Taxpayers Association of Gray

2010-03-06T18:56:00.001-05:00

Neglect

2009-03-24T16:36:00.002-04:00

" and everyone supposeth that his own neglect of the common estate can do little hurt and that it will be the care of somebody else to look to that for his own good, not observing how, by these thoughts of everyone, in several, the common business is jointly ruined."

Pericles~

Thank you SAD#15

2009-03-11T20:28:00.004-04:00

Having occasion to read the recent article about the School Budget in the Gray Independent I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.

SAD 15 took a 1.2 million dollar reduction in their budget this year as compared to last. By making hard choices and the tough decisions that so many are forced to face these days, the School Department has come through for the Taxpayers of both Gray and New Gloucester. This fine bit of work is to be applauded on many different levels.

By realigning and reallocating existing resources the Superintendent of schools Victoria Burns has proved by example that such cuts in spending can be made. Not only that, but they are spending less without sacrificing services or programs. This brings a higher fair market value upon the tax dollars we as a community contribute to the education of our children.

Ben Franklin once wrote: "A penny saved is a penny earned" so it seems fitting that the education department be the first to grasp that concept this budget season.

In these times of economic chaos, when the mania of borrowing and spending the nation out of debt has gripped our society, the refreshing news from our School Department invigorates me. They have shown themselves not just good stewards of our Children, but also of our community as a whole.

In short, we congratulate Superintendent Victoria Burns, her staff, and all the people involved in the school budget process this year for a job well done. We know it was not an easy thing to do but through hard work and determination, you all made it through, and we the Taxpayers of Gray appreciate your strong effort to cut costs and save all of us money during these uncertain times.

Let us now hope that the other departments of our fair town will follow suit and take measure of, the fine example set forth by SAD #15.

Allen R Butler

Time is Money.

2009-02-27T16:46:00.003-05:00

Time is money, as the old saying goes, and each of us places a particular dollar value on our time. We do this as a matter of course, almost subconsciously, every day as we make choices as to how we are to approach the issues of our lives. There are hundreds of different ways to calculate what a persons “Time” is worth either to themselves or to others.

Some people break down a project or task by using the simple formula of hourly wage x the amount of time to complete = the sum value of their time on said project. This can also be applied to a purchase by dividing the cost of the item by one’s hourly wage. (Purchase cost / hourly wage = sum total time) No matter what formula you as an individual use to come up with your figure of self worth the fact that we do so as a society, and make decisions based upon the data from said calculations, is very interesting indeed.

Now, the examples above are by far the simplest of the lot and these definitely do not take into consideration some of the other factors associated with time value. I use these for, to try and apply the hundreds of other factors such as; lost value time vs. labor (i.e. time you would not be making the hourly wage anyway as compares to the labor you apply to your project) would create a very long piece. I haven’t the time to “Spend” on such an endeavor at this moment.

The gist of the argument is that we as a society understand that our time has value which in this day and age we translate into a numerical figure and currency. And that we are not going to either “waste” our time on projects or issues that do not at least return that value or “spend” our time frivolously if we can avoid it. If we were to “Waste and Spend” not only would that subvert our communal understanding of costs but it would also undermine the principles of industry that the citizens of Gray embrace fully.

So what you have to ask is; what is your time and labor worth?

Make your calculation then ask how many hours you have to work each year just to pay your tax bills?

Are you getting full dollar value from the government for those hours? Would it not be profitable to you to spend some of those hours looking at the Town Budget proposals especially if it could save you money come tax time? For if you through labor are able to save a sum in excess of the time put into the research then you can actually increase your hourly value and thereby your net worth.

The bottom line here is that Time really is Money, and if you ignore this most simple of facts, a pauper not only will you be, but so too will you make of others.

Allen R Butler
Gray, Maine

A Police Force for Gray?

2009-02-21T19:03:00.000-05:00

The question has arisen as to whether the time has come for the town of Gray to add a dedicated police force to the list of services it provides to its citizens. The options I have heard range from one officer with 40 hours/week of coverage to four officers providing 24/7 coverage, and proposals have been submitted by both the Maine State Police and the Cumberland County Sheriff's Department to contract the service. Presently police services are provided both by these entities on an on-call basis.

One argument for adding a dedicated Gray police presence is that the town is consuming more that its fair share of these agencies' resources, which are shared by other towns in Cumberland, Androscoggin, and Oxford counties in the case of the State Police which service Gray, and the rest of Cumberland County in the case of the Sheriff's Department. Another is that other Maine towns the size of Gray either have their own police department, or a contract to provide local police services. Finally, the Maine State Police have warned of significant delay if we continue with the present system..

On the surface there appears to be a compelling, or at least plausible, argument to at least have some level of local, dedicated police coverage to relieve some of the burden from the agencies, and provide more timely, effective service. However, this does not come without cost: the estimates range from $85,000/year to $440,000/year depending on the hours/week of coverage and which agency is contracted. To put this in perspective, these costs would represent approximately 1.5% to 7.6% of the 2008-2009 Town budget. I'm not an expert on town finances, but I presume this would be the amount, more or less, Gray property taxes would increase should we choose to accept one of the proposals. In these economic times we should be discussing reducing, not increasing, property taxes, as both income and the value of investments for most of us are smaller (in some cases significantly smaller) in 2009 than they were in 2008, and, although no one can predict the future, the outlook I've heard predicted for 2010 isn't much better.

I find it a bit awkward to find myself arguing against a more locally-controlled and funded police force. First, I believe police protection is one of the few valid purposes, and arguments for the existence, of government.* Second, I think in most cases the more local we can make the funding and control of government, the better-off we all are. I would prefer to see our Council cut all unnecessary/invalid services out of our town budget and instead fund a local police contract sized to a level that makes sense for the town.

Since I fear that won't happen any time soon enough, I would argue that we maintain the status-quo until we can get to that point, or at least until the economy improves. Supporting this approach is the evidence that shows no increase in violent crime locally over the past three years: the total for rape, robbery, and aggravated assault cases in Gray investigated by the Sheriff's department for 2006, 2007, and 2008 were 3, 5, and 3, respectively. For the State Police I only have data for 2008 incidents, and there was one homicide, and one case of missing with foul play indicated for last year. In addition, although the number of total Sheriff's department calls for service spiked from 2349 in 2007 to 2833 in 2008, there is no evidence that this is an upwards trend - the mean value of annual calls for the years 1998 - 2009 is 2521, with a low of 2189 in 1998 and a maximum of 3069 in 2001. The number was as low as 2218 as recently as 2005. Gray calls for service by the State Police were 1504, 1360, and 1891 for 2006, 2007, and 2008 respectively (I have no data prior to 2006).

Finally, I do have a concern with the apparent redundancy between the Sheriff's department, State Police, and now, the possibility of a locally-funded police service. The State Police are funded by our Maine state taxes, and the Sheriffs department is supported by Cumberland County which receives an allocation from each town (therefore, in part though Gray property taxes). It's my understanding that the our allocation to the county will not be reduced if we elect to have a local police presence, and if we do, we may or may not receive as much coverage from the Sheriffs department. We certainly won't realize any consequential reduction in any Maine State tax either, even though we would in all likelihood be consuming fewer State Police resources. So, by choosing to add local police, we may be contributing, albeit indirectly, to government bloat and inefficiency.

I think the evidence shows the town of Gray needn't and shouldn't rush into a police contract at this time; rather, we have time to consider the potential solutions and all their consequences without further burdening the taxpayers in these difficult economic times.

-Larry Szendrei
Taxpayer, Gray. ME

*Government at any level, that is. I also think it's long overdue to devote careful and logical thought to the purpose of government, and exactly which services justify taking property by force to pay for them. Perhaps this issue will be the one to initiate the debate locally. One can only hope.

Maine schools to feel effects of stimulus

2009-02-19T15:08:00.009-05:00

AUGUSTA — Economic stimulus money should restore the $27 million that Maine school districts lost as part of Gov. John Baldacci's spending curtailment order last fall, Education Commissioner Susan Gendron said Wednesday.

The infusion of $787 billion in federal funds that President Obama signed into law Tuesday will provide millions of dollars to help Maine districts balance their budgets for the 2009-10 and 2010-11 school years, she said. Source

Thinking on this issue one must wonder how the conclusion that the cuts proposed so recently are now completely negated by this influx of Federal money?

On the surface one could deduce that the budget shortfall that SAD#15 was anticipating and dreading was no longer needed. $160,000,000 is more than enough to cover this years projected loss and to be sure Gray will get it's piece of that money. Simply put, I am confident that many folks are breathing a sigh of relief as our Schools have been "Saved".

Unlike those who are relieved, I am not sighing, but breathing deeply.

I am a huge advocate for education, and though I am lacking in it and disagree at times with our public school policies, that lessens not the value an educated populace brings to society. There is no debate on the fact that a better educated citizenry makes for a more prosperous community.

However, the premise that this money allows our School Administrators to continue on with "business as usual" is a false one. For the influx of Bail Out monies is temporary, and will be used up in two years ( probably much sooner here in Maine) and then what will the school do?

If SAD#15 receives money to offset the cuts to its proposed budget and does nothing to address costs of running the schools then I must say the federal money (which are your tax dollars) is wasted. If they do not control their spending, and make not the necessary adjustments, when the Bail out funds are gone, the schools will be faced with the very same problems and issues they face today.

I hope and pray, that the School Budget committee, understands this simple fact and acts accordingly.

Allen R Butler

Gray, Maine

Meeting Announcement!

2009-02-16T16:19:00.005-05:00

The Taxpayers Association of Gray will be holding an Open meeting to discuss the financial issues facing the town.

We urge all citizens who are concerned about the fiscal future of our fair town to come out and give voice to your thoughts.

The Meeting will be held at the State Police Barracks Shaker Rd. Gray, Maine at 7:00pm this Thursday February 19th.

Please come and help us secure the future of our town.

Fiscal responsibility in these most trying economic times is of the utmost importance. As each of us watches every penny we spend or save, and worry about our individual futures, the Town of Gray falls further and further into debt. This is not the time for spendthrift policies that will result in raising your taxes. The idea that while the hardworking people of Gray are struggling to get by their government is coming up with schemes to take even more of their shrinking income. To what end?

When is enough, enough?

Allen R Butler

Gray, Maine

Dissention

2009-02-09T16:17:00.018-05:00

-Of what avail will be a prosperous state of commerce, when the produce of it will be at the absolute disposal of an arbitrary and unchecked government, who may levy at pleasure the most oppressive taxes; who may destroy every principle of freedom; who may even destroy the privilege of complaining.

Thomas Paine, letter to the people of Pennsylvania 11/30/1787

Thomas Paine's words are not about the tyranny of Kings but of the fundamental principles behind checks and balances. This principle has been part and parcel of American government since the signing of the Constitution. All institutions great and small that serve the populace attempt to incorporate checks and balances into their structure not only because it repels acts of corruption but also because we as a people expect such.

But we must ask; Can the principles of freedom be protected thus without the active involvement of the people?

The answer is no.

The founding fathers of this nation fully understood that man is inherently corrupt and covetous. They made every provision available to them at the time to combat mankind's more base nature. These sage men knew that it would also be the responsibility of each and every citizen ,for generations to come, to dissent when aggrieved, to rail when wronged, and to stand up for the very freedoms that so many perished and sacrificed their lives for.

It is the voice of the people that bears the greatest strength in a democracy. If through apathy, or idleness, that voice becomes silent, then we are guilty of a most heinous crime. For silence has many times over been interpreted as assent, and if we assent to that which weakens the democratic principles expounded by men such as Thomas Paine, then we give into the baseness of humankind, and allow to run free greed, corruption and fear.

Allen R Butler

Gray, Maine

Letter concerning the Police & Gray Maine

2009-02-05T16:00:00.007-05:00

I wrote the following letter to our Councilman Mark Grover after reading an article in the Gray Independent last week. The article quotes Councilman Grover as saying "I want to hear from the Public" on the matter. As I am of the public, though most assuredly the public would wish I were not, I thought I would say my piece on the Police issue before us.
____________________________________________________

Councilman Grover,
I attended the recent Council workshop on 1/26/2009 during which the State Police and Cumberland County Sherriff’s Department made presentations to you and your colleagues. I do have a few thoughts on the matter at hand and as you were recently quoted in the Gray Independent as saying “the People have different ideas on the cost and need, I want to hear from the public.” I decided to contact you with my simple take on the question of a Police force here in Gray.

As I see it the issue at hand has four particular parts.

1.The establishment of need

2.Gray’s community standing as compares to our neighbors

3.The actual cost of the project as well as ongoing costs

4.Timing

The police forces presented the council with a spreadsheet to show what services Gray uses and what was provided by Law enforcement. I was a bit surprised by the number of calls being made to the departments by our citizens. I have lived here going on seven years and have yet found occasion to call the authorities, however that may be due to my rural location. The numbers were rather impressive though I do think a bit padded here and there. According to both departments these numbers along with Gray being a gateway community for thousands of people the need for a force of our own is established. I doubt not the sincerity in their belief however, that fact that Suspicious Vehicle/Person was the reason for 235 of those calls gives me pause. I wonder, do we have roving gangs of suspicious people driving along our quiet roads? Sarcasm aside you see where I might find this number hard to believe. Add the County Sherriff’s “Cruiser accident #” and Mental Subject listings and you most assuredly may find yourself beginning to question the validity of the figures presented.

There is, of course, always a need to provide for the safety and security of the citizenry. It is one of the most fundamental aspects of society, the “Safety of Numbers” concept. So in essence there is already a “Need” established for this proposal in theory. Yet I am not convinced by what was put before us all on 1/26/2009 and I find the reasoning of both departments a little faulty.

Sherriff Dionne said that other communities like Cape Elizabeth, South Portland, and Westbrook had a legitimate right to complain that Gray is using far more of the resources of the State and County Law enforcement departments. This stings I know, for all feel the need to pull their own weight in most aspects of our society. No one wishes to be viewed as a burden or leech to their community. As Gray is part of Cumberland County (a Community of sorts) then this particular argument strikes deep at everyone’s emotional side.

However, I do not think that we are comparing apples to apples here as the saying goes. I can, without researching the data, say without a doubt that the three towns Sherriff Dion uses as examples, have far more tax revenue at their disposal than do we. Cape Elizabeth has Shorefront property that is taxed very heavily, (I know I grew up there), South Portland has the Maine Mall and the hundreds of business that litter the town from one end to the next. Westbrook, has twice if not three times the business and population that our town does thus they too have a greater revenue stream in tax monies than us. So for them to build a police force and maintain it, though expensive, is much easier than in Gray. Take a look also at the crime rates and types of crimes in those towns, I bet you find more Felony charged crimes than suspicious vehicle calls.

This leads us to costs, the estimated cost to the Town of Gray for 24/7 coverage by the State Police would be $440,000. The Sheriffs will gladly take much less, $ 140,000 per Deputy per year which will decrease to $85,000- $88,000 per anum after the initial buy in. I was almost ready to jump at the proposal much like the Council Chair upon hearing this but for some odd reason I felt the need to stop. Of the two the obvious choice is the Sheriffs Departments plan, but is it too good to be true?

It seems odd to me that one police agency can do the same work for 50% less cost than another. Again I doubt not either Department’s assertions or sincerity, but this difference in overall cost is too large not to notice. I also have to ask, can we as a community afford this service in the first place? Not withstanding the fact that we are being compared to much richer communities and that our criminal activity is not of the same caliber, does Gray have enough Monies to support this project or will we have to raise taxes?

From whence does all this wealth come?

Mr. Grover, you know as well as I that the timing of this proposal is very poor indeed. Our economy is in turmoil, businesses and communities throughout the state are trying to cut back on spending. Companies are laying off employees, some of which live in our town, and the economic future of our citizens is not looking good. If the Town of Gray decides to go forward with a police force of some kind at this time then I believe they will be forced to pass the economic burden to the citizens through a tax increase. This is neither just nor prudent considering the bleak outlook our community as well as hundreds of others throughout the state are facing.

If a desperate need is established, by which I mean a Crime wave of sorts, then I would wholeheartedly push for a police presence here in Gray. As no such urgent need has been displayed or evidenced, and the towns people will be suffering enough with the failed economy, I urge that the Council forgo the idea of a police force for at least this fiscal year if not the next as well.

I apologize for being so long winded; you did ask to hear from the taxpayers after all.

Cheers
Allen R Butler
139 Mountain View Rd
Gray, Maine 04039

GRAY TOWN COUNCIL ORDER

2009-02-02T22:14:00.006-05:00

GRAY TOWN COUNCIL ORDER
AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE
OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND NOTES

Tomorrow night the town council will vote on the issuance and authorization of the recent $2.4 million Pennell bond package the voters approved on November 4th 2008. As the voice of the people was heard in this matter and the council was granted license to borrow this vast sum we now must look to how such monies are to be handled.

In reading the Proposed Motion one must look very carefully at sections 2 and 4. These sections are dangerously close to violating our Town Charter along with the basic concept of “Checks and Balances” in government. Now, I personally, become very defensive, whenever a governing body proposes to cast off one of the basic principles of our Republic. Whether it be by design or ignorance, any act, order, or proposition, that advocates for a bending or breaking of the ideal is dangerous indeed.

Allow me to elaborate a bit.

Section 2. The Treasurer is authorized to determine the date(s), form, interest rate(s) (which interest rate may be a fixed rate or a variable rate or some combination of the two, and with the average annual interest rate not to exceed a maximum of 7.00% per annum), maturities (not to exceed 30 years from the issue date of the Bonds or any series of bonds, and not to exceed 3 years from the issue date of any Notes) and all other details of each issue of the Bonds and any Notes, including the form and manner of their sale and award. The Bonds and any Notes shall contain such terms and provisions, not inconsistent herewith, as the Treasurer may hereafter determine or authorize or approve such determination, authorization and approval to be conclusively evidenced by her execution thereof. The Treasurer is authorized to provide that any of the Bonds and Notes be made callable, with or without premiums, prior to their maturity. Each Bond or Note issued hereunder shall be signed by the Treasurer, shall be countersigned by the Chair of the Town Council, and shall be sealed with the seal of the Town, attested to by its Clerk.

Look closely at section two above. Though designed to confuse it is rather simple after reading it eight or nine times over. What this says is that the Treasurer has complete control of the bond monies. That is not too out of order for most communities, but the last sentence which states that the Treasurer will sign along with the town clerk does not jibe with our Charter. Article III section 2 of the Gray town Charter reads:

Section 2. Powers and Duties: The powers and duties of the Town Manager shall be as follows:
The Town Manager shall be Town Clerk, Tax Collector, Town Treasurer, Administrator of General Assistance, and Road Commissioner. The Town Manager shall have and exercise all powers and responsibilities conferred or imposed by law upon such respective offices.

Thus two of the signatories of the bond monies are one in the same. There is in essence, a lack of oversight on the Town Manager, with but a single person to whom she must look to for a signature that being the Council Chairperson. I do not know the Town manager so I am unable to speak to her character. What I can say is that without the need to seek others to approve the spending of the loan money the opportunity for corruption is ripe. Can you honestly say that the temptation would not be great? I personally could cut that money up six ways from Sunday, with such a lack of accountability, and none would be the wiser and me all the richer and I am but a gutter snipe from the wrong side of the tracks. What of a person of talent and education? I am not defaming the Manager, nor accusing her of wrongdoing, I am merely pointing out why we need checks and balances in our systems of government and rule.

Section four of the order secures the power of the manager by decree giving her complete control:

Section 4. The Treasurer is authorized to negotiate, execute, file, approve and deliver, in the name of and on behalf of the Town such contracts, agreements, and other documents, including agreements, contracts, leases, instruments, documents and certificates as may be necessary or appropriate as determined and approved by the Treasurer in connection with the construction and financing of the Project, which documents shall be in such form and contain such terms and conditions, not inconsistent herewith, as may be approved by the Treasurer, such approval to be conclusively evidenced by her execution thereof.

If the Manager is accountable to the Clerk, i.e. herself, then she answers to none but her conscience. Add to that bit of power the fact she has complete sway over the construction and finance of the bond and we must now admit this one person will have some great power indeed. For with complete control of the construction aspect then one can but assume bids will be at her sole discretion. Will there be bids on the various construction jobs?

If The Manager/Treasurer/Clerk needs not answer to anyone, then who could determine if she chose the most cost effective contractor? You see where this slippery slope leads?

I can go on and on about this issue but I feel the point is made.

The founders of our Constitution chose the system of Checks and balances in framing our institutions, for sole purpose of thwarting not only tyranny but also of corruption. We as citizens must guard against and be wary of any proposal that removes or lessens the visibility of the people. We must rail against that which undermines our principles and allows power to go unchecked. Think not for a moment that this issue is small and meaningless because of its tiny forum.

Cheers
Allen R Butler

Gray, Maine

A Letter to the Council members.

2009-01-28T20:40:00.007-05:00

I received the following copy of a letter via email last night and I thought it worthy of sharing with me fellow citizens of Gray. The Author wishes to remain anonymous for various reasons and has chosen the pen name "Joe Gray".

I personally find Joe's observations as concerns the Town Council Workshop this Monday past interesting and insightful, and as I had to leave the meeting early, I did not witness some of the events of which he writes. Perhaps it is for the best that I did depart, for what he describes angers me quite a bit.

Joe has begun to research the data and propositions that were presented to the council at the meeting and has promised to share his findings with us when he is done. I have found since joining the Taxpayers Association of Gray many of such passion and fortitude, not unlike Joe, who desire only that their community be strong and responsible, and that those folks are dedicated to working hard to achieve that goal.

Here is the letter that was sent to all of the Town Council members by "Joe Gray" on 1/27/2009. I will post updates with any responses he might wish to share with us here.

Dear Gray Town Council,
As a lifelong resident of Gray, I take pride in our town and our people. I appreciate the Town Council's work on important issues, and appreciate that you hopefully follow the "will" of the people. This being said, I have some comments and observations from last night's meeting with the State Police and Cumberland County Police.
First, let me say I was impressed with the info that we received from Cumberland County and the humble nature of Chief Dion. Their info was basically thorough (less not having copies for the audience, or the people, which is interesting and may be foretelling). The State Police's info was disappointing, except for the fact that they considered "the people" by bringing almost enough copies for the audience. I was a little dissapointed by their attitude of "not really sure if we want this contract with the Town of Gray". I found the State Police to act elitist, have a chip on their shoulder when questioned, and found their info and comments to be tinged with bias and inaccuracy. Frankly, I found the Cumberland County Police to be quite articulate compared to the State Police. Quite the opposite of what I expected.

One observation that bothered me was when Fran Monroe was at the podium and she was asking some intelligent questions and making some insightful comments. When she questioned numbers from the police, and inferred that the numbers may need to be looked at closer to ascertain the "real" numbers, I could not help but notice Chief Deputy Joyce and his snide and sarcastic looks that he openly displayed. He was very overt about it, even knowing that he was being recorded. I expected more from a "professional" especially after he said that independent police departments, like the one Gray was considering, were typically not up to the same standards, and lacked the professionalism that his force has. If this is professionalism in his eyes, I can see why many people have a negative opinion of police. His actions were disrespectful, rude, and demeaning. Was it because it was a woman? Because she dared question him? Regardless, this is indicative of the way the people of Gray will most likely be treated in the future. Is this what we want? A Police force which is irritated and disrespectful when asked to provide more info? They are public servants, paid by the people, lest they forget...

This reminds me of the time that my family had a major item stolen from us. While the Cumberland County Police arrested the person who stole the item, they somehow could not find the item that was stolen. After doing my own research, speaking multiple times to the police person who was the officer who handled the theft, and speaking with neighbors who witnessed the police and the arrest of the person, I found out from a neighbor that a County Police person had taken the item via his police car (this was no small item). Upon gathering this info I immediately called the investigating officer and pushed him to tell me where the item was (keep in mind this was a few weeks after the incident and the seizure of the item). He was furious and said he did not know. I told him that witnesses told me that a C.C. Police person was seen taking the item and driving off with it. He denied knowing anything about it. About 20 minutes later I got a call back from the investigating officer. He let me know that another officer was "holding" the item and that I could go pick it up. I sent someone with a truck to pick the item up and found it was in fact at the officer's house, and was tucked away behind a shed. This also may be indicative of the "professionalism" that the people of Gray may enjoy if we add more C.C. Police to the dole.

As for Police presence, I must say that I see more of a police presence in Gray then any other Maine town I visit regularly while on business. On a daily basis in Gray, I see police taking radar, sitting and talking with each other in their cars in various parking lots, getting pizza in the center of Gray, and driving. While I understand that not all of the police I see are available to "service" our area, I also realize that they do create a presence. Try driving from Cole Farms to New Gloucester going South on Lewiston road and then taking route 26; you will see the "presence" I am referring to.

Joe Gray

Locked out!

2009-01-27T12:54:00.007-05:00

The Gray Town council workshop that was held at Stimpson hall on Monday, to look at police needs for our town, was supposed to be an open meeting for the public. The concept being that we as taxpayers should be privy to the information surrounding such important subjects as discussed last night. I agree whole heartedly and I applaud all who attended. But I fear not all
who wished to be there were able to gain entrance, through no fault or lack of effort on their part.

It seems that the outer doors to the Hall were locked at some point during the evening. This may have occurred by accident, foolishness or any number of other ways but the fact remains that some were turned away and I feel this reflects poorly on us all.

I could go into a long drawn out diatribe on the need for people to be careful, or even argue that there should have been some provision made to prohibit the locking of the doors while an open meeting was being held. But that will serve no purpose, and does not change the fact that some of our fellow citizens who on a very cold night came out to participate in their Town’s business were denied access in a very mean way indeed.

Take for example my friend Tim.

For three weeks I have been speaking with my friend about the various goings on of our town and the need for more folks to get involved. We have had some great discussions surrounding the fiscal policies and future of Gray. So when I told him about the Workshop, Tim decided to come and give a listen.

Put yourself in his shoes for a moment and ask how would you not only feel by being locked out of a public forum, but also one in which you took great pains to attend? Ask, would not your perception of your place in the community be affected? Would the conclusion that you are not welcome or that the effort to be involved is wasted cross your mind?

It seems but a small matter for which to apply so many words and questions, yet I think it not small in the least. For, in a community of thousands in which but two hundred show up at Town Meeting and vote, every single person counts. To discourage, deny, or exclude any person who wishes to take part in the practices of our community, through mischief or mistake, is not some thing to take lightly. I am a bit angry over this as I am sure all can tell, not just for my friend no, but for all who may have tried to participate and were unable.

Every small safeguard, must be made going forward to ensure that no one, EVER! is denied their opportunity to contribute to their community, even if that contribution be as small as attending a meeting.

Cheers

Allen R Butler
Gray, Maine

For the Common good

2009-01-23T16:46:00.002-05:00

Government is instituted for the common good; for the protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness of the people; and not for profit, honor, or private interest of any one man, family, or class of men; therefore, the people alone have an incontestable, unalienable, and indefeasible right to institute government; and to reform, alter, or totally change the same, when their protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness require it.

John Adams, Thoughts on Government, 1776

The famous New England Town Council meeting.

2009-01-21T00:05:00.000-05:00

I have always had the idea that a Town Council Meeting in New England would be much like Norman Rockwell's famous painting which I have attached to this piece. I envisioned a room filled with persons from all walks of life, expressing their thoughts and opinions on the various topics of business. I had fanciful illusions and visions of contentious debates and community spirit overwhelming the people as they exercised the democratic process.

Alas, like all such fancies, the reality fell far short of the ideal and my perceptions of the famous New England Town Council Meeting have been dashed upon the rocks.

I should have known better really, for I am a native of this fair State and I know a thing or two about the stoicism that is part and parcel of being raised here. Yet until tonight, when I attended my very first council meeting, I held on to the notions of a Norman Rockwell type event. Foolish, I know, and I am sure many a veteran of meetings past is smiling at my naivete.

As I made my way into Stimpson Hall notebook in hand, my eyes were immediately assaulted by the huge Dias at the far end of the room. The large council bench that ran semi circle around the entire platform reflected a golden light. The oak finish was buffed to a fine sheen and with the help of the magnificent spotlights above the stage was the complete center of attention. I suppose this is the effect that the designers were after, but somehow it struck me as odd. For, as I stated earlier I was looking for Norman Rockwell's Americana, and that Dias did not fit the picture. I thought there would be a long table at the end of the hall at which the councillors would sit. The public seats would be close and on the same level as that table so that there would be no perceived difference in station between those who were elected to office and those who elected them.

Ahh, but I'm being a foolish one now eh? I am the newcomer after all, so forgive my mis-perceptions of the high seating arrangement I am sure there is a fine reason for all of this grandeur and I am confident with time I'll find out what that reasoning is.

So seating myself in one of the prefabricated office chairs I begin to look around at my fellow citizens to see what kind of Lot my neighbors are. Not many people were there perhaps twelve to fifteen at most which was a bit disappointing.There were few smiles, one older woman actually looked into my eyes and said "good evening", but most, as Mainer's are wont to do, " Kept themselves, to themselves" as the saying goes. I was given a very wide berth and nary a soul was within 4 seats in any direction. After catching a few sidelong glances from some of the other spectators I quickly realized that I did not smell bad, but that the people were being wary of me as I am unknown to them.

After reciting the Pledge of Allegiance (which was awesome) the meeting finally begins.

Now I have not the time nor fortitude to go into every detail that was discussed, I will leave that for another article or two in the next few days. What I do think important as to my disillusionment is this.

The people who were asked to address the council as they had responsibility to the town were all put in the position of supplicant by the very nature of the room, i.e. the great golden seats of the council looking down upon the lone speaker at the podium. Each speaker was sure to place great emphasis on how much they admire and appreciate the council and all of it's members. Somehow, I felt that by such actions, the hat in hand asking for bread, and the sycophantic behavior, the speakers proposals were lessened and, it just did not sit well with me. I began to squirm in my seat and literally cringe at each compliment and sickly sweet praised filled sentence. This was not at all what I expected and though there were others in the room with me I felt very, very alone.

I wish that it were not so but as I listened to the dribble spill from the supplicants and the councils encouraging words as to children, I could not help but wonder; What the Christ is going on here? Are these people indebted to the town to sell themselves so? Have they no pride left in their bodies? What of the strong, rugged, and self reliant Maine spirit that so was a part of my upbringing? is that gone along with Norman Rockwell's Americana?

Cheers
Allen R Butler
Gray, Maine

Meeting Announcement

2009-01-19T16:07:00.000-05:00

There will be a meeting of the Taxpayers Association of Gray this Thursday evening 1/22/2009 at the Gray State police barracks on Shaker rd. All are welcome to attend, in fact we encourage everyone to step out and join in the discussion. The Taxpayers Association is an open organization dedicated to creating a fiscally responsible town government and in informing the voters of Gray about the pending issues in our community.

Please join us we would love to hear your thoughts on how you feel about our taxes, our future, and our Town as a whole.

Who? Taxpayers Association & You
When? Thursday Night January 22, 2009
Where? Gray State Police Barracks Shaker Rd Gray ME.

We CAN do anything with your help, even secure our future in these tough financial times, please come see us Thursday night and tell us what you think.

Cheers
Allen R Butler
Gray, ME
Allen.blighter@gmail.com

For more information please e-mail allen.blighter@gmail.com or contact graywatchtower@live.com

A wise and frugal government

2009-01-13T16:19:00.000-05:00

A wise and frugal government, which shall leave men free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor and bread it has earned - this is the sum of good government.

Thomas Jefferson~

As I look back through the dusty tomes upon my shelf and read such quotes as that above, I oft times wonder if the ideals put forth by such great men have lost their lustre and appeal to the greater part of our society. For the simple concept of frugality in not just government but in our everyday lives seems to have gone the way of the Do-Do. We as a nation have given over the idea of sacrifice to that of self indulgent, instant gratification, and this attitude has naturally seeped its way into the thinking of our institutions, great and small.

I daresay, that this failure of our citizens to curb their appetites has contributed greatly to the economic woes we all suffer today.

Try to use the words "Industry", and "Frugality", in an everyday conversation and you will experience a few raised eyebrows. Not for the use of old terms as some may claim, but for the definitions of those words you may very well receive, short shrift from those within ear shot. The concepts of saving and spending wisely are generally perceived as not a virtue, but as a fault in character.

One need not look any further than the Gray Town Council for evidence of my argument. The current members have embraced fully that which is anathema to the very concept of "A wise and frugal government".

After putting forth and passing a budget that is unsustainable by the taxpayers, they then proceeded to argue for a bond for a new town office. No evidence was produced that established a clear cut need for this move, nor was the council forthright in disclosing the actual cost to the citizens of Gray. Using rhetoric and deception, those we entrusted with the stewardship of our fair town, convinced the voters that borrowing $2.4 million dollars ($3.5 million with interest) would be of great benefit to the citizens.

Ignoring the troubling economic situation, sneering at all who urged caution, the council carried out their plan to the detriment of the very persons who they purport to represent. Therefore satisfying their self indulgent desire to have better working quarters in the future. This action by the council cannot in any way be interpreted as frugal or wise. Thus, those governing Gray fall short of the definition of " good government" as explained by Thomas Jefferson.

My friends, the lack of foresight and fiscal responsibility that permeates the Gray Town Council at this time, will become a cruel financial burden to each and every citizen of this town in short order. For to spend tax dollars, as is being done now, will have grave consequences within but two years time, if that.

What recourse might we have to combat the failed stewardship of our community?

Fortunately for Gray, there are some whom still who reside within her boundaries, that believe in the ideal of a wise and frugal government. Those persons are members of the Taxpayers Association of Gray (TAG). A group of citizens, of all walks of life and political affiliation, that have banded together under the banner of Good Government as espoused by Mr. Jefferson.

Please join the members of TAG and help your neighbors reinstitute common sense, industry, and frugality into the local government.

Cheers

Allen R Butler

Gray, ME

allen.blighter@gmail.com