Penobscot County Committee Meeting~

Penobscot County Meeting~

I just got back from the Penobscot County Republican Committee meeting in Brewer. Our chair Rick Johnston had arranged for Matt Jacobson, a Republican candidate for Governor, to be the guest speaker. You can read more about Matt at http://www.jacobsonforgovernor.com/

I will not attempt to relay Matt Jacobsons message.... I will arrange for him to come for a meet the candidate event and let folks make up their own minds. He offered to come so I will contact his campaign team with a few dates.

We also got an update from Senator Debra Plowman from district 33. She said that we should all thank our Republican minority representatives for standing united and not allowing the democrat majority to pass legislation that would increase the gas tax.....yes you read that correctly, the majority Dems wanted to RAISE THE GAS TAX in this economy!!!

Make a point to contact your republican legislatures and thank them.......Thanks Rep Gifford.

I would thank Senator Elizabeth Schneider(D), but she was for the gas tax. Enough said????

There will be no county meetings for July or August.

I know some of you are gearing up for summer, but we have no laurels to rest on. Time is of the essence and it will take a team effort if we ever expect to break the 35 year choke hold that the democrats have had in this state. Maine is worth fighting for!!!!
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I want to give a special thanks to Jeff and Irene Gifford and give them some recognition for purchasing flag pins for Mattanawcook Jr. Highs graduating 8th graders.

Jason Levesque Press release

LEVESQUE FOR CONGRESSMaine 2nd DistrictP.O. Box 1387Auburn, ME 04211INTERVIEW CONTACT:Vic Berardelli, Communications Director(207) 949-2438AUBURN, ME - (June 4, 2009) - Jason Levesque, an Androscoggin Countybusiness and civic leader, has announced as Republican candidate inMaine’s 2nd Congressional District."I grew up in Maine, I'm raising a family in Maine, and I run a business in Maine. Everyday, I see the challenges Mainers are facing firsthand,"said Levesque. "As Mainers are losing their jobs and their homes, andtheir 401ks are turning into IOUs, Mike Michaud has sat idly by andoffered only Band-aids and photo ops instead of long-term solutions.""If Maine and our nation continue down its current path, we will reach a point of no return, and be forced to accept a lower standard of living andan increasing threat to our national security," Levesque said. "Simplyput: Mike Michaud has failed to do his job; thousands of Mainers are outof their jobs; so why should Mike Michaud keep his?"Stemming the exodus of Maine’s families to other parts of the country byreenergizing western, central and northern Maine’s economy is a main focusof Levesque’s campaign. As a businessman, Levesque believes an effectiveCongressman works for long-term good rather than short-term fix.“The real problem in Washington is that they show up with Band-aids andphoto-ops after people suffer from losing jobs but do nothing when itcomes to creating long-term solutions which would provide secure goodpaying jobs for Maine workers,” Levesque said. “We need a businessman inWashington who understands the economy and job creation. You don’t go to aplumber for your heart surgery, so why go to professional politicians tofix the economy? Career politicians have failed miserably and it‘s timethe people took back their House. .A Congressman shouldn’t be invisibleuntil hard working folks get laid off and then show up only with temporaryhelp. It's time citizens with proven leadership and real world experiencewent to Washington to create long-term solutions which would providesecure good paying jobs for Maine workers."Levesque said he would use his entrepreneurial background to be anaggressive advocate for Maine development and federal seed money to helpstart-up businesses and let them grow so that job opportunities expand insectors such as sustainable alternative energy which responsibly useMaine‘s natural resources."High energy costs last year, destroyed many family budgets. People shouldnot be forced to choose between home heating oil and food. We must tapAmerica's energy and ingenuity by investing in research and development ofalternative means of energy," Levesque said.Levesque, a veteran of active military service, said he would be aforceful advocate for improved training, funding and support of men andwomen serving their country in uniform and to improve services to veteranswhen they return home.“I know first hand that regardless of any political discussions back inWashington, once they are sent into harm’s way we owe it to them that theybe fully-funded and supported so that they can return home whole andhealthy,” Levesque said. “And for our veterans, we made a promise tothose men and woman who serve our country that if they protect us, we will protect them. We must honor our commitments to them by ensuring that theyget the best care and best services."JASON LEVESQUE BACKGROUND:Jason Levesque is a successful entrepreneur who started Argo MarketingGroup in Auburn, when he was not yet 30, in 2003 and built it into a firmserving national and international clients, earning in excess of $1.5million annually. His business directly employs 28 local people and,through affiliate companies contracted with Argo, has helped provideemployment for hundreds more in the Lewiston-Auburn, Augusta-Watervilleand Bangor-Brewer areas.Levesque grew up in Maine and comes from a family with five generations ofMaine roots.His grandfather, the late-Willard Levesque, came with his family fromCanada and grew up in Madawaska and Grand Isle, laboring in the potatofields and forests which sustained the local economy. After service inWorld War II, with several decorations for valor under fire in theEuropean campaign, he moved his family to Androscoggin County for betteremployment opportunities. He worked many years in the Auburn HighwayDepartment, retiring as chief mechanic.His grandmother, Arlene Duprey Levesque grew up in Machias, the daughterof a lumberman. Her family moved to Androscoggin County during the GreatDepression to seek opportunity in the mills. She labored in area orchardsand factories. She is still active in local senior citizen organizations.Jason’s mother, Patricia, grew up in the Lewiston-Auburn area but left thestate for job prospects when the area hit hard times with highunemployment in the late-1960s. She met Jason’s father, a Greek immigrant,in Baltimore, where Jason was born in 1974. When he was four, she broughthim back to her Maine roots. She still works for L.L. Bean in Lewiston.Jason Levesque graduated from Edward Little High School in Auburn, wherehe was active in Key Club, Interact and other community serviceorganizations and appeared in school plays. He served on the stategoverning board of DeMolay. An accomplished athlete, he played soccer andran track.Levesque started college at West Virginia Wesleyan University but leftafter several semesters to enlist in the United States Army. He served inthe First Infantry Division and earned the highly-prized Expert Infantrydesignation. His leadership abilities were first noticed by superiorofficers who elevated him in rank and responsibilities as an Infantry TeamLeader. Upon discharge, he served six years in the U.S. Army Reserves,including a tour of duty as a Drill Sergeant at Fort Leonard Woods, MO.Levesque continued college at the University of Southern Maine, working topay his tuition. His jobs included swimming instructor for the PortlandSchool System and Lewiston YWCA. He also took a part-time telemarketingjob, where his leadership abilities were noticed and he advanced totraining and management assignments, eventually as Director of Sales witha staff of 150 employees.Levesque is married to the former Tracey Bilodeau, who grew up in Augustaand attended Cony High School . She is a graduate of New England CulinaryInstitute. She has a successful career as a chef and restaurant manager,which she has put on hold to raise a young family.Levesque has three children: Alexandra (Ali), 11; Ethan, 3, and one yearold Sarah.


***** Jason will be our guest June 27th 9am at the ballard hill*********

Lincoln Area Republicans will host Jason Levesque

For our June 27th meeting- Vic B. will be bringing Jason Levesque from Auburn to meet the members of the Lincoln Area Republicans. Jason is going to challenge Mike Michaud for district 2. I am hoping that we can have a good turn out for this meeting as its time for career politician Mike Michaud to be unseated. Mike Michaud has a record in the US house of representatives that is equivalent to a JR congressmen. He is another do nothing public servant that long ago stopped representing what is best for Maine and her people.

On Mike Michauds web page you will see his underlying enviromentalist slant towards land use, water rights, endangered species and the like. You will also see that he has many links to social programs such as HEAP for folks in this district that have to make tough choices between putting food on the table and oil in their tanks. This may give the appearance that Mr Michaud is a kind and caring individual but when there is no job growth or creation and he works dilligently for taking land out of private hands putting it into state hands and federal hands his elitist agenda shines through. There is big money behind these land purchases and a large push to turn northern maine into a wilderness for the affluent. There needs to be common sense legislation that will allow for industry as well as protecting the enviroment....it cant be an either or scenario or life in Maine as it should be will cease to exist.

Mike Michaud also touts his vote for bailing out the auto industry and for Obamas stimulus plan that in essence has enslaved our future generations to a mountain of debt. Mainers have always had the unigue ability to be self sufficient and live within their means. To ask Mainers to sacrifice while the fat cats in DC pay off the Union votes and ACORN is clear indication that Mike Michaud does not have Maines best interest in mind. Its time for him to go.

You can read Mike Michauds web site here-

http://www.michaud.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=562&Itemid=37

I am interested to hear Jason Levesques plan for a more prosperous second district. I hope our June 27th meeting will be well attended. Start spreading the word now to your friends family and neighbors.

On another note Wed May 13 is the day for the session in regards to the below mentioned LURC proposal submitted by Henry Joy(R Crystal) and co-sponsored by our own Jeff Gifford. If anyone would like to attend the session or even if you could write the committee to share your thoughts our voices need to be heard. Property owners and people who live and work in the UT's need a seat at the table. Their voices should not be silenced by a bloated agency of appointed positions and big money from out of state.

***URGENT!!!!***

The work session for our bill to repeal the 1971 creation of LURC and give the zoning and planning rights to the counties that the unorganized territory is located, (LD 1370)is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13th at 1:00 p.m. It will be held at the Cross Building at the Capital in room 206.

I will plan to attend this meeting and anyone looking to car pool can email me at ragstag@midmaine.com

More on Gay Marriage and Elizabeth Schneider(D Orono)

Well I was curious enough to do some research on if Elizabeth Schneider had ever made public her view on same sex marriage. Well she did. from this link
http://www.votesmart.org/npat.php?can_id=36561 the question was asked and answered by her below.

"h) Should Maine recognize civil unions between same-sex couples?
i) Should Maine restrict marriage to a union only between a man and a woman?
j) Other or expanded principles

Civil Unions are the only kind of union the state should be involved with. Marriage should be left up to our church or religious organizations to define etc."

As my old gramma used to say, the proofs in the pudding.... we know from her vote on LD1020 that she obviously DOES believe in same sex marriage, and believes that Government SHOULD be involved in defining marriage. As a matter of clarity, Maine already does recognize same sex civil unions. When that was passed, it was said it was not the precursor to gay marriage legislation. DUPED AGAIN! Boiling frog. I suggest you read between the lines of her responses to the guestions put forth by vote smart, and pay special attention to the fact that repeated requests for more up to date answers were ignored. Maybe her recent vote on LD1020 is only one reason.

from a Bangor Daily News article printed today-
http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/104915.html

"One of the more emotional testimonials came from Sen. Elizabeth Schneider, D-Orono. Schneider said she would have preferred to settle the issue with a “dry, legal package of rights” for couples rather than get into the moral and religious arguments.
But Schneider said she had an answer to some ardent opponents who questioned the quality of life children would enjoy being raised by gay or lesbian parents. “I am a person who is very blessed to have grown up with two very caring, loving parents, one of whom happened to be gay,” she said."

maybe voters should remind Schneider that this country is a representative republic....not her very own soap box. When the elected stop being the voice of the people and instead become a solo voice on a personal soap box they need to go.

LD 1020 Same Sex Marriage

LD 1020 has passed a vote in the Senate and will now go to the house for vote. In my opinion this is a slippery slope. Wording in the bill if passed allows marriage between any two consenting adults. Think about this for a moment.
Two brothers? A sister and brother? A father and a daughter?? It may sound ridiculous but how, if passed, can anyone be denied the supposed "right" to marry????

The marriage scenarios are not lawful (yet) they are not lawful because of societies moral code. One that is based on the view of traditional marriage that states marriage is between one man and one woman.

During Clintons presidency he passed the DOMA which is short for the defense of marriage act. He is a democrat. Part of the democrat party platform is that they believe in any two consenting adults RIGHT to marry. Should the democrat party be charged with false advertising?? Perhaps.

You may also ask yourself what Clinton felt marriage had to be defended against. I think the answer is clear. Like many democrat ideas they never consider the law of unintended consequences. If this bill passes the slope becomes a very slippery one. In my opinion if passed the State of Maine will be in fact creating a right of marriage where one has not existed previously. Is that what we elect them to do? I do not think so.

My issue with the same sex marriage debate is that the proponents have portrayed themselves as victims of an easy target. The oft villified "religious right". Religion is a protected right. Marriage is not. I also think people ought to rise or fail on their own merit not that of group victimization that has been carefully orchestrated by yet another victim group that collects big money in the form of donations. This is not a grass roots movement. Alot of out of state money has been dumped into this effort. Incrementaly boiling that frog.

Like all good victims they need someone to victimize them, unfortunately in this instance its the protected right of Christians to live by their own religious mandates. I do not consider myself a Christian but I do believe that violating the protected right of Christians to practice their religion is another slippery slope of unintended consequence. I also do not agree with the role of victim being potrayed by the same sex marriage crowd. They are more the aggressor in this instance and now that they have backed Christians into a corner I do not feel they should be shocked that Christians are fighting back. I have no problem staying out of peoples bedrooms...but in return expect people to keep their bedrooms off the news, out of the legislature, and off the streets. Is that to much to ask?? Apparently so.

Equality Maine had a list after this past election cycle of all of the gay marriage supporters in the Maine senate and house of representatives. I hope that because I do not feel that the majority of Mainers support this, that those voters will remember who voted for and who voted against. Our district 30 Senator Elizabeth Schneider supports gay marriage according to Equality Maine. Funny I never saw that on any of her campaign literature. I have that list from the Equality Maine site "screen shot saved" in case it ever disappears. Anyone who would like a copy can contact me and I will provide it. I can not post it in the blog because its too long...one thing that anyone with a lick of sense can see however is that Equality Maine and the Democrat Party have incremently brought this to our state. Boiling that frog. Elizabeth Schneider(D Orono) voted "ought to pass". I guess Equality Maine knew that she did support them. Its unfortunate that she didn't feel the need to make her opinion known to voters.

Lets hope it does have an unintended consequence for them in lost seats in Augusta come next election cycle. Remember folks, after 35 years of majority in Augusta it was time for the Dems to deliver to the gay rights agenda. Lets not assist them in meeting their campaign promises. I urge you all to contact Elizabeth Schneider with your opinion.

My prediction is that the democrats will pass this, then there will be a citizens inititave to repeal it. That will let the dems off the hook and will pit the gay rights activists against the Christian right and opponents. Why??? Cause thats how "they" do things in Augusta.

Involvement

I attended the Maine Republican Liberty Caucus Leadership Conference today in Augusta. It was well attended and very imformative. If you remember at our meeting in March we were fortunate to have Vic Berardelli give a presentation about the MRLC and the conference.

A lot of useful information was presented by several different speakers including Vic B. who talked about effective communication and campaigning strategies, Dean Scontras of the Republican Project, and Rep Rich Cebra from Naples who spoke about the importance of involvement on a local level. Adam Mack gave a presentation that was deemed "mini campaign school" which unfortunately I missed as I had to attend the Maine Republican State Committee meeting*.

In my opinion the MRLC, the Republican Project, and grass roots involvement may be the corner stone of turning back the blue tide that has flooded this state for the last several DECADES! It is imperative that we all get involved. We all have different talents and strengths that should be fostered and encouraged.

I suggest you check out these links to learn more about the RLC and the Republican Project- http://www.rlc.org/ http://www.republicanproject.org/
Every day people like me and you are becoming more and more involved and its important for this to continue. Regardless of the group, we are all working towards the same goal. The ME GOP also wants your involvement. So get involved and stay involved. Talk to your family and friends and try to engage them as well. Together we can make a difference.

*I will give an update at our next meeting in regards to our State Committee meeting.

Maine Gay Marriage Legislation hearings today

You can listen to them live at
http://www.maine.gov/legis/audio/civic_ctr_apr.html
make your thoughts known to the committee at judiciary@legislature.maine.gov

re: LD 1020 and LD 1118

For our friends in the Unorganized Territoy

Date: Thu, 16 Apr 2009
ATTENTION RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERSOF THE UNORGANIZED TERRITORY!
Mark your calendar. Important land use legislation to be heard on April 22!Speak out and don't let LURC decrease the value of your land.
Finally, the time has come to make your voice heard in Augusta.
With your help, we can change the direction of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan so that it recognizes the people who live, work, and own land in the jurisdiction. Maine's Comprehensive Land Use Plan should benefit Maine's rural economy, the forest products industry, and sportsmen alike.
There is a movement afoot to take away the rights of rural landowners. As you know, there has been an ongoing conflict between rural landowners and the Land Use Regulation Commission (LURC) over language in the draft Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP), which is now in the redrafting stage and expected to be presented for approval in coming months. More recently, legislators heard testimony on LD 1333, a piece of climate change legislation that would strip rural property owners of their ability to manage private forestland and maintain financial value. Under the guise of preventing climate change, this bill even proposed to change the definition of subdivision in the LURC jurisdiction, or 2 in 5, a measure that would significantly decrease the value of land in the Unorganized Territory.
The Legislature's Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee has scheduled public hearings for April 22 to hear testimony regarding the Land Use Regulation Commission's Comprehensive Land Use Plan. On the Committee's agenda are several pieces of legislation, including:
"¢Â      LD 413-An Act To Clarify Land Use Regulation in Unorganized and Deorganized Townships. This bill establishes that residents and property owners have rights that must be recognized.
"¢ LD 474-An Act To Clarify Land Planning in the Unorganized and Deorganized Townships. This bill places approval of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan in the hands of elected officials.
"¢ LD 516- An Act to Require that a Majority of the Maine Land Use Regulation Commission reside in the Commission's Jurisdiction. This bill would require that LURC Commissioners must have a closer association with the LURC jurisdiction.
"¢ LD 558- An Act to Amend the Notification Procedures of the Maine Land Use Regulation Commission. This bill would require that LURC notify all property owners prior to changing the Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
"¢ LD 1370- An Act to Reform the Land Use and Planning Authority within the Unorganized Territories of the State. This bill would eliminate LURC and place more land use planning and control in the hands of county government.
We need you to take action and help us put an end to proposals that seek to take away the rights and opportunities of rural landowners. You may recall the draft CLUP set the basis for eliminating the exemption that allows a lot to be created, (2 in 5) without going through the expensive and time consuming subdivision process. You may also recall that landowners and residents of the LURC jurisdiction have no direct say in land use planning for their communities, the way municipalities do. It is time to make our voices heard through our state senators and representatives.
Recently, several members of the Maine Legislature requested  that people who are affected by LURC's Comprehensive Land Use Plan attend the public hearings on April 22 and explain to the Legislature why the current draft CLUP is such a bad deal for rural Maine and the Unorganized Territory.The Maine Forest Products Council will be testifying strongly in support of LD 413 and LD 474 mentioned above.
LD 413 would insert specific language into LURC's Scope & Purpose requiring them to balance the rights of residents and property owners in jurisdiction, as well as environmental considerations, which seem to take precedent in the current draft CLUP.
Currently, the only elected official with the power to approve the Comprehensive Land Use Plan is the governor. LD 474 would require approval by the legislative committee of jurisdiction (the Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee), and the full legislature before final adoption of the plan by the Governor and LURC Commissioners.
Please join us on April 22 at 9:30 a.m. in room 206 of the Cross Building (just across from the State House) and tell the Legislature that you would like a voice in the future of your area and that it is time to bring democracy back to Maine's Unorganized Territory!
For more information, visit our website at www.maineforest.org or contact James Cote at the Maine Forest Products Council by calling 207-622-9288 or by emailing jcote@maineforest.org.
For contact information of the Legislature's Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee, please visit here, or call 207-287-1312. For more information on the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, you can call LURC at 207 287-2631.
MORE INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT WWW.MAINEFOREST.ORG!
James CoteDirector of CommunicationsMaine Forest Products Council535 Civic Center DriveAugusta, Maine 04330

TABOR Now!

Lawmakers debate new version of tax cap

By FRANCIS X. QUINN, The Associated Press April 17, 2009
AUGUSTA — For the second time in three years, Maine lawmakers and residents are debating a citizen initiative that would let voters approve or reject tax increases.
The initiative would also require voter approval for state spending to exceed the rates of inflation and population growth and for property taxes to grow faster than personal income.
"It should be a right. Period," Sen. Douglas Smith, R-Dover-Foxcroft, said at a taxation committee hearing Thursday.
The Legislature could vote to make the initiative law but is expected to send it on to voters in November instead.
Gov. John Baldacci did not send a representative to the hearing. But in an interview with The Associated Press, he said he opposes the new measure for the same reasons he opposed a broader proposal in 2006.
"Too extreme," Baldacci said.
The governor noted that spending caps currently exist on state, county and local governments, and the state budget is already smaller than last year's and will be pared back even further.
To read more, please visit:
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=251332&ac=PHnws

*also check out the link to TABOR Now -found in the links section. This is a topic we should all educate ourselves about so we can share factual information with our friends and neighbors-Traci G(mainepatriot)*

Welcome to Lincoln Area Republicans!

It is my intention to use this blog to attract attention to our group and upcoming events. It will be a nice addition as we only meet once a month currently.

Our next meeting will be held on May 30th. The focus of discussion will be property rights. We are fortunate to have members who are well versed on this topic and are willing to share information with the group.

I urge everyone to try and bring a guest with them.