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Showing posts with label Freedom Of Speech. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Freedom Of Speech. Show all posts

Friday, September 9, 2016

RECAP TOWN COUNCIL MEETING – SEPTEMBER 6TH

The first thing I must do is apologize for the delay in getting this information out to the people.  This is an extremely hard and discouraging recap.  I am going to present just the facts here and will follow this up with the disgusting and shameful actions of three fake Councilors.
 
Under Appointments – Effective this month, Mrs. Lydia Colston will be the Lisbon Finance Director.  She is currently a Senior Accountant/Senior Auditor with Otis Atwell in South Portland.  She is a graduate of the University of Maine as Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Accounting.
 
Under Public Hearings –
 
1.   CDBG Downtown Revitalization Grant Public Hearing – The ECD Director, Tracy Steuber briefed the Council on the benefits of applying for this grant.  This grant is for $400,000.00 which the taxpayer will have to come up with $80,000.00 in matching funds.
2.   Loader Bond Issue, Road Bond Issue, and Charter Amendments – The Loader and Road Bond issues were briefed by Ryan Leighton, Public Works Director.  The Charter Amendments were briefed by Diane Barnes, Town Manager.
 
Under Council Orders, Resolutions, & Ordinances –
 
1.    Dump Body Install – The Council voted 6-0 (with Dale Crafts excused) to approve $50,225.00 from Viking Cives of Maine.
2.   Huston Street Drainage – The Council voted 6-0 to award the bid of $85.00/LF to Longchamps & Sons, Inc.
3.   Request for Qualifications for Brownfields Qualified Environmental Professionals – The Council approved by a vote of 6-0 to solicit qualifications for Qualified Environmental Professionals (QEP).
4.   CDBG Downtown Revitalization Grant Submission – The Council approved by a vote of 6-0 to have the ECD Director to application for the grant.
5.   Authorize the issuance of up to $150,000.00 in bonds to finance a front end loader.  The Council approved this by a vote of 6-0.
6.   Authorizing the issuance of up to $1,500,000.00 in bonds to finance road projects – The Council approved this by a vote of 6-0.
7.   Warrant for November 8, 2016 – The Council approved the warrant by a vote of 6-0.
8.   Set interest rate on overpayment & prepayment of taxes – The Council set the interest rate at 3% by a vote of 6-0.
9.   Write-off personal property tax – Muzak, LLC – The Council voted 6-0 to write-off the amount of $7.74.
10.         Sec 90-17 – Holiday leave Personnel Policy Amendment – The Council voted by a vote of 6-0 to approve the amendment.
11.          Route 9 Zoning – After a lengthy discussion and several motions and amendments the Council voted 5-1 with Councilor Kolbe voting against to add this to the Comprehensive Plan Review.  However, Roger Bickford tasked the Planning Board to start work on the Comprehensive Plan now.  I will be writing a separate article this weekend to explain what took place from by prospective.
 
Town Manager’s Report – Mrs. Barnes announced there will be a meet and greet our new Chief of Police Marc Hagan between 5:00-7:00 P.M. on September 13th at the Lisbon Community School.
 
Larry Fillmore
         

Monday, September 5, 2016

BEST BARTENDER JOKE EVER!



A Lawyer, an Illegal Alien, a Pathological
Liar, a Muslim, a Marxist and a Black Guy walked into a BAR.

Bartender
asks....

"What'll
it be, Mr. President?"

SUBMITTED BY:  A LISBON CITIZEN

Sunday, September 4, 2016

HERE WE GO AGAIN!!!

I just reviewed the agenda for Tuesday night’s Town Council meeting and see that “Route 9 Zoning” is back on the agenda.  What this means is that Chairman Bickford (Good Old Boy) believes he NOW has the votes to push his agenda through the Council on Route 9.   If you remember Chairman Bickford would not allow the Council to vote on the issue at the last meeting because Councilor Metivier was not present to vote.  Of course, the Council voted on everything else on the agenda; highly illegal.
 
This brings up an interesting point.  Who is supposed to be advising these Councilors?  I always believe that the Town Manager was supposed to be advising the Council on issues of protocol.  I thought that was part of her job description and is why she receives such a large salary.  However, that cannot be true because she sits there and allows so much illegal activity go on.
 
We all realize that the Council will never correct themselves.  They only do what they are told to do.  If you do not believe this, watch the videos and see what input is provided by Councilors Craft and Brunelle?  Watch the interaction between Councilors Bickford and Metivier, remember the saga with the School Budget.  The new Councilors have not yet learned the rules about the “Good Old Boys” network however, they always vote with the group.  Apparently, they did not have their own thoughts and want to be part of the group.
 
Well Tuesday night, the residents of Route 9 will learn their fate.  On four separate occasions, the majority stated they did not want the Zoning on Route 9 to change.  In every situation in this country the majority rules, but when you have a “Good Old Boy” network in place that is not acceptable.  Chairman Bickford will come up with some illegal action to make sure the Mason’s get their way.  The best solution is to wait and present this to the Comprehensive Plan Review Committee for action.  Any action taken before then will be an illegal act opening the community for a court battle.
 
If you are a resident on Route 9, I encourage you to come to the meeting Tuesday night at 07:00 P.M. and voice any concerns you have.
                                                                               
Larry Fillmore

ROUTE 9 UPDATE

 

 

At last Tuesdays Town Council Meeting we saw Town Council Chair, Mr. Bickford,  attempt to circumvent the will of the vast majority of Lisbon residents. He used his Council position to deny closure on the Rte. 9 zoning change request. 

During the Council discussions  three of the Councilors recognized the residents wishes and were ready to vote to put an end to the zoning change investigation.  Chairman Bickford recognizing he didn't have the votes necessary to quash the closure vote, tabled the issue until Councilor Metivier could vote and assumably block the closure.

I hope the Council is fully aware that Councilor Crafts is a close relative of the people bringing this zoning change request (1st. cousins) and therefore MUST recuse himself from voting on  anything associated with this zoning change. 

At the meeting Chairman Bickford also told us only 1 family on rte. 9 requested a zoning change and that was Rick and Gina Mason. According to Mr. Bickford the Masons want to open a used car lot on their rte, 9 property.  

It is time to put this investigation to bed. We have had four meetings/public hearings on this issue this year along with a survey.  All of the hearings and the survey say the same thing ---- Lisbon Residents don't want any changes on rte. 9.
 
I wonder if Councilor Bickford would put the same effort into this zoning change if it came from someone less influential..  (Senator Mason is the son for Rick and Gina Mason and Gina Mason is running for State Rep.)  

Lisbon doesn't treat everyone like they treat Rick and Gina Mason. I can remember a few years ago we foreclosed on a gentleman's home on 3 village street even though he was doing everything possible to clear up the problem. It turned out the town had over valued his home by tens of thousands of dollars thus creating a large debt that he couldn't pay. Even after discovering our mistake we didn't return his property.  

ALL RESIDENT OF LISBON MUST BE TREATED EQUALLY.

Respectfully
Joe Hill

 

YOU MAKE THE CALL!!!!!!

The question is, “Are members of the Town Council making the best business decisions when spending our tax dollars”.  So let’s take a look at the purchase of the 2012 Bandit 990 Chipper from Hammond Tractor Company for $31,999.00.

 In order to know if this is a good purchase or not; we need to review the history of the town’s usage of a chipper.  So I asked the town in a Freedom of Access Act (FOAA) and the following is what I was provided.

 Fiscal Year                           Money Spent

2012-2013                           Purchase Order 1634 - $7,200.00

2013-2014                           "There were no Purchase Orders 
                                               indicating a chipper had been rented.    
                                               Before we started renting a chipper on a
                                               regular basis the crew would cut the
                                               brush, load it on a truck and bring it to
                                               the Transfer Station and dump it on the
                                               ground.  Then the Transfer Station staff
                                               would load it into a big trailer and haul it
                                               off for disposal.  This was a tremendous
                                               waste of resources.”

2014-2015                 “There were no Purchase Orders indicating a chipper had been rented.  Before we started renting a chipper on a regular basis the crew would cut the brush, load it on a truck and bring it to the Transfer Station and dump it on the ground.  Then the Transfer Station staff would load it into a big trailer and haul it off for disposal.  This was a tremendous waste of resources.”

2015-2016                  Purchase Order 12163 - $1,324.58

                                      Purchase Order 13630 - $191.25

                                      Purchase Order 13691 - $573.75

                                      Purchase Order 13796 – $212.50

                                                                   TOTAL:  $2,302.08

 Now that we have the history for the past 4 years, it is time to
determine if this purchase was for convenience or a necessity.  In
4 years, the cost totaled was$9,502.08.  This is an average of
$2,375.52 per year.  Does this justify purchasing a chipper for
$31,999.00?  Remember for two year the town did not rent a
chipper.

This Town Council should be looking for ways to reduce the cost
of operating this town instead of reckless spending.  I personally
do not feel this was a justifiable purchase.  If you agree with me,
call your Councilors and asked them to stop wasting our tax
dollars.

 The Public Works Director is going out for bids on 5 more
purchases/projects.  At the next council meeting, the Town
Council will vote on these items.  What are your feelings?

It appears to me that the Council does not understand they have
reduce spending and find ways to increase revenue in order to
reduce taxes.  Their primary mission should be to operate this
 town safely and to reduce our taxes.  They do not appear to be
trying to reduce our taxes.

 Was this a good business decision or fraud waste and abuse? 

 Larry Fillmore

 

LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT OUR COUNCILORS UP FOR RE-ELECTION!!!


 
This November 8th, the residents of Lisbon will be voting on three positions on the Town Council currently filled by Councilor Roger Bickford, Councilor Eric Metivier and Councilor Chris Brunelle.  So let’s take a closer look at the accomplishments of these Councilors.

1.     These Councilors were responsible for the debacle with the School Department over the School Budget a few years ago.  These three were directly responsible for the people having to vote on five different occasions which cost us taxpayers approximately $15,000.00 tax dollars plus whatever legal fees were paid.  I am not sure anyone will ever be able to tally all those up.  The ring leaders included Councilors Bickford and Metivier.

2.     These same Councilors voted to stop the consolidation of the Lisbon Communication Center and Androscoggin County Dispatch.  By stopping this project, it cost the town approximately $190,000.00 per year for two years.  If you notice, Councilor Bickford has kept it off the agenda for two years.  This current Council is not even considering looking at way to reduce our taxes and so they continue to climb every year. 

3.     Chairman Bickford postponed a vote on what to do next on Route 9 so that his friend Councilor Metivier could vote on it.  This act was illegal but who is going to police what he does because he is receiving his instruction from the “Good Old Boys” network.  Chairman Fellows of the Planning Board provided the right guidance and that is to drop any more discussion on Route 9 because the majority of the people do not want it changed and add it to the discussion when the town’s Comprehensive Plan comes up for review.  Any action prior to that is a pure waste of time and possible illegal.  All of this is for one family.  In a democracy the majority rules except in Lisbon, and then whatever the “Good Old Boys” want rules legal or illegal.

Councilor Brunelle voted in favor of all these items as he does in every case.  Councilor Brunelle votes anyway they want him to vote so that nothing gets on the agenda about the Water Department.

These three Councilors have voted to advance their personal agendas instead of putting what is best for the community first.  They have cost this community more taxpayer’s dollars than is necessary.  At no time have they tried to save tax dollars.  Between now and November 8th, if they do not reduce their spending or increase revenue, our taxes will go up again this year. 

Can we afford another year with a tax increase????????????

Larry Fillmore

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Nate Miller Featured Guest Speaker 10.13 at LA Rotary



 
 
 
Lewiston - On Thursday, October 13,  Nate Miller, will be the featured guest speaker of Lewiston Auburn Rotary Club from noon to 1 p.m. at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston.  Miller is a Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) in the State of Maine.  He studied social work and psychology at the University of Maine at Farmington, Oxford Brooks University and the University of New England.  He has over 15 years of experience in social work, mostly working in aging and disability services in facilities and communities throughout Maine.  He is a Savvy Caregiver Trainer and a Tai Chi Instructor.  He is currently the Aging and Disability Resource Center Manager at SeniorsPlus, the Area Agency on Aging for Androscoggin, Oxford and Franklin counties.  Nate has a special interest in, and passion for, improving our health care system by addressing socio-economic determinants of health.  His work has been featured by the Tri State Collaborative on Aging and Maine Quality Counts.  He lives in Hebron with his wife Danielle and his 8 y/o daughter Ruby.
FMI on future Rotary speakers call 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov

Monday, August 29, 2016

Greg Boyd Featured Guest Speaker 10.6 at LA Rotary

 
 
Lewiston - On Thursday, October 6 veteran Rotarian, Greg Boyd, will be the featured guest speaker of Lewiston Auburn Rotary Club from noon to 1 p.m. at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston.  Boyd is President and CEO of Alternative Manufacturing, Inc. (AMI) in Winthrop.   The company was founded in 1989, and is 100% employee-owned.  AMI provides a wide range of electronics manufacturing and support services to original equipment manufacturers across a diverse range of high-tech industries throughout the Northeastern U.S. and Canada.  From printed circuit board and wire harness production to product assembly, packaging and distribution, AMI’s ISO-9001 registered and UL-certified operations supply contract electronic manufacturing solutions that are custom crafted for both Fortune-1000 and start-up companies alike.  AMI’s Maine-based facilities and workforce of dedicated employee-owners enable an operation that responds and adapts quickly to customer needs for new product introduction, engineering design changes and fulfillment.  AMI offers transparent, competitive pricing and builds partnerships with customers that contribute to long-term success. The company’s work can be found worldwide in building security systems, solar energy equipment, aircraft instrumentation, industrial laser controls, LED lighting, industrial weather stations, and a host of emerging products from high-tech startups.  FMI on future Rotary speakers call 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov

Thursday, August 18, 2016

ABUSE OF POWER BY TOWN COUNCIL CHAIRMAN!!!!

At Tuesday night’s Town Council meeting, Chairman Roger Bickford used his position as Chairman to table a vote on Route 9 until such time as Councilor Metivier could vote.  Knowing, he did not have the votes to pass more wasted time on the Route 9 issue of allowing used cars to be sold in violation of OUR Comprehensive Plan, zoning, and Land Use Table, he tabled the agenda item.

This is another example of the “Good Old Boys” network controlling Lisbon.  It is apparent; Roger Bickford is a member of the “Good Old Boys” network.  On four separate occasions; THE MAJORITY OF THE PEOPLE SPOKE OUT RESOUNDLY BY STATING THEY DID NOT WANT ANY CHANGES TO THE ZONING ON ROUTE 9.  However, Chairman Bickford must have promised his good friend and fellow “Good Old Boy” Rick Mason that he would push it through so Rick could sell used cars on his property.   Tuesday night, Chairman Bickford did not have the votes to move forward on this issue without Councilor Metivier. 

 Chairman Fellows, Planning Board, recommended several options and all but one was illegal.  The right answer and only legal option was to wait until the review of the Comprehensive Plan.  This should have ended any further discussion on this issue.  However, Chairman Bickford does not care if it is legal or not as long as his fellow Good Old Boy gets his way.  Councilor Metivier is a partner of Chairman Bickford in everything.  Remember the problems two years ago with the School Department, stopping the project on the Communication Center and now Route 9.  Chairman Bickford and Councilor Metivier have been the ringleaders behind all these problems that continue to waste taxpayer’s funds needlessly.  These two Councilors have done enough damage to this community and need to be voted out of office in November.

 One would think that when the majority of the people speak that would be the end of it.  That is not good enough for the “Good Old Boy” network because it is not the answer they wanted to hear.  Lisbon is no longer a democracy where the majority rules.  Of course, when the Town Council votes the majority rules but then again it all depends on who you are.

 There were 15 agenda items and the Council voted on all except the Route 9 issue because Chairman Bickford would not vote until he had Councilor Metivier there for his vote. 

 What an abuse of his power? 

Larry Fillmore

RECAP TOWN COUNCIL MEETING – AUGUST 16TH


The following is a summary of what took place Tuesday night at the Town Council meeting.

Under Council Orders, Resolutions and Ordinances –

1.   Traffic Speed/Frequency Equipment – The Council approved by a vote of 6-0 because Councilor Metivier was excused to purchase a CRR-CK-BT Radar Recording Kit for $3,325.00.  These funds will come from the forfeiture funds account.

2.   Planning Board Route 9 Feedback and Conclusions – Chairman Don Fellows briefed the Council on the Planning Board findings and made a few recommendations.  Chairman Bickford of the Town Council did not call for a vote because Councilor Metivier was excused.  Should never have happened.

3.   Request to Bid Projects – The Council voted 6-0 to approve for the Public Works Director to go out for bid on several projects.

4.   Discontinuing Winter Maintenance – The Council voted 6-0 to send out notification to property owners on Hasey Street and the parking area surrounding the municipal parking lot off Main Street in Lisbon Falls.

5.   Public Hearing for Road Bond – The Council voted by a vote of 6-0 to set September 6th as the date for a Public Hearing on the Road Bond.

6.   Public Hearing for Loader Bond – The Council voted by a vote of 6-0 to set September 6th as the date for a Public Hearing on the Loader Bond.

7.   Public Hearing for Charter Amendments – The Council voted by a vote of

6-0 to set September 6th as the date for a Public Hearing on the Charter Amendments.

8.   Council recommendation on Road Bond – The Council voted 6-0 to move forward on the Road Bond.

9.   Council recommendation on Loader Bond – The Council voted 6-0 to move forward on the Loader Bond.

10.     Council recommendation on Charter Changes – The Council voted 6-0 to move forward on the Charter Amendments.

11.      Auditing Other Services – The Council voted by a vote of 6-0 to approve additional auditing services not to exceed $13,000.00.

12.      Maine Downtown Network Community & Trademark Sublicense Agreement – The Council voted to approve $1,000.00 by a vote of 6-0.

13.      CDBG Lisbon Falls Revitalization – The Council approved to apply for a grant with matching funds of $80,000.00 on the $400,000.00 grant.

14.      Davis Street Sidewalk – The Council approved by a vote of 6-0 to go ahead and solicit bids for this project.

15.      Fire Department Truck 6 Extras – The Council voted by a vote of 6-0 to apply $7,854.00 to extra work on Truck 6 to come out of the Apparatus Refurbishment account.

Under Other Business – The Town Manager encouraged citizens to attend the swearing in of the new Police Chief Marc Hagan on September 1st at 0900 hours.  Liza Ward also updated the Council on the EMA progress.

Larry Fillmore

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

THIS IS FOR ALL THE PEOPLE WHO THINK OBAMA and Democrat have lowered unemployment.


COSTELLO: I want to talk about the unemployment rate in America .
ABBOTT: Good Subject. Terrible Times. It's 5.6%.

COSTELLO: That many people are out of work?
ABBOTT: No, that's 23%.

COSTELLO: You just said 5.6%.
ABBOTT: 5.6% Unemployed.

COSTELLO: Right 5.6% out of work.
ABBOTT: No, that's 23%.

COSTELLO: Okay, so it's 23% unemployed.
ABBOTT: No, that's 5.6%.

COSTELLO: WAIT A MINUTE. Is it 5.6% or 23%?
ABBOTT: 5.6% are unemployed. 23% are out of work.

COSTELLO: If you are out of work you are unemployed.
ABBOTT: No, Obama said you can't count the "Out of Work" as the unemployed. You have to look for work to be unemployed.

COSTELLO: BUT THEY ARE OUT OF WORK!!!
ABBOTT: No, you miss his point.
COSTELLO: What point?

ABBOTT: Someone who doesn't look for work can't be counted with those who look for work. It wouldn't be fair.
COSTELLO: To whom?

ABBOTT: The unemployed.
COSTELLO: But ALL of them are out of work.

ABBOTT: No, the unemployed are actively looking for work. Those who are out of work gave up looking and if you give up, you are no longer in the ranks of the unemployed.
COSTELLO: So if you're off the unemployment roles that would count as less unemployment?

ABBOTT: Unemployment would go down. Absolutely!
COSTELLO: The unemployment just goes down because you don't look for work?

ABBOTT: Absolutely it goes down. That's how it gets to 5.6%. Otherwise it would be 23%.
COSTELLO: Wait, I got a question for you. That means there are two ways to bring down the unemployment number? 

ABBOTT: Two ways is correct.
COSTELLO: Unemployment can go down if someone gets a job?

ABBOTT: Correct.
COSTELLO: And unemployment can also go down if you stop looking for a job?

ABBOTT: Bingo.
COSTELLO: So there are two ways to bring unemployment down, and the easier of the two is to have people stop looking for work.

ABBOTT: Now you're thinking like a Democrat.
COSTELLO: I don't even know what the hell I just said!

ABBOTT: Now you're thinking like Hillary.

Monday, August 15, 2016

REMEMBER TUESDAY NIGHT!!


Tuesday night, Chairman Don Fellow (Good Old Boy) will brief the Town Council and Chairman Roger Bickford (Good Old Boy) on the next phase of getting their way concerning Route 9.  The Planning Board has a plan to violate the Town’s Comprehensive Plan, Zoning and Land Use policies just to satisfy Gina and Rick Mason (Good Old Boy).

YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Larry Fillmore

THE LOSS OF DEMOCRACY IN LISBON!!!!!


In a democracy the majority rules, this is no longer the case in Lisbon.  In Lisbon the town is ruled by the “Good Old Boys” network as demonstrated by the latest decision by the Planning Board.  On Tuesday night, during the Town Council meeting, Planning Board Chairman, Don Fellows (Good Old Boy) will brief the Town Council with Chairman Roger Bickford (Good Old Boy) on the Planning Boards recommendation on commercialism Route 9.

Back in 2012 there was a similar situation about changing the zoning on Route 9 to include making some, if not all, of Route 9 commercial.  At that time, the majority of the people wanted no changes made to the zoning or land use on Route 9.  At that time, because the majority had spoken, the Planning Board and the Town Council dropped the issue.

However, in 2015 Gina & Rick Mason (members of the Good Old Boys network) requested that the Town Council allow them to sell used cars from their property on Route 9.  Currently, this violates the Town’s Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance and the Land Use Table. 

This time the Planning Board conducted a survey, Public Workshop and Public Hearing on changing the zoning on Route 9.  In EVERY CASE, the majority of the people did not want to change the zoning on Route 9.  Now, in a democracy this should have been the end to it but since it was not the answer the “Good Old Boys” wanted to hear, the saga continues.  YOU CAN NOT FIX STUPID!

Under “Other Observations, the Planning Board Chairman Fellows writes “It is possible that small auto sales (such as for only one, two or even a few cars) could be acceptable, though certainly a larger number of cars (10 or more) seems to be unfavorable.”  This suggestion is in direct violation of the towns Comprehensive Plan, Zoning and the Land Use Table.  However, this is exactly how the “Good Old Boys” network works.  One “Good Old Boy” (Masons) wants to do something illegal gets his fellow “Good Old Boys” (Bickford and Fellows) to make it happen.  In fact, this will be the second time the Masons have requested to do something illegal.  The first time it was approved on a temporary basis without an expiration date.  How do you have a temporary condition without an expiration date????

Planning Board Chairman Fellows writes “Specifically with regard to the issue of auto sales, there was a general acknowledgement that residents could be open to considering some small expansion on auto sales allowances.”  This is an accurate statement as written but as usual very very misleading.  The majority of residents do not want any changes made on Route 9 as previously stated by Chairman Fellows but because the Masons and kin stated that they did not have any objections, this makes it accurate.  However, the majority rule in a democracy and that should be the end of this question.  JUST SAY NO TO THE MASONS!!!!!

The residents of Lisbon need to take back our time and eliminate the fraud, waste and abuse.  The majority of the people were very adamant they do not want any changes to Route 9 to include changing any zoning to commercial.

The members of the Town Council need to put a stop to Chairman Bickford’s continued insistence on dragging this out until he gets the answer the “Good Old Boys” want.  The majority have spoken four times now and said the same thing “Stop screwing with Route 9!”

Let’s return democracy to Lisbon.

Larry Fillmore  

Sunday, August 14, 2016

THE LOSS OF DEMOCRACY IN LISBON!!!!!


In a democracy the majority rules, this is no longer the case in Lisbon.  In Lisbon the town is ruled by the “Good Old Boys” network as demonstrated by the latest decision by the Planning Board.  On Tuesday night, during the Town Council meeting, Planning Board Chairman, Don Fellows (Good Old Boy) will brief the Town Council with Chairman Roger Bickford (Good Old Boy) on the Planning Boards recommendation on commercialism Route 9.

Back in 2012 there was a similar situation about changing the zoning on Route 9 to include making some, if not all, of Route 9 commercial.  At that time, the majority of the people wanted no changes made to the zoning or land use on Route 9.  At that time, because the majority had spoken, the Planning Board and the Town Council dropped the issue.

However, in 2015 Gina & Rick Mason (members of the Good Old Boys network) requested that the Town Council allow them to sell used cars from their property on Route 9.  Currently, this violates the Town’s Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance and the Land Use Table. 

This time the Planning Board conducted a survey, Public Workshop and Public Hearing on changing the zoning on Route 9.  In EVERY CASE, the majority of the people did not want to change the zoning on Route 9.  Now, in a democracy this should have been the end to it but since it was not the answer the “Good Old Boys” wanted to hear, the saga continues.  YOU CAN NOT FIX STUPID!

Under “Other Observations, the Planning Board Chairman Fellows writes “It is possible that small auto sales (such as for only one, two or even a few cars) could be acceptable, though certainly a larger number of cars (10 or more) seems to be unfavorable.”  This suggestion is in direct violation of the towns Comprehensive Plan, Zoning and the Land Use Table.  However, this is exactly how the “Good Old Boys” network works.  One “Good Old Boy” (Masons) wants to do something illegal gets his fellow “Good Old Boys” (Bickford and Fellows) to make it happen.  In fact, this will be the second time the Masons have requested to do something illegal.  The first time it was approved on a temporary basis without an expiration date.  How do you have a temporary condition without an expiration date????

Planning Board Chairman Fellows writes “Specifically with regard to the issue of auto sales, there was a general acknowledgement that residents could be open to considering some small expansion on auto sales allowances.”  This is an accurate statement as written but as usual very very misleading.  The majority of residents do not want any changes made on Route 9 as previously stated by Chairman Fellows but because the Masons and kin stated that they did not have any objections, this makes it accurate.  However, the majority rule in a democracy and that should be the end of this question.  JUST SAY NO TO THE MASONS!!!!!

The residents of Lisbon need to take back our time and eliminate the fraud, waste and abuse.  The majority of the people were very adamant they do not want any changes to Route 9 to include changing any zoning to commercial.

The members of the Town Council need to put a stop to Chairman Bickford’s continued insistence on dragging this out until he gets the answer the “Good Old Boys” want.  The majority have spoken four times now and said the same thing “Stop screwing with Route 9!”

Let’s return democracy to Lisbon.

Larry Fillmore  

Friday, August 12, 2016

Tahlia Chamberlain to Share Androscoggin Literacy News at LA Rotary, September 1

 
Lewiston – Tahlia Chamberlain from Androscoggin Literacy Volunteers, will be the featured guest speaker of the Lewiston Auburn Rotary on Thursday, September 1 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston.  Chamberlain is a lifelong Mainer and over-the-top fan of her three large dogs and her husband, Norm. Since graduating from the University of Southern Maine in 1985, she has worn many hats as social worker, teacher, and program manager, and has had the privilege of working with thousands of people, from tots to teens, disabled adults and college students. In 1996, she became the first paid employee of Literacy Volunteers-Androscoggin and quickly developed a passion for empowering adults through education. Twenty years later, the courage and tenacity of adult students and their volunteer tutors continue to inspire her.  FMI on future Rotary programs contact Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov