LISBON – A large crowd including several present and former local officials witnessed the end of an era in Lisbon Saturday night when the town officially moved to a town-council form of government, replacing the town meeting, a 206-year tradition.
The historic event was opened by Master of Ceremonies J. Michael Huston, followed by a parade of newly elected officials and staff, led by the Lisbon Police Honor Guard, which made the presentation of flags.
Invocation and benediction was given by Pastor Steven DeGroft. Huston then introduced the new seven-member town council, Town Clerk Twila Lycette and Town Manager Curtis Lunt.
Also recognized were state Sen. John Nutting, state Rep. Robert Berube and Lewiston City Council President Rene Bernier.
Opening remarks were given by David Bowie, a former selectman and Charter Commission vice chairman. Bowie traced Lisbon history to its incorporation as a town originally named Thompsonborough “in the County of Lincoln under the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1799.”
He told of many events as the town grew over the years, getting chuckles when he described one meeting “back in the 1960s when residents became so upset with the selectmen they threw tomatoes and other things at them.”
Lycette administered the oath of office to at-large Councilors E. Charles Smith, Layne Curtis and Michael Bowie; District 1 Councilors Gina Mason and Janet Henry; and District 2 Councilors Dale Crafts and Norma Wells.
Also sworn in were new Budget Advisory Board members Paul Chizmar, Jeffrey Ganong, Hal Chase and Steven Curtis.
Special string music was provided by Matthew Watras.
The new council then entered its first official session, electing Michael Bowie, council chairman, and Layne Curtis, vice chairman, and set Wednesday, July 5, as the date of the first regular meeting.
Closing remarks were given by Lunt and the retiring of flags was performed by the police honor guard.
Members of the honor guard are officers Harry Moore Jr., Patrick Gagnon, Ryan McGee and Darin Estes; also William Tapley, who is on deployment in Iraq.
The inauguration concluded with refreshments.
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