Oxford County Democrats

We have shifts open at all offices for volunteers from now through Nov. 4 - and even some tasks for pos-election wrap-up.  Please call the Rumford or Norway offices today to sign up, or stop in. The Bethel and Fryeburg offices are open after 4, and other times by chance.

We need people who can devote significant time, but also can accomodate those who can only help for a few hours.

Our candidates are working hard, as our the many many volunteers who have come forward throughout the campaign.

The Oxford County Democrats will hold a Meet the Candidates supper on Saturday, Oct. 25 at the Universalist Church in Norway with a Spaghetti Supper and a silent auction planned. The dinner price is $5 per person. The hall will open at 4:45 with serving to start at 5:30.  Charleen Chase and Russ Newcomb, assisted by Roy Gedat, have organized the event which is open to anyone interested in electing Democrats on November 4. Former Maine Attorney General and Court TV commentator Jim Tierney will be the speaker.

Local Democratic candidates will assist with the serving and will offer remarks. Candidates running in the Oxford Hills area are Senator Bruce Bryant, Lisa Villa, running for Senate in District 13,  Rep. Tim Carter, Rep. Terry Hayes, Rep. Larry Sirois, Russ Newcomb, candidate for District 95, Jim Bradley, candidate for District 100, Charleen Chase, candidate for Commissioner in District 1, Paul Dumas, candidate for Judge of Probate and Bruce Rood, candidate for Register of Probate.  Candidates for legislative leadership and constitutional office have been invited and may attend.

County Chair Cathy Newell has asked participants in last week’s Women for Obama Rally in Bethel to bring their homemade signs to the dinner display and asks attendees to bring items for the silent auction.  “This event will provide a great way to recognize our many volunteers who have been helping out all summer and fall in the Norway office, and to kick off the final 10 days of the campaign.” Newell stated. The bid board for the Virtual Auction will be at the event. The Virtual Auction has 15 items and will continue thru Oct. 30 on-line.

The web site for the Oxford County Democrats is www.oxforddems.org.  Those interested in becoming involved in the 2008 campaign may contact the Rumford office, 364-7289, or stop in at the offices in Bethel, Norway or Fryeburg.

Women for Obama and the Oxford County Democrats held a lively rally Tuesday on the Common in Bethel attended by more than 100 women and a handful of men. Participants ranged in age from infants to 80-somethings and most came prepared with clever homemade signs.  Maine’s former First Lady Mary Herman of Brunswick, chair of the Maine Women for Obama, addressed the group encouraging everyone to sign up for volunteer shifts and to personally recruit five additional women to work on the Obama campaign.  Herman was introduced by Charleen Chase, candidate for Oxford County Commissioner. Cathy Newell, Chair of the Oxford County Democrats and of the county Women for Obama group, welcomed the attendees and led the group in a rousing cheer.  She recounted the story of an earlier Democratic rally in Bethel that took place in 1932 and featured Pearl Ashby Tibbetts, Alton Carroll and an unidentified friend, who took to Main Street in a parade of push lawn mowers to counter the Republican threat that if Democrats were elected “grass would grow in the streets”.

On the Common, Women for Obama

From 8 months to 80+, all ages were there for Obama!

Nolan Fox, local Obama field organizer, serves as the human Applausometer to select the winner, and determined that the Applausometer recorded a tie between Ellen Crocker and the grandchildren of Maryvonne Wheeler.  Sharon Haendel, Rosabelle Tifft, Lynn Arizzi and Nancy Willard of the Rally organizing committee led a parade across the Common to L’Auberge for refreshments and a phonebank.

The Oxford County Democrats will hold their annual Donkey Tuesday event on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at the Locke Mills Legion. Donkey Tuesday is a free lasagne supper with donations at the door for Keep Oxford Warm and/or for the District Exchange Food Pantry.  The Oxford County Democrats will be holding a silent auction and will pass the hat for donations to the Democratic Committee. The hall will open at 4:45 with serving to start at 5:30. Maine Secretary of State Matt Dunlap will be the special guest. Dunlap is a humorous and informed speaker and will discuss Maine elections, and the current election scene.

Allison Rosenblatt and Jan Kubiac of Albany are chairing the event, with assistance from Doron Haendel of L’Auberge and Dave and Heather Nivus of The Good Food Store.  Items for the silent auction are welcome and should be brought to the hall by 5 pm. The menu includes lasagne, salad, beverage and apple crisp.  Democrats and those interested in electing Democratic candidates are welcome to attend. RSVP’s are appreciated. You may call 875-2116, or e-mail cathyn@megalink.net.

Local Democratic candidates will assist with the serving and will offer remarks. Candidates running in the Bethel area are Senator Bruce Bryant, Rep. Tim Carter, Russ Newcomb, candidate for District 95, Rep. John Patrick, candidate for Commissioner in District 2, Charleen Chase, candidate for Commissioner in District 1, Paul Dumas, candidate for Judge of Probate and Bruce Rood, candidate for Register of Probate.  Candidates for legislative leadership and constitutional office have been invited and will likely attend.

Excellence, Efficiency & Economy
A 10-point Plan for Oxford County Government

•    Approach each role within county government with the highest ethical standards.

•    Bring a strong management approach to county government to hold the line on county taxes.

•    Provide people-friendly customer service through prompt, courteous service and the effective use of technology.

•    Provide leadership for collaboration among the municipal governments and the county, eliminating duplicative services.

•    Conduct an overall review of staffing, invest in professional development, and encourage employees to suggest efficiencies.

•    Work with the Sheriff to effectively implement jail consolidation with the State.

•    Approach the unorganized territories as an asset for tourism and a resource for residents by responsible maintenance of roads and bridges.

•    Work with the Treasurer to implement new software and use of modern accounting practice to achieve budget controls.

•    Explore holding Probate Court and Commissioner meetings in Rumford and Fryeburg as well as at the Courthouse.

•    Insure that Oxford County provides excellent coordination and coverage for municipal EMS, Police and Fire personnel.

A team that will deliver…for Oxford County and for you… and make Oxford County a model of local/county/state collaboration, efficiency and innovation.

Paul Dumas, Judge of Probate  Bruce Rood, Register of Probate
Charleen Chase, Commissioner District 1  John L. Patrick, Commissioner District 2

The Oxford County Democrats launched a Virtual On-line Auction on October 1 at 6:30 AM featuring an array of items and services donated by individuals. Bidding will continue through October 30.  The items include a 4-day canoe trip on the St. Croix River in the summer of 2009 with Rep. Terry and Steve Hayes of Buckfield, a plane trip for 3 adults with Bruce Rood of Norway, a twin-size quilt by Cathy Newell of Greenwood, a will by Attorney Jennifer Kreckel of Rumford, a tour of the Bumpus Mine in Albany in the summer of 2009 for up to 8 adults by Seabury Lyon of Bethel, financial and health care power of attorney documents by Attorney Paul Dumas of Mexico, an antique beaded evening bag and a vintage petitpoint evening bag donated by Arla Patch of Woodstock, and a weekend at a Beacon Hill condo in Boston donated by Pat and Henry Stewart of Greenwood.  Additional items will be added throughout the auction.  To participate, e-mail Cathy Newell at cathyn@megalink.net to be added to the auction mailing list and view complete descriptions and pictures of auction items. Bids are submitted by e-mail and updates will be issued several times each week through Oct. 30.

The upcoming suppers planned by the Oxford County Democrats in October will be featuring silent auctions, as well as an opportunity to bid on the Virtual On-line Auction items. People with silent auction items should bring the items to the offices in Norway, Fryeburg, Rumford or Bethel or just bring them to the supper.