LEWISTON — Two city councilors are sparring over a fledgling group that is critical of current council decisions.
Ward 1 Councilor Tom Peters, the council president, said he is taking part in the group's organizational meeting scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Ramada Inn.
"It's been organized by people that are not happy with the politics in Lewiston at this particular moment," Peters said. "Some people are a little concerned about decisions that have been made and future directions. They wanted to talk about it."
Councilor Robert Reed questioned Peters' motives.
"It's interesting that a sitting council president is organizing a group that has issues with the council he's currently sitting on," Reed said. "It doesn't feel right. It just feels dirty to me."
The two are on opposite sides of a decision earlier in July to fire City Administrator Jim Bennett. Reed sided with the majority councilors, agreeing to buy out Bennett's $110,000 contract. Peters and his brother, Ward 2 Councilor Nelson Peters, voted to retain Bennett.
Reed is currently collecting signatures to gain a spot on the November ballot seeking re-election to his Ward 7 City Council seat.
Peters has said he will not seek another term as Ward 1 councilor. He and Ward 6 Councilor Betty Dube are the only sitting councilors who have not taken out papers seeking re-election.
"That doesn't mean I can't continue to be interested in local politics," Peters said. "What I know is that a number of people are disgruntled about that decision, specifically, and they wanted to talk about it."
Peters said he expects the group will identify and help promote alternative City Council candidates. It is a public meeting, he said. He is one of the organizers, but much of the work is being handled by others, he said. He wouldn't say who else was involved in planning the meeting.
Reed said he would not be in attendance Wednesday night.
"It feels to me like it's a lynch mob aimed at the current council," Reed said. "It just feels slimy to me; I don't know how else to describe it. It feels like a violation of the respect councilors should show for one another. I think it's sad — slimy and sad."
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Dear Mr. Reed, It is
Dear Mr. Reed,
It is apparent from your banter here that you are an arrogant, self-rightgeous buffoon who just likes to hear himself talk. Good luck with that re-election. It is apparent that you only listen to those who agree with you. You must love the guy in your mirror.
I hope that you enjoy more time with your family after the election.
Everybody wants a better Lewiston. Your way is not the only way. So, I hope you will be hitting the highway, soon.
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Mr. Reed,
When there is value to be attained with me attending a firefighter’s union meeting, let me know. I am more than happy to attend although after 4+ intensive and great years serving on the Balloon Festival Board, I am not sure where the value lies. I retired 3 years ago and am not a spokesperson for the Festival; I am simply educated on the logistics due to experience and state my opinion as a citizen. And, since you criticized others for not doing so I stated my previous role when referring to the Festival. You may consider stating your city role at the end of every comment you make as well.
As a city counselor, please communicate why you would not want to attend a public meeting because I have not attended a firefighter’s union meeting. This confuses me.
In your last post you finally responded to my inquiry for reasons for Mr. Bennett’s dismissal. "nerw direction we'll head in simply means with someone else driving the bus, and for me, that opportunity is incredible. “ I added the ending quote but left the grammar error for quotation reason. Seems odd that a business person might not state a strategic reason vs. a personal reaction. Again, I am confused.
Regarding your constituents - so it works for you? What you feel is 7-3 in your favor. Please explain your logic on the 7-3. I do not understand; must be missing something. Not criticizing, just do not understand your logic or you did not fully communicate the 7-3 out of x (what is x?) Did only 7 positive citizens contact you? I did not read this. And, if only 7 did contact you, why not participate in the meeting?
Another question I asked was your logic on “budget neutral.” This was a while back with no response. You did admit much later that perhaps Phil might need to be compensated (which I fully agree with) that was part of my question. Overall your logic is still questionable with the facts you originally stated (without Phil in the equation.) I still would like an answer.
And, from one “numbers” person to another. Never took a typing class - still make mistakes but at least I catch some. In my opinion, your communications as a city counselor are very unprofessional.
So, Mr. Reed, I have no personal vendetta or agenda. Just see so many holes and illogical statements. All of this leads to questions. Does not add up in my book.
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Oh, and Nancy - I do listen to my constituents each and every day - in fact they have been quite supprtive. I've had 3 people contact me who were opposed - 2 of whom simply told me I was wrong and they would run me out of office - and one who simply sked for an explanation and ocne provided seemed to understand why I took the vote I did. I have gotten other not so nice emails but not from people in my ward who seem far more decent than some folks in Auburn, Gardiner and even other parts of Lewiston.
Score to date is 7-3 in favor of what i did - 3 complaints on this issue is far less than I got on the property tax bills, the stormwater issues, and yes even the dog park. So fat not one person has said anything negatively to me while I was out collecting signatures to run again this fall.
So here we are, I've given my reasons for what i did and have answered the questions - but for some thats not enough. I understand thats part of the process, but if you won't at least hear what I'm saying and refuse to acknowledge it - how can we have civil discourse and look to a better Lewiston. Those who say Jim did it all and was God are simply putting down an entire organization and not giving credit to many excellent employees - is that the wish of folks here? So for the final time - the "nerw direction we'll head in simply means with someone else driving the bus, and for me, that opportunity is incredible.
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Wow, interesting comments, where do I begin ...as to answering a question with a question - my point being Jim had previously told us we were welcome at the department head meetings. Yet when Denis showed up all heck broke loose - if you tell someone they are welcome to attend, whats the logic for screaming at them when they do? Jim should not have made the offer if he did not wish to honor it (kind of like he shouldn't have asked me to buy out the contract if I was unsatisfied), however I do think Mr. Theriault holds some fault in his being there unannounced - perhaps letting the administrator know he would be taking him up on the offer to attend. Please consider we must evaluate the administrator performance - a big part of which is how he leads his departments and seeing him in action would be a great way to do this - in fact Mr. Theriault and Mr. Peters attended a county meeting that Jim was at representing the city for that very reason - and Jim saw no problem with that. Jim's duties did uinclude managing the employees and no one should interfere with that, but out duties are to manage the administrator.
As to the property issues, we've all seen the blogs and stories about former Councilor Rousseau buying and selling properties - some of the same people here now have been pretty vocal about that. As to current, I've been told that Tom Peters and his partners have been buying some property downtown, and while I cannot confirm this, I have one citizen tell me they went to an auction where Mr. Peters was present, and she was pretty shocked when she realized he was actually there bidding privately. It is my opinion that any sitting councilor or elected official should be barred from doing so by the charter as we see and hear much in executive session which could make some think insider information was at hand. (In fairness, on this building, I don't think it was insider information, but rather a potential cheap buy of a building). Allow me an example here - if you knew a new school site was being considered in Lewiston to replace a school that needs to be replaced - would you be interested in property that might suddenly appreciate because of a new school, or worse, be needed by the city as part of that master plan? Those questions need to be asked of each councilor - have you alone, with partners or through a corporation of which you own more than 10% (city charter on conflicts for purchasing) purchased or enterred into agreements on any properties in Lewiston since being elected. What exactly is wrong with all the citizens knowing this - some clammor for less executive session, make false allegations about secret meetings and yet when these issues are raised they turn a blind eye to the issue.
Nancy - yeah, I'll go to that meeting when you attend a firefighters meeting - you've had an axe to grind against me since the balloon festival issue and you're just using this as a way to point fingers at me. You do have valid points about my typing but then again I never went to typing class, I work with numbers all day, not letters, so cut me a bit of slack if my typing is not up to what you think a councilor should have for typing skills.
Lastly, it also makes me wonder why so many people are coming to Jim's defense when they could not stand the thought of him being administrator for both cities. Many people wanted no part of him in Auburn and yet now sing his praises. I do look forward to the election in November as that will be the people in my ward, in Lewiston deciding if I've done a good job or not, if they agree on the Bastille day removal of Mr. Bennett or if someone new simply wow them off their feet. I believe in democracy and losing the election only means I can stand back and watch the new group self destruct as they try to bring back Mr. Bennett.
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Well said Donnie. And, I assume once you are elected city counselor you will double check your grammar (one small error in last sentence.) Though much easier to understand than Mr. Reed’s comments (or questions in response to questions) - perception is reality. BTW, you rarely make grammar and spelling mistakes on this site :)
I agree. Mr. Reed initiating such negative publicity for this meeting might generate more attendance, which should be very productive. It is unfortunate he chooses not attend. If I were in his position, the need to hear how my constituents feel would override the need to protect myself in a narcissistic bubble.
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I apologize i left out cause. I can admit when I have done something wrong.
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There you go! Everyone make mistakes and you admit it it... even the tiny ones :) Hope you know I was half kidding...
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I think the meeting is a great idea. Whether you believe in their view our not this is what our government is based on "The will of the people". If you don't follow their beliefs don't go, form your own meeting with citizens to discuss where they want the city going. Maybe we can get the groups together and have and old fashioned tug of war to see who is stronger. Wait isn't that what will happen in November? I personally only think their has been helped by this publicity because not everyone knew about it until it was put here in the paper.
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Enoch, they won't move it to the Colisee because that would cost them money.
Bosco, not all the profits made for the MDA fundraiser go to the group. There is a lot of people the MDA employ with big salaries.
Robert61, who is the present city councilor(s), and who are the past city councilor(s) buying up downtown land you speak of? Is Jim Bennett involved with them? Why are they "buying up downtown land?"
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Well Councilor Hold on because it looks like you are a one term guy who could not do his job correctly Bennett may have gotten what he deserves according to you but how the tide will turn this november!!
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Does anyon else see the irony in holding a meeting to find candidates who support a certain view while at the same time not be willing to run for re-election?
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Gee, if only there was something similar in the real world, oh, there is, it is called a political convention. However since Republicans made city races "non-partisan" that vehicle isn't available so something else has to devised. As long as it's above board, this is nothing wrong with people of similar interests to get together to try and elect candidates with their viewpoints. It is not a stretch to say you do the same thing by pandering to the Twin City Times to espouse your views. You do it to enlighten people who believe like you do.
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Robert61 stick to your guns... Bennett was a joke... Westbrook was happy to get ride of him... Some of the pea brains living in Lewiston thought he was great... Give me a break... Bennett was in it for Bennett...
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Veritas, my answer would depend ont he question "what if the President or someone else had previously extended an invitation for ANY Congressman or Congresswoman to attend? Does that ot affect the answer?
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'Or someone else?"
Like moi, for example.....?
That's certainly a wide net......
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When I was a young Sailor - I drank like a Sailor, fought like a Sailor, and screwed like a Sailor. Now that I am old and wise - I have a few scars, but many fond memories.
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Robert61
A Counselor got his knickers in a twit because he was asked to leave a Department Head Meeting.
I asked you before - what do you think the outcome would have been had a Congressman inserted himself into a Cabinet meeting?
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When I was a young Sailor - I drank like a Sailor, fought like a Sailor, and screwed like a Sailor. Now that I am old and wise - I have a few scars, but many fond memories.
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Has anything been written or discussed about the reasoning behind Mr. Bennett's firing? Was it a case of city councilor's ego's? In this economy I would hope the reason(s) were so egregious they felt they had to pay out his contract AND pay a second salary to whomever replaces him. Have the details been spelled out in the paper and I just missed it? And Robert; "...it's dirty, it's slimy, but hey thats Lewiston politics, no different than a sitting councilor and his partners buying downtown properties right?" What are you saying here? Who are you accusing? Why would you write a comment like that here? Is it illegal for a sitting councilor to buy downtown properties? Is this the best way to handle an issue like this? From that comment alone, I think it may be time for you to just enjoy your family and walk away from the mud slinging. This certainly can't be what you had in mind when you decided to "help" the city of Lewiston.
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Julie, there is an ultra right wing tabloid called Twin City Times, and councilors Theriault and Reed had a conversation published there where they tried to outline their reasons for dismissing Mr Bennett. You cannot call it an interview, since there doesn't appear to be a reporter there asking follow up questions, but you can google it and read for yourself.
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Peter Steele conducted the interview and he is the lead editor and reporter. His name is on the byline and he seemed fair and portrayed the interview accurately. Once agian, another moment of misinformation from one of Auburn's finest bloggers.
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WHO CARES WHAT THE COUNCILORS THINK? we didn't vote for them to represent themselves! their only concern should be representing the majority opinion of their ward. the opinions of their constituency ONLY ; because what you think stinks may smell like roses to your constituents. I've never seen so many windbag councilors so focused on their own opinions since larry raymonds left office.
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Hakim, Nope sorry - I was Republican until a year ago and am now unenroilled due to differences with the ideals of the Maine Republican Party. Neither side can take credit for my greatness, nor are theyr esponsible for those times when people do not agree with me.
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Hakim, Nope sorry - I was Republican until a year ago and am now unenroilled due to differences with the ideals of the Maine Republican Party. Neither side can take credit for my greatness, nor are theyr esponsible for those times when people do not agree with me.
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Robert61 you will have my vote... Bennett had to go... He was running Lewiston using the good old boy system... Sure he will keep his golfing buddies like the police chief in a good job... Let him retire come back making almost the same amount, plus collecting his retirement. Bennett was also going to put a nice early buy out clause in the chiefs contract... Just like the one Bennett cashed out... The good old boys taking care of eachother... I still wanna know about Bennett's trash deal... Keep up the good work Robert61... Peters is one of Bennett's buddies by the way...
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Robbie, my dear, you work for the CITIZENS of Lewiston. (in case you needed to be reminded) Sounds to me this is what Tom is doing. You put yourself in the hot seat...remember that.
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Parafly, how can you compare an attempt to mediate between two unsatisfied parties with a meeting that is extremely one sided, has one agenda and could end up violating the law. It will be a fine line Mr. peters has to walk on this one. To all -My entire point with not being pleased with this is here you have not just a councilor, but a sitting Council President who is taking shots at the very body that he is to represent. When the email says "this council" that includes him. Tron, yes I already have at least one person running against me and I have no problem with that, and yes I ran unopposed last election, but that was not my decision, I just happened to be the beneficiary. As to the article. as to my concerns about the meeting, it's dirty, it's slimy, but hey thats Lewiston politics, no ddifferent than a sitting councilor and his partners buyig downtown properties right? And, no I don;t mean a previous councilor. I guess we'll just have to endure a few rabble rousers until November and then maybe get back to the business of making our city more livable. The voters will decide and I actually look forward to that day - I'm either cleared by the majority, or I go back to having time with my family.
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Parafly, again with the Balloon Festival, time to move on, as a Lewiston Taxpayer, hope YOU move YOUR festival out of town. Perhaps you would of done better if you would of tried to work with the firefighters and the council, instead you try to imtimidate, and when you lose you dump on the council that was trying to help. Instead of YOU trying to have people arrested for helping sick children, get a life and let go of your failures. Regardless of the Council decision on Bennett, the world does not revolve around your festival. NO SOUP FOR YOU.
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Mr. Reed,
How can you state that "It doesn't feel right. It just feels dirty to me" regarding Councilor Peter's decision to organize a meeting to mediate between the citizens of this city and your (the majority of the councilors) decision to terminate Mr. Bennett.
Let me remind you that just last month you attempted to organize a meeting (at your personal house on a Saturday) with the Lewiston Fire Fighters and members of the Great Falls Balloon Festival in an effort to mediate a resolution between the two groups.
It didn't feel right. It just felt dirty to me.
My feelings exactly!
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Finally the public gets to sit in on an isider meeting. This may be something that is overdue and I hope they have to move it to the Colisee because of the crowds!
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Bob, I think you are off the mark on this one. Tom can organize anything he wants to. Political activity is good for Lewiston. The more the merrier.
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That's politics, Bob. Does this mean you'll have competition in this race instead of a free ride like you had last time? Maybe, but then you'll have to defend your recent actions, and the voters will decide. That's the way it should be. Councilor Peters isn't doing anything slimy or underhanded, he's doing everything out in the open for all to see. Not like the actions you and your friends have done lately behind closed doors. Fresh air is great for democracy. Good luck on your reelection campaign. Believe or not I really mean that.
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