More On Lisbon's Revaluation Bid Process Explained

CORRUPTION AND CRONYISM

At the Town Council meeting on August 2, 2011, this council clearly demonstrated how cronyism and corruption works in the Town of Lisbon.  After arguing for additional information by Councilor Pomelow and Councilor LaRochelle they voted to accept the bid from William Van Tuinen for the revaluation of the Town of Lisbon.

There are several issues with this process that I disagree with; the first one being Mr. Van Tuinen was allowed to provide the council with a presentation on how he would conduct the revaluation over a four year period.  None of the other bidders were allowed to provide any presentation.

Next, Councilor Bowie said the town should accept Mr. Van Tuinen’s bid because he was the only company from Maine.  However, I googled Maine Revenue Services Property Tax – Revaluation Firms (http://www.maine.gov/revenue/propertytax/municipalservices/revaluation.htm) and received a listing of 36 different firms recognized by the State of Maine.  Of these 36 firms, 29 firms were firms in Maine.  Some of the locations, I recognize as being close are Saco, Scarborough, Farmington, New Gloucester, Old Orchard Beach, Windham, Falmouth, West Paris and Madison.

I guarantee you the Town Manager did not send any letters out to any of these firms.  I can also guarantee you none of these firms were asked to provide a presentation to the council except Mr. Van Tuinen.  Mr. Van Tuinen was present at the meeting.  The fix was in and Mr. Van Tuinen was awarded the contract.

We will never know what would have happened if these other firms were offered an opportunity to bid on this contract.  There is a possibility the revaluation could have been done quicker and cost the taxpayers less money than Mr. Van Tuinen.  Of course with this council, it would not have made any difference if other firms like KRT Appraisal, who did bid lower than Mr. Van Tuinen, had submitted bids because the fix was in and Mr. Van Tuinen was always going to get the bid.

I hope KRT Appraisal protests the bid process because they were never allowed to provide the town with a presentation.  Also, they can review the meeting and see how cronyism works in its best form.  Councilors Pomelow and LaRochelle really showed their true colors on this night.

Larry A. Fillmore
Concerned Citizen