Local Elections Leaves A Lot To Be Desired

8/9/10 George Caron for School Committee: Filed 8/13/10

8/12/10 Traci Austin for School Committee: Filed 9/17/2010.

8/16/10 Fern Larochelle, Jr for Town Council At Large: Filed 9/7/10

8/17/10 Gina Mason for Town Council District 1: Filed 9/16/2010      NO CHALLENGER???

8/17/10 Bill Bauer for Water Commission: Filed 9/14/2010

8/17/10 Roger Bickford for Council District 2: Filed 8/20/2010

8/17/10 Dot Fitzgerald for Council At Large: Filed 8/23/2010.

8/18/10 John Wierzbicki for Budget Advisory Board Dist #1: Filed 9/9/2010

8/20/2010 James Bruce Lemieux for Council District 2: Filed 9/17/2010

8/24/2010 Debbie Ann Barry for Budget Advisory Board District 2.Filed 9/14/2010.

8/27/2010 Janet Henry for School Committee.  Failed to Qualify

9/13/2010 Richard "Rick" Graham for Council At large: Filed 9/20/2010.

 No challenger for District 1 Council seat.  Guess that means you all are very happy with the performance of current person.  Way to Go Lisbon Residents.

If you are not,  the only recourse now is a write-in campaign.  Good Luck!

Eldridge's Salary‏

Hi there,
I've been following this tax mess (much credit to your site for keeping 
people, as well as myself, in the loop) closer lately and have offered 
the same point each time when discussing it with people: Why are we 
footing this huge bill when Steve Eldridge makes excessive amounts of 
money to be a town manager in a small town? In 2009, he made over 
eighty-seven thousand dollars. I don't have a 2010 report, so I don't 
know what his salary is this year, but I have a hard time believing it 
has gone down and not up. So why is Eldridge keeping his salary up and 
not taking a cut, while we get stuck with a massive increase in our 
bills? I'm very involved in politics, so I know, it is a very farfetched 
idea to suggest any figure in any level of politics would willingly take 
a cut. But how can we, as citizens with already high taxes, accept this 
while Eldridge keeps his cozy pay?
 
I don't buy a single thing this man says. And although I was unable to 
attend the emergency meeting on Friday, I intend being at the Tuesday 
meeting. I hope that many Lisbon citizens will not let this situation 
rest and flood the building again.
 
And Eldridge needs to go. But he's not the only one.
 
A very concerned citizen,
Chris Dixon

A reader’s response to Concerned Citizen Greg Garrison

A reader’s response to Concerned Citizen Greg Garrison

Good letter Greg. A few comments:

1. Councilor Cote’s statement to taxpayers to not pay their taxes was probably a little extreme but it did get everyone’s attention. Even the media picked up on it. That probably was not his intent, but it worked. He has been telling the citizens of Lisbon that things were not right ever since he was elected to the Town Council, with the highest vote EVER.

2. Councilor Cote has been complaining to Town Manager Eldridge, at council meetings, for months that he was not receiving e-mailings from town office. THAT IS WRONG, but all Eldridge would do was shrug his shoulders and nothing changed.

3. Now here comes Councilor Mason, who was not notified in advance about the tax fiasco and she is astounded and horrified that she be left out. Did she ever question and support Councilor Cote as to why he was not receiving e-mails from Town Office? Did any of the councilors question and support him?

4. If you were at Friday, September 17, 2010 special Town Council meeting you would have heard former Assessor Jerry Samson’s explanation of why the tax fiasco should not have happened. Another reason it should not have happened is that Mr. Pat Dow, the present assessor, hired by Town Manager Eldridge and Eldridge alone, was NOT qualified for the job. The good old boy’s club? A friend needing a job? A Maine Municipal Association reject bounced around?

Deja Vou, Development Director Miss Rosie Bradley. Hired by newly appointed Town Manager Eldridge and Eldridge alone? no committee? not qualified for the job and overpaid?

5. As to your suggestion about 15% cuts in pay. Good thinking. Only we have the Union to deal with. Do you think for one minute the Union would go along with that? A former Councilor once told me, “We have to bargain in good faith”. My response to him was Council needs to bargain in good faith for the taxpayer. Some things never change.

Another Concerned Citizen

Running for Town Council, at Large

Dot Fitzgerald

Maine Web News Part 1 of Governor's Series

This interview is the first in a series that will put the focus of the Maine governors race back on the issues.

I'm Proud To Be An American

God Bless US All!!!

Lisbon's Special Tax Meeting, as reported by that paper Up River

“I’m embarrassed to sit here and tell you I didn’t know what was going on,” said Gina Mason, vice chairwoman of the council.

 Probably not as embarrassed as the people that voted you in. And now you are seeking re-election?  HELLO?????

And then there is your cousin and fellow councilor Dale Crafts...
 
"Now That is Funny and I don't Care Who You Are!..."

LISBON — The budget process was a mess from the start.

There were problems with software updates. The town’s computer guy left under bizarre circumstances. Town officials were late getting tax bills out in the first place and then there was an unexpected twist — a major devaluation of property was discovered and it would dramatically affect the amount of taxes people were expected to pay.

The bills went in the mail anyway. Outrage soon followed.

On Friday night, dozens of townspeople clutched those bills in white knuckles at the Town Office. They crowded Town Council chambers and spilled into the hallways.

Continue reading here-->>

Notice there was no special to the Sun Journal on this one.  No, they sent their big gun to cover this story. He probably had the best experience of his life and he got paid for it. It's a good thing he had a camera in his hands also, otherwise he would have had to sit on his hands to prevent himself from clapping with all the excitement. 

To The Town Of Lisbon Citizens:

The LISBON REPORTER could/should announce to the Town Of Lisbon Citizens: "I TOLD YOU SO".

 

 

Pappy

Tuesday's Town Council Meeting Agenda

AGENDA
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2010
LISBON TOWN OFFICE
6:30 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

4. CONSENT AGENDA
2010-153 ORDER A. Minutes of August 17, 2010
B. Pole Permit for 57 River Road

5. COUNCIL ORDERS, RESOLUTIONS, & ORDINANCES
2010-154 ORDER − Property Assessed Clean Energy Act (PACE) Ordinance (Final Reading)
2010-155 ORDER − Moratorium Ordinance Prohibiting Marijuana Dispensary Facilities (Final Reading)
2010-156 ORDER − Tax Rate of Interest

6. OTHER BUSINESS
A. Economic & Community Development Update
B. Finance Director’s Update
C. Town Manager’s Report

7. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

8. APPOINTMENTS
2010-157 ORDER − Board of Appeals Reappointment (1 - Term Expiring 2013)
2010-158 ORDER − Recreation Committee Reappointment (1- Term Expiring 2013)
2010-159 ORDER − Planning Board Reappointment (1- Term Expiring 2015)
2010-160 ORDER − Library Governing Board Reappointment (1- Term Expiring 2013)

9. COUNCILOR COMMUNICATIONS

10. EXECUTIVE SESSION
2010-161 ORDER 1 MRSA § 405 (6) (E) Consultations with legal counsel

11. ADJOURNMENT

2010-162 ORDER to Adjourn

Why No Real Explanation Of The Tax Hike?

So, we get a letter with our tax bill explaining the change in our assessed value of our property, why no real explanation of the tax hike?  A 24% increase of the property value and the corresponding drop in the mil rate would equal no raise in taxes.  Its pretty straight forward, simple math that shouldn’t be too hard to understand and was explained in the letter.  Likewise is the increase in the taxes … everyone should have received the same basic increase in their taxes … about 14.5 percent? … Please feel free to check my math … but if yours is more than 15% you should be camping out in the town office looking for an answer since there has been no individual revaluation of property.

So why no straight forward explanation of the 14+% raise in our property tax.  I’ll buy the increase in the municipal budget and I will even give the town a break on the percentages … but still this equates to an unexplained 12% increase in our tax bills.  Who has the authority to automatically raise our property taxes by that much?  And how exactly did the Dingleys tax assessment came back 1.8 million less than the year prior  

I do not agree with Councilor Cote’s statement of not paying your taxes, and to “financially collapse Lisbon” would no doubt have a larger impact on the residents in the long run.  If you have a mortgage on your house, which is probably most of us, the bank has no doubt already paid your taxes and is getting ready to reassess your escrow to increase your monthly payment.  The bank has a vested interest in your house and is probably not going to let you skip paying taxes or your insurance.

So we should expect “drastic changes in Lisbon Town Government immediately” – I’ll believe it when I see it, but I definitely agree with Michelle Turmelle, ALL the counselors should have been aware of the tax increase before it happened … they should have been aware of the tax assessment problem, as soon as possible not weeks or even days later. If there is a problem with a council member or members having this information as it is available then there is a bigger problem to solve.  That needs to change TODAY. There shouldn’t need to be a lawsuit with Dingley - if Dingley Press has been over assessed for years then the Town needs to work out a settlement, take ownership of the mistake and fix it.  But before we start screaming to cut services, like the police department, think about the options … and what they will cost

Last but not least … if we are going to make a change in the Town Government how about we start at the top and work our way down … start with a 15% cut in pay for the Counselors and the Town Manager … it really isn’t much compared to the 1.8 million .. but it’s a start … And I know it’s in his contract … but why is it again we allow the town manager to not only live outside the town but pay him mileage to drive back and forth to work?

Another VERY CONCERNED citizen,

Gregg Garrison

Deja Vue Lisbon

 

 

Remember this Letter?

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Good Advice From Someone Who Knows

Dear Editor,

The Town of Lisbon finds itself at a major crossroads. What is at stake is the town's future as well as its character. To go straight would mean accepting the status quo and allowing the Town Council and the Town Manager to continue to ignore the needs and wants of the citizens. To turn left would allow these people to enact Charter Revisions that will only serve to tighten their stranglehold on the community. The only favorable course of action is to turn to the right and take back control of the community from those who only serve for their own ego.

I write to the citizens of Lisbon from a unique perspective as I have been involved in this same fight here in Rumford. How ironic to read that Steve Eldridge, MMA's "Golden Boy," is once again in the middle of the struggle for government accountability and fiscal responsibility. The town is fortunate to have the Lisbon Reporter to provide taxpayers with not only the facts of what is going on in your community, but the background as well.

The best advice that I can offer you on fighting this war is to not allow these Charter changes to go through or to allow your Town Council or Town Manager to put together a Charter Commission. Most Charters limit how many revisions the Town Council or Board of Selectmen can put on a ballot in any one given year and when they need more they go to a Charter Commission. A Charter Commission is an evil beast; once created under State law there is no way to stop the beast when it turns on its own citizens. The appointed positions will be filled with cronies and they will have a preconceived agenda. This agenda will include abolishing any board or committees that have oversight over the council, changing elected positions to be appointed positions, and they will create job descriptions that rule out any local talent from ever being hired. Never let the beast loose in your town.

I encourage you to follow our lead and use the ballot box and the courts to ferret out the quislings among you and to return the government to the people. Remember -"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men/women to stand by and do nothing."

Good luck Lisbon.

Ron Theriault
Rumford, Maine

HOT BARN BURNER IN LISBON TONIGHT

To a standing room only capacity that trailed outside the town council chambers at the ol' TOWN OFFICE.  You might say Lisbon Had A Good Ol'Barn Burner of a meeting.   Councilor Roger Cote stands his ground and the Town's people stand behind him.  Expect drastic changes in Lisbon Town Government immediately.  Councilors will meet again on Monday evening to discuss more...  Please stay tuned to channel 13 News as they were broadcasting a live segment.   Please check back as we will be updating right here.


****UPDATE**** 22:50 HRS

Lisbon tax meeting gets rowdy

As if taxpayers in Lisbon weren't already mad enough-- they just got another reason Friday night. 

The town recently approved a double digit tax hike.. and while talking with residents about the reasons for that increase.. they revealed... homeowners might have to pay even more in the future. 

It was clear in Lisbon residents were not going to keep quiet on this issue, some saying they're paying hundreds of dollars more with this new increase, an increase they are clearly fighting.
Through the yelling many made it known they are opposed to the tax hike, some saying their bills went up more than fifteen percent....even shouting from the hallway to get their point across.

Click here to watch video

Lisbon in the News.

For those that missed the coverage of Channel 13 News, about the current story of councilor Roger Cote and the tax billing issues, we will bring it to you here on the Lisbon Reporter.  Please click here to view.

Bring your concerns to the Special Town Council Meeting Tonight at 6:30 pm in the Town Office.

Friday's Special Town Council Meeting Agenda

AGENDA
SPECIAL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2010
LISBON TOWN OFFICE
6:30 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

4. CONSENT AGENDA - None

5. COUNCIL ORDERS, RESOLUTIONS, & ORDINANCES - None

6. OTHER BUSINESS
A. Future Tax Billing Discussion

7. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

8. APPOINTMENTS - None

9. COUNCILOR COMMUNICATIONS

10. EXECUTIVE SESSION
2010-151 ORDER 1 MRSA § 405 (6)( E) Consultations with legal counsel – If Necessary

11. ADJOURNMENT
2010-152 ORDER to Adjourn

Emergency meeting for TC, really? Etc

Was it a matter of convenience or the hope that NOONE will show? 

 

I cant imagine the legitimacy in scheduling an emergency meeting for the public to attend on a Friday night!

 

  One of the busiest nights for parents of school age children.  Rather than rushing to have this meeting, maybe they should move the regular council meeting scheduled for the 21st and make that night the emergency meeting.  People are used to meetings occurring on Tuesday nights and it doesnt seem reasonable to hold this meeting with such short notice, emergency or not, and yet on a Friday night. 

 

I am curious as to why they selected a Friday night or was this night picked and chosen by ONE councilor alone?  

 

I watched the faces of the councilors when it was announced that Dingleys tax assessment came back 1.8 million less than the year prior (for those who were there or watched on TV, the name of the business was never spoken but if you have been following along it wasnt hard to figure out).  I found it odd that MOST of the councilors seemed surprised as if this was the first they were made aware of this tax shortfall one that has impacted OUR taxes so greatly this year, not just the increased assessment of our homes to the 80% threshold.

 

  Funny thing was, there was ONE councilor who didnt appear shocked at all.  I was not aware that one councilor is made privy to town items ahead of the rest.  I do believe ALL of the councilors should have been made aware of the situation ahead of the meeting and that means ALL not ONE. The town council is made up of 7 people, not one.  (The town manager stated he learned of this tax shortfall a few weeks prior to the Sept 7th meeting - why was it not announced until the TC meeting to the councilors, after tax bills were sent out?) 

 

This information should have immediately been made available to the town councilors as it affected the tax rate dramatically.  This was in addition to everyone being brought up to an 80% assessment rate. 

I am curious, is the town of Lisbon now at risk of a lawsuit by Dingley?? 

 

I am hearing rumors that we are.  I think the town councilors and the town manager owe the citizens and answer and to keep us informed as it is OUR tax dollars you are spending to fight legal battles...some as ridiculous as spending $10,000 fighting unemployment for a former employee or to take a home of a resident, abandoned or not.  We could have settled out of court for much less by just offering something to compensate the land owner for the lot since the house is not worth anything.   

 

I am curious to know, how close are we to our budgeted amount for legal so far in 2010/2011?  Is this a line that we will again go over on? 

 

Lets focus on the things that matter like not taking actions on items that drive people out of this town!!!!  People will not be able to afford to live here at the rate that we are going.

 

We ALL need to come together and affect change in Lisbon before it becomes a ghost town!  This community has been and is a great place to raise a family and I for one have been very appreciative of that.

 

A VERY CONCERNED citizen,

Michelle Turmelle

Lisbon Rec 7th/8th grade football 22 - Madison 30‏

On Wednesday 8/15, Lisbon Rec 7th/8th grade football sustained their first loss, 22-30 against Madison.

The offensive line fought valiantly, including center Logan Moulton, guards Beckett Wagner and Darren Ward, and tackles Robert Wood and Josh Collins.

 

Quarterback Kyle Bourget completed 6 of 7 passes for 115 yards, including a touchdown pass to wideout RJ Sargent.  Kyle also rushed for 105 yards on 15 carries.  Fullback Joe Philbrick had 15 carries for 117 yards, including 2 touchdowns and 2 two-point conversions.  Kyle

 

Lisbon Rec 7th/8th football next game is Wednesday, 9/22 at 4:00 pm. at Dirigo.

 

 

Mark Tupper

Head Coach

That Paper Up River, Just Doesn't Get It

Click here to read full article.

A state official warned that withholding property taxes, even in protest, isn't penalty-free.
Mike Rogers, supervisor of municipal services at Maine Revenue Services, said eventual repercussions include interest owed on the amount not paid and, eight months out, a notice of an impending lien on the property.

"It's very bad advice on (Cote's) part," Rogers said.

Why add this in.  It is meaningless.    Everybody knows that if, you don't or can't pay your taxes,  there is a charge of interest applied after the due date.  Then it goes it's course and if the tax bill is still unpaid a lien is used as a tool to secure the property for the unpaid tax bill.

There is no penalty for not paying because of a "protest" as that Up River paper implies.  Once again, the 'lamestream' media source passes an inaccurate message.

Withholding money for six months, as in not paying your tax bill, will financially collapse Lisbon.  Something like this has an immediate and drastic effect, particularly at a time when Lisbon's administration has bumbled everything so terribly in these tough economic times.  Something Councilor Cote has been battling, since he was elected by the highest recorded vote for a candidate in Lisbon's history.

KOOL-AID DRINKING ALIVE AND WELL IN LISBON‏

KOOL-AID DRINKING ALIVE AND WELL IN LISBON‏

Well, hopefully you didn't hurt yourself when you passed out looking at your tax bill. According to the town tax man the recession or depression were in (according to whether or not your a town employee) is over ( oh happy days are here again.............. ). My little piece of heaven gained $28 thousand dollars since last year and a whooping $8,000 in just the last six months ! WOW I thought we were still in hard times and come to find out my place is out performing the stock market.

  When you become fully conscious tou'll start looking for answers, you'll find last years tax bill and pass out a again, then go to the on-line tax "assistant" only to find IF your little slice of town is listed there the figures will again be different then the grumpled up bill on the floor. Then maybe you will put an ear to the wind and hear things like Dingley press has been over taxed for years and your mill rate went down and we haven't had a re-eval in years and the state requires a 70% rate ( bye the bye were now at 80% )

*********NEWS FLASH**********
THIS JUST IN THERE WILL BE AN EMERGENCY MEETING DEALING WITH OUR TAXES THIS FRIDAY THE 17TH AT 6:30 PM (THATS 18:30 FOR US MILITARY FOLKS) MAKE SURE YOU ARE THERE AND STAY AWAY FROM THE FREE KOOL AID STAND.

Signed, house for sale in Lisbon

Care Packages Gathered For Maine Troop In Afghanistan

 Andrew Calhoun of Lisbon puts a package of beef jerky alongside the other care package goodies headed for Maine’s National Guard 172nd Unit currently deployed in Afghanistan.

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Lisbon will gather cards and care package goodies on Sunday, Sept. 19^th for Maine’s National Guard 172^nd Unit (The Mountain Company) currently deployed in Afghanistan. 

In addition to sending care packages, members of the parish have committed to daily prayer by name for many members of the Maine National Guard.  The children attending the July Vacation Bible School also raised $442 to help purchase items for the boxes and help with shipping costs.

According to the Maine National Guard’s Chaplain’s office, the 172^nd Mountain Company lives in a very rustic environment (cots, no bathrooms) and the men have no access to stores.  The care packages include food items like energy bars and beef jerky and personal toiletry items like spray misters.

“We are grateful for their sacrifice and this opportunity to share in the ministry of Maine’s National Guard chaplains,” said the Rev. W. Beau Wagner, Rector of St. Matthew’s.

For more information visit:  www.StMatthewsLisbon.org  St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, founded in 1906, brings together contemporary worship with ancient ritual, Bible-based preaching, expressions of the Holy Spirit, and loving service to others.  The church is located on the hill off Route 196.

The Lisbon Promotions Committee Presents The 2nd Annual Lisbon Harvest Festival

The Lisbon Promotions Committee, part of the local revitalization effort, presents The 2nd Annual Lisbon Harvest Festival at MTM Park on Saturday the 25th of September from 12-4p.m. This festival allows for multiple Community Service organizations to host games and events in a kid friendly setting and raise money for their local volunteer-run groups. This year's event is pleased to have the following organizations  involved; Lisbon Area Christian Outreach Food and Clothing Pantry, Lisbon Community School PTO, Lisbon Music Boosters, Lisbon High School Class of 2014, Girl Scout Troop 1629, Brownie Troop 2180, Lisbon High School Drama Club, and Young Explorers.  All proceeds from ticket sales go to the group running each activity. 

The Lisbon promotions committee is also pleased to present Children's musician, Rick Charette, on The Pavilion Stage at 2 p.m.  This performance is free to the public thanks to the generous donations of TD Bank, Mr. James Tierney and Kidz Clothesline.

 

Please come out and support your local community service groups and enjoy fun and games for kids of all ages.

 

Ross Cunningham

Promotions Committee

 

 

Finally, some honesty in big buck hunting stories...

A true story ~ signature is authentic

My faith in internet stories has been restored.

Finally, some honesty in big buck hunting stories...

Here's a picture of the new world record whitetail. It was taken by the cousin of a co-worker's sister's, uncle's, best friend's, son-in-law's, niece's hairdresser's, neighbor's ex-boyfriend's oldest nephew. Reportedly it will score 2603-1/8 by B&C standard and was shot in  Lisbon Falls on a really windy day, 85 degrees downhill, around a curve on Rt.125 at 900 yards with a 22 mag. Supposedly, this deer had killed a Brahma bull, two Land Rovers and six Jehovah's Witnesses in the last two weeks alone. They said it was winning a fight with Bigfoot when it was shot. It had also been confirmed that the buck had been seen drinking discharge water from a nuclear power plant.

This has been checked on Snopes who confirmed it. Honest!!!

Sincerely,

Mike Bowie

Has The Public's Perception Of Air Safety Been Deceived?

Whistleblower News Roundup 9.15.10

by Lindsay Bigda on September 15, 2010

( The Whistleblogger / 2010 )

Cincinnati.com: Air Marshal's Office Under Scrutiny

Homeland security officials are focusing this week on the Federal Air Marshal's Cincinnati office as part of a larger investigation into agency misconduct. The Cincinnati office -- which faces allegations of discrimination and retaliation, as well as six federal lawsuits -- has been marked as one of the worst in the country. The oversight committee has intervened in the Cincinnati suits due to allegations of systemic retaliation against potential witnesses.

Continue reading here-->> 

It is too important not too!!!

Learn What Really Went On With Your Air Travel Safety

Interview with Robert MacLean, Federal Air Marshal Whistleblower

by Lindsay Bigda on September 15, 2010 ( The Whistleblogger / 2010 )

© Las Vegas Review-Journal, 2010, reprinted with permission. Photo by John Gurzinski.

Robert MacLean served as a Federal Air Marshall (FAM) with the Transportation Security Administration. In 2003, MacLean revealed a cost-cutting plan, via text message, to cancel FAM coverage from long distance flights on the eve of a confirmed al-Qaeda suicidal hijacking plan. The plan never went into effect after Congress protested – based solely on his whistleblowing disclosure.

However, MacLean was fired three years later, when the Transportation Security Administration retroactively labeled the information he reported with a “hybrid-secrecy” label – “sensitive security information.” MacLean fought back against the retaliation, but several years later he still awaits a decision on his appeal before the full Merit Systems Protection Board, which now has new members appointed by President Obama.


GAP: How did people try to stop you from divulging the information you had, and what barriers did you face going forward?


MacLean: At the time, even with my eight years of federal law enforcement experience, I had no clue what the U.S. Office of Special Counsel was. And if you asked me what that office was, I probably would have told you that was a special agency in the DOJ that prosecuted people for political corruption. So I had no idea that it was a place that whistleblowers could go outside of their agencies to make disclosures. I pretty much thought you could only go up your chain of command, eventually to the Inspector General (IG). Even making disclosures to Congress for me was illegal, because it’s going outside the executive branch.

Continue reading here-->>

Read This About Other School Systems

Money is not what schools need

John Stossel

 

U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan recently claimed: "Districts around the country have literally been cutting for five, six, seven years in a row. And, many of them, you know, are through, you know, fat, through flesh and into bone ... ."

Really? They cut spending five to seven consecutive years?

Give me a break!

Andrew Coulson, director of the Cato Institute’s Center for Educational Freedom, writes that out of 14,000 school districts in the United States, just seven have cut their budgets seven years in a row. How about five years in a row? Just 87. That’s a fraction of 1 percent in each case.

Duncan may be pandering to his constituency, or he may actually be fooled by how school districts (and other government agencies) talk about budget cuts. When normal people hear about a budget cut, we assume the amount of money to be spent is less than the previous year’s allocation. But that’s not what bureaucrats mean.

Continue Reading Here -->> 

Lisbon Residents, Enough Is Enough

Dear Lisbon Residents,

I am writing to you in hopes that you have had enough of the CRAP that has been allowed to permeate OUR community.  

Referring specifically to the administration of Lisbon town government.  In particular the illegal dealings of council chair Mike Bowie.  He has continually withheld information from other councilors, manipulated information and deceived the taxpayers.  

We have reached a very critical financial situation in this town at the hands of town manager Steve Eldridge and  assessor Dow.  

We need to make a drastic change.  Until the town government administration 'Wakes Up' and corrects the many many wrongs that have been accumulating, you should not pay your tax bill.  It is necessary to do this collectively, as I strongly feel that there is no other way to turn this.   

Just yesterday, three councilors requested, of council chair Mike Bowie, to hold a "special' council meeting as mandated in the town charter, all to be REFUSED.  We have been inundated with calls from our constituents regarding this year's tax bill and requested this meeting so that we, as a town council  could discuss this important matter.

'

The Incompetence displayed by their 'own' actions by the current town manager, assessor and council chair warrant nothing else then to be thrown out of town along with the Chief of Police.  

It has been and continues to be a 'good ol' boys club' that we as a community cannot and must not put up with anymore.

Yours with honor,

Councilor Roger Cote

LePage, LeTaxes, LeLisbon LeLies ,,, Just Another Saga

WOW!   Check this out-->>http://www.wmtw.com/video/24992254/detail.html

TAXES seems to be the issue,  even in Lisbon Huh?.  

Will have to sleep on this one. More to come later.  

Stay tuned, and the race is on.

 Can you say Independent Kevin Scott for Governor?  

http://www.mainesbestchoice.com/

He has no tentacles attached to him like the Democrat or Republican candidates.

Be a better voter, be informed make this year's shot at Governor really count.

 http://www.mainesbestchoice.com/

Impossible for the US to undo the damage...

At the rate Obama is passing bills that will make it impossible for the US to undo the damage, all future elections will become meaningless.  Is that negative or realistic?  You decide but if you cannot see what is happening and recognize the severity of the situation we are doomed to failure.  

We must keep on fighting and not give up just because we are losing.  There will eventually be a revolution but that may be many generations away.  We took our wonderful freedom for granted and thought we were invincible but failed to notice what was going on in our every day life.  I am truly glad I will not be here to see the worst of it and I thought WWII was a problem for my generation.  It was a picnic compared to what is coming down the pike. 

I will never bet against the American people with respect to external threats but internal threats are entirely another matter.   I just wonder if our military will ever come to grips with the situation.  I have a strong inclination what they think individually but they are taught to obey orders no matter what and I can't see any current military leader stepping up to lead a resistance movement.  No military man in his right mind will dare tell even a buddy what he thinks. 

Does it all come down to God vs Islam?????? What I simply cannot comprehend is the number of people that still support Obama after all that has happened and is continuing to happen.  

That is the only reason I even dare write this commentary.  I don't see any of the younger generation, who will most affected long term, that even comprehends the severity of the situation   

The older generation will either be killed, die of starvation or neutralized in some manner.  By the time the next generation figures out what happened it will be too late to retaliate and they will just have to cope as best they can. 

EVEN CASTRO ADMITS THAT COMMUNISM IS A FAILED SYSTEM ( although I seriously doubt if he understands WHY)..............ART.

Rosie Resigns

 By Todd Comber


Lisbon Economic Development Director, Rosie Bradley, has developed herself so well at taxpayers expense that she is moving on to better hunting grounds. A little birdie said that the Bangor area was going to be her new cow to milk.

  With all the buildings being torn down in Lisbon, or that have been leveled, or business's opened then closed since she  helped cut their ribbons, one has to wonder

Just What Has  She Done For Lisbon Anyways? 

Has your investment in the position of Economic Development been well served?

She has gone to school at your expense to promote her own agenda.  Yes, you the taxpayers have paid for her professional development as it so named by your town manager.  Great investment for Lisbon, NOT.

In the real world, like working for a large corporation, if you further your education with their funds, they demand a time of service for retribution or return on their investment in you.  Not sure, but don't believe Lisbon will be getting anything back.  But maybe you should contact your councilor Gina Mason she  Gets It.

Seems the same thing happened in Rumford.

  The Big question is when will her 'municipal partner' Lisbon town manager Steve Eldridge do the same.  If you had a few  'real working' councilors it could have been accelerated, instead you have the Lisbon Liars Club.

But get this, Lisbon's real manager is Mike Bowie.  When you peak into the activities of the Lisbon municipal government, one would have to be blind or incompetent to not realize this.  But then Incompetence is something Lisbon loves as it is rampant in your wide spot along the Androscoggin. 




So what's next for Lisbon?  Will Norma be appointed to the Economic Development Director position? or Will Mike Bowie come out of the closet and dictate himself to be the new town manager?

Remember the motto:  Lisbon A Great Place to Live and do Business




 And the Race that has been talked about so much in the past, is it over now or will you get a new marathon to cheer for?


Bottoms Up!

Is Free Speech and Peaceful Assembly Only A Myth?

Watch this video that was shot on August 26, 2010 at the Alaska State Fair.  Because of the content YouTube is asking that everyone be over 18 to view it.  Now,  that maybe for some offensive language used or the sign he was carrying, you decide.  

We will honor their request by having you view it on their terms. 

Man Assaulted & Arrested at Alaska State Fair for ‘Impeach Obama’ Sign

This first day of the 2010 Alaska State Fair starts with sunny skies and a brutal assault by security personnel on a LaRouche supporter who non-violently, though quite vocally, refused to leave the private property of the Alaska State Fair, Inc.

At about 5pm Alaska Time, Thursday, August 26, 2010, security personnel approach Sidney Hill, a lone man peacefully displaying an impeach Obama sign near Pioneer Plaza on the Alaska State Fairgrounds in Palmer. Minutes later, a crowd assembles, additional security arrive, and they physically assault the man holding the sign after he refuses to leave. He's taken to the ground with force and detained.

An unidentified Alaska State Trooper arrives to physically disperse the crowd, and at several points during the conflict, crowd members yell in support of the demonstrator's right to speak his message. The demonstrator's personal firearm is confiscated by fair security, and he is held captive until Palmer police arrive to escort the man away in cuffs. The state trooper leaves before the police arrive.

Sidney Hill was in jail awaiting a pre-trial at 1:00pm on August 27, 2010 at the Palmer Courthouse. He was charged with Assault 4-Cause Fear Of Injury, Disorderly Conduct-Challenge To Fight, and Criminal Trespass 2- Upon Premises. However, according to the Valley Frontiersman newspaper, "Assistant District Attorney Trina Sears said her office decided not to prosecute Hill on the assault charge." The Alaska State Fair, Inc. contracted security and traffic control to StarPlex, a firm located in the Northwest Lower 48. Sid awaits trial in September and October for the remaining two charges.

SO you will have to click here to view.

We Shall Never Forget,,,God Bless US All

The 'Bone Crusher' Will Be at the Fly In

International Seaplane Fly In this weekend in Greenville and Brian Nutting, 'Bone Crusher' from American Loggers will be there.  Be sure to stop in and meet him and pick up an original 'Bone Crusher Logging' t-shirt or souvenir.