Today’s decision was a win for property rights.

[This post has been updated three times and re-dated… see end for links]

Once you have studied the hierarchy of the RPCs and how they seek to influence the town planning and zoning boards, you will see that no taxpayer ever gets to vote on what they are selling. The only way to make sure that your town doesn’t take part in some wasteful endeavor that will cost it dearly long after HUD grants have run out, is to make sure your planning and zoning board members listen to the public that elected them.

In Moultonborough, one Josiah Bartlett has been asked to leave his position on the planning board. In this article from the Laconia Daily Sun, we learn that Moultonborough selectmen want Planning Board member out, for ‘neglect of duty & malfeasance’ he says has never been specified.

“Planning Board member Paul Punturieri noted that the law requires the Selectboard to hold a public hearing to dismiss an elected official and suggested the board must have already made its decision.” (See Puntieri’s blog about the issue.)

This seems to us to be nothing more than an outrageous attempt to oust anyone who doesn’t engage in the necessary ‘group think’ for the pre-determined ideas and outcomes of Granite State Future.

We await the announcement of the actual charges and demand a public hearing on same. We encourage Mr. Bartlett not to give up or resign, as he has every right to hold that position unless these somewhat libelous charges have been aired and are proven true.

Hear his wife speak on his behalf at the August 1 meeting of the planning board.

Update: A second planner has been asked to resign.

Update: Moltonborough Planning Board stands by its members

Update: August 14 Planning Board Meeting

Update: Both Planning Board Members Exonerated