The Hampton Standard - Missing in Action

BARNES / PLAYER 6.22.26 SELECTMEN PUBLIC COMMENT

Who is really running the show in Hampton?

VIDEO HERE

https://rumble.com/v7brf5o-barnes-player-public-comment-6.22.26.html

The board’s June 8th ladder truck discussion was about far more than a piece of equipment. It exposed a larger problem. When Fire Union President Jed Carpentier was cut off before fully presenting the concerns of Hampton's firefighters and fire officers, the public was denied the opportunity to hear all sides of an issue involving both public safety and taxpayer dollars.

The board appeared willing to accept management's explanation while quickly dismissing concerns raised by the people actually doing the job. That raises a simple question: Who is this board listening to? The Town Manager and department heads provide recommendations—they do not govern Hampton. The Board of Selectmen does. Your duty is to independently evaluate the facts, ask difficult questions, and make decisions based on what is best for the taxpayers, not simply accept management's position.

The same disconnect is evident elsewhere. Sign pollution continues to clutter Hampton's roads, neighborhoods, marshes, and waterways. Political signs, advertising signs, and other temporary displays diminish the appearance of our town, create environmental waste, and undermine the character that residents have worked for generations to preserve. Yet little attention is given to an issue that directly affects the quality of life in our community.

These issues are connected. They reflect a growing departure from the Hampton Standard—leadership that is independent, accountable, engaged, and focused on serving the public. Too often, taxpayer concerns appear secondary to administrative convenience. Decisions seem increasingly driven from the top down rather than by the people elected to represent the public. This board must remember a fundamental principle: government exists by the consent of the governed. You work for the taxpayers. Your responsibility is to listen, question, challenge, and represent the people who elected you—not simply endorse recommendations placed before you or ones that merely align with your political preferences.

Hampton needs the Hampton Standard back. Hampton needs leaders who think independently, demand accountability, protect the character of the town, and put the interests of residents ahead of any type of bureaucracy.

Remember what town this board represents, remember who this board works for, and do the job you all are elected to do, focus on nothing else.