09-24-2001 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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they could visually sec the violations that sonic city stalT members have allowed. These actions have caused us great expense, grief and turned our life upside down for the past 15 montlis. I wouW also like to express my coiKem regarding the council overturning decisions made by the planning commission. When the council interviewed candidates for the planning commission you asked if they were willing to visit tlic site for which a variance is requested. Can you tell the citizens of Orono that the council before making a decision to reverse a decision by the planning commission that you visit the site. I wish couiKil members had visited us. I made specific pleas for a site visit and to my knowledge there were none. My parents immigrated to the United States to live in a democracy. Growing up my parents instilled upon their cliildren that to protect democracy there has to be respect. Respect for one another and yourself and especially respect for the law. They told us that a disregard for the law could cause chaos and chaos threatens democracy. What I learned glowing up and what I see happening in Orono, in my opinion, this is not democi^y at its best. Citizens have a riglit to expect that ordinances will be complied to with consistency and not at the will of staff members. Madam Mayor and council we ai^ living in fear and I really don’t believe you get it yet. I guess like the staff member said we will tove to settle this in court How much more will that add to the cost considering attorney fees, time for staff to testify etc. I want you to know 1 appreciate any positive actions that have been taken on our behalf but I wish they had been acted on earlier. Tliank you for your time and to the citizens we apolo^ze for any additional expenses we cause in your taxes. Unfortunately it’s the citizens that pay the cost for the numerous lawsuits the city experiences.