Transparency, Open Government, and Freedom of Speech Is Gone In Lisbon!

LISBON IS A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY

Chairman Fern LaRochelle invoked a new procedure as a way to silence the people because he is not mature enough to handle tough questions from the People.  The members of the council are arriving 30 minutes early to provide the people an informal forum to talk to their councilors.  This tactic replaced the people from speaking out during meetings on any subject they desired.  Now, the people can ONLY speak about items on the evenings agenda. 

So how do you get an item on the agenda?   According to Chairman LaRochelle, during these 30 minutes of informal time, the people have an opportunity to bring up any subject they want to discuss but the council will decide if it is appropriate to be placed on the agenda.  This is called censorship.  If the subject is an embarrassment to the town or the council it will never see the light of day.  Just as my eight questions have never been fully answered by the council:

1.            Why did we have a tax increase last year and then a carry forward of over a million dollars?

2.            Why are purchases not charged to the department the purchases are for?

3.            Why did it take six years to file a law suit to recover      the misappropriated $32,500?

4.            Why did the town find it necessary to transfer funds right after the beginning of the new fiscal year?

5.            Why does the Chairman of the council NOT have to pay interest and penalties on back taxes owed like ALL of residents?

6.            Why are the people not informed of the “precise nature of the business” being discussed in Executive Sessions in accordance with Maine law?

7.            Why was the old high school sold to Brunswick Housing Authority for $1.00?

8.            Why has there been no work done on the people voting on the municipal budget by departments?

I don't believe these will ever be answered.

The council says they are governed by the Robert’s Rules of Order but it is more like Mein Kampf.  Robert’s Rules allow for “New Business” to be on an agenda.  This would provide an opportunity for the people of Lisbon to ask questions and provide input.   In a democracy the people have a right to speak freely about their government.  It is apparent our council has forgotten; we still live in America where the people have a right to be heard. 

Each councilor needs to read the Mission Statement of the Town of Lisbon.  It hangs on the wall in the Council chambers.  It is hard to be a partner when so much business is conducted behind closed doors disguised as Executive Sessions.  Like when the town sold the old High School for $1.00 and gave away a Federal grant of $1.4 million dollars to the Brunswick Housing Authority.  By the way, there is no listing for Brunswick Housing Authority in our Real Estate Commitment Book.  Apparently, they do not have to pay Real Estate taxes either.  Must be a member of the Good Old Boys Club!

Larry Fillmore