Getting Naked In Lisbon, well almost: THE STRIPPING OF CITIZEN’S RIGHTS

THE STRIPPING OF CITIZEN’S RIGHTS

Ever since Councilor Bowie completed his two consecutive terms as Chairman of the Town Council, he has orchestrated a campaign to strip all the rights of the residents in order to control the council.

 

 Town Councilor Mike Bowie

Councilor Bowie instructed Councilor Pomelow to rewrite the Town Council Working Rules to eliminate the citizens from participating in the discussions brought before the council for a vote.  Now, the ONLY time a resident can voice their concerns is during Audience Participation which comes before any agenda item is explained and discussed.

              Look at last year’s Charter Changes:

•  The council has the right for any disposition of any type of Town owned property except tax acquired property.
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• There were several changes to the Recall procedure adding additional requirements to protect the councilors.
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• Changed the requirements for promotion and hiring to protect the good old boys who do not meet the educational requirements.
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• In the absence of appointment, the town council shall act as Board of Assessment Review.  More power given to the council!

All of these changes provide sole power to the town council.  These changes were proposed by Councilor Bowie to ensure absolute control by the council.

During last year’s budget process, the town council asked for the recommendation of the Budget Advisory Board.  The Budget Advisory Board is elected by the people in accordance with our town Charter.  The board was unanimously against the proposed budget by the council.  However, the council adopted their budget as proposed by them.

As a result of the duly elected Budget Advisory Board speaking out against the town council’s outrageous and inflated budget, the town council has decided to abandon the Budget Advisory Board in lieu of a Finance Committee.  "The membership of the Finance Committee shall consist of five (5) members, appointed by and service at the pleasure of the Council."  In other words, the people will no longer elect the members; instead the town council will appoint all members of the Finance Committee.  By doing so, the Town Council is eliminating the right of the people to have a voice in town spending.  This is NOT what the Charter Commission had in mind and provides absolute control and power to the town council.

This proposal was introduced and promoted by Councilor Bowie.  Councilor Bowie has been stripping the citizens of Lisbon of their rights and shifting absolute power to the town council.  Allowing this action to happen will make it impossible for citizens to have a say in town spending.

VOTE COUNCILOR BOWIE OUT THIS NOVEMBER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Larry Fillmore
Concerned Citizen