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

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Lisbon Beware --------------Power Corrupts

Lisbon Beware ------ Corrupts

Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. ( Lord Acton)

This statement means that people with power end up using it. They might start out using their powers for the good of others, but eventually they end up using it just because they can. I see this happening with the Lisbon Council.

Over the course of the last two years our Councilors have taken a number of seemingly unrelated steps that when put together paint a disturbing picture. Whether intentional or not our Councilors have been giving themselves more and more power and at the same time making it more difficult to remove one of their own from office.

The following are a few examples that show this consolidation of power.

The Council has changed their working rules to curtail most of the public input that used to be allowed at meetings. This action coupled with the obvious disregard for the residents wishes at special public hearings sends the clear message to the public that the Council really only wants to hear from you when you agree with them.

The Council has stiffened the charter recall procedures making it almost impossible to remove a Councilor once elected.

The Council is attempting to replace the elected Budget Advisory Board with a hand picked Economic Finance Committee. This committee will serve at the pleasure of the Council making it much less likely to disagree with the council. They will be used to propose the Councils predetermined decisions.

The Council placed a question on next weeks ballot that will, if passed, place the Water Department under their control . If any of you think this move is a good idea I refer you to Chairman Bauer’s letters. We presently have one of the lowest water rates in the State. Lets not screw with perfection.

It is relatively easy to give your power away but it is much more difficult to get that power back once abdicated.

November 6th election will be one of the most important elections in recent history. If you don’t want these measures passed vote and let your voice be heard.

Joe Hill
LisbonMaine.net