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[curt]

This is worth reading:

Len Mullen's account of the 4/10/08 BudCom meeting

[Rob C]

I'm not sure how he was able to "quote" so "accurately."

Maybe he brought in a recording device, is that legal in NH? I know it's not in MA.

[AlfredTwo]

It was a public meeting right? Is it illegal to record a public meeting?

As for the accuracy of the quotes I would seem possible if good notes were taken. Reporters do it all the time.

[curt]

from the NH Bar Association guidance on RSA 91-A:

Any person may take notes or record the meeting using a recording device such as a tape recorder, camera, or video equipment.

Re Mass.,

from
http://www.citmedialaw.org/legal-guide/ ... ording-law

Massachusetts open meetings law expressly permits sound and video recording of public meetings (i.e., meetings of a governmental body required to be open to the public by law), except for executive sessions, by anyone in attendance. The statute provides, however, that video equipment must be "fixed in one or more designated locations determined by the governmental body" and that the recording must not actively interfere with the conduct of the meeting. See Mass. Gen. Laws. ch. 39, § 23B(9).

[Rob C]

Thanks for the info Curt. I see that you can record a public meeting without consent of all of those involved. I had my corporate hat on when I made those comments...

I still think it is a bit underhanded and disingenuous of anyone to secretly record any meeting. I'm sure you, as chairman of town committees, can understand that...

[dmh]

Thanks for the info Curt. I see that you can record a public meeting without consent of all of those involved. I had my corporate hat on when I made those comments...

I still think it is a bit underhanded and disingenuous of anyone to secretly record any meeting. I'm sure you, as chairman of town committees, can understand that...

How do you know he secretly recorded the meeting? In order to do it secretly no one in the room would know it was happening. How do you know no one knew?

If I was being quoted, I'd want to have the quote correctly stated rather than some sound byte with someones interpretation.

These are public officials at a public meeting they have to expect their words are going to be heard and repeated.

Now some backroom deal in corp america, is a different thing entirely.

[Todd McCormick]

How do you know he secretly recorded the meeting? In order to do it secretly no one in the room would know it was happening. How do you know no one knew?

If I was being quoted, I'd want to have the quote correctly stated rather than some sound byte with someones interpretation.

These are public officials at a public meeting they have to expect their words are going to be heard and repeated.

Now some backroom deal in corp america, is a different thing entirely.

Because he's never, ever shown himself to be dishonest and underhanded before by....oh I don't know....posting harmful lies and then erasing them so there would be no proof!!! He's such a saintly man of the people!

[shawn_oneil]

Because he's never, ever shown himself to be dishonest and underhanded before by....oh I don't know....posting harmful lies and then erasing them so there would be no proof!!! He's such a saintly man of the people!

Knight worthy too.
Good Grief Charlie Brown,
Shawn

[curt]

It's possible to take detailed notes without a recording device and get the quotes right. I speak from experience.

Len hasn't said whether or not he had a recording device. But he did post either on his site or the crazy Plaistow site that he was looking for people to report on meetings, and that he would prefer to get recordings. So I take that as an indicator that he likely was recording at the meeting he reported on.

To answer Rob's question, I would be taken aback if somebody were recording stuff at a meeting I chaired, and some of my remarks showed up on a public web site. But it would be my fault if it were something that was hurtful or embarrassing, as long as it were reported accurately. I'm as bad as anybody in saying stuff in off-camera meetings that I might be more careful about on camera. I think it would be best if Len let it be known that he were recording, as a courtesy to others, not that he is somehow obligated to but just as a nice thing to do, to remind people of what they really should know, that they are at a public meeting, not a cocktail party, and to speak accordingly.

With respect to Len's honesty or fidelity as a reporter in this instance, I have no reason to believe that it was inaccurate or biased. I believe that at least one person in this thread was present at the meeting, and he did not criticize the accuracy of the report. I'm one who has had issues with Len, but simply as a consumer of information I appreciated this account, which likely is more informative than the minutes will be, once they are posted on the TRSD web site.

Having thoroughly bashed Mike Asselin, I am in no position to criticize those who bash Len. But I wonder if the frequency of it is more than some SoD members/lurkers care for.

[Rob C]

But I wonder if the frequency of it is more than some SoD members/lurkers care for.

I'm in awe of this statement....in awe...

[curt]

How does it compare with Emperor Hirohito on 8/15/1945:

.......the war situation has developed not necessarily to Japan's advantage, while the general trends of the world have all turned against her interest.

[JC]

Having thoroughly bashed Mike Asselin, I am in no position to criticize those who bash Len. But I wonder if the frequency of it is more than some SoD members/lurkers care for.

I for one am tired of the bashing, when I signed up on this site I thought it to be an informative constructive forum. I think that the bashing is non productive and a waste of time regardless of who it is directed at or those doing the bashing feel it is justified.

JMHO

[Todd McCormick]

Having thoroughly bashed Mike Asselin, I am in no position to criticize those who bash Len. But I wonder if the frequency of it is more than some SoD members/lurkers care for.

I for one am tired of the bashing, when I signed up on this site I thought it to be an informative constructive forum. I think that the bashing is non productive and a waste of time regardless of who it is directed at or those doing the bashing feel it is justified.

Have either of you looked at the constant praising and defense you (along with a few others who coincidentally appear to be posting on his site in lock step agreement with him) have lauded his way ever since his misdeeds on SOD just over a year ago. Exactly what has he done to make amends for that?? He wouldn't even apologize to Rob's wife for slandering her! I would counter that I wonder if the frequency of him continuously being praised as some sort of honorable man of the people here is more than the majority of SOD members care for. I'd love to drop it but if he is going to continue to be praised and painted as some sort of great and honest man on SOD, I will continue to bring up the truth about him.

[JC]

Have either of you looked at the constant praising and defense you (along with a few others who coincidentally appear to be posting on his site in lock step agreement with him) have lauded his way ever since his misdeeds on SOD just over a year ago

First of all, get your facts straight, I if anyone have debated with Len over several issues right here on SOD, in fact we do not agree on many issues. I can however say that I have always had a clean debate with him without incident. I have NEVER praised him for anything to do with Robs wife nor would I.

All I have ever commented on was his web site, I think he has done a good job with his site.

lock step agreement, NOT me you have the wrong person, again Len and I usually tangle on most issues, but I respect his opinons, just like I would anyones else in this forum, except in this case.

[Resident]

Have either of you looked at the constant praising and defense you (along with a few others who coincidentally appear to be posting on his site in lock step agreement with him)...

I'm assuming that I qualify as one of the few others since I have 2 postings on his site. "Lock step agreement"......Can you be more specific? I asked about some typos and I suggested a solution to a power school question. If those statements qualify, please explain how.