"Fast and Furious", The New Trend In Lisbon!!!!!

Town Council meetings use to be interesting.

There were many topics on the agenda

The public had an input, were able to ask questions, make comments. There were usually quite a few interested citizens present.  Meetings usually lasted 2 hours.

Fast forward to August 2011:

At the request of Lori Pomelow, and with the blessing of the rest of the town council, the public is allowed to speak ONLY during Audience Participation, at the beginning of council meetings. Fewer people come to council meetings.

Fast forward again to March 5, 2013:

At the beginning of said town council meeting, at the request of Council Chair, Fern Larochelle, Town Clerk, Twila D. Lycette was asked to read the "new" council rules.

From that day forward anyone in the audience is allowed to speak only on a topic on the current agenda.

The reasoning is to "streamline" meetings.

All other town business is done in Executive Session after meetings.

The above mentioned meeting on March 5, 2013 was adjourned at 7:30.

The Town Council then went into executive session. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

ATTENDANCE TO TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS BY INVITATION ONLY???????

Dot Fitzgerald

A VERY CONCERNED LISBON CITIZEN