Here Is The Latest Corruption, Collusion, and "Business As Usual" Scandal To Besiege Lisbon Residents

THE LATEST CORRUPTION IN LISBON

Mrs. Fitzgerald and I wondered why Chairman LaRochelle was pushing so hard for the town to accept the Miller Industries offer for the old Worumbo Mill.  What we have uncovered is astonishing to say the least.

It all started with LaRochelle Properties, LLC purchasing from Miller Industries  the property at 2 Canal Street.  This property was on the market for $125,000.00 but it was sold by Miller Industries to Chairman LaRochelle’s business for $65,000 (See below for the Maine Revenue Services Real Estate Transfer Tax Declaration).  This is substantially below the asking price.  I wonder why Miller Industries sold this property so cheap to the Chairman of the Town Council.  Less than a year later, Chairman LaRochelle is pushing the council and now the people to accept an offer from the Miller Industries for the old Worumbo Mill property.

Let’s take a look at this from the Miller Industries' stand point. 

First, Miller Industries got rid of property they had no intention of redeveloping by selling it to Chairman LaRochelle.  Next, the Miller Industries is trying to dump the old Worumbo Mill property on the people of Lisbon.  After the fire at the mill, the insurance company paid a vast amount of money for the cleaning up of the property, either demolition or renovation of the property.  The Miller Industries chose to reinvest some of these funds for cleaning up the area but chose NOT to reinvest any more money into the mill.   

Now to get out from under this property, the Miller Industries has offer the property to the town for $100,000.  This means that Miller Industries will have received money from the insurance company for this property and now is going to receive additional money from the people of Lisbon for the same property.  If the people of Lisbon decide to float a bond for one (1) million dollars, this will mean Miller Industries is out from under the responsibility and liability of this property  and they will not have to pay $4,939.49 annually to the town for taxes.  Since Miller Industries has elected not to invest their money in the town of Lisbon, they need to dump this property as fast as they can.  Since it has been on the market for several years without being sold, receiving $100,000 from the people of Lisbon is a land fall for Miller Industries.

I look on the Agenda for the Town Council and I see the council is going to vote on (1) Bond Order $1,000,000 for Worumbo Mill Project; (2) Council Recommendation on Bond Order – Question 1; and finally (3) Warrant for Bond Referendum on September 24, 2013. 

Dot and I wanted to know why the council was moving this so fast.   A special election will cost the taxpayers approximately $3,000.   

So why can’t we just add it to the November ballot just 3 months away?   

After little research, we found out why the big rush.  LaRochelle Properties, LLC has to act on their property within 18 months of the purchase price.   If the people approve this bond issue, the LaRochelle Properties, LLC at 2 Canal Street will increase in value but if the people vote this down, the property will remain the same and it would be crazy for LaRochelle Properties to try and develop this property.

Also, LaRochelle Properties, LLC is scheduled to appear before the Appeals Board to obtain a variance on the front and side of the property.  

 Can you imagine putting a structure on the corner blocking the view of motorist on Route 125? 

Also, the LaRochelle Properties, LLC has put in for permits at 2 Canal Street.  The Agenda for the Planning Board is not out yet but I would not be surprised to see LaRochelle Properties, LLC on the agenda.  If you care to check it, the 18 months requirements will be up on November 7, 2013.  Now we know why Chairman LaRochelle is pushing so hard.

Now these are FACTS the people need to know.  I am not sure the other members of the council are aware of these facts either.  I guess we now understand what has happened on the Worumbo Mill property.  To me, it appears that Chairman LaRochelle is paying back a debt he owes to the Miller Industries for selling him 2 Canal Street at such a reduced price.  I wonder how many more Councilors are involved with this scheme?  We will have to wait and see if we have councilors or co-conspirators on the council.

The information I have presented here is a matter of public record.  I believe this is corruption at its finest and I hope the Federal government will step in and investigate further.

From my standpoint, Chairman Fern LaRochelle is a corrupt politician and needs to be voted out.  

Larry Fillmore