AN OPEN LETTER TO THE INFORMER

DEAR LAMOINE INFORMER.

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION HAPPENED ON FEBRUARY 27, 2009 AT THE LAMOINE GENERAL STORE AT ABOUT 3:00 PM

My wife and I were seated at the counter having coffee and talking to friends after having a late lunch.

I heard some loud shouting and looked up to see Brett Jones, one of the Lamoine Selectmen at the cash register area of the store glaring at me. I asked if he was talking to me and he said yes..

He then began ranting in a loud voice stating that he would sue me and take all that I owned. He also accused me of driving 60 MPH on Seal Point Road and then stated that my wife had passed out causing her accident. He used the "F" word in a public place filled with approximately 15 patrons and employees. At least 4 women were present during his tirade.

All of this was caused he claimed by my nearly hitting his wife, children, and dogs. Who were in the center of Seal Point Road at night and close to my driveway.

There was no light, no reflective or light colored clothing, and fortunately I did see them and was able to stop while they moved to the side of the road.

I have many times while driving to and from home had to stop while Jones’ Wife got her two black Lab dogs to the side of the road. She never has them on a leash. Shortly after this altercation, I had to wait in my own driveway while she came in to retrieve her dogs. There is a dog leash law in Maine, but evidently it does not apply to all of us.

And, any one driving the speed limit of 45 mph in the vicinity of my home would have an unending supply of venison hanging from their front bumper.

I reported this incident to the Select Board at their Meeting on Thursday March 5, 2009 asking them to reprimand Jones for his conduct. I read the Lamoine Policy that states all Town Employees and Officials must be courteous and respectful of Lamoine Citizens. The Chairman, Ms. Cooper was quick to assert that the Policy does not apply when Selectmen are acting a private citizens.

The policy adopted in the early 1990s does not make that claim. And, any Town Employee or Official who threatens a citizen, lies about a citizen or uses obscenities in a public place in a manner that was displayed in the General Store should be publicly reprimanded and barred from entering the store.

While I was speaking, Mr. Jones continually interrupted me. He attempted to silence me by stating time and again that a Town Meeting was not the proper forum for my report. Or words to that effect.

Mr. Jones, the Selectman's Meeting is exactly the place to air complaints, not in front of patrons and employees in the Lamoine General Store. Shame on You!

But, after I left, Ms. Cooper apologized to Jones which in my mind condones his uncouth actions.

I believe that Jones is a danger to me and my wife and I will ask the Hancock County Court to issue a Restraining Order to prohibit Jones from coming within close proximity to my wife and I.

Any one wanting more information on this matter can obtain a DVD copy of the Selectman’s Meeting, Talk to the Employees in the Lamoine General Store, or talk to me.

Very truly,

Bob Sharkey

THANKS FOR THAT INFORMATION BOB. MR. JONES AND MS. COOPER HAVE LESSENED THEIR CHANCES FOR RE-ELECTION IN APRIL. JONES FOR HIS ACTIONS IN THE STORE AND COOPER FOR DEFENDING HIM IN HER APOLOGIES.

NO MATTER, THE TOWN HAS TWO VERY QUALIFIED CANDIDATES RUNNING IN OPPOSITION TO THEM.

THE INFORMER     POSTED 3-6-09