WHAT PART OF RECUSED DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND?

Lisbon Town Council Chairman Fern LaRochelle

DID HE RECUSE HIMSELF OR NOT??????????

During last Tuesday night’s Town Council Meeting/Public Hearing, Councilor LaRochelle left the councilors area and stood against the wall during the Public Hearing on the Worumbo Mill bond issue.  The meeting and Public Hearing were chaired by Vice Chair Ward.  These events lead everyone to believe Chairman LaRochelle had recused himself.  Apparently, this was far from the truth because once an individual is recused he can no longer speak on the subject matter as a councilor and he certainly cannot vote on anything associated with the subject matter.

Both Vice Chair Ward and Chairman LaRochelle, provided clear evidence that Chairman LaRochelle had been in discussions with Mrs. Miller and Miller Industries prior to purchasing the property at 2 Canal Street.  This means Chairman LaRochelle had inside information prior to purchase of the property at 2 Canal Street.  By their own admission, Chairman LaRochelle should have “officially” recused himself. 

To show you how much the rules and regulations mean to this group, Chairman LaRochelle voted to table 2013-125 Bond Order $1,000,000 for Worumbo Mill project; 2013-126 Council Recommendation on Bond Question 1; and finally 2013-127 Warrant for Bond Referendum on September 24, 2013.  WHAT PART OF RECUSED DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND?  Once recused the councilor cannot take part in any action pertaining to the subject matter; in this case the Worumbo Mill project.

Also, during Councilor Communication, Chairman LaRochelle gave a wonderful presentation about the Worumbo Mill project and a dog and pony show they were going to give.  Chairman LaRochelle’s dialogue lasted more than the three (3) minutes citizens were allowed to have.  He also talked about investments in the future and how the river is one of our greatest assets.  He also talked about how Bangor had redeveloped the river front.  AGAIN, WHAT PART OF RECUSED DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND? 

Chairman LaRochelle had an opportunity to speak during the Public Hearing but stood there without saying a word.  This was the right time and place; not while he is sitting as a councilor.

All of these incidences are clear violations, and no councilor, town manager or the town attorney made any type of attempt to stop this from happening.  Think about that for a minute!  This is yet another example of the council and its councilors doing exactly what they want to benefit their personal agendas.  They are asking the people for one million dollar bond to purchase and demolition the Worumbo Mill which is currently owned by a private individual.  What kind of precedent is that setting?

REMEMBER, YOUR PROPERTY IS PUT UP AS SECURITY ON ALL BONDS ISSUED TO THE TOWN.

Larry Fillmore