom you are full of baloney. Several local politicians benefited from paving work when other roads more in need of repair were skipped over. The fire chief lives on the corner of two roads and both have been done. All of those occurrences are not by accident.

Tom (Sunday, May 03 26 05:43 pm EDT)

Jim, both Palmer and Grand St are receiving new sidewalks right now. The Assistant Mayor does not live on both streets, so perhaps a correction to your statement is in order.

I can assure you, zero consideration to whom might live on a road is given when it is selected for the meager paving budget the city has.

Much of the selection is based upon the length of the road, years since last repaving, and types and conditions of underground utilities (and their associated replacement costs) etc. There is no giant conspiracy as you suspect.

Republicans Are Sickos (Sunday, May 03 26 05:15 pm EDT)

Anyone who dealt with Epstein should be questioned under oath. Clinton testified under oath. If he did something wrong, put his ass in jail. Fine by me.

Trump said he didnt fly on the plane, but the flight logs show he did.

Why not have Trump testify under oath?

Why give Maxwell a prison upgrade?

Why doesn't trump just release EVERYTHING!!

Republicans are holding up everything on epstein. Let everything come out democrat or republican.

the reds control everything, could release everything, and haven't

all you need to know. They are the part of pedo protectors.

and we have our own local scumbag republican chair who threatened to murder the police chief and rape his wife. republicans voted that guy chair.

And dale and his bitch wife wants to get in bed with him. disgusting

Jeff (Sunday, May 03 26 05:08 pm EDT)

Jeffrey Epstein was a significant donor to Democratic politicians and committees, particularly during the 1990s and early 2000s, according to OpenSecrets and Federal Election Commission (FEC) records.

Jim Sullivan (Sunday, May 03 26 04:42 pm EDT)

Eight new articles published today on the News Flashes page of this website.

1) Claremont School Officials are keeping silent about new potential budget breaking Deficit!

2) The Claremont School District Employee Exodus Is Underway!

3) SAU #6 Officials stonewalling Unity School Board regarding Claremont School Districts large debt to them!

4) Is there trouble with the hiring of Timothy Broadrick?

5) Another Bates Administration Screw-Up!

6) When is an Emergency Shelter not an Emergency Shelter? When the callous Bates Administration once homeless Citizens out of the building during extreme weather!

7) Is Dale Girard really a man of the people?

8) The Claremont School District Stipend Scandal! Part #20 – Stipends List

Dales Deal (Sunday, May 03 26 04:38 pm EDT)

Dale (and your ugly ass wife): that's what you signed up to endorse.

never vote for you again you disgusting piece of shit

I'm a republican (Sunday, May 03 26 04:37 pm EDT)

I'm a republican: I support israel in murdering babies.

I'm a republican: Why send money to Americans when we can send Billions to Israel while they have universal healthcare.

I'm a republican: let's not release the full Epstein files.

I'm a republican: I'm a republican, let's put Epstein's accomplice up in a country club jail, overriding DOJ policy.

I'm a republican: Let's bomb school girls in Iran. school girls. In a building that was marked as a school on google maps. sickos!

I'm a republican: Let's give pardons to Trump donors who stole from senior citizens.

I'm a republican: let's pay the most of any city to a superintendent, so we get the one the republican's picked in a backroom deal.

Facts (Sunday, May 03 26 04:12 pm EDT)

I didn’t see any republicans in the park on Friday crying like a little bitch like the local democrats who want to shutdown the racetrack. I for one will never vote for another democrat ever again. Even the mayor sees what is coming down the pipeline and doesn’t want to be on the losing side.

Stone cold truth (Sunday, May 03 26 04:01 pm EDT)

the local republic chair Jon Stone is an asshole who threaten to murder the police chief!! for investigating his relationship with a school girl!! then he threatened to RAPE the police chiefs wife!!

Then you got our Asshole mayor Dale and his ugly ass wife who joined the republican party and specifically aligned with the guy who threatens rape and murder and has a relationship with a school girl.

that's the Claremont republicans for yo

Mr Regan (Saturday, May 02 26 08:20 am EDT)

Gotta hand it to puppet master Soros. All he has to do is tell those fools in Broad St Park where to be and what time to be there and they will be there. He even has to tell them what to be mad about. Talk about a king.

Jim (Friday, May 01 26 08:37 pm EDT)

The local Dems show just how pathetic they truly are. I drove past that shit show on my way to the races. Way more people at the races than playing with themselves at the park.

Wambulance (Friday, May 01 26 07:02 pm EDT)

How did the Democrats temper tantrum do today?
Remember when they all gave the king a standing ovation. Me thought no kings??

Breaking News (Thursday, April 30 26 07:54 pm EDT)

The Claremont Police Department announces the arrest of

Christopher Daignault
Age 47
Claremont, NH

in connection with a fatal overdose that occurred earlier this year.

On March 2, 2026, Claremont Safety Services responded to a residence on Elm Street for a report of an unresponsive female. The individual was later identified as Jane Lafountain, 69, of Claremont. At the time, the cause of death was undetermined.

On April 22, 2026, the New Hampshire Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that Ms. Lafountain died as a result of fentanyl toxicity, and the manner of death was ruled accidental. Following receipt of these findings, the Claremont Police Department initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

Through the course of the investigation, detectives developed information indicating that Ms. Lafountain had been provided fentanyl in the hours preceding her death by an individual inside the residence.
On April 30, 2026, investigators conducted a traffic stop involving Mr. Daignault, who was subsequently taken into custody.

Mr. Daignault has been charged with:

• Sale of a Controlled Drug Resulting in Death
• Witness Tampering (Induce Another)

He was transported to the Sullivan County House of Corrections and is expected to be arraigned in the 5th Circuit Court – District Division – Claremont on Friday, May 1, 2026.

This investigation remains active and ongoing. Additional charges may be considered pending further review. Anyone with additional information related to this case is encouraged to contact Detective Sergeant Cameron Blewitt at 603-542-7010.

Bruce (Thursday, April 30 26 04:31 pm EDT)

So let me get this straight, the local dems are calling for honking and loud noise to be made in the park for no reason, but want to bitch about the race track noise?

Greg (Thursday, April 30 26 04:17 pm EDT)

Best thing Claremont did was get rid of Merrill. Now if they could clean house with ford and Amanda the planning department would be great again

Tim (Thursday, April 30 26 04:16 pm EDT)

Can't wait to see drooling John Cloutier out at the park tomorrow night. He has time to jerk those wackos off, but can't fix school funding as the longest serving state rep for Claremont.

Mr Regan (Thursday, April 30 26 02:10 pm EDT)

If you see a bunch of blue hairs acting like 2 yr olds loitering around Broad St park feel free to give them a one finger salute. They are celebrating a traditional communist holiday May Day. By the looks of this gang of misfits, it easy to understand. Feminized men, and masculine women who lead them around by the nose. Truly miserable people whose favorite thing to do is organize against “the man”. So if you see these losers banging pots and pans, playing their kazoos holding up stupid signs about kings remember: when the border was wide open, when you were forced to get a shot or lose your job, your children fell behind in school because of remote “learning” these buffoons were no where to be seen. As Marx said they are “useful idiots”

Claremont Democrats (Thursday, April 30 26 12:59 pm EDT)

Let's make noise! Bring kazoos, drums, tambourines, bull horns, loud voices! And signs, of course!

Not comfortable standing or demonstrating?

Join the HONKING BRIGADE!

Join us by driving around and around the park honking your horn. You'll cheer on the demonstrators and engage other passing drivers.

WASHINGTON NEEDS TO HEAR FROM US AGAIN

MAY DAY - NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION

Claremont, NH

Friday, May 1st, 5 pm - 7 pm Broad Street Park

JOIN US. BRING OTHERS

THIS EVENT IS BEING ORGANIZED BY INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY MEMBERS. ALL ARE WELCOME.

Insider (Thursday, April 30 26 09:09 am EDT)

Only bad news, we are at least consistent.

Mike (Thursday, April 30 26 08:29 am EDT)

So we dont have any building inspectors now. Jim got handed the biggest scoop on his own site about corruption that led to them both quitting and rather than investigate he just deleted the posts…if I didn’t know any better I’d say Jim is part of a massive coverup. After spending every week on here complaining about the school board and city council doing the same thing.

Outsider (Thursday, April 30 26 08:17 am EDT)

Insider

No big new ever comes out of Claremont.

Insider (Thursday, April 30 26 07:32 am EDT)

More big news coming

Racer1 (Wednesday, April 29 26 02:41 pm EDT)

After the shit the local democrats pulled with wanting to shut down the track. I will vote red on all the ballots, and all of us have their fucking number. Fuck those little cry babies

Walk Away (Wednesday, April 29 26 08:20 am EDT)

The irony of a shit post by a keyboard warrior who wouldn't say boo to you in public.

disgusting (Tuesday, April 28 26 10:30 pm EDT)

Think Dale did it because of that fat ugly ass wife of his Allyn Girard. Maybe get some fat drugs instead of running around supporting the party protecting pedophiles and murdering little girls. disgusting. Now you can go hang out with local asshole Jon Stone who "dated" a high school girl as a grown man threatened to murder the police chief and has been shit can from job to job. great friends you got. FUCK YOU. when you are making political or money motivated choices to support murder and pedos, you are too gone.

Done with Dale (Tuesday, April 28 26 09:58 pm EDT)

Dale: if you are in favor of a party protecting Epstein's clients, funding Israel's genocide, spending hundreds of billions to murder children in Iran, and you're fucking proud of that. I'm sick. I thought you were a decent guy. But when you join a club proud of needless murder. GO FUCK YOURSELF. I'll never vote for you again.

Yammi (Tuesday, April 28 26 05:09 am EDT)

I know it isn't very nice to say but sometimes i think the school board isn't doing a good job

King Broadrick (Monday, April 27 26 07:59 pm EDT)

Is everyone in the district gonna get a promised $5k pay increase or just King Boardrick?

Jeff (Monday, April 27 26 07:37 pm EDT)

Very proud of our Mayor for standing up and making his own decisions. I’m sure the Republicans are thrilled to have such a valuable asset to their war chest going into the next election. The local Dems have attacked the entire racing community. They can’t even begin to understand the road their ignorance has brought them down. What is even left of the Democrats at this point in Claremont? I am sure their pity party on Friday should be a great way to reach the citizens of Claremont.

corrupt? (Monday, April 27 26 05:46 pm EDT)

someone needs to look into if the school board has been bought off. everything they do is sus. i'd check their weak spots:

was Rapp given a bull horn so he can be even louder?

was Petkin given an all you can eat supersize fries?

was Heather promised isreal would kill an innocent child just for her?

was another Sprague relative given a job

was Madden given an hour to bitch about his son uninterupted

was Howard given a communist party membership?

was crawford given a claremont savings bank sleep mask for napping during the ?day

Bye Dale (Monday, April 27 26 05:22 pm EDT)

It should have been a clue when Dale was caught holding a sign for that evil perv Jon Stone during the last election. I have no problem with someone leaving the democratic problem. That's good judgement. However joining the evil party of trump and jon stone and the middle east wars and protecting epstiens clients and supporting the genocide. Hell no! Dale is just a sell out piece of shit who doesn't have morals or ethics and is just doing a backroom deal for himself. never vote for him again. Save yourself and go indy.

Breaking News (Monday, April 27 26 04:45 pm EDT)

From Dale Girard fb post

This morning, I went to Claremont City Hall and officially changed my party affiliation to the Republican Party.

This decision came after a great deal of thought and consideration. I want to be clear—this is not a reflection of any issue I have with Democratic Party leadership.

However, during my time serving as a Representative in Concord, I came to realize that my personal ideologies did not align as closely with the party as I once believed.

Over the years, many have described me as a “Blue Dog Democrat,” a label more common in the Kennedy era than in today’s political climate. My voting record over the past two years has often aligned more closely with Republican positions, and this change reflects that reality.

That said, changing my party affiliation does not change who I am. My commitment remains the same: to represent the best interests of the City of Claremont, the Town of Croydon, and the State of New Hampshire.

This also does not affect my role as Mayor, which is a nonpartisan position.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. I look forward to continuing my work in Concord and will be running as a Republican in the next election cycle, which opens in early June.

Common sense (Monday, April 27 26 04:05 pm EDT)

Why would teachers stay in a city that doesn't value them? Claremont has become the dumping ground of all the shit the rest of NH wants to get rid of. We've got all the addicts the poor the racecars white trash and pedophiles. The only thing we managed to avoid was toxic waste because Stone couldn't figure out how to turn that into something he could pin on the Democrats and trick his dummies into voting for. At this point the better question is why would anyone stay?

Inquiring Minds (Monday, April 27 26 03:35 pm EDT)

Adam

If what you say is true,

"Disnard 18 staff members are leaving. Middle School 21 staff members are leaving. Maple 13 staff members are leaving. Tech center 2 staff members are leaving. High School 29 staff members are leaving. I do not know if these positions are teachers secretaries principals or what not."

we are on the verge of disaster. Can you post the documentation someone if this is true. send it Jim or post it on facebook.

Teachers- i get this is a shit show, but why are you leaving? your still getting paid the same.

Moore (Monday, April 27 26 03:06 pm EDT)

"Frank Sprague could teach ethics" hahahaha

Marry Henry could teach accounting

Jon Stone could be the girls locker room attendant

Heather Whitney could teach "Christianity" and why its ok to murder women and children

Broadrick could teach the best class we all should take. how to turn a shitty job record into a a pile of cash

Siras Greene (Monday, April 27 26 02:32 pm EDT)

Adam,
We could get some volunteers?
All the old people who wanna keep the tax rate low could volunteer to teach. Frank Sprague could teach ethics. Bill Madden could teach home economics. Candy Crawford could teach banking… something to think about!?

Adam (Monday, April 27 26 01:23 pm EDT)

Just received a 91a request answer asking about how many staff members are planning to leave each school in the district at the end of this school year. The answers are very alarming. Disnard 18 staff members are leaving. Middle School 21 staff members are leaving. Maple 13 staff members are leaving. Tech center 2 staff members are leaving. High School 29 staff members are leaving. I do not know if these positions are teachers secretaries principals or what not. My understanding these are the amount of staff members that have confirmed they will not be coming back next year and stated they will not sign another contract with the school district. Per recent posts online by staff members it looks like most of the resignations are because of the school board being incompetent and of the new superintendent hired. We need to start filling some positions quickly or the schools doors won’t open next school year.

shit storm (Monday, April 27 26 11:17 am EDT)

I hope we aren't paying the PR consultant anything after the public shit storm on social media over hiring Broadrick.

Outsider (Monday, April 27 26 10:40 am EDT)

Big news city manager sucks school board sucks and we hired a guy who sucks and no leadership anywhere

Insider (Monday, April 27 26 07:46 am EDT)

Big news coming

Monty (Monday, April 27 26 07:01 am EDT)

Sometimes Jim makes a mountain out of a mole hill. Sometimes he says there is a mountain where there isn't one.

This week he is spotless. 100% right. The board changing minutes to go from there wasnt a vote, to there was a vote and then changing who voted in favor, is beyond crooked.

The Broadrick thing is disgusting. We've been hearing for years about all the things we can't afford. lots of teachers got no pay increase. we shit canned 39 people, some of who moved here for the job, days before they were supposed to start. They didn't get jack shit. Yet we give this FUCKING PIECE OF SHIT SCUMBAG ASS HOLE TIM BROADRICK

HALF A MILLION FUCKING DOLLLARS!!!

covering his housing, millage to his "home" in maine, so he develop a plan and then bail on US

FUCK YOU BOARD

I want an audit of what your getting in all of this.

MADDEN: why don't you go back to bitching about the 80k physcologist. so you can give it to ASshole Broadrick for gas money?!?!

Marie (Monday, April 27 26 06:13 am EDT)

We all know that the school board members and administrators are untrustworthy liars. The superintendent search was a joke because the public and the teachers were left out of the process. The public was blamed for the hiring of a long line of bad superintendents when it was the board members who did the hiring. The school board on their own made the worst choice ever, someone who will not live here and scoop up over half a million dollars of our money and do nothing for it in two years then leave laughing all the way to the bank. Taking one year to make a plan and another year to hire or train staff to do the plan after he is gone is a con that the school board fell for. I can’t believe how much money they are throwing away that belongs to us. Jim Sullivan showed us all how really crooked they are with these meeting minutes and all the different stories they tell all about one private meeting. Everything couldn’t have happened but together they show that school leaders are trying to change the story so we have no idea what really happened. I’ll bet they were shocked to see the hidden minutes that they denied access to but Jim found a way to get them and he’s now showed them to all of us on his website. They are all a bunch of lying, thieving so-and-so’s.

fuck you board (Monday, April 27 26 01:02 am EDT)

we have the school board we voted for. And they suck. they are dumb. they are fucking us over. they are flush money down the crapper. we debate things that cost $500 endlessly in the board, and just agree to pay the housing and travel and give a half million dollar package to some ass hole superintended who doesnt even want to live here and is open about leaving the first change he gets.

FUCK YOU BOARD!!!!!

and fuck you frank sprague. we voted you out, but we are still dealing with the mess you made.

ethics (Sunday, April 26 26 11:44 pm EDT)

change the meeting minutes to change who voted for the slimy new supterintendnet!! thats a real scandal!!! do this people have no ethics or morals!!!!!!!

Jim Sullivan (Sunday, April 26 26 09:41 pm EDT)

Seven new articles published today on the News Flashes page of this website.

1) Timothy Broadrick's Unprecedented Contract!

2) Are Claremont School Officials Covering up Another of Their Screw-Ups?

3) Claremont School Officials finally issued a News Release.

4) The Claremont School District Stipend Scandal! Part #19 – Stipends List

5) Public Notice North & Main Street Construction Project.

6) Claremont City Council accomplishes virtually nothing during 3.5 hour-long meeting!

7) Claremont City Manager Nancy Bates is dumping more and more of her responsibilities onto Core Group Staff Members & Others! So what exactly does she do?

face it (Sunday, April 26 26 05:20 pm EDT)

anyone who has been watching her knows she is a selfish bitch who is only on the board to find a way to advance her own interests. she wants to be a rightwing rep or something. remember her whole surprise motions spree??

Jimmy (Sunday, April 26 26 04:50 pm EDT)

Heather is intentionally trying to wreck the schools so she can defund them. Watch. She wants to be a big time politician. Only reason they threw all the money at Broadrick is because he is the only super in NH praising all the right wing education plans.

sound (Sunday, April 26 26 03:25 pm EDT)

if a kid drives around the town with a subwoofer too loud, they get a ticket. but someone wants to make money by having a race that is a million times louder, they get a pass? we should have a noise law. if your under the decibel count your good, and if your over it, you should get shut down.

i hear (Sunday, April 26 26 01:42 pm EDT)

i see i giant piece of shit

no its ian gates

Shit Trake (Sunday, April 26 26 01:19 pm EDT)

I lived by an interstate and cars would go by at 100 mph without making noise to keep me up. slept like a baby. you have a bunch of red neck assholes who just rid around in circles making noise. can hear it for miles away. lets get that bum attractor out of claremont. or only allow it on weekday afternoon when everyone is at work or awake.

Chris (Saturday, April 25 26 07:46 pm EDT)

Most race drivers are homeless or camper dwellers. Fat bois and Degenerates

FU (Saturday, April 25 26 07:16 pm EDT)

Fuck you Joe

Joe (Saturday, April 25 26 05:25 pm EDT)

Fucking race track. it used to be like a couple times a month.

Why are the schools shit? (Saturday, April 25 26 04:58 pm EDT)

Play white trash games. Win white trash prizes.

How to Get White Trash Excited (Saturday, April 25 26 04:33 pm EDT)

VROOM VROOOM VROOOOOOM VROOOOOOOOM VROOOM VRRRRROOM VROOOM VROM BANG CRASH