The Maine WIRE: Susan Collins: The Gratitude of a Nation

Susan Collins: The Gratitude of a Nation

column by Senator Susan Collins.

“Let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon a nation’s gratitude — the soldier’s and sailor’s widow and orphan.” These words were written by Union General John Logan, who in 1868 designated a day in which the graves of Civil War soldiers would be decorated on a day that is known today as Memorial Day.

Memorial Day is a time of solemn remembrance of loved ones who have perished for the sake of our nation, and gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy because of their sacrifices and acts of heroism. At the same time, it also signifies the beginning of the summer season, time to spend with friends, family, and loved ones, and anticipation of warmer weather.

From the local community parades highlighted by participants waving our flag with pride to ceremonies filled with bright spring flowers draped in honor over the final resting places of fallen soldiers at cemeteries throughout the nation to the neighborhood barbeque where friends and family gather to commemorate the new season, Memorial Day offers Americans many opportunities to express gratitude to those who lost their lives in our nation’s military conflicts.

When it originated in 1868, Memorial Day was known as Decoration Day, because it was the day designated for Americans to honor the fallen soldiers from the Civil War by decorating their graves with flowers.

The first Memorial Day was observed on May 30, 1868, although roots of the holiday can be traced earlier, to the end of the Civil War when organized women’s groups in the south decorated the graves of fallen Confederate soldiers.

New York was the first state to recognize the holiday in 1873, followed in the next several years by most northern states. And eventually, the day became an occasion to honor all those who died in all American military conflicts. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a federal holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May.

A national Memorial Day tradition occurs each year at Arlington Cemetery when a small American flag is placed on each and every grave, and a wreath is laid, generally by either the President or Vice President, at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. People from across the country will also gather on the National Mall in our nation’s capital for the annual Memorial Day concert, offering Americans an opportunity to come together to remember and to honor the legacy of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

As in years past, Memorial Day will bring opportunities throughout the state for Mainers to pay their gratitude and respects to fallen soldiers. Whether you attend a local parade or ceremony, visit a memorial, or fly the American flag at half-staff until noon, it is important for all Americans, in their own way, to take this time to pay tribute to all those—generations past and present—who have fought for our freedom and the values that Americans hold so dear. We also must demonstrate to loved ones of fallen soldiers that we are a nation of gratitude for the sacrifices these soldiers have made for all of us.

 http://www.themainewire.com/2012/05/susan-collins-gratitude-nation/

BrasscheckTV: Bait, set, and trap: Playing both sides of the bogus drug war‏

Lisbon,
 
I've said in the past that governments are the biggest drug dealers
in the world.
 
More opium/heroin comes out of Afghanistan now than ever has before.
 
Since the beginning of the U.S. occupation of Afghanistan in 2001,
heroin use has skyrocketed here at home and worldwide.
 
Geraldo Rivera says we 'tolerate' their culture of opium
cultivation, but Lieutenant Colonel Brian Christmas, speaking of
the opium growers, says, "...we provide them security, we're
providing them resources."
 
Someone out there is going to say I'm taking this 'out of context',
well, no, I'm putting it IN context.
 
Opium Wonderland Afghan Style...
 
Video:
 
http://www.brasschecktv.com/page/10724.html
 
Goodman Green
- Brasscheck

Opium Wonderland Afghan Style

Created by Robert Allison of PIGMINE

 

Afghan opium production 'rises by 61%' compared with 2010

Opium production in Afghanistan rose by an estimated 61% this year compared with 2010, according to a UN report.

BBC News

The increase has been attributed to rising opium prices that have driven farmers to expand cultivation of the illicit opium poppy by 7% in 2011.

Last year opium production halved largely due to a plant infection which drastically reduced yields.

Afghanistan produces 90% of the world's opium - 5,800 tonnes this year - the main ingredient of heroin.

Analysts say that revenue from the drug has helped fund the Taliban insurgency.

Farmers who responded to the survey described economic hardship and lucrative prices as the main reasons for the increase.

Nearly 80% of the opium grown in Afghanistan is being produced in provinces in the south, including Helmand and Kandahar, which are among the most volatile in the country.

The UN says this demonstrates that there is a clear link between insecurity and opium cultivation.

Continue reading here

E T Explains Lisbon Town Government In Just 9 minutes 28 second - You Tube

An inquisitive alien visits the planet to check on our progress as a species, and gets into a conversation with the first person he meets. The alien discovers that we live under the rule of a thing called "government", and wants to understand more about what "government" is, what it does, and why it exists.

Produced and voiced by Graham Wright, based on part of the talk by Larken Rose at the Free Your Mind Conference 2011, which can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bCz9gcvMfk

The transcript for this video can be found here: http://managainstthestate.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/transcript-for-government-ex...

This video was made using XtraNormal: http://www.xtranormal.com/

Lisbon Town Council Meeting May 22,2012

Congratulations To Jo Ann Campbell "Spirit of America Foundation Tribute" Recipient

Lisbon Town Manager Stephen G. Eldridge presents the "Spirit of America Foundation Tribute" to JoAnn Campbell.

CONGRATULATIONS JOANN

THE STAFF OF THE LISBON REPORTER WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE MRS. JO ANN CAMPBELL FOR RECEIVING THE “SPIRIT OF AMERICA FOUNDATION TRIBUTE” AWARD FOR HER MANY HOURS OF VOLUNTEER WORK TO THIS COMMUNITY!!

JO ANN’S TIRELESS EFFORTS HAVE MADE THIS COMMUNITY A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE AND RAISE OUR CHILDREN.

MRS. CAMPBELL WAS PRESENTED  THE AWARD BY THE TOWN COUNCIL ON MAY 22, 2012.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR ALL THAT YOU DO FOR THE LISBON COMMUNITY!!!

New York, New York Check it out

Click here:



http://jdito55.phanfare.com/slideshow.aspx?s=0&username=jdito55&a_id=5343431&s_id=6040682&q=http%3A//jdito55.phanfare.com/5343431

Submitted by: 'Rufe'

SMART FLIGHT ATTENDANT‏

The Smart Flight Attendant   A 50-something year old Muslim man arrived at his seat on a crowded flight and immediately didn't want the seat. The seat was next to an elderly white woman reading her Bible.   Disgusted, the Muslim man immediately summoned the flight attendant and demanded a new seat. The man said "I cannot sit here next to this infidel." The flight attendant said "Let me see if I can find another seat."   After checking, the flight attendant returned and stated "There are no more seats in economy, but I will check with the captain and see if there is something in first class."   About 10 minutes went by and the flight attendant returned and stated "The captain has confirmed that there are no more seats in economy, but there is one in first class. It is our company policy to never move a person from economy to first class, but being that it would be some sort of scandal to force a person to sit next to an UNPLEASANT person, the captain agreed to make the switch to first class."   Before the irate Muslim man could say anything, the attendant gestured to the elderly woman and said, "Therefore, madam, if you would so kindly retrieve your personal items, we would like to move you to the comfort of first class as the captain doesn't want you to sit next to an unpleasant person."   Passengers in the seats nearby began to applaud while some gave a standing ovation. I say, can I get an Amen to that  Submitted by: 'Gordie'

Recap Special Town Council Meeting May 22, 2012

RECAP SPECIAL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING – MAY 22^ND

Last night’s special town council meeting was a very special night for a very special lady. JoAnn Campbell received the “Spirit of American Foundation Tribute” award and very deservedly so. Mrs. Campbell volunteers a vast majority of her time to the town of Lisbon. There is no way in the world I could list all of the volunteer work she does. The lists of her accomplishments were outlined during the ceremony but I could not write fast enough to record them. This lady is involved with almost every aspect of this town. Mrs. Campbell truly deserves this award for all she does of the community. Hats off to JoAnn Campbell!!!!!

The council adopted the 17 articles of the school budget by a 7-0 vote on everything. This included the warrant for the school budget validation referendum. The council also approved the bid for the Town Annual Report to be published by the Walsh Printing. The council reduced the number of copies to 350 instead of the normal 500 because there were 144 copies still in the vault from the last ones published. After the initial posting of these reports, I never saw any on display so I can understand why there were so many left over. I cannot understand why they did not remain on the counter, wall or on display throughout the year.

Next the council moved into a workshop on the municipal budget. I stayed for about an hour of the workshop and then left. The main problem is the council is still discussing the 2% pay raise the people at the Public Hearing unanimously were against. However, Councilor Bowie is still bringing this subject up and the council had a lengthy discussion which ended with Mrs. Fitzgerald, a member of the Advisory Board, walking out. Apparently, Bowie and a few members of the council have decided to ignore the desires of the people of Lisbon in the same manner as they ignore recommendations by the Advisory Board.

Councilors Ward and Lunt would like to see improvements to local roads but instead there is a plan on the table to place $50,000.00 in an account and let it accumulate until there is enough to actually start repairing out local roads. There were several other subjection's made from councilors but nothing was resolved while I was there. It got to the point where the discussions were no longer productive so I left.

There is still too much money in the municipal budget which could be either cut or utilized in more productive places. One of the main ones is Professional Development. The town is asking for approximately $55,925.00 for training of our town employees. I am baffled as to why we need so much training for our town employees who are receiving so many awards for the job they are performing. This money could be better utilized to repair roads or utilize the money for capital improvements. There is no return on investment for Professional Development.

No decision has been made on the final outcome for the municipal budget so there is no telling how much our taxes are going to go up. Rest assured taxes are going to rise.

Vote them out in November.

Larry Fillmore

Concerned Citizen

What Three Words Can't You Use Together in Lisbon? --- Town Council & Respect

Lisbon Town Councils Dirty Little Tricks

I have noticed a pattern developing with respect to the way Lisbon Council attempts to manipulate the public meetings and control any dissenting views .

 May 15th Council Meeting was a good case in point.  The Councilors used character assassination as a way of directing attention away  from Mr. Fillmore's questions. What they were so ardently trying to avoid was letting the public know that the Council had screwed up.


This dirty little trick is just one of many in the Council's Arsenal. The following are a few examples  of manipulation commonly used to control the public and our ability to speak and gather the information necessary to make an educated decision.

•     When the Council has a topic that generates a lot of dissent they will intentionally use a venue that is too small in order to control the number and comfort of dissenters.

•     One of the most despicable control attempts is the use of Armed Police at or near the speaking podium.  The implications made are obvious to all.

             

•     I have seen  Councilors skillfully employ the technique  “Poisoning The Well” especially before Mr. Fillmore speaks. This is used to mitigate the effect of his message.

•     Delay , Delay and more delay:  This is one of their all time favorites. Do you remember how the council  handled the question about letting the public vote on the municipal side of the budget.   We still don’t have the vote.

   

•      Do you remember last year when the Council shut down unlimited free speech at the Council meetings?  This was done by imposing  strict rules severely limiting  public input to a couple minutes at the beginning of each meeting.  It is difficult to disagree with the Councilors it you can't speak.

       

•     Tapes of  Meetings  mysteriously disappear  when the material on the tape has the potential of embarrassing the Council.

   

•     At May 22nd meeting a new tactic emerged.  A  Councilor gave a private citizen of Lisbon an implicit threat of a law suit.   She implied that it could be considered harassment if a private citizen (Mr. Fillmore) kept bringing up that her (public official)  household was breaking the traffic laws of Lisbon.

               
     Her argument  wasn’t whether she was guilty or not, (she said that anything over 11,000 lbs. could be considered overweight) she was upset because this infraction was being brought to the public's attention.

The residents of Lisbon have a right to know the truth about local government. We should not be manipulated and treated like little children.  Please treat us with the respect due all human beings.

If you make a mistake, own it.  We don’t expect you to be infallible. And above all don’t lie to us.

Respectfully
Joe Hill 
LisbonMaine.Net

Lisbon Public Budget Hearing May 15, 2012

Lisbon Town Council May 8, 2012

FREE KITTENS

FREE KITTENS

Don't care which you are, this is funny... FREE KITTENS  A pretty little girl named Suzy was standing on the sidewalk in front of her home. Next to her was a basket containing a number of tiny creatures; in her hand was a sign announcing FREE KITTENS Suddenly a line of big black cars pulled up beside her.  Out of the lead car stepped a tall, grinning man. "Hi there little girl, I'm President Obama.  What do you have in the basket?" he asked. "Kittens," little Suzy said. "How old are they?" asked Obama. Suzy replied, "They're so young, their eyes aren't even open yet." "And what kind of kittens are they?"  "Democrats," answered Suzy with a smile. Obama was delighted. As soon as he returned to his car, he called his PR chief and told him about the little girl and the kittens.   Recognizing the perfect photo op, the two men agreed that the president should return the next day; and in front of the assembled media, have the girl talk about her discerning kittens. So the next day, Suzy was again standing on the sidewalk with her basket of "FREE KITTENS," when another motorcade pulled up, this time followed by vans from ABC, NBC, CBS and CNN. Cameras and audio equipment were quickly set up, then Obama got out of his limo and walked over to little Suzy. "Hello, again," he said, "I'd love it if you would tell all my friends out there what kind of kittens you're giving away." "Yes sir," Suzy said. "They're Republicans." Taken by surprise, the president stammered, "But...but...yesterday, you told me they were DEMOCRATS."  Little Suzy smiled and said, "I know. But today, they have their eyes open."

Lisbon PWS Students Attends Nat'l Geographic Bee‏

LISBON MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT ATTENDS STATE LEVEL NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC BEE

Lisbon – Philip W. Sugg Middle School student, Ciera Miller, qualified to represent the Lisbon School and participate at the state level of the National Geographic Bee.  The event was sponsored by Google and Plum Creek.  The state Bee was  held on Friday, March 30 at the University of Maine in Farmington.  Miller attended the competition with her coach and language arts/social studies grade 7 teacher, Amy Kissell.  FMI on other events and programs visit us on FaceBook at Community Resource News in Lisbon Schools.

Lisbon Community School Students Artwork Displayed in Augusta‏

LISBON COMMUNITY SCHOOL’S STUDENT ARTWORK DISPLAYED IN BLAINE HOUSE

Kadrian Rugullies proudly displays his artwork, along with the certificate and medal for his  art by the Maine Youth Excellence in Art program.   

Lisbon – Lisbon Community School art teacher, Jo Martyn-Fisher, recently shared that two of her art class students we selected to have their work on displayed in the Blaine House in Augusta.  Both students, Kadrian Rugullies, grade 4 and Uriah Carver, grade 2 attend art class as one  of their specials at the elementary school in Lisbon.  FMI on other student projects and programs visit us on FaceBook at Community Resource News in Lisbon Schools.

MONICA M. MILLHIME

Community Resource Coordinator / Grant Writer

LISBON SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Email: mmillhime@lisbonschoolsme.org

Website:  www.lisbonschoolsme.org

Cell: 207.754.0021

Like us on FaceBook  @ Community Resource News in Lisbon Schools!

Lisbon Community Celebrates Kindness‏

Lisbon Community School Students Celebrate Kindness Week

  Lisbon Community School’s Assistant Principal, Ryan Patrie, recently announced the poster contest winners from the week-long Celebrate Kindness Week.  Pictured back row (l-r): Aubrey Huntington, Natalie Williams, Emma DiGregorio, Jordan Ott, Brooke Cossar; front row:  Patrie, Anja Wight, Emma Shute, Abigail Cunningham, Ainslie Albert, Hadden Morrill, Vanessa Bussiere, Sarah Pitcher and school Principal, Carlene Iverson.  Photo by Monica Millhime. 

Lisbon – Students and their families worked together designing a poster promoting kindness.   Assistant Principal Ryan Patrie, invited all LCS students and their families to enter a poster contest in recognition of the National No-Name Calling Week.  Over 150 entries were submitted promoting various acts of kindness, compassion, and empathy.  Winners of the poster contest received a Sam’s gift certificate thanks to a Lisbon Schools’ partnership with Sam’s.  Every child who submitted a poster received a special LCS pencil for their efforts in promoting a healthy school environment.   

FMI on Lisbon School events, programs, volunteering and grant opportunities contact, Monica Millhime, Community Resources at 754-0021 or email: mmillhime@lisbonschoolsme.org.   Check out all the events and other programs on our FaceBook page at Community Resource News in Lisbon Schools. 

 

MONICA M. MILLHIME
 Community Resource Coordinator / Grant WriterLISBON SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
 Email: mmillhime@lisbonschoolsme.org Website:  www.lisbonschoolsme.org Cell: 207.754.0021

Philip W. Sugg Middle win vs Durham‏

Philip W. Sugg defeated Durham Middle 17-5. Charlotte Mooney helped with 3 hits. Ashley Patten provided great defense with a double play. Jasmin and Kailynn Le contributed 2 hits advancing runners in scoring position. Great game played by both teams!

Hey Govn'ah, Have A LOOK - SEE: Open Letter To Maine Governor LePage "Get Off The Couch" and Help Lisbon Citizens

OPEN LETTER TO MAINE'S GOVERNOR PAUL LEPAGE

Dearest Governor LePage,

We, Lisbon Concerned Citizens are writing this letter to you to not 

only inform you of Information that YOU as Governor of the State 

of Maine need to know, but are also asking you, “To Get Off The 

Couch” and help “WE” Citizens in Lisbon. We are quite familiar 

with your Political connections to the Crafts family in Lisbon and 

fully realize that they were Big supporters in your Election 

Campaign.

But What you don't know, and we can provide more information 

for you, is that Legislative Representative for District #104, DALE 

CRAFTS, has been DIRECTLY involved with unscrupulous 

actions as a duly elected Public Official when he was a Lisbon 

Town Councilor. He has LIED about activities he was involved in. 

He has used the Internet to belittle and harass former town 

employees that were trying to bring forth the FACTUAL 

INFORMATION to the Public in a FRAUD investigation involving 

STATE and FEDERAL FUNDS. All to be COVERED UP by high 

ranking  STATE OFFICIALS, previous to your taking office.

Now let's get right to this writing. The TOWN of LISBON'S 

VEHICLE REGISTRATION DEPARTMENT has been short 

changing, cheating, or flagrantly under-collecting fees for the 

STATE of MAINE for several years now. There are two town 

councilors that know about this but yet nothing is done and it still 

continues. One has contacted the STATE BUREAU of 

TAXATION, and reported this information only to be told that

“We do not have funding to go after such infractions”. 

Governor LePage, you seem readily eager to make some changes 

in the financial woes of the STATE  and we would just like you to 

understand that LISBON has been CHEATING the STATE with 

their share of OBLIGATED TAXES DUE.

Won't you find a way to conduct a forensic audit in Lisbon and HELP US OUT?

Signed,

 Lisbon Concerned Citizens

***NOTICE: Special Town Council Meeting Lisbon Maine USA

AGENDA
SPECIAL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, MAY 22, 2012
LISBON TOWN OFFICE
7:00 P.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE TO FLAG

2. ROLL CALL

___Councilor Bickford

___ Councilor Bowie

___ Councilor Larochelle

___ Councilor Lunt

___Councilor Mason

___ Councilor Pomelow

___ Councilor Ward

Town Clerk reading of meeting rules

3. PUBLIC HEARING

4. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

5. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION RESPONSE

6. CONSENT AGENDA

2012- 61 ORDER −

A. Minutes of May 8, 2012

7. COUNCIL ORDERS, RESOLUTIONS, & ORDINANCES

2012- 62 ORDER −

2012-2013 School Budget Adoption Articles 1-17

2012- 63 ORDER −

Warrant for the School Budget Validation Referendum

2012- 64 ORDER −
Town Report Bids

2012- 65 RESOLUTION −
Spirit of America Foundation Tribute

8. OTHER BUSINESS

9. APPOINTMENTS

10. COUNCILOR COMMUNICATIONS

11. EXECUTIVE SESSION

12. ADJOURNMENT

2012- 66 ORDER −
To Adjourn

13. BUDGET WORKSHOP

TOWN OF LISBON NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLANNING BOARD

TOWN OF LISBON

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PLANNING BOARD

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing at 7 P.M. on May 24, 2012 at

the Lisbon Town Office 300 Street Lisbon to hear the following; Conditional Use Permit Application(s), Subdivision Permit Application:

Conditional Use Permit Application :

Case # 11–0 Applicant: Premier Development

Property Location: 175 Lisbon Street Lisbon

Tax Map: U21–6

Zone: Commercial

Intended Use: Construction activity that has been

on going. land leveling, ETTI use for

their work and development.

Conditional Use Permit Application:

Case # 11–08 Applicant: Open Door Bible Church

Property Location: 27 Gartley Street Lisbon

Tax Map: U16–1A

Zone: Diversified Development

Intended Use: Self Storage Facility (Storage rentals)

Subdivision Permit Application:

Case # 11–09 Applicant: Wayne Ricker

Property Location: Mill Street, Lisbon

Tax Map: R5–41

Zone: Rural Residential/Resource Protection

Intended Use: Subdivide three(3) lots.

This building is handicapped accessible.

Who Should Pay ? ? ?

WHO SHOULD PAY

On this year's list of local roads to be repaired there are five roads in Huston Park. These roads are: Huston Street, East Avenue, Wing Street, Cross Street and Scottsdale Avenue. These five are the only roads list to be repaired in Huston Park. The common factor with all of these roads is they are utilized by tractor-trailers to enter and exit Huston Park daily.

The local roads are not designed or constructed to withstand constant excessive weight. These tractor-trailers travel these local roads with heavy loads of materials on their trailers. This excessive weight has to be the cause of damage to these roads. It is not rocket science that of all the roads in Huston Park ONLY these roads need repair. Also, Scottsdale Avenue was just repaired a few years ago because the sewer/water infrastructure failed. Because of HEAVY HAUL use.

So this brings up the question, who should be paying for the repair of these roads? It is very apparent this is NOT normal wear and tear that has destroyed these roads so why should the taxpayers foot the bill.  

There are two or three of these tractor-trailers utilizing these local roads daily so why is the town requiring the taxpayers to pay for the repair of these roads?

The bigger question is why these vehicles are allowed to operate in Huston Park or on any local road in the first place. The town Planning Board should have imposed a city ordinance to protect these local roads by prohibiting the daily use of these vehicles on all local roads. I understand there will be some exceptions such as moving vans and deliver trucks. However, there is a legitimate need for the Planning Board to protect our local roads.

Why should the taxpayers of Lisbon be forced to pay for road repairs caused by individuals who choose to operate a business out of their residence? 

 

Larry Fillmore

Concerned Citizen

Don’t believe the “Smoke and Mirrors” act from our Town Councilors

The Golden Hour

In emergency medicine, the golden hour refers to a time period lasting from a few minutes to several hours following  a traumatic injury.  How a patient is treated in the golden hour very often dictates the patients degree of recovery or in some cases whether they live or die.

This added minute or two may not seem long to you, but I assure you if you can’t breath and are desperately waiting for the paramedic that minute will seem like forever.

Lisbon has been presented with an opportunity to decrease the response time in  that critical golden hour.  The only question is will Lisbon take advantage of this opportunity or will they stubbornly insist we keep our duplicate dispatch function and  refuse to improve and modernize.

If we couple Mr. Fellows recent 10% across the board budget cut with the elimination of the Lisbon duplicate dispatch function, we could give Lisbon taxpayers their first real tax cut in years.   This is a real “Win Win”  situation.

I hope the Town Councilors will allow Lisbon residents the benefit of better response times and a much needed tax cut.

Don’t believe the “Smoke and Mirrors” act from our Town Councilors,  the County Commissioners didn’t.

Respectfully
Joe Hill
LisbonMaine.Net

A Good Day ! ! ! Louie Schwartzberg --- Gratitude

2012 PREDICTIONS : SURVIVAL

http://www.thecountdown2012.com/ - This is your Information and Survival Guide to the 2012 Enigma, you can't change what will happen, but you can certainly make it better

As The Councilors 'Flow' In Lisbon ! ! ! : Lisbon Belittles Private Citizen at Public Meeting

Mrs. Maloy’s stellar performance at last Tuesdays Council Meeting is still reverberating within the borders of Lisbon.

I personally have heard more comments from people utterly disgusted with this travesty than from any other Council event in recent history. Many people, especially women, are  really embarrassed by Mrs. Maloy’s use of the gender card.

This repulsion seems to span several normally polarized groups. Both lovers and skeptics of Mr Filmores views are solidly opposed to the  planned  character assignation that took place at Lisbon’s public podium.

The following remarks are just a few of the snippets  I have heard in the last week.

•     A phone call I received stated: “It tells me that the Council only wants to hear from us if we agree with them. You wont catch me up there.You know we are paying her more than $50,000 to do this?”

•     A  lady at the dump said “If what I heard is true she should be fired”.

•     A man at a class I take said:  “I thought the council operating rules forbid that kind of stuff.”

•     Another person reminded me that, she (Maloy) is in charge of our towns creative accounting system  and we shouldn’t be surprised with her coverup efforts.

I could go on and on with the comments but for brevities sake I will just tell you what  I feel is probably the most astute remark of all. An older gentleman that was at the Council Meeting said,  “She talked for 5 min. and didn’t answer his (Mr. Fillmore's) question,   Do we have less money in the account than we are supposed to have? I think  she was trying to skirt that question.”
 
With all the anger and confusion surrounding her speech the only thing that I am sure of is  Mrs. Maloy’s  reputation took a big hit Tuesday night .She shouldn’t have used this tactic to avoid answering a legitimate question by a concerned private citizen.

At the very least Mrs. Maloy owes Mr. Filmore a public apology.
 
Sadly
LisbonMaine.net
Joe Hill

Lisbon Lawman's Legacy Headed Down The Drain via Going Back Up River; SunJournal: Androscoggin County Commission votes to preserve county dispatching

Daniel Hartill,  Sun Journal Staff Writer

Lewiston-Auburn |

Friday, May 18, 2012

LEWISTON — Androscoggin County commissioners ended a decade of debate Wednesday, voting 2-1 to maintain the ability to answer emergency calls and dispatch help in a county-run communications center.

All three commissioners — Beth Bell, Elaine Makas and Chairman Randall Greenwood — argued that citizens are safer when both jobs are done at a central communications hub. Together, they rejected a plan by the town of Lisbon that would have closed the county's communication center, sent its dispatching to the Lisbon center and sent the call-answering function to one of the state's Public Safety Answering Points, known as PSAPs. The plan, based on savings forecasts by officials in Lisbon, was widely endorsed by the county's small towns, including Greene, Sabattus and Durham.

Lisbon Town Council Chairman Fern Larochelle called it "a heck of a plan." "It was a plan that not only saved the other communities money, but also, for the first time, showed savings for Lewiston-Auburn over a long period of time," Larochelle said.

Commissioners said they didn't agree with Lisbon's numbers and worried about the transfer of calls it would create.

Continue reading more.

 http://www.sunjournal.com/news/lewiston-auburn/2012/05/18/androscoggin-county-commission-votes-preserve-coun/1197378

Lisbon Town Council Recap - May 15th‏

RECAP TOWN COUNCIL MEETING – MAY 15^TH

I wish to start this article off by apologizing to the readers for the delay in getting this recap out to you. This is a very difficult article for me to write and I will explain as we go along. This meeting had no real significant events on the agenda but did have some interesting events.

I brought out during Audience Participation about the fact the council had voted on two motions at the last town council meeting (May 1^st) pertaining to the Lisbon Communications Center. These two motions were not part of the Agenda Documentation and therefore there was no Audience Participation on this subject. However, there should be no motions voted on without the citizens of Lisbon having the opportunity to provide input. To complicate the issue even more there was no video of Chief Brooks’ presentation or the motions for the Public to review.

During the Audience Participation Response, Chairman Larochelle commented about the council trying to do what is best for the town of Lisbon. I have always maintained these councilors are only receiving half of the information on every significant issue. Eldridge, Brooks and Bowie ensure the information provided to the council is their slanted portion of the issue. All of the facts are never presented to the council so these councilors vote on just the information they have been told and therefore these decisions are based on half facts tainted one way instead of reviewing all the facts prior to any vote.

Chairman Larochelle then stated the Financial Director would respond to questions pertaining to the budget I had previously asked. Mrs. Maloy proceeded to give me a tongue lashing about comments I had about not being able to receive two numbers the same from the town. This is why this is difficult for me to respond to since Jessica and my oldest daughter went to school together and the families are close. I have, on numerous occasions, explained to Jessica I have no problems with her or her department. I have always thought of Jessica Maloy as a friend. I fully understand the tough situation she was placed in by the response Eldridge and Bowie gave her upon completion of her reading this script. It was very clear who was behind this.

It is and always will be the towns’ position to attack the character of any individual who challenges their authority. Look at the attack on Councilor Cote by Chief Brooks several years ago. Also, this tongue lashing never addressed the real issue I had asked. Was the Undesignated Account under the 12.5 percentage balance? I noticed Bowie mentioned moving the $8,200.00 previously taken from this account to pay for the demolishing of the building at 3 Village Street around. 

The question still remains unanswered. 

The fact the ordinance states “strives” is a legal term to keep individuals from being prosecuted. Section D states “This policy has been adopted by the town to recognize the financial importance of a stable and sufficient level of the undesignated fund balance. However, the town, reserves the right to appropriate funds from the undesignated fund balance for emergencies and other requirements the town believes to be in the best interest of the town.” Remember in 2008 when Eldridge took over there was over three (3) million dollars in this account and now it is at $1,184,499.00 as of June 30, 2011. The only time this account is checked on is during the yearly audit.

Mrs. Maloy has always conducted herself as a professional and I respect her and her staff. I hope Jessica and I can remain friends and put this behind us.

Larry Fillmore

Concerned Citizen

Stand Up for the Health of Maine's Kids and Seniors‏

Hi,

Governor Paul LePage and his Republican allies in the Maine Legislature are on the verge of making deep cuts to critical services. Targeted are the Fund for a Healthy Maine, Drugs for the Elderly, and Head Start. The budget ax would nearly eliminate state funding for early childhood education. All this, while the Governor continues to cut taxes for those already prospering. We are calling on Maine Legislators to reject these attempts to dismantle important services that promote public health and offer help to at-risk children and seniors.

That's why I signed a petition to The Maine State House and The Maine State Senate.

Will you sign this petition? 

Click here: 

http://pac.signon.org/sign/no-more-cuts-for-maines?source=s.em.mt&r_by=4568197

Thanks!

YACHT DELIVERY

85 foot custom-built motor yacht complete with 4 state rooms,
a state-of-the-art galley, GPS System and radar for navigation,
twin supercharged diesel engines, etc.

$7,474,793.00

***********************************************************

Champagne, chocolate covered strawberries with cream and
music dockside for the excited 'soon to be owner' and a small
group of his friends.

$1500.00

 

Two corporate representatives, crane, and rigging

$2,500.00 a hour minimum...

a faulty turnbuckle...

$25.00

 

(Note the owner in the stern/back of the yacht)

Watching your 7 million dollar dreamboat nose dive into the
harbor, accompanied by two corporate
Representatives from the company that built it just prior to
'inking' the final paperwork and handing over a 7 million dollar bankers check

So, how was your day?

 

Submitted by: 'BF'

 

Struck A Nerve On Health Insurance Rates; SunJournal: Claims of state insurance rate decreases in Maine prompts rebuttal

Scott Thistle, Regional Editor

Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 11:11 am

LEWISTON – Claims by a conservative watchdog group that a recently enacted health insurance law change was already creating lower premium rates drew a sharp rebuke from consumer advocate groups and liberals who say the new law is driving rates skyward.

This week the Maine Wire, an online publication of the Maine Heritage Policy Center, a Portland-based nonprofit, reported that individual health insurance rates were set to drop by 60 percent as a result of a 2011 state law change that supporters say is making Maine's markets more competitive.

Opponents say it's clear to them now that the only benefactors of the new law are the health insurance companies. 

Joe Ditre, an attorney and executive director of Augusta-based nonprofit, Consumers for Affordable Health Care,  called the report an attempt to put a "diamond stud in a pig's ear." 

Now where did that tube of lipstick go?

Read more here.

Conservatives Offer Solution For U.S. Budget: The Morning Bell:

Morning Bell: A Glimmer of Hope for the American Dream

Mike Brownfield

May 17, 2012 at 8:57 am

Yesterday in the Senate, America bore witness to the glaringly obvious division in Washington, as stark as the contrast between high noon in the desert and midnight in the mountains. On the one hand is Majority Leader Harry Reid’s (D-NV) failure to pass a budget over the past three years. And on the other hand is leadership from conservative senators and representatives who have put forward serious proposals to rescue America from its debt and spending crises.

That division was laid bare inside the Capitol yesterday afternoon as the U.S. Senate voted 99-0 against President Barack Obama’s budget — a plan that spends more, taxes more, and slashes our military, all without making any attempt to reform America’s entitlement mess.

Compare the President’s proposal — and Reid’s total lack of a proposal — with the four plans offered by conservatives in Congress, chief among them being Senator Mike Lee’s (R-UT) budget, which mirrors the bold and thorough reforms The Heritage Foundation first proposed in its Saving the American Dream plan. That includes limiting the size of the federal government, reforming entitlement programs, and simplifying the federal tax code in an effort to restore our nation’s economic prosperity and ensure that future generations are not saddled with today’s debt.

Also important are plans proposed by House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI), Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA), all of which acknowledge that America is facing a fiscal crisis that cannot be wished away, taxed away, or passed on to future generations. Though the Senate did not pass any of those plans yesterday, each of them garnered significantly more support than the President’s “alternative,” which did not even win one vote from his own party.

Continue Reading More.