Here's How To Fix Congress

THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS!!!!! A friend sent this along to me. I can't think of a reason to disagree.     I am sending this to virtually everybody on my e-mail list and that includes conservatives, liberals, and everybody in between. Even though we disagree on a number of issues, I count all of you as friends.  My friend and neighbor wants to promote a "Congressional Reform Act of 2009". It would contain eight provisions, all of which would probably be strongly endorsed by those who drafted the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Friends, please send me your recommendations on how this bill can be improved.   I know many of you will say, "this is impossible".  Let me remind you, Congress has the lowest approval of any entity in Government, now is the time when Americans will join together to reform Congress - the entity that represents us.   We need to get a Senator to introduce this bill in the US Senate and a Representative to introduce a similar bill in the US House.  These people will become American heroes..  Please send any ideas on how to get this done. Thanks,A Fellow American ***********************************  Congressional Reform Act of 2010 1. Term Limits: 12 years only, one of the possible options below. A. Two Six year Senate terms B. Six Two year House terms C. One Six year Senate term and three Two Year House terms         Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career.  The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work. 2.  No Tenure / No Pension:      A congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office.       Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career.  The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work. 3.  Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security:     All funds in the Congressional retirement fund moves to the Social Security system immediately.  All future funds flow into the Social Security system, Congress participates with the American people.      Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career.  The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, server your term(s), then go home and back to work. 4. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan just as all Americans.     Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career.  The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work. 5. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise.  Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.     Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career.  The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work. 6. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.    Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career.  The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.   7. Congress must equally abide in all laws they impose on the American people.     Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career.  The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.  8. All contracts with past and present congressmen are void effective 1/1/11.       The American people did not make this contract with congressmen, congressmen made all these contracts for themselves.     Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career.  The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.

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JASON LEVESQUE COMMENTS ON MIKE MICHAUD’S VOTE TO INCREASE THE DEBT LIMIT

February 4, 2010

Contact:

Alicia Preston

                                                                                                                                ap@theprestongroup.org

646-645-9373

House Passes $1.9 Trillion Dollar Debt Hike, Bringing Limit to $14.3 TRILLION

                                                                                                                                 
Auburn, Maine – 2nd District Congressional candidate Jason Levesque released the following statement on Mike Michaud’s vote in increase the debt limit to 14.3 trillion dollars:

“Today, Mike Michaud and his cronies voted to allow the government to spend an additional $2 Trillion dollars it doesn’t have. By increasing the debt limit to $14.3 Trillion, Congressman Michaud and his colleagues have signed off on the right to borrow more money from China, so Congress can continue its massive spending spree. The people of Maine are struggling and we have crippling unemployment and we can’t spend our way out of this.


“Michaud has touted the need for spending responsibility.  However, just like President Obama in his State of the Union; say one thing, and then propose and vote for another. Mainers are tired of Michaud telling them one thing in Maine and voting the other way in Washington. This means every Maine family has a debt of greater than $100,000.  This must stop.  Our economy is being crushed by this debt and we cannot create jobs under its weight. We must reduce the burden of over-regulation on Maine companies to allow them to grow, hire and put more money back in the economy through more success.

“This Congress has failed us. If they do not have accountability for their actions now, they will have accountability in November.”

-- Jason Levesque, Candidate, 2nd Congressional District, Maine.



Media wishing to speak to Jason, please contact Alicia Preston at phone number or email listed above.

Thoughts from a Concerned Citizen‏

Dear Readers;

I have been trying faithfully to attend all Town Council meetings. Now, I am
not the brightest bulb in the chandelier, but something is bothering me
about the way the town revaluation is going. 

I know we need a revaluation. 

The last one was in 1988, give or take a year or two. Mr. Dow our new
Assessor gave a power point presentation at the January 19, 2010 Town
Council meeting. He said that at present the Town of Lisbon valuation is at
56% of actual value and the State of Maine requires towns and cities to be
at a minimum of 70% of value and a maximum of 110%. He said that a price for
a revaluation by a licensed/certified firm would be $320,000, and an
in-house, (Mr. Dow?), revaluation would cost $85,000. 

A Town of Lisbon revaluation was put out to bid and 3 bids came in. One was $110,000, +/-,
one for $85,000 and the third was $8,000. Now that is a big difference.

 Mr. Dow and Town Manager Eldridge were, it appeared, ready to accept the low
bid. Evidently they both know the owner of the firm. (One can interpret that
anyway one would like.) The Council said they would like more information on
how the land revaluation was to be done.  

So TM Eldridge had William Van Tuinen of that firm give a presentation at the February 2, 2010 Town Council
meeting. And only that firm! Why were both firms not invited to give
presentations? This question was asked, but not answered. 

 In Mr. Van Tuinen's presentation, he gave his qualifications and explained
how he planned to go about his land only revaluation. He said he is familiar
with the town's computer system, spoke a lot, and in my estimation, said not
much, about how it would be done. He used technical terms the public would
not be familiar with. I've been a Realtor for over 30 years, have done many
opinions of value and seen a good many appraisals, and I did not come close
to understanding his approach and method. Not once did he say that he would
be spending time in town, driving around and becoming familiar with the
town, the different areas and sections of town. 

Am I wrong, but I for one would have liked to have heard presentations from
Mr. Van Tuinen's Land Appraisal firm and the one that gave the $35,000 bid. 

In this day and age one needs to get the most bang for their buck. The
highest price is probably not be the most acceptable, nor the lowest. Maybe
not even the middle one. But the lowest and middle should, at least have
been presented to the public.
 
It was almost comic, but very disturbing to me, to watch TM Eldridge and Mr.
Dow exchange smiles, winks and nods of the head during Mr. Van Tuinen's
presentation and the questions and answers after. As though "we sure are
putting this one over on the public".

 Talk about transparency in government.

This was very transparent. I felt as though we, the Town of Lisbon, like or
not, were having this crammed down our proverbial throats. It was very
apparent the 3 all know each other very well, and qualified or not, the
William Van Tuinen Land Appraisal firm was awarded the job, on a 5 for and
one against vote. Guess who was the dissenting vote? The voice and vote of
reason, Mr. Roger Cote.
 
When someone in the audience asked if the public would be kept informed with
the ongoing revaluation, TC Chairman Mike Bowie spoke up and explained at
length that we certainly would be kept informed, every step of the way. I
felt that should have been the Town Managers responsibility to reassure us,
as he is the one in the Town Office, and supposedly, the one in charge.
Makes one wonder just who is running our town?

A plea to the public, please watch all Town Council meetings. This is your
town. You do not even have to leave the comfort of your home. All it takes
is a few hours of your time, twice a month, at 7 p.m. the first and third
Thursdays of the month. I watch on Channel 7.

Tune in, Sit back and be entertained and informed.

My thoughts, and mine alone.

Dot Fitzgerald

A Very Concerned Citizen
 
Need I say more? Mr. Cote needs help on the Town Council. It is not too
early to think about November 2010 elections. 

Lisbon Gets Ready For $350K Bond Vote

Reminder Tonight on Local Cable Channel 7 at 7:00pm airing of Tues. Night's Public Meeting

Some Highlights:

• Vote passed to send the school's request for a  $350K bond to the voters...
•  Town hires Mrs. Maloy as Finance Director at $um $60K/yr.....out of 29 applicants for the position
•  Town officials are seriously entertaining Revaluation of the town's assessed value,,, seriously.....
• Town Budget process to be so Secretive this year,,, you won't know who's doing what, when,...SNAFU...
•  Be sure to notice who votes for what...
• November is only 9 months away...Give Councilor Cote Some Help!!!

Channel 22 at 7:00pm will air a previously held School Committee meeting.

KNOCK KNOCK,,, " I Hear You Knocking But You"ll Have To Shoot Your Way In"

"The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) intends to purchase sixty Remington Model 870 Police RAMAC #24587 12 gauge pump-action shotguns for the Criminal Investigation Division. The Remington parkerized shotguns, with fourteen inch barrel, modified choke, Wilson Combat Ghost Ring rear sight and XS4 Contour Bead front sight, Knoxx Reduced Recoil Adjustable Stock, and Speedfeed ribbed black forend, are designated as the only shotguns authorized for IRS duty based on compatibility with IRS existing shotgun inventory, certified armorer and combat training and protocol, maintenance, and parts."

Read More Here ->>

Dear Congress

More On 'Our Safety' While Traveling On Airlines

• "This is more like a college fraternity than it is a professional government service in some ways," Sidebottom said of the TSA, which is a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
  
  • Suits like Leidner’s have been filed over activities at many FAM field offices. Sidebottom says he believes diversity of the agency is at the root of the problem.
  
  "They don’t want women. They don’t want African-Americans. They don’t want Hispanics. They don’t want disabled vets. They don’t want anyone with homosexual tendencies," Sidebottom said. "They want strong, big, burly, white guys who do exactly what they’re told to do and don’t talk back or raise any type of questions about their job with their supervisors."

"Lawsuit Questions Local Federal Air Marshal Ops.

Reported by: Tom McKee Email: tmckee@wcpo.com Last Update: 10:08 am

Lawsuit Questions Local Federal Air Marshal Ops.

COVINGTON, Ky. -- Tales of alleged sexual harassment, discrimination, intimidation and bribery could be part of a hearing Wednesday at U.S. District Court in Covington.

They’re elements of a federal lawsuit filed by Nancy Leidner, the only female Federal Air Marshal (FAM) assigned to the Cincinnati Field Office in Erlanger.

A key component to the suit is whether the issue affects air travel safety.

Leidner had her security clearance revoked in December 2009. Officials from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) say it was because of a $109 expense report error from 2006. The money was repaid, but the TSA ruled she could no longer be trusted with classified information."

Read and View More Here->>

Did You Know?

Obama Surrendering Internet to Foreign Power 

Without the ingenuity of America’s brightest minds and the investment of U.S. taxpayer dollars, there would be no Internet, as we now know it today.

Now, the Obama administration has moved quietly to cede control of the Web from the United States to foreign powers.

Some background: The Internet came into being because of the genius work of Americans Dr.Robert E. Kahn and Dr. Vinton G. Cerf. These men, while working for the Department of Defense in the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency in the early 1970s, conceived, designed, and implemented the idea of "open-architecture networking."

This breakthrough in connectivity and networking was the birth of the Internet.

These two gentlemen had the vision and the brainpower to create a worldwide computer Internet communications network that forever changed the world and how we communicate in it.

They discovered that providing a person with a unique identifier (TCP/IP) that was able to be recognized and interact through a network of servers would allow users to communicate with others.

The servers would use a series of giant receivers to recognize the identifier and connect networks to networks, passing on information from computer to computer in a seamless real-time exchange of information. This new process of communication became know as the "information super highway," aka, the Internet.

Now for the bad news:

 In an effort to show the world how inclusive, sharing, cooperative, and international America can be, the Obama administration set off on a plan to surrender control and key management of the Internet by the U.S. Department of Commerce and its agents.

The key to the control America has over the Internet is through the management of the Domain Name System (DNS) and the giant servers that service the Internet.

Domain names are managed through an entity named IANA, the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority. The IANA, which operates on behalf of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is responsible for the global coordination of the DNS, IP addressing, and other Internet protocol resources.

In short, without an IP Address or other essential Internet protocols, a person or entity would not have access to the Internet.

For years, the international community has been pressuring the United States
to surrender its control and management of the Internet. They want an international body such as the United Nations or even the International Telecommunications Union, (an entity that coordinates international telephone communications), to manage all aspects of the Internet in behalf of all nations.

The argument advanced for those seeking international control of the Internet is that the Internet has become such a powerful, pervasive, and a dependent form of international communications, that it would be dangerous and inequitable for any one nation to control and manage it.

Just this past spring, within months of Obama's taking office, his administration, through the Department of Commerce, agreed to relinquish some control over IANA and their governance. The Obama administration has agreed to give greater representation to foreign companies and countries on IANA.

This amounts to one small step for internationalism and one giant leap for surrendering America's control over an invention we have every right and responsibility to control and manage.

$ome Of What Our Taxes $upport

  The Global Hawk

  This is a photo of the Global Hawk UAV that

returned from the war zone recently under its own

power.

 

 ( Iraq  to Edwards AFB in CA) - Not transported via C5 or C17....

  Notice the mission paintings on the fuselage.

 It's actually over 250 missions....(And I would suppose 25 air medals).

 That's a long way for a remotely-piloted aircraft.

Think of the technology (and the required quality of the data link to fly it remotely).

  Not only that but the pilot controlled it from a nice warm control panel at Edwards AFB.

Really long legs -- can stay up for almost 2 days at altitudes above 60k. The Global Hawk was

controlled via satellite; it flew missions during OT & amp;E that went from Edwards AFB to upper  Alaska and back non-stop.

 

 Basically, they come into the fight at a high mach # in mil thrust, fire their AMRAAMS, and no one ever sees them or paints with radar. There is practically no radio chatter because all the guys in the flight are tied together electronically, and can see who is targeting who, and they have AWACS direct input and 360 situational awareness from that and other sensors.

 

The aggressors had a morale problem before it was all over. It is to air superiority what the jet engine was to aviation.

It can taxi, take off, fly a mission, return, land and taxi on its own. No blackouts, no fatigue, no relief tubes, no ejection seats, and best of all, no dead pilots and no POWs.

 

Pretty cool, huh?

Y'ah Ready For This One? What Was That Saying?...no child WHAT?

"Backdoor taxes to hit middle class

* Taxpayers who itemize will lose the option to deduct state sales-tax payments instead of state and local income taxes;

* The $250 teacher tax credit for classroom supplies;

* The tax deduction for up to $4,000 of college tuition and expenses;

* Individuals who don't itemize will no longer be able to increase their standard deduction by up to $1,000 for property taxes paid;

* The first $2,400 of unemployment benefits are taxable, in 2009 that amount was tax-free.

 

By Terri Cullen Terri Cullen – Mon Feb 1, 4:09 pm ET

 

NEW YORK (Reuters.com) --The Obama administration's plan to cut more than $1 trillion from the deficit over the next decade relies heavily on so-called backdoor tax increases that will result in a bigger tax bill for middle-class families.

In the 2010 budget tabled by President Barack Obama on Monday, the White House wants to let billions of dollars in tax breaks expire by the end of the year -- effectively a tax hike by stealth.
While the administration is focusing its proposal on eliminating tax breaks for individuals who earn $250,000 a year or more, middle-class families will face a slew of these backdoor increases.
The targeted tax provisions were enacted under the Bush administration's Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001. Among other things, the law lowered individual tax rates, slashed taxes on capital gains and dividends, and steadily scaled back the estate tax to zero in 2010."

Continue reading->>

Did You Know...

"Last U.S. veteran of World War I turns 109

By Paul Courson, CNN

February 1, 2010 5:32 p.m. EST

Sen. John Thune of South Dakota helps Frank Buckles, right, speak before a Senate subcommittee in December.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Frank Buckles, 109 on Monday, is the last living U.S. veteran of WWI
• Buckles wants lawmakers to make D.C. monument a national WWI memorial
• Monument currently honors only D.C. veterans of the war
• Congress has not yet decided on the legislation

Charles Town, West Virginia (CNN) -- The last surviving U.S. veteran of World War I, former Cpl. Frank Buckles, turned 109 on Monday and is still hoping for a national memorial to his comrades in Washington.
More than a dozen friends and relatives gathered Monday afternoon at the West Virginia farmhouse where Buckles lives to wish the old soldier well. One friend included U.S. Army Sgt. Gustavo Rodriguez, who was Buckles' escort in 2008 during a trip to Washington when he met with then-President George W. Bush.
Rodriguez recently returned from a tour of duty in Iraq, and he presented Buckles with a folded American flag that had flown over an Army camp on the Fourth of July."

Continue reading>>

Let's See,,,

*LET ME SEE IF I GOT THIS RIGHT.*
IF YOU CROSS THE NORTH KOREAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU GET 12 YEARS HARD LABOR.
IF YOU CROSS THE IRANIAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU ARE DETAINED INDEFINITELY.
IF YOU CROSS THE AFGHAN BORDER ILLEGALLY, YOU GET SHOT.
IF YOU CROSS THE SAUDI ARABIAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU WILL BE JAILED.
IF YOU CROSS THE CHINESE BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU MAY NEVER BE HEARD FROM AGAIN.
IF YOU CROSS THE VENEZUELAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU WILL BE BRANDED A SPY AND YOUR FATE WILL BE SEALED.
IF YOU CROSS THE CUBAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU WILL BE THROWN INTO
POLITICAL PRISON TO ROT.
IF YOU CROSS THE U.S. BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU GET :
* A JOB,
* A DRIVERS LICENSE,
* SOCIAL SECURITY CARD,
* WELFARE,
* FOOD STAMPS,
* CREDIT CARDS,
* SUBSIDIZED RENT OR A LOAN TO BUY A HOUSE,
* FREE EDUCATION,
* FREE HEALTH CARE,
* A LOBBYIST IN WASHINGTON
* BILLIONS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF PUBLIC DOCUMENTS PRINTED IN YOUR
LANGUAGE
* THE RIGHT TO CARRY YOUR COUNTRY’S FLAG WHILE YOU PROTEST THAT YOU
DON’T GET ENOUGH RESPECT

I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE I HAD A FIRM GRASP ON THE SITUATION…

The 2010 State of the Union Address

President Obama speaks about restoring security for middle class families after a lost decade of declining wages, eroding retirement security and escalating health care and tuition costs. January 27, 2010

State of the Union Address...

It's all Bush's fault ...  

Down on the Farm

Only a Farm Kid..

When you're from the country ~ you look at things a
little differently...

 

A Montana rancher got in his pickup and drove to a neighboring ranch and
knocked at the door. A young boy, about 9, opened the door "Is your Dad
home?" the rancher asked.

"No sir, he isn't," the boy replied. "He went into
town."

"Well," said the rancher, "Is your Mother here?"

"No sir, she's not here either. She went into town
with Dad."

"How about your brother, Howard? Is he here?"

"No sir, He went with Mom and Dad."

The rancher stood there for a few minutes, shifting
from one foot to the other and mumbling to himself.

"Is there anything I can do for you?" the boy asked politely. "I know where
all the tools are, if you want to borrow one. Or maybe I could take a
message for Dad."

"Well," said the rancher uncomfortably, "I really wanted to talk to your Dad.
It's about your brother Howard getting my daughter, Suzie, pregnant."'

The boy considered for a moment. "You would have to talk to Pa about that,"
He finally conceded.

"If it helps you any, I know that Pa charges $500
for the bull and $50 for the hog, but I really don't know how much he
gets for Howard."

Ice Jamb Photos Along The Kennebec River

The following photos were taken today between Augusta and Gardiner along the Kennebec River.

 

 

Lisbon Elected Officials‏

Article and photo by Paula Caron
Philip W. Sugg Middle School
Student Media Group Reporter.

Lisbon welcomes three new School Committee Members.

Pictured (l-r) George Caron, Kathi Yergin and Pete Reed.

Lisbon - On December 15, 2009 eleven elected officials were sworn into office by Town Clerk, Twila Lycette, at the Lisbon Town Office. Council at Large, Michael Bowie; Council District 2, Lori Pomelow; Council District 1, Mark Lunt. New School Committee Members, Three year term, Kathy Yergin and Pete Reed; and One year team, George Caron. Budget Advisory Board District 1, Richard Graham; Budget Advisory Board District 2, Dorothy Fitzgerald; Budget Advisory Board District At Large, Donald Fellows. Water Commission, Stan Doughty; Water Commission (Appointed to fill vacancy), Ken Wells.

“I am thankful for being elected to the School Board, shared Kathi Yergin. "Due to budget cuts, the School Committee will be to working very hard to keep staff and programs up and running in the schools. I am fortunate to be working with a Superintendent who's beliefs are the same as mine. I hope to work with other committees in the Town of Lisbon in an effort to better understand the issues of the Town as a whole. My concern is for the current students of Lisbon, and the future of students, who will someday attend the Lisbon School System.”

Fourth Structure Fire In 14 Days‏

Members of the Lisbon Fire Department were alerted on Sunday morning to the fourth house fire in two weeks. This time, members responded to 68 Main Street in Lisbon falls for a fire in the basement. Upon arrival firefighters encountered fire in the basement and the exterior wall of the residence. Quick work was made of the fire and the under control was sounded about thirty minutes later. The cause was determined to be an electrical short circuit. Damage to the structure and contents is estimated to be around $15,000.


This is the fourth structure fire in Lisbon in two weeks. Firefighters responded to 18 Ferry Road and found fire in several rooms and on two floors of the residence. The incident was quickly upgraded bringing units from Topsham to the scene and units from Durham and Lewiston covering the empty fire stations. The fire was determined to have been caused by electrical wiring. Damage to the structure and contents is estimated to be around $100,000. One firefighter was transported to the hospital after being treated for exhaustion.


One week later firefighters responded to 20 High Street for a fire in a 3 story house. Upon arrival firefighters found one occupant on the porch roof. The occupant had jumped from the 3rd floor window to escape the smoke. The fire was located to the first floor and part of the 2nd floor. Again, Topsham Fire responded to the scene to provide a Safety Engine and Durham and Lewiston covered at the empty stations. The fire was determined to have been caused by a candle left unattended. damamge to the structure and contents is estimated to be around $75,000. One occupant was treated and released from the hospital for burns to the hand.


Two days later firefighters were notified of a trailer fire in the Town and Country Trailer park. The fire was quickly contained the stove and exterior of the residence. Units from Topsham, Lewiston and Durham were covering the stations again. The cause was a stove fire and damage was estimated to be $4,000 .


The month has been extremely busy for the fire department with 32 calls for emergency services. This included 5 car crashes, 5 structure fires, 3 furnace malfunctions, and several alarm activations to name a few. The members of the department would like to express our thanks to the officers of the Lisbon Police Department for rerouting traffic during these incidents. A special thanks to the Dispatchers from Lisbon Police for their teamwork and handling of our many requests. We also want to thank the members of the Lisbon Water Department who have worked very hard to keep the hydrants clear of snow and for draining them after the many fires.

JASON LEVESQUE COMMENTS ON PRESIDENT OBAMA’S PROPOSED 2011 BUDGET

Contact:

Alicia Preston

                                                                        ap@theprestongroup.org

646-645-9373

JASON LEVESQUE COMMENTS ON PRESIDENT OBAMA’S PROPOSED 2011 BUDGET

     

Will Mike Michaud Reject the Massive Spending and Taxes Proposed by the President?                                                                                                                                          

Auburn, Maine – 2nd District Congressional candidate Jason Levesque released the following statement on President Obama’s proposed 2011 budget:

“Today President Obama announced his plans for the 2011 federal budget.  One thing is clear, the voices of Maine and those around the country, have not been heard by those in Washington. The budget includes tax hikes, massive spending hikes and despite the resolute failure of Stimulus 1, a proposed 100 billion dollar Stimulus 2.  The 3.8 trillion dollar budget actually plans on a $1.4 trillion dollar deficit.  This is completely unacceptable.  The people have demanded fiscal responsibility and we get the largest proposed deficit spending in history put forward to us.

“I saw firsthand during tours this past weekend in Guilford and Greenville the effects of this economy is having on our state—many areas are in economic disarray and so far, we have seen nothing from Congress that will truly help us with this situation. Washington has failed the people of Maine.  Mike Michaud has too long stood by his party leadership, instead of the people of Maine.  We cannot solve our problems by simply throwing money at them.  This is a lesson Mike Michaud, his Congress and this Administration has failed to recognize.  Let’s stimulate this economy by reducing the unnecessary and out dated regulations that are destroying small businesses in Maine. We need to bring the jobs that we have lost to other states and to Canada back here.   Made in Maine used to mean something, let’s make it mean something again. We can do this by reducing the cost of doing business so those companies can grow and hire. We need real health insurance reform that will actually reduce costs and increase accessibility.  We need real leadership that this Congress seems not to have.”  

 Jason Levesque, Candidate, 2nd Congressional District, Maine.

Candidate Announcement‏

Janice Comber

Citizens of Lisbon:

My name is Janice Comber. I attended the Town of Lisbon's Democratic Caucus today, January 31, 2010 at our Town Office and announced my candidacy for the District 104 State Representative seat. Let me say that I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to represent you in Augusta.

I am the daughter of Paul Chizmar and former State Representative Nancy Chizmar. Politics has been in our family for years. I assisted both of my parents in several of their campaigns and enjoyed every minute of it. I am extremely proud of my mother's legacy. She was an amazing woman who is sadly missed.

Education

 1979 graduate of Lisbon High School

Attended Vermont College of Norwich University and finished my Associates of Science degree in 1982 at the University of Maine at Farmington

I am currently a participant in the 2010 class of Emerge Maine.

Emerge Maine is the premier political leadership training program for Democratic women in Maine.

Our mission is to recruit, train and inspire Democratic women who are interested in public service. Emerge makes a long-term investment in these future leaders by honing their political skills: expanding their political networks, and providing them with the training needed to run and win.
EmergeMaine. http://www.emergemaine.org (January 31, 2010).

I am learning a lot from this training and look forward to putting it all into action throughout the summer and fall and when I become your State Representative.

I was approached today at the caucus and was asked questions regarding my husband's (Todd) blog site, The Lisbon Reporter. This person expressed confusion and wanted some clarification which I was happy to provide them. Yes, I am a Democrat and he is a Republican. We agree to disagree.  Shouldn't everyone? The blog is solely his. I have NOTHING to do with the items he posts and furthermore I do not have the authority.

I am running for the District 104 seat not my husband and certainly not his blog site. There should be no further confusion regarding this issue.

I look forward to meeting and hearing about any concerns you may have. Please don't hesitate to contact me at 353-6151 or janicecomber@myfairpoint.net.

Sincerely,

Janice Comber

Democrat Candidate 

Maine House of Representatives

District #104  Lisbon

Beautiful Song

 Click on the following link and listen to something special.

http://home.comcast.net/~singingman7/TNOTW.htm

Are We Safe When Traveling On Airlines?

Dear Readers,

Since shortly after 9/11, as a United Airlines B-777 captain flying out of New York City, I became aware of gross lapses in aviation safety and security while United Airlines was in chapter 11 bankruptcy. In consonance with federal laws, I attempted to report these issues via appropriate channels and lost my job after 35 years as a pilot.

Subsequently, I discovered other violations of federal law associated with the bankruptcy process and have spent the past three years attempting to report these issues to all levels and branches of government and law enforcement to no avail.

For more information, please visit our website at the site below. Any support you could render our organization would be greatly appreciated, as we are also concerned about air passenger safety and security, which I am sure that you are as well!

Thank you,

Captain Dan Hanley
National Public Spokesperson
Whistleblowing Airline Employees Association 

Airline Employee Whistleblowers

www.airline-whistleblowers.org

We serve as a cross-industry common website for airline employees and retirees from all airlines who have blown the whistle on alleged wrongdoing within the airline industry.

Lisbon's 2009 Financial Report

The financial report for fiscal year 2009

Click Here 

Figures Lie and Liars Figure 

Go Figure $$$ 

Requests for Information 

The financial report is designed to provide a general overview of the Town's finances for all those with an interest in the government's finances.  Questions concerning any of the information provided in this report or requests for additional financial information should be addressed to  Finance Director, Town of Lisbon, 300 Lisbon Road, Lisbon, ME 04250.
 

Big Brother and National Security Letters- Who'd A Thunk It

Another Damning Report on the FBI’s Abuse of Power

The Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) released another damning report last week on the FBI’s use of National Security Letters (NSLs).

NSLs allow the FBI to secretly demand sensitive customer information from telephone and internet communications companies, financial institutions and credit agencies—without suspicion or prior judicial approval. The statute was broadly rewritten in the Patriot Act. Anyone who receives an NSL is "gagged," so they can't tell anyone they received one. This violation of the First Amendment enshrined into the Patriot Act has made NSLs the FBI's go-to surveillance tool since 9/11. And they've been abusing this tool repeatedly.

The OIG report released last week is the third report of abuse in the last four years that details the bureau’s flagrant and institutionalized abuse of NSLs. The FBI assures us they have this under control.

For years, Congress has stood by while report after report has been released. The bureau clearly cannot be trusted to police itself, so it’s time to stand up to the FBI's pick-and-choose approach to the rules. Congress must fulfill its oversight role and ensure that this power is reined in.

Congress will soon be voting on reauthorizing three provisions of the Patriot Act, including the NSL provisions. It is time to tell them to rein in the government’s authority to dig through our sensitive information.

>>Take action: Tell your members of Congress to reform the Patriot Act.

More Great Photos From Paul Cyr

Now this is a Plow Truck.  Lisbon can only hope for.

 

Route 2 in Dyer Brook

Tower on #9 mtn in Bridgewater

 

Windmills on Mars Hill mtn

Thanks to Paul Cyr.

NorthernMainePhotos.com

Democratic Caucus In Lisbon

2010 Maine Democratic Party Caucuses

Sunday, January 31, 2010

12:30 pm at Lisbon Town Office

FMI  Contact : Lisa Ward

Lisbon Falls – 12:30pm to 3:30pm @ Lisbon Town Office 4 Campus Street –Lisa Ward 353-7306

Email:  wellandgood@juno.com

http://www.mainedems.org/

http://www.androscoggincountydems.org/

Good Night Naval Air Station Brunswick

Tonight around 10:00pm Eastern

The Lights on America's Most Advanced Runway Go Out.

A Sincere Thank You For Keeping  US All Safe. 

Click here to read more. 

Some Facts here.

Town Council Notice‏

Lisbon - The  Lisbon Town Council public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, February 2  at 6 p.m. for a $350,000 school renovation.  The meeting is scheduled at Lisbon High School.  

TOWN OF LISBON, MAINE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER
A PROPOSED ORDER
TO APPROVE
GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND - $350,000
Notice is hereby given that the Town Council of Lisbon, Maine will meet at the Lisbon High School Gym, 2 Sugg Drive, Lisbon Falls, Maine at 6:00p.m. on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, to conduct a public hearing to consider the adoption of an order to authorize the issuance and delivery of $350,000 of General Obligation Bonds of the Town to provide funding for Lisbon High School Renovations, including Accessibility Improvements to the School Entrance and Renovations to the Gymnasium Roof and North Side Windows. The Bonds are to be sold to the Maine Municipal Bond Bank or such other purchaser and on such terms as the Town Council shall approve. After the public hearing on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, the Council will act to approve or disapprove the order authorizing sale of the Bonds before the question is submitted to public referendum pursuant to Town Charter. Signed written comments received by the Council before the public hearings will be considered.

TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2010
LISBON HIGH SCHOOL GYM
6:00 P.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE TO FLAG

2. ROLL CALL
___Councilor Bowie ___Councilor Larochelle ___ Councilor Mason
___Councilor Cote ___Councilor Lunt ___Councilor Pomelow
___Councilor Crafts

Town Clerk reading of meeting rules

3. PUBLIC HEARING

A. School General Obligation Bond Public Hearing

4. CONSENT AGENDA

2010-23 ORDER A. Minutes of January 5, 2010

B. Town Manager’s Contract Renewal

C. Forfeiture Approval

5. COUNCIL ORDERS, RESOLUTIONS, & ORDINANCES

2010-24 ORDER − School General Obligation Bond Order

2010-25 ORDER − Council Recommendation for Ballot

2010-26 ORDER −Warrant for Special Town Meeting &Bond Referendum Election

2010-27 ORDER − Approve Municipal Budget Calendar

2010-28 ORDER −William Van Tuinen Land Appraisal

6. OTHER BUSINESS

A. Town Manager’s Report

7. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

8. APPOINTMENTS

2010-29 ORDER − Board of Assessment Review (4)

9. COUNCILOR COMMUNICATIONS

10. EXECUTIVE SESSION

11. ADJOURNMENT
2010-30 ORDER to Adjourn

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF MAINE RELEASES REPORT ON MAINE CANDIDATE PACS

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF MAINE RELEASES REPORT ON MAINE CANDIDATE PACS

 Today at 12:31pm

Augusta -- The League of Women Voters of Maine (LWVME) today released its long-awaited study report, “Candidate PACs: Follow the Money,” which finds that the vast majority of contributions to candidate Political Action Committees (PACs) in Maine come from businesses and corporations.

The study report, which examined thousands of donations to Maine candidate PACs from 2005-2006 (the last gubernatorial election cycle), found that corporations and businesses were by far the largest contributors to candidate PACs during that period, outstripping individuals, unions and professional associations. Not surprisingly, the majority of contributions received by candidate PACs came from large donors.

In the works for two years, the report comes on the heels of the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in Citizens United v. FEC, which overturned the federal ban on independent expenditures by corporations and unions, while upholding disclosure requirements. The Court’s decision itself will have little effect in Maine, since Maine has no limits on corporate participation in PACs or in making independent expenditures.

Barbara McDade, president of the League of Women Voters of Maine noted that “although important disclosure requirements were upheld that keep the process transparent, the League’s study makes clear that without limits, business and corporate interests are able to thoroughly dominate candidate PACs affecting state office.”

The paper is the fourth in a series of reports from the League’s "Money in Politics: PACs in Maine” study begun in 2007. The series is aimed at helping Maine citizens understand the role of PACs in financing candidate elections. This study focuses on how PACs are funded, how they influence candidate elections, and what changes, if any, should be proposed to limit the influence of private money on elected officials. PACs involved in ballot initiatives are not included as they present very different issues and deserve their own study.

The full report can be read at LWVME’s website, at [ http://www.lwvme.org/pac_study.html ]http://www.lwvme.org/pac_study.html.

Here's Something That Will Compliment Any Reading

Congo Bars

2/3 Cup       Canola Oil (or melted butter cooled for 10 minutes)

1 Pound     Light Brown Sugar- packed

3     Eggs

2 2/3      Sifted Flour

2 1/2 Tsp.     Baking Powder

1/2 Tsp.     Salt

(1)  12 oz. Package of semisweet Chocolate morsels

Half pieces of pecans or walnuts (optional)

Put oil into large mixing bowl.  Add brown sugar and mix well by hand with stiff spoon.  Add eggs to mix,

beating after each addition.  Add rest of ingredients except pecans and mix well.  Spread mix in greased

pan about 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 inches (prefefably glass).

Garnish with pecans- space them to the size you want to cut the squares.  Bake at 350 degrees

for 25 - 30 minutes until a cake tester comes out clean.  (DON'T OVERBAKE).  Let Cool and cut into squares.

The canola oil keeps the bars moist.  When baking it can be difficult to make sure the center is cooked and not overcook the edges.  Overcooking due to the canola oil gives it a funny taste.