Lisbon Councilors Change rules to fit their gameplan, once again, somethings never change !

                                  SILENCING THE PUBLIC

Some of our, your, town council members want to change council meeting rules.

 They feel they are "blindsided" by some questions asked by the public; they might not know the answer

to some of the questions asked. They also feel that some meetings last too long with too much discussion.

Do you remember town meetings?

At town meetings, the moderator would read the article, including a dollar amount.

A spokesperson for the selectmen could make an amendment if they wished.

Next a spokesperson from the Advisory Board would amend that amendment, if so wished.

Then a discussion on that particular article would ensue.

Discussions were often long and heated.

BUT, The public had an opportunity to be heard!

Now, the Town Council, it seems, would like to silence the public.

The Town Council is considering making serious changes to the Town Council meeting rules

that would place Audience Participation near the beginning of the meeting, and no public input

or discussion after reading each Order of Business.

This is, in effect, silencing the public.

We, the taxpayer can always call the councilors, they say. Yes, we can.

How many actually do?

Many do not attend council meetings for many reasons. Many elderly do not drive after dark.

The reasons are many. Many, if they would attend do not want to speak in public, in front of a

crowd.

All meetings are televised and aired the Thursdays after the Tuesday meetings.

Meetings are held the first and third Tuesdays of the month.

In my opinion, and I always have an opinion, it would seem, this is wrong.

We, the public, the taxpayers, elect the town council to represent us.

We may not always agree with their opinions and/or decisions, BUT, in the end, it is us,

the public, the taxpayers, that PAY THE BILLS ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

I, personally feel that it is wrong to silence us ! ! !

What say you, the public?

Please, send a letter to lisbonreporter@hotmail.com with your opinion.

Better yet,

               CALL YOUR TOWN COUNCILORS ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Dot Fitzgerald

A Very Concerned Lisbon citizen !