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Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Lisbon Maine Councilor Conflicts
Councilor Bowie's Conflict
Councilor Bowie's wife working as an administration assistant with the Police Department poses a massive conflict of interest for Mr. Bowie.
Mr Bowie should recuse himself not only on pay issues affecting his wife but on ALL Police Department business.
As long as Mrs. Bowie works for the PD, the department has indirect if not direct leverage on one of the council votes. If Mr. Bowie doesn't push the PD agenda the department has the ability to affect the quality of life in the Bowie household.
It could even effect their income. The threat of job loss is always there. A department head can always find a legitimate reason to fire an employee.
State and Federal lawmakers are never allowed to pass legislation that directly affects their own business ventures .Why shouldn't we hold our local politicians to the same standard. Mr Bowie shouldn't be allowed to vote on matters that could potentially affect his family income.
I am surprised this obvious conflict has been overlooked for so long.
Mr. Larochelle has often talked about the council policing itself .This conflict is a good place to start.
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Are Lisbon Councilors subject to the regulations that they pass or have they exempted themselves from the inconvenience of having to abide by their own laws?
Councilor Pomelow seems to be ignorant of the "winter" parking regulations in Lisbon. Large over sized tractor trailer trucks have been spotted regularly parked in front of the councilors home. This in my opinion is in violation of the following Town Ordinance.
Sec. 50-45. Winter parking between 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m.The owner or operator of any motor vehicle found parked or left unattended upon any way for a continuous 60-minute period between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m. of any day during the period from November 1 to April 1 of each year shall, physicians on emergency calls excepted, be punished by a fine as provided in aricle V of this chapter.
I hope Chief Brooks will take notice and enforce the town laws equally regardless of Mrs. Pomelows position as Town Councilor and his Boss.
The whole town is watching.
Joe Hill
Councilor Bowie's wife working as an administration assistant with the Police Department poses a massive conflict of interest for Mr. Bowie.
Mr Bowie should recuse himself not only on pay issues affecting his wife but on ALL Police Department business.
As long as Mrs. Bowie works for the PD, the department has indirect if not direct leverage on one of the council votes. If Mr. Bowie doesn't push the PD agenda the department has the ability to affect the quality of life in the Bowie household.
It could even effect their income. The threat of job loss is always there. A department head can always find a legitimate reason to fire an employee.
State and Federal lawmakers are never allowed to pass legislation that directly affects their own business ventures .Why shouldn't we hold our local politicians to the same standard. Mr Bowie shouldn't be allowed to vote on matters that could potentially affect his family income.
I am surprised this obvious conflict has been overlooked for so long.
Mr. Larochelle has often talked about the council policing itself .This conflict is a good place to start.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Councilor Lori Pomelow
Are Lisbon Councilors subject to the regulations that they pass or have they exempted themselves from the inconvenience of having to abide by their own laws?
Councilor Pomelow seems to be ignorant of the "winter" parking regulations in Lisbon. Large over sized tractor trailer trucks have been spotted regularly parked in front of the councilors home. This in my opinion is in violation of the following Town Ordinance.
Sec. 50-45. Winter parking between 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m.The owner or operator of any motor vehicle found parked or left unattended upon any way for a continuous 60-minute period between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m. of any day during the period from November 1 to April 1 of each year shall, physicians on emergency calls excepted, be punished by a fine as provided in aricle V of this chapter.
I hope Chief Brooks will take notice and enforce the town laws equally regardless of Mrs. Pomelows position as Town Councilor and his Boss.
The whole town is watching.
Joe Hill
Monday, November 14, 2011
Lisbon Maine Councilors Moral Obligation
In my opinion Lisbon Councilors should approach their duties from the level of their lowest income residents. If they rule from a more affluent perspective they will be placing undue hardship on many elderly and low income residents.
Government should take care of the basic requirements of the community, Police and Fire protection along with Road maintenance,public transportation and the daily administrative duties of the Town. It shouldn't be used to fund special projects that many cannot afford. If people want these additional non essential projects they should shoulder the costs themselves. Councilors shouldn't be allowed to pass along the cost of their own desires or that of their friends onto the less fortunate.
Struggling taxpayers shouldn't be required to pay for the pet projects of the more affluent Councilors.
Why should A struggling senior citizen or single parent making 15 or 20 thousand a year be required to pay for a first rate Police Department with all its trappings at the expense of getting their own medications or food. And at the same time be refused basic public transportation because the powers that be don't need the bus service. This is morally criminal.
Why should a elderly Lisbon resident lose their lifelong home or worse because a Councilor wants kudos for adding a third or forth unnecessary vehicle to any department or some other unneeded expenditure.
A good leader takes into consideration all the ramifications of their decisions..
I hope Lisbon Councilors remember they were voted onto the Council to serve the public not to use the position to improve their own social standing.
Joe Hill
LisbonMaine.net
Government should take care of the basic requirements of the community, Police and Fire protection along with Road maintenance,public transportation and the daily administrative duties of the Town. It shouldn't be used to fund special projects that many cannot afford. If people want these additional non essential projects they should shoulder the costs themselves. Councilors shouldn't be allowed to pass along the cost of their own desires or that of their friends onto the less fortunate.
Struggling taxpayers shouldn't be required to pay for the pet projects of the more affluent Councilors.
Why should A struggling senior citizen or single parent making 15 or 20 thousand a year be required to pay for a first rate Police Department with all its trappings at the expense of getting their own medications or food. And at the same time be refused basic public transportation because the powers that be don't need the bus service. This is morally criminal.
Why should a elderly Lisbon resident lose their lifelong home or worse because a Councilor wants kudos for adding a third or forth unnecessary vehicle to any department or some other unneeded expenditure.
A good leader takes into consideration all the ramifications of their decisions..
I hope Lisbon Councilors remember they were voted onto the Council to serve the public not to use the position to improve their own social standing.
Joe Hill
LisbonMaine.net
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Lisbon Maine Creative Accounting
CREATIVE ACCOUNTING
Wouldn’t it be nice to know where our tax dollars are actually being spent? Can you image how nice it would be to see how much each department was really spending? The would make it easy to see which departments are costing the Town of Lisbon the most but instead Evil Eldridge, Brooks and Bowie have devised an accounting scheme hiding actual cost from the taxpayers in order to maintain inflated departmental budgets. Let’s take a look at a couple:
Public Works Department – In this departmental budget are the cost for street lights and fire hydrants rental. This is a town cost and not the Public Works Department. The Public Works Department does absolutely nothing to street light or hydrants; so why are these to line items under the Public Works Department. I will tell you why; because these cost, which the town has no control over, make this department the most costly in town. In other words, it is utilized to hide the excessive spending in the Police budget.
Police Department – During last town council meeting, Brooks gave a presentation on the cost of the Lisbon Communications Center. In this presentation, Brooks openly admitted to hiding line items in other areas of the budget. However, even after I pointed it out, Brooks never explained to the people where the cost for communications equipment and maintenance are in the budget. If you look at the Communication Center portion of the budget, there is no cost for equipment or maintenance. This means these lines items are deliberately place else where to give the impression the Communication Center does no cost the taxpayers as much money as it does. The approximate cost for the communication center is over $500,000 dollars a year. Now you see why Brooks hides this cost from the taxpayers. The police budget is the largest expense to the Town of Lisbon.
Why is it impossible for Evil Eldridge, Brooks and Bowie to place all line items in the appropriate department so the citizens of Lisbon can see what the real cost of doing business is? Wouldn’t it be great to see what each department cost the town of Lisbon to operate annually? I understand this would be a new concept for these people but I believe the taxpayer deserve to know where their hard earned money is going. Hiding operational cost from the taxpayer is not transparency in government.
Larry Fillmore
Concerned Citizen
Wouldn’t it be nice to know where our tax dollars are actually being spent? Can you image how nice it would be to see how much each department was really spending? The would make it easy to see which departments are costing the Town of Lisbon the most but instead Evil Eldridge, Brooks and Bowie have devised an accounting scheme hiding actual cost from the taxpayers in order to maintain inflated departmental budgets. Let’s take a look at a couple:
Public Works Department – In this departmental budget are the cost for street lights and fire hydrants rental. This is a town cost and not the Public Works Department. The Public Works Department does absolutely nothing to street light or hydrants; so why are these to line items under the Public Works Department. I will tell you why; because these cost, which the town has no control over, make this department the most costly in town. In other words, it is utilized to hide the excessive spending in the Police budget.
Police Department – During last town council meeting, Brooks gave a presentation on the cost of the Lisbon Communications Center. In this presentation, Brooks openly admitted to hiding line items in other areas of the budget. However, even after I pointed it out, Brooks never explained to the people where the cost for communications equipment and maintenance are in the budget. If you look at the Communication Center portion of the budget, there is no cost for equipment or maintenance. This means these lines items are deliberately place else where to give the impression the Communication Center does no cost the taxpayers as much money as it does. The approximate cost for the communication center is over $500,000 dollars a year. Now you see why Brooks hides this cost from the taxpayers. The police budget is the largest expense to the Town of Lisbon.
Why is it impossible for Evil Eldridge, Brooks and Bowie to place all line items in the appropriate department so the citizens of Lisbon can see what the real cost of doing business is? Wouldn’t it be great to see what each department cost the town of Lisbon to operate annually? I understand this would be a new concept for these people but I believe the taxpayer deserve to know where their hard earned money is going. Hiding operational cost from the taxpayer is not transparency in government.
Larry Fillmore
Concerned Citizen
Friday, November 11, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Thank You Lisbon Voters
THANK YOU VERY MUCH
I want to thank very much the citizens who wrote my name in for District 1 Budget Advisory Board. I am very honored to have your trust with this positions but I must respectfully decline for two important reasons.
The first and most important reason is because I would not be able to continue writing for The Lisbon Report or the Lisbon News. I believe I am much more effective exposing the shenanigans, backdoor deals and outright deception going on with the management of the Town of Lisbon. The citizens of Lisbon need to know what kind individuals they have elected and what they are doing with our tax dollars. I only report the facts and bring out the issues facing the residents of Lisbon. Exposing the underhanded dealing and double crosses in the town are essential to making everyone aware of what goes on behind closed doors.
The second reason is because this town council does not and will not listen to anything I have to say. Look at the history of the Budget Advisory Board and whether or not the town council has listened or adopted any of the recommendation of the board. The answer is no!!!! Look at the transfers going on without the Budget Advisory Board knowledge or input. This is a total waste of time.
This town council only does what it wants and will continue to do so. Filling a position on any board or committee is a complete waste of time. Nothing can be accomplished to save this community now.
Larry Fillmore
Concerned Citizen
I want to thank very much the citizens who wrote my name in for District 1 Budget Advisory Board. I am very honored to have your trust with this positions but I must respectfully decline for two important reasons.
The first and most important reason is because I would not be able to continue writing for The Lisbon Report or the Lisbon News. I believe I am much more effective exposing the shenanigans, backdoor deals and outright deception going on with the management of the Town of Lisbon. The citizens of Lisbon need to know what kind individuals they have elected and what they are doing with our tax dollars. I only report the facts and bring out the issues facing the residents of Lisbon. Exposing the underhanded dealing and double crosses in the town are essential to making everyone aware of what goes on behind closed doors.
The second reason is because this town council does not and will not listen to anything I have to say. Look at the history of the Budget Advisory Board and whether or not the town council has listened or adopted any of the recommendation of the board. The answer is no!!!! Look at the transfers going on without the Budget Advisory Board knowledge or input. This is a total waste of time.
This town council only does what it wants and will continue to do so. Filling a position on any board or committee is a complete waste of time. Nothing can be accomplished to save this community now.
Larry Fillmore
Concerned Citizen
Occupy Maine needs your support
There are a number of camping items needed at Portland Occupy Maine. If interested in donating here is the link to Occupy Mainewww.occupymaine.com
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Congratulations on your victory.
CONGRATULATIONS LISA
Congratulation Lisa!! Your victory in this week’s election to the Town Council is a new beginning for you in the area of politics. The people have spoken and now the town will see what you are made of. The town of Lisbon is looking to you to make a serious difference in our lives. The question is going to be “Are you going to put what is best for the community or be a puppet.”
I hope and pray you will always put the people of Lisbon first in all your decisions and vote only what you think is best for the citizens. Only time will tell if you are going to be an asset or a liability to Lisbon.
The current council is made up of your friends so it will be easy to fit in with the puppets. The hard part is going to be going against your friends and do what is right for the town of Lisbon. Remember, the choices are always your choices and we look to you to always make the right choice.
Larry Fillmore
Concerned Citizen
Congratulation Lisa!! Your victory in this week’s election to the Town Council is a new beginning for you in the area of politics. The people have spoken and now the town will see what you are made of. The town of Lisbon is looking to you to make a serious difference in our lives. The question is going to be “Are you going to put what is best for the community or be a puppet.”
I hope and pray you will always put the people of Lisbon first in all your decisions and vote only what you think is best for the citizens. Only time will tell if you are going to be an asset or a liability to Lisbon.
The current council is made up of your friends so it will be easy to fit in with the puppets. The hard part is going to be going against your friends and do what is right for the town of Lisbon. Remember, the choices are always your choices and we look to you to always make the right choice.
Larry Fillmore
Concerned Citizen
Editors note: We at LisbonMaine.net also congratulate you on your victory. You are now in a position to really help Lisbon..
Voters Give Lisbon Council Large Mandate
Tuesday Lisbon Voters sent an overwhelming message to their councilors. With a 4 to 1 MANDATE they told the Councilors
they want to vote on the annual budget.
We will have to wait to see if the Lisbon Council will comply with
the voters un equivocal command.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
Charter Changes
Charter Amendment or Power Shift?
On Tuesday Nov. 8th Lisbon voters will be asked to approve 8 amendments to the Lisbon Charter. At first glance these changes seem quite innocuous, but under further scrutiny an underlying theme emerges. These changes shift power from the people to the Council.
Question 1
This amendment would clarify and possibly expand on the word Property to include both personal (movable) property as well as real (fixed) property. This change could potentially require an ordinance to convey or lease ANY property the town owns (except tax acquired property). Wouldn't this require an ordinance for the town to sell an old used vehicle like the one we recently sold for a few hundred dollars? Since ordinances are mainly initiated by the Town Council would this not mandate the councils action on any property sale or lease thereby increasing the power of the council?
Question 3
This amendment could be used to sidestep objective testing for appointments and job promotions and make subjective decisions the main qualifying requirement for advancement. In other words “kiss the right butt and join the right “good old boys (or girls) club” if you want your promotion.
Question 5
This one doesn’t even try to hide the power shift. It spells it out in black and white. Additional power is given to the Council to act as the Board of Assessment review under certain circumstances.
Question 6
Would give the Council control over money in certain circumstances.
Question 7
Why are we not given a better breakdown of this question? I am always suspicious when A governing body throws everything and the kitchen sink at you knowing that the average person will never spend the time required to weed out the garbage in order to understand the real change.
Question 8
We are all aware of this attempt by the Council to guarantee their full term by placing impossible conditions on the recall of a Councilor. JOB SECURITY
I wonder if it is wise to place this much power in the hands of the Council and limit our own ability to remove a rogue Councilor. We all know Lord Acton's insightful quote. “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely”.
I urge the hardworking residents of Lisbon to send a message to the Council by voting NO on all of these amendments and to vote YES on the very last advisory question that will tell the Council we want to vote on our Town Budget.
Joe Hill
LisbonMaine.net
On Tuesday Nov. 8th Lisbon voters will be asked to approve 8 amendments to the Lisbon Charter. At first glance these changes seem quite innocuous, but under further scrutiny an underlying theme emerges. These changes shift power from the people to the Council.
Question 1
This amendment would clarify and possibly expand on the word Property to include both personal (movable) property as well as real (fixed) property. This change could potentially require an ordinance to convey or lease ANY property the town owns (except tax acquired property). Wouldn't this require an ordinance for the town to sell an old used vehicle like the one we recently sold for a few hundred dollars? Since ordinances are mainly initiated by the Town Council would this not mandate the councils action on any property sale or lease thereby increasing the power of the council?
Question 3
This amendment could be used to sidestep objective testing for appointments and job promotions and make subjective decisions the main qualifying requirement for advancement. In other words “kiss the right butt and join the right “good old boys (or girls) club” if you want your promotion.
Question 5
This one doesn’t even try to hide the power shift. It spells it out in black and white. Additional power is given to the Council to act as the Board of Assessment review under certain circumstances.
Question 6
Would give the Council control over money in certain circumstances.
Question 7
Why are we not given a better breakdown of this question? I am always suspicious when A governing body throws everything and the kitchen sink at you knowing that the average person will never spend the time required to weed out the garbage in order to understand the real change.
Question 8
We are all aware of this attempt by the Council to guarantee their full term by placing impossible conditions on the recall of a Councilor. JOB SECURITY
I wonder if it is wise to place this much power in the hands of the Council and limit our own ability to remove a rogue Councilor. We all know Lord Acton's insightful quote. “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely”.
I urge the hardworking residents of Lisbon to send a message to the Council by voting NO on all of these amendments and to vote YES on the very last advisory question that will tell the Council we want to vote on our Town Budget.
Joe Hill
LisbonMaine.net
More "Behind Closed Doors " Governance
SPECIAL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
Look out citizens of Lisbon, the town council, Evil Eldridge and Roger Therriault are fixing to screw a member of the Lisbon Community. There is a special town council meeting being held on Tuesday November 8, 2011. The only item on the agenda is an Executive Session. This is where this town council goes behind closed doors to screw a member of this community.
You can tell someone is going to lose their property by the reference number. MRSA Statue 405 (6) C states “Discussion or consideration of the condition, acquisition or use of real or personal property permanently attached to real property or interests therein or disposition of publicly held property or economics development only if premature disclosures of the information would prejudice the competitive or bargaining position of the body or agency.”
What, in essence, this means is this town council is doing something they do not want the citizens of the town to know until it is too late for the residents to respond. Why all the secrecy? Most of the taxpayers are adults and deserve to know what is going on in the town of Lisbon. The history of the town council going into Executive Session reveals they are doing underhanded dealings which a normal Mainer would never approve of and by the time the people find out it is too late to change.
Let the Town Council explain to the citizens of Lisbon what exactly they are doing. Let’s see if it is on the up and up or some back door dealings. Remember, what this council did to James Morrales!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Larry A. Fillmore
Concerned Citizens
Editors Note: Lisbon Council needs to find another way to resolve this type of problem. This semi-legal property theft scam is making me SICK. ----I will give you 10 to 1 that this person let the Manager or Council know that the property was mortgage free..any bets??.... Joe Hill
Look out citizens of Lisbon, the town council, Evil Eldridge and Roger Therriault are fixing to screw a member of the Lisbon Community. There is a special town council meeting being held on Tuesday November 8, 2011. The only item on the agenda is an Executive Session. This is where this town council goes behind closed doors to screw a member of this community.
You can tell someone is going to lose their property by the reference number. MRSA Statue 405 (6) C states “Discussion or consideration of the condition, acquisition or use of real or personal property permanently attached to real property or interests therein or disposition of publicly held property or economics development only if premature disclosures of the information would prejudice the competitive or bargaining position of the body or agency.”
What, in essence, this means is this town council is doing something they do not want the citizens of the town to know until it is too late for the residents to respond. Why all the secrecy? Most of the taxpayers are adults and deserve to know what is going on in the town of Lisbon. The history of the town council going into Executive Session reveals they are doing underhanded dealings which a normal Mainer would never approve of and by the time the people find out it is too late to change.
Let the Town Council explain to the citizens of Lisbon what exactly they are doing. Let’s see if it is on the up and up or some back door dealings. Remember, what this council did to James Morrales!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Larry A. Fillmore
Concerned Citizens
Sunday, November 6, 2011
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Saturday, November 5, 2011
Lisbon Town Council Meeting Recap
RECAP NOV 1
The Town Council meeting on November 1, 2011, has to go down in the books as one of the craziest meetings of all. Before we get into the players let’s talk about the main subjects: (1) Brooks presentation; (2) question on the ballot (3) Western Maine Transportation and finally Bowie’s action.
Brooks wants to expand his current empire at the Lisbon taxpayer’s expense. The town wants to regulate how much businesses can charge for their services. The council has no clue what to do with the shortfall for the transportation. Bowie commits a conflict of interest which was allowed by the council.
The players and their action:
Chairman Lunt: Did not want to accept a “Point of Order”. I explained to the council that there was a conflict of interest if Bowie was allowed to discuss the consolidation of communications center because his wife’s job description is filled with dispatch and communications center duties. Chairman Lunt would not accept the explanation and allowed Bowie to speak on the subject.
Vice Chair Pomelow: Had no clue what a “Point of Order” was and when to use it. She went so far as to make a comment in Councilor Communication about individuals who use this term. She did this in Councilor Communication so no one could correct her. This is a person who wants to be the next Chairperson of the council and has no clue about parliamentary procedures.
Roger Cote: As usual, always on point with every comment. Keep up the excellent job you are doing. You are the only councilor with any common sense.
Roger Bickford: A complete disappointment to the community. I understand this is his first year and he needs time to understand what is going on but it has been a year and Roger is turning into a puppet.
Gina Mason: No comment because she has no direct input on any subject before the council except social activities in Lisbon. The Council Social Director.
Fern LaRochelle: A true puppet who does anything the puppet master tells him to do. A true “yes” man!
Michael Bowie: The puppet master who has orchestrated the demise of the Town of Lisbon. Bowie wants the taxpayer to fund the consolidation of the communication center to increase his wife’s salary and to expand Brooks’ empire. Because he is the puppet master this standing council minus Councilor Cote, and this council gives into his every wish. He has no interest in what is best for the town. This council has an opportunity to save the taxpayers over $500,000 by turning the communication center over to the county. Of course, this would mean a reduction in his wife’s salary.
Stephen Eldridge: Trying to expand Brooks’ empire, trying to grant the council more power by regulating the amount businesses in town can charge for their services. Orchestrated $5,700 for the Fire Chief which he has not utilized yet wants $8,200 to destroy a building but cannot find sufficient funds to keep the Western Maine Transportation going. This bus service provides many residents rides to doctor appointment; work; shopping and other necessities. Eldridge always has money for his cronies but not for the residents.
Chief Brooks: Only wants to expand his empire at taxpayers’ expense. He admitted to concealing money from the taxpayers in order to hide the actual cost to operate the Communication Center and never did explain where the equipment and maintenance cost are in the town budget.
But the highlight of the evening is when Mrs. Fitzgerald asked the question “why is the town trying to regulate how much a business can charge for services?” This is the first Charter Change on the ballot. No one had an answer. Even Eldridge who normal lies to cover up his mistakes did not have an answer. Finally, Chairman Lunt said he would look into it and see what the town lawyer had to say. The people vote on these Charter Changes Tuesday and if the Council has no idea what this means then how did it get on the ballot. It is apparent; councilors do not read what is put before them. The citizens of Lisbon need to vote “NO” on all charter changes until this council can explain each one to us. If they have no clue; do not approve these changes.
The rating for all the players minus Council Cote is “Z”. You cannot rate higher because they are not doing anything for the Town of Lisbon. If I could find a letter below Z they would receive it. What a poor excuse for Mainer and a town council!
Larry Fillmore
Concern Citizen
The Town Council meeting on November 1, 2011, has to go down in the books as one of the craziest meetings of all. Before we get into the players let’s talk about the main subjects: (1) Brooks presentation; (2) question on the ballot (3) Western Maine Transportation and finally Bowie’s action.
Brooks wants to expand his current empire at the Lisbon taxpayer’s expense. The town wants to regulate how much businesses can charge for their services. The council has no clue what to do with the shortfall for the transportation. Bowie commits a conflict of interest which was allowed by the council.
The players and their action:
Chairman Lunt: Did not want to accept a “Point of Order”. I explained to the council that there was a conflict of interest if Bowie was allowed to discuss the consolidation of communications center because his wife’s job description is filled with dispatch and communications center duties. Chairman Lunt would not accept the explanation and allowed Bowie to speak on the subject.
Vice Chair Pomelow: Had no clue what a “Point of Order” was and when to use it. She went so far as to make a comment in Councilor Communication about individuals who use this term. She did this in Councilor Communication so no one could correct her. This is a person who wants to be the next Chairperson of the council and has no clue about parliamentary procedures.
Roger Cote: As usual, always on point with every comment. Keep up the excellent job you are doing. You are the only councilor with any common sense.
Roger Bickford: A complete disappointment to the community. I understand this is his first year and he needs time to understand what is going on but it has been a year and Roger is turning into a puppet.
Gina Mason: No comment because she has no direct input on any subject before the council except social activities in Lisbon. The Council Social Director.
Fern LaRochelle: A true puppet who does anything the puppet master tells him to do. A true “yes” man!
Michael Bowie: The puppet master who has orchestrated the demise of the Town of Lisbon. Bowie wants the taxpayer to fund the consolidation of the communication center to increase his wife’s salary and to expand Brooks’ empire. Because he is the puppet master this standing council minus Councilor Cote, and this council gives into his every wish. He has no interest in what is best for the town. This council has an opportunity to save the taxpayers over $500,000 by turning the communication center over to the county. Of course, this would mean a reduction in his wife’s salary.
Stephen Eldridge: Trying to expand Brooks’ empire, trying to grant the council more power by regulating the amount businesses in town can charge for their services. Orchestrated $5,700 for the Fire Chief which he has not utilized yet wants $8,200 to destroy a building but cannot find sufficient funds to keep the Western Maine Transportation going. This bus service provides many residents rides to doctor appointment; work; shopping and other necessities. Eldridge always has money for his cronies but not for the residents.
Chief Brooks: Only wants to expand his empire at taxpayers’ expense. He admitted to concealing money from the taxpayers in order to hide the actual cost to operate the Communication Center and never did explain where the equipment and maintenance cost are in the town budget.
But the highlight of the evening is when Mrs. Fitzgerald asked the question “why is the town trying to regulate how much a business can charge for services?” This is the first Charter Change on the ballot. No one had an answer. Even Eldridge who normal lies to cover up his mistakes did not have an answer. Finally, Chairman Lunt said he would look into it and see what the town lawyer had to say. The people vote on these Charter Changes Tuesday and if the Council has no idea what this means then how did it get on the ballot. It is apparent; councilors do not read what is put before them. The citizens of Lisbon need to vote “NO” on all charter changes until this council can explain each one to us. If they have no clue; do not approve these changes.
The rating for all the players minus Council Cote is “Z”. You cannot rate higher because they are not doing anything for the Town of Lisbon. If I could find a letter below Z they would receive it. What a poor excuse for Mainer and a town council!
Larry Fillmore
Concern Citizen
Friday, November 4, 2011
Lisbon's Bus Service
A Town Council's true effectiveness isn't decided by the number of businesses it can attract or by the number of parades it organizes. It is measured by how responsive it is to the needs of its residents.
Our Council is being given an opportunity to show how in touch they are with its residents.
The cut in Lisbon's Bus Service causes a serious problem for many people that rely on the service for shopping or transportation to and from work. This problem doesn't have an easy answer for many of our residents that don’t drive.
At last Tuesdays council meeting Lisbon Councilors saved the town over 7000 dollars by securing a very low demolition bid for the work that needs to be done at 3 Village St.
I feel those savings could best be spent by helping our non-driving residents by supplementing the Lisbon bus service. This expenditure would really make the quality of life immensely better for a lot of our residents
If the Council can spend over 7 thousand dollars in legal fees to temporarily postpone legal FOAA requests we can surely spend a little to help those affected by this funding cut.
I hope Lisbon Council recognizes how much this relatively small investment would improve the life for so many of Lisbons residents.
Joe Hill
LisbonMaine.net
A Town Council's true effectiveness isn't decided by the number of businesses it can attract or by the number of parades it organizes. It is measured by how responsive it is to the needs of its residents.
Our Council is being given an opportunity to show how in touch they are with its residents.
The cut in Lisbon's Bus Service causes a serious problem for many people that rely on the service for shopping or transportation to and from work. This problem doesn't have an easy answer for many of our residents that don’t drive.
At last Tuesdays council meeting Lisbon Councilors saved the town over 7000 dollars by securing a very low demolition bid for the work that needs to be done at 3 Village St.
I feel those savings could best be spent by helping our non-driving residents by supplementing the Lisbon bus service. This expenditure would really make the quality of life immensely better for a lot of our residents
If the Council can spend over 7 thousand dollars in legal fees to temporarily postpone legal FOAA requests we can surely spend a little to help those affected by this funding cut.
I hope Lisbon Council recognizes how much this relatively small investment would improve the life for so many of Lisbons residents.
Joe Hill
LisbonMaine.net
Letters From Chairman W., Bauer. Water Department Lisbon
Editors Note: The following letters will give you a good understanding of whats going on with the Water Department
First letter to The residences of Lisbon:
I, William Bauer, find it necessary to approach the town’s residents with some simple clear-cut facts about The Lisbon Water Department and the attempt of the town to take over this department. I have served you the people of Lisbon, in the capacity of Water Commissioner, for over 35 years with your best interest at heart, without a self-serving or political purpose in mind. For your trust in me, I say Thank You!!
I am going to try to give the residents some facts through a series of presentations in this forum so that you may make a knowledgeable vote on Nov 6. The sole purpose of the Lisbon Water Department is to be able to put all of our efforts into protecting your water and keeping you completely informed of any and all changes that might effort your water quality or efficiency. We are capable of making mistakes and are far from being perfect. We do however; attempt to make corrections and/or improvements in a timely and effective manor. Case in point Mr. Adams and the Board are currently working on a new water tank and the replacement of the water line on Frost Hill Ave.
I am all for operating as efficiently as possible and would vote for this takeover if I thought it would lower the water rates and save money, I believe it will not and could possibly increase the rates. The facts are that out of 150 public and private water companies in the State of Maine there are 130 with higher water rates than Lisbon. This information is available on the PUC web page although it has not been updated since last year.
On Tuesday, August 28 the Town Council held a workshop. This was not a workshop with open dialogue between all parties concerned. Mr. Wells and myself had to ask to speak. The Council then took a straw vote to have a nonbinding question on the ballot Nov 6th to have the town take over the Lisbon Water Department. This causes several questions and concerns for me. This vote, if approved, will be the first step in turning all control over to the town.
The question will be placed on the ballot as a result of Councilor Bickford’s un-official survey. The big push on his survey is trying to save money through combining of services. Some of the councilors did say at the workshop that they were not sure if any money could be saved by the takeover of the Lisbon Water Department. I made the suggestion that a small committee made up of 2 councilors, 2 members of the water board, and 3 residents, get together to solve some of the differences that appear to be problem areas. I will add that as of October 1, 2012 more than a month later I have not received any contact about talking about any issues.
If the town vote is yes there are several steps that need to be taken. The council will need to vote to have a State representatives, Councilor Crafts, or Senator Mason sponsor a bill to amend the Charter of the Lisbon Water Department to be run by the Town Council. The Water Charter dates back to 1909. There were some charter changes made in the mid ”50s” I will talk about those changes prior to the November 6 vote, as they are very important.
Every Town Manger since my Dad’s tenure has attempted to take over the Water Department.
This scares me on many levels. One of which is the fact that it seems to be based on a political agenda and a personal vendetta rather than an honest attempt to improve the service to the residents. I also believe that it is a way to pass additional municipal cost on to water customers. I left the workshop that the Town called to discuss the takeover of the Water Department with feelings of dismay and confusion.
Questions: call me at home 353-2780 or cell 576-2438 office 353-3020 or better yet come to a water board meeting. I will discuss other issues in my next letter. William A. Bauer, Chairman
Editors Note: Lisbon's water rates are lower than 86% of the other water companys in Maine. Is Lisbon's Tax rate lower than 86% of the other Towns in Maine ---- NO --
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My Second letter to the residences of Lisbon:
In Councilor Bickford’s unofficial survey he made it sound that if the Council takes over the Lisbon Water Department the council would be able to lower the fire protection charges. This is far from true; the Maine Public Utilities must approve the rates.
When a water utility seeks a rate increase, the utility will have an audit for financial information along with reasoning on why additional rates are needed. The findings are presented to the Maine Public Utilities Commission and the P.U.C. will approve or disapprove the rates for a water utility. The P.U.C. has established a formula for how utilities gain their revenue. Without getting too complex a third should come from residential, a third fire protection, and a third from industrial/commercial.
Lisbon’s 2011 revenues came from the following: residential, $478,850, fire protection, $290,857, commercial $57,067, other $97,862 for a total revenue of $924,634. Information taken from the 2011 independent audit and reported to the Maine Public Utilities.
It is important that Lisbon residents realize that the Board of Water Commissioners does not set the water rates. It is the job of the Water Commissioners to determine the projects and then try to fund those projects with current revenue or ask for a rate increase. The residents and the Maine Public Utilities Commission must approve projects and funding. There can be a citizen petition to have the increase held up for a more through investigation.
The Lisbon Water Department collected $290,857 in fire for protection services. This money comes from all of us who pay taxes to the Town of Lisbon.
SO WHAT DOES THIS MONEY PAY FOR?
Maintenance to 37 miles of pipe large enough to provide water to our fire equipment
234 fire hydrants that need to be plowed, painted, flushed and kept in working order.
High capacity pumps to push the water into the system
Storage tanks with a total of 1,500,000 gallons of water. Cost to paint a tank $200,000.
The board is seeking permission to add a third tank with an estimated cost of $1,400,000
Electrical charges of $2,500.00 per month
I would like to address the proposal of closing the water department building located at 630 Lisbon Street and relocating those functions to the town office.
The operational costs must be paid for this building such as phone service, heat, electricity, and maintenance. It is my belief that building would be turned over to public works. This building is essential towards the operational activities of your water department service. There are 5 reasons why this building cannot be simply closed:
1. There is a valve that blends water from Ann Street well with water from Lisbon.
2. There are computer and telemetering controls that determine pumps on and off, water levels in the tanks and provides indication of a water break and various pumping activities. In the event of a need for more water the system will activate and increase the pumping capacity.
3. Storage for daily water department equipment trucks and backhoe
4. Bathroom facilities for the water personnel. A few years back the water department was asked by public works not to use the facilities at public works.
5. This office does provide a location for water and sewer customers to pay their bills in Lisbon Falls, including an after hour drop box.
I ask that when you vote on November 6 to vote no on this question. Voting yes will not save any money for the water customers or the taxpayers.
Questions call me at home 353-2780 or cell 576-2438 office 353-3020 or better yet come to water meeting next meeting October 15 @ 6:30.
William A. Bauer, Chairman
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My Third letter to the residences of Lisbon:
The reason the Town Officials are giving for the take over of the Lisbon Water Department is an attempt to save money for water customers and taxpayers. There are three areas that the town may feel that they can save money:
The elimination of the stipends paid to the three water commissioners.
The elimination of the part time person for the water department.
The elimination of the salary for the general manager.
This would total about $70,000 out of a $925,000 budget. My question is who will perform the duties of the terminated employee’s and elected officials and how much will that cost us? My thoughts are that this will cost the residents more money than any saving will generate.
Here are some facts that the voting public needs to be aware of. If you have other areas of concern please call me.
BILLING
The Lisbon Water Department is using Northern Data for its billing program. The Town uses Trio for its computer billing programs. The Water Department has found that the customer history is much more beneficial by using Northern Data as its billing program. This information has been extremely valuable when a customer calls about a high water bill. If the town takes over does this account history vanish?
INSURANCE
The Lisbon Water Department pays for all of its own insurance programs, but does benefit from bulk purchasing through the town.
MAINTENANCE
The water department pays for repairs and parts for all of the vehicles that have been completed by the town garage. However, the town does not maintain parts for hydrants, meters, the filtration plant, or repair clamps for water mains breaks. The water department does maintain the inventory of parts for all of these.
METER READINGS
The water department provides to the town its water meter readings for sewer billing purposes at no charge to the town. There are no savings to the town from meter readings. Other communities are charging sewer departments as much as a $1.00 per reading.
PAYROLL
The Lisbon Water Department maintains the payroll for water department employees. The information is then provided to the Town of Lisbon and the Town prints the checks. This amounts to six checks per week for employees and three checks quarterly for the commissioners. The Lisbon Water Department does maintain it’s own checking account and prepares all of its own checks other than payroll. The Lisbon Water Department must have the Town Manager or his designated person sign the checks. This is spelled out very clearly by the charter. No employee or elected official of the water department may sign any checks issued by the Lisbon Water Department.
DEBT
The Lisbon Water Department maintains its own debt structure. These bond payments are paid for from water revenues but the Town of Lisbon guarantees the debt. The total current long-term debt of the Lisbon Water Department is $3,000,000.
NOTE: $2,000,000 is owed for the filter plant located on Moody Ave (a spill or contamination means we still pay but can’t use this plant).
FACT: MAINE PUBLIC UTILITIES STRICTLY FORBIDS THE MIXING OF UTILITIY REVENUE AND EXPENSES WITH OTHER MUNICIPLE FUNDS.
I ask that when you vote on November 6 to vote NO on this question. Voting yes will not save any money for the water customers or the taxpayers.
Questions call me at home 353-2780 or cell 576-2438 office 353-3020.
William A. Bauer, ChairmanMy fourth letter to the residences of Lisbon:
Licensing
I would like to give the readers a short explanation on who is eligible to work for a Maine water company. The Maine Drinking Water program has the responsibility of determining who may become a licensed operator and is responsible for assigning licensees. Water systems are defined through a process of grading points, class I to class IV. This is true in both treatment and distribution according to the complexity and population. Lisbon is a class II. Operators must show competency by successfully completing examinations in both treatment and distribution. Operators must also possess the appropriate experience. The state requirement for Lisbon is two years experience in a water company. An operator must posses the knowledge, skills, ability and judgment to assure safe drinking water. This is measured through a review of education, experience and examinations. The Lisbon Water Department has three employees with a class II or higher license and one employee who has a class I and is currently studying for the class II test. My point to this is that the town does not have any current employees who would meet the requirements to be licensed operators. Hence, there would be no savings with a takeover by the town!
General Manager
The General Manager’s duties are to supervise the daily activities of all the staff and report to the three elected water commissioners at the bi-monthly meetings. I think it would be beneficial to mention the chain of command at this point. The field staff will do what it can to solve any problems/requests. The next step is to take it to the office staff. The office staff will then present the problem/request to the general manager. If the problem/request is still present then the Board of Water Commissioners will ask the person to attend a meeting. If the problem/request still has not been resolved the final decision falls with the Maine Public Utilities Commission. So for complaints or concerns you should come to the water department not the town manager or council member.
Commissioners
The Water Commissioners are elected for a three-year term; their terms do not run concurrently. Therefore, there is one commissioner on the ballot every year. The water commissioner’s sole responsibility is to the customers and the water supply that serves the Town of Lisbon. I feel that the present board works very well to keep your water supply safe.
I would like to ask you to write in the name of Stanley Arthur Doughty Jr. for re-election to the water board.
Remember voting yes will not cut your water bill or lower your taxes. Therefore, I am asking for your support of the current Water Department as it stands by voting NO.
Questions call me at home 353-2780 or cell 576-2438 office 353-3020.
William A. Bauer, Chairman
First letter to The residences of Lisbon:
I, William Bauer, find it necessary to approach the town’s residents with some simple clear-cut facts about The Lisbon Water Department and the attempt of the town to take over this department. I have served you the people of Lisbon, in the capacity of Water Commissioner, for over 35 years with your best interest at heart, without a self-serving or political purpose in mind. For your trust in me, I say Thank You!!
I am going to try to give the residents some facts through a series of presentations in this forum so that you may make a knowledgeable vote on Nov 6. The sole purpose of the Lisbon Water Department is to be able to put all of our efforts into protecting your water and keeping you completely informed of any and all changes that might effort your water quality or efficiency. We are capable of making mistakes and are far from being perfect. We do however; attempt to make corrections and/or improvements in a timely and effective manor. Case in point Mr. Adams and the Board are currently working on a new water tank and the replacement of the water line on Frost Hill Ave.
I am all for operating as efficiently as possible and would vote for this takeover if I thought it would lower the water rates and save money, I believe it will not and could possibly increase the rates. The facts are that out of 150 public and private water companies in the State of Maine there are 130 with higher water rates than Lisbon. This information is available on the PUC web page although it has not been updated since last year.
On Tuesday, August 28 the Town Council held a workshop. This was not a workshop with open dialogue between all parties concerned. Mr. Wells and myself had to ask to speak. The Council then took a straw vote to have a nonbinding question on the ballot Nov 6th to have the town take over the Lisbon Water Department. This causes several questions and concerns for me. This vote, if approved, will be the first step in turning all control over to the town.
The question will be placed on the ballot as a result of Councilor Bickford’s un-official survey. The big push on his survey is trying to save money through combining of services. Some of the councilors did say at the workshop that they were not sure if any money could be saved by the takeover of the Lisbon Water Department. I made the suggestion that a small committee made up of 2 councilors, 2 members of the water board, and 3 residents, get together to solve some of the differences that appear to be problem areas. I will add that as of October 1, 2012 more than a month later I have not received any contact about talking about any issues.
If the town vote is yes there are several steps that need to be taken. The council will need to vote to have a State representatives, Councilor Crafts, or Senator Mason sponsor a bill to amend the Charter of the Lisbon Water Department to be run by the Town Council. The Water Charter dates back to 1909. There were some charter changes made in the mid ”50s” I will talk about those changes prior to the November 6 vote, as they are very important.
Every Town Manger since my Dad’s tenure has attempted to take over the Water Department.
This scares me on many levels. One of which is the fact that it seems to be based on a political agenda and a personal vendetta rather than an honest attempt to improve the service to the residents. I also believe that it is a way to pass additional municipal cost on to water customers. I left the workshop that the Town called to discuss the takeover of the Water Department with feelings of dismay and confusion.
Questions: call me at home 353-2780 or cell 576-2438 office 353-3020 or better yet come to a water board meeting. I will discuss other issues in my next letter. William A. Bauer, Chairman
Editors Note: Lisbon's water rates are lower than 86% of the other water companys in Maine. Is Lisbon's Tax rate lower than 86% of the other Towns in Maine ---- NO --
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My Second letter to the residences of Lisbon:
In Councilor Bickford’s unofficial survey he made it sound that if the Council takes over the Lisbon Water Department the council would be able to lower the fire protection charges. This is far from true; the Maine Public Utilities must approve the rates.
When a water utility seeks a rate increase, the utility will have an audit for financial information along with reasoning on why additional rates are needed. The findings are presented to the Maine Public Utilities Commission and the P.U.C. will approve or disapprove the rates for a water utility. The P.U.C. has established a formula for how utilities gain their revenue. Without getting too complex a third should come from residential, a third fire protection, and a third from industrial/commercial.
Lisbon’s 2011 revenues came from the following: residential, $478,850, fire protection, $290,857, commercial $57,067, other $97,862 for a total revenue of $924,634. Information taken from the 2011 independent audit and reported to the Maine Public Utilities.
It is important that Lisbon residents realize that the Board of Water Commissioners does not set the water rates. It is the job of the Water Commissioners to determine the projects and then try to fund those projects with current revenue or ask for a rate increase. The residents and the Maine Public Utilities Commission must approve projects and funding. There can be a citizen petition to have the increase held up for a more through investigation.
The Lisbon Water Department collected $290,857 in fire for protection services. This money comes from all of us who pay taxes to the Town of Lisbon.
SO WHAT DOES THIS MONEY PAY FOR?
Maintenance to 37 miles of pipe large enough to provide water to our fire equipment
234 fire hydrants that need to be plowed, painted, flushed and kept in working order.
High capacity pumps to push the water into the system
Storage tanks with a total of 1,500,000 gallons of water. Cost to paint a tank $200,000.
The board is seeking permission to add a third tank with an estimated cost of $1,400,000
Electrical charges of $2,500.00 per month
I would like to address the proposal of closing the water department building located at 630 Lisbon Street and relocating those functions to the town office.
The operational costs must be paid for this building such as phone service, heat, electricity, and maintenance. It is my belief that building would be turned over to public works. This building is essential towards the operational activities of your water department service. There are 5 reasons why this building cannot be simply closed:
1. There is a valve that blends water from Ann Street well with water from Lisbon.
2. There are computer and telemetering controls that determine pumps on and off, water levels in the tanks and provides indication of a water break and various pumping activities. In the event of a need for more water the system will activate and increase the pumping capacity.
3. Storage for daily water department equipment trucks and backhoe
4. Bathroom facilities for the water personnel. A few years back the water department was asked by public works not to use the facilities at public works.
5. This office does provide a location for water and sewer customers to pay their bills in Lisbon Falls, including an after hour drop box.
I ask that when you vote on November 6 to vote no on this question. Voting yes will not save any money for the water customers or the taxpayers.
Questions call me at home 353-2780 or cell 576-2438 office 353-3020 or better yet come to water meeting next meeting October 15 @ 6:30.
William A. Bauer, Chairman
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My Third letter to the residences of Lisbon:
The reason the Town Officials are giving for the take over of the Lisbon Water Department is an attempt to save money for water customers and taxpayers. There are three areas that the town may feel that they can save money:
The elimination of the stipends paid to the three water commissioners.
The elimination of the part time person for the water department.
The elimination of the salary for the general manager.
This would total about $70,000 out of a $925,000 budget. My question is who will perform the duties of the terminated employee’s and elected officials and how much will that cost us? My thoughts are that this will cost the residents more money than any saving will generate.
Here are some facts that the voting public needs to be aware of. If you have other areas of concern please call me.
BILLING
The Lisbon Water Department is using Northern Data for its billing program. The Town uses Trio for its computer billing programs. The Water Department has found that the customer history is much more beneficial by using Northern Data as its billing program. This information has been extremely valuable when a customer calls about a high water bill. If the town takes over does this account history vanish?
INSURANCE
The Lisbon Water Department pays for all of its own insurance programs, but does benefit from bulk purchasing through the town.
MAINTENANCE
The water department pays for repairs and parts for all of the vehicles that have been completed by the town garage. However, the town does not maintain parts for hydrants, meters, the filtration plant, or repair clamps for water mains breaks. The water department does maintain the inventory of parts for all of these.
METER READINGS
The water department provides to the town its water meter readings for sewer billing purposes at no charge to the town. There are no savings to the town from meter readings. Other communities are charging sewer departments as much as a $1.00 per reading.
PAYROLL
The Lisbon Water Department maintains the payroll for water department employees. The information is then provided to the Town of Lisbon and the Town prints the checks. This amounts to six checks per week for employees and three checks quarterly for the commissioners. The Lisbon Water Department does maintain it’s own checking account and prepares all of its own checks other than payroll. The Lisbon Water Department must have the Town Manager or his designated person sign the checks. This is spelled out very clearly by the charter. No employee or elected official of the water department may sign any checks issued by the Lisbon Water Department.
DEBT
The Lisbon Water Department maintains its own debt structure. These bond payments are paid for from water revenues but the Town of Lisbon guarantees the debt. The total current long-term debt of the Lisbon Water Department is $3,000,000.
NOTE: $2,000,000 is owed for the filter plant located on Moody Ave (a spill or contamination means we still pay but can’t use this plant).
FACT: MAINE PUBLIC UTILITIES STRICTLY FORBIDS THE MIXING OF UTILITIY REVENUE AND EXPENSES WITH OTHER MUNICIPLE FUNDS.
I ask that when you vote on November 6 to vote NO on this question. Voting yes will not save any money for the water customers or the taxpayers.
Questions call me at home 353-2780 or cell 576-2438 office 353-3020.
William A. Bauer, ChairmanMy fourth letter to the residences of Lisbon:
Licensing
I would like to give the readers a short explanation on who is eligible to work for a Maine water company. The Maine Drinking Water program has the responsibility of determining who may become a licensed operator and is responsible for assigning licensees. Water systems are defined through a process of grading points, class I to class IV. This is true in both treatment and distribution according to the complexity and population. Lisbon is a class II. Operators must show competency by successfully completing examinations in both treatment and distribution. Operators must also possess the appropriate experience. The state requirement for Lisbon is two years experience in a water company. An operator must posses the knowledge, skills, ability and judgment to assure safe drinking water. This is measured through a review of education, experience and examinations. The Lisbon Water Department has three employees with a class II or higher license and one employee who has a class I and is currently studying for the class II test. My point to this is that the town does not have any current employees who would meet the requirements to be licensed operators. Hence, there would be no savings with a takeover by the town!
General Manager
The General Manager’s duties are to supervise the daily activities of all the staff and report to the three elected water commissioners at the bi-monthly meetings. I think it would be beneficial to mention the chain of command at this point. The field staff will do what it can to solve any problems/requests. The next step is to take it to the office staff. The office staff will then present the problem/request to the general manager. If the problem/request is still present then the Board of Water Commissioners will ask the person to attend a meeting. If the problem/request still has not been resolved the final decision falls with the Maine Public Utilities Commission. So for complaints or concerns you should come to the water department not the town manager or council member.
Commissioners
The Water Commissioners are elected for a three-year term; their terms do not run concurrently. Therefore, there is one commissioner on the ballot every year. The water commissioner’s sole responsibility is to the customers and the water supply that serves the Town of Lisbon. I feel that the present board works very well to keep your water supply safe.
I would like to ask you to write in the name of Stanley Arthur Doughty Jr. for re-election to the water board.
Remember voting yes will not cut your water bill or lower your taxes. Therefore, I am asking for your support of the current Water Department as it stands by voting NO.
Questions call me at home 353-2780 or cell 576-2438 office 353-3020.
William A. Bauer, Chairman
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Androscoggin County Communications Center
After careful perusal of Chief Brooks presentation I feel Lisbon is the logical choice for the new Androscoggin County Communications Center.
My only fear is that Lisbon will eventually be saddled with the lion's share of the operating cost of this Emergency Dispatch Facility.
Under the Chief's proposal Lisbon would be ultimately responsible for the Center's budget. This may give Lisbon some control over the Centers operations but it could also place Lisbon in a very precarious position if other towns using the Center decide, a year or two down the road, to opt out and seek cheaper alternatives. We may be left picking up the majority of the centers tab.
I believe Lisbon would be better protected if the Communications Center was a separate entity from the town and run mainly by the County with advisory input for the towns that it serves.
County Emergency Communications is a county function and is best delivered by the county.
Joe Hill
LisbonMaine.net
My only fear is that Lisbon will eventually be saddled with the lion's share of the operating cost of this Emergency Dispatch Facility.
Under the Chief's proposal Lisbon would be ultimately responsible for the Center's budget. This may give Lisbon some control over the Centers operations but it could also place Lisbon in a very precarious position if other towns using the Center decide, a year or two down the road, to opt out and seek cheaper alternatives. We may be left picking up the majority of the centers tab.
I believe Lisbon would be better protected if the Communications Center was a separate entity from the town and run mainly by the County with advisory input for the towns that it serves.
County Emergency Communications is a county function and is best delivered by the county.
Joe Hill
LisbonMaine.net
Councilor Lori Pomelow
Are Lisbon Councilors subject to the regulations that they pass or have they exempted themselves from the inconvenience of having to abide by their own laws?
Councilor Pomelow seems to be ignorant of the "winter" parking regulations in Lisbon. Large over sized tractor trailer trucks have been spotted regularly parked in front of the councilors home. This in my opinion is in violation of the following Town Ordinance.
Sec. 50-45. Winter parking between 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m.The owner or operator of any motor vehicle found parked or left unattended upon any way for a continuous 60-minute period between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m. of any day during the period from November 1 to April 1 of each year shall, physicians on emergency calls excepted, be punished by a fine as provided in aricle V of this chapter.
I hope Chief Brooks will take notice and enforce the town laws equally regardless of Mrs. Pomelows position as Town Councilor and his Boss.
The whole town is watching.
Joe Hill
Are Lisbon Councilors subject to the regulations that they pass or have they exempted themselves from the inconvenience of having to abide by their own laws?
Councilor Pomelow seems to be ignorant of the "winter" parking regulations in Lisbon. Large over sized tractor trailer trucks have been spotted regularly parked in front of the councilors home. This in my opinion is in violation of the following Town Ordinance.
Sec. 50-45. Winter parking between 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m.The owner or operator of any motor vehicle found parked or left unattended upon any way for a continuous 60-minute period between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m. of any day during the period from November 1 to April 1 of each year shall, physicians on emergency calls excepted, be punished by a fine as provided in aricle V of this chapter.
I hope Chief Brooks will take notice and enforce the town laws equally regardless of Mrs. Pomelows position as Town Councilor and his Boss.
The whole town is watching.
Joe Hill
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Council members unaware of their own charter
BEWARE CHARTER CHANGES CONTINUE
At last night’s meeting, Mrs. Dot Fitzgerald asked the question “What does (3) regulate the rate at which a business or establishment may charge for its services?” This is part of Question 1 on this year’s ballot. Mrs. Fitzgerald went on to ask “Does this mean the town of Lisbon is going to tell a dentist how much too charge for each service he provides or how much a restaurant can charge for a meatloaf dinner?” Chairman Lunt and Evil Eldridge had no response and went on to say they will have to ask the town lawyer. Mrs. Fitzgerald asks the council if they had even read this.
The Town Council had absolutely no response and instead stated they would look into it. Well, I hate to tell you this but the election is Tuesday and these issues are already on the ballot. It certainly is too late to “look into it” now. This clearly demonstrates the incompetency of Roger Therriault, Evil Eldridge, Bowie and the puppets. It is apparent; this council does not have a clue what they are doing and rely heavily on Therriault and Eldridge to lead them. Well, lead them they have and see what damage they have done to this town. All of the charter changes on Tuesday’s ballot are laced with wording to create more power for this council. This is what happens when you do not read what is put before you prior to voting to incorporate changes into the town charter.
I encourage every voter in Lisbon to vote no on every one of the Charter changes. There is no telling how much damage can be inflicted on the citizens by the corrupt wording of these changes. The citizens have a right to expect the councilors to read and understand the ramifications of their actions.
I want to thank Mrs. Fitzgerald for pointing out to the citizens and the town council the important significant of these charters changes on this year’s ballot.
Larry Fillmore
Concerned Citizen
At last night’s meeting, Mrs. Dot Fitzgerald asked the question “What does (3) regulate the rate at which a business or establishment may charge for its services?” This is part of Question 1 on this year’s ballot. Mrs. Fitzgerald went on to ask “Does this mean the town of Lisbon is going to tell a dentist how much too charge for each service he provides or how much a restaurant can charge for a meatloaf dinner?” Chairman Lunt and Evil Eldridge had no response and went on to say they will have to ask the town lawyer. Mrs. Fitzgerald asks the council if they had even read this.
The Town Council had absolutely no response and instead stated they would look into it. Well, I hate to tell you this but the election is Tuesday and these issues are already on the ballot. It certainly is too late to “look into it” now. This clearly demonstrates the incompetency of Roger Therriault, Evil Eldridge, Bowie and the puppets. It is apparent; this council does not have a clue what they are doing and rely heavily on Therriault and Eldridge to lead them. Well, lead them they have and see what damage they have done to this town. All of the charter changes on Tuesday’s ballot are laced with wording to create more power for this council. This is what happens when you do not read what is put before you prior to voting to incorporate changes into the town charter.
I encourage every voter in Lisbon to vote no on every one of the Charter changes. There is no telling how much damage can be inflicted on the citizens by the corrupt wording of these changes. The citizens have a right to expect the councilors to read and understand the ramifications of their actions.
I want to thank Mrs. Fitzgerald for pointing out to the citizens and the town council the important significant of these charters changes on this year’s ballot.
Larry Fillmore
Concerned Citizen
speaks for itself
Obama's Endorsements from the Military:General Wesley Clark, USA , (Ret)
General Colin Powell, USA (Ret)Major General Paul Eaton, USA (Ret)Admiral Donald Gutter, USN, former JAG of the Navy, (Ret)
Admiral John Nathman, USN, (Ret)Mitt Romney's Endorsements from the Military:Admiral James B. Busey, USN, (Ret.)
General James T. Conway, USMC, (Ret.)General Terrence R. Dake, USMC, (Ret)Admiral James O. Ellis, USN, (Ret.)
Admiral Mark Fitzgerald, USM, (Ret.)General Ronald R. Fogleman, USAF, (Ret)General Tommy Franks, USA , (Ret)
General Alfred Hansen, USAF, (Ret)Admiral Ronald Jackson Hays, USN, (Ret)Admiral Thomas Bibb Hayward , USN, (Ret)
General Chuck Albert Horner, USAF, (Ret)Admiral Jerome LaMarr Johnson, USN, (Ret)Admiral Timothy J. Keating, USN, (Ret)
General Paul X. Kelley, USMC, (Ret)General William Kernan, USA , (Ret)Admiral George E.R. Kinnear II, USN, (Ret)
General William L. Kirk, USAF, (Ret)General James J. Lindsay, USA , (Ret)General William R. Looney III, USAF, (Ret)
Admiral Hank Mauz, USN, (Ret)General Robert Magnus, USMC, (Ret)Admiral Paul David Miller, USN, (Ret)
General Henry Hugh Shelton, USA , (Ret)General Lance Smith, USAF, (Ret)Admiral Leighton Smith, Jr., USN, (Ret)
General Ronald W. Yates, USAF, (Ret)Admiral Ronald J. Zlatoper, USN, (Ret)Lieutenant General James Abrahamson, USAF, (Ret.)
Lieutenant General Edgar Anderson, Jr., USAF, (Ret.)Lieutenant General Marcus A. Anderson, USAF, (Ret.)Lieutenant General Buck Bedard, USMC, (Ret.)Vice Admiral A. Bruce Beran, USCG, (Ret.)Vice Admiral Lyle Bien, USN, (Ret.)Lieutenant General Harold Blot, USMC, (Ret.)Lieutenant General H. Steven Blum, USA , (Ret.)Vice Admiral Mike Bowman III, USN, (Ret.)Vice Admiral Mike Bucchi, USN, (Ret.)Lieutenant General Walter E. Buchanan III, USAF, (Ret.)Lieutenant General Richard A. Burpee, USAF, (Ret.)
Lieutenant General William Campbell, USAF, (Ret.)Lieutenant General James E. Chambers, USAF, (Ret.)Vice Admiral Edward W. Clexton, Jr., USN, (Ret.)
Lieutenant General John B. Conaway, USAF, (Ret.)Lieutenant General Marvin Covault, USA , (Ret.)Vice Admiral Terry M. Cross, USCG, (Ret.)
Vice Admiral William Adam Dougherty, USN, (Ret.)Lieutenant General Brett Dula, USAF, (Ret.)Lieutenant General Gordon E. Fornell, USAF, (Ret.)
Vice Admiral David Frost, USN, (Ret.)Vice Admiral Henry C. Giffin III, USN, (Ret.)Vice Admiral Peter M. Hekman, USN, (Ret.)
Vice Admiral Richard D. Herr, USCG, (Ret.)Lieutenant General Thomas J Hickey, USAF, (Ret.)Lieutenant General Walter S. Hogle, Jr., USAF, (Ret.)
Lieutenant General Ronald W. Iverson, USAF, (Ret.)Lieutenant General Donald W. Jones, USA , (Ret.)Vice Admiral Douglas J. Katz, USN, (Ret.)
Lieutenant General Jay W. Kelley, USAF, (Ret.)Vice Admiral Tom Kilcline, USN, (Ret.)Lieutenant General Timothy A. Kinnan, USAF, (Ret.)
Vice Admiral Harold Koenig, M.D., USN, (Ret.)Vice Admiral Albert H. Konetzni, USN, (Ret.)Lieutenant General Buford Derald Lary, USAF, (Ret.)
Lieutenant General Frank Libutti, USMC, (Ret.)Vice Admiral Stephen Loftus, USN, (Ret.)Vice Admiral Michael Malone, USN, (Ret.)
Vice Admiral Edward H. Martin, USN, (Ret.)Vice Admiral John J. Mazach, USN, (Ret.)Vice Admiral Justin D. McCarthy, USN, (Ret.)
Vice Admiral William McCauley, USN, (Ret.)Lieutenant General Fred McCorkle, USMC, (Ret.)Lieutenant General Thomas G. McInerney, USAF, (Ret.)
Vice Admiral Joseph S. Mobley, USN, (Ret.)Lieutenant General Carol Mutter, USMC, (Ret.)Lieutenant General Dave R. Palmer, USA , (Ret.)
Vice Admiral John Theodore "Ted" Parker, USN, (Ret.)Lieutenant General Garry L. Parks, USMC, (Ret.)Lieutenant General Charles Henry "Chuck" Pitman, USMC, (Ret.)Lieutenant General Steven R. Polk, USAF, (Ret.)Vice Admiral William E. Ramsey, USN, (Ret.)
Lieutenant General Joseph J. Redden, USAF, (Ret.)Lieutenant General Clifford H. "Ted" Rees, Jr., USAF, (Ret.)Lieutenant General Edward Rowny, USA (Ret.)Vice Admiral Dutch Schultz, USN, (Ret.)Lieutenant General Charles J. Searock, Jr., USAF, (Ret.)
Lieutenant General E. G. "Buck" Shuler, USAF, (Ret.)Lieutenant General Alexander M. "Rusty" Sloan, USAF, (Ret.)Vice Admiral Edward M. Straw, USN, (Ret.)Lieutenant General David J. Teal, USAF, (Ret.)Lieutenant General Billy M. Thomas, USA , (Ret.)
Vice Admiral Donald C. "Deese" Thompson, USCG, (Ret.)Vice Admiral Alan S. Thompson, USN, (Ret.)Lieutenant General Herman O. "Tommy" Thomson, USAF, (Ret.)Vice Admiral Howard B. Thorsen, USCG, (Ret.)Lieutenant General William Thurman, USAF, (Ret.)
Lieutenant General Robert Allen "R.A." Tiebout, USMC, (Ret.)Vice Admiral John B. Totushek, USNR, (Ret.)Lieutenant General George J. Trautman, USMC, (Ret.)Lieutenant General Garry R. Trexler, USAF, (Ret.)Vice Admiral Jerry O. Tuttle, USN, (Ret.)
Lieutenant General Claudius "Bud" Watts, USAF, (Ret.)Lieutenant General William "Bill" Welser, USAF, (Ret.)Lieutenant General Thad A. Wolfe, USAF, (Ret.)Lieutenant General C. Norman Wood, USAF, (Ret.)Lieutenant General Michael W. Wooley, USAF, (Ret.)
Lieutenant General Richard "Rick" Zilmer, USMC, (Ret.)Major General Chris Adams, USAF, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Henry Amos, USN (Ret.)Major General Nora Alice Astafan, USAF, (Ret.)Major General Almon Bowen Ballard, USAF, (Ret.)Major General James F. Barnette, USAF, (Ret.)Major General Robert W. Barrow, USAF, (Ret.)Rear Admiral John R. Batlzer, USN, (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Jon W. Bayless, USN, (Ret.)Major General John E. Bianchi, USA , (Ret.)Major General David F. Bice, USMC, (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Linda J. Bird, USN, (Ret.)Rear Admiral James H. Black, USN, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Peter A. Bondi, USN, (Ret.)
Major General John L. Borling, USMC, (Ret.)Major General Tom Braaten, USA , (Ret.)Major General Robert J. Brandt, USA , (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Jerry C. Breast, USN, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Bruce B. Bremner, USN, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Thomas F. Brown III, USN, (Ret.)
Major General David P. Burford, USA , (Ret.)Rear Admiral John F. Calvert, USN, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Jay A. Campbell, USN, (Ret.)
Major General Henry Canterbury, USAF, (Ret.)Rear Admiral James J. Carey, USN, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Nevin Carr, USN, (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Stephen K. Chadwick, USN, (Ret.)Rear Admiral W. Lewis Chatham, USN, (Ret.)Major General Jeffrey G. Cliver, USAF, (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Casey Coane, USN, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Isaiah C. Cole, USN, (Ret.)Major General Stephen Condon, USAF, (Ret.)
Major General Richard C. Cosgrave, USANG, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Robert Cowley, USN, (Ret.)Major General J.T. Coyne, USMC, (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Robert C. Crates, USN, (Ret.)Major General Tommy F. Crawford, USAF, (Ret.)Rear Admiral James P. Davidson, USN, (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Kevin F. Delaney, USN, (Ret.)Major General James D. Delk, USA , (Ret.)Major General Robert E. Dempsey, USAF, (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Jay Ronald Denney, USNR, (Ret.)Major General Robert S. Dickman, USAF, (Ret.)Rear Admiral James C. Doebler, USN, (Ret.)
Major General Douglas O. Dollar, USA , (Ret.)Major General Hunt Downer, USA , (Ret.)Major General Thomas A. Dyches, USAF, (Ret.)
Major General Jay T. Edwards, USAF, (Ret.)Major General John R. Farrington, USAF, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Francis L. Filipiak, USN, (Ret.)
Rear Admiral James H. Flatley III, USN, (Ret.)Major General Charles Fletcher, USA , (Ret.)Major General Bobby O. Floyd, USAF, (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Veronica Froman, USN, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Vance H. Fry, USN, (Ret.)Rear Admiral R. Byron Fuller, USN, (Ret.)
Rear Admiral George M. Furlong, USN, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Frank Gallo, USN, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Ben F. Gaumer, USN, (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Harry E. Gerhard Jr., USN, (Ret.)Major General Daniel J. Gibson, USAF, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Andrew A. Giordano, USN, (Ret.)
Major General Richard N. Goddard, USAF, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Fred Golove, USCGR, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Harold Eric Grant, USN, (Ret.)
Major General Jeff Grime, USAF, (Ret.)Major General Robert Kent Guest, USA , (Ret.)Major General Tim Haake, USAR, (Ret.)
Major General Otto K. Habedank, USAF, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Thomas F. Hall, USN, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Donald P. Harvey, USN, (Ret.)
Major General Leonard W. Hegland, USAF, (Ret.)Rear Admiral John Hekman, USN, (Ret.)Major General John A. Hemphill, USA , (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Larry Hereth, USCG, (Ret.)Major General Wilfred Hessert, USAF, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Don Hickman, USN, (Ret.)
Major General Geoffrey Higginbotham, USMC, (Ret.)Major General Jerry D. Holmes, USAF, (Ret.)Major General Weldon F. Honeycutt, USA , (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Steve Israel, USN, (Ret.)Major General James T. Jackson, USA , (Ret.)Rear Admiral John S. Jenkins, USN, (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Tim Jenkins, USN, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Ron Jesberg, USN, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Pierce J. Johnson, USN, (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Steven B. Kantrowitz, USN, (Ret.)Rear Admiral John T. Kavanaugh, USN, (Ret.)Major General Dennis M. Kenneally, USA , (Ret.)
Major General Michael Kerby, USAF, (Ret.)Rear Admiral David Kunkel, USCG, (Ret.)Major General Geoffrey C. Lambert, USA , (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Arthur Langston, USN, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Thomas G. Lilly, USN, (Ret.)Major General James E. Livingston, USAF, (Ret.)
Major General Al Logan, USAF, (Ret.)Major General John D. Logeman Jr., USAF, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Noah H. Long Jr, USNR, (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Don Loren, USN, (Ret.)Major General Andy Love, USAF, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Thomas C. Lynch, USN, (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Steven Wells Maas , USN, (Ret.)Major General Robert M. Marquette, USAF, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Larry Marsh, USN, (Ret.)
Major General Clark W. Martin, USAF, (Ret.)Major General William M. Matz, USN, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Gerard Mauer, USN, (Ret.)
Rear Admiral William J. McDaniel, MD, USN, (Ret.)Rear Admiral E.S. McGinley II, USN, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Henry C. McKinney, USN, (Ret.)
Major General Robert Messerli, USAF, (Ret.)Major General Douglas S. Metcalf, USAF, (Ret.)Rear Admiral John W. Miller, USN, (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Patrick David Moneymaker, USN, (Ret.)Major General Mario Montero, USA , (Ret.)Rear Admiral Douglas M. Moore, USN, (Ret.)
Major General Walter Bruce Moore, USA , (Ret.)Major General William Moore, USA , (Ret.)Major General Burton R. Moore, USAF, (Ret.)
Rear Admiral James A. Morgart, USN, (Ret.)Major General Stanton R. Musser, USAF, (Ret.)Rear Admiral John T. Natter, USN, (Ret.)
Major General Robert George Nester, USAF, (Ret.)Major General George W. Norwood, USAF, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Robert C. Olsen, USN, (Ret.)
Major General Raymund E. O’Mara, USAF, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Robert S. Owens, USN, (Ret.)Rear Admiral John F. Paddock, USN, (Ret.)
Major General Robert W. Paret, USAF, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Robert O. Passmore, USN, (Ret.)Major General Earl G. Peck, USAF, (Ret.)
Major General Richard E. Perraut Jr., USAF, (Ret.)Major General Gerald F. Perryman, USAF, (Ret.)Rear Admiral W.W. Pickavance, USN, (Ret.)
Rear Admiral John J. Prendergast, USN, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Fenton F. Priest, USN, (Ret.)Major General David C. Ralston, USA , (Ret.)
Major General Bentley B. Rayburn, USAF, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Harold Rich, USN , (Ret.)Rear Admiral Roland Rieve, USN, (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Tommy F. Rinard, USN , (Ret.)Major General Richard H. Roellig, USAF, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Michael S. Roesner, USN, (Ret.)
Rear Admiral William J. Ryan, USN, (Ret.)Major General Loran C. Schnaidt, USAF, (Ret.)Major General Carl Schneider, USAF , (Ret.)
Major General John P. Schoeppner, Jr., USAF, (Ret.)Major General Edison E. Scholes, USAF, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Robert H. Shumaker, USN, (Ret.)
Rear Admiral William S. Schwob, USCG, (Ret.)Major General David J. Scott, USAF, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Hugh P. Scott, USN, (Ret.)
Major General Richard Secord, USAF, (Ret.)Rear Admiral William H. Shawcross, USN, (Ret.)Major General Joseph K. Simeone, USAF and ANG , (Ret.)
Major General Darwin Simpson, ANG , (Ret.)Rear Admiral Greg Slavonic, USN , (Ret.)Rear Admiral David Oliver "D.O." Smart, USNR, (Ret.)
Major General Richard D. Smith, USAF, (Ret.)Major General Donald Bruce Smith, USAF, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Paul O. Soderberg, USN, (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Robert H. "Bob" Spiro, USN, (Ret.)Major General Henry B. Stelling, Jr., USAF, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Daniel H. Stone, USN, (Ret.)Major General William A. Studer, USAF, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Hamlin Tallent, USN, (Ret.)Major General Hugh Banks Tant III , USA , (Ret.)Major General Larry S. Taylor, USMC, (Ret.)Major General J.B. Taylor, USA , (Ret.)
Major General Thomas R. Tempel, USA , (Ret.)Major General Richard L. Testa, USAF, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Jere Thompson, USN (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Byron E. Tobin, USN, (Ret.)Major General Larry Twitchell, USAF, (Ret.)Major General Russell L. Violett, USAF, (Ret.)
Major General David E.B. "DEB" Ward, USAF, (Ret.)Major General Charles J. Wax, USAF, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Donald Weatherson, USN, (Ret.)
Major General John Welde, USAF, (Ret.)Major General Gary Whipple, USA , (Ret.)Rear Admiral James B. Whittaker, USN, (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Charles Williams, USN, (Ret.)Rear Admiral H. Denny Wisely, USN, (Ret.)Rear Admiral Theodore J. Wojnar, USCG, (Ret.)
Rear Admiral George R. Worthington, USN, (Ret.)Brigadier General Arthur Abercrombie, USA , (Ret.)Brigadier General John R. Allen, USAF, (Ret.)
Brigadier General Loring R. Astorino, USAF, (Ret.)Brigadier General Richard Averitt, USA , (Ret.)Brigadier General Garry S. Bahling , USANG, (Ret.)
Brigadier General Donald E. Barnhart, USAF, (Ret.)Brigadier General Charles L. Bishop, USAF, (Ret.)Brigadier General Clayton Bridges, USAF, (Ret.)
Brigadier General Jeremiah J. Brophy, USA , (Ret.)Brigadier General R. Thomas Browning, USAF, (Ret.)Brigadier General David A. Brubaker, USAF, (Ret.)
Brigadier General Chalmers R. Carr, USAF, (Ret.)Brigadier General Fred F. Caste, USAFR, (Ret.)Brigadier General Robert V. Clements, USAF, (Ret.)
Brigadier General Christopher T Cline, USA , (Ret.)Brigadier General George Peyton Cole, Jr., USAF, (Ret.)Brigadier General Richard A. Coleman, USAF, (Ret.)Brigadier General Mike Cushman, USAF, (Ret.)Brigadier General Peter Dawkins, USA , (Ret.)
Brigadier General Sam. G. DeGeneres, USAF, (Ret.)Brigadier General George Demers, USAF, (Ret.)Brigadier General Howard G. DeWolf, USAF, (Ret.)
Brigadier General Arthur F. Diehl, USAF, (Ret.)Brigadier General David Bob Edmonds, USAF, (Ret.)Brigadier General Anthony Farrington, USAF, (Ret.)
Brigadier General Norm Gaddis, USAF, (Ret.)Brigadier General Robert H. Harkins, USAF, (Ret.)Brigadier General Thomas W. Honeywill, USAF, (Ret.)
Brigadier General Stanley V. Hood, USAF, (Ret.)Brigadier General James J. Hourin, USAF, (Ret.)Brigadier General Jack C. Ihle, USAF, (Ret.)
Brigadier General Thomas G. Jeter, USAF, (Ret.)Brigadier General William Herbert Johnson, USAF, (Ret.)Brigadier General Kenneth F. Keller, USAF, (Ret.)Brigadier General Wayne W. Lambert, USAF, (Ret.)Brigadier General Jerry L. Laws, USA , (Ret.)
Brigadier General Thomas J. Lennon, USAF, (Ret.)Brigadier General John M. Lotz, USAF, (Ret.)Brigadier General Robert S. Mangum, USA , (Ret.)
Brigadier General Frank Martin, USAF, (Ret.)Brigadier General Joe Mensching, USAF, (Ret.)Brigadier General Richard L. Meyer, USAF, (Ret.)
Brigadier General Lawrence A. Mitchell, USAF, (Ret.)Brigadier General Michael P. Mulqueen, USMC, (Ret.)Brigadier General Ben Nelson, Jr., USAF, (Ret.)Brigadier General Jack W. Nicholson, USA , (Ret.)Brigadier General Maria C. Owens, USAF, (Ret.)
Brigadier General Dave Papak, USMC, (Ret.)Brigadier General Gary A. Pappas, USANG, (Ret.)Brigadier General Robert V. Paschon, USAF, (Ret.)
Brigadier General Allen K. Rachel, USAF, (Ret.)Brigadier General Jon Reynolds, USAF, (Ret.)Brigadier General Edward F. Rodriguez, Jr., USAFR, (Ret.)
Brigadier General Roger Scearce, USA , (Ret.)Brigadier General Dennis Schulstad, USAFR, (Ret.)Brigadier General John Serur, USAF, (Ret.)
Brigadier General Joseph L. Shaefer, USAF, (Ret.)Brigadier General Graham Shirley, USAF, (Ret.)Brigadier General Raymond Shulstad, USAF, (Ret.)
Brigadier General Stan Smith, USAF, (Ret.)Brigadier General Ralph S. Smith, USAF, (Ret.)Brigadier General Donald Smith, USA , (Ret.)
Brigadier General David M. Snyder, USAF, (Ret.)Brigadier General Michael Joseph Tashjian, USAF, (Ret.)Brigadier General Richard Louis Ursone, USA , (Ret.)Brigadier General Earl Van Inwegen, USAF, (Ret.)Brigadier General Terrence P. Woods, USAF, (Ret.)
Brigadier General Mitchell Zais, USA , (Ret.)Brigadier General Allan Ralph Zenowitz, USA , (Ret.)I'll give Obama credit for one thing-
he is living proof that familiarity breedscontempt.No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG - www.avg.comVersion: 8.5.455 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/5366 - Release Date: 10/31/12
19:34:00
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
At last night’s Town Council meeting, Councilor Bowie began speaking on Chief Brook’s presentation about consolidating the Androscoggin Sheriff’s Office communication center and the Lisbon Communication Center under Chief Brooks.
Of course, Bowie was in favor of this consolidation because his wife’s job description is laced with dispatching and communication center duties.
I brought this to the Town Council's attention and pointed out that Councilor Bowie should not be allowed to participate in any discussion about the Consolidated Communication Center.
Councilor Bowie’s wife, Denise Bowie, is the Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Police. In her job description provided to me under the Freedom of Access Act (FOAA), it states she
Councilor Bowie’s wife, Denise Bowie, is the Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Police. In her job description provided to me under the Freedom of Access Act (FOAA), it states she
(1) Perform Dispatching service for departments (Police, Fire & EMS) when needed;
(2) Oral board exam team member in the hiring process of new dispatch personnel;
(3) Field Training Officer for dispatch personnel in communications operations, computer system, terminal operation and other functions as necessary.
Also in her job description she:
(1) ensures the Lisbon Police Department dispatchers are familiar with the need for:
Quality Control
Accuracy, completeness and timeline of all teletype entries
Message security
Compliance with logging requirements
(2) Schedules users for Terminal Operator Certification/Recertification.
Bowie is in direct violation with Chapter 12, Section 12-2 and Article IX Section 9.03 Conflict of Interest of the town charter.
Bowie also holds a position on the Androscoggin County Budget Committee. I believe this is also a conflict of interest and he should immediately resign his position for the same reason.
Of course, this meant nothing to the Town Council because the master speaks and the puppets jump. Councilors apparently see no conflict of interest because the Chair allowed Bowie to continue on speaking. This council is so ignorant they cannot see how this conflict would impact Bowie’s wife’s employment and salary.
Remember years ago, Bowie was cited by the Town Council for exactly the same issue.
This council should read the two applicable "Conflict of Interest sections in the town charter, oops, I am sorry, I forgot this council does not abide by the Town Charter and will never cite a fellow councilor for any wrongdoing especially the puppet master.
The biggest hypocrite is Vice-Chair Pomelow who had the audacity to make a comment about bringing up “point of orders”. She is obviously ignorant of "Roberts Rules Of Order"and its procedures.
The town of Lisbon is in so much trouble because the leadership, town council, has formed a cliché of Bowie and the puppets. Until we break up this cliché, by voting Bowie, Pomelow and the rest of the puppets off this council, this town will continue its downhill descent.
Larry Fillmore
Concerned Citizen
Editors note: No wonder Councilor Pomelow is opposed to following rules. She is currently in violation of Lisbon's
"winter parking rules". Large tractor trailers have regularly
been seen parked at her residence.
Editors note: No wonder Councilor Pomelow is opposed to following rules. She is currently in violation of Lisbon's
"winter parking rules". Large tractor trailers have regularly
been seen parked at her residence.
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