Oxford County Democrats

The Oxford County Democrats will join the rest of the State of Maine in holding municipal caucus meetings on Sunday, February 26, to kick off the 2012 campaign season. There will be two major regional events for the River Valley towns at Mt. Valley High School and for the Bethel area at Telstar High School, as well as many meetings set in individual towns or in smaller groupings. According to County Democratic Chair Cathy Newell of Greenwood, a complete list of caucus convenors, locations and times will be available in early February and an official caucus notification will be published in local papers.

Maine Democratic Party Chair Ben Grant announced that the caucuses are the front lines of grassroots politics.  Attendees indicate presidential preference, select delegates to the Democratic State Convention in June, elect Municipal Officers and County Committee members, and discuss national and local policy issues affecting all Maine people. Democratic candidates, elected officials and representatives from Democratic campaigns will attend and there will be an opportunity to sign nominating petitions and talk about important issues. “If we are going to move Maine forward and work to put money in the pockets of working and middle class families, we must reclaim our state and nation from the irresponsible policies of the right wing. We need Democrats in every town to gather and talk about where the Democratic Party is heading and what you want the Party to focus on over the next year. It is essential that Democrats in Oxford County be part of this process,” continued Grant. “We must all be part of the answer.”

People not currently registered in a political party, who would like to enroll as a Democrat may do so during the month of February prior to the caucus at their town office or at the caucus location on February 26. Absentee ballot forms are available for download at www.mainedems.org/caucus/ and must be turned in by the close of business on February 22. For information about the Oxford County Democrats, visit www.oxforddems.org, or on Facebook look for Oxford County ME Democrats.

The Oxford County Democrats are sponsoring a Meet the Candidates Old Fashioned Beef Stew Supper for the River Valley Democrats and others interested in electing Democrats on Thursday, Feb. 2. Continuing a series of regional 2012 Kick-off events held throughout the county, the supper will feature stew with biscuits and gingerbread and will be held at the Rumford Eagles Hall at 6:00, preceded by a social time at 5:30. The special guests will be US Senate candidates including former Secretary of State Matt Dunlap and Rep. Jon Hinck, and possibly Senator Cynthia Dill who is hoping to attend. In addition, River Valley area legislators Senator John Patrick of Rumford, Representative Matt Peterson of Rumford, and Representative Sheryl Briggs of Mexico will attend, as will candidates including Jane Rich of Andover for Commissioner, incumbent County Treasurer Roy Gedat and others to be added. Updates will be provided by Cathy Newell, Oxford County Democratic chair, of Greenwood, as well as Maine Democratic Party leaders, and representatives of Congressman Michaud’s campaign. Tickets are $10 at the door with seniors and students $8. RSVP, by calling 364-7666 or 875-2116, would be appreciated for planning purposes.

Oxford Hills Democrats will meet on Monday, January 16 at 4 PM at the Norway Town Office on Danforth Street.  Candidates for US Senate, as well as Congressman Mike Michaud, and party officials have been invited, and several, including Senator Cynthia Dill, a candidate for US Senate, and Maine Democratic party Vice-chair Janet Mills, have confirmed their attendance. The meeting is open to all interested in electing Democrats in 2012.

Incumbent legislators Sen. John Patrick of Rumford and Rep. Terry Hayes of Buckfield will attend, as well as several announced candidates including Dennise Whitley of Norway, candidate for Senate District 13, and Mary Lou St. John of Norway, candidate for House District 95. The candidates, including a number of unannounced prospects, will be asking for support and discussing their campaigns.

Roy Gedat of Norway, incumbent as Oxford County Treasurer, is hosting the meeting and will have copies of the Renewable Energy ballot initiative petition for signing. “This should be an exciting and interesting session.  We’re looking forward to well-attended Town Caucuses on February 26th as we gear up for the campaign season.” Gedat stated.  The Oxford Hills meeting is one of a series of pre-caucus regional gatherings being held in January and February. Plans for River Valley, Bethel, and Southern Oxford events will be announced soon according to Oxford County Democratic chair Cathy Newell of Greenwood.

The agenda for the Oxford Hills meeting will include updates from the Obama and Michaud campaigns, organizing and planning for the caucuses scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 26 throughout the state, organizing for gathering signatures for nominating petitions and clean election qualification, details of upcoming events and actions, and campaign strategizing. There will be refreshments and social time. Updates about additional guests and other details will be posted on the Oxford County Democrats Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Oxford-County-ME-Democrats/85923004638

The Oxford County Democrats held a meeting on Dec. 11, 2011 from 12:30-3 at the Crescent Park School in Bethel. The meeting was preceded by a candidates meeting at 11:30 and a bountiful potluck lunch with over 50 attending.

Candidates for US Senate Rep. Jon Hinck of Portland and former Secretary of State Matt Dunlap circulated throughout the lunch. The meeting was opened by Cathy Newell, with introduction of officeholders and candidates by Assistant Democratic Leader, Rep. Terry Hayes. Those present were Rep. Sheryl Briggs, Rep. Helen Rankin, Dennise Whitley, candidate for Senate 13, Colin O’Neill, candidate for House 100, Charleen Chase, candidate for Commissioner-south, plus incumbents not in a re-election year, Roy Gedat, County Treasurer, and Pat Shearman, Register of Deeds. Chair Cathy Newell gave regrets from those unable to attend including Jane Rich, candidate for Commissioner-north, Rep. Matt Peterson, Register of Probate Bruce Rood, and Sen. John Patrick.

Dennise Whitley of Norway introduced the US Senate Candidates Dunlap and Hinck and conducted a program involving remarks by both candidates and some questions and answers. Congressman Mike Michaud, and manager Greg Olson, joined the meeting and the Congressman provided an update from Washington, and took questions.

The remainder of the meeting was devoted to county committee business. Brenda McHugh of Mexico was elected to the State Committee and Colin o’Neill of Oxford was elected to the vacant Platform Committee slot. Plans for the 2012 municipal caucus meetings were announced. The caucus date is Feb. 26. Regional caucus locations such as those traditionally held in Rumford and Bethel will be encouraged, and speakers and programs to generate attendance will be planned. Focus will be on State Convention and on securing signatures for candidates. There will be some regional meetings planned for Jan and Feb as well. The first such meeting will occur on January 16 in the Oxford Hills area with details to be announced, with other meetings to be announced for the River Valley, Southern Oxford and Bethel areas. All will focus on caucus planning and assistance to candidates.

Emily Ecker of Bryant Pond announced an initiative, Western Maine Matters, regarding the national guard flight patterns and ongoing pressure on FAA. The final plan will come out soon and will have a 30 day comment period. She will keep people informed.

The Oxford County Democrats will hold a Potluck Lunch and Meeting at Crescent Park School in Bethel on Sunday, December 11 at 12:30 pm. Congressman Mike Michaud will be in attendance and offer remarks. Additional featured guests will be U.S. Senate candidate prospects former Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap of Old Town and State Representative Jon Hinck of Portland. In addition, local incumbent legislators and county officials will attend, along with a number of 2012 candidates and those considering a run for office.

Business items will include election of a member of the Maine Democratic State Committee and a member of the Platform Committee, as well as information on the March 2012 caucuses to be held throughout the county.

Those attending are asked to bring a food item to share such as a hot dish, sandwich fixings, salads or dessert item, as well as a canned or packaged donation for the local food pantry.

Information about the Oxford County Democrats is available on Facebook and on www.oxforddems.org, or by calling County Chair Cathy Newell, 875-2116.

The Oxford County Democrats held their annual BBQ on September 18 at the University of Maine 4-H Camp and Leadership Center in Bryant Pond. Congressman Mike Michaud offered remarks and took questions as did Maine Democratic Party Chairman Ben Grant of Portland.   The entire Democratic legislative delegation from Oxford County was present and addressed the crowd including Assistant Democratic Leader Rep. Terry Hayes of Buckfield, Senator John Patrick of Rumford, Rep. Sheryl Briggs of Mexico, Rep. Helen Rankin of Hiram and Rep. Matt Peterson of Rumford. County Treasurer Roy Gedat spoke for the County elected Democrats including Sheriff Wayne Gallant, Register of Probate Bruce Rood and Register of Deeds Patricia Shearman.

The Oxford County Democratic booth at the Fryeburg Fair will be open throughout the fair and is located in Expo 5.  The booth will offer a good selection of bumper stickers for the Obama campaign, plus information on the Peoples Veto effort to retain Election Day Registration in Maine.

Information regarding the Oxford County ME Democrats is available on Facebook and at www.oxforddems.org <http://www.oxforddems.org> .

The Oxford County Democrats have rescheduled their annual BBQ to Sunday Sept. 18 due to the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Irene on the original date, Aug. 28.  Congressman Michaud and other guests are able to attend on the new date and registrations will continue to be accepted at 875-2116.

Congressman Mike Michaud will be the guest of honor at the Oxford County Democrats Annual BBQ at the University of Maine 4-H Camp and Leadership Center on Lake Christopher in Bryant Pond. The event will be held on Sunday, August 28, starting at 4:30. County Democratic Chair Cathy Newell announced that Maine’s National Democratic Committeeman Sam Spencer and Executive Director Mary Erin Casale are among the party leaders who are planning to attend. “We are looking forward to conversation with our guests and to honoring our own legislative and county office holders and and the team of more than 45 volunteers who gathered over 1300 signatures for the Peoples’ Veto campaign,” Newell stated. “Our annual BBQ is a great time for Democrats to enjoy a traditional summer event and a wonderful way to prepare for the likely referendum election in November.” Officeholders invited, in addition to Congressman Michaud, include Senator John Patrick, Rep. Matt Peterson, Rep. Sheryl Briggs, Assistant Democratic Leader Rep. Terry Hayes, House 94, Rep. Helen Rankin, Sheriff Wayne Gallant, County Treasurer Roy Gedat, and Register of Deeds Patricia Shearman.

The facilities of the University of Maine 4-H Camp and Leadership Center are open to attendees, including excellent swimming in a classic Maine lake, and hiking trails. Those planning to swim or hike may arrive anytime after 2 PM. The program will begin with a Meet & Greet Social Time at 4:30, followed by a cookout meal with all the fixings, at 5:30 in the dining hall. There will be an introduction of guests and remarks following the meal.

Hosts for the BBQ to date include Jane Rich, Jim and Rosemary McLean, Miriam Laster, Helen Rankin, Jon Albrecht, Roy Gedat & Julie Peterson, Cathy Newell, Marden Seavey, Bob and Cindy Kirchherr, Henry & Pat Stewart, James Case, and Jan Stowell. The County Democrats are grateful for the host contributions that allow the event price to be kept affordable while raising essential funds for operations. Additional hosts and sponsors will be announced at the event.

Tickets are $20 per person including the meal and donation to the Oxford County Democrats. Tickets for children under 10 are $5. To reserve tickets call 875-2116 or e-mail cathyn@megalink.net.

The Oxford County Democrats will meet on Sunday, June 26 from 4-6 at the Fare Share Common on Main Street in Norway. Greg Olson, campaign manager for Congressman Mike Michaud, will be the speaker. He will offer campaign analysis and work with the local Democrats on planning for 2012. Other business will include election of Convention Committee members including Credentials, Permanent Organization and Platform. A wrap-up on the legislative session will be offered by members of the delegation. Candidate recruitment and fundraising reports will be on the agenda.

Those attending may bring finger food and other treats to share. The meeting is open to anyone interested in electing Democrats in 2012. For additional information on the Oxford County Democrats visit the Facebook page, Oxford County ME Democrats, or the web site www.oxforddems.org, or call County Chair Cathy Newell, 875-2116.

The Oxford County Democrats will hold a reception on on Wednesday, May 25 from 5:30-7:30 at the Mill Hill Inn in Bethel. Rosa Scarcelli of Portland will be the speaker as part of the Oxford County Democrat’s Rising Stars Series. Rosa Scarcelli, a Wilton native, is best known for her impressive showing in the 2010 Maine Democratic Gubernatorial Primary. She is the CEO of Stanford Management, a company that employs more than 115 people and provides quality affordable housing to thousands of residents, and is a wife and mother of three children. The reception will feature Mexican treats and has been arranged by the Bethel Area Democrats, headed by Mike Broderick. A donation of $10 is suggested, and to RSVP please email mikebroderick@roadrunner.com or call 824-6004.

Regional meetings were held in three locations in May by the Oxford County Democrats, in South Paris, Fryeburg and Mexico. Senator Seth Goodall was the speaker in South Paris on environment bills in the legislature this session. Rep. Terry Hayes also spoke on legislative matters. Mike Tipping, Communication Director for the Maine People’s Alliance, was the speaker in Fryeburg, along with Rep. Helen Rankin on Augusta happenings. Emery Deabay of the Maine AFLCIO spoke at the Mexico session on the various labor related bills this session. Rep. Sheryl Briggs, Rep. Matt Peterson and Senator John Patrick updated attendees on various legislative bills. The theme of all three meetings was Issues and Activism.

A Field Trip to the Statehouse sponsored by the Oxford County Democrats was held on Tuesday, May 10. The group, representing Mexico, Rumford, Dixfield, Greenwood, Gilead, Paris and Norway, attended the Senate Democratic caucus, a press event for Maine Clean Elections, both House and Senate sessions, and afternoon work sessions. A lunch was hosted in the Council chamber by the County Democrats and featured a conversation with Assistant Democratic leader Rep. Terry Hayes, Senator John Patrick, Rep. Matt Peterson and Rep. Sheryl Briggs. Democratic Leader Rep. Emily Cain stopped by to greet the visitors from Oxford County.

For additional information on the Oxford County Democrats, visit the Facebook page, Oxford County ME Democrats, or the web site www.oxforddems.org.