After quietly reading the Lisbon Reporter for over four years now, I can no longer be quiet.

Dear Editor,

After quietly reading the Lisbon Reporter for over four years now, I can no longer be quiet.

It saddens me greatly to see the direction the Town of Lisbon government has taken.  When I worked as an Economic Developer, the most important and fun part of my job was interacting with the dedicated citizens of Lisbon.  It didn't matter if they were from Lisbon or Lisbon Falls, the people that I got to interact were truly inspiring because they love their town.  I had it made working for the Town of Lisbon because of the citizens.  I was looking forward to pulling together the human capital in Lisbon because it was so easy.  The citizens of Lisbon are talented, have multiple skills, and want what's best for their community.  To learn that Faye Brown, an amazing woman, who gave and gave and gave to the Lisbon community in the form of aesthetics and character, is not going to be volunteering her time any longer breaks my heart.  To learn that the Moxie Festival that was beautifully run by hardworking, dedicated volunteers is now the number one responsibility of the new Economic Developer is even sadder.  But what makes my blood boil is the fact that the Town of Lisbon's current and past "non-citizen involvement" way of doing business is blowing up in their face, just like I told them it would. 

The straw that broke the camel's back when I worked as the Economic Developer was when I was disciplined for having a discussion with another staff member about a future economic development transaction.  Not only did my boss at the time, Chief David Brooks have a chit chat with me but Mike Bowie also did.  I was told that I was not allowed to talk about any economic development transactions with anyone because they wanted to keep it all confidential.  I told them that it was not possible because in order to do my job effectively, I needed to work with the citizens and keep them as informed as I could while respecting the potential business' need for confidentiality.  In the case of keeping information from the other staff member, they were basically asking me to work a deal and pull the rug out from underneath this person.  I'm talking about the teen center.  I had a business come to me interested in the teen center building.  I started with the person who was running the place at the time, Mark Stevens.  I told him about the interest the business owner had in the building not only out of respect but I wasn't about to do a business deal behind someone's back.  I spoke with Mark and learned that the building was donated and may have strings attached from the person who gave it to the town.  Of course this was important because we had a obligation to ensure that however we used that building, it was considered acceptable use not only by law but by the citizens of Lisbon.  You owned that property and therefore it was my duty to keep you in the loop.  Instead, Bowie and Brookes wanted me to keep the information from the public under the guise of economic development.  In most cases I would have kept the potential business identification confidential.  But in this case, the business owner also wanted the public or anyone else that had a stake to know that he was interested in purchasing the building.  He wanted to be upfront with the public.  And I understood why.  It's called good business, especially since the business owner recognized that the building was owned by the citizens of Lisbon, not Mike Bowie, not David Brooks.  

In order to do my job effectively, I needed the citizens of Lisbon.  I was not about to go behind your back when it involved a public building and then stretch the executive session clause that protects economic development endeavor's confidentiality.  I was not about to steal a building out from underneath a co-worker.  I had the conversation with the business owner about getting the okay from the Lisbon citizens first.  The business owner had no problems with that.  Why would Brookes and Bowie then pull me aside to scold me for not keeping the teen center building proposal confidential?  I'll tell you why.  Like most loans made by the Town of Lisbon, they were given to those businesses who would guarantee a return.  It was a revolving loan fund all right.  It revolved a bunch of times because the loans were given to businesses who would be able to pay them back and they could make money off the interest.  It was a slush fund with no rules attached, no checks and balances, and no oversight.  If they gave a loan to the business who wanted to purchase the Teen Center, they were guaranteeing a return.  They sold a building to the business, the business used economic development funds to purchase the building, therefore the money went from one Lisbon Account to another.  This same account was where the $32,500 was stolen from. 

What I find the most interesting is that Dan Feeney gave a loan to Davis Landscaping so that he could purchase a building next to his property.  Davis Landscaping also held the landscaping contract with the Town of Lisbon.  I learned that Mr. Davis purchased the property with economic development funds.  There was no business, no mention of business, no nothing just a request from Mr. Davis that I help him sell the lot.  In essence, he was asking me to be his real estate agent so that he would not have to pay a commission when he did sell the building.  He was never my priority.  Although, Mike Bowie went out of his way to express to me that he was impressed that I contacted Mr. Davis.  I only contacted him because the dude owed the town money and I wanted to make sure he paid since he never should have got the money to begin with.  I was very disappointed that he was tying up over $150,000 of funds that could have been utilized in other ways, ie a loan to a business (what a novel concept), an investment in our infrastructure, a matching fund, anything but in his hands.  It was another loan that turned my stomach because of its unfairness to the citizens of Lisbon and to me as the Economic Development Director.  I could have used that money in many, many wonderful ways that would have directly impacted the community, not just one man.  That is what those funds are there for.  These are federal funds for the community.  Stealing federal funds does not have a statute of limitation on them.  And that is exactly what has been going on in the Town of Lisbon.  

It is so disheartening to see the citizens of Lisbon work so hard to do what is right by their town but for all the wrong reasons.  If the Town of Lisbon would quit jerking the public around and put the effort into building alliances for the betterment of all in the community, you would see amazing results.  Instead you have a town council and others in positions of power ensuring that you don't know what is going on while they make all the decisions for you.  Having a town council who represents and one that thinks they know what is best for you is not what is going on.  The current town council is working hard to protect their freedom because if you knew what was really going on, people would be going to jail.  Unfortunately in the State of Maine, we have the Home Rule law which protects these "under the dome" towns via the Maine Constitution.  There is no oversight of a municipal government or checks and balances so unless the citizens step forward nothing will get done.  

Lisbon has the potential to be an amazing community.  I was planning on staying for years to see it all through.  I was looking forward to awarding contracts to bidders from Lisbon.  I was looking forward to helping our businesses.  I was looking forward to developing the business park at Longchamps.  And, I was looking forward to helping you make Lisbon beautiful.  It sucks to have to dump your energy into dealing with ignorance but its gotta be done.  To those Lisbon citizens who don't know what to do but want it to stop so that you can make your town a home start with writing a letter to the Androscoggin DAs office and the Maine Attorney General's office.  Put the pressure on them and tell them that you mean business.  Tell them that you want something done about the stealing of federal funds.  I am your witness.  They do have a case.  You cannot get rid of the bank records or any financial transactions.  That is all recorded and will tell the story of dirty dealings in the past and present.  This is your money.  And I give you my word that I will stand behind all of my statements regardless of the venue.  I would not put myself out here if I did not know as a professional what is considered legal and illegal when it comes to federal funds.  

Its not unethical, its not unprofessional, its illegal!

Sincerely,

Jennifer Norris 

 

Lisbon Students Babysitting Benefit PTO Parents‏

LISBON INTERACT STUDENTS ASSIST PARENT GROUP WITH BABYSITTING 

  Parents of students attending Lisbon Community School have the ability to attend the monthly parent group meetings thanks to a free babysitting service.  Members of the Lisbon School Department’s student volunteers and Interact members provide the service at no charge from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  entertaining younger students with a number of options including reading, playing games, and watching movies together.  Pictured (l-r) Jack Caron, Sarah Stone, Joshua Cronin, Gregory Sampson, Emily Libby, Paige Hussey, Paula Caron and Megan Libby.  Photo by Monica Millhime.

Lisbon – Every month during the school years, dedicated parent volunteers, administration, teachers and staff of Lisbon Community School (LCS) gather together for a monthly meeting.  The Parent Teacher Organization at LCS plan and host numerous family-fun oriented activities and events at the school and throughout the Lisbon Community.  In an effort to provide all parents with the opportunity to attend a meeting, members of the schools’ student volunteer program offer babysitting services.  The next monthly meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 2 at Lisbon Community School, 33 Mill Street Lisbon.  FMI on LCS PTO contact President Angela Shambarger by emailing ashambarger@une.edu.  A volunteer training class is scheduled the same night at 5 p.m.   To register for the training class contact Community Resource Coordinator, Monica Millhime, 754.0021 or email mmillhime@lisbonschoolsme.org. 

Middle School Girls Soccer Results, 10/05/11, PWS vs Cony

On Wednesday 10/5, Lisbon Sugg Middle school girls soccer celebrated their
second victory of the season defeating Cony 3x0 at home. Defense worked
together to keep the ball far away from Lisbon’s goal the vast majority of
the game, including Chandler Riordan, Conchita Thomas, Sydney Douglas. The
few times the ball passed the defense line Goalie Ali Sult was there to make
a save. Midfielders fought bravely for every ball in the middle and made
good passes to the Forwards, including Abby Gamache, Kipri Steele and Sam
Buldoc.
 
Lisbon’s Strikers had their perfect game, each of the three put the ball in
the net: Hope Morse with assist of Katherin George, Emma Houle with assist
of Hope, and Katherin George with assist of Abby Gamage.
Lisbon girls soccer continue to show improvement game after game and play
giving their best.
 
Lisbon Sugg middle school girls’ soccer will go for their third win of the
season on Thursday, 10/6 against Monmouth, at home.
 
Rodrigo Juliani
Coach 

Middle School Boys Soccer Results, 10/05/11, PWS vs Cony‏

The Philip W. Sugg Greyhounds celebrated what their coach called a  
perfect victory defeating the Cony Rams on a chilly Lisbon evening  
6-0. The Greyhound's found their rhythm right from the get-go with  
Striker Austin Fournier placing the first of 4 goals in the net just 9  
minutes into the game. The team was on fire with unrelenting attacks,  
even a surprise attack up the left side initiated by Fullback Captain  
Jacob Bussiere demonstrating that every Greyhound on the field was a  
potential threat.  The Rams attempted to control the midfield and  
definitely had talented players to do it, but Captain Jake Angelico  
and the the Halfbacks effectively shut them down providing the  
excellent opportunities that Left Wing Kyle Welsh and Left Halfback  
Austin Bedford capitalized on, each scoring their first goal this  
year. Though the Rams played some very tough ball and worked to get  
off some shots, only 3 got through the solid Greyhound defense to the  
hands of Keeper Nate Bergeron securing Lisbon's first shutout of the  
season. The [2-3] Greyhounds will return to the field once again as  
they welcome the Monmouth Mustangs to town, Thursday, October 6.
 
—Coach Reeves

Thought for the Day... Political Correctness

How encouraging is it when you see something like this.

 

There is an annual contest at Texas A&M University calling for the most appropriate definition of a contemporary term: 

                       

This year's term was    "Political Correctness."   

 

The winner wrote:   

 

"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end" 

R. J. Wiedemann LtCol. USMC Ret

WHY A DOUBLE STANDARD FOR STEALING MONEY IN LISBON?

Mark Stevens, Do you have a double standard in the Recreation Department? 

Why is Eva Noddin charged with stealing in excess of $1000.00 when in fact Pauline Mathieu did the same thing, was fired by Rec. Director but not officially because of TOWN HALL politics.  She was then reassigned to the Registration Department in Lisbon.  

Does she have a special angel in the Town Administration?


Signed,

Mrs. Tugball

Stealing? Here In Lisbon? In Our Town? Seems To Be The 'Norm' Here ! ! !

Stealing?

Here in Lisbon? 

In our town? 

For how long? 

Before getting caught?

And how much missing before it was "discovered????"  

My oh my oh my! ! ! ! !  What is this world coming to? 

When someone can steal money from the Town Of Lisbon???? ! ! ! 

 

How many others are stealing? Have been stealing??? 

Just don't get caught? ! ! ! !  They get away with it.

Why is that????? ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 

 

When are the GOOD citizens of the Town of Lisbon going to wake up??? 

 

Valid complaints are made to Town Manager and the complainants get harassed by the Lisbon Police Department! ! ! !

 

Are we now a Gestapo State?

 

We will be if the GOOD citizens of the Town of Lisbon don"t wake up ! ! ! ! ! ! !

 

We do not have the right to vote on the Town of Lisbon budget.

 

Our rights are slowing being taken away.

 

The right to free speech.

 

In November, the Town Manager and majority of the Town Council are going to try to take away your right

to re-call a member of the Town Council.

 

Are YOU the voters, going to let them get away with it? 

 

Dot Fitzgerald

A Very Concerned Lisbon Citizen

Unhappy Muslims!!!....

This is absolutely brilliant.
Never thought of it this way.

Unhappy Muslims!!!   The Muslims are not happy! They're not happy in Gaza . They're not happy in Egypt . They're not happy in Libya . They're not happy in Morocco . They're not happy in Iran . They're not happy in Iraq . They're not happy in Yemen . They're not happy in Afghanistan . They're not happy in Pakistan . They're not happy in Syria . They're not happy in Lebanon . So, where are they happy? They're happy in England . They're happy in France . They're happy in Italy . They're happy in Germany . They're happy in Sweden . They're happy in the USA . They're happy in Norway . They're happy in every country that is not Muslim. And whom do they blame? Not Islam. Not their leadership. Not themselves. THEY BLAME THE COUNTRIES THEY ARE HAPPY IN!

One upset Canadian Housewife!!!‏

To the editor. Ever notice how some people
Just seem to know how to write a letter?

This one surely does!

This was written by a Canadian woman, but oh how
It also applies to the U.S.A. , U.K. And Australia .

THIS ONE PACKS A FIRM PUNCH

Written by a housewife in New Brunswick , to
Her local newspaper. This is one ticked off lady...

"Are we fighting a war on terror or aren't we? Was
It or was it not, started by Islamic people who
Brought it to our shores on September 11, 2001
And have continually threatened to do so since?

Were people from all over the world, not brutally murdered
That day, in downtown Manhattan , across the Potomac from
The capitol of the USA and in a field in Pennsylvania ?

Did nearly three thousand men, women and children die a horrible, burning or crushing death that day, or didn't they?

And I'm supposed to care that a few Taliban were
Claiming to be tortured by a justice system of a
Nation they are fighting against in a brutal Insurgency.

I'll care about the Koran when the fanatics in the Middle
East, start caring about the Holy Bible, the mere belief
Of which, is a crime punishable by beheading in Afghanistan .

I'll care when these thugs tell the world they are
Sorry for hacking off Nick Berg's head, while Berg
Screamed through his gurgling slashed throat.

I'll care when the cowardly so-called 'insurgents'
In Afghanistan , come out and fight like men,
Instead of disrespecting their own religion by
Hiding in Mosques and behind women and children..

I'll care when the mindless zealots who blow
Themselves up in search of Nirvana, care about the
Innocent children within range of their suicide Bombs.

I'll care when the Canadian media stops pretending that
Their freedom of Speech on stories, is more important than
The lives of the soldiers on the ground or their families waiting
At home, to hear about them when something happens.

In the meantime, when I hear a story about a
CANADIAN soldier roughing up an Insurgent
Terrorist to obtain information, know this:

I don't care.

When I see a wounded terrorist get shot in the
Head when he is told not to move because he
Might be booby-trapped, you can take it to the bank:

I don't care. Shoot him again.

When I hear that a prisoner, who was issued a Koran and a prayer mat, and fed 'special' food, that is paid for by my tax dollars, is complaining that his holy book is being 'mishandled,' you can absolutely believe, in your heart of hearts:

I don't care.

And oh, by the way, I've noticed that sometimes
it's spelled 'Koran' and other times 'Quran.'
Well, Jimmy Crack Corn you guessed it.

I don't care!!

If you agree with this viewpoint, pass this on to
All your E-mail Friends. Sooner or later, it'll get to
The people responsible for this ridiculous behavior!

If you don't agree, then by all means hit the delete
Button. Should you choose the latter, then please don't
Complain when more atrocities committed by radical
Muslims happen here in our great Country! And may I add:

Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering, if
During their life on earth, they made a difference in
The world. But, the Soldiers don't have that problem.

I have another quote that I would like to
Share AND...I hope you forward All this.

One last thought for the day:

Only five defining forces have ever offered to die for you:

1. Jesus Christ

2. The British Soldier.

3. The Canadian Soldier.

4. The US Soldier, and

5. The Australian Soldier

One died for your soul,
The other four, for you and your children's Freedom.

YOU MIGHT WANT TO PASS THIS ON,
AS MANY SEEM TO FORGET!

AMEN! GOD BLESS CANADA AND AMERICA ....

Submitted by: Gordie 

Let The Lord Be You Compass

{For a Better Definition see Isaiah 41:10}

Thought For The Day

"Love is a fire. But whether it is going to warm your heart or burn down your house, you can never tell" --Joan Crawford

Report Shows Maine Voting System Inadequate to Support Election Day Registration

 

“Honor System” is not a reasonable way to manage 972,000 registrations 

AUGUSTA - The Maine Heritage Policy Center (MHPC) released a report today showing that steps must be taken to protect the integrity of Maine’s voting system. The report explains that Election Day Registration (EDR) is not a viable practice in Maine considering the many inadequacies found in the current structure of Maine’s voting system.

 

The report, "Protecting the Integrity of Maine’s Elections: Election-Day Registration in Maine," was authored by MHPC chief executive officer Lance Dutson, vice-policy and chief economist Scott Moody, and research associate Amanda Clark.

 

"Free and open elections are the cornerstone of our democracy and a free and open election is one where every vote counts and is not negated by votes cast fraudulently or in error.” Dutson said. "This report examines our current voting system, and identifies areas of concern and ways we can address them, because the people of Maine must be confident in the integrity of our electoral process.”

 

Key findings from the report detail several startling issues with Maine’s voting system:

• In 3 of the last 10 general elections, there were more registered voters than voting-age citizens in Maine.
• 178,000 registered voters are shown to have registered to vote on January 1, 1850.
• There was an 84% error rate in registrations recently reviewed by the Secretary of State’s Office.
• 1,452 active registrants are listed as being 211 years old.
• 2,209 active registrants are listed as having no street addresses.

MHPC found that of the EDR utilization in Maine’s 2010 election, Republicans and Democrats utilized EDR at basically the same rate, both representing 24% of total EDR usage. EDR is rarely used across the United States, where 93% of all U.S. citizens are required to register to vote in advance of Election Day. The report notes that EDR has had no perceptible impact on voter turnout levels. In fact, Maine’s three lowest years of voter turnout in the last 50 years have occurred since EDR was implemented in 1973.

 

“Election Day Registration, while not practical now, is a laudable goal for Maine,” said Dutson. “It’s a good goal to work towards, but first we need to implement a stronger and safer voting structure. Election Day Registration should not be allowed until we can address the many inadequacies in our voting system. Managing the integrity of 972,000 registrations through the Honor System is simply not a reasonable way to conduct our elections.”

Download the full report (PDF)

Damariscotta Pumpkinfest and Regatta

DAMARISCOTTA PUMPKINFEST AND REGATTA    

 WHEN: Oct. 2 through Oct. 11.

WHERE: Various locations in Damariscotta, Newcastle and Nobleboro.

HOW MUCH: Most events free.

FOOD OPTIONS: Area restaurants will be preparing and selling pumpkin-centric menus. Area groups will also be selling from outdoor booths.

PARKING: Parking and shuttle available on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 9-10, at Lincoln Academy parking lot and Great Salt Bay School. Maine Eastern Railroad train service between the festival and Brunswick.

DON'T MISS: The pumpkin chunkin rivalry on Saturday; Sunday's pumpkin boat regatta; and Monday's pumpkin drop.

KID-FRIENDLY FACTOR: They'll have a hard time deciding what they liked best: the hands-on carving and games or those monster pumpkins being dropped onto targets.

BENEFIT: Event proceeds benefit Pumpkinfest. Giant pumpkin sponsorships benefit area nonprofit organizations -- chosen by the growers -- and Pumpkinfest. Pumpkin Drop raffle tickets raise money for the Lincoln County Energy Heating Fund.

IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER: The Pumpkinfest goes on.

clickMay Newsletter « Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta

Submitted by: Rufus 

Lisbon's Loss, Sad News From Council Meeting Last Night

Tuesdays Council Meeting was a sad night for Lisbon.

After decades of public service to the Town of Lisbon Faye Brown informed the Council she could no longer work with the current town administration. Her resignation, from the Green Thumb Gang, was colorfully submitted in the form of a beautiful plant perfectly manicured to resemble the infamous single digit salute.

A number of councilors acknowledged and thanked her for her years of dedicated service to Lisbon. Faye also received a resounding round of applause from the audience.

Lisbon cannot afford to alienate her hardworking volunteers.I feel an investigation needs to be done to find  and correct the problems that lead to the loss of one of Lisbon's long time volunteers.

　

Thank You Faye for all the beauty you have brought to the

median strips and gardens of Lisbon.

F.E, Stacey

Are Lisbon Students Making The Grade? Not According To This Study

 We did ask Lisbon's Superintendent to comment and this is what he provided:

"I will be able to provide a detailed summary after my School Committee meeting next Tuesday. Specific details will be provided in my report which will be recorded and available online to any of your readers. If you or anyone else has a specific question please contact me at 353-6711 X205 between now and then. Thanks for allowing me the chance to respond. "

Richard A. Green

Superintendent of Schools

Lisbon School Department

19 Gartley Street
Lisbon, ME 04250
Phone: 207 353-6711
Fax: 207 353-3032

70 percent of Maine schools failing national standards

By Abigail Curtis, BDN Staff

BELFAST, Maine — Camden Hills Regional High School graduates more than 90 percent of its students, sends them off to places such as Harvard University and consistently beats the state’s testing standards in reading, math, writing and science.


It’s also a failing school in the eyes of the federal government, joining other so-called failing schools such as Orono High School, Bangor High School and Hampden Academy. And that is a label that education officials, including Maine Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen, believe to be a strong example of why the national school accountability system simply does not work.


Under the strictures of the federal No Child Left Behind Act, less than 30 percent of schools in Maine are making adequate yearly progress as measured by student test scores and attendance, according to a report released Monday morning by the Maine Department of Education.


“I don’t like it. Who does?” said Superintendent William Shuttleworth of Five Town Community School District, which includes Camden Hills Regional High School. “When the average citizen first reads that, they say things must be troubled up there. But we’re one of the best schools in New England.”

 Continue reading full article and view chart link here.

School
SAU
AYP Reading Progress 2010-11
AYP Math Progress 2010-11
Reading Status2011-12
Math Status2011-12
School Status2011-12

Lisbon Community School

Lisbon School Department
Targets not met W,C,E,S
Targets not met W,C,E,S
Monitor
Monitor
Monitor

Lisbon High School
Lisbon School Dept.
Targets not met W,C,E
Targets not met W,C,E,S
CIPS-R
CIPS1
CIPS-R

Lisbon Town Employee Steals Over $1000. OK, So What About The Missing $32,500?

Lisbon town worker charged with theft

AUBURN — A Lisbon Recreation Department worker was charged with theft from the town, according to documents in Androscoggin County Superior Court.
Eva Noddin, 43, of Lewiston appeared in 8th District Court in Lewiston last week on the theft by unauthorized taking charge. If convicted, she faces up to five years in prison. She is accused of stealing more than $1,000 of town money.
She was released on personal recognizance and was ordered not to return to the Lisbon Recreation Department.
Noddin was recognized last year by Lisbon for her five years as a town employee.

Read more here.

Lisbon's Town Council Airing Time Change Now On Friday Evening

TLR,

 

Yes, there will be a change and we've decided to make it official on October 1st. 

 

We initiated the change due to the demand for air time from Lewiston and Auburn who carry our franchise and are the primary funding sources for GFTV. During budget season particularly, Thursday nights were used as second meeting nights for the L/A City Councils. We would have to move or postpone Lisbon at times.  

 

By changing Lisbon to Friday nights it will give the Lisbon community a consistent time slot with no interruptions and allow us to facilitate Lewiston and Auburn more efficiently. Thanks for asking and feel free to announce the change.

 

Regards,

Phil Larlee / GFTV

How you can help banish GMOs from the food supply starting right now‏

We are on the verge of achieving a significant milestone in the fight to eradicate GMOs from the U.S. food supply. A California ballot initiative has just been launched that seeks to put a mandatory GMO labeling requirement in place. This, in turn, would result in nearly all U.S. food producers discontinuing the use of GMOs to avoid the embarrassment of having to admit GMOs on their labels.

Yesterday I released a groundbreaking interview with Ronnie Cummins of the OCA who explained how this law works and why it could be a "death blow" to GMOs.

Click here to listen to that interview on SoundCloud.

Today we posted an interview with Jeffrey Smith of the Institute for Responsible Technology (IRT). He explains that victory against GMOs is well within our reach, but your support is needed. The IRT is teaching people how to speak about GMOs, and it's a very effective strategy for raising awareness. I met the CEO of Beanitos (www.Beanitos.com) at the anti-GMO rally in Austin last weekend, and it turns out that he has taken Jeffrey Smith's course, too, and now he's speaking out against GMOs!

When people know how dangerous GMOs are to their health -- and to the environment -- they suddenly "get it" that removing genetically engineered ingredients from the food supply is the No.1 priority for protecting public health and the future of sustainable agriculture for our world.

Your help is greatly needed at this hour for people like Jeffrey Smith to continue his education and awareness efforts. The IRT, not surprisingly, receives no grant money from the federal government. There are no big corporate advertisers who fund the non-profit with millions of dollars. The IRT is a small but amazingly effective organization funded by people like you and mission-driven groups like NaturalNews.

That's why we're announcing today our donation of $15,000 in matching funds to the IRT. For every dollar donated to the IRT (which is an IRS-approved non-profit) by NaturalNews readers, we will match it up to a total of $15,000. Our goal is to raise $30,000 for the IRT. It's not a lot compared to the millions being spent by companies like Monsanto, but it's enough to help the IRT hire one employee to help coordinate the army of volunteers who are hard at work around the country and across the globe educating people about GMOs.

Click here to make a donation to the IRT today.

Whatever you can donate -- ten dollars, twenty-five dollars or even a hundred -- gets DOUBLED by NaturalNews (up to $15,000 total). This is your opportunity to help support victory against GMOs, so that when we all look back at this in five years, we can say, "I was part of that victory! I supported it!"

And YES, I believe we can achieve complete victory against GMOs in the United States within the next five years. Before long, we will see one company after another announcing they are dropping GMOs and removing genetically engineered ingredients from their products. All it takes is more awareness about the public health and environmental dangers of GMOs, and that's exactly what Jeffrey Smith and the IRT are very, very good at accomplishing.

This is a time of year, by the way, that many grassroots organizations are asking for financial support from their members, but notice something interesting here: NaturalNews isn't asking for donations to NaturalNews; we're asking for your help in supporting the IRT! And we're backing that up with $15,000 of our own money, too, because we believe so strongly in what the IRT is doing.

This donation could never have been possible without your support of our NaturalNews Store, and your support of our sponsors whose banner ads you see on the right side of every article we post. Thank you to our sponsors for giving us the opportunity to make such an important financial contribution to the IRT.

Click here to listen to my full interview with Jeffrey Smith (just posted yesterday) on SoundCloud, where he lays out the milestones of victory against GMOs.

Or click here to get the MP3 file directly from NaturalNews.

You can also read the highlights of this interview at:

http://www.naturalnews.com/033771_Jeffrey_Smith_GMOs.html

Watch my recent speech on the steps of the Texas state capitol building in Austin, where I spoke about protecting life from the scourge of GMOs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgQ4wnfiNbc

We are fighting for the future of life on our planet

If you agree that this is a worthy cause, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the IRT today. Jeffrey has spent many months, tirelessly traveling across India and around the globe, gathering film footage and interviews with farmers, regulators and everyday people who have amazing stories about GMOs. Financial support is needed to organize all these amazing true stories Jeffrey has gathered and help package them into videos and interviews that can be released to the public. Your donation to the IRT can help further this effort to expand awareness of GMOs to the point of critical mass -- the tipping point -- where the giant food producers in America abandon GMOs for good.

So please, if you believe in this cause, help support the IRT with whatever donation you feel is appropriate. Click here to donate to the IRT now.

As the editor of NaturalNews.com, I thank you for your support. Every dollar is needed in this grassroots battle against the domineering, greed-driven corporations that are attempting to monopolize the world's food supply. For the sake of our children -- and our environment -- we must resist these corporate seed tyrants and restore sanity to food production! This effort will require commitment, and volunteers... and financial resources. People like Jeffrey Smith bring the commitment to use the financial resources that are available to their best strategic use in achieving the ultimate goal here.

And what ultimate goal is that? The complete removal of genetically engineered ingredients from the global food supply. That goal is achievable! Your donation can help make it a reality.

Thank you for helping this critically important cause in this time of great need. We are all quite literally fighting for the future of life on our planet here. We are fighting to save the seeds, to save sustainable agriculture and to protect the seeds of human life as well -- the fertility of the human race. I believe there is no more important opportunity at our feet than this one. It begs for our action and demands resistance to that which is evil and destructive. If you believe in life, and light, and the protection of the very seeds which have sustained human civilization from its inception, help support this epic victory in the name of Mother Nature. Your donation can make a significant different right now, and your prayers and meditations are also welcomed as well.

Let us achieve victory in the name of Mother Nature against Monsanto and the "scientific" seed destroyers of our world. Let us protect that which is sacred to life. Let us have the strength and the courage to face great evil in this time of great need, to see through the deceptions, to connect with the seeds of the Earth, to hold sacred those foods which have sustained human life on this planet, and to halt the enemies of life with the power of truth, and justice, and light. This is a moment in history in which we understand who we really are, as we realize that our actions define us. And although there are corporate betrayers who have decided to worship greed and monopolistic control in their quest for domination and power, the rest of us actually hold far greater power in the fact that we have decided to pursue truth and justice in the name of protecting life on our planet.

That is a decision I made long ago, and it's why I serve as the editor of NaturalNews. It's why we work tirelessly, night after night, compiling interviews, articles and videos to raise awareness and teach the principles of natural healing, personal liberty and global justice. There is no greater and more humbling work than to serve in the protection of life and Mother Nature, and that's exactly why this campaign to end GMOs means so much to me.

Please join us in our efforts. Thank you for your support.

- Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, editor of NaturalNews.com

And remember to support The Lisbon Reporter for bringing this information to you. Thanks.

Latest update on GMOs - an interview with Jeffrey Smith (and other breaking news)‏

As non-GMO week continues, today we bring you the latest GMO developments from Jeffrey Smith of the Institute for Responsible Technology (IRT).
Listen to the full interview and read the interview highlights at:
http://www.naturalnews.com/033771_Jeffrey_Smith_GMOs.html
Also, we're launching a fundraising effort to help support the IRT with its mission, and NaturalNews is pledging $15,000 in matching funds for donations from NaturalNews readers! Help support the IRT with your own donation at:
www.ResponsibleTechnology.org/friends
I just posted a video compilation from the anti-GMO rally in Austin, where I spoke from the steps of the Texas state capitol building. Watch the highlights on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgQ4wnfiNbc

Are the feds trying to destroy Gibson Guitars? Now they're demanding 25 more bundles of "illegal wood" from the company:
http://www.naturalnews.com/033769_Gibson_Guitars_wood.html

A major nursing home scandal has been exposed: They're hospitalizing seniors for profit while bilking Medicare:
http://www.naturalnews.com/033770_nursing_homes_profits.html

Did you know there's wood in your food? Learn about the food ingredient "cellulose"
http://www.naturalnews.com/033767_cellulose_food.html

P.S. I'm on the Robert Scott Bell show today to discuss GMOs and the rising wave of public protests in America. Listen in at www.NaturalNewsRadio.com

More news continues below on the healing power of apples, why the AMA is losing doctors, how to lower colon cancer risk and much more (see below)...

Today's Feature Stories:

Jeffrey Smith says we can win the fight against GMOs, but grassroots support is needed to achieve victory (NaturalNews) In a recorded interview now posted on NaturalNews.com, Institute for Responsible Technology director Jeffrey Smith updates listeners with the latest developments on the GMO front. He also says significant victories against GMOs are...

Nursing home scandal exposed: Lost generation of senior citizens being hospitalized for profit (NaturalNews) A shocking new study conducted by the National Institute of Aging just revealed that one fifth of Medicare nursing home patients with Alzheimer's or other dementia were sent to hospitals for "questionable reasons" in their final months...

Feds demand 25 more bundles of Indian wood from Gibson Guitars (NaturalNews) The federal government simply will not leave Gibson Guitars alone. According to a recent report in the Nashville Business Journal, federal authorities have now demanded that Gibson hand over 25 more bundles of legally-obtained Indian...

US tried to conspire with Japan to dump nuclear waste into world's oceans, reveal documents (NaturalNews) When nuclear energy production technology first began to emerge in the US in the 1950s, neither scientists nor the US government considered what would be done with nuclear reactors once it was time for them to be put out of commission. And...

There's wood in my food? Wood-derived ingredients common in processed food (NaturalNews) Lately there have been rumors about sawdust used as fiber filling in processed foods. Well, not quite sawdust. The cellulose used in many foods is processed powder or pulp from virgin wood. It's becoming more common. Though not toxic, what...

AMA losing members in droves, less than 20 percent of US doctors support its agenda (NaturalNews) The significance and credibility of the American Medical Association (AMA), an organization that allegedly backs physician interests and the promotion of public health, is quickly deteriorating. It is a fact that a mere 17 percent of US...

The apple - Boost your brain power with a common almost forgotten fruit (NaturalNews) The outdated apple a day keeps the doctor away adage has been replaced with fresh apple juice three times a week. This new routine was discovered after a ten-year study determined it helped Alzheimer's patients by greatly reducing the chance...

Fruit and vegetable consumption effectively lowers colon cancer risk (NaturalNews) Health-minded individuals are well aware that a diet high in natural fruits and vegetables equate to vibrant health and dramatically lowered risk of many chronic diseases. The result of a new study published in the Journal of the American...

Death blow to GMOs? California ballot initiative calls for mandatory labeling of all genetically engineered foods (NaturalNews) In what is perhaps the most significant breaking news we've heard on the GMO front in a long time, an effort has just been announced in California that seeks to gather enough signatures to put an historical initiative on the ballot

Press Conference To Detail Study Results Showing Maine Voting Structure Lacks Critical Safeguards

The Maine Heritage Policy Center is holding a press conference tomorrow, at the State House in Augusta, to release a new study, "Protecting the Integrity of Maine's Elections: Election-Day Registration in Maine", and to provide details on the findings of this study.

The study indicates that Maine's voting system lack safeguards to protect the integrity of the electoral process.

WHAT
Press conference releasing new study on the integrity of Maine's voting system.

WHEN
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
11:00 a.m.


WHERE
Statehouse Welcome Center Augusta, Maine

WHO 

Lance Dutson, Chief Executive Officer
The Maine Heritage Policy Center

Scott Moody, Vice-President of Policy and Chief Economist
The Maine Heritage Policy Center

Lisbon, Are These The Best Of Times? Will We Make History?

WE SHALL SEE

WE SHALL SEE

I have sent an email to all members of the Town Council requesting the immediate removal of Councilor Bowie for violating the Town Councils own ruling back in 2009 pertaining to Bowie’s conflict of interest.  Bowie has been involved with the Lewiston/Auburn 911 project, the Communications Center Consolidation project and currently sits on the County Budget Committee.  All of these issues have a direct or indirect bearing on Bowie’s wife's employment and financial situation, since she works for the Lisbon Police Department.

A blind person can easily see this is another conflict of interest.  So the real question is “Will this Town Council have the guts, integrity, and the conscience to do the right thing and remove Bowie as a Councilor?”  Remember it has to be all six councilors voting to remove Bowie.  This is a big challenge for this council because at least four and possibly five are Bowie’s puppets.  This vote will show the true colors of our Councilors.  Anyone, who votes NOT to remove Bowie, will certainly not be someone with integrity or a conscience.  This vote should be a public vote so every resident can see the makeup of the council.

There is no question Bowie has violated the conflict of interest rule of our Charter and the advisory recommendations of the Ethics Panel in 2009 which were adopted by the Town Council, again.  Since, this is a violation of the Town Council’s ruling; it is the responsibility of the Council to police one of their own.

The citizens of Lisbon need to pay attention to the vote by the town council.  It will demonstrate who will place the best interest of the town ahead of personal feelings.  It will also point out the councilors who are part of the problem and not the solution.  This is a critical point for Lisbon and anyone who votes NOT to remove Bowie needs to be off this council the next time they come around for reelection. 

Will this council hide behind closed doors and cover this up or will they be honest with the citizens of Lisbon and put this to a vote in public?

Larry Fillmore
Concerned Citizen

An Open Letter To the Residents of Lisbon/Lisbon Falls and All other Taxpaying persons to the Town of Lisbon.

Another Conflict of Interest with Councilor Mike Bowie

By: Peter Reuter
The Lisbon Reporter

It is very apparent that YOUR form of Government representation is not working for the best interests of the majority of you, the taxpaying citizens.  There has previously been a suggestion regarding the conflict of interest that now Councilor Mike Bowie has, and Previously had as former Chairman of said council governing body.

You have been “hoodwinked , bamboozled, and LIED to by the likes of Gina Mason and her view on things  via Rosie colored glasses.  Tell me something please, How or What did that amount too?  Previous councilor, now State Legislator Dale Crafts has led and lied  like a rug laying on the living room floor about his efforts to help this community.  When in fact he is more of an embarrassment only second to Lisbon Police Chief David T. Brooks, and the LIES that he has told both under OATH and NOT.  Don’t worry  I have been reviewing plenty of evidence to substantiate these claims beyond any shadow of a doubt to a jury of our peers.  BUT will not share with a convoluted bunch of heathens like so Represent you on the current Town Council.  Many years of research and documentation has been gathered by Mr. Comber a previous resident.  He has graciously allowed me access to  it.  Thus I say to you all in doubt , PROVE ME WRONG.

You have heard from the Councilors about being able to police themselves and so on, and on, and on.  All but one of them speaks out of both sides of their mouths.  So why don’t you as citizens come out to tomorrow’s nights Town Council Meeting in droves like you have in the past when you have been directly hit in the pocket book, (remember last’s years tax billing errors when you filled the whole damned Town Office Building?) and speak during the Audience participation segment of the Town Council Agenda and ask the Councilors themselves to take action? 

Never mind sending this to the Ethics Panel.  They have previously met and made a Valid Recommendation about Councilor Mike Bowie’s Conflict of Interest.   If they didn’t have so much to hide why are they trying so hard to HIDE EVERYTHING?

Resident Larry Fillmore should be respected and commended for his valiant efforts to help bring this Conflict of Interest to light again.  But why do something that has already been done? 

You all voted for this Town Council form of government because you thought it would better represent the town.  Well, in fact it has  been a better representation for those few in the loop of ’corruption & cronyism‘.  You all laughed at the fact during the selectmen’s meeting that it was a joke as to who was going to fall asleep first, Ed Madden or Paul Chizmar.  And those two were utilized for their signatures for the dastardly dealings of Mike Bowie when he himself was a selectman.  The level of corruption trails back to Lane Curtis as Chair of Selectmen and Lisbon's first Chairman of newly formed Town Council for of Government.  There are many other player's involved here.

SO Lisbon Residents.  The power is in your hands.  Will you continue to sit at home and do nothing or will you come out and “show your faces” of  disapproval to the way things are being done in Lisbon?

Good Luck, you all will need a lot of it.  I truly wish you all the strength you may muster to attend tomorrow night’s council meeting and  help make a change in Lisbon.

My GOD, if you could get the current Economic Community Development Director Scott Benson to give such a fantastic presentation as with Moxie weekend,  one weekend out of 52, you would be the Economic Capital of Maine.  That’s right Moxie weekend is one weekend.  What happens during the other 51 weekends or weeks in Lisbon? 
See the light yet?

Thanks for reading.

Stonewalled By Lisbon's Management

STONEWALLED

On September 29th, 2011, I sent an email to Chairman David Bowie of the Town Ethics Panel requesting the Ethics Panel investigate a conflict of interest against Councilor Bowie for his discussion and participation in the Lewiston/Auburn 911 project and the Consolidation of the Communication Center project.  Chairman Bowie replied on the same day directing me to the procedures outlined in our Town Charter.  Since my email, I have also learned that Councilor Bowie sits on the County Budget Committee.

The procedure is for me to go to the Town Clerk and take out a petition and obtain 25 signatures before it can be reviewed by the Ethics Panel.  I went to the town office today at approximately 09:15 AM and requested the petition from the Town Clerk.

I was informed by the town clerk; she did not have a petition for this situation.  According to the town clerk, there is no such form/petition available and she would have to create one and get it approved by the council.  She also stated she would prepare the form/petition and once it was approved she would contact me to pick it up.

I believe this was a delaying tactic utilized by the town clerk because she had no clue what she should do because it involved a councilor.  I say this because in 2008 and 2009 Councilor Bowie was involved in the same thing.  Also, in 2009 the Ethics Panel made a recommendation on Councilor Bowie for the same issue; conflict of interest.  So, why is there no form/petition available now?  If the procedure is outlined in the Town Charter why in the world would you have to create a form/petition now?

I want to apologize to our loyal citizens who were waiting for me to show at Rite Aid this morning.  I will be there as soon as the town office issues me the form/petition.  I have no idea when they will stop playing games with me.  I cannot guarantee I will have the form/petition with me at the Transfer Station tomorrow.  I will post it on the Lisbon Reporter once I have the correct documents for your signature.

Larry Fillmore
Concerned Citizen

We Stand Corrected On The Use of the Word Sanctioned

CORRECTION

I need to correct something I said in several of my articles.  When addressing issues pertaining to the Ethics Panel “sanctioning” Councilor Bowie in 2009 was incorrect.  The Ethics Panel is an Advisory Board and can only make recommendations.

In 2009, the Ethics Panel provided the Town Council with an advisory recommendation which the Town Council approved.  The Ethics Panel did not sanction Councilor Bowie; the Town Council took the recommendations of the Ethics Panel.

Larry Fillmore
Concerned Citizen

So How's This Been Working Out For You Lisbon Residents? "Leadership In Action" Maine Municipal Ass. Topic Of Annual Convention

 Your current Town Manager, Stephen Eldridge, was a "poster boy" hand picked to come and run your town.  Suppose this Ass. should talk about Corruption & Cronyism also?

Maine Municipal Association to hold annual convention this week

The Associated Press

AUGUSTA, Maine — More than 800 municipal officials from across the state are headed to Augusta this week as the Maine Municipal Association holds its annual convention.

Public skepticism, tight finances and the burgeoning social media are among the trends to be explored during the meetings Wednesday and Thursday at the Augusta Civic Center.

Association President and Sanford Town Manager Mark Green said this year’s theme is “Leadership In Action.” MMA is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year and will honor members who’ve served their communities with distinction.

A featured speaker is Brian Lee Crowley, a renowned economist from Canada who has studied the effects of forced government consolidation.