By Nicholas Brown
Staff Writer

A Hooksett town councilor is calling for an investigation into his own past amidst informal allegations that he’s abused his elected position to seek personal financial gains.

Michael DiBitetto, who’s already accused fellow councilor Patricia Rueppel of political collusion, says “Rueppel and her associates have commenced an investigation of me and my business interests.”

DiBitetto wrote in a letter to the council: “The purpose for prying into my personal and business affairs can only be to smear my reputation and do damage to my good name.”

That letter was expected to be aired at the council’s Wednesday, Sept. 27, meeting, after press time.

DiBitetto said he’s recently been informed by multiple sources that the participants in a “slanderous effort” have suggested he’s used his elected position to affect planning board decisions.

He also said informal allegations have surfaced that due to Di-Bitetto’s real estate background, he will gain financially from the Interstate 93, Exit 11, developments, anticipated to be ushered in if outdoor sports retailer Cabela’s builds there.

“I have no financial involvement whatsoever in the Exit 11 development plans,” he wrote. “My only interest in the Exit 11 (tax increment financing district) is that of a council member and a citizen.”

DiBitetto, who’s in his sixth year on the town council, is a real estate broker who said his primary professional focus has been land planning and development.

DiBitetto said he has been involved in the Granite Hills residential project over the years, but declined to detail his exact involvement.

“I’ve had a longstanding financial interest,” he said, “ and let’s leave it at that.”

DiBitetto is demanding an investigation into the allegations, and is asking the council to petition the Attorney General’s office to conduct the investigation.

In the letter, he also suggests the Attorney General investigate all parties who may have communicated with David Ewald, the owner of a public relations firm hired by Gander Mountain, a sporting goods retailer and competitor to Cabela’s.

Ewald and Rueppel are named as conspirators in charges DiBitetto filed against Rueppel in July (see related story).

As of press time, before the latest council meeting, Rueppel said she was confounded upon hearing DiBitetto’s latest claims involving her.

Rueppel declined much comment.

“I’m not involved in any of this,” she said of the alleged rumors.

Town Council Chairman George Longfellow said he’d rather not comment on DiBitetto’s latest claims without further input from the rest of the council.

“(DiBitetto) is an individual and he’s got the right to bring up whatever he wants,” he said. “Until we find out more of the particulars, I’d rather not comment.”