LakeShore Restaurant, Livermore – Tuesday, March 7, 2006
MINUTES
Members Present: (Livermore) Clint Boothby, Lester & Mary Dow, Leola & Matt Keene, Lewis & Bonnie Perkins, Matt & Joanna Said [plus, young Republicans Jerry & Benaiah Said]. (Livermore Falls) Darryl Brown, George & Noreen Cummings,L. Gary Knight, Clayton & Margaret Wagner. Guest speaker – David Emery
The meeting was brought to order by Chairman, Clint Boothby. Lester Dow led the pledge of allegiance. The Livermore Falls representatives gathered to caucus and to elect their officers. They chose George Cummings as Chairman; Jeannine Wilkins as Vice Chairman; Darryl Brown, Secretary; and Treasurer- Clayton Wilkins.
During the Livermore Falls caucus, Lew moved to accept the minutes of the last meeting, seconded by Lester. Bonnie moved to accept the treasurer’s report, seconded by Leola.
Lester reported about the Lincoln Day Dinner which he and Mary attended. Senator Snowe was the speaker. Lots of interesting items were auctioned as a fundraiser.
Mary asked whether there had been word about the need to collect ads for the State Convention book. Nothing has yet been heard about that subject.
It was suggested that we might plan a County Committee Meeting at the Norlands in the summer, after the primaries are over.
For the next meeting, it was decided to obtain a speaker (perhaps Dan Schuberth?) to help us learn how to do the nitty-gritty things which would produce a healthy and successful November election. For another month, it is suggested to get Bill Becker of Maine Heritage Policy.
Another suggestion is to get info on necessary first steps toward absentee ballots for June & November. The town office is to have the latest voter list ready this afternoon for us to pick up and to work with.
Just prior to hearing David Emery, third gubernatorial candidate to speak to us, Clint Boothby announced that L. Gary Knight would be placing his name in nomination for the Maine House of Representatives for District #81, presently held by Rodney Jennings. He invited those in attendance to sign his petition.
David Emery has a long history of Republican politics. He served as a member of the Maine House of Representatives from 1971-1975. He served four terms in the U.S. Congress (1975-1983). He was in House Leadership at age 26. In 1983 he was appointed by President Reagan as Director of the U.S.Arms Control and Disarmament Agency. In 1988, Emery returned to Maine to lead a consulting firm specializing in public opinion and market research, and to be a partner in an opinion research-consulting firm.
He spoke about our being the highest taxed state and the worst economic situation in the country. He mentioned about the bond rate being dropped and that health insurance is about twice as expensive as in nearby New Hampshire. He’s concerned about 21% eligibility of Mainers for Medicaid calling people from other states here to take advantage of our higher benefits. He supports the Taxpayer Bill of Rights. He also supports the East-West Highway and the use of wood to produce alcohol for energy. He wants to drop regulations on business, keep taxes lower and cut spending.
In answering questions, Emery said that his ads will speak out about the fact of the Teachers’ Retirement Fund having been tapped to the extent of over 3 billion dollars, and the huge debt owed Maine’s hospitals to the tune of half a million dollars.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary E. Dow, Secretary
ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY MEETING
Monday, March 20, 2006
MSM Center, Lisbon Falls, ME
Report for Livermore Republicans by Lester S. Dow, Jr.
State Committee Report – Scott Kauffman
This year’s convention yearbook will be dedicated to the legislators. It was voted to have the county pay for two full pages – one for the present legislators and another for those new candidates running for election in the fall.
Report from State Senator Lois Snow-Mello: We need to pay our bills!
1 – No new bonds this year
The session is supposed to end by April 15
Report from State Senator Peter Mills : The budget is “coming together” and concessions have been made by Democrats.
Report from Rep. Tom Shields: He distributed three position papers tonight – Insurance Reform, Tax Burden, and Illegal Aliens.
Report from Rep. Bob Berube, Lisbon: Lisbon has its first new charter which provides for a Town Council form of government.
Report from Rep. John Robinson, Poland: On the budget, we can’t fall into the trap of bonding things that should be budgeted. Money budgeted for transportation was used for other things, creating a need to catch up.
Report from Rep. Scott Lansley, Sabattus: We have a full slate of candidates for the fall we are looking for signatures of candidates for “no new taxes.” Grover Norquist, ATF will be here in April for a media event. A charter school bill is coming up.
Report from Scott D’Amboise, Lisbon, Candidate for 2nd District against Mike Michaud:
He is married with 2 children 9 & 7, a “Reagan conservative”, unashamedly pro- life. He is a medical technician and has a small cleaning business.. “We need immigration reform.” E.g. - He spoke about the need for interpreters when an non-English-speaking alien goes to a doctor. The interpreter is paid $50 per hour by the medical facility (whether or not the alien appears for the appointment). “We need conservative judges.” “One person CAN make a difference!”
Moxie Day Parade – July in Lisbon will have about 10,000 people there.
College Republicans will have Ken Starr on Wed. eve., March 22nd at Bates College
College Republican Annual Convention will be on April 8 in Portland Club.