Oxford County Democrats

The Oxford County Democrats met on Sunday, June 14 at the Crescent Park School in Bethel for their regular business meeting.  A delicious potluck supper was enjoyed prior to the meeting. County Chair Cathy Newell conducted the meeting following introductions.

The minutes from the March meeting were distributed and a check in with subcommittees on recruitment, fundraising, national agenda, and  local organizing was held with progress since the March meeting summarized. Plans are in the works for a fundraising event on August 21 that will include a lecture on energy by Henry Jacoby of MIT, a national expert, and a reception.  The annual Summer BBQ and Family Fun Day will be held on August 30 at the University of Maine 4-H Center in Bryant Pond.  Nancy Willard and Megan Arsenault volunteered for BBQ planning committee. The County Democrats are working with the Organizing for America group and with Change that Works (SEIU) on their outreach efforts. A field trip to the Statehouse was held in May, Healthcare forums were held in 3 locations during April and May, Tax reform forums were held in 2 locations, a booth was sponsored at Oxford Hills Showcase at OHCHS, West Paris Old Home Days booth was sponsored with SEIU,  and three regional or municipal committee meetings held in Denmark, Norway and Bethel.  Plans for summer community events were discussed.

Representatives to the Maine Democratic Party’s Convention Committees were elected. Barbara Arsenault of Rumford was elected to the Platform Committee. Two additional slots are available and any registered Democrat interested should contact Newell.  Eileen Broderick of Bethel was elected to the Permanent Organization Committee and Mike Broderick of Bethel was elected to the Credentials Committee.  The 2010 Convention will be held in May.

Additional information about the Oxford County Democrats is available at www.oxforddems.org as well as on Facebook, or from County Chair Newell at 875-2116.

The Oxford County Democrats will hold their June Meeting on Sunday, June 14 at 4:30 PM at the Crescent Park School Cafeteria in Bethel. The meeting will include a wrap up of legislative activities, news from the Maine Democratic Party and planning for summer events. Representatives to the Convention Committees for 2010 will be elected including 3 members of the Platform Committee, and a member each for the Credentials and Permanent Organization Committees.

Those attending are asked to bring a supper item to share that does not need to be heated up. The meeting is open to all interested in electing Democrats to public office. For additional information, visit the web site, www.oxforddems.org or contact County Chair Cathy Newell, 875-2116.

A forum on Health Care Reform entitled “Healthcare Reform; Will Small Business Benefit?” was offered as part of the Oxford Hills Showcase on Saturday, May 9, from 11-noon at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School.  The forum was sponsored by the Oxford County Democrats and was moderated by State Representative Terry Hayes of Buckfield, and was organized by Roy Gedat of Norway

Reforming the health care system is a major priority for President Obama and Congress. The program featured a panel of experts to share their perspective on how reform will help small business thrive.  Panelists were Dr. Tom Whitney of South Paris, a strong proponent for Single Payer Healthcare, Nathan Libby, a field organizer for the Service Employees International Union, and Doug Clopp, an advocate/lobbyist for the Consumers for Affordable Health Care in Augusta.  An excellent synopsis of ideas for a workable solution for healthcare reform and the process taking place in Congress was presented.

The Oxford County Democrats sponsored an informational booth at the Showcase with materials on the Democratic Party.  Roy Gedat of Norway, Toni Seger of Lovell, Russ Newcomb of Norway and Cathy Newell of Greenwood staffed the booth.

Other events held in May included a meeting and Healthcare Forum in Bethel on May 3 with John Graham of Congressman Michaud’s office and Nathan Libby of SEIU speaking. Julian Federer of Organizing for America held a session at Telstar High School as part of his listening tour around the state on Healthcare. Many shared opinions and personal stories on the need for access to affordable health care.

The County Democrats Field Trip to the Statehouse took place on May 5. Attendees met privately with Governor Baldacci in his office, and were recognized in the House and Senate.  Following lunch in the cafeteria with legislators, the group attended public hearings and work sessions.

Plans are in the works for the usual appearances by the Oxford County Democrats at the many festivals and parades throughout the county. The date for the annual Summer Family Fun Day and BBQ has been set for Sunday, August 30 in Bryant Pond.

County Chair Cathy Newell welcomes additions to the electronic newsletter sponsored by the Oxford County Democrats. Those wishing to be added to the list may call 875-2116 or e-mail cathyn@megalink.net.  The web site for the County Democrats is www.oxforddems.org and the Facebook group is Oxford County ME Democrats.

Thursday, April 30:  State Representatives Terry Hayes and John Piotti will be on-hand to talk about Tax Reform and answer questions you might have concerning the current legislative session.  Come network with the Oxford Hills Chamber from 5:30 - 6:00 pm at Western Maine University and Community College Center, South Paris.  The presentation on Tax Reform will start at 6:00 pm.  A Question and Answer session will follow. Open to the Public.

The Oxford County Dems Statehouse Field Trip has been rescheduled to Tuesday, May 5 to accomodate the people who were unable to participate on the April date. Those interested in attending the legislative sessions, the tour, briefings, lunch with legislators in Cafeteria etc. may RSVP to County Chair Cathy Newell at 875-2116.  There will be efforts to arrange carpools, and the group will meet at 9:30 in the Visitors Center at the Statehouse.

Economic Justice: Employee Free Choice Act & Health Reform will be the topic of an open forum on  Friday, April 17, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the Fare Share Coop, 443 Main St., in Norway.

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is working to build support for Federal legislation that will address the needs of workers who want fair wages and good health care.  The meeting is open to all who are considering joining the movement to help reestablish economic justice in the United States.  According to local organizer Roy Gedat, the Economic Justice session will be a brief informational meeting to describe the Employee Free Choice Act and efforts underway to provide Health Care for all.  Nathan Libby, an organizer from the SEIU will be present to  present information on both issues and to answer questions.

Those unable to attend but who would like more information may contact Roy Gedat at 739-9179 or Nathan Libby at 399-7993

The Oxford County Democrats held their March meeting on Sunday, March 22 at Crescent Park School in Bethel, with excellent attendance representing all regions. A snack buffet and conversation were enjoyed prior to the meeting. Attendees donated over $50 worth of food for the District Exchange Food Pantry as part of the organizations on-going commitment to community service.

Elected officials in attendance included Sheriff Wayne Gallant of Rumford, Rep. Terry Hayes of Buckfield, Rep. Sheryl Briggs of Mexico, Rep. Matt Peterson of Rumford, and Rep. Helen Rankin of Hiram. John Patrick of Rumford attended representing Senator Bruce Bryant of Dixfield who was working at NewPage. Patrick, who represented District 92 for 8 years, was recently reappointed to the Citizens Trade Policy Commission.  Party officials in attendance were Oxford County Democratic chair and State Committee member Cathy Newell of Greenwood, Vice-chair Mike Broderick of Bethel, Treasurer and State Committee member Roy Gedat of Norway, and State Committee alternate Julie Peterson of Norway. Henry and  Pat Stewart of Greenwood, and Roy Gedat and Julie Peterson of Norway reported on their experiences attending the Inauguration of President Obama and Vice-president Biden. Newell reported on the very successful Inauguration Weekend parties held in Rumford, South Paris and Brownfield.

Nathan Libby of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) presented information on the efforts to raise awareness on the issue of healthcare and workers’ rights.  Cathy Newell announced that the Oxford County Democrats are sponsoring a field trip to the State House in late April or May. The day will feature visits to the House and Senate sessions and committee work sessions, briefings with state officials on issues of interest to attendees, and the opportunity to visit the State Museum.  Car pools will be encouraged and a date announced soon.

The meeting included a strategic planning session led by Newell, Roy Gedat, Rep. Hayes,  Cynthia Handlen and Libby. The next County meeting will be held in May, with plans in the works for regional issue meetings in April.  Details will be announced in the coming weeks. Miriam Laster of Norway announced plans for a Norway Democrats Open House on Sunday, March 29 at her home at 5 pm.  Roy Gedat, Dennise Whitley and Russ Newcomb are assisting with the event.

The Oxford County Democrats will hold their winter/spring meeting on Sunday, March 22 at the Crescent Park School in Bethel beginning at 3:30 and ending by 6 PM.  According to County Chair Cathy Newell, the meeting will begin with social time and some basic business and updates, with the major portion devoted to a facilitated planning session for the 2009-2010 election cycle.

Those attending are invited to bring snacks to share and to bring a donation for the local food pantry.

The meeting is open to Democrats and to those interested in electing Democrats. Nathan Libby of the Change that Works campaign will be among the individuals offering updates on statewide initiatives. Reports will be given by State Committee representatives including Rose Wells of Brownfield, Steve Hayes or Buckfield, Roy Gedat and Julie Peterson of Norway, as well as by the legislative delegation including Senator Bruce Bryant, Rep. Matt Peterson, Rep. Sheryl Briggs, Rep. Terry Hayes, and Rep. Helen Rankin.  Local Democrats who attended the Inauguration in January will report on the experience.

“The planning session will be the real focus of our meeting,” Newell states. “We will have some exciting initiative to discuss including issue forums, fundraising, visibility at events, as well as building a great slate of candidates for 2010.” Additional information on the Oxford County Democrats is available on www.oxforddems.org or on Facebook, or by contacting Newell at 875-2116.

The Oxford County Democrats celebrated Inauguration Weekend with  parties honoring the more than 700 individuals that worked locally during the 2008 campaign and celebrating the Inauguration of President Barack Obama and Vice-President Joe Biden. The events included a Community Service component in the form of a collection of food for pantries in Mexico and Norway, and donations to Keep Oxford Warm. A total of $100 worth of food and $204 in cash was collected as part of the service effort requested by President Obama commemorating Martin Luther King Day.

The first party was a mid-day lunch on January 17 at the Eagles Hall in Rumford, attended by over 60 people and featuring remarks by Commissioner of Economic and Community Development John Richardson of Brunswick, and Maine Democratic Party Vice Chair Marianne Stevens of Kingfield. Andrea Quaid delivered greetings from Congressman Michaud. The following candidates thanked their supporters: Rep. Matt Peterson of Rumford, Rep. Sheryl Briggs of Mexico, Tim Carter of Bethel, John Patrick of Rumford, Jarrod Dumas speaking on behalf of his father Paul Dumas of Mexico. Patrick delivered greetings from Senator Bruce Bryant of Dixfield who was working in the mill.  Sheriff Wayne Gallant and Chief Deputy Dane Tripp were also in attendance as were Register of Deeds Jane Rich, County Chair Cathy Newell and Vice-chair Roy Gedat.

The second event took place on January 19 at Tuscany Hall in South Paris with over 75 in attendance and featured remarks appropriate to Martin Luther King Day by former Maine Attorney General Steve Rowe of Portland. Andrea Quaid delivered greetings from Congressman Michaud. Candidates in attendance to thank supporters included Senator Bruce Bryant of Dixfield, Register of Probate Bruce Rood of Waterford, Rep. Terry Hayes of Buckfield, Charleen Chase of Bethel, Russ Newcomb of Norway, and Cathy Newell conveyed remarks from Paul Dumas and John Patrick. Former Representative Rosita Gagne Friel, Sheriff Wayne Gallant and Chief Deputy Dane Tripp were in attendance. Roy Gedat called in from the Inaugural Reception in Washington hosted by Representatives Michaud and Pingree. At both events, attendees enjoyed a 50-50 raffle and received special commemorative bookmarks.

A party on Inauguration Day was held in Brownfield hosted by Dawn and Larry Hall with 30 in attendance. The volunteer recognition party for Southern Oxford County occurred in November in the form of a potluck supper attended by 60 people. “Our effort in 2008 was truly astounding,” County chair Newell stated. “The Oxford County Democrats will work hard to keep our volunteers connected as we move forward to 2010 and beyond.”

The Oxford County Democrats held their biennial election of officers at a special meeting held in Rumford on January 17 at 2:30 PM at the Eagles Hall. County chair Cathy Newell of Greenwood was re-elected, Mike Broderick of Bethel was elected to the position of Vice Chair and Roy Gedat of Norway was elected as Treasurer. Newell announced that there will be a county committee meeting and strategic planning session in February in Bethel with details to be announced.