Lisbon Ward 1

Click to enlarge.

Monday Morning Snow Up in the County

Paul Cyr copyright 2009  www.northernmainephotos.comhttp://www.northernmainephotos.com

Sunrise with fresh snow taken Monday morning in Aroostook County.

We Asked, Explain the $2 million for 2 miles of trail and we got an answer

Lisbon's  Trail

Click to enlarge

1.  The 1.6 million dollar figure came from an cost estimate prepared by an engineering firm in 2008.  This cost put into perspective the materials and logistics of a project such as this as priced in 2008.  

2.  There are significant challenges to make this section work, including at least two railroad crossings, steep slopes, two bridges, one boardwalk and one concrete underpass under 196. And will be an exceptional trail that we think will generate significant return on  investment over the years with increased tourism into town and enhanced income for adjacent businesses. 

3.  This funding is through MaineDOT and is available only for these types of trail projects statewide.  In federal transportation legislation, a specific % of money is set aside for each state to invest in trails and biking/walking paths.  Lisbon is very fortunate to have championed this type of attention and now has the opportunity to make a significant enhancement to the Town of Lisbon.

4. This trail belongs to the people of Lisbon and represents the character and values that people in Lisbon share actively on the trail. 

Thanks for the question, its questions like these that help put a community project like this into a truer perspective.  Feel free to forward these notes to anyone who would need to hear them to make an informed choice this referendum.  Nov. 3rd is the last day to make your vote. 

Justin
volunteer with the Lisbon Trail Commission

Take A Look at the State of Maine Ballot

STATE OF MAINE

Referendum Election, November 3, 2009
LISTING OF REFERENDUM QUESTIONS

 

Question 1:  People’s Veto

Do you want to reject the new law that lets same-sex couples marry and allows individuals and religious groups to refuse to perform these marriages?

Question 2:  Citizen Initiative

Do you want to cut the rate of the municipal excise tax by an average of 55% on motor vehicles less than six years old and exempt hybrid and other alternative-energy and highly fuel-efficient motor vehicles from sales tax and three years of excise tax?  

Question 3: Citizen Initiative

Do you want to repeal the 2007 law on school district consolidation and restore the laws previously in effect? 

Question 4: Citizen Initiative

Do you want to change the existing formulas that limit state and local government spending and require voter approval by referendum for spending over those limits and for increases in state taxes? 

Question 5: Citizen Initiative

Do you want to change the medical marijuana laws to allow treatment of more medical conditions and to create a regulated system of distribution?  

Question 6:  Bond Issue

Do you favor a $71,250,000 bond issue for improvements to highways and bridges, airports, public transit facilities, ferry and port facilities, including port and harbor structures, as well as funds for the LifeFlight Foundation that will make the State eligible for over $148,000,000 in federal and other matching funds? 

Question 7:  Constitutional Amendment

Do you favor amending the Constitution of Maine to increase the amount of time that local officials have to certify the signatures on direct initiative petitions? 


For a 'Soup to Nuts' explaination of the facts please follow here. READ MORE >>

District 2 Town Council Candidate Gregg Garrison

My name is Gregg Garrison and as a candidate for the Lisbon Town Council; I would like to provide the voters of Lisbon, specifically District 2 (Lisbon Falls) a little information about myself.

My family consists of myself, my wife, two children, three dogs, and a cat, we have been Lisbon residents for the past 12 years.  I retired from the Navy in 2006 and am currently employed at Naval Air Station, Brunswick as the Supervisory Physical Security Specialist.  My wife and I recently celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary and while we have lived in a number of different towns and cities from New Jersey to Alaska to Texas, we have chosen to make Lisbon Maine our home.

I have a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of the State of New York and an Associate in Applied Science Degree from the Community College of the Air Force.  I am currently certified with the State of Maine as an Educational Technician.  During my time in the military I have performed a wide range of duties and am familiar with administration, security, law enforcement, education, and supervision. 

I believe representatives of the people should do just that, represent all the people regardless of their political affiliation.  I believe our town government is in need of new voices, since I have not served on any town boards or committees I have no preconceived ideas on how they function.  While it is true standardization and “corporate knowledge” are necessary for continuity, there is also a need for new, fresh, ideas to ensure that continuity does not lead to stagnation; I believe I offer that opportunity.

Strategically located between Topsham and Lewiston, I believe our town has major opportunities and look forward to representing the people of Lisbon on the Town Council.  Whether you choose to support me or someone else, I urge everyone to vote on November 3rd.  If you don’t vote you stifle your own voice and leave the decisions about YOUR town up to someone else.
 
Gregg Garrison
Candidtate for Town Council
District 2

How Can We Not Afford A New Water Line?

At the October 20, 2009 Town Council meeting a gentleman asked why, after
each Municipal question, recommendations are added. On both questions, #1, A
bond in the amount up to $320,000 to add to our Trails system, and #2,
Issuance of general bond obligation for the purpose of funding new water
lines both the Town Council and Advisory Board recommend Yes. Note: the
complete bond articles can by found on the Town of Lisbon's website,
lisbonme.org, and on The Lisbon Reporter.

Mike Bowie responded that it has always been done that way, back to town
meetings when voting on articles. This is a recommendation only. People are
free to vote their conscience when in the privacy of the voting booth. I
would like to see added after each bond question, the impact the bond would
have on my taxes.

When asked about the impact to taxpayers on the water lines extension at the
aforementioned Town Council meeting, Mr. Bowie said there would be virtually
no impact to property taxes. The burden would be borne by water users. And
any rate increases have to be approved by the Public Utilities Commission.
(PUC).
This, the water lines extension, is sorely needed by the Town of Lisbon,
Lisbon Falls especially. A no vote would be foolhardy. The Town water supply
comes from wells in Lisbon, and there is only one water line from Lisbon to
Lisbon Falls, along Route 196. If anything should happen to that line Lisbon
Falls would have no water in a matter of only minutes. That would be
disastrous should there be a fire. Now is the time to do this, while the
State will be widening Route 9 and the Upland Road anyway, I cannot imagine
the cost savings to us. Wait until another time and it would cost us 4 - 5
times as much. And that is just an estimate.  A penny saved is a penny
earned, and we are talking thousands of dollars here my friends.
So, aparently no impact to property taxpayers. I would still have liked to
see it on my ballot.

Now, onto the Trails bond. The brochure available states "The tax impact
would be $0.83 per month for the average Lisbon home or $10.56 per year. I
would prefer if the Town would give us, on a ballot, the impact on property
taxes. Would it be one mil rate increase? one-half a mil, 3/4 of a mil, more
or less? I don't know about all property taxpayers, but my taxes are high
enough. I really cannot afford to pay more, even if for a well used trail.

Perhaps this could be added in future referendums?

And that is my opinion.
 
Dot Fitzgerald
A Lisbon Concerned Citizen
 

Greyhound Gab: Obama by PWS Paula Caron‏

Paula Caron

Editor Note: 

Greyhound Gab is a column by Paula Caron, an eighth grade student at Philip W. Sugg Middle School in Lisbon.  Views expressed in the column are from “on the street” interviews with other students and or staff on a particular subject matter and/or event.  All photos and interviews conduced by Paula Caron.

(Posted as submitted)

Greyhound Gab

By:  Paula Caron

PWS Student Reporter

How do you feel President Obama has been doing the first nine months of his administration?

I noticed he's sending troops to Afghanistan, and there hasn't been any news on taking the troops out of Iraq.  At least I haven't heard of him taking them out. Maybe I don't watch the news at the right time. The other thing I've heard is he's been helping fund banks and health care. If there's no way for him to supervise the money being spent, then I think he needs to pay a bit more attention on how they money is spent. But otherwise, I think he's been doing a good job.

Robert Dall

Grade 8

Well I think President Obama has been doing well. He's trying his best. He's doing his best with the economy and with the health care issue.

Sierra Crosby

Grade 8

I think the President is trying his hardest. He might be doing tons of good things, but I still think he is trying to make everyone like him.

Keely Domini

Grade 8

I don't think President Obama has done well so far.  He keeps spending more money and putting us further in debit.

Roxanna Carlson

Grade 8

I think the President has been very ambitious, and has handled opposition well.

Ms. Amy Crosby

Philip W. Sugg Middle School Art Teacher

Take A Ride And See For Yourself

To the Editor: 
Take a ride on Route 9, between downtown Lisbon Falls and the Sabbatus interchange, and see your federal stimulus money at work. The massive tree cutting present now underway shows how good intentions can have disasterous results. Every last tree in a 100-foot right-of-way is being cut, leaving in its wake a changed landscape. 

Route 9 needed to be rebuilt, but the project could have been handled with more sensitivity. MDOT engineers were always resistant to a more scenic reconstruction with narrower shoulders and less tree cutting. Their 100-foot property seizures and take it or leave it approach to compensation are now matched with callousness in construction. One neighbor of mine was seen crying on the lawn as a huge machine chomped down her decades-old lilac bushes. 

MDOT property appraisers said the trees are “of no value” and the project will “increase property values.” They claim their work will make “hidden houses stand out.” They are right about that. Take a ride and see for yourself. 

Sincerely, Curtis H. Lunt

District 2 Candidate for Town Council

Who in the world is Michelle Swatsworth-Turmelle?

I am a candidate on the November 3, 2009 ballot for town council in district 2.  I have resided in Lisbon Falls with my family since December 1994.  I have been an active parent/participant in the schools, scouting, sports and all events and activities surrounding my children as they grew up here.  I love what a small town has to offer.   I see a lot of things that we can improve and do better on that will improve the assets our small town has to offer its current and future residents.

If you have watched or attended a town council meeting within the last two years then you should know who I am.  I am the lady that goes to podium to ask the hard questions and I try to get the answers to those hard questions.

During the spring 2008 budget season I asked our town manager and town council why we were not putting our insurance coverage out to bid rather than leaving it with the Maine Municipal Association (MMA) each year.  I pressed them hard and held my ground each month until this was eventually followed up on in September 2008.  The insurance for this town was put out to bid and did you know that $80,000 was saved as a result?  I believe in doing what is right for our town.

I am not related to any town employee in Lisbon.  I have no relationships that would cause me to be unbiast.  I have continued to ask questions and request information to make sure I, as well as the public, are kept informed.  Transparency is a must.

I am an original member of the Ethics Panel since its formation in November 2008.  I/we have had to participate in two referrals to date.  One that caused us to take a hard look at what is ethical and what is not with regards to town councilor positions and Lisbon employee relationships when it comes to our municipal budget review.   I realize we all live in a small town and that this small town is what makes us such a great place to raise our families and live however, there are provisions in the charter to help make sure that all actions and procedures are done in an ethical manner.  If you question something, ask.  No one ever got an answer by not asking the question.

Are there areas that can still change?  Sure there are.  Our town employees graciously agreed to not take a raise this year and I commend them for this.  I do feel there are a few areas in the budget that could have still been cut.  I don’t see cuts at this time that will be large enough to reduce our taxes however, they are enough to help cover some areas of concern and need.  There are rumblings of a possible reassessment coming our way.  This can be a good thing for our town and this can affect your taxes.  I strongly encourage everyone to read up on the affects of a reassessment and how a change in the mill rate may change the tax value of your property.  They don’t always go up.    We all have had to take a hard line within our own households, as a town we need to as well fiscally.

I hope that my two plus year record in advocating for the town of Lisbon speaks for itself and if you haven’t seen a meeting, ask someone who has or TLR, they have archived articles on items I have addressed.  I am not here for popularity or because I want to be a councilor to vote for what my friends want.  I am here as a concerned resident in OUR town- Lisbon (Lisbon Falls) and I want to make sure that fiscally the right things are done ethically and responsibly on OUR behalf.

I appreciate the time you have taken to read this and of course in November at the polls I would appreciate your vote.

Sincerely,

Michelle Swatsworth-Turmelle

Candidate for Town Council, District 2

Local Politician Opens Mouth Inserts Foot

Republican Legislative Representative Dale Crafts found himself apologizing for his actions aided by email.

Seems Mr. Crafts emailed Jamilla El-Shafei, it said "Go back to where you came from. We don't need your kind here."

Apologizes were made, Crafts wished it had never happened.

Changes Needed In Lisbon

IS IT TIME FOR A CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP IN LISBON? 

You decide after reading the following.

I have been attending Town Council meetings and have watched and listened to the Town of Lisbon, (Town Manager, Steve Eldridge) vs. Reginald Thiboutot saga. For those who have not been following the tale, Mr. Thiboutot owns a building on what was Western Avenue, now Village Street, in Lisbon. His land is adjacent to the Lisbon Fire Department building. The Town, at some time in the past closed the portion of Western Avenue from Village Street to Franklin Street, Mr. Thiboutot’s property is on that portion, and added onto the Lisbon Fire Department building. Some say that portion of Western Avenue was closed illegally, some say it was closed legally. That is beside the point. Mr. Thiboutot was having health problems and was not living in the home for a time. During the time the building was vacant the town plowed snow up onto the front of the home. The packed snow prevented run-off and this, plus melting snow, created numerous problems to the building. Also during that time the building was vandalized, windows were broken allowing rain into the building and causing further damage.

Now comes the Town of Lisbon, hiring a licensed engineer to evaluate the building, even though the town has a licensed engineer on the payroll, and sending Mr. Thiboutot letters stating that the building is unsafe and immediate repairs must be made. Mr. Thiboutot did begin making repairs to the building, including putting in a foundation and replacing broken windows. But the letters still came; requiring further work or the building would be condemned. The more work he did, the more the town requested. Why? So the Town could have a nice little bunkhouse for firefighters? All the bills sent to Mr. Thiboutot have been non-itemized bills for lawyer’s fees, for 3 engineer inspections. Bills that have added up to over $8,000! Bills the Town Manager says must be paid or the Town will foreclose. Mr. Thiboutot says he will pay what he owes, and has for more than 6 months requested an itemized bill for lawyers services which the town has failed to do. Note: All attorney fees have to be itemized for billing. Non-itemized bills for lawyer’s fees, for 4 engineer inspections; bills that have added up to over $8,000! Bills the Town Manager says must be paid or the Town will foreclose on it for unpaid bills. Mr. Thiboutot says he will pay what he owes, and has, for more than 6 months, requested an itemized bill for lawyers services. Mr. Thiboutot said he would pay for his own engineering inspection, but NOT the towns. The Town of Lisbon is also sending water and sewer bills to Mr. Thiboutot’s mother, who no longer owns the property, even though there is no water or sewer into or out of the building. No bathroom fixtures or kitchen sink.

You think that maybe the building could have been made unsafe due to the snow plowed up to the building causing sills to rot, and due to vandalism, right on Village Street, next to the fire station where firefighters meet and our police supposedly frequently drive by or sit in parked cruisers at night watching for speeding vehicles or motor violations? Mr. Thiboutot has put up a fence numerous times to keep vandals out, only to have it torn down. All on our police departments watch.

When asked at a recent Town Council meeting, Mr. Eldridge said he has two employees working on the bill. How sad! With the Town’s state-of-the-art computer system it should not take one employee more than a few days to compile the information and send an itemized bill for attorney fees to Mr. Thiboutot!

It makes one wonder why all the stalling on the part of the Town? It is no secret that the Town of Lisbon wants Mr. Thiboutot’s property. The land is 50 X 100 feet, with 50 foot frontage on Village Street, and as said previously, adjacent to the fire station. The town has the land assessed at $15,550, and the building at $15,810, for a total assessment of $31,360.

Mr. Thiboutot has filed a Civil Suit against the Town of Lisbon for illegally taking his property and for not supplying him with the proper bills in a reasonable time.

With attorney fees to date at almost $9,000, and the prospect of going to court, take a guess at what attorney fees will be when this is all said and done? This is taxpayer’s money. Yours and mine! The only ones who will win are the lawyers. The solution as I see it is so simple. Why does the town not make an offer to purchase the property from Mr. Thiboutot? This would be a win, win for all concerned, for Mr. Thiboutot, for the Town of Lisbon, and especially for the taxpayers, considering the prospect of more attorney and court fees.

If I were Mr. Reginald Thiboutot I would take this all the way to the Supreme Court and make a laughing stock of Town Manager Steve Eldridge, the Town Council and the Town of Lisbon.

Your thoughts please? And to contact Town Manager Steve Eldridge with comments, call Town Office at 353-3000, extension 104.

Dot Fitzgerald

A Very Concerned Lisbon Citizen

What About Our US Sovereignty

On October 14, Lord Christopher Monckton gave a presentation in St. Paul, MN on the subject of global warming. In this 4-minute excerpt from his speech, he issues a dire warning to all Americans regarding the United Nations Climate Change Treaty that is scheduled to be signed in Copenhagen in December 2009.

A draft of the treaty can be read here:
http://www.globalclimatescam.com/docu...

Page 18: Section 38 of the "Share vision for long-term cooperation action plan" contains the text for forming the new government.

Page 44-45: Section 46 "Objectives, scope, and guiding principles" contains the text for enforcement and establishment of the rule of law.

There has been considerable debate raised about Monckton's conclusion that the Copenhagen Treaty would cede US sovereignty. His comments appear to be based upon his interpretation of the The Supremacy Clause in the US Constitution (Article VI, paragraph 2). This clause establishes the Constitution, Federal Statutes, and U.S. TREATIES as the supreme law of the land. Concerns have been raised in the past that a particularly ambitious treaty may supersede the US Constitution. In the 1950s, a constitutional amendment, known as the Bricker Amendment, was proposed in response to such fears, but it failed to pass. You can read more about the Bricker Amendment in a 1953 Time Magazine article:
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/art...,9171,806676-1,00.html

Lord Monckton served as a policy adviser to Margaret Thatcher. He has repeatedly challenged Al Gore to a debate to which Gore has refused. Monckton sued to stop Gore's film "An Inconvenient Truth" from being shown in British schools due to its inaccuracies. The judge found in-favor of Monckton, ordering 9 serious errors in the film to be corrected. Lord Monckton travels internationally in an attempt to educating the public about the myth of global warming.

Where AreThe Jobs?

LEVESQUE FOR CONGRESS

P.O. BOX 1387

Auburn, ME 04211

www.levesqueforcongress.com

 

Contact: Vic Berardelli, Communications Director

(207) 234-4549

(207) 949-2438 (cell)

LEVESQUE TO MICHAUD: WHERE ARE THE JOBS?

UNEMPLOYMENT FIGURES: TALE OF TWO MAINES

 

AUBURN (October 22, 2009) – Jason Levesque, candidate in Maine’s 2^nd Congressional District, challenged Rep. Mike Michaud’s record on providing jobs following release of the state unemployment report.

“Mike Michaud voted for bills which added millions of dollars to the deficit on the promise that they would provide jobs. But where are the jobs?” Levesque asked.

Mike Michaud’s hometown area has the highest joblessness in Maine with a 14.5% unemployment rate in the Millinocket labor market. The 2^nd Congressional District is one of the worst hit in New England.

“This is really the Tale of Two Maines: joblessness is high in the 1^st District but it pales in comparison to the 2^nd District, where nine labor markets have double digit unemployment rates. Mike Michaud is so obscure in Washington that he’s totally ineffective in helping put people back to work,” Levesque said.

Levesque continued, “Many are wondering: how did the government get this so wrong?  It’s actually a very simple answer:  we continue to send career politicians like Mike Michaud who have no real-world job creating experience.”  

Levesque said Congress should be looking for ways to help small businesses prosper and create new jobs but, instead, it keeps adding more bureaucratic obstacles and new regulatory burdens which stifle growth and kill jobs.

“Mike Michaud doesn’t understand what it takes to invest in a community and meet a payroll. Instead, he foments anti-business rhetoric among working people which only leads them down a slippery path to the unemployment office, creating a culture of dependency,” Levesque said. “Maine workers deserve jobs, not empty promises and Band-aids.”

 

 

NOTE:

State Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman released Maine’s seasonally-adjusted unemployment data for September 2009 on Wednesday (Oct. 21).

2nd CD counties: Piscataquis 11.5%, Franklin 11.2%, Oxford 10.9%, Somerset

10.7%, Washington 10.4%, Aroostook 9.3%, Androscoggin 8.4%, Penobscot

8.0%, Waldo 7.8%, Kennebec (split CD) 7.3%., Hancock 6.8%.

 

1st CD counties:  York 7.4%, Kennebec (split CD) 7.3%, Knox 7.0%,

Sagadahoc 6.7%, Cumberland 6.5%, Lincoln 6.3%.

 

In the split Kennebec County, the Augusta labor market (1st CD) had a 7.0%

unemployment rate; Waterville labor market  (2nd CD) had an 8.0%

unemployment rate.

 

Other 2nd CD labor markets: Millinocket  14.5%,  Rumford 14.0%,  Calais

13%,  Pittsfield 12.3%,  Dover-Foxcroft 11.7%,  Houlton 11.4%, Farmington

11.3%,  Lincoln 10.7%, Skowhegan 10.4%,  Madawaska 9.4%, Presque Isle

8.8%,  Machias 8.7%, Lewiston-Auburn 8.4%, Belfast 8.0%,  Bangor 7.2%,

Ellsworth 6.8%.                                                .

Lisbon Outing Heading To Boston

Lisbon High School

OUTING CLUB

TRIP TO

BOSTON

Saturday, November 21st

LEAVE LHS AT 7AM

RETURN LHS AT 8PM 
LOTS OF OPTIONS!!!  
Science Museum, 

Art Museum, Aquarium, 

Quincy Market, Freedom Trail, 

Prudential Building, SHOPPING, 

SHOPPING, FOOD, FUN!!

COST:  $30 – members

$35 – non-members

Sign up ASAP before the bus fills!  

 Deadline is Wednesday, October 28^th

  Money is Due at Time of sign-up!

Contact Outing Club Advisor, Ryan Keith at 

LISBON HIGH SCHOOL

353-3030 or email rkeith@lisbonschoolsme.org

New Coins Release Need to be Boycotted

REFUSE NEW COINS This simple action will make a strong statement.   Please help do this... Refuse to accept these when they are handed to you.

 

  I received one from the Post Office as change and I asked for a dollar bill instead.  

 

 The lady just smiled and said 'way to go' , so she had read this e -mail.  

 

 Please help out...our world is in enough trouble without this too!!!!!

 

 

U.S.Government to Release New Dollar Coins   You guessed it 'IN GOD WE TRUST'  IS GONE!!! If ever there was a reason to boycott something, THIS IS IT!!!! DO NOT ACCEPT THE NEW DOLLAR COINS AS CHANGE Together we can force them out of circulation.. A Dedicated reader wanted this information added, please follow the link below. http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/dollarcoin.asp   In God We Trust inscribed on edge of coin Sorry for any confusion

Have A Little Fun With Father Time

Here is one most everyone will enjoy!

This is neat
Click on 'Birthday Calculator.' It tells you how many hours and
how many seconds you have been alive on this earth and when
you were probably conceived.
How cool is that?
After you've finished reading the info, click again,
and see what the moon looked like the night you
were born. Who says our time clocks aren't ticking...
Enjoy.

click hereBirthday Calculator

Around Lisbon on a Colorful Day

Construction photos of Rt.9   Click to Enlarge

Thursday Night's Movie 'E.T.' Trailer

"He is afraid. He is totally alone. He is 3 million light years from home". Steven Spielberg's most successful and symbolic fantasy. Nominated for 9 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

Official Swap Table Update

The swap shop at the Transfer and Recycling facility has been a very important part of Lisbon’s success of a high rate of recycling. The area has been closed for two major reasons.

          1=     Lisbon changed insurance companies. Upon inspection, they requested us to stop all scavenging of material for liability exposure.

          2=     Things just got out of hand on items left! A list could be made to long to print, from broken items, syringes, etc.  Lawn sale items left at closing time on Saturday’s would get ruined when it rained. It did rain a lot this summer. All these wet items were turned to junk. 

          To reopen, we need better cooperation from everyone.

Signed by: Wayne Ricker (Director of Solid Waste Department)

Interesting Information About Maine From ALEC

The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) 

www.alec.org

"The mission of the American Legislative Exchange Council is...

...to advance the Jeffersonian principles of free markets, limited government, federalism, and individual liberty, through a nonpartisan public-private partnership of America's state legislators, members of the private sector, the federal government, and general public.

...to promote these principles by developing policies that ensure the powers of government are derived from, and assigned to, first the People, then the States, and finally, the Federal Government.

...to enlist state legislators from all parties and members of the private sector who share ALEC's mission.

...to conduct a policy making program that unites members of the public and private sectors in a dynamic partnership to support research, policy development, and dissemination activities.

...to prepare the next generation of political leadership through educational programs that promote the principles of Jeffersonian democracy, which are necessary for a free society". "(information from their website)

Economics

To See How Maine Ranks click here. 

Here is one of their latest press releases.

State Legislators Call on States to Defund ACORN

October 13, 2009

Washington, D.C.—Congress has already voted to defund the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, otherwise knows as ACORN, and the IRS and Census Bureau have severed their relationships with the organization as well. However, ACORN, which according to their Web site maintains “more than 1,200 neighborhood chapters in about 75 cities,” continues to receive taxpayer money through the states.

The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), the nation’s largest non-partisan, individual membership association of state legislators, has identified several states which provide funding for ACORN and its affiliates, including New York ($415,000), Pennsylvania ($205,000), Georgia ($104,000), and Illinois ($100,000). In response, ALEC’s members have passed a resolution calling on all states to conduct audits to identify and immediately end all funding to ACORN and its affiliates.

In Pennsylvania, State Rep. Stephen Barrar has already introduced legislation to bar ACORN and other political organizations from receiving state funds. “ACORN has proven time and time again that it is not worthy of our trust or our financial support,” said Barrar. “This organization continues to display unethical and unlawful behavior, and it is time for the Pennsylvania Legislature to take action. The taxpayers of our Commonwealth work too hard to give their money to an agency that disrespects our laws. My efforts are about the responsible use of taxpayer money.”

Policymakers in Georgia, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, and Rhode Island have also taken action to prevent any funding for ACORN. ALEC’s Public Safety and Elections Task Force Chairman, State Rep. Paul Ray (UT), commented, “Over the past few years ACORN has continually violated the trust of the American people and the law. This includes allegations of voter registration fraud, videos of ACORN employees willfully assisting in tax evasion, child prostitution, and even obtaining federal fire protection grants in Louisiana in which they did not meet the requirements and were not qualified to receive.”

Other ALEC members had similar comments including State Rep. Gary Banz (OK), who said that, “The recent revelations of ACORN activity calls into question their mission and the appropriateness of any taxpayer funds being given to them.” And in Indiana, State Rep. Bill Ruppel said, “During a recession, it is imperative that we take the time to look closely at how state funds are allocated and how taxpayer dollars are spent. This Resolution calls on the states to do that and defund ACORN, an organization which has misused and misspent our taxpayer dollars.” ALEC will continue to work with its members during the next legislative session to identify and remove state funding for ACORN and its affiliates.

# # #

---

***Reminder*** Tonight's Town Council Meeting

Last Town Council meeting before the Nov. 3 Voting.

Great time to voice concerns you might have during Public Comments.

Scroll down to see agenda.

7:00pm  Town Office

Prevent Swine Flu - Good Advice

 (October 22, 2009 submitted by a reader)

 

The Mayo Clinic has reported that 96% of all upper resperatory disease is caused by FUNGUS. GoTo www.knowthecause.com  to learn more about fungus, yeast over growth and mold.

 

Also read in the Bible, Leviticus 14:33 et al.

Daniel

Prevent Swine Flu - Good Advice            (Submitted by a loyal reader)

 The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions.

While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps can be practiced

 1. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water or Listerine. *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive, and powerful preventative method.

2. Blow the nose hard once a day and swab  both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.

3. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.

4. Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

Thursday Night Movie for Lisbon

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