Oxford County Democrats

John Patrick receives the Edmund S, Muskie Award from Matt Peterson.

Top picture: Bill and Linda Petrie with Bob Parise

Rep. John Patrick of Rumford was presented with the Edmund S. Muskie Award by the Oxford County Democrats for Distinguished Legislative Service and Outstanding Community Service in the River Valley.  The presentation was made at the Acadian Supper at the Rumford Eagles Hall on September 18 by Matt Peterson, candidate for the legislative seat represented by Rep. Patrick for the past 8 years.

“Observing John Patrick in the legislature and working with him on legislation has been one of the inspirations for me to get into the race for the District 92 seat. House leadership recognized John’s commitment, leadership and patience, knowing that he always has his finger on the pulse of what is happening on the third floor of the State House. I will work hard to maintain this proud tradition of representation for District 92 if my campaign is successful. I know that the people of Oxford County will be fortunate to have John Patrick at County Commissioner.” Peterson stated.

Other speakers at the event included Andrea Quaid, representing Congressman Michaud whose Washington schedule prevented him from attending, Senator Bruce Bryant, who served as MC, Rep. Mark Bryant, Rep. Tim Carter, Sheriff Wayne Gallant, and Roy Gedat of Norway.  County Chair Cathy Newell presented greetings from Rep. Sheryl Briggs and Judge of Probate candidate Paul Dumas who were unable to attend.

Senator Bryant highlighted the many years that he and Rep. Patrick have worked together in the legislature and praised his colleague for his deep commitment to taking care of his constituents in the River Valley area. He highlighted Patrick’s leadership as chair of the Citizens Trade Policy Commission.  Rep. Bryant and Rep. Carter echoed remarks about Patrick’s commitment to his legislative service and the help that he had been to them as a mentor when they were first elected.  Sheriff Gallant and Roy Gedat recounted stories of John “the Legend” Patrick’s truly legendary service to the Oxford County Democrats setting records for door-to-door and signs, benefiting all candidates. Ms. Quaid mentioned the high esteem Congressman Michaud has for Rep. Patrick from their service in the legislature and from the Michaud campaigns for Congress.

Rep. Patrick responded with gratitude for the remarks offered and for the support of his wife Claire and their extended network of family and friends. “It has been a true honor to represent the people of my district and of this region as a member of the legislature. I am looking forward to bringing my legislative connections and experience to county government as a commissioner and value the opportunity to visit with past and future constituents at their doors this fall. I am so proud to receive the Edmund S. Muskie Award. Senator Muskie was an inspiration to all of us in the Rumford area and will continue to provide inspiration to a new generation of leaders.”

The Acadian Supper, attended by 60 people, was prepared by a team including Bill and Linda Petrie, Bob and Carol Parise,  Joe Parise, Judy Richardson, Ed and Dot Bernard, and John Patrick. The ancestral treats of chaird and poutines were also enjoyed by a number of take-out customers, and prompted much sharing of memories of  family history.   Cathy Newell, Oxford County Democratic Chair, thanked the hosts for the event including Sen. Bruce Bryant, Former Speaker John Richardson, former State Senator Jeff Mills, John Patrick, Rep. John Tuttle, Rep. Mark Bryant, Tim Hanson, John Albrecht and Ed Roach as well as the Rumford Eagles.

Congressman and U.S. Senate nominee Tom Allen, and U.S. Senator Jon Tester of Montana were a big draw at Allen’s Conversation for Change and Community Supper Friday night in South Paris. More than 120 people from across Oxford County packed the First Congregational Church of South Paris for the event.

Allen highlighted the importance of the 2008 election. “In looking back at this election, we need to be able to say that this was the year we got it right, and built at real team for change.”

He discussed the key issues of energy, health care, the Bush tax cuts, and Iraq.  Allen opposed the Cheney energy bill that moved $14 billion in tax breaks to Big Oil companies while Susan Collins voted for it. Allen opposed the Bush tax breaks for the superwealthy and big corporations, economic policies that have been disastrous for Maine’s middle class and small businesses, while Collins consistently supported them.

Allen reminded the audience that Collins is the only member of the Maine delegation to stick with the Bush Administration on opposing a timeline for withdrawal from Iraq to force the Iraqi government to achieve a political solution. Allen voted against the war and has consistently opposed the Bush policies to continue the war. Collins voted for the war and supports and open-ended commitment.

Senator Tester, a Montana farmer, urged the audience to work tirelessly to elect Tom Allen, “a quality guy with Maine values.”

In a town hall style question and answer session, Allen addressed the need for attention to rural areas including transportation, the need for a comprehensive health care plan, and the issue of waste, fraud and abuse  on the part of contractors in Iraq. Allen is the only candidate for U.S. Senate in the nation to have a universal health care plan.

He and Tester were critical of the unwillingness of Senator Collins to call hearings to investigate waste, fraud and abuse by contractors in Iraq when she was chairman of the chief oversight committee of the Senate.  Because of her loyalty to the Bush Administration policies and her support for the war in Iraq, Collins refused repeated requests by colleagues to investigate contractors like Halliburton and KBR.

The bean supper was also attended by Oxford County Democratic candidates Rep. Terry Hayes of Buckfield, Rep. Tim Carter of Bethel, Rep. John Patrick of Rumford, running for County Commissioner in District 2, Charleen Chase of Bethel, candidate for County Commissioner in District 1, Russ Newcomb of Norway, candidate for House District 95, Paul Dumas of Mexico, candidate for Judge of Probate, Bruce Rood of Norway, candidate for Register of Probate and Lisa Villa of Harrison, running for State Senate in District 13.  Oxford County Democratic Chair Cathy Newell of Greenwood and Vice-chair Roy Gedat of Norway also attended.

Tom and Diana Allen returned on Sunday to visit the Oxford County Fair with House4 candidate Russ Newcomb and his wife Shelly and County Chairperson Cathy Newel.

Oxford County Democrats celebrated Labor Day in Buckfield with a grand showing in the traditional parade. Congressman Mike Michaud and Diana Allen, wife of US Senate candidate Tom Allen, led a contingent of county Democrats including candidates Judge of Probate Paul Dumas of Mexico, Rep. Terry Hayes and Senator Bruce Bryant.  The Hayes campaign was represented by a large equestrian troupe, several vehicles and marchers, including former Rep. Rosita Gagne-Friel of Buckfield. The Bryant campaign featured a decorated vehicle, plus Senator Bryant, his daughter Lanette and her classmate Angela Knox, both seniors at Dirigo High School walking and greeting voters. The Dumas campaign featured a decorated ATV mule and the candidate who was greeting voters along the route. Jimmy McHugh of Mexico drove the official Oxford County Democrats entry adorned with signs from all candidates in the area including John Patrick and Charleen Chase for County Commissoner in District 2 and 1 respectively, Bruce Rood for Register of Probate, Rep. Sheryl Briggs of Mexico, Rep. Tim Carter of Bethel, House candidates Russ Newcomb of Norway,  and Matt Peterson of Rumford. “The total Democratic parade contingent certainly exceeded 30 people and was a wonderful way to welcome Congressman Michaud and Diana Allen to this traditional end-of-summer event and to celebrate the excitement surrounding the Obama for President, the Tom Allen for Senate, and the Michaud re-election campaigns, as well as those of our local candidates.” Cathy Newell, Oxford County Democratic chairwoman stated.

Following the parade, the Democratic booth was staffed by Newell and Jimmy McHugh with assistance from field staffers Michelle Beaudin and Zeke Davisson. Candidates circulated through the crowd and enjoyed greeting many friends and supporters, prior to fanning out into the village to knock on doors.

The day concluded at the home of Rep. Terry and Steve Hayes with a well-attended reception honoring Congressman Michaud. More than 30 attendees from Rep. Hayes’ district towns of Paris, Hartford, Sumner and Buckfield enjoyed a beautiful evening and delectable refreshments. Congressman Michaud addressed the group on a Labor Day theme, discussing trade policy, and fielding questions on heathcare with particular emphasis on veterans issues, as well as commenting on the Democratic Convention and the political scene.  Rep. Hayes thanked her campaign team for their help with the day’s events, and County Chairperson Newell announced the Tom Allen Community Supper scheduled for Friday, September 5, and the Rumford Area Democratic BBQ set for Saturday, September 6. For details or to RSVP for either event call the Rumford office, 364-7289.