The Guv'nah gives the same pat answers over and over...nothing new here. He could have sent spokesperson Adrienne Bennett, who, IMHO is the most overworked and underpaid person in the administration for both running interference and providing damage control for this clown.
of the less than ethical state treasurer... he must be blinded by Mr. Poliquin's "celebrity"...If I was a taxpayer in Georgetown, I'd be pissed at the lack of accountability demonstrated by the Select Board and the preferential treatment enjoyed by Bruce. If Mr. Poliquin's property is in Tree Growth and the plan is "confidential", just exactly WHO has access to the plan to ensure his compliance with the law and the resultant most generous tax break ???? Let's be candid here and recognize that the Georgetown Selectmen have given preferential treatment to one high profile taxpayer and the hairball known as Poliquin has no ethics and is an opportunistic leech! He's the last thing this state needs in politics !!!
I think it would be worthwhile to take a look at Mrs. Cornwall's 1982 deed and see what she wanted done (or not) with this property. So, if the Selectmen open the door and allow this to happen, might future Boards continue chipping away at the preserve ? Late last summer, Mrs. Cornwall's heirs were asked if it would be permissible to allow hunting in the preserve. Seems to me, one (or more)of the heirs thought hunting would be in opposition to the spirit of a PRESERVE, but no matter, the selectmen decided to allow hunting anyway...such a bunch of tone-deaf reps, who do quite well in emulating our state and federal reps ! Thumbs up, guys !!!!
If any representative, OF EITHER PARTY,is found guilty of doing something less than honorable or ethical, or heaven forbid, illegal, they should be tossed out and surely not defended by their party members...This isn't a game. As citizens we should expect exemplary behavior; we should not be continually defending lipstick smeared porcine faces of "OUR TEAM" members...
This is an excellent way to identify the 'host'community, recognizing the parasitic nature of this enterprise...will guests have the ability to use EBT cards ?
"A current loophole allows people to claim addresses in both towns"...well, there's something the Town Manager could at least attempt to address, now that it's been discovered !
And it only took 5 months of dubbing around and prodding over and over again to get the Town Manager to complete this job! Kudos to Phil Tarr for seeing this shovel-ready project through completion. Whew!! And we should jump right on the bandwagon this year and entrust him with 4 or 5 million dollars to fix our roads ???
First of all, the bylaws referred to are the bylaws of the Selectmen. If one goes to the Town office and requests a copy, they will note the final bylaw states something to the effect,"these bylaws may be set aside at any time...which means the bylaws can be used (or not) as the Selectboard sees fit - basically toothless...
I would say if the Selectboard can vote in a Chairman, then they also have the power to take another vote on a new Chair! In light of the fact that our sitting King, oops Chair, has become absolutely enthralled with the sound of his own voice and the wisdom he wishes to bestow upon the ill educated masses, I for one would be in support of a regime change. Mr. Kurtz has been absolutely tone deaf to any suggestion not of his own world view. His behavior since being named Chair is abhorrent to myself and many others who have had the temerity to question his methods or perspective.
I'm sure Mr.Kurtz was pissed at Ryan Lorrain and saw his failure to vote as some kind of betrayal. What I find more troubling is Mr. Kurtz allegedly critisizing Mr.Lorrain through e-mail.
If Mr. Kurtz truly possesses the wisdom he professes, he should understand that Paris cannot continue with "business as usual" and all Selectboard action MUST be performed by the light of day !
So Selectboard, I challenge you. Revote the Chair,complete all business in PUBLIC and have the spine to shut down over-the-
top bloviators within your midst !
Pardon me, Maine oil dealers, we can't be certain that this "shoot from the lip" Guv'nah is up to speed on other energy sources, but there are more than a few of us out here who are less than concerned about your ability to maintain your more-than-healthy profits the oil industry extorts due to lack of consumer choice. By the way, didn't you mean "fraught" with risk ? I can tell you, though you appear tone deaf, many of your consumers are fraught with worry as to how to afford the ever escalating prices forced upon us. Why don't your members dig in with their relatively deep pockets and be part of the solution rather than risk being left in the dust?
"If renting out the ice meant the school would have to pay property taxes...Hebron Academy might discontinue allowing outside groups to use the arena." Wouldn't a rational person look to generate more revenue if required to pay property taxes ? And if Hebron Academy can afford to pay the Headmaster $185,000.00, plus perks, plus housing,it seems as though they can afford to pay their fair share of taxes to this tiny town which has no industry. Why were the formerly taxed parcels of land taken off the tax rolls ? As money gets ever tighter, people will start to look at property that is untaxed...These institutions, and there are plenty, build their budgets with way out-of-line salaries and then expect their communities to let them off the hook regarding taxes, which of course the lowly homeowner must pay or his property will be seized and sold. Oh, and Hebron students are required to take two whole science courses during their time at the Academy...sounds pretty rigorous !
Tax exempt status wouldn't be such a farce if the entities that benefit didn't pad salaries from the top down. If Stephens Memorial Hospital in Norway can AFFORD to pay its "top" administrators millions, YES MILLIONS, of dollars in compensation and bonuses, they can probably afford to pay taxes - what one might call their "fair share".
If there is a limit placed on how much money can be raised by TAXES and it is written as a STATUTE that taxes are held to a certain percentage, why is there even a provision to allow the "budget committee" a vote to override ?? If one has a set amount of dollars to spend, one must make cuts somewhere so as to purchase what is truly necessary. Or,at least that's how it's done in most households. Why do these selectmen lose their heads when it comes to county spending ?? Why do people seem to believe, "It's only a few more dollars"...? Apparently, that's how most taxing entities view it when it comes to the poor overburdened taxpayer. And that's also how the oil dealer and the grocer and the retailer think as they hike their prices. Why should any of us have faith that politicians anywhere have the ability to do the right thing when it comes to spending tax dollars ??
It might be more helpful in solving this case of a possible dogfighting ring if people who know this guy called the Sheriff's office and gave them the names of his friends and where he hangs out etc. I believe you can leave information anonymously. And I do hope the Animal Control Officer is able to thoroughly investigate the situation.
By all means let's continue with the present system because we can see that it has worked so well -what with many people not being able to afford basic health insurance, uninsureds flooding emergency rooms (with the taxpayers ultimately footing the bills), and those benevolent private insurance companies pocketing millions, if not billions, in profit, while merrily denying or even rescinding coverage. This country cannot afford to "stay the course" on this issue; we must remove health care from the hands of corporations who are only interested in making a mighty healthy profit.
This is what you get when you elect "white trash" to the Blaine House. I hope the Governor can maintain his stand against special interest groups ... if he even understands the corner he's just backed himself into. Good Luck Guvnah !!!
The problem started back in June with the initial vote to allow public road access to the ATV club. The Board of Selectmen FAILED to perform any background check on the information that was provided by the ATV club and voted to give access at that time. It wasn't long before homeowners surfaced who had objections to this action. According to Mr. Stearns, after many months of meetings with no alternative route found, the Selectmen really had to let their prior vote stand because "the majority rules" and "that's how democracy works". If anyone bothered to look up the ATV laws in this state, particularly Title 12, Subsection 13157-A Operation of ATVs, Section 6- Operating on Public Way, one could see that the Selectmen are the controlling authority on whether ATVs can run on public roads. If the Selectmen had bother to do their due diligence in the first place, they might have avoided the subsequent firestorm.
Dramatically absurd. Well, that's an extremely nice way to describe the antics of a buffoon. I truly believe the citizens can sort the wheat from the chaff and will only recall the maliciously dangerous characters that infest the Paris Board of Selectmen...
Don't lose sight of the fact that Troy Ripley is the dangerous one here; David Ivey is just giddy with power (unemployed and not many prospects) after being named Board Chair and he is more than willing to be Troy's " Monkeyboy" (Troy's pet name for David). Both Ivey and Glen Young are excited to be Ripley's "lovely assistants"- because neither one has had an original thought since they took their selectmen's seats two years ago. But, I must say it is refreshing to see Glen show up for selectmen's meetings. He was always so busy with his business... or away on hunting trips... or vacations with Troy... Could this be any cozier for the boys !!!???
Yo Topgun-In this country we have a saying, "There's no fool like an old fool." Maybe you should try a little critical thinking when it comes to the people you listen to and so willingly carry water... By the way, are you an American citizen ? And FYI, if one were to view the police report, Mr. Ivey's address is located in Oxford, Maine. What's up with that Waterboy ?
Recent Comments
The Guv'nah gives the same
The Guv'nah gives the same pat answers over and over...nothing new here. He could have sent spokesperson Adrienne Bennett, who, IMHO is the most overworked and underpaid person in the administration for both running interference and providing damage control for this clown.
Mr. Birdsall appears to be an unabashed supporter
of the less than ethical state treasurer... he must be blinded by Mr. Poliquin's "celebrity"...If I was a taxpayer in Georgetown, I'd be pissed at the lack of accountability demonstrated by the Select Board and the preferential treatment enjoyed by Bruce. If Mr. Poliquin's property is in Tree Growth and the plan is "confidential", just exactly WHO has access to the plan to ensure his compliance with the law and the resultant most generous tax break ???? Let's be candid here and recognize that the Georgetown Selectmen have given preferential treatment to one high profile taxpayer and the hairball known as Poliquin has no ethics and is an opportunistic leech! He's the last thing this state needs in politics !!!
The Deed, Please.
I think it would be worthwhile to take a look at Mrs. Cornwall's 1982 deed and see what she wanted done (or not) with this property. So, if the Selectmen open the door and allow this to happen, might future Boards continue chipping away at the preserve ? Late last summer, Mrs. Cornwall's heirs were asked if it would be permissible to allow hunting in the preserve. Seems to me, one (or more)of the heirs thought hunting would be in opposition to the spirit of a PRESERVE, but no matter, the selectmen decided to allow hunting anyway...such a bunch of tone-deaf reps, who do quite well in emulating our state and federal reps ! Thumbs up, guys !!!!
Either party...
If any representative, OF EITHER PARTY,is found guilty of doing something less than honorable or ethical, or heaven forbid, illegal, they should be tossed out and surely not defended by their party members...This isn't a game. As citizens we should expect exemplary behavior; we should not be continually defending lipstick smeared porcine faces of "OUR TEAM" members...
Host community
This is an excellent way to identify the 'host'community, recognizing the parasitic nature of this enterprise...will guests have the ability to use EBT cards ?
"A current loophole allows
"A current loophole allows people to claim addresses in both towns"...well, there's something the Town Manager could at least attempt to address, now that it's been discovered !
Park Fence
And it only took 5 months of dubbing around and prodding over and over again to get the Town Manager to complete this job! Kudos to Phil Tarr for seeing this shovel-ready project through completion. Whew!! And we should jump right on the bandwagon this year and entrust him with 4 or 5 million dollars to fix our roads ???
First of all, the bylaws
First of all, the bylaws referred to are the bylaws of the Selectmen. If one goes to the Town office and requests a copy, they will note the final bylaw states something to the effect,"these bylaws may be set aside at any time...which means the bylaws can be used (or not) as the Selectboard sees fit - basically toothless...
I would say if the Selectboard can vote in a Chairman, then they also have the power to take another vote on a new Chair! In light of the fact that our sitting King, oops Chair, has become absolutely enthralled with the sound of his own voice and the wisdom he wishes to bestow upon the ill educated masses, I for one would be in support of a regime change. Mr. Kurtz has been absolutely tone deaf to any suggestion not of his own world view. His behavior since being named Chair is abhorrent to myself and many others who have had the temerity to question his methods or perspective.
I'm sure Mr.Kurtz was pissed at Ryan Lorrain and saw his failure to vote as some kind of betrayal. What I find more troubling is Mr. Kurtz allegedly critisizing Mr.Lorrain through e-mail.
If Mr. Kurtz truly possesses the wisdom he professes, he should understand that Paris cannot continue with "business as usual" and all Selectboard action MUST be performed by the light of day !
So Selectboard, I challenge you. Revote the Chair,complete all business in PUBLIC and have the spine to shut down over-the-
top bloviators within your midst !
Oil vs. anything else
Pardon me, Maine oil dealers, we can't be certain that this "shoot from the lip" Guv'nah is up to speed on other energy sources, but there are more than a few of us out here who are less than concerned about your ability to maintain your more-than-healthy profits the oil industry extorts due to lack of consumer choice. By the way, didn't you mean "fraught" with risk ? I can tell you, though you appear tone deaf, many of your consumers are fraught with worry as to how to afford the ever escalating prices forced upon us. Why don't your members dig in with their relatively deep pockets and be part of the solution rather than risk being left in the dust?
Robinson Arena Tax Status
"If renting out the ice meant the school would have to pay property taxes...Hebron Academy might discontinue allowing outside groups to use the arena." Wouldn't a rational person look to generate more revenue if required to pay property taxes ? And if Hebron Academy can afford to pay the Headmaster $185,000.00, plus perks, plus housing,it seems as though they can afford to pay their fair share of taxes to this tiny town which has no industry. Why were the formerly taxed parcels of land taken off the tax rolls ? As money gets ever tighter, people will start to look at property that is untaxed...These institutions, and there are plenty, build their budgets with way out-of-line salaries and then expect their communities to let them off the hook regarding taxes, which of course the lowly homeowner must pay or his property will be seized and sold. Oh, and Hebron students are required to take two whole science courses during their time at the Academy...sounds pretty rigorous !
Will the casino accept EBT
Will the casino accept EBT cards ?
Tax Exempt Status
Tax exempt status wouldn't be such a farce if the entities that benefit didn't pad salaries from the top down. If Stephens Memorial Hospital in Norway can AFFORD to pay its "top" administrators millions, YES MILLIONS, of dollars in compensation and bonuses, they can probably afford to pay taxes - what one might call their "fair share".
Statutory tax levy limit...
If there is a limit placed on how much money can be raised by TAXES and it is written as a STATUTE that taxes are held to a certain percentage, why is there even a provision to allow the "budget committee" a vote to override ?? If one has a set amount of dollars to spend, one must make cuts somewhere so as to purchase what is truly necessary. Or,at least that's how it's done in most households. Why do these selectmen lose their heads when it comes to county spending ?? Why do people seem to believe, "It's only a few more dollars"...? Apparently, that's how most taxing entities view it when it comes to the poor overburdened taxpayer. And that's also how the oil dealer and the grocer and the retailer think as they hike their prices. Why should any of us have faith that politicians anywhere have the ability to do the right thing when it comes to spending tax dollars ??
Ted Kurtz would prefer to be
Ted Kurtz would prefer to be the only one to butt in on the Budget Committee's work...
It might be more helpful in
It might be more helpful in solving this case of a possible dogfighting ring if people who know this guy called the Sheriff's office and gave them the names of his friends and where he hangs out etc. I believe you can leave information anonymously. And I do hope the Animal Control Officer is able to thoroughly investigate the situation.
Health Care Reform
By all means let's continue with the present system because we can see that it has worked so well -what with many people not being able to afford basic health insurance, uninsureds flooding emergency rooms (with the taxpayers ultimately footing the bills), and those benevolent private insurance companies pocketing millions, if not billions, in profit, while merrily denying or even rescinding coverage. This country cannot afford to "stay the course" on this issue; we must remove health care from the hands of corporations who are only interested in making a mighty healthy profit.
This is what you get when you
This is what you get when you elect "white trash" to the Blaine House. I hope the Governor can maintain his stand against special interest groups ... if he even understands the corner he's just backed himself into. Good Luck Guvnah !!!
The problem started back in
The problem started back in June with the initial vote to allow public road access to the ATV club. The Board of Selectmen FAILED to perform any background check on the information that was provided by the ATV club and voted to give access at that time. It wasn't long before homeowners surfaced who had objections to this action. According to Mr. Stearns, after many months of meetings with no alternative route found, the Selectmen really had to let their prior vote stand because "the majority rules" and "that's how democracy works". If anyone bothered to look up the ATV laws in this state, particularly Title 12, Subsection 13157-A Operation of ATVs, Section 6- Operating on Public Way, one could see that the Selectmen are the controlling authority on whether ATVs can run on public roads. If the Selectmen had bother to do their due diligence in the first place, they might have avoided the subsequent firestorm.
Dramatically absurd. Well,
Dramatically absurd. Well, that's an extremely nice way to describe the antics of a buffoon. I truly believe the citizens can sort the wheat from the chaff and will only recall the maliciously dangerous characters that infest the Paris Board of Selectmen...
Don't lose sight of the fact
Don't lose sight of the fact that Troy Ripley is the dangerous one here; David Ivey is just giddy with power (unemployed and not many prospects) after being named Board Chair and he is more than willing to be Troy's " Monkeyboy" (Troy's pet name for David). Both Ivey and Glen Young are excited to be Ripley's "lovely assistants"- because neither one has had an original thought since they took their selectmen's seats two years ago. But, I must say it is refreshing to see Glen show up for selectmen's meetings. He was always so busy with his business... or away on hunting trips... or vacations with Troy... Could this be any cozier for the boys !!!???
Yo Topgun-In this country we
Yo Topgun-In this country we have a saying, "There's no fool like an old fool." Maybe you should try a little critical thinking when it comes to the people you listen to and so willingly carry water... By the way, are you an American citizen ? And FYI, if one were to view the police report, Mr. Ivey's address is located in Oxford, Maine. What's up with that Waterboy ?