What are the Town Officials trying to hide?

Over the last few months Lisbon’s Management has cost Lisbon taxpayers over $7,000 dollars in unnecessary legal fees and potentially much more when the final

verdict is in.

　

There have been at least two FOAA lawsuits brought against Lisbon for not producing public information upon request. These lawsuits have so far been decided

in favor of the plaintiff. In other words The Superior Court Judge has ordered Lisbon to produce the information.

　

Mr. Eldridge recently complained in his Sept. Managerial Report that the town has spent thousands in court costs and insinuated that its the fault of the person submitting

the FOAA requests. What the Manager doesn’t tell you is that he is the one refusing to abide with the law and turn over the requested documents thus making it necessary

to take the town to court.

Mr Eldridge can’t have it both ways. He can’t complain about court costs when he is the one necessitating the court actions. If he complied with the FOAA laws there would be no cost to the town. This is further acknowledged by the Superior Court Judge’s rulings which to date are 100% in favor of the plaintiff and against the Town.

I feel the real question here is what is the town trying to hide by refusing these legal requests for public records? Has the town or some of its officials done something

illegal or embarrassing that they don’t want the people to know about? Have they broken laws or entered into questionable loan transactions and are afraid of legal repercussions?

I submit that Mr. Eldridge and the others responsible for this avoidable court cost be held accountable and reimburse the town for this unnecessary expense.

Taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay for this failed cover up attempt.

　

Joe Hill

lisbonmaine.net