Oxford County Democrats

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.