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Monday, October 17, 2011
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Saturday, October 15, 2011
A Council Of Puppets
A COUNCIL OF PUPPETS
I truly am embarrassed to acknowledge several members of the Town Council. These individuals are too stupid to know when they are being played by Councilor Bowie. Let’s take for instances Councilor Mason. During a workshop discussion of the Western Maine Transportation, Lisbon Connection, she asked "What do the buses look like?" This individual is representing this community and the senior citizen in it and has no clue what the buses look like. Marvelous, just plain marvelous! Look at the town council meetings and the input Mason provides. It is either about Moxie Day or some upcoming event in the town. Mason is the "Social Director" for the council. She never has any worthwhile input for the council on real issues.
Next, let’s take a look at Councilor Pomelow. I personally do not believe she has ever had a single thought of her own. If Bowie did not conduct a pre-meeting before the town council meetings she would be lost for words. I believe it was Bowie who ordered Pomelow to rewrite the Council Working Rules to silence the residents from speaking on agenda items during the discussion of each item. She wrote it and screwed it up so bad Evil Eldridge had to take it over after approximately four months. It still is not right but what else would you expect from Eldridge.
Councilor LaRochelle is making money hand and fist off the town so he does whatever he is told to do. Let’s see now; he has purchased several town properties for a song; he has the towing contract and he does repairs on town vehicles. Why is the world would he want to jeopardize all of this? Think of the income he would lose.
Councilor Bowie manipulates the council to ensure the police have anything Brooks needs in order to keep his wife employed. He is the senior councilor and instead of providing honest guidance he leads these other councilors for his own agenda. He sits in the back ground and plays stupid when in fact he is pulling the strings all the time. If you do not believe this look at the meeting and discussion on the reevaluation contract for the town. Pomelow and LaRochelle stated they would like more information on the process and when, and only when it looked like the issue was going to be tabled, Bowie stepped in to save the day by making a motion to vote on the issue. Both Pomelow and LaRochelle voted with Bowie to award the contract to VanTuinen. Bowie pulls the strings and they jump into action.
The latest rendition of this very corrupt council is forcing residents to pay for the handouts for workshops. Have you ever been to a Public Meeting where you were not handed documents in order for you to follow along? These documents enable you to understand the discussions even if you cannot say anything during the briefing. I have to pay $13.00 for a copy of the handouts for the last two workshops because "the council" according to Chairman Lunt did not want to provide the handouts to residents who attend these workshops. Keep in mind, I requested at the last town council meeting these documents be posted to the town web site just like the town does for actual council meetings. That way, the town would not have to waste paper on the residents. The residents could printout whatever they wanted.
These are the four councilors who always vote together and are solely responsible for the condition the town is in right now. We cannot get rid of them on a recall so the next time they come up for reelection vote them out! Let’s break up Bowie and the puppets.Larry Fillmore
Concerned Citizen
Friday, October 14, 2011
An Accident Waiting to Happen
CITIZEN’S PUT AT RISK
On the ballot in June 2011, there was a bond issue to repair the bridge and road on Fisher Road. The bond passed and the money was appropriated to repair both the road and the bridge. This bridge was in such poor shape the town was concerned with the state closing the road. However, they were not concerned enough to take any action to protect or post warning signs for vehicles traveling on this road. Today, I traveled on the Fisher Road to see for myself the improvements on the bridge and road and was shocked to learn nothing had been done. I am including three pictures of the condition of the bridge and road today.
It is the primary responsibility of Evil Eldridge and his golden boy, Ryan Leighton, to put in motion the task of repairing the bridge and road. Once again, these two individuals have neglected the residents of Lisbon by failing to post warning signs or getting the bridge and road repaired. This lack of concerned for the residents of Lisbon and other individuals who utilize the Fisher Road is distressing. God forbid the bridge goes out or falls down and causes injuries to anyone.
Does the Town of Lisbon have to wait until the incompetence of Eldridge or Leighton causes a fatality before this Town Council takes action to remove these two individuals? The next question is where is the money taxpayers appropriated for this project and why has nothing been down. I understood the money to repair the bridge was appropriated last year and the bond added more money to include the repair of the road. In any case, the funding has been there since June and the bridge is deteriorating rapidly as indicated by the pictures below.
Citizens of Lisbon stop hiding in the corner and come out and voice your concerns at the next Town Council meeting, Tuesday, October 18, 2011, 7:00 PM at the Town Office.
Larry Fillmore
Concerned Citizens
November 8th Ballot Questions
Question 8 (NO)
On November 8th the residents of Lisbon will be asked to vote on 8 changes to the Lisbon Charter and also give guidance to the council by answering one advisory question.
On November 8th the residents of Lisbon will be asked to vote on 8 changes to the Lisbon Charter and also give guidance to the council by answering one advisory question.
Of these changes question 8 dealing with revising the recall procedures for removing a councilor is by far the most important and potentially the most devastating change proposed by the council.
In my opinion, the existing recall barrier that requires
voter turnout to be 30 percent of the turnout of the last presidential or gubernatorial election is almost mathematically impossible to hurdle. Making it even more difficult for the public to remove an undesirable councilor is not the answer. This will only make councilors less
responsive to the wishes of their constituents.
responsive to the wishes of their constituents.
If the Council really wants to improve the recall procedure, they should remove the existing 30 percent barrier and abide by the wishes of the majority vote.
If we pass question 8 we will in effect be ending our own ability to remove an unsuitable councilor.
I will be voting “NO” on all 8 questions and approving only the advisory question. I want to keep control in the hands of the people.
Respectfully
F.E. Stacey
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Vote on charter changes
BEWARE CHARTER CHANGES
Question 1 – The charter today allows the town to legally steal your property and what this question is asking if you want them to legally steal your personal property as well.
Question 2 – The change is trying to clarify the time limits are tolled during court review. The court system is such there cannot be any time limits because the court determines when and where they review cases. The town is trying to kill petitions and force residents to start over again.
Question 3 – This is my all-time favorite. This question promotes cronyism. This gives the power to the town manager (Evil Eldridge) to hire or promotes anyone of the good old boys. This also makes it legal for him to hire less qualified individuals over highly qualified individuals. You know like hiring Ryan Leighton who is not a licensed professional engineer with the state of Maine or Chief Sean Galipeau who does not have a Bachelor’s degree as required by most Fire Chief’s in Maine. In both cases the town hired them with the condition they get their respective education and neither one has done so. Do we really want to give the town manager the power to hire less than qualified individuals? My answer is no I want to stop the "Good Old Boys" game.
Question 4 – This question is as dumb as they are because the State of Maine required town assessors’ be certified by the state so why do we need to add it to the charter?
Question 5 – The Town Council appoints a Board of Assessment Review Board but in its absence the council can perform the tasks. Why even appoint a Board of Assessment Review Board in the first place? Bowie and Eldridge want the power to take over this function. The purpose of an independent body was to ensure we have no conflict of interest and residents receive a fair assessment review. Now they want to take this away. Control and power is what they are asking the residents to relinquish.
Question 6 – This is a very interesting question. Actually it should read "How in the world or under what circumstances would a capital expenditure be allowed to lapse?" If the citizens took the time to approve the monies for a project or capital gain how is it possible to have that funds lapse. The only reason for a capital expenditure to lapse is if management is not doing their job or misappropriation of funds. I cannot believe Bowie and Eldridge think the residents are that stupid.
Question 7 – I do not know about you but I am not an accountant genius. I cannot tell you what this says but I can tell you this, if Bowie and Eldridge are involved it cannot be good for the town of Lisbon. Look at the other seven questions and then ask yourself "with their track record can this be good of me?" My answer is no way.
Question 8 – This is another of my very favorite. This question deals with the recall procedure. Bowie and Eldridge are asking the residents to add additional hurdles to remove a councilor. This is entirely useless to begin with because there is no way possible to recall a councilor now; adding more requirements makes no sense. There is no way to recall a councilor in the town of Lisbon because there is no way to get 30% of voters who voted in the last gubernatorial elections to come out in vote in a regular election yet a special election. This is the safe guard built into the charters to save councilors just like it did with Bowie. The majority of voters voted to remove Bowie at the Special Election but there were not 30% of the voters required so Bowie remains councilor even through the majority of voters who voted wanted him removed.
As you can see, these Charter Changes are meant to provide the town council and town manager with additional power and control over the citizen of the town of Lisbon. This is not a good thing and when you go to the polls on November 8th vote NO on all these questions.
American's Journey: Victor Bout, arms dealer, about to be judged by bi...
American's Journey: Victor Bout, arms dealer, about to be judged by bi...: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Viktor_Bout_Extradited_to_US.jpg Victor Bout is about to go to trial. If you haven't heard of him - ...
Harpswell removes restriction on public comments | Sun Journal
Lisbon Council Take Notice: Censorship of
opposing views doesn't work.
Harpswell removes restriction on public comments -
opposing views doesn't work.
Harpswell removes restriction on public comments -
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
10 major stories ignored by mainstream media
In an age of blogs, tweets, hacks and piles of beans spilled by WikiLeaks, the notion of media censorship may seem dated.
But the rundown of stories Project Censored calls attention to this year serves as a reminder that mainstream media outlets favoring the superficial over the substantive don’t give us all the information we need.
Since 1976, Project Censored has endeavored to spotlight important news articles that didn’t find their way into mainstream headlines. Originating with a classroom assignment at Sonoma
more here---
But the rundown of stories Project Censored calls attention to this year serves as a reminder that mainstream media outlets favoring the superficial over the substantive don’t give us all the information we need.
Since 1976, Project Censored has endeavored to spotlight important news articles that didn’t find their way into mainstream headlines. Originating with a classroom assignment at Sonoma
more here---
Inmates taking firemens jobs
Isnt this against the law.....
http://www.wlsam.com/Article.asp?id=2306265&spid=
http://www.wlsam.com/Article.asp?id=2306265&spid=
Monday, October 10, 2011
Citizen in Falmouth trying to cleanup local government
Lisbon isnt the only town with local government problems.
http://www.theforecaster.net/content/n-falmouth-town-reacts-doyle-chief-tolan-072111
http://www.theforecaster.net/content/n-falmouth-town-reacts-doyle-chief-tolan-072111
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Lisbon's Web Site
LISBON WEB SITE
In the town of Lisbon, the web site is maintained by the Town Engineer, Ryan Leighton and the responsibility of keeping it current is the Chief Administrative Officer, Stephen (Evil) Eldridge. The web site has a great deal of value and is already configured to provide citizen with valuable information. One such function would be to post the Bids/RFP’s. This is when items go out for bid and it is supposed to inform the public when the bids will be opened. The opening of the bids in public is to ensure the process in on the up and up. It is also required by Purchase Policy of the town.
The last bid which went out approximately three weeks ago and was never posted on the town web site. What else was not posted was the time and place the sealed bids would be open publicly. I have no idea why we would create a web site (which cost the taxpayer money) and then not utilize it for what it was intended. My only explanation is once again the management of the town (Eldridge) does not want people to know what is going on in this town. Remember there is no transparency of government in Lisbon.
Take for instance the Agenda for Town Council meeting and workshops. The people of Lisbon had to beg the Town Council to post the agenda on Friday with the supporting documents so the residents had time to research these items in order to speak intelligently during the Audience Participation of the meeting. This is working out very very well but the workshop agenda is never posted and there is no supporting documentation. I asked for this at the last council meeting. This is not rocket science but management wants to keep the people in the dark. "No transparency in Lisbon" is the motto of Evil Eldridge, Bowie and the puppets.
At what point should the people put a stop to this injustice. We need to change the management of this town. Get rid of Eldridge and in 2012 get rid of Bowie and the puppets. It is not too soon to make our wishes known.
Larry Fillmore
Concerned Citizen
Saturday, October 8, 2011
What Banks and lenders know about you from social media
Many Americans may be unaware that their social media conversations and posts are providing banks and lenders with a treasure trove of information. In fact, a growing number of banks and lenders are currently building a data repository – collecting, storing and analyzing data – in the hopes that one day it could help them determine your potential credit risk and also tailor marketing directly to you.
http://news.yahoo.com/banks-lenders-know-social-media-093048662.html%3B_ylt%3DAkfbhp0H5zqUKWxSGkk3kM2s0NUE%3B_ylu%3DX3oDMTRhbjFwbDVvBG1pdANTZWN0aW9uTGlzdCBGUCBUZWNobm9sb2d5BHBrZwM0YTllMzhkMS1lNjAzLTMwZmItOTVjYS1mNDZjNWI1M2VhMGQEcG9zAzQEc2VjA01lZGlhU2VjdGl
http://news.yahoo.com/banks-lenders-know-social-media-093048662.html%3B_ylt%3DAkfbhp0H5zqUKWxSGkk3kM2s0NUE%3B_ylu%3DX3oDMTRhbjFwbDVvBG1pdANTZWN0aW9uTGlzdCBGUCBUZWNobm9sb2d5BHBrZwM0YTllMzhkMS1lNjAzLTMwZmItOTVjYS1mNDZjNWI1M2VhMGQEcG9zAzQEc2VjA01lZGlhU2VjdGl
Friday, October 7, 2011
Last nights Council Meeting
Tuesdays Council Meeting was a sad night for Lisbon.
After decades of public service to the town of Lisbon Fay Brown informed the Council she could no longer work with the current town administration. Her resignation, from the Green Thumb Gang, was colorfully submitted in the form of a beautiful plant perfectly manicured to resemble the infamous single digit salute.
A number of councilors acknowledged and thanked her for her years of dedicated service to Lisbon. Faye also received a resounding round of applause from the audience.
Lisbon cannot afford to alienate her hardworking volunteers.I feel an investigation needs to be done to find and correct the problems that lead to the loss of one of Lisbons long time volunteers.
Thank You Faye for all the beauty you have brought to the
median strips and gardens of Lisbon.
F.E, Stacey
Senior Citizens Occupy Wall Street
The rise of the silver protester: Now senior citizens and veterans take to the streets in Occupy Wall Street demonstrations
- 28 arrested after another night of violence on the streets of New York
- Washington protesters build on momentum of New York
- Video of cop boasting he looks forward to using nightstick sparks furious reaction among protesters
- Protesters
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2046314/Occupy-Wall-Street-The-rise-silver-protester.html#ixzz1a6zq1PPq
Council Meeting Recap Oct 4
RECAP OCT 4
Tuesday’s night Town Council meeting was an extremely sad day for the Lisbon Community. Faye Brown, Green Thumb Gang, informed the council she was finished as a volunteer taking care of the garden for the community. Ms. Brown cited the total lack of support from the management of the town. She presented a very appropriate plant to the town manager. Ladies and gentlemen, this is a must see so turn into the Town Council meeting viewing now on Channel 7 at 7:00 PM on Friday night. Faye was first to speak so you do not have to sit through a lot to witness this devastating event.
There was an excellent presentation on Fisheries in Maine by Andrew Goode.
Liza Ward spoke for a senior citizen about the Western Maine Transportation bus. This was discussed at the last workshop and the council is working on this problem. As it turns out, there will be a workshop on October 25th to discuss this very issue with the management of the bus line.
Ryan Leighton presented the bids ordered by the council at the last meeting. The bids were higher and the lowest bidder has asked to curtain the project until next spring. The council votes to reject the bids and put the project off until next spring.
The council voted to approve the warrant on Charter Changes on the ballet in November.
The council adopted the amendment to the Purchase Order Policy.
The council approved a motion to open the bid process for the demolition of 3 Village Street and to utilize Undesignated Funds to pay for it.
On October 11, 2011 there will be a Workshop to discuss:
Streetlights
Fireworks Ordinance
Marijuana Dispenser
Councilor Mason, Social Director for the council, announced the first Moxie Day meeting for next year had been held. Councilor Mason asked for more volunteers for upcoming events.
At this point, the meeting took a drastic turn of events. It was supposed to be an Executive Session on Personnel Matters. Councilor Cote asked the council do this in public but Councilor LaRochelle said he was in possession of a letter and it’s contents needed to be reviewed by the council in private. Chairman Lunt announced the council would go into closed session to discuss if they were going to do whatever in public. So the majority waited for the council to return so we could be briefed on what was taking place. When the council returned and went back into session. One of the councilors made a motion to adjourn, it was seconded and voted to adjourn. Once again, the public waited for the council to brief us and they did not; wasting more of the public’s time.
I want to express my heart filled appreciation for the more than fifty years of dedication and faithful volunteer service to the Lisbon community by Faye Brown. It is a crime the community lost a valuable asset because of the mismanagement by the town manager.
Larry Fillmore
Concerned Citizen
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Lone Star Watchdog: Will Obama Goons Provoke Riots Using Occupy Wall S...
Lone Star Watchdog: Will Obama Goons Provoke Riots Using Occupy Wall S...: The globalist are in the stage of desperation being between a rock and a hard place. They can back off and allow the eco...
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
The Lisbon Reporter: WHY A DOUBLE STANDARD FOR STEALING MONEY IN LISBON...
The Lisbon Reporter: WHY A DOUBLE STANDARD FOR STEALING MONEY IN LISBON...: Mark Stevens, Do you have a double standard in the Recreation Department? Why is Eva Noddin charged with stealing in excess of $1000.00 w...
The Lisbon Reporter: After quietly reading the Lisbon Reporter for over...
The Lisbon Reporter: After quietly reading the Lisbon Reporter for over...: Dear Editor, After quietly reading the Lisbon Reporter for over four years now, I can no longer be quiet. It saddens me greatly to ...
Joke of the Day
A male driver is pulled over by a cop and the following conversation takes place:
Man: What's the problem officer?
Cop: You were going at least 75 in a 55 zone.
Man: No sir, I was going 65.
Wife: Oh Harry. You were going 80.
(Man gives his wife a dirty look.)
Cop: I'm also going to give you a ticket for your broken tail light.
Man: Broken tail light? I didn't know about a broken tail light!
Wife: Oh Harry, you've known about that tail light for weeks.
(Man gives his wife a dirty look.)
Cop: I'm also going to give you a citation for not wearing your seat belt.
Man: Oh, I just took it off when you were walking up to the car.
Wife: Oh Harry, you never wear your seat belt.
Man: Shut your mouth, woman!
Cop: Ma'am, does your husband always talk to you this way?
Wife: No, only when he's drunk.
Man: What's the problem officer?
Cop: You were going at least 75 in a 55 zone.
Man: No sir, I was going 65.
Wife: Oh Harry. You were going 80.
(Man gives his wife a dirty look.)
Cop: I'm also going to give you a ticket for your broken tail light.
Man: Broken tail light? I didn't know about a broken tail light!
Wife: Oh Harry, you've known about that tail light for weeks.
(Man gives his wife a dirty look.)
Cop: I'm also going to give you a citation for not wearing your seat belt.
Man: Oh, I just took it off when you were walking up to the car.
Wife: Oh Harry, you never wear your seat belt.
Man: Shut your mouth, woman!
Cop: Ma'am, does your husband always talk to you this way?
Wife: No, only when he's drunk.
Chicago Traders Respond To Protesters With Signs Reading ‘We Are The 1%’
Chicago Traders Respond To Protesters With Signs Reading ‘We Are The 1%’: pThe Occupy Wall Street movement spread to Chicago this week, where protesters have gathered outside the Chicago Board of Trade, the world’s oldest options and futures trading center. Like the protesters in New York and other cities around the country, the group gathered to protest our nation’s growing income inequality, as the top 1 percent [...]/p
Thought of the Day
Remember, if you’re headed in the wrong direction, God allows U-turns! ~Allison Gappa Bottke
Lisbon town worker charged with theft | Sun Journal
AUBURN — A Lisbon Recreation Department worker was charged with theft from the town, according to documents in Androscoggin County Superior Court.
Eva Noddin, 43, of Lewiston appeared in 8th District Court in Lewiston last week on the theft by unauthorized taking charge. If convicted, she faces up to five years in prison. She is accused of stealing more than $1,000 of town money.
Lisbon town worker charged with theft Sun Journal
Eva Noddin, 43, of Lewiston appeared in 8th District Court in Lewiston last week on the theft by unauthorized taking charge. If convicted, she faces up to five years in prison. She is accused of stealing more than $1,000 of town money.
Lisbon town worker charged with theft Sun Journal
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Thought of the Day
Ethics Panel not very busy:
According to chapter 12 of our Town Charter--- Any citizen that believes a public official is involved in unethical behavior needs to obtain a nonexistant petition from the Town Clerk and have 25 citizens sign that imaginary petition in order to have the Ethics Panel investigate.
I wonder how many investigations have been initiated by this procedure?
by Doc
I wonder how many investigations have been initiated by this procedure?
by Doc
GLARING CONFLICT OF INTEREST
WE SHALL SEE
I have sent an email to all members of the Town Council requesting the immediate removal of Councilor Bowie for violating the Town Councils own ruling back in 2009 pertaining to Bowie’s conflict of interest. Bowie has been involved with the Lewiston/Auburn 911 project, the Communications Center Consolidation project and currently sits on the County Budget Committee. All of these issues have a direct or indirect bearing on Bowie’s wife employment and financial situation, since she works for the Lisbon Police Department.
A blind person can easily see this is another conflict of interest. So the real question is "Will this Town Council have the guts, integrity, and the conscience to do the right thing and remove Bowie as a Councilor?" Remember it has to be all six councilors voting to remove Bowie. This is a big challenge for this council because at least four and possibly five are Bowie’s puppets. This vote will show the true colors of our Councilors. Anyone, who votes NOT to remove Bowie, will certainly not be someone with integrity or a conscience. This vote should be a public vote so every resident can see the makeup of the council.
There is no question Bowie has violated the conflict of interest rule of our Charter and the advisory recommendations of the Ethics Panel in 2009 which were adopted by the Town Council, again. Since, this is a violation of the Town Council’s ruling; it is the responsibility of the Council to police one of their own.
The citizens of Lisbon need to pay attention to the vote by the town council. It will demonstrate who will place the best interest of the town ahead of personal feelings. It will also point out the councilors who are part of the problem and not the solution. This is a critical point for Lisbon and anyone who votes NOT to remove Bowie needs to be off this council the next time they come around for reelection.
Will this council hide behind closed doors and cover this up or will they be honest with the citizens of Lisbon and put this to a vote in public.
Larry Fillmore
Concerned Citizen
Monday, October 3, 2011
Lone Star Watchdog: Here Comes the Marines and the Army to Defend Free...
Lone Star Watchdog: Here Comes the Marines and the Army to Defend Free...: Seeing the dishonorable NYPD pepper spraying and beating up peaceful protesters. When good police officers stay silent inside ...
Thought of the day
"A state of war only serves as an excuse for domestic tyranny."------- Aleksandr I. Solzhenitsyn
Stonewalled by Town Officials
STONEWALLED
On September 29th, 2011, I sent an email to Chairman David Bowie of the Town Ethics Panel requesting the Ethics Panel investigate a conflict of interest against Councilor Bowie for his discussion and participation in the Lewiston/Auburn 911 project and the Consolidation of the Communication Center project. Chairman Bowie replied on the same day directing me to the procedures outlined in our Town Charter. Since my email, I have also learned that Councilor Bowie sits on the County Budget Committee.
The procedure is for me to go to the Town Clerk and take out a petition and obtain 25 signatures before it can be reviewed by the Ethics Panel. I went to the town office today at approximately 09:15 AM and requested the petition from the Town Clerk.
I was informed by the town clerk; she did not have a petition for this situation. According to the town clerk, there is no such form/petition available and she would have to create one and get it approved by the council. She also stated she would prepare the form/petition and once it was approved she would contact me to pick it up.
I believe this was a delaying tactic utilized by the town clerk because she had no clue what she should do because it involved a councilor. I say this because in 2008 and 2009 Councilor Bowie was involved in the same thing. Also, in 2009 the Ethics Panel made a recommendation on Councilor Bowie for the same issue; conflict of interest. So, why is there no form/petition available now? If the procedure is outlined in the Town Charter why in the world would you have to create a form/petition now?
I want to apologize to our loyal citizens who were waiting for me to show at Rite Aid this morning. I will be there as soon as the town office issues me the form/petition. I have no idea when they will stop playing games with me. I cannot guarantee I will have the form/petition with me at the Transfer Station tomorrow. I will post it on the Lisbon Reporter once I have the correct documents for your signature.
Larry Fillmore
Concerned Citizen
CORRECTION
In 2009, the Ethic Panel provided the Town Council with advisory recommendations which the Town Council approved. The Ethic Panel did not sanction Councilor Bowie; the Town Council took the recommendations of the Ethic Panel.
Larry Fillmore
Concerned Citizen
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Flu Shots Contain More than 250 Times the EPA’s Safety Limit for Mercury
 |
| Dees Illustration |
Activist Post
Thimerosal is a widely used vaccine preservative that is present in the majority of flu shots and other vaccines. Thimerosal is
What Occupy Wall Street is all about.
Declaration of the Occupation of New York City
As we gather together in solidarity to express a feeling of mass injustice, we must not lose sight of what brought us together. We write so that all people who feel wronged by the corporate forces of the world can know that we are your allies.
As one people, united, we acknowledge the reality: that the future of the human race requires the cooperation of its members; that our system must protect our rights, and upon corruption of that system, it is up to the individuals to protect their own rights, and those of their neighbors; that a democratic government derives its just power from the people, but corporations do not seek consent to extract wealth from the people and the Earth; and that no true democracy is attainable when the process is determined by economic power. We come to you at a time when corporations, which place profit over people, self-interest over justice, and oppression over equality, run our governments
. We have peaceably assembled here, as is our right, to let these facts be known.
They have taken our houses through an illegal foreclosure process, despite not having the original mortgage.
They have taken bailouts from taxpayers with impunity, and continue to give Executives exorbitant bonuses.
They have perpetuated inequality and discrimination in the workplace based on age, the color of one's skin, sex, gender identity and sexual orientation.
They have poisoned the food supply through negligence, and undermined the farming system through monopolization.
They have profited off of the torture, confinement, and cruel treatment of countless nonhuman animals, and actively hide these practices.
They have continuously sought to strip employees of the right to negotiate for better pay and safer working conditions.
They have held students hostage with tens of thousands of dollars of debt on education, which is itself a human right.
They have consistently outsourced labor and used that outsourcing as leverage to cut workers’ healthcare and pay.
They have influenced the courts to achieve the same rights as people, with none of the culpability or responsibility.
They have spent millions of dollars on legal teams that look for ways to get them out of contracts in regards to health insurance.
They have sold our privacy as a commodity.
They have used the military and police force to prevent freedom of the press.
They have deliberately declined to recall faulty products endangering lives in pursuit of profit.
They determine economic policy, despite the catastrophic failures their policies have produced and continue to produce.
They have donated large sums of money to politicians supposed to be regulating them.
They continue to block alternate forms of energy to keep us dependent on oil.
They continue to block generic forms of medicine that could save people’s lives in order to protect investments that have already turned a substantive profit.
They have purposely covered up oil spills, accidents, faulty bookkeeping, and inactive ingredients in pursuit of profit.
They purposefully keep people misinformed and fearful through their control of the media.
They have accepted private contracts to murder prisoners even when presented with serious doubts about their guilt.
They have perpetuated colonialism at home and abroad.
They have participated in the torture and murder of innocent civilians overseas.
They continue to create weapons of mass destruction in order to receive government contracts.
To the people of the world,
We, the New York City General Assembly occupying Wall Street in Liberty Square, urge you to assert your power.
Exercise your right to peaceably assemble; occupy public space; create a process to address the problems we face, and generate solutions accessible to everyone.
To all communities that take action and form groups in the spirit of direct democracy, we offer support, documentation, and all of the resources at our disposal.
Join us and make your voices heard!
*These grievances are not all-inclusive.
As we gather together in solidarity to express a feeling of mass injustice, we must not lose sight of what brought us together. We write so that all people who feel wronged by the corporate forces of the world can know that we are your allies.
As one people, united, we acknowledge the reality: that the future of the human race requires the cooperation of its members; that our system must protect our rights, and upon corruption of that system, it is up to the individuals to protect their own rights, and those of their neighbors; that a democratic government derives its just power from the people, but corporations do not seek consent to extract wealth from the people and the Earth; and that no true democracy is attainable when the process is determined by economic power. We come to you at a time when corporations, which place profit over people, self-interest over justice, and oppression over equality, run our governments
. We have peaceably assembled here, as is our right, to let these facts be known.
They have taken our houses through an illegal foreclosure process, despite not having the original mortgage.
They have taken bailouts from taxpayers with impunity, and continue to give Executives exorbitant bonuses.
They have perpetuated inequality and discrimination in the workplace based on age, the color of one's skin, sex, gender identity and sexual orientation.
They have poisoned the food supply through negligence, and undermined the farming system through monopolization.
They have profited off of the torture, confinement, and cruel treatment of countless nonhuman animals, and actively hide these practices.
They have continuously sought to strip employees of the right to negotiate for better pay and safer working conditions.
They have held students hostage with tens of thousands of dollars of debt on education, which is itself a human right.
They have consistently outsourced labor and used that outsourcing as leverage to cut workers’ healthcare and pay.
They have influenced the courts to achieve the same rights as people, with none of the culpability or responsibility.
They have spent millions of dollars on legal teams that look for ways to get them out of contracts in regards to health insurance.
They have sold our privacy as a commodity.
They have used the military and police force to prevent freedom of the press.
They have deliberately declined to recall faulty products endangering lives in pursuit of profit.
They determine economic policy, despite the catastrophic failures their policies have produced and continue to produce.
They have donated large sums of money to politicians supposed to be regulating them.
They continue to block alternate forms of energy to keep us dependent on oil.
They continue to block generic forms of medicine that could save people’s lives in order to protect investments that have already turned a substantive profit.
They have purposely covered up oil spills, accidents, faulty bookkeeping, and inactive ingredients in pursuit of profit.
They purposefully keep people misinformed and fearful through their control of the media.
They have accepted private contracts to murder prisoners even when presented with serious doubts about their guilt.
They have perpetuated colonialism at home and abroad.
They have participated in the torture and murder of innocent civilians overseas.
They continue to create weapons of mass destruction in order to receive government contracts.
To the people of the world,
We, the New York City General Assembly occupying Wall Street in Liberty Square, urge you to assert your power.
Exercise your right to peaceably assemble; occupy public space; create a process to address the problems we face, and generate solutions accessible to everyone.
To all communities that take action and form groups in the spirit of direct democracy, we offer support, documentation, and all of the resources at our disposal.
Join us and make your voices heard!
*These grievances are not all-inclusive.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
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Lisbon Councilor Conflict of interest
BOUNCING BOWIE
Can anyone tell me what has to be done for Councilor Bowie to comply with the Town Council Working rules; Town Charter and the Town Ethic Panel? Going all the way back to September 2008, Bowie has been violating the conflict of interest section of the Town Charter. Bowie violated the same conflict of interest portion of the Town Charter in June 2009 and was sanctioned by the Town Ethic Panel. Now, September 27, 2011 at the last Town Council Workshop, Bowie again violated the same conflict of interest rule of the charter and the Town Ethic Panels ruling.
At the workshop, Bowie explained to the council he had been attending meeting of the Lewiston/Auburn 911 Communications Consolidation Project for the Town of Lisbon. Mrs. Bowie is a substitute dispatcher and is a dispatch trainer according to her job description. Bowie was ranting and raving about how the council needs to reject this project. Since the project has a direct impact on his wife’s employment, there certainly is a conflict of interest.
Bowie is a strong advocate for the Police Department maintaining their inflated and extremely high budget. Bowie is trying desperately to keep the Police Department the highest budget in the town. Bowie wants to protect Chief Brook’s budget in order to keep his wife employed. This is a prime example of the "good old boys" protecting one of their own.
Bowie interrupted Mrs. Fitzgerald at the last workshop after the Chair had recognized her. This is a violation of Pomelow’s council working rules on decorum. Bowie had no right to override Chairman Lunt’s decision to allow Mrs. Fitzgerald to contribute to the discussion or to interrupt Mrs. Fitzgerald once she had the floor.
How is it Bowie can disregard the council working rules, town charter and the ethic panel and the Chair? There are several possibilities: (1) Bowie feels he is above these rules; (2) Bowie is so sure the rest of the council will do nothing to stop him; (3) Bowie realizes it would take two Priest, a Nun, a Rabbi and the Pope to get enough vote to recall him since you need 30% of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election. This has already been tried and failed; not because the voters who came out did not vote to recall him but because there was not 30% turnout. This is the problem with the charter. There is absolutely no way anyone can be recalled because the 30% is unrealistic and can never be obtained.
The only way a councilor can be removed by the council is with six (6) votes and because Bowie is the puppet master; this will never happen. I have sent a letter to the Ethic Panel and will go to the town office and take out a petition to have this conflict of interest brought before the town’s Ethic Panel. I will be in front of Rite Aid on Monday and at the Transfer Station on Tuesday until I get the 25 necessary signatures. Citizens of Lisbon; please come out and support this petition.
Larry A. Fillmore
Concerned Citizen
Friday, September 30, 2011
Lone Star Watchdog: I rather be an Illiterate Blogger Than Write Lies ...
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Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
911 Discussion
L/A 911 DISCUSSION
The first topic was the Purchasing Policy which in my personal opinion was excellently written. I believe it is very clear and provides a fair and just exception to allow for contracts to be awarded to local businesses. However, the council eliminated the last two sentences in paragraph Section 86-34 Formal Bidding (A). I believe this was an excellent change.
There apparently is a problem with the "Lisbon Connection" bus service to connecting towns. The Western Maine Transportation lost some Federal funding due to budget cuts. This means someone will have to make up the difference. Currently, the Town of Lisbon is paying $25,700 for this service. There were several items brought out like cutting some of the runs; consolidating runs and raising the rates from $1.00 to $1.50. The issue was tabled for another workshop in order to have a representative of the company come in and explain all options to the council. This I believe was the right decision.
Next, Bowie discussed the Lewiston/Auburn 911 consolidation of communication centers. Bowie is totally against the consolidation. I wonder why? Could it possibly be his wife works for the Lisbon Police Department and would have a direct and indirect impact on her? Of course no one can see a conflict of interest here. Bowie is doing everything he can to protect Brook’s empire and his wife’s employment. Brooks sat in the audience so proud of his stooge. Bowie did his very best to poison his fellow councilors. This was totally unnecessary because Bowie runs the council and the puppets will do anything Bowie tells them to do. What a waste of time!!
The remainder of the meeting dealt with the Vision statement for the Town of Lisbon, the strength and weakness of the town and the council never got to the threats and opportunities of Lisbon.
Bully Bowie would not allow Mrs. Fitzgerald to speak even after Chairman Lunt recognized her. I wonder who really runs the town council.
Larry Fillmore
Concerned Citizen
Who is in Charge?
BULLY BOWIE
Bowie’s action clearly demonstrates Bowie’s complete disregard for Vice Chair Pomelow’s Town Council Working Rules on decorum. Bowie should not have interrupted Mrs. Fitzgerald. The Chairman had recognized Mrs. Fitzgerald so she had the floor and should have been allowed to speak. At all council meetings or workshops, the Chairman and only the Chairman has the right to recognize members of the public and allow input from a resident. Bowie was completely in violation of the Council’s working rules.
The fact of the matter, Bowie showed no respect for Mrs. Fitzgerald by interrupting her and forcing his influence on the Chairman. This display of bullying is a prime example of who is really running this Town Council. Bowie forced the Chairman to stop Mrs. Fitzgerald from presenting information to the council. We will never know if the information Mrs. Fitzgerald was trying to bring to the discussion was of any value because Bowie shut her up. This incident is another example of censorship by Bowie and the puppets.
Chairman Mark Lunt buckled to Bowie’s demand. This is not the action of a true Chairman and expresses a true lack of respect for the Chair by Bowie. Do not let anyone tell you; Bowie is not running this council and this is a direct violation of the council form of government. Every councilor is supposed to be allowed to think and vote for themselves and not be lead around by their noses. There is only one councilor not being intimidated by Bowie and that is Councilor Cote.
Larry Fillmore
Concerned Citizen
The Lisbon Reporter: The Time Has Come!
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Friday, September 23, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
MORE INCOMPETENCE BY TOWN MANAGER
There are numerous issues with this document as far as I am concerned. I do not understand why this document was not presented to Mr. Morreale prior to receiving it at the meeting. Mr. Morreale has retained counsel and certainly would need to have his lawyer review the terms and conditions of the agreement before signing it. This document first appeared on the town web site on Friday evening under Agenda Documents. This document was presented to the whole world prior to Mr. Morreale receiving his copy. Is this the right procedure? Try to bring up a personnel issue before the town council and see if the council will allow it. I do understand Mr. Morreale presented his case before the council but some details should not be revealed to the public prior to Mr. Morreale.
Also, why is the amount owed to the town of Lisbon not included in this document? Evil Eldridge is the Tax Collector for the town of Lisbon and certainly should know exactly how much money is owed. So why was the amount not included on the agreement? Could it be the Town of Lisbon is going to continue changing the amount owed in order to mess with Mr. Morreale and his lawyer? I can almost guarantee the people of this town Evil Eldridge and Councilor’s Bowie, LaRochelle and Vice Chair Pomelow have a different agenda and the town will take Mr. Morreale’s property back before this situation is final. Remember, these three voted to take his property on September 6, 2011.
The terms and conditions are extremely vague and leave compliance up to the discretion of the Code Enforcement Officer (CEO). These terms and compliance should have been outlined with references to the town ordinances in order to ensure Mr. Morreale clearly understands what is required of him. Not fully outlining the violations of the town ordinances, opens the door for a difference of opinion and we all know whose opinions will be valued more in a court of law. The town of Lisbon needs to have the CEO, outline in detail, the exact requirements Mr. Morreale needs to comply with instead of leaving this agreement so vague and open to interruption.'
This is exactly the manner in which Evil Eldridge operates. Instead of spelling everything out in detail, write vaguely in order to create an opening for the town to seize more property. By the way, where is the processed abatement on 231 Lisbon Street submitted in April 2011? I wonder why the abatement was not included in this agreement to establish the tax requirements on Mr. Morreale’s property. Again, another detail left out of this agreement which would ensure Mr. Morreale has all the facts pertaining to the property at 231 Lisbon Street.
Larry A. Fillmore
Concerned Citizen
Lisbon Council Protects their own.
Lisbon Council should be commended for the fine job they did Tuesday night, insulating themselves from any
future recall attempts.
Early on in the meeting Mr. Bowie (from the Ethics Committee) almost derailed the charter change proposal, by questioning some of its ambiguous wording. Due to the quick thinking
of the councillors and an impromptu mini workshop the changewas saved.
When faced with the fear of having to be answerable to the people, councillors sprang into frenzied action debating the wording of the charter change. They also solicited legal advice from the Town Attorney as well as Ethical guidance from an Ethics Committee Member.
After 20 minutes of intensive back and forth the ammendment was saved and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
Unfortunately the ammendment that would cut Lisbon’s taxes by giving the people the right to vote on their own budget, had another fate. This threat was quickly alleviated by placing a cleverly crafted non binding advisory question on the ballot. We even got a preview of next years stall tactic
When it was suggested that the advisory question regarding the budget be changed to a vote by department instead of a straight up and down vote, Councillors summarily rejected the idea.
Lets look for this non binding advisory question on next years ballot. Lisbon Council (with the exception of Mr. Cote) has no intention of ever giving the people of this town the ability to vote on their own budget. They just don’t believe we are smart enough to handle this responsibility.
Lets put the power back in the hands of the people this November.
Respectfully
Lets put the power back in the hands of the people this November.
Reject all charter changes until the council allows us a department
by department vote on the budget.
Respectfully
F.E. Stacey
Thought of the Day
If the people of Lisbon have no realistic way of recalling a Councilor then we have no control over the Council.
We are in effect being taxed without true representation.
We are in effect being taxed without true representation.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Convoluted Working Rules
COUNCIL WORKING RULES A JOKE
However, the simplest issue, which was agreed upon by everyone, never got changed in these new working rules. Everyone agreed to move the recognition portion of the meetings to one of the first agenda items so people being recognized would not have to wait around with their families. You would think such an easy item could be incorporated without any problems. Never done by both of these administrators, and as a result people being recognized have to sit through whatever portion of the meeting the chairman so desires.
These new working rules do not have a place to discuss any new business. I want to thank Chairman Mark Lunt for allowing Mrs. Trudy Duvall to address the council about a horrible issue involving the lack of an animal control officer being on duty to take care of an unfortunate situation. The fact of the matter is the residents of this community can only address agenda items during Audience Participation according to these new rules. This demonstrates yet another method the council is using to restrict residents from communicating with their council.
Paragraphs 4(b) is in direct conflict with paragraph 5(d). Paragraphs 4(b) addresses Public Comments and states "After introduction of an agenda item, appropriate motions and time for explanation and council questions, the public shall be allowed to comment on that agenda item at the discretion of the Chair. During that period of time, the public comment shall address only the agenda item before the council." And Paragraph 5(d) states "Once the agenda has been explained by its sponsor or the town manager or staff and clarified by any questioning as provided above in 4c, the discussion on the specific agenda item will remain with the council and public comments will only be allowed at the Chairman’s discretion. The public shall address the item during the Public Hearing or Audience Participation section of the agenda."
At this point in the meeting, the Public Hearing and the Audience Participation are already passed. In paragraph 4(b) the people are allowed to make comments on this agenda item but in 5(d) comments by the people can only be made in Public Hearings or Audience Participation. This clearly demonstrates the council is trying to restrict any comments by the people. Well, which is it?
Right now, Chairman Mark Lunt is allowing the people to speak on agenda items after the sponsor has explained the situation. I guarantee you Chairperson Pomelow will never allow anyone to speak on any issues. You see Bowie (the puppet master) has designated/primed Pomelow to be the next Chair. All of these changes have been made to prevent residents from having any input into what the council is doing. The council wants total control without any interference from the people.
Two administrators, (Vice Chair Pomelow and Evil Eldridge) could not even publish a simple document seven pages long. This surely speaks volumes for their professionalism as administrators.
I also want to thank Peter Reuter for joining our fine staff of the Lisbon Reporter.
Larry Fillmore
Concerned Citizen
Lisbon's Meeting structure
TRIPLE COUNCIL MEETING
Next meeting was the regular town council meeting held in the Town Council chamber as outlined in the town charter. This meeting went off without a hitch. Councilor Bowie would make a motion and one of the puppets would second and then all the puppets voted with the puppet master. This continued all through the meeting.
Apparently, some of the councilors screw up because after the regular meeting several of the councilors move to Evil Eldridge’s office to be debriefed. These meetings are totally illegal. They protect Chief Brook’s enormous budget so the police will never touch them. This is why I keep telling the residents of Lisbon; this town has no police department but instead a protection racket. Councilors are protect and untouchable. The pre-meeting and debriefing meetings are illegal and need to stop.
Councilors can criticize residents and place restrictions on them when they themselves are guilty of the same thing. One council, Vice Chair Pomelow was cited by the Code Enforcement Officer for operating a junkyard out of their residence years ago before she became councilor and now she is requiring Mr. Morreale to clean up his property. This councilor has been cleaning up her yard but still has a long ways to go. There are other councilors who have secrets in their closet which has been covered up by the police department. This is why Brooks maintains such a large budget.
Councilors should lead by example and not criticize fellow citizens of the Town of Lisbon. This town needs to work hard to help residents who are suffering in these economic times instead of trying to legally steal their property. It is amazing how the only property the town is going after are ones without liens on them. These residents worked their entire life paying off the mortgage on their retirement/dream house and now because of the economy and the outrageous spending by the town are not able to pay their taxes. This council has failed these people by not cutting spending. Instead, this council supports inflated budgets by the police, fire and town managers.
This is the exact reason the council voted to include a survey on the November ballot instead of including a Charter Change on the ballot. The council is delaying the process for another six months in order to protect the police, fire and town manager budgets. I can almost guarantee the people regardless of the outcome of the survey; this issue will never again be discussed unless Councilor Cote brings this up again and then the council will vote not to include it on the next ballot. This council and Brooks, Galipeau and Eldridge know the people will cut these budgets; if giving an opportunity.
Larry A. Fillmore
Concerned Citizen
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