By Nicholas Brown
Staff Writer

On the heels of a more-than-$5,000 investigation of Hooksett Town Councilor Patricia Rueppel, the council quickly dismissed a letter from Councilor Michael DiBitetto calling for another council investigation.

DiBitetto, who brought forth the charges against Rueppel, was asking for a separate investigation based on rumors he’d heard that Rueppel and others were slandering him by suggesting he’s used his position as a town official for personal financial gains.

At a Wednesday, Oct. 11, meeting, Councilor David Ross moved to waive the council’s rules in order to publicly discuss the letter.

“I just don’t want to blow a bunch of legal money again,” said Ross, referring to the months-long Rueppel investigation.

Ross’ motion, which required a two-thirds majority to pass, failed 4-3.

No discussion followed, and Town Council Chairman George Longfellow didn’t ask for any further action relating to DiBitetto’s letter.

“If you can’t discuss something, that kills it,” Longfellow said after the meeting.

DiBitetto recused himself from the discussion and Rueppel, who’d earlier in the evening been absolved of the previous charges levied against her, had already exited the meeting.

DiBitetto’s letter claims Rueppel “and her associates have commenced an investigation of me and my business interests,” and have waged a “slanderous effort” intended to damage Di-Bitetto’s reputation.

DiBitetto said he’s become aware of informal accusations that he’s used his positions in town to influence planning board decisions affecting him, and that he stands to gain financially from the Exit 11 tax increment financing, or TIF district.

DiBitetto has been involved in the development of Hooksett’s ongoing residential Granite Hills project.

In his letter, he outlines some of his experience in real estate development, but said he’s always recused himself from conversations which may be perceived as related to his business interests.

DiBitetto suggested his two requests for council investigations this year have highlighted a procedural problem.

“The charter gives the council full authority, but no guidance in these matters,” he said.

DiBitetto said he plans to suggest the council form an ethics committee, or ethics review board, which he said could give the council clear procedures to follow and could save on legal expenses during such investigations.

He said he has no plans to resurrect his most recent letter to the council.

“I’m always satisfied when the process takes its course,” he said.