ILLEGAL TAKING OF PROPERTY‏

I NEVER THOUGHT THE TOWN OF LISBON COULD SINK SO LOW

 

By now you have already read comments on the September 6, 2011 town council meeting.

 

This meeting was a prime example of Puppeteer Steve Eldridge at his best. He pulled the strings and his puppets, councilors Fern Larochelle, Michael Bowie and Lori Pomelow danced. 

 

Mr. James Morreale owned 2 properties in Lisbon Village. Prime real estate locations, right on the corner of Lisbon Street and Village Street.

He is running a redemption business at at 231 Lisbon Street, and the property at 3 Village Street is a multi-family.

 

He is the first to admit that both are in need of repair.

 

The Town of Lisbon has his property at 231 Lisbon Street valued at $124,200.00. The 2009/2010 taxes are $2,608.20

The Town of Lisbon had his property at 3 Village Street valued at $113,500.00.    The 2009/2010 taxes are $2,383.50

 

The grand total of taxes for the fiscal year, July 1, 2009 - June 30, 2010 is $4991.70, plus interest accrued, for properties that are run down and seriously in need of repair. 

 

With taxes assessed in that amount is it any wonder, that in today's economy, he is hard pressed to come up with that amount to pay taxes, plus make needed repairs to his buildings?

 

Mr. Morealle was not ignoring the taxes owed. He has spoken with the tax collector, Mr. Eldridge and even the Director of General Assistance who pulled the plug on helping a tenant with rent assistance, as agreed on. He made the mistake of telling Mr. Eldridge that he does not have a mortgage on those 2 properties.

 

Next thing he knew, Mike Cote, Town of Lisbon Codes officer was at 3 Village Street evicting his tenants, and handing him a notice that the town had foreclosed on both properties. WITH NO PRIOR NOTICE!!!!

 

Watch and listen to the September 6, 2011 town council meeting. James Morealle's Attorney Richard Golden and Mr. Morealle himself gave a detailed explanation as to why his taxes were in arrears, and a plan for paying his taxes, bringing them up to date.

 

Watch and learn how your councilors protect the citizens and taxpayers of this town. Watch and decide if you want there councilors to represent you!

 

It would appear that Councilor Larochelle was not listening because when it came to a vote on accepting the proposal he said he was not ready to accept it as he needed more information. Maybe he had the munchies,  heard that interferes with hearing properly once.

 

What information? It was clear that Mr. Morealle had a plan and was going to pay his taxes.

 

Town Manager Eldridge pulled the strings and Councilor Larochelle danced?

Mr. Larochelle has said at many council meetings that he meets with Mr. Eldridge often to discuss town affairs. Does 2 + 2 = 4? 

 

Councilor Larochelle, how many fingers am I holding up?

 

Council Chair Mark Lunt said that accepting the proposal was not fair to taxpayers.

 

Go to the town office and pick up a copy of the 2010 Town Report, if you do not already have one. On pages 35, 36, 37, 38 & 39 is a list of unpaid taxes for the tax years, 2001 - 2008, 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 for a total of 161 with taxes unpaid. Some I have probably been paid. The report does not indicate those paid. And yes, my name is in there too. Mine are paid but still listed as unpaid. I struggle with paying my taxes too. It would appear that the town is interested in foreclosing on only a selected few properties

 

Now, why would any town refuse to accept money owed? 

 

Could it be that the property is, as I said previously, in a prime location? A location the town wants desperately enough to it take illegally?

 

This recalls the Reggie Thiboutot property at 39 Village Street, Lisbon, next to the Lisbon Fire Station? Do you remember? The town wanted it, and took it. 

 

I ask you, fellow taxpayers, who will be next? You? Me? Your next door neighbor? 

 

Councilors often say for residents to call or email them. They want to know of our concerns and opinions. BULL! ! ! ! ! Councilor Chair Lunt said at that meeting, that he gets so much email he does not even bother to read most of them.  Well that's accurate at least so let's start filling the town council meetings and taking OUR TOWN back from these Crooks.

 

Is this a councilor that you want to represent you?

 

Dot Fitzgerald

A VERY CONCERNED TOWN OF LISBON CITIZEN

 

Footnotes: 

 

All foreclosures have to be to be published In the newspaper for three (3) consecutive weeks. It can be and usually is, a fine print legal ad and can usually be found in the Sun Journal in the Sports Section.

 

It is the law! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

 

I always read the small print legal notices in both the Sun Journal and Times Record and James Morealles foreclosures were never published! ! ! ! ! !

 

Assessed value and taxes are public knowledge and were taken from the Town of Lisbon website, Real Estate Tax Commitment Book.

At the September 6, 2011 council meeting Mr. Morealle said the Town Assessor has revalued the property at 3 Village Street, Lisbon. New valuation - $39,900! ! ! ! ! ! !   Too little, too late.

 

He has his new tax bill to prove it! ! ! !  He's still waiting for his 2011-2012 tax bill for 231 Lisbon Street, Lisbon. As of this writing he does not know if he still owns it, or not! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

 

Once again, who is next? Will it be you? Will it be me? or your neighbor?

 

It is time for the good citizens of this town to take action!

 

Attend council meetings. Watch meetings on TV. Call and email your councilors with your opinions and concerns. And hope they read and not delete them.

 

Afraid of retaliation, by our police department?

Remember, there is safety in numbers! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 

 

There are some very good officers in Lisbon but  few are spoiling it for the rest of them.  Chief Brooks is only a Boogieman in his own UNETHICAL mind.

Signed once again,

 

Dorothy B. FItzgerald

Founding member of the Lisbon Concerned Citizens.