The Lisbon Reporter

WELCOME TO THE LISBON REPORTER. In an effort to keep our community informed of what is going on at local and Federal levels of government, we decided to create this on-line newspaper. It is our hope that this on-line newspaper will help you stay informed so that you can get involved and take action for the benefit of our ENTIRE community. Thank you for visiting and please check back frequently for information about what is happening in LISBON/LISBON FALLS, MAINE USA

Monday, November 28, 2011

On Monday Nov. 28th there will be an Ethics Panel Meeting

Ethics Panel Meeting

On Monday Nov. 28th there will be an Ethics Panel Meeting to consider the possible problems associated with Councilor Michael Bowie discussing and voting on any issue involving the Lisbon Police Department. As many of you probably already know, Councilor Bowie's wife is employed by the Lisbon Police Department.

I believe it would be very difficult for anyone to make an unbiased decision on Police Matters when a large portion of their family income comes from the Police Department payroll. To say that it is possible to be unbiased in such a situation is expecting too much from human nature.

If in the future it ever becomes necessary to cut the police budget or personnel, can we really expect Mr. Bowie to be unbiased on the matter. I don't think anyone should be required to indirectly fire their spouse.

As long as the Councilor's wife is a police employee there is potential leverage, in the departments favor, on a Council Vote.

At the very least there is an appearance of Conflict of Interest.

It will be interesting to see how the Ethics Panel handles this problem.

Joe Hill
LisbonMaine.net