New Vineyard residents turn down recall, code of conduct ordinances
Robert Healy addresses New Vineyard residents Thursday evening.
NEW VINEYARD - Voters defeated two ordinances supported by citizen petition Thursday evening, in a special town meeting that's very existence was controversial.
More than 80 residents packed the first floor of Smith Hall, standing in the attached foyer and kitchen. A number of residents in town had drafted two ordinances for consideration: the first would have set in place a code of conduct for selectmen to follow while the second would have created a mechanism to recall municipal officers with a petition. Both ordinances were defeated by written ballot following roughly an hour of discussion.
Whether the special town meeting was legally organized appeared to be in dispute. Resident Jon Cavanaugh, who opened the meeting before moderator Gary Bestwick took over, said that residents had submitted petitions to the town office to hold a special town meeting on the ordinances. According to a statement read by Cavanaugh at the meeting, selectmen were required to respond to the request within 60 days. Instead, selectmen opted not to schedule a special meeting, instead choosing to defer the ordinances to the regular town meeting in March.
Citing a letter from the town's attorney, Frank Underkuffler, Cavanaugh said that the selectmen had decided that the issue was not an emergency and could wait for the regular town meeting. Saying the selectmen had, by not promptly responding to the petition and then refusing to hold a special town meeting, "illegally quashed" the meeting, Cavanaugh said their actions "only proves the need for a code of conduct."
The code of conduct includes 26 points, most of them requiring selectmen must be fair, ethical and professional. For example, the code of conduct requires selectmen "handle all matters of personnel on the basis of merit," "not withhold public documents from citizens of New Vineyard," and "not to benefit personally, politically or financially from his or her board activities."
In his opening statement, Cavanaugh said that selectmen had used their positions for personal gain and expended taxpayer money for "frivolous" reasons. Specifically, he said the board had expended money to attempt to remove the town's code enforcement officer. Cavanaugh also said that selectmen had utilized "slander" against residents of the town and lacked professionalism in some of their dealings with residents. He also accused selectmen of "embarrassing, assaulting and intimidating," citizens.
"The selectmen have always done what they want, when they want to, despite the will of the New Vineyard residents," Cavanaugh said at one point.
Selectman Doug Withey attended the meeting, as a resident and not selectman, as he put it. He also read from a statement, noting that the town's attorney had indicated it was "not unreasonable" to delay the ordinances until the regular town meeting and that therefore the event Thursday evening was a non-binding "assembly" rather than a special town meeting.
"No vote cast tonight will change any ordinances in the town of New Vineyard," Withey said.
He also noted that decisions reached by the board encompassed the will of all three selectmen. If residents chose to petition to remove one selectman, he said, selectmen believed all three should be voted out.
Cavanaugh said that he had originally planned to have Withey swear in moderator Bestwick, but that Withey informed him earlier that day that he would not in fact be able to do that. Withey, upon being asked to swear in Bestwick, said he "respectively" declined, based on the advice of the town's attorney. Bestwick recited the oath himself and opened debate on both articles.
Gary Bestwick swears himself in as moderator, as resident Jon Cavanaugh looks on.
Residents asked those supporting the ordinances for examples or proof of selectman wrongdoing. Alyce Cavanaugh said she had been confronted by a selectman at the town office when she tried to drop off the petition paperwork, and that the paperwork was thrown on the floor and later thrown at her.
The Cavanaughs have gone before the county commissioners three times to appeal decisions by the town regarding property valuations; the commissioners sided with the Cavanaughs each time.
The few residents who spoke at any length about the ordinances indicated that the special town meeting, or possibly assembly, was not the correct format for such a decision. Resident Doug Fletcher, who said he was not necessarily opposed to the code of conduct, said that it was not the correct time or place to approve such an ordinance.
"All I see here is anger," Fletcher said. He said that such ordinances needed to be considered carefully and by an unbiased group of residents, an opinion which earned a round of applause from the floor.
The vote on the code of conduct was 38 in favor and 48 opposed. Residents also chose to not enact a recall process, voting against the ordinance by a vote of 23 to 51.
Resident Robert Healy asked that residents avoid allowing the debate to divide them.
"The worst thing that could come out of this would be the town to be divided," Healy said.
Entries(RSS)
Did I read that the selectmen had expended funds trying to remove the Code "Enforcement" Officer? Everyone in New Vineyard should cheer that effort if they care anything about supporting their town and its precious resources.
I think a Code of Conduct would be a good thing. The parameters of acceptable behavior need to be reinforced. A Recall Ordinance would provide a mechanism to remove Town Officials whose behavior while not necessarily illegal is nonetheless unethical. I'm disappointed that New Vineyard citizens don't expect more of their public servants.
Maybe its time to petition to have the selectmen let go and to have a fresh new crew.
I was at the New Vineyard Town Meeting last night. First I want to say what an absolutely wonderful job Jon Cavanaugh did in presenting the proposed ordinances and how articulate and how well informed he was on the "rights" we have as citizens of Maine. It was obvious they did their homework! He explained to everyone step by step, how the Selectmen had violated our rights in our efforts to Petition, citing Maine Law and how our selectmen have done everything in their power to discount the voice of the people. Unfortunately, it seems like the whole Town of New Vineyard is "related to each other" and the meeting was taken over by three families. It was clear they had come to the meeting for the sole purpose of voting down the ordinances. It also was apparent they didn't listen to a word that Jon Cavanaugh said...and that is unfortunate and will eventually bite them in the rear! I could not believe the results of the vote and what was coming out of the mouths of some of our residents! unbelievable! I looked at the people who spoke...many I've never seen at the Selectmen meetings or even at our Town meetings. They don't have a clue what is going on in town. They base their decisions and votes on vicious "rumors" and "gossip" that flies around this town, and in most cases that are spread by our very own Selectmen!
These people may have won this victory...but in the long run they will lose and our town will suffer! If there is a town that needs a Code of Conduct and a Recall Ordinance it is New Vineyard! Our Selectmen are so underhanded, disrespectful, and uninformed it scares me! And should scare every citizen in New Vineyard. These people by voting down these ordinances are sending a signal to our Selectmen they will be allowed to continue "business as usual"!! It's time for all of them to go...I've felt this for a long time but last night and their efforts to silent our voice did it for me!
The fact that the selectmen worked sooo hard to prevent these ordinances from being adopted should be a wake up call for ALL the citizens of New Vineyard! People need to start getting "informed" and not listen to others for advice on how to vote.
Last night, Jon Cavanaugh challenged the words of our town attorney one by one. Our town attorney, in a letter to our selectmen, said "subjecting our selectmen to scrutiny and second guessing would be a major change in the office"!!! YOU BET IT WOULD....NO ONE QUESTIONS THEM! And if you do challenge them, you will pay.
Cavanaughs response is so true. 'IT IS WHEN CITIZENS FAIL TO EXERCISE OVERSIGHT THAT THEIR CIVIL LIBERTIES ARE CURTAILED".
What are the Selectmen afraid of? If they treat people with respect and are honest, they wouldn't care if these ordinances were passed. Can't people see that? Wake up New Vineyard!!!
I applaud Jon Cavanaugh! It takes guts to stand up for what you believe in...in a town that has been "ruled"...yes "ruled" by the same people for years and years. He may have lost his efforts last night, but I believe he has gained the respect of many of our residents. HE SHOULD BE OUR SELECTMAN!
Only takes a look at the records to show favoritism. Some people need permits to build others don't. Garbage and old tires are buried, much like the other secrets this town holds. Good Luck
I'm so proud of my husband! Whether one agrees or disagrees with him, he stood up for the "RIGHTS" of "ALL" the citizens of New Vineyard. It is one thing to complain and do nothing, or complain and act on your convictions.
All citizens should speak up when they see wrongdoing...it wasn't easy...the selectmen did everything in their power to silent his voice! Way to go Jon!
Going back more than 10 yrs to dig up dirt on the Code Enforcement Officer, speaking out of school about personnel matters, involving a citizen who is not a town official in the dirt digging, expending $1700 for another CEO to review our CEO's work dating back more than 10 years. The result-the reviewer found the selectmen lacked procedures and with the exception of a few judgement calls he found nothing wrong with Mr. Cahill's work. Way to go selectmen. Let's waste some more money on a vindictive witch-hunt.
What were the selectmen doing for the last 10 years that they did not have procedures in place. I think an employee has the right to expect that if there are issues with his work, that they be addressed in a timely fashion. 10+ years after the fact ? Come on!
Glad I don't live in New Vineyard! Sounds like the Selectmen are out of control. Throwing paper at a citizen? What is that all about? Does Selectman Adams realize that is assault? I hope the resident filed charges against her. Why would the citizens of New Vineyard put up with that behavior? Sounds like the citizens DO need a code of conduct...no wonder the Selectmen blocked the efforts of the petitioners....obvious they see the writing on the wall. I would hope come election time, the people wake up and vote them out of office. Sounds like they need to get another attorney too! Meanwhile, I will make sure I don't buy property in New Vineyard.
What is the "Porter Lake Lover" talking about? We have probably one of the BEST Code Enforcement Officers around. He works for "little money" and is fair to everyone. He is also well respected in the other towns that he works for. It is "no secret" in New Vineyard that Selectman Forster and Adams, along with a "private" citizen have been working diligently to get him removed. That's how the Selectmen operate in New Vineyard. And what really urks me, is that they use our "tax payer" money for their personal vindetta against the citizens they want to go after.
Luckily, they weren't successful. I have to give them credit....they gave it the good old "college try" though.
It's really to bad that the petitioners didn't prevail last night. New Vineyard needed a way to get rid of these corrupt individuals. That vote last night was a JOKE...it was obvious the vote was "stacked"...people were at the meeting that NEVER go to any meeting in town!!!!! These people know who they are. The people got all their family members to come out and vote against it. It's really sad. Selectman Adams has made comments in other town meetings she doesn't want "our dirty laundry" out in public. Well, if they acted right and did their jobs ethically and treated people the right way...they wouldn't have "dirty laundry" to worry about.
The best thing the residents of New Vineyard can do is to continually question these Selectmen when they do wrong for our town, get it out in the open, and VOTE someone to replace them come March. We have a nice town, but the Selectmen are bent on ruining it. All one has to do is go to the Post Office, Town Office or our Village Market and hear the "nasty" comments they make about some of the residents in our town.
It all sickens me.
I must admit, I know some of the families in New Vineyard and people are very much correct - some need permits and others dont; some can get away with the law and some dont, some can bury things and others cant. I know first hand and am thankful I dont live anywhere near this town. So many secrets and so little time. So many Bullies and yes I am referring to the man who thinks he owns everything and has a right to run his mouth whenever because he is "perfect" but sorry to say even some of "your" secrets arent secrets so dont piss the wrong people off like you have for the past several years....back to all the residents, like I said before-maybe its time to petition for NEW selectmen!
What is up with this headhunt for Zip Cahill? He has done nothing but good things for the town and its residents. I expected Mrs. Adams and Mr. Withey at least to be fair and supportive for what they know in their heart is right. Sad.
I don't know enough on the subject to be on either side of the debate, but I've never known the Bulldog to allow comments with profanity in them to be posted on the site. Wow could have made their point without it.
Nice points by all. Every town has people in it that seem to good to be true, but aren't...putting wow's words nicer to not upset others...but there will always be a time for a turn of events and it appears New Vineyard citizens need that turn now. I too know people in that town who think they are top dog and who love to gossip but that shouldn't stop the nice people from taking back their town. Good Luck.
All I see in this tirade is a Cavanaugh is planning to become a Selectman (or woman). Count on it.
I don't know all the details in this whole matter, but just wanted to say that there was a mass mailing sent out to all the residents in New Vineyard inviting them to this meeting so we all had the chance to attend. Louise made it sound like the vote that was taken Thursday night was not a fair one because of who turned out to the meeting. That is not a fair statement to say. The people who decided to attend voted ~ period. I for one, did not chose to attend the meeting and I rarely go to any of them, but that doesn't mean my vote shouldn't count if I do decide to attend.
So what if some of the people there have never gone to a meeting before ~ if they are a resident of New Vineyard then their vote mattered ~ simple as that.
Doesn't matter where you live ~ no matter what town it is ~ you will have people who don't agree with how things are run...that is why we need to stay informed (and not with the local gossip) but with the facts and then get involved and get out and vote.
Time for me to speak up! I have been told by several people who signed the citizens petition to adopt the two ordinances that they were called by Selectmen Adams asking them WHY they had signed the petition and telling them they were "on the wrong side"! This is intimidation at its BEST! My take? It is none of her business why people signed it. I've heard Selectmen Forster was going around town and telling "half-truths" about the motive behind the petitions reason for putting in the ordinances. No one can speak for the motive except the petitioners themselves!
It is obvious the people who signed the petition believed the ordinances were best for town and they believed in them. Many people in our town are running scared...so they keep their mouths shut or they don't vote because they think there could be repricussion if they don't vote the way the Selectmen want them to. What will they do to me? What power do they have over me???
Come on people, the reverse should happen! Get out there and take back own town...so you don't have to worry about the hold they may have over you.
Let's get a Selectman in there that is honest, treats people right and is fair and then lets support him/her. We have lots of citizens that fit that bill! We need to find THAT person and vote him or her in office come March.
Like "Frustrated Resident" said, it is obvious the people who came out, came out with an agenda to vote down the ordiances. It was obvious too, that they didn't listen to a word, they didn't care if it was good or bad for our town...they had an agenda and they accomplished what they wanted. They had their mind made up when they walked in the door. All you had to do is look around the room...almost everyone was related to Selectman Adams in some way. People were there that never have come to a town meeting.
A "vote" is a precious "right" we have as American citizens, and to "waste" that "vote" because we "like this person, better than that person" and not voting for the issue is a waste of this precious gift. As long as this happens ABSOLUTELY NOTHING will change in this town. As long as the people in New Vineyard keep silent nothing will change!
The results of the vote MEAN absolutely nothing! The selectmen refused to acknowledge the meeting and did everything to block it. I think the Selectmen's actions in this matter should be a wake up call to every citizen in New Vineyard. They failed to follow the law in the citizens right to hold this meeting. Jon Cavanaugh did a great job in explaining the law to all of us at that meeting...he read it word for word to us and it was clear the Selectmen didn't follow it. The selectmen wanted to send a signal that they will do what they want regardless how we feel.
Why would the citizens of New Vineyard allow it?
I ask all residents of New Vineyard...please...we can change things in March when it is time to reelect a new Selectman! Hit the streets, find a good candidate...WE CAN DO IT!
I too, thank Jon Cavanaugh for having the guts to stand up to these guys...it has got a great debate going, it has exposed lots of stuff and every citizen should start doing the same...standing up and questioning what is going on.
We were unable to attend the Thursday meeting.
Just a few comments:
1-We have probably one of the best Code Enforcement Officers. He works for "a pittance" and is fair to all. He is well respected in other towns for which he works.
2-New Vineyard is a lovely place to live.
3-There should probably be a selectman's code of conduct drafted, at some point by unbiased individuals because the parameters of acceptable behavior need to be reinforced. This would give citizens a mechanism to remove Town Officials, whose behavior while not necessarily illegal is nonetheless unethical.
4-NEW VINEYARD IS A WONDERFUL PLACE TO LIVE!
Patti, glad there is support for a Code of Conduct. Please note, the Code of Conduct presented at the meeting was primarily taken from the Code of Conduct of the Town of Sebago with additional language cobbled together from some other towns. If you google Town of Sebago Code of Conduct and scroll to the section for Selectmen, you will see the substance of the code which was offered at the meeting. Also, the Code was aimed not just at the Selectmen but at all town officials and employees.
The Recall Ordinance was taken verbatim from the Town of Sumner's ordinance which was put together with the help of the Maine Municipal Association.
As with all issues presented at town meetings, the people have an opportunity to debate what was put forth and make suggestions with respect to changes they want. You noted you were unable to attend the meeting but it is unclear if you have a copy of the Code of Conduct and Recall Ordinance that were presented. If you would like a copy, I'm sure that the petitioners can get one to you. I think you will find that it is rather commonsensical, focuses on what is normally considered common courtesies, and well put together.
The support of well intentioned residents is always welcomed.
Cavanaugh has my VOTE!
In regards to the comments from Observer. I have no intention of running for Selectman and have never indicated that to anyone in Town. And for Observer to put that out there when there is absolutely no basis for it...is yet another example of how some people start "rumors" at the expense of others and to further exacerbate the situation. This really needs to stop.
Just last week, at our Selectmen's meeting...I heard Selectmen's Forsters wife say that the reason "this all came about (???)" was because Jon Cavanaugh wanted to run for Selectmen. My husband has never made that comment to Lynn Ricardo-Forster or to anyone else. It is a falsehood and a vicious attempt to lead people to believe this is all about a personal issue between two people.
In regards to "Observer's comments". I have absolutely no intention of running for Selectmen, if nominated I will decline. I already hold an elected office. It doesn't pay much, but that doesn't matter. I do it to serve and I donate my earnings and more to the Town Library. A lot of good folks have worked long and hard to get a new Library and make New Vineyard a better place for all of its citizens. I applaud and support them for their good work for New Vineyard.
I do not see any point in the immediate or distant future where it would be benefiicial to the Town for me to be a Selectman.
If there are others who think as "Bob" does, I just want to say Thank You but I respectfully decline.
On March 10 2012 Jon you did in fact run for selectmen and was defeated 47-31 by Doug.
Why wouldn't the Town People all think this we were there. You never declined then.
And now a big rush for these Ordinances.
Makes anyone think..........
Thank you for declining!
Jon Cavanaugh wrote:
"I have absolutely no intention of running for Selectmen, if nominated I will decline."
I wish both Jon and Alyce would run for selectman. And current selectmen should be careful what they wish for. Zip is the fairest CEO I've ever worked with. There is at least one fairly local CEO that feels he is the god of enforcement and trying to expand his territory. Hire him and even selectmen wouldn't be immune from harrassment. At least I don't think he is related to Faye!
Here's what makes me think........
I wonder why the current selectmen/woman are fighting so hard against this code of conduct if they have nothing to hide?
It's a common thing for towns to have this code,,,,,,,so what's the big deal?
The selectmen/woman are acting like they are guilty of wrongdoing and that's why they are fighting against it so hard.
Where there is smoke there is fire.
That's what makes me think,,,,,,,,,,
Who cares who ran for what whenever??? It's still a common code and the town obviously needs it.
Looks like the tyrant better behave.
This has all been a real eye-opening! My question is: Why are the Selectmen fighting these two ordinances so hard? THAT IS A QUESTION WE ALL SHOULD BE ASKING THEM!
To the extent of questioning voters why they signed the petition? Calling people at home and intimidating them? Interfering with their right to petition? and Then...refusing to call a Town Meeting when it was ordered by a Notary Public and then doing everything in their power to block the meeting and discrediting it? and to top it off...getting so angry about it...assaulting a citizen?
I don't understand it? These are SIMPLY two ordinances. One the Code of Conduct that is basically a standard on how people treat each other...and it is for ALL elected officials! It just states that you treat people decent and fairly. What is wrong with that? We should be doing that anyway!!!!!! My understanding is many Maine towns have them. Why is New Vineyard resisting the efforts of those who initiated it? It is obvious, these people saw things happening in town, and experienced it themselves, that brought them to start with this petition in the first place. With all that is going on it would be wise for New Vineyard to have it.
Second, is a Recall Ordinance, again, for ALL elected officials. Again, what is wrong with that? This is just a document on the books that "IF" an elected official does not behave or carry out their duties in an impartial and ethical way, there is a way to take them out of office. I do not believe ANYONE would ever be taken out of office without sufficient reason. I don't think the people would allow it based on "gossip" or "hearsay". There would have to be FACTS. So Again, I ask the Selectmen, why are you running scared about these ordiances? Are there things you don't want brought out? If you haven't done anything wrong you would welcome these ordinances!
We can impeach the President of the United States and we can't impeach our local elected officials?
A little advice for the Selectmen and their families...the gossip, rumors, name calling, slander need to stop! I've been at some of these town meetings and in the presence of you guys and heard it myself. You need to treat people decent and stop insulting residents you don't happen to like. AND...Unless you hear something from the "horses mouth"...don't' believe it and don't SPREAD it around town.
It would be wise that we ALL live by the Golden Rule...."Treat People the way you want to be Treated"!
If the Selectmen don't start behaving themselves in a Professional manner and treat ALL people fairly, they need to go one...by ...one.
I agree with "Where there is Smoke"! Who cares who ran for what ...whenever?????
Don't try to divert attention from the REAL issue here! The behavior of our Selectmen!!!
It's easy to sit back in your homes and assume you know the business side of running a town, city or state. You don't.
There is a tremendous amount of information that must be handled and handled in the correct manner or there will be outright chaos. Whomever is elected must be totally business and truly interested in the town; heavens know, you aren't in for the money if you're being paid to do anything in New Vineyard, and you aren't in it for the power and glory (there is none), all you get are complaints and griping.
The majority of you would not have the fortitude or mindset to stay up with the mandates, rules and regulations from the State. It's a totally thank-less job. Do you ever call your select-people and thank them for what they do? I doubt it. But let them falter (in your eyes) and you jump on them like a pack of wolves at a feast. It's not a 9 to 5 job; it is a 24-7 job. Sit in the hot seat and see how well you'd do.
Hope you won't have to find out the hard way.
Like I said....Cavanaugh has my vote! Hope you change your mind come March!
To Observer......
To respond to Observer....who makes YOU the JUDGE of the people of New Vineyard? The "MAJORITY" of us...wouldn't have the "fortitude" or "mindset" to be a Selectman???? REALLY???????
We couldn't stay up with the mandates, the and regulations????? REALLY????
DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE OF NEW VINEYARD!!!!! Obviously...."Observer" you haven't been "observing" too well!
Right now...our Office of the Selectmen IS A TOTALLY CHAOS!!! This is the PROBLEM!
YES, There is a tremendous amount of information that must be handled and handled in the correct manner AND IN MANY CASES our Selectmen are NOT handling them in the correct manner. Let me remind you of a few....the citizens petition is one...our tax records another....the removal of our CEO...Lack of procedures for code enforcements, abatement issues...trying to "sell" town equipment when it was voted on that it would be kept for the people of New Vineyard, not holding everyone in town to the same rules...including "themselves"....OHhhhh...I could go on and on!
Why would you think someone who would be elected WOULD NOT BE totally business and truly interested in the town????? Again, underestimating the good people...the smart people of New Vineyard!!!!
But...wouldn't it be wonderful to have Selectmen that are truly business and interested in our town, instead of for purely "self-serving" reasons or for "control" and "power"!!!!!!!!
The person who runs for Selectmen knows what the pay is when they run...so that is their choice...we are "always" hearing from our Selectmen how "little" money they make...well...why do they continue to do the job?
Our selectmen bring many of the complaints and gripes BECAUSE of the way they do business. The way they treat people, their "lack of responsiveness"....much is brought on by themselves.
Everyone knows it isn't an easy job...but if you treat people right....be responsive...listen...show them when something can't be done and why, and follow the "rules" themselves....it would be a lot easier for them.
THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH QUESTIONING THEM! WE SHOULD ...EVERYONE SHOULD and if the current selectmen don't like it ...maybe they should move on...
Observer...what has made you such an expert on the role of a Selectman?
.
Control and power of what?? Who's to have "power" over in New Vineyard? Where is the "control?" Control of what?
The town has no monies to speak of. Most of it goes to SAD9. If we didn't have to pay SAD9; then you would have money.
I'm not saying things should not be questioned; but get a more balanced view.
Yes; there are people in New Vineyard capable of keeping up with everything that needs to be kept up with; but unless you have dedication in front of and behind it all, it's not worth all the trouble you are going to go through because you are not going to get paid what your time is worth (not even one tenth of what your time is worth); and if anything goes wrong you will have people down your throats like a pack of wolves trying to tear you apart.
Any and all political office holders suffer from the same problem: You can't please all the people all of the time! It's impossible; it's just not gonna happen. This goes from the president of the United States right on down to being Selectman of New Vineyard. There will always be the disgruntled in some shape or form, for one reason or another.
I've said what I've said, and I'm done. Good luck with straightening out the Town of New Vineyard and having it run according to your desires. I wish you well, I really do.
Observer, "What snotty, whiny remarks.
The business side of running a town, city, or state, spare me. You've probably never run so much as a lemonade stand. So, let me tell you something about running a business- businesses today, just like towns, are laden with all kinds of regulations and mandates, deadlines must constantly be met, expectations must constantly be exceeded, productivity must constantly improve, if you don't have satisfied customers, -your'e out of business. Putting up with gripes? That's called dealing with the public it's not easy but its part of the job.
People in New Vineyard own and work for small businesses every day. They know what pressure is, they know how burdensome regulations, deadlines, mandates etc are. They know how difficult the public can be. The difference between the selectmen and the small business employee or owner is very simply; if they treated their customers as the selectmen have treated the residents of this town- they'd be out of business or out of a job. If they wasted corporate money the way the selectmen have wasted tax money, they'd be fired or bankrupt. Where do you get off stating the majority of you would not have the fortitude or mindset to stay up with things. Owners and employees of businesses have to keep up with the myriad of regulations and mandates put forth by every alphabet soup agency of the federal, state, and local governments on a daily basis.
To refer to any group in this town as behaving like a pack of wolves- I dare you to post your name and say that to peoples faces. But, no, you hide behind "Observer" and speak about the people of this town in such a degrading manner. Unfortunately, your attitude towards the towns people is not unlike that of the Selectmen who think they can treat the people of this town with contempt.
No one is holding a gun to their heads. If they think the work is too much to handle- QUIT!
If they think the pay is too low-QUIT!
NO ONE is indispensable!!
If all three of the Selectmen quit tommorrow, the town would go on.
To anyone who thinks the CEO has done his job, I can take you on a boat ride around the lake and show you a brand new deck right on water's edge that was added to a camp that was already non-conforming, that is it was closer than the required 100 feet from high water making any further addition in the direction of the lake illegal. I can show you more than one little cabin that was expanded by more than the 30% limit required by the Shoreland Zoning Law. There are steps, decks, porches, new construction, tree cutting, and expansions that violate the setbacks and limits required by law and since so many get their little wink and nod, they don't want to rock the boat for others and so it goes spiraling upward and uncontrolled. In the name of what? Trying to be a nice guy? If that's how you want your lake to be destroyed then support Cahill all you want. This isn't a popularity contest, it's an environmental necessity and a very slippery slope.
Observer
"Good luck with having it run according to your desires"
I'd settle for having it run according to the law!
After you insulted the good people of the town who you obviously think are incapable of managing things, smart of you to try and backpedal. Now apologize for the pack of wolves comments.
From reading and hearing what has gone on in this town is only proving that some people really need to grow up and act like the adults that they are supposed to be. We are all human and we all make mistakes. Some worse than others. With that said, if there has been some things going on that should not have been then it needs to stop. We need to come together as a community and work with each other. Whoever lives in this town has a right to say what they wish. I was unfortunately not able to attend the meeting because of work. From knowing what has gone on in this town my husband and I do not particularly want to raise our kids around this nonsense. This stuff needs to stop! Think about the future generation. For the people that are being unfair pull your heads out of your ---- and smarten up.
I agree with most of what "New Vineyard Resident" has said. If things have been happening that should NOT...it needs to stop immediately. If people are treating some unfair...while turning a blind eye to others...that too, needs to stop immediately.
I also agree that we have to come together as a community and it begins by TREATING everyone with respect and dignity even if you don't like them or disagree with them. It means citizens and Selectmen and "other" Town Employees as well.
I too, agree that everyone has the right to speak up when they see or experience things that are wrong or unethical. So many times, you will hear people complain, complain, complain, yet sit back and do nothing. Thank God, we have people who are willing to stand up and speak up so hopefully things can improve for ALL of us.
I also agree that ALL people make mistakes....BUT making an "honest" mistake is quite different than knowing and doing unethical things at the expense of the town and residents. I think this is what it's about. Everyone will accept an "honest mistake"...or at least I would hope so. NONE of us should accept "Unethical and Unfair behavior"!
ALL our citizens need to start getting involved and be active in the community and learn what is going on...get the "facts"...DON'T listen to what your "neighbor" HEARD at the local market!!!!!!!. UNLESS you heard it first hand...don't repeat it! If you have to....go see the person who "supposedly" said it ..
START attending the Selectmen meetings (they are only held twice a month on Mondays @ 6 pm Smith Hall).. make it a point to start attending? Fit it in your schedule!)...see what is going on first hand...ask questions...be involved! Know WHAT your Selectmen CAN AND CANNOT DO!
And as "Observer" did...we need to stop degrading the people of New Vineyard as a bunch of idiots who aren't capable of managing their own town. Or that there are "only certain" people smart enough and capable enough to hold the position of Selectman! How outrageous!
I was at one Town Meeting (and did in fact.. hear it "first hand"), when a town resident, (the same people who are behind the attempted firing of our CEO) made the comment after noting the small number of residents at the Special Town meeting say, "Well, if the people from New Vineyard want to sit home and watch their Soap Operas"....WE'LL "RUN" THE TOWN".
This should send a signal to everyone in town.... why it is soooooo important for everyone to become involved!!
And to "New Vineyard Citizen"...I don't think it is that bad that you would NOT want to raise your children here. Many times these things have to happen to make things better and for change to happen! Keeping everything swept under the carpet and hoping it will all "go away" does no good....whether in marriage, friendship or in Town. I look at this as a positive thing that will help us better our town. Keep your chin up and get involved.
New Vineyard is a wonderful place to live!
I recently went on a boat ride around Porter Lake and everything looked great! I saw some nice new camps and some of the older camps being remodeled and spruced up. Everyone with property on the lake that I talked to had a real sense of pride of their land,camp and the natural resources. Zip Cahill is doing an excellent job of code enforcement and working with land owners to make the lake a wonderful place to be. I saw no signs of pollution or the enviroment being damaged in any way. Only getting better! People should just be happy to be on a great lake in ME and enjoy it. Dont be overcome with jealousy if your neighbor has a bigger camp or newer dock than you, its not Zips fault he is just doing his job and a good one at that.
To "New Vineyard Citizen"....Don't want to raise your kids around this nonsense?
If your children are old enough why not use it as a teaching moment? What a great lesson about standing up for what you believe in? Being Honest. Having integrity. Treating everyone fairly and with dignity. Courage. Why you shouldn't Bully. The harm of gossip. Your right's as a citizen. Why its important to get involved and to know what is going on. Politics. Democracy. Oh...there are so many lessons in all of this. Use all this in a positive way....
Wouldn't you want your children to stand up for themselves, or speak up if they see wrong doing to speak up?
Meanwhile, I agree with Agree....everyone needs to start getting involved!
In response to Porter Lake Lover
Re: a deck right at water's edge, that would be a planning board issue and also the expanded camp. Building permits are only issued by Planning Board after site reviews are made and measurements are done by multiple individuals. Any steps, decks, porches, construction and expansions are all made final by the permit process and the Planning Board, not the CEO. The Lake is healthy! If you do have questions, go to a Planning Board meeting. They are open to the public!
The lake is as clean as its ever been and the camps look great. Nice to see the pride people take in their waterfront. No owner wants to damage the lake and quite the opposite most have improved drainage and erosion control compared to pre-Zip years. Boohoo if someone has a deck. Porter Lake Lover needs to find a new body of water.
To "porter lake lover"...I'm so glad that these issues have initiated a meaningful dialog. I contacted the Chairman of the planning board and the CEO and they are not only willing, but eager to go for a boat ride with you so you can point out your concerns. they are perfectly willing to investigate the same and report back to you. please contact them at your earliest convenience.
I teach my children to treat others with respect, with kindness, using everyday manners, and stick up for yourself with dignity and grace while making sure you harm no one in the process. I ask you all, to please be a role model for all of us. I'm not preaching here, just asking for each of us to take step back, think before we speak, and gather ourselves and our thoughts. Little eyes and ears are watching and learning all the time.
good for you Elle...Your lessons are important, but not everyone lives by those rules so it is important for all of us when we see residents or our elected officials making negative comments in public about others to step back and think about the negative consequences of their actions. If not already involved, I hope you will start becoming involved in town politics and see what is going on....do it for your children's future and yours!
I was at the meeting, and have seen the actions of several of the so called citizens, most of whom have come from another state. The people who are trying to Recall and put in place a code of conduct have an issue with 1 particular selectman. When asked several times, what exactly the Selectman did to make these actions seem necessary, no direct answer was given. Our selectman have spent more of their time with this problem than really was necessary. You folks who are trying to push this issue need to just give it up. The townspeople of New vineyard have seen through you, and your abatements that were declined by the Selectman, but granted by the County Commissioners. Gee, I wonder who is going to make up the taxes that you dont feel you should have to pay......
Concerning the New Vineyard Mess, I say, "Right on!" to Was at the meeting.
to: Was at the meeting,,,
The code of conduct is simply a safeguard against abuse of power.
If there is no abuse,,,,no problem RIGHT?
If there IS abuse,,,then accountability happens (what's wrong with that).
So (AGAIN),,,,why fight against something a lot of other towns have in place?
Why (as you say) have the selectmen/woman soent so much time fighting this? ("They" should give it up).
Makes me think there really IS an issue.