When it comes to Clifton citizens unhappy with government, the tea party isn’t the only thing brewing. Our meetings will be open format following the general principles established by the Tea Party Patriots.
A slew of hyper-local government watchdog and advocacy groups have popped up in Maine — formed by residents fed up with how tax dollars are spent and with elected officials they believe do not listen.
CCC’s mission said Lorin LeCleire, a founding member, is to inform people how their tax dollars are being spent. The group came together when they felt that the small board “was doing things under the table” LeCleire said.
The group is pushing for more transparent information, publishing of notices, a website and easier access to public documents.
Concern over how dollars are spent also spawned the Concerned Citizens of Clifton.
“Like everyone else, we see escalating property taxes and a lack of transparency in how things are handled,” said LeCleire, a founding member. “We want more transparency in the municipal government and accountability.” “We try to be the voice of people in town.”
The group is intended to be progressive with a mission to "promote ethics and accountability in government and public life by targeting government officials - regardless of party affiliation - who sacrifice the common good to special interests." CCC will advance its mission by engaging in public advocacy, public discussions, creating a shadow board to review events, Freedom of Information Act requests, media outreach and official complaints to government agencies such as the Maine Municipal Association and Attorney General’s Office if warranted.
We commend anyone who offers to serve in an elected position; in fact we would encourage everyone to get involved serving on a committee or running for a select board or planning board position. As Maine Municipal states in their articles voters are angry, it’s not voter apathy, but the feeling that the deals are already cut and dried and their vote doesn’t matter – we opt to change that view of our town and have everyone involved in the decision making process.
