NEXT ELECTION DATE:   June 12, 2012

Maine residents may register to vote anytime, including the day of the election.  You must be 18 years of age and a resident of the City of Gardiner.  Proof of residency and proof of identity is required, such as a driver’s license indicating a physical street address in Gardiner (not a post office box or mailing address).

***Any 17 year old that will be 18 before the November election may vote in the June Primary.

If you are in a party but are considering changing your party enrollment for the June 12 primary, the last day to make changes is May 28.   City Hall is closed on Memorial Day so May 25 will be the last day for changes in Gardiner.

If you are currently not enrolled in a party, you may declare a party up to and including June 12.

The last day to register to vote by mail is May 23.   However, the Registrar of Voters is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 4:30.

We have four voting districts, however, all voting is held at one consolidated voting place

Gardiner Area Boy’s & Girls Club
14 Pray Street
Polls open 8:00 a.m. – 8 p.m.

ABSENTEE BALLOTS

Absentee ballots are available at City Hall or applications are available online or by calling 582-4460.   In addition to normal business hours, the Clerk’s Office will also be open for absentee voting and registration the following:

Sample Ballots for June 2012 Election

MSAD11 will hold a Budget Validation meeting on May 29, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. at the High School.    The budget that is determined at the meeting will be voted by District Referendum on June 12.   Absentee ballots will be available on May 30 for the MSAD11 Referendum

STAND UP AGAINST THESE BUDGET CUTS AND MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD: Lawmakers in Augusta need to know that cuts to these vital programs will have a devastating impact and are inexcusable!

TUESDAY, MAY 15th, 2012 (9:30 AM): Before the final vote on the budget, come to the State House in Augusta to show your opposition to these cuts. Your elected representatives need to know that Maine people oppose this irresponsible budget.

The following list provides some of the most damaging and irresponsible initiatives. (Please note that this is a preliminary analysis and numbers are subject to change.)

Cuts that will harm seniors and people with disabilities:
- Cuts the Drugs for the Elderly Program that helps seniors and people with disabilities afford their prescription drugs;
- Cuts the Medicare Savings Program that helps seniors and people with disabilities pay for prescription drugs and health care costs.

Cuts that will harm low-income children and families:
- Eliminates MaineCare coverage for 14,500 low-income working parents;
- Cuts funding for Head Start, which means that 216 very young children will no longer have access;
- Cuts funding for the Child Care Subsidy Program;
- Eliminates funding for the Maine Families Home Visiting Program, which will eliminate vital services for Maine’s most vulnerable infants and children;
- Eliminates funding for family planning;
- Cuts funding for dental services for people with low incomes and no other source of dental help; and
- Completely eliminates MaineCare coverage for 7,000 young adults (19 and 20 year olds).

Please join us at the State House tomorrow morning at 9:30am to oppose these dangerous cuts.

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Justin Chenette

Saco, Maine – The local Democratic establishment is coalescing behind a new but familiar face to the political scene, 21-year-old Justin Chenette.

Chenette is currently running for the State House seat in district 134 being vacated by State Rep. Linda Valentino who is running for State Senate. Sona Lundh-Gay is his democratic opponent in the primary being held on June 12th.

Rep. Valentino has come out in support of Chenette.

“From the first time I saw Justin on TV, I knew that he was someone who was going to achieve in his pursuits,” says Valentino. “I’m proud to have had a hand in mentoring him over the years such as endorsing his Gubernatorial appointment as the first student member of the Maine State Education Board.”

Chenette has worked for Rep. Valentino as her Communications Director in her 2010 re-election bid and subsequently on her recent senatorial campaign.

Dr. Susan Shaw is the Vice-Chair of the Saco-Bay Democrats and is also supporting Chenette early in the process.

“Justin is a young man who is remarkably intelligent, eloquent of speech, and ambitious in helping the future of his fellow man. He is a dedicated Democrat who is compassionate beyond his years,” explains Dr. Shaw.

Former Saco City Councilor and Deputy Registrar of Voters, Janet Fernald, echoes Dr. Shaw’s sentiments, “We need to support our young people when they have a desire to serve for any office.”

While it’s not typical for leaders in any party to endorse a candidate in a contested primary, this one seems to be breaking all the molds. Many core Democrats are upset that Lundh-Gay managed the campaign of her husband, Roger Gay’s failed Green-Independent bid against Rep. Valentino in 2010 taking valuable votes away from the Democratic candidate.

“Justin is passionate about government change and transparency and will be a strong independent voice for Saco,” Rep. Valentino says.

Tar Sand Mine

Portland, Maine—The Canadian National Energy Board today closed public input on the proposed Line 9 Reversal Phase I tar sands pipeline project after receiving more than 41,000 citizen comments in opposition. A coalition of 11 groups, including Environment Maine, Natural Resources Council of Maine, Sierra Club Maine, ENE (Environment Northeast), and Conservation Law Foundation, submitted the comments, which focus on the environmental and public health dangers presented by the tar sands project and the need for a comprehensive environmental and public safety review. If fully completed, the tar sands pipeline reversal could threaten the Androscoggin River, Sebago Lake, and Casco Bay.

Canada’s National Energy Board is reviewing a proposal by Canadian oil giant Enbridge to reverse the flow direction of a portion of its aging 62-year-old pipeline to move tar sands crude approximately 125 miles across Ontario. The full length of “Line 9” extends from Sarnia, Ontario to Montreal, Quebec.

The groups criticize the project as an effort by the company to build the shelved “Trailbreaker” tar sands pipeline in segments to avoid comprehensive environmental review. In 2008, Enbridge announced its Trailbreaker pipeline proposal to move tar sands crude from mining operations in Alberta through Ontario and Quebec and across New England to Portland, where the crude would be loaded onto tankers for export to refineries on the East Coast or overseas. The company put Trailbreaker on hold in 2009.

As recently as October 2011, pipeline companies were once again discussing the Trailbreaker plan in the press (albeit without using that name.) Enbridge now denies that this aptly named “Phase 1” reversal is part of the larger Trailbreaker project, but is not ruling out reversing the flow of oil along the entire route. A pumping station required to reverse the flow of the pipeline between Montreal and Portland failed to get a permit in March, 2012.

The National Energy Board can order an investigation of the full environmental impact of the larger project, including the safety impacts of a tar sands pipeline to the environment, waterways, and communities, and climate pollution from tar sands.

“The Trailbreaker project would use an old U.S. pipeline built in 1950 that cuts through mile after mile of Maine’s pristine rivers, lakes, and open spaces. The higher temperatures and pressures needed to move tar sands through the pipeline would significantly increase the risk of the pipeline leaking or rupturing. The effects could be devastating to the Androscoggin River, Sebago Lake, and Casco Bay,” said Environment Maine Director Emily Figdor.

An Enbridge pipeline carrying tar sands spilled more than 840,000 gallons of sludge into Michigan’s Kalamazoo River in 2010, causing health problems and widespread damage to the ecosystem. Crews are still struggling to clean up the spill.

“It is highly risky to pipe the world’s dirtiest source of oil across Maine, along Sebago Lake to Portland Harbor,” said Dylan Voorhees, Clean Energy Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. “A tar sands pipeline would threaten Sebago Lake, which supplies drinking water to more than 15% of Maine people.”

“Pumping dirty tar sands oil through Maine to Portland Harbor is a dangerously irresponsible proposal,” said Glen Brand, Sierra Club Maine Director. “A leak on the scale of the Kalamazoo River spill into Maine’s rivers, lakes, or coast would be catastrophic for Maine communities and our tourism and fisheries industries.”

“Importing dirty, high carbon tar sands crude into this region runs directly counter to decades of concerted efforts by Maine and the other New England states to reduce carbon pollution,” said Beth Nagusky, Maine Director for ENE (Environment Northeast). “Policies such as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, Renewable Portfolio Standards, and Clean Fuels Standard discourage use of high carbon fuels such as tar sands.”

More information on the Trailbreaker pipeline proposal is available in a factsheet linked here. The coalition of U.S. and Canadian public interest and environmental groups leading efforts to stop the Trailbreaker pipeline include:

350.org 

Conservation Law Foundation

Environmental Defence Canada

Environment Maine

ENE (Environment Northeast)

Équiterre

Friends of the Earth

Natural Resources Council of Maine

Natural Resources Defense Council

National Wildlife Federation

Sierra Club

Please “LIKE” The Valley Voice at the bottom of this page. Thank You for your support!

Inspired by Occupy Wall Street and the fight for workers in Madison, Wisconsin, the 99% will rise up this spring. In the span of just one week, from April 9-15, 100,000 people will be trained to tell the story of what happened to our economy, learn the history of non-violent direct action, and use that knowledge to take action on our own campaigns to win change.

We’ll gather for trainings in homes, community centers, places of worship, campuses, and public spaces nationwide to learn how to join together in the work of reclaiming our country through sustained non-violent action.

Will you rise with us and join a 99% Spring action training?

Host your own 99% Spring Action Training event
Right now, there are 916 gatherings planned.

Already hosting or signed up for an event? We can e-mail you a link to your tools.

The following organizations have called for a 99% Spring: Jobs With Justice, United Auto Workers,National Peoples Action, National Domestic Workers Alliance, MoveOn.org, New Organizing Institute, Movement Strategy Center, The Other 98%, Service Employees International Union, AFL-CIO, Rebuild the Dream, Color of Change, UNITE-HERE, Greenpeace, Institute for Policy Studies, PICO National Network, New Bottom Line, Veterans of the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement, SNCC Legacy Project, United Steel Workers, Working Families Party, Communications Workers of America, United States Student Association, Rainforest Action Network, American Federation of Teachers, Leadership Center for the Common Good, UNITY, National Guestworker Alliance, 350.org, The Ruckus Society, Citizen Engagement Lab, smartMeme Strategy & Training Project, Right to the City Alliance, Pushback Network, Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, Progressive Democrats of America, Change to Win, Grassroots Global Justice Alliance, Campaign for America’s Future, Public Campaign Action Fund, Fuse Washington, Missourians Organizing for Reform and Empowerment, Citizen Action of New York, Engage, United Electrical Workers Union, National Day Laborers Organizing Network, Alliance for a Just Society, The Partnership for Working Families, United Students Against Sweatshops, Presente.org, Get Equal, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, Corporate Accountability International, American Federation of Government Employees, Training for Change, People Organized for Westside Renewal (POWER), Student Labor Action Project, Colorado Progressive Coalition, Green for All, DC Jobs with Justice, Midwest Academy, The Coffee Party, International Forum on Globalization, UFCW International Union, Sunflower Community Action, Illinois People’s Action, Lakeview Action Coalition, Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada, International Brotherhood of the Teamsters, Resource Generation, Highlander Research and Education Center, TakeAction Minnesota, Energy Action Coalition

MoveOn.org Civic Action is hosting the online event registration process but is not responsible for the content or programming of the trainings or for the planning or organization of any specific actions. The 99% Spring is a collaborative effort between many organizations to train over 100,000 Americans in the basics of nonviolent direct action—not an electoral campaign.

MoveOn, MoveOn.org and MoveOn.org Civic Action are trademarks of MoveOn.org Civic Action
MoveOn.org Political Action is a trademark of MoveOn.org Political Action
The MoveOn family of organizations consists of two entities. MoveOn.org Civic Action, a 501(c)(4) organization, primarily focuses on education and advocacy on important national issues. And MoveOn.org Political Action, a federal political committee, primarily helps members elect candidates who reflect our values.

April 14th, 2012 9:30 AM   through   5:00 PM

The choice is in our hands and this spring we will act on that choice.
Join us for a day of training and let’s start to make things right.
You can find a list of other training events across the state and country right here.

Thank you,
Gen Lysen
Maine People’s Alliance Lead Organizer
gen@mainepeoplesalliance.org

Location

Portland Public Library
5 Monument Square
Portland, ME 04101
United States

LD 1863 would enable Maine to purchase energy at lower prices within the region. This bill removes the 100 megawatt cap for qualifying renewable generation, specifically hydro power.

Special interest groups such as Industrial Energy Consumer Group (IECG) and Maine Renewable Energy Association (MREA) have opposed this measure because they are receiving the benefit of higher electricity prices. “As I stated in my State of the State Address, I do not support Augusta being in the business of increasing costs on Maine ratepayers to pad the pockets of special interest groups. I believe it is morally and ethically wrong to take more money from those who can least afford it to line the pockets of those that are politically connected here in Augusta,” Governor LePage said.

Senators Christopher Rector (R-Knox) and Philip Bartlett, (D-Cumberland), and Representatives Stacey Fitts (R-Pittsfield), Jon Hinck (D-Portland), Alexander Cornell du Houx (D-Brunswick), Roberta Beavers (D-South Berwick), Mark Dion (D-Portland), and Louis Luchini (D-Ellsworth) voted against LD 1863. “I encourage constituents to call legislators who voted against this bill and ask them if they are concerned about the rising cost of energy hurting working families and small businesses. If they are, ask them to change their vote,” the Governor said.

The Governor has said that one of the largest inhibitors to job creation is Maine’s high energy costs. “If we want economic prosperity in Maine, we need to focus on reducing the cost of electricity and energy for Maine’s job creators.”

Please “Like” The Valley Voice at the bottom of this page. Thank You for your support.

It’s time for Maine people to put a stop to this!

This Monday, April 2nd at 10:00 a.m., the Maine Women’s Lobby and our partners are sponsoring a Day of Action in Augusta.

It’s time to tell our legislators to stand with Maine citizens to stop the disastrous hidden deals taking place that will make sweeping changes at the 11th hour of the legislative session.

It’s time for Maine people to stop the out-of-state campaigns against workers, the middle class and the poor, the environment, and stop the war on women.

Instead of letting Maine focus on sustainable jobs, out of state corporate interests and extremists are pushing an agenda that has nothing to do with our common interests as a state.

As the Maine Legislature winds-down it’s work for the year, an unprecedented slew of dangerous and irresponsible bills are being rammed-through in a desperate attempt to beat the clock.

Here’s just a few of the bills under consideration that have been introduced at the last minute, not given a chance for normal public scrutiny, or are being rushed to votes:

• Siphoning funding from public education to fund private schools;
• Opening Maine up to large-scale, toxic, open-pit mining;
• Weakening the state’s ability to meet the needs of seniors and people with mental illness by rushing a major departmental restructuring;
• Crippling the ability of Maine towns and cities to keep their poorest citizens housed and fed;
• Stripping the ability of certain workers to collectively bargain;
• Undermining systems that protect the unemployed and injured workers;
• Giving away millions of dollars to Maine’s wealthiest while creating a permanent state budget crisis;
• Failing to prepare Maine for the benefits of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare); and
• Keeping government documents secret from Maine citizens.

Please stand with Maine people and with the Maine lawmakers working together against this dangerous agenda and flawed process.

Please join us!
This Monday, April 2, 2012
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Cross Cafe, Cross State Office Building
(adjacent to the State House), Augusta

Sponsoring organizations:
Consumers for Affordable Health Care
Engage Maine
EqualityMaine
Homeless Voices for Justice
Maine AFL-CIO
Maine Center for Economic Policy
Maine Education Association
Maine Equal Justice Partners
Maine People’s Alliance
Maine State Employees Association – SEIU Local 1989
Maine Women’s Lobby
National Association of Social Workers – Maine Chapter
Natural Resources Council of Maine
Preble Street

If you have questions, 207.622.0851, ext. 24.

Let’s take a stand together!

Charlotte Warren
Associate Director
Maine Women’s Lobby

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Two years ago when health care reform was on the line, thousands of Mainers shared their personal stories — and that helped shape the national debate.

Then, President Obama accomplished what presidents from both parties had tried to do for more than 70 years. He’ll be the first to admit he didn’t do it alone — he was bolstered by people like you who stood up to fight for reform.

Now, as we approach the two-year anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, we want to check in on the progress that’s been made. This is going to be a key issue in this election, and your stories will help show voters how this law is already helping millions.

Share how health care reform has helped you or someone you know.

If you’d rather make a video to tell your story, we’re all for it: Just upload it to YouTube and send us the link.

Before reform, hundreds of thousands of families each year would find themselves on the brink of bankruptcy just because someone got sick. Pre-existing conditions allowed insurance companies to deny coverage to children. A coverage gap for prescription drugs caught seniors by surprise, costing them hundreds of dollars out of pocket.

But then you spoke up and stood with President Obama for change. And on March 23rd, 2010, we made history by helping pass the Affordable Care Act.

Now, two years later, folks are starting to see the real-life impact of reform.

In Maine alone, 431,000 people no longer have a lifetime limit on coverage; 91,000 women have seen their coverage for preventive services like mammograms expanded; 167,000 seniors and people with disabilities who have Medicare have already received free preventive care; and 7,000 young people who would otherwise be uninsured are staying on their parents’ insurance plans until they turn 26.

This isn’t where the story ends. The other side is bent on taking down the health reform we fought so hard for.

Will you help tell the story of the Affordable Care Act and why it matters to families in Maine, and across the country?

http://my.barackobama.com/Tell-Your-Health-Care-Story

Or, submit a video telling your story:

http://my.barackobama.com/Share-Your-Video

Thanks,
Jen
Jen O’Malley Dillon
Deputy Campaign Manager
Obama for America

I indicated that I would look forward to his contributions to the magazine and since first talking to Justin and reading his stories, I came to the realization that he had many new and fresh ideas and also had the experience necessary to write on many issues concerning state government and policy matters. Since meeting Justin, we have become good friends and I often thought that he should make a run for political office and I am happy to report that he has made the decision to do so.

Please read on and I think you’ll agree that Justin would be a fine representative of the people from his district in Augusta.

Quotable quote:

“If we RETHINK the priorities with what the people actually want and REFORM the policies to reflect that, we can then RENEW the commitment of a Representative Democracy.”

I wholeheartedly support and endorse Justin Chenette’s candidacy for the Maine State Legislature.

NOTE: At the bottom of this post I have cited some of the stories he wrote for The Valley Voice.

Meet Justin Chenette

At age 11, Justin worked as a campaign assistant for his step-father’s run as a local school board candidate. Activities included petition collection, sign posting, campaign material distribution, and secretarial duties. This sparked his interest in the field of public service. As a result, from elementary school through college, Justin served in a number of elected leadership positions in student government including class representative, secretary, and vice president.

At Thornton Academy, Justin joined Saco’s Educational Station known as TATV Channel 3. TATV is a student-run station that broadcasts to over 10,000 people in the city.

At TATV, Justin quickly worked his way through the ranks becoming the Executive Producer of all station programming for 2 years and then becoming Station Manager his senior year. In addition to holding leadership positions, he also carried out on-air and other off-air responsibilities.

Justin created TATV’s weekly public affairs show, The Issue, and served as its Producer and Host for three years. He produced over 55 episodes in 3 highly successful seasons. In addition, he moderated Saco’s 1st Televised Mayoral Forum and produced/hosted 3 live election results shows.

Justin interned with the Community Television Network Channel 5 in Portland for two years as a mere freshman and sophomore in high school. There he became familiar with the day to day operations of a large market public access station.

Youth in Politics is a weekly public affairs television show on WPXT Channel 12 and WPME Channel 17 airing across 400,000 homes in Southern Maine and New Hampshire. In over 3 years of being on the show, Justin has hosted over 40 episodes of this highly successful series. He even had the distinct honor of moderating the 1st District Congressional Forum between Chellie Pingree and Charlie Summers during the 2008 elections and the first televised gubernatorial debate of the 2010 electoral season with all five candidates.

In April of 2008, Maine Governor John Baldacci appointed Justin to serve on the Maine State Board of Education for a 16-month term. As the first Student Member on the board, it was his job to represent the youth voice of Maine when discussing matters of statewide educational policy. He was a staunch advocate for increased civic engagement curriculum, a universal grading system, and increased drug prevention programs. He served as an active member of the Student Voices Committee.

Over the summer of 2008, Justin interned with the Maine Democratic Party and learned some of the inner workings and operations of a political party. As a youth organizer, he setup several youth-to-youth phone banks and became the #1 canvasser in York County to get the word out to vote.

The following year, the Maine chapter of Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership elected Justin as Public Relations Director. Justin served 3 terms being in charge of all communications sent out by the Alumni Board from newsletters to video updates.

Based on his work throughout high school, Justin was named the 2009 National Student Broadcast Journalist of the Year by the Student Television Network. From this honor came an ongoing internship at annual conventions and continuous work through the rest of the year in providing support to the organization. One of the best experiences of his life came when he delivered the key note address at the 2010 convention in Anaheim, California.

During the summer of 2009, Justin was hired by a national online news organization known as Palestra.net/UWIRE.com, as a multimedia reporter. At Palestra/UWIRE, Justin produced weekly news packages for their college network website that shares a content partnership with Fox News.

In May of 2010, Justin was hired by Biddeford Public Access Channel 3 as a Media Trainer. His job was to create and facilitate a summer training program for students around the topic of broadcast journalism.

During the June 2010 primary, Justin served as a city clerk assistant and poll worker both before and during the election. His work included answering phones, ward allocation, ballot box supervision, and voter registration.

Over the summer of 2010, Justin started working for the City of Saco as their Communications Intern utilizing his media skills coupled with his interest in local government. He was responsible for producing a series of videos showcasing a behind-the-scenes look at the Departments of the City. The videos aired on the City’s website, Facebook page, and local educational TV station. Justin was also appointed and served on the city-wide Social Networking Committee in addition to responsibilities on the Cable Communications Committee.

Justin became the Political Communications Director for State Representative Linda Valentino of Saco on her re-election bid for her seat. In this role, he advised campaign strategies, designed and managed the website, and produced all multimedia. He later became Valentino’s Campaign Strategist for her State Senatorial campaign.

When Justin became a freshman at Lyndon State College in the fall of 2010, he immediately became heavily involved in the media on campus. As a web editor and staff writer at the student-run newspaper, The Critic, Justin was able to cover news around campus and community by producing video content featured on the paper’s website and writing articles in the print version.

Click here to view the embedded video.

As host of The Justin Chenette Radio Show on WWLR 91.5FM, Justin covered national headlines, politics, and entertainment news mixed with a variety of music in a weekly two hour program. The show was honored as the Best Talk Show of 2010 on WWLR 91.5FM for two consecutive seasons.

In October of 2010, Justin was hired as the New Media Intern with a Vermont newspaper, The Caledonian-Record. His job was to build all social networking structures from the ground up. Now the paper has over 1,000 followers via their Facebook and Twitter pages based on the work he did. In addition, Justin updated the website with news content from the Associated Press.

In the fall of 2010, Justin produced, edited, and hosted his new TV show on the local public access station in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. KATV Channel 7 has been the home of his show called Beyond the Headlines, a bi-monthly public affairs program delving into the stories making news. The show ended its run in early 2011 due to contractual obligations at News 7.

Through the curriculum at Lyndon State College, Justin has been focusing his efforts working as a general assignment reporter and anchor at the Vermont Center for Community Journalism for the Emmy-Award winning News 7. At the daily evening newscast, Justin reports and anchors for towns across northern Vermont and New Hampshire covering anything from a feature piece on rehabilitated drug addict to investigating tax money expenditures of local officials.

After serving as Secretary of the chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists on campus, Justin was elected by his fellow peers to become the next chapter President working towards first amendment awareness. The national organization appointed Justin to serve on their Diversity Committee as the only college student to do so.

In May of 2011, Justin earned his Associates Degree in TV News at Lyndon State College and is poised to receive his B.S. soon.

Over the summer months of 2011, Justin interned for WPFO-Fox 23 in Portland. His duties and responsibilities included moderating blogs, updating website content, producing stories for the web, developing social media strategies, and creating promotional campaigns.

In July of that year, Justin started writing a weekly political column at the Portland Daily Sun and the Journal Tribune with a combined circulation of over 25,000.

Based on his intern work at Fox 23, he was hired in August of 2011in a freelance position as Assistant Morning Producer of their Good Day Maine TV show. His duties include booking guests, manage scheduling, and help updating social media. He also serves as a Weekend Web Producer updating the station’s website with fresh content.

On December 5th, 2011, Justin filed to become a candidate for State Representative District 134 Saco.

http://thevalleyvoice.org/2011/12/27/frustrations-with-state-lead-to-campaign/45407/?preview=true&preview_id=45407&preview_nonce=93970e71d2

http://thevalleyvoice.org/2011/11/22/communities-should-decide-their-own-business/42594/?preview=true&preview_id=42594&preview_nonce=83de4c9c3

http://thevalleyvoice.org/2011/12/13/augusta-needs-to-rethink-reform-and-renew/44182/?preview=true&preview_id=44182&preview_nonce=9496477724

Charlotte Warren, Associate Director, Maine Women's Lobby

Mainers believe women should have access to birth control – no matter where they work.

That’s why we’re shocked – and dissapointed – by an apparent reversal of position on contraception by Attorney General William Schneider.

In 1999, the Attorney General who was then a member of the Maine House of Representatives, voted in favor of Maine’s contraception equity law. 

Now, Attorney General Schneider has signed on to a letter calling on the Obama administration to reverse a similar regulation issued last month that would require health insurance companies to offer contraception coverage to women at no cost.

Sign the petition right now to urge the Attorney General to reconsider his position and support women’s access to contraception.

Maine’s contraception equity law was passed in 1999 because Maine lawmakers overwhelmingly supported the idea thatwomen should have equal access to birth control as a matter of health and common sense.

Since 1999, Maine law has required all health insurance policies that provide prescription drug coverage to include contraceptive coverage, with a limited exception for churches and religiously-affiliated schools.

This law has stood, without challenge, for over 12 years. Maine is one of twenty-eight states that require birth control coverage.

Sign the petition right now to urge the Attorney General to reconsider his position and support women’s access to contraception.

At a time when so many Mainers are hurting already, we should be focused on improving women’s health, not reversing decades of progress.

Thank you for your continued support,

Charlotte Warren
Associate Director

Republican Caucus

February 4th, 9:00 A.M.
Farrington Elementary School
249 Eastern Avenue, Augusta
Caucus Contact Person: Kim Pettengill
Phone #: 907-8205    E-Mail: kimepettengill@gmail.comt.

Democratic Caucus

February 26, 12:30 p.m.  (time may change)
Greater Gardiner Boy’s and Girl’s Club
14 Pray Street, Gardiner
Contact Information:   Diane Potter
For voters who are currently unenrolled in a party or new registrants, a Registrar will be available 1 hour before the actual caucus begins. 

In a recent report by The Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting, it was discovered that between 2003 and 2010 the state paid nearly $235 million to organizations that were run by state officials or their spouses.

“It is reasonable to ask our elected leaders to disclose who is paying them. It is good for the health of our democracy and the people of Maine,” said Governor LePage. “This will increase trust in the system and ensure that people have the opportunity to take appropriate action and make decisions accordingly.”

The bill would require legislators, executive branch officials and constitutional officers to identify if they or family members who hold executive or management-level employees were paid more than $1000 by the state. Additionally, the executive employee must identify the source of the compensation, the type of economic activity and the title of the position held by the immediate family member.

Lead sponsors of the bill are Senate President Kevin Raye, R-Perry and House Speaker Robert Nutting, R-Sidney. “This bill will close a loophole and help establish a greater level of transparency in state government. I appreciate the opportunity to work with Governor LePage in bringing this bill forward and giving the Legislature an opportunity to improve the law and correct this situation,” said Raye.

Speaker Nutting added, “Republicans in the Legislature have promised to bring transparency to Augusta, and this is one way of achieving that. Maine taxpayers deserve to know how their money is being spent.”

The bill also requires an executive employee whose employment has ended to file a statement of finances and a statement of positions within 45 days after the termination of employment relating to the final calendar year of the employment. Current law creates a loophole in that if an executive employee leaves office or state employment before the financial disclosure deadline they are not required to file their finances. This measure ensures that loophole is closed.

The bill will now have a public hearing and work session. An affirmative vote by the Joint Standing Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs is needed before going to the entire Legislature.

LD 1707-An Act to Define, Prevent, and Suppress Gang Activity

January 27, 2012

Testimony by: Sarah T. Moon, Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition (M-PAC)

Senator Mason, Representative Plummer, Members of the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee my name is Sarah T. Moon and I am here today as a member of the Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition (M-PAC) representing our statewide members and hundreds of incarcerated Mainers. Thank you for allowing us to have this opportunity to be a voice for these women and men. My testimony today includes input from M-PAC members in and outside of Maine prisons.

To say that this legislation is problematic would be a monumental understatement. Our members are deeply concerned with any law that incarcerates adults and/or minors for asking, “Will you join my street gang”. There are volumes of research data available that shows “enhanced sentencing” and upgraded crime classification—including but not limited to adding new crimes and mandatory sentences—does nothing to deter crime. Yet in spite of this data, bills of this kind continue to surface.

In its original form this bill requires judges add 1-4 years onto normal sentences provided that a District Attorney proves gang affiliation. The “proof” required is flimsy at best. The bill cites one usable method as the use of “reliable sources”. Our members hope that going forward terminology and tactics of this nature are left in Totalitarian regimes where they belong.

In addition, any legislation with the racialized term “gang” begs the question, who is the law targeting? Past news stories that focus on possible gang activities in Maine have centered on Asian, Sudanese, and Somali populations. M-PAC advocates are incredibly apprehensive about the potential for racially targeted groups being profiled and falling under increased scrutiny. We feel that legislators need to do more research and spend time understanding the far reaching consequences of hastily compiled bills that inadvertently or not target Maine’s racial minorities.

Furthermore, while we understand it may not be the intent of the sponsors, co-sponsors, and the committee to reduce the privacy and civil rights of individuals, if this legislation passes it will do just that, because it applies pressure on the community and/or members of to become gang experts when it authorizes them to be “reliable sources”. This bill incites an attitude of fear that hyper sensitizes community members to hand gestures, tattoos, and colored clothing to name a few. By setting the tone for “gang” fear, this legislation is calling attention to the predominately benign behaviors of youths and adults as they imitate popular culture portrayals of their favorite TV shows, social networks online, and music.

M-PAC concurs that a growing phenomenon of peer group affiliation exists everywhere in the world, whereby young people—by virtue of family circumstances, poverty, unemployment, lack of mentoring, lack of access to education, and sometimes chemical addiction—seek attachment and identity. However, defining them as “street gang members” only perpetuates a growing social issue where the individual’s privacy is stolen, they are typified in their area, and are ultimately overlooked for job opportunities and positive community reinforcement. The severity of a gang classification is one that often stays with the person for life. M-PAC supports positive reinforcement and mentoring programs, which reinforce skills and leadership among our youth instead of sending them into the world stereotyped and profiled.

Moreover, M-PAC recognizes the bill generates from Representative Volk’s and the co-sponsors good intentions, however we feel this bill is a simplistic and redundant attempt at solving a social problem. Adding prison beds for hastily defined gang members creates a problem that has consequences reaching the community and the state budget.

I would also like to add that M-PAC has worked with hundreds of incarcerated women and men over many years and we have seen groups form affiliations, yet, to date, our members—both in and out of prison—have not encountered “gang” members. In fact, every source that M-PAC has that is incarcerated across the state reports that gangs are not present in Maine’s adult prisons. These reports come from younger inmates, as well as older inmates that are serving lengthy sentences who are known as “long-timers”.

In the interest of time, I will conclude by pointing out that the handouts you received include quotes taken from different news articles regarding the issue of gang legislation, mentoring programs, and this bill specifically. I would like to add that although Representative Volk has been in contact with M-PAC stating that she plans to amend the bill, our members do not and will not support this bill in its original or any amended form.

Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition extends its hands to law enforcement and legislators for help with future drafts of proposals and information. We believe that protecting our youth is not just important it is vital, but we reiterate that adding pathways for them to enter the criminal justice system is simply not the way to do it.

Thank you.

Westbrook’s Police Chief Bill Baker said in August 2010: “I would even go so far to say there isn’t any visible or active gang activity in Westbrook. What there is is people with connections to the gangs, some of whom act badly in Westbrook and get prosecuted for crimes.” In the same article, former Portland Police Chief James Craig said that he thought the gang situation in Portland was in its infancy. http://www.pressherald.com/news/24-with-gang-links-arrested-in-maine-cities-during-sweep-_2010-08-21.html

In “Gang Myths & Realities,” a Jan 2010 story in the Bangor Daily, Arlen Egley Jr., a senior research associate with the National Youth Gang Center in Florida said it’s important to distinguish gang activity from full-fledged gangs. “Just because certain gang graffiti or tagging shows up in a public park in Bangor does not mean the Crips have set up shop,” he said in a phone interview. “Frequently, gang names are copied, adopted, or passed on, but in most instances, there is little, if any, real connection between local groups with the same name other than the name itself.” http://bangordailynews.com/2010/02/05/news/bangor/gang-myths-vs-realities/

In a Seattle Times report, Javier Luna, 34, credited the complete turnaround in his life, even his survival, to a city of Seattle initiative that provided adult mentors, jobs and recreation to young gang members. He said, “I got all of this because an individual gave me a chance and believed in me and the system allowed it.” http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008726881_savedfromgangs10m.html

In the January 25, 2012 edition of the Portland Phoenix Lance Tapley writes, In a letter to the Criminal Justice Committee, the Maine Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers said the bill is unnecessary: It “criminalizes conduct that is already a crime under Maine law, the crime of criminal conspiracy.” Tapley also reports, “If I had had the opportunity to take my name off the bill, I would have,” said one of the bill’s cosponsors, Senator Justin Alfond, a Portland Democrat. http://portland.thephoenix.com/news/133066-gang-buster-bill-gets-dissed/#ixzz1ketTl300

If you read this in The Valley Voice, please take a few seconds and “Like” The Valley Voice on Facebook.

My vision for Maine is one that brings a more prosperous tomorrow to my fellow citizens. And by looking back at our past we can learn how to better shape our future.

Hi. This is Governor Paul LePage.

The fiscal well-being of our State is critically important to our road to recovery. Currently, members of the Appropriations Committee are working to solve a massive financial shortfall within the Department of Health and Human Services.

The $220 million dollar deficit is not a simple problem to solve, but I have provided a common sense approach that will redesign our welfare program to a state of sustainability.

As highlighted in my State of the State Address my administration did not create this problem nor did we invent it. Many of our legislators did not create this problem, nor did they invent it. But regardless of who is responsible, we must fix it.

Our plan is reasonable and responsible in that it allows the system to protect our most vulnerable.

Unfortunately, we no longer can be all things to all people. As the welfare program has grown our revenue has not, and the simple truth is we are spending money we don’t have. By eliminating services to 19 and 20 year olds and those who do not have disabilities or children we strengthen the safety net for our most needy.

By reducing eligibility to the federal standard for optional services we maintain an affordable safety net that will serve more than 280,000 Maine people.

But we must not delay in taking action. And I am cautiously optimistic Appropriations Committee members are working toward a solution by February 1.

As Democrats reflected on the State of the State speech bonding was brought up.

While it’s true we have a real need for transportation improvements and bonding would create short-term construction jobs, we must first get our fiscal house in order. Bridges and roads are essential to a healthy economy, but we can’t talk about borrowing more money until we have a plan to pay our current bills.

As I outlined Tuesday, energy and education will be the catalysts to job creation.

Mainers earn some of the lowest wages in the country and hard working families deserve more money in their pockets. We have great potential to increase the per capita income, but to do that our high energy costs must be addressed.

Next month, you will hear about an energy proposal that will lower electricity rates for Maine residents and businesses. Not only does our high electricity cost have an effect on the economy and our job creators, but it also hurts Maine families.

In addition to our plan, you’ll hear more about the Administration’s support to encourage expanded investments in alternative sources of energy and efficiency. I also support all forms of renewable energy including hydropower. We must remove the 100 megawatt restriction on this renewable green energy.

We have the ability to accept a balanced approach that will benefit our environment and economy – and we must – as we look to our future.

Our youngest generation is our future and a strong education system will lead them on the path toward success.

Education Commissioner Steve Bowen and I believe the best way to shape a student is to offer real choices – choices that inspire our students and encourage them to succeed.

For too long, we have quarantined our students in a system that doesn’t work for everybody. That’s not to say public education is not a valuable resource, because it is – for some. By expanding learning options for students and making use of every educational resource we can better prepare our children for the 21^st century.

It’s important our teachers have the tools they need to succeed as well. Therefore, it’s crucial they understand the expectations of effective educators. We must empower our teachers with ongoing support and meaningful feedback.

Research proves that the school-based factor with the biggest impact on student learning is the effectiveness of a teacher. Commissioner Bowen is working on a set of standards of effective practice for our teacher and principal evaluation systems, and soon we will release all the details.

In closing, I will tell you this, if we choose to set politics aside for the greater good we will be able to work on sensible solutions for all Mainers.

As your Governor it is a privilege to lead our great State. It is a privilege to share a vision with you and I thank you for listening.

Ann and I hope you have a most enjoyable weekend. Take care.

If you haven’t done so please take a few seconds and “Like” The Valley Voice on Facebook.

Eliot R. Cutler, American Elect Director; Chair, OneMaine, Website: http://www.onemaine.com/

AUGUSTA, MAINE -Secretary of State Charlie Summers announced Wednesday that the Americans Elect Party successfully gathered sufficient signatures of Maine registered voters to qualify to participate in the June 12, 2012 Primary Election.

In order to gain qualified party status in Maine, the Americans Elect Party was required to submit at least 28,638 signatures from Maine registered voters who are either enrolled in the Americans Elect Party or who are unenrolled. The Americans Elect Party submitted signatures to the Secretary of State on December 15, 2011. Maine election law requires that the petitions be filed before 5 p.m. on the 180th day preceding the primary election (which was December 15, 2011) and must contain signatures and legal addresses of voters equal in number to at least 5% of the total vote cast in the State for Governor at the last preceding gubernatorial election.

After a thorough review of the petitions, officials at the Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions prepared the Determination of Validity http://www.maine.gov/sos/news/2012/determinationvalidpetition.pdf that enumerates the certification effort supervised by the Secretary of State. The Determination finds that 30,908 of the submitted signatures are valid; this surpasses the required number by 2,270 signatures.

After the Americans Elect Party holds its required municipal caucuses and state convention, the party is qualified to nominate candidates for the primary ballot as well as nominate a presidential candidate.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN ELECT PARTY

THE GOAL OF AMERICANS ELECT is to nominate a presidential ticket that answers directly to voters—not the political system.

American voters are tired of politics as usual. They want leaders that will put their country before their party, and American interests before special interests. Leaders who will work together to develop fresh solutions to the serious challenges facing our country. We believe a secure, online nominating process will prove that America is ready for a competitive, nonpartisan ticket.

AMERICANS ELECT is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that is not affiliated with any political party, ideology or candidate. It is funded exclusively by individual contributions—and not from corporate, labor, special interest, foreign, or lobbyist sources. And we intend to repay our initial financing so that no single individual will have contributed more than $10K.

Ultimately, Americans Elect is the first nominating process that will be led directly by voters like YOU.

WEBSITE:

http://www.americanselect.org

M-PAC warns against LD 1707: More prison beds for so-called gang members would bring excessive costs, negative consequences

ELLSWORTH – Jim Bergin, co-coordinator of Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition (M-PAC) said today that advocates are deeply concerned about the severity of sending someone to prison for up to forty years (a Class A crime) if convicted of asking a peer to join a “criminal street gang.”

Despite volumes of research data showing that “enhanced sentencing”; upgrading classifications for crimes; adding new crimes; and mandatory sentencing for judges does nothing to deter the rate of crime, some Maine legislators are proposing legislation that could – in addition to sending a person to prison for up to forty years for asking someone to join his or her “gang” – require judges to add on one to four years to normal sentences if a district attorney can prove affiliation with a gang through “a reliable informant,” as defined by LD 1707 – An Act to Define, Prevent, and Suppress Gang Activity.

Bergin said, “Advocates for lowering costs of prisons to balance Maine’s budget believe this proposed legislation by a few well meaning representatives is a simplistic and redundant solution to a social problem.” He says that “More prison beds for hastily defined gang members would create a problem with spiraling negative consequences that doesn’t exist in reality.”

“If one projects this line of thinking, then to deter jaywalking we just need to increase the penalty for any miscreant who might be apprehended crossing in the wrong place,” continued Bergin.

At M-PAC’s statewide meeting on January 7, members concurred that the danger of this legislation is the term “gang,” which in Maine, according to advocates’ statewide experience and immersion in youth groups and prisons, is nearly nonexistent.

M-PAC concurs that a growing phenomenon of peer group affiliation exists internationally, whereby young people – by virtue of family circumstances, poverty, unemployment, lack of mentoring, or chemical addiction – seek attachment and identification outside the family. The problem of gang affiliation, as seen in some other states, arises when the peer group becomes involved in negative or criminal behavior to which the individual participants conform.

“In working with hundreds of inmates over many years,” says Judy Garvey, co-coordinator of M-PAC, “we see forms of group affiliation over and over again, but to date have not encountered a so-called ‘gang member’ in or outside of prison. Those on the outside and inside of prisons say this is not a problem for Maine. To define a peer group as a ‘gang’ because of tattoos copied from Facebook, or hand movements seen in movies or on YouTube, is erroneous; and to increase sentencing as a result of this provocative label would be costly, counterproductive, and damaging to communities. There are better options to preventing potential gang encroachment,” says Garvey.

Westbrook’s Police Chief Bill Baker said in August 2010: “I would even go so far to say there isn’t any visible or active gang activity in Westbrook. What there is is people with connections to the gangs, some of whom act badly in Westbrook and get prosecuted for crimes.”

At the same time, former Portland Police Chief James Craig said that he thought the gang situation in Portland was in its infancy. http://www.pressherald.com/news/24-with-gang-links-arrested-in-maine-cities-during-sweep-_2010-08-21.html

In “Gang Myths & Realities,” a January 2010 story in the Bangor Daily News, Arlen Egley Jr., a senior research associate with the National Youth Gang Center in Tallahassee, Fla., said it’s important to distinguish gang activity from full-fledged gangs. “Just because certain gang graffiti or tagging shows up in a public park in Bangor does not mean the Crips have set up shop,” he said in a recent phone interview. “Frequently, gang names are copied, adopted, or passed on, but in most instances, there is little, if any, real connection between local groups with the same name other than the name itself.” http://bangordailynews.com/2010/02/05/news/bangor/gang-myths-vs-realities/

Past news stories on possible gang-related activity in Maine have centered on Asian, Sudanese, and Somali groups. M-PAC advocates are very apprehensive about the potential of subjecting Mainers to this kind of additional scrutiny based on race. “There is a great need for legislators to talk about what groups may be targeted during discussions of ‘gangs,’” says Bergin.

Who and what defines a “gang member?” Wording of this far-reaching bill would characterize a teenager as a gang member if he/she had a certain “style of dress or use of hand or other signs, tattoos or other physical markings.” Equally disturbing to human and civil rights advocates is the increased loss of privacy for society as a whole. Being defined as a gang member could be based on whether a person is identified as such by a “reliable informant” or perhaps lives in or visits a so-called gang’s neighborhood.

Rather than punitive and costly sentencing enhancements, M-PAC wants money put into proven mentoring and prevention programs. In a Seattle Times report, Javier Luna, 34, credited the complete turnaround in his life, even his survival, to a city of Seattle initiative that provided adult mentors, jobs and recreation to young gang members. “I got all of this because an individual gave me a chance and believed in me and the system allowed it,” he said.http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008726881_savedfromgangs10m.html

M-PAC wants to know which agencies will benefit from federal, state, DEA, or other funding if LD 1707 passes, and why this legislation – with far-reaching effects – is such an emergency. M-PAC also questions why “representatives of the US Armed Forces” are on the Maine Gang Task Force membership, as reported by Eric Berry, head of the task force.

Garvey summarizes, “When Mainers can’t afford to heat their homes, take care of their elders or pay for health care and schooling, state and federal taxes and law-enforcement resources should not be utilized to push up incarceration rates at a cost of $40,000+ per person per year. Let’s look, instead, to resources available for mentoring programs that work. Maineshould fund addiction rehabs and offer mentoring, internships, and employment to young people seeking identity and community. They won’t find that in any prison. Mainers are too sensible to simply take money handed out – with strings – that will end up costing far more than we can begin to imagine.”

University of New England Blewett Hall 006
716 Stevens Avenue,
Portland, ME (map)

Price: $1.00/Donation

Refund policy

Join us for another season of $1 Permaculture Movie Nights.  This time we’ll be watching the critically acclaimed Gasland.

This is an absolute must-see film regarding the extraction of natural gas in North America and, increasingly, in the Northeast region of the US.

It is especially urgent for all of us to see this while the natural gas rhetoric is heating up in our own state.

http://www.naturalgaswatch.org/?p=976

http://www.mpbn.net/News/MaineHeadlineNews/tabid/968/ctl/ViewItem/mid/3479/ItemId/18071/Default.aspx

While it’s possible that natural gas may be “cleaner” at the tailpipe, there is an entire product life cycle that leads up to the point of use that should inform our energy consumption and production decisions.

“As American energy firms look for new sources of petroleum, natural gas has become an increasingly important part of their portfolios, especially after the 2005 Energy Policy Act (created with the participation of Dick Cheney, a former executive with energy giants Halliburton) removed environmental protection restrictions against hydraulic fracturing drilling (known in the trade as “fracking”).

Since then, gas drilling has been sharply on the rise, and when Josh Fox, a theatrical director and filmmaker, was offered $100,000 for the gas rights to family property on the Delaware River Basis in Pennsylvania, he was curious about the possible effects of drilling. Fox set out to talk to other property owners about what he could expect, and their answers startled him — fracking taints water sources near drilling sites, and many households have discovered their water is not only undrinkable after gas drilling, it’s even flammable.

It turns out this is just the tip of the iceberg of the environmental damage done by reckless gas drilling, and in his documentary Gasland, Fox travels to 34 states and talks to dozens of property owners and environmental experts on the under-reported menace of fracking and the truth about the dangers of natural gas.

Gasland was an official selection at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi”

Here’s the trailer:  http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/gasland/trailers/

6:30 Potluck Supper (bring a dish to share and your own potluck kit!)

7:00 Announcements and Movie

8:30-8:45-ish Discussion and Closing

Hope to see you there!

Justin Chenette

Over the past few months I have written a political column for the Valley Voice covering a wide range of issues with our state government from civics education to fiscal responsibility.

Hopefully, I have helped to spur discussions around the dinner table about the potential solutions to the problems facing the economic and political future of this state. Only through that dialog can real solutions develop. This concept is sorely lacking with the so-called leaders in Augusta; just simply listening to the needs of their constituents.

Those of us on Main Street are frustrated with the political bickering that is taking place. I could probably speak for most of us when I say I’d like to see long term solutions to the fact young people have to leave the state to find opportunities or our high taxes on people and small businesses or our rising healthcare costs.

Instead of hearing how hundreds of jobs are being created and that seniors can actually afford their prescription drugs, I see on the news Maine ranking last out of all the states for our business climate and the government wanting to cut programs so much that our most senior members of our community have to make the difficult choice between heating their homes, putting food on the table, and buying drugs to keep their bodies from failing.

Our future is at stake. The American dream is slowly eroding away unless we act now. That idea that we can work in a good paying job, buy a home, raise a family, have affordable and quality healthcare, be able to send my kids to college, and retire with dignity and financial stability. I want to ensure I can have a happy and healthy life not only for myself but for future generations of Maine people.

The failure to provide us with common sense leadership in Augusta is putting this state on the wrong path. It is with this frustration that I’d like to announce my candidacy for State Representative. Politicians need to mean it when they say put people before politics because until that actually takes place, Democrats and Republicans will continue this awkward high school dance where both sides are unwilling to take the initiative to work together.

This will be my last column until after the 11-month adventure of the campaign comes to a hopefully successful close. In the meantime, I’m forming a coalition of democrats, republicans, and independents as I go door-to-door and actually listen to the needs of my neighbors. Join with me and together we can help put Augusta on the right path; the path of the people.

Justin Chenette is now a candidate for State Representative District 134-Saco. For more information on his positions on the issues, you can visit www.justinforsaco.com.

Justin Chenette

By Justin Chenette

As we approach the new legislative session, I would be remiss not to reflect on the previous session as a benchmark to look forward.

When the legislature and the Governor are more concerned about placing an ‘open for business’ sign out by the highway and making whoopie pies the state treat, clearly there is a major disconnect with the interests of the people on Main Street.

This is partially due to the political make up of the government with the party who holds the most power, but it’s not just them. This isn’t about party affiliation. Only when we have a government of the people, by the people, and for the people can real solutions develop. It shouldn’t be about the D or the R after someone’s name; it should be about doing what is right over what is easy.

We cannot keep electing the same people in office and yet in the same breath expect a different result. Who is actually working tirelessly to help end the partisan bickering and re-establish a structure for solving the REAL problems in our state. If each of us speaks out and holds officials accountable, no longer will our so-called leaders be able to hide behind a veil of status quo as their constituents are crying out for change.

If we RETHINK the priorities with what the people actually want and REFORM the policies to reflect that, we can then RENEW the commitment of a Representative Democracy.

It’s high time politicians in those hallowed halls of Maine’s capitol city remember who they work for and should be fighting for each and every day. We hold more power than they want us to believe. We are the deciding factor between their political aspirations and a defeat at the ballot box. We are the employers and they are the potential employees. During elections, we are essentially holding job interviews trying to determine the best candidate for the position that would work the hardest for us.

Maybe the time has come for an individual to run for office who isn’t afraid to ruffle a few feathers to get the job done; who will stand up for the interests of his or her constituents over trying to score political points for the next election; and will tell you what you need to hear and not what you want to hear in a 30 second sound bite. The good old boy political game needs to be unraveled and replaced by a system that actually works for those who work the hardest in the state; you.

The time for games is over. The time for solutions has come.

Rethink. Reform. Renew.

Justin Chenette is a candidate for State Representative District 134-Saco. For more information on his candidacy visit www.justinforsaco.com and connect with him on www.facebook.com/justinforsaco.

Frankfort joins Rumford, Brooksville and Caratunk as the most recent Maine communities to be proactive in zoning for grid-scale industrial wind developments.   See the news report here

In other news, Sumner’s Board of Selectmen voted to extend the moratorium on wind power development for six months to give the Industrial Wind Ordinance Committee (IWOC) time to research and draft a final ordinance for a town vote.  Read that story by clicking here

Even the city of Portland, a large consumer of electricity, is considering an ordinance to regulate wind turbines. The Bangor Daily News stated  “The ordinance language… would allow wind turbines as tall as 160 feet in some areas of the city, namely industrial, airport business and certain recreational open space zones. By comparison, Maine’s tallest building – Franklin Tower in Portland – stands 16 stories, or 204 feet, tall.

“In residential zones in Portland, the windmills are proposed to be capped at 45 feet in height on properties larger than half of an acre where there isn’t a pre-existing lower height limitation.

“They would not be allowed in stream protection areas, historic landscape districts or historic cemeteries, but in nearly every other city zone, at least roof-mounted windmills – reaching no taller than 10 feet above the structure height – would be permitted.”  Read about it here

FMM applauds Portland citizens for being proactive. We encourage those in southern Maine to support their neighbors in rural, outlying areas who are trying to protect the quality of their communities, too. Imagine hundreds and hundreds of turbines-each 2-2 1/2 times taller than Portland’s Franklin Tower building–lining 300 miles of ridges in rural Maine; ridges that are far away from the areas of Maine with the highest energy consumption–thereby necessitating hundreds more miles of massive expensive high-voltage transmission corridors.

It doesn’t make sense, does it?  Maine people are getting the message.  More people daily are coming to realize that mountaintop industrial wind power is unnecessary, unsustainable, and unaffordable, despite the intense lobbying and marketing campaigns that have portrayed it as green and good.  Recently, the Land Use Regulation Commission voted to have staff draft a ‘deny’ decision document for First Wind’s Bowers project.  This year we successfully petitioned the Board of Environmental Protection to write new noise emission standards for wind developments.  In June, fifty-two Legislators voted in favor of a 1.5 mile setback between wind turbines and residences.  Over 20 Maine municipalities have decided toenact protective zoning ordinances to adequately deal with this new form of high-impact / low-benefit development that so threatens Maine’s economy and environment.  These positive changes are due to the tireless efforts of our people and the generosity of our financial supporters.

To find out what you can do to help, contact us at info@friendsofmainesmountains.com

And…..please mark your calendars for Saturday, February 18^th. Friends of Maine’s Mountains and the Harraseeket Inn are collaborating on a fund-raising event featuring Maine’s premier humorist, Tim Sample-LIVE! Details to follow.  We hope you can join us for an evening of fun. Tim is sure to chase your late-winter blues away!