More Charter Changes To Shield Councilors Even More

VOICE OF THE PEOPLE

In November, the residents of the Town of Lisbon are going to be asked to vote on some important changes to the Town Charter.  One of these items is going to be the Recall Procedure.   The current Recall Procedure is outlined in Part 3, Section 8-31 (Generally.), paragraph (d) Action on Petition.  In this paragraph it states “An official shall be recalled when a majority of those voting thereon shall have voted in the affirmative so long as the total number of votes cast for and against recall is at least equal to 30% of the total number of qualified voters who cast votes for Governor in the most recent gubernatorial election”.  This statement is totally impossible to comply with because in any election other than the Presidential or Gubernatorial elections the voter turnout is normally 10-15% of the registered voters and much less in a Special Election.

All elections should be decided by the voters and not a percentage of anything let alone a percentage which is unattainable.   A prime example of this is during the latest Recall of Bowie.  The voter turnout was extremely low and though the majority of the voters voted 160-96 to recall Bowie; it never happened because it did not meet this unattainable figure of 30% of the gubernatorial election.  This provision clearly destroys the principles of democracy or the voice of the people.  In this case, the people spoke and their desires were ignored because of an unattainable provision in the Town Charter.  Two Priests, an Nun, a Rabbi and the Pope could not get 30% of the votes in order to comply with this restriction. 

I believe this provision was put into the town charter to ensure councilors could never be recalled.  In order to recall a councilor, there are numerous obstacles which have to be obtained prior to the election.  These obstacles are meant to ensure the rights of the councilor are protected.  Once all these obstacles are completed, it is up to the people to speak by voting in an election.

 The democratic process permits voters the opportunity to change their elected officials by voting.  The process is called elections and they are established for the people to voice their opinions.  The wishes of the majority should rule in every election because if you do not turnout to vote then you have not EARNED the right to complaint.  It is the voice of the people which is the backbone of this country, the Constitution, and our democratic way of life. 

This provision MUST be changed immediately in order to recognize the voice of the people and to protect our democratic society.   Please do not allow this Town Council to ignore your desires.
RESIDENTS OF THE TOWN OF LISBON, SPEAK OUT AGAINST THESE INJUSTICES.  WE NEED YOUR ASSISTANCE TO TAKE BACK OUR TOWN AND RESTORE THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS.  

Larry A. Fillmore                                                                      Concerned Citizen