My Letter to CALEA

by | Oct 3, 2009 | 8 comments

I sent the following letter to CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies) which recently had an auditor out certifying KPD.

Hello CALEA Staff,

I’m writing to inform you of another incident with the Keene PD, which recently went though the certification process. I spoke with Barbara during the feedback session, but don’t have any further contact information, as your organization doesn’t seem interested in hearing from the public. (more…)

Paint (Not Pot) Party Saturday at MoCo

by | Sep 30, 2009 | 11 comments

Thank you to everyone who came out last weekend, I had a great time! They are finishing up next weekend, and we could really use your help wrapping up. MoCo Arts is a non profit, community-based, family-centered organization sharing the gift of dance primarily with children in the community.  moco_mural1

Details on volunteering can be found here, and I’m inviting Free Keene readers out,   Saturday October 3rd, from 12pm-4:20pm. This is a total volunteer effort, so wear your panting clothes and bring supplies if you have them.  Hope to see you there!

Bring Your Paintbrush. . . .

by | Sep 25, 2009 | 4 comments

MoCo Arts is a non profit, community-based, family-centered organization sharing the gift of dance primarily with children in the community. Their building was overdue for an exterior remodel, and they settled on this mural: moco_mural1

The City of Keene decided to lend a hand by threatening fines and tax liens initially. Ordinances are the ordinances, and the city acted quickly to ensure compliance.  All work was halted until MoCo could hire an attorney and spend weeks working through the government courts.

Why would the city bureaucrats be so generous? The mural, for the dance studio, has dancers on it. While many of you may be underwhelmed by such an egregious violation on MoCo’s behalf, the city council has an ordinance regulating signs, and ordinances are ordinances. They claim the mural became a sign when they decided to paint a dancer. Wouldn’t it be earlier if property owners were free to paint their buildings the way they thought best?

Needless to say, after weeks in court they are doing their best to finish before winter. Can you help out?

Details on volunteering can be found here, and I’m inviting Free Keene readers out tomorrow,  Saturday the 26th of Setptember, from 12pm-5pm. This is a total volunteer effort, so wear your panting clothes and bring supplies if you have them.  Hope to see you there!