I zoomed in to last evening’s Nashua Board of Aldermen meeting. The City is creating TIF (Tax Increment Financing) areas downtown. This finance structure must be set up correctly and in compliance with the law.
Last evening, the Aldermen voted to approve a $21M bond to develop the Riverfront project downtown. This will be a TIF project.
A citizen spoke in the first public input with concerns that the City was not compliant with the legal requirements for the TIF.
When the Alderman addressed the issue during the meeting, Aldermen Jette asked Attorney Steve Bolton about the Citizen concerns. Bolton stated that the city is compliant. A one-line sentence with no explanation addressing the specific concerns of the citizen.
The Board then approved the $21M project 13-1.
The Citizen raised the concern again in the final public comment. They explained in detail what they believed was not in compliance, explained that they would submit a RTK and if the city would not comply, take the city into court.
Attorney Steve Bolton fired off a one-liner to the effect of:
Happy to win again.
He loved his one-line personal jab at a citizen. He violated rules of order and spoke without requesting the floor – typical for Attorney Steve Bolton. A few members of the Board enjoyed his remark and openly laughed.
I just completed two full days in court on my RTK lawsuit against the city, citing 6 claims of violations with records in or regarding the assessing office. I have one more day in court on Thursday. This city is most like a criminal organization when it comes to open records. The City’s position with me – “sue us”.
Our leaders are more like thugs taunting citizens to bring on lawsuits.
Attorney Steve Bolton has lost all perspective on his duties. He simply has no self awareness of his capabilities any longer.
Mayor Jim Donchess has allowed a failing man to continue in the capacity of Corporation Council for the City. Taxpayers have given the city open pockets to spending without regard to the law.
The Mayor has failed his duties; Attorney Bolton should be fired and replaced with a competent Corporation Council.
