By Ginger Kozlowski
Editor

A move to reconsider an investigation into Hooksett Town Councilor Patricia Rueppel’s actions with regard to the Cabela’s plan was shot down Wednesday, Aug. 9.

Ending embarassment to the town of Hooksett and saving the town legal fees brought about a dozen residents to the meeting. Nevertheless, the investigation will go on.

Councilor James Gorton moved to reconsider the vote, with the support of chairman George Longfellow, but Councilor Michael DiBitetto protested that the motion could not be heard under Robert’s Rules of Order because the investigatory board had already been formed and moved forward.

Councilor Jason Hyde then tried another tack, motioning to rescind the decision to investigate Rueppel. Such a move would require a supermajority, or six yes votes, because the action had not been posted previous to the meeting. In a roll call vote, a 4-4 tie was reached, effectively making a sixth vote impossible, so the investigation was not rescinded.

Rueppel stands accused of scheming to stall an $18 million TIF plan approved by voters at the May Town Meeting, which would allow sporting goods retailer Cabela’s to locate at Exit 11, as well as providing funds for roads, sewer, water and other infrastructure improvements. DiBitetto says Rueppel violated the town charter with her actions. He demanded she vacate her town council seat, which she refused.

At the Aug. 9, meeting, Rueppel did not speak, but others in the audience made their feelings clear.

“Whether something improper was done or not isn’t important,” said Hooksett resident Michael Dubisz. “It’s embarassing and childish to me. My suggestion would be, if I was a council member, why not just withdraw or abstain from anything that has to do with this vote? The perception of impropriety is what’s important here. One less vote isn’t gonna change anything. Voluntarily say I’ll abstain.”

Resident Bob Ehlers was concerned about the legal costs associated with the investigation.

“How many more meetings are projected to be out there?” he asked. “One thousand dollars, two thousand, where are we gonna go with this?”

Town Administrator David Jodoin told him he didn’t know how much it would cost or how long it would go, but did say the town’s lawyer costs $200 an hour.

Ehler suggested that the town consider something more informal before going to a formal legal investigation.

The cost also spurred Sandra Oliver to speak.

“You’re working on a default budget,” said Oliver. “I’m not gonna take sides. I think Mike has a right to bring accusations. The money you have could be used to build roads. This is a waste of time. I don’t like it.”

Resident Michael Sorel chided the council for its public behavior over the investigation.

“The political attacks made at this council level and letters to the editor are injurious to the town of Hooksett and to this council,” said Sorel. “The attack letters in last week’s Banner are not proper. The town does not benefit. We are better than that, as a town, and as a town council.”

Questioned later, Rueppel stood firm in her beliefs.

“I think the wisdom of the newly elected councilors is very evident and I do believe they can see this for what it is,” she said. “If I have sinned, my only sin is informing the citizens.

“I have had time to take inventory of the actions of the council for the last six years and the complaints coming from the residents is the disconnect between the governing body and the residents of the town,” said Rueppel.

“I hope the result of the removal procedures, the governing body is more open and more residents get involved and attend a few council meetings,” she said.