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

Friday, February 21, 2014

Mixed Emotions‏

MIXED EMOTIONS

Last Tuesday night there was a snow storm that dumped approximately a foot of snow in Lisbon. In the middle of the storm, our Town Council conducted its normal council meeting. I could not understand the urgency in putting lives at risk for the meeting.

After sitting through the entire council meeting which lasted until 10:00 PM, I am even more confused. On one hand, I understand it was critical to select the firm that would assist the Town Council with the selection of a new Town Manager. It certainly is critical that we fill this position as quickly as possible. I understand the need to get the ball rolling on this process.

However, I do not understand the need to have Department Heads and Chairmen of Committee’s provide the council with their presentations. One Department Head had to travel to Lewiston after her briefing. I know of another Department Head who also had to travel out of town to get home. The Interim Town Manager also had to travel outside of Lisbon to get home.

Had Chairwoman Lisa Ward streamlined the agenda to only hearing the critical information that needed to have action taken on it, I would have been more understanding but to sit through three hours of briefings, not that they are not important, but these briefings could have been done on this coming Tuesday night since there is nothing scheduled on the town calendar for Tuesday. I cannot understand the need to put these individuals’ lives at risk.

During all snow storms, Public Safety encourages everyone to stay off the road for two important reasons. One is to allow snow plows to clean our roads and second to reduce the chance of accidents. This is an excellent rule of thumb to follow because there are more open dates to conduct town business without putting people at risk.

I can understand the need to vote on which firm to use to assist the town in the selection of a new Town Manager but I cannot understand the need for all the briefings conducted Tuesday night.

It is essential that the Town Council utilize a little common sense when deciding to hold Town Council meetings during snow storms.

Larry Fillmore