Last Night's Council Workshop

I attended a Town of Lisbon workshop last evening. September 27, 2011. The topic was supposed to be on Infrastructure, but as usual one never knows what the topic will be until the meeting begins. Nevertheless, I did attend as I have all council meetings and workshops.

After sitting through the meeting and listening to the information, and Mr. Benson asking for suggestions from council members, this was an open discussion, I was not allowed to speak. Correction, Mark Lunt did allow me one comment, question, but was rudely interrupted by councilor Bowie.

I was never recognized after that one time. 

Dot Fitzgerald

A Very Concerned Lisbon Citizen

A copy of this letter was forwarded to all Council members.

From: Dot Fitzgerald 
Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2011 12:37 PM
To: 'mlunt@lisbonme.org'; 'Steve Eldridge'; 'flagmann189@aol.com'; pomelowl@aol.com; akhet99@yahoo.com; memtnmen@myfairpoint.net
Subject: Council workshop

Good morning Mr. Lunt;

You say at council meetings to call you with comments and concerns. I tried calling the phone number listed on the town website only to get a message that it had not been set up yet.

You said at a recent previous council meeting that you do not always read your e-mail. So how are we, the public supposed to get in touch with you?

The reason for this letter, if you do have the time to read it, is the inconsideration I received at last nights council workshop. I know the workshop rules, no one is allowed to speak. I, as a citizen of Lisbon, take my time to attend ALL council meetings, and have not missed a workshop. There are things I would prefer to do, but feel it my civic duty to be informed on ALL town affairs. The only ones from town, aside from the council, town manager, Chief Brooks and Bensen were 2 citizens, myself and Larry Fillmore.

What harm would it have done if I were allowed speak? to offer a comment? Who knows, my comment could have had some importance to the subject being dicscussed? Now, you will never know! ! ! ! !

Is this your way to let the public know that they are not welcome at meetings? That our comments, knowledge is not important, to you, and to the town?

A

"Workshop working rules"

Citizens are welcome to attend workshops, however, citizens will not normally participte in workshop discussions unlesss invited to do so by the Town Manager and Town Council.

 Item h

Under Paragraph 7, Dedcorum

Also refer to 7A under Decorum