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It may feel slimy, but it's legal

Editorial Board
Our View |
Monday, August 3, 2009

Being elected to the city council in Lewiston doesn't mean forfeiting the right to political activism, even if your chosen cause goes against the majority decision of your colleagues. It wouldn't be a popular move among your peers, but it would be legal.

And the city council president, Tom Peters, has the law on his side.

Peters, one of two dissenting votes in the controversial firing of the city's administrator, Jim Bennett, is an architect behind an upcoming private meeting regarding Lewiston governance. (It might be private, but it is not a secret: the meeting is Aug. 5, at 5:30, at the Ramada Inn.)

This involvement prompted questions from councilor Bob Reed, who described this meeting as having the air of a "lynch mob aimed at the current council." Reed added, "It just feels slimy to me; I don't know how else to describe it."

One way would be disheartening - just the fact that there is this level of disagreement and tension among city councilors is indicative of their lack of harmony. As the barbs fly about Bennett, his termination/buyout and the subsequent rationales for it, it's clear there's no love lost on this council.

Lewiston is not being governed effectively when there are sitting councilors fomenting insurrection against the sitting council. It's not slimy, but rather an appraisal of the sad state of affairs that the council's inability to work together has created.

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Displaying comments, from newest to oldest

robert's picture

dr.dosh...your misinformed

By robert, unverified — Tue, 08/04/2009 - 09:12

dr.dosh...your misinformed understanding of the area's prosperity appears to be as accurate as a news cast by Keith Olbermann. Where ever you relocated to...please stay there. I was born, and raised in Lewiston, and have been involved in many of the positive projects that helped Lewiston garner the All-America City award in 2007. FYI, the All-America City award is given by the National Civic League annually to only ten cities in the United States. The award is the oldest community recognition program in the nation and recognizes communities whose citizens work together to identify and tackle community-wide challenges and achieve uncommon results. But dr....YOU must be correct with your myopic observations regarding the future prosperity of the L/A ares since you received an expensive and highly regarded degree from a liberal arts college. So in keeping with your use of Yogi Berra(isms)... I believe this is apropos to you:

There are some people who, if they don't already know, you can't tell 'em.

DR's picture

I think some team management

By DR, unverified — Mon, 08/03/2009 - 19:32

I think some team management workshops are in order here.
The Twin Cities are poised to do great things, but not if progress is hopelessly mired in personal disputes. Folks on the council, it's not about you. It's not about you winning and somebody else losing. It's about coming to agreements --- ever heard of the word 'compromise'? --- after mature consideration and debate. It's about professionalism. It's about respecting the process, not your individual likes and dislikes. What you all could accomplish together with a better attitude could be a model for other towns, even the state, and could be held up as a example to be admired. Think about what you're doing, put all the pettiness behind you and start over. It's really the best thing you could do.

Robert61's picture

Dr. would you still feel

By Robert61, unverified — Mon, 08/03/2009 - 22:39

Dr. would you still feel that way if all votes were 7-0 and the Mayor was never called upon to break a tie for the first 16 months (and they thought no one would ever figure that one out). I came in skeptical of consolidation but the group was willing to work with me and as we explored the issues, I came to see the savings were there - not as large as they specified, and not with as restructuring and layoffs as they predicted to achieve their number, but there were savings. But here's the kicker - Auburn voted to kill the concept of consolidation, and did so after getting help from tom peters who worked secretly with Auburn to help craft their final decision. Some councilors in Auburn actually thought the entire Lewiston council was in agreement with them and were speechless when they realized none of us even knew it was coming for discussion that evening. I've offfered multiple suggestions for consolidation including a joint riverfront development concept but to date, no response from others.

And while I understand your concerns - no matter how hard we try, every issue will have winners and losers - take the no smoking ban we tried to have in Lewiston - 4 councilors said it was okay to smoke in our parks as long as there was no scheduled activity by the city. If smoking is bad during organized activities, than isn't it just as bad during non-sanctioned activities? But hey some challked it up as a win when their side won 4-3 to defeat tougher measures and greater restrictions.

I also agree with your statement "it's about respecting the process". If the Lewiston councilors on the losing end of this decision to fire Mr. Bennett had been respectful of the process and moved on, none of what has occurred the past 4 weeks would even have occurred. Their actions are hardly those of mature professional people and have caused others including myself to go on the defensive because of their actions. You cannot imagine some of the phone messages my family has had to taske for me while Im at work or elsewhere.

nbarry's picture
verified

Yes! Well said.

By Nancy Barry, verified user — Mon, 08/03/2009 - 19:43

Yes! Well said.

robert's picture

CmdrDewey, I hope I didn't

By robert, unverified — Mon, 08/03/2009 - 15:32

CmdrDewey,

I hope I didn't come across as heavy handed. I was pointing out that these elected officials with "axes to grind" are giving a bad name to the political process and to the citizens of Lewiston. I completely agree with you and tron, it's really sad to see some of these so called "professionals" act so unprofessionally. Now magnify this council 100 times and that would describe the Maine legislature in Augusta.
By the way, I like the Edmund Burke quote...its still rings true today.

tron's picture

This editorial fails to

By tron, unverified — Mon, 08/03/2009 - 11:42

This editorial fails to realize that essentially this is now a lame duck council. It was before the
Bennett firing and has become even more so now. Petitions are being accepted for candidacy for council seats, so when else would people of like mind attempt to get candidates to run who agree with their principles? There are no political parties in municipal elections, so different methods must be used. Petitions are due shortly, so knowing who is available to run and assist is essential now. I would be astonished if Councilors Therriault, Reed and Dube are not trying to find like minded candidates to run. Only difference is they are probably doing it in private, but fine. This is how a democracy is suppose to work. One side or the other will probably win, although a mix result is more likely.

nbarry's picture
verified

Tron, Mr. Reed is correct.

By Nancy Barry, verified user — Mon, 08/03/2009 - 17:10

Tron,

Mr. Reed is correct. The term "lame duck" would only apply to those still serving once not reelected. However, I hear your point and agree with the intended message. Come up with a different phrase and I'm with you :)

Interesting, I needed to catch up today on comments. Appears Mr. Reed had a couple of understandable posts yesterday? But today, it is back the confusion and personal issues. Why? I wonder...

tron's picture

Ms Barry, I am used to

By tron, unverified — Mon, 08/03/2009 - 18:10

Ms Barry, I am used to Councilor Reed misreading my remarks and then attacking me for what he accuses me of saying, but I thought you would be more thorough. I did not state that any Councilor was a lame duck, just that the entire Council was ESSENTIALLY a lame duck. Now, yes, I've taken liberty with the definition, but the point was this council is ESSENTIALLY powerless to do anything but perform perfunctory decisions between now and the election. After all the budget is done and things normally slow down this time of year. Yes if they want to do some major initiative or even appoint Mr. Nadeau "permanent" administrator they can, but it would leave itself open to changes by the new council and cause even more chaos in this city.

Now I NEVER said Councilor Reed and Therriault were working to support each other, never said it. I said I wouldn't be surprise if both of them were talking to like minded individuals to run for office. Last word published was that Councilor Dube would not be running, but she may change her mind, it definitely is a woman's prerogative. But if she doesn't that would mean you would only have Poulin and Bailey to bully into submission, so another one or two councilor to control would be to your advantage. Now if you and Councilor Therriault don't communicate with each other, how do you know what he is or isn't doing.

Now Councilor Reed, you never fail to bring up the fact I live in Auburn? Why? I have lived in both Lewiston-Auburn all my life, much longer that you have. Anything Lewiston does directly affects the entire area. Lewiston constantly act the bully against its neighbor. Stealing festivals, stealing money from GFTV to use in its own budget. I am a great supporter of consolidation, which would be a perfect time to pursue it now, that you've gotten rid of Mr. Bennett. Having one administrator for both cities would be ideal. Of course, I doubt you'll go for it, but it's worth a shot.

Send my warmest regards to my niece and her sons. And her husband if he'll accept them.

Robert61's picture

Well tron, I've got to give

By Robert61, unverified — Mon, 08/03/2009 - 22:22

Well tron, I've got to give you a pat on the back this time - must be a full moon LOL. I now understand your reference to be as a council not as lame duck individuals, its a fair point as Mr. peters is busy telling others they need to become candidates, and yet not running for re-election himself, which could be construed or interpreted many ways. Be that as it may, you are correct, it is a lame duck council if ever there is such a thing. Then again, as we were not a unified body, so I'm not sure the analogy applies. Of course, given all that has occurred it will be an interesting few months for those on the council particularly as people try to play to the camera or make others actions seem worse than they are. All in all it should make for great ratings on local access tv as each of us strategizes how we move forward.

But on to bigger things, I have no idea if Ms. Dube is running, frankly, I barely have time for my own re-election concerns to even think about supporting others or asking their support of me. It will be an interesting campaign as I suspect many newcomers distance themselves from either side of the Bennett firing and its aftermath. I see Ms. Dube and the other councilors at the meetings at city hall and thats about it. With my honey-do list growing longer, my oldest getting married this fall, activities in scouting and recently being named Chairman of the Board of Directors for Empower Lewiston, my time is very much spoken for. I simply don't have the time for the social interactions with them, even if I was invited.

Nancy, curious, was it my grammer, spelling or my apology that you were applauding yesterday? My typing is still terrible and as everyone knows email and the like are not known to be halls of good grammer, so I'm guessing it might be the latter. If so you'll be pleased to know that the newspaper will print my apology for the issues of last week in an edition upcoming. I've always tried to give the truth, answer any question posed, but also to admit when I am wrong.

tron, as to an aside from last week - the excample I gave was meant from your past, and not as an insult to your mother. Rest assured that no matter how testy our relationship may be I would never stoop that low and hope you can believe that of me.

nbarry's picture
verified

Hey Tron, I'm with you.

By Nancy Barry, verified user — Mon, 08/03/2009 - 19:09

Hey Tron, I'm with you. Just being conservative on the points - yes, I thought you misstated a little.... but understood intent, sorry if I came off to the contrary. Mr. Reed came back as normal (un-professional, vindictive, and personal). I don’t have a lot of extra time today and, even less tomorrow. No need for formalities from you, you can call me Nancy :)

Robert61's picture

It often amazes me that

By Robert61, unverified — Mon, 08/03/2009 - 16:40

It often amazes me that people can come onto this site, and spew incorrect statements and allegations and yet no one dares question them. tron - where do I begin - the only lame ducks would be Mr. peters who has said he is not runing again, and Ms. Dube who has either not decided or is not running (I am not sure which). There are 5 of us running and as such we are not lame ducks until such time as we lose an election. Think of us like democrats in the legislature - always there, never leaving unless its to go to another chamber. You would be astonished to learn that I am not assisting Councilor Theriault, he is not assisting me (although I might ask to place a sign on the lawn of a building he owns in my ward, much like the Peters boys did during the last election), and neither of us could possibly be helping Ms. Dube as she has not indicated to us whether she will run or not. I truly would ask that you not make such comments here unless you can prove the allegations. For a guy who lives in Auburn you seem to have such a fascination with Lewiston politics and yet you know so little about what is really going on. My wishes are not to keep you from blogging, but rather to ask that you blog with facts not inuendo, I'm still waiting for proof from all your past allegations as not one has proven out yet. Oh yeah, my wife says hi to her uncle.

CmdrDewey's picture
verified

Robert, I certainly didn't

By David Whittier, verified user — Mon, 08/03/2009 - 11:39

Robert,
I certainly didn't mean to demean Lewiston public employees. I have re-read my post and I don't think I did. Nonetheless, if that is the impression I left on you, I apologize. The council, on the other hand, is a different story. More and more, people, not just in Lewiston and South Paris, but elsewhere are being elected on a single issue platform or with a single issue agenda. They are unable to see the big picture-unable to understand that actions have reactions which in turn have other reactions and so on. Rumford has had that problem as has Andover and certainly other places as well. I am aware of several dedicated and professional public employees that have left jobs because some loudmouth with a personal axe to grind has made life miserable for them.

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." (Edmund Burke) I am NOT saying that these various councils are evil but the concept is the same.

robert's picture

Cmdrdewey, Don't mistake the

By robert, unverified — Mon, 08/03/2009 - 10:45

Cmdrdewey,

Don't mistake the council antics with the efforts of the hard working municipal employees of Lewiston. The sad state of affairs does not reflect upon the city employees just the fractured city council. I have had the honor of working with many of them and they do their job well dispite the childish antics of the council. I remember when the council was so divisively devided it was referred to as the gang of 4 and the gang of 3...almost every vote was 4-3 back then (1994-1995).

CmdrDewey's picture
verified

Back in the mid-50's, before

By David Whittier, verified user — Mon, 08/03/2009 - 09:47

Back in the mid-50's, before we had a TV, listening to the Lewiston city council on WCOU was real good entertainment. On the morning after meetings my classmates and I would discuss the latest stupid thing said or done by that body. It was pretty entertaining. It is pretty entertaining today for many of the same reasons. Lewiston is being outshone only by South Paris in that regard. Municipal government is in a pretty sad state of affairs.

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