Also joining us was the newest elected representitive Raymond Wallace from Dexter. Reppresentative Wallace fills the seat left empty due to the resignation of the previous member. He is a native Mainer who worked many years for Dexter Shoe.  He has been appointed to the Joint Standing Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research and Development.

We welcome both of our new members!

HAMPDEN- Representative Andre Cushing announces his candidacy for the Republican nomination to the Maine State Senate in District 33, to represent the 17 Penobscot County towns of; Carmel, Charleston, Corinth, Corrina, Dexter, Dixmont, Etna, Exeter, Garland, Glenburn, Hampden, Kenduskeag, Levant, Newburgh, Newport, Plymouth and Stetson.

Cushing is in his second term as state representative for District 39, which includes Dixmont, Hampden and Newburgh, and is the Assistant Majority Leader of the Maine House of Representatives. He is the House chair of the Joint Rules Committee and Committee on Elections. During his first term he was the ranking member of the Joint Committee on Labor.

Representative Cushing was chosen as House chair for The Blue Ribbon Task Force on Affordable Housing and for a study dealing with regulatory taking.

“As a parent, small business owner and native of this area,”he said, “ I am proud to work for the people of Maine, and I know firsthand the challenges many face in this economy . I also know, given the opportunity, Mainers can and will persevere. If elected I will continue to work on issues that make our state more friendly to job creators and the people who live and work here.

As a state we must get our financial house in order and we must stop creating laws that punish those who contribute to a strong Maine economy,” he added. “ We in Augusta must work to create an environment where people want to live, work and enjoy the way life should be. The strength of our state is in the many people who drive our economy, be they farmers, trades people or professionals . They all want the opportunities to provide for themselves and their families.”

Former House Minority Leader Josh Tardy of Newport, who will serve as Cushing’s campaign treasurer, offered his strong words of support. ” I am thrilled that Andre is running for the State Senate.” Tardy said. “He has always been a hard worker and his experience as a small business owner and dedicated public servant will be a real plus as he works on the challenges facing Maine today. His energy and enthusiasm for our state will make him a fine advocate for the people of Senate District 33.”

Cushing, who has over 25 years experience as a small business owner, currently is a Realtor and home builder. He is a native Mainer who attended Bangor-area schools and the University of Maine. He is an active member in both civic organizations and local government, who believes in giving back to the community in which he lives. He has been a member of Jaycees, Rotary and Kiwanis, and has served as President of the EMMC Children’s Miracle Network and Black Bear United Soccer boards. He has served as a town councilor in two communities, including Hampden, where he is now the deputy mayor.

He and his wife, Gwen, who is a supervisor for a telecommunications company, reside in Hampden. They have three adult children– Grace, Andre IV and Gerald.

Governor LePage had called for a series of forums to receive from Maine’s citizens and small business owners in put about the challenges they faced with government regulatory issues. These meetings dubbed “Red Tape Reform” meetings are to be hosted by Chambers of Commerce and business groups across the state. The Legislature is holding LD 1 as the vehicle to incorporate these proposed changes. We have established a special joint committee who will be charged with hearing public testimony on the proposed bill and it is considered a priority for the 125th to address.

I have shared with the Republican caucus some of the insighted that pollster Scott Rassmussen presented when he came to Maine in November. That the 2010 elections were again a sign of the publics dissatisfaction with elected officials and particularly those who were recently in charge. Mr. Rassmussen is a well respected national pollster who studies trends in our plotical system. He cautioned that this was the second election cycle in a row where the majority party of the sitting PResident lost control of Congress and he also pointed out the very low opinion the public holds for elected officials.

I summarized it as follows, people did not fall in love with the Republican Party in Maine during the 2010 election. They voted out those in charge as having failed in their duty to listen to the people and act in their best interests. I used the anology that opur chance to govern in Maine is like borrowing a book from the library. We don’t own it, it is on loan and how we treat it will determine whether we can take it out again in two years.

There is much to do in the coming year and we must move carefully, and fairly in the process. Maine people are hoping for a better future and we must do our best see help it along.

Below is a news release issued by the Maine Republican Party

MAINE GOP: UNITED AND READY TO LEAD
Republicans Control House, Senate, and Governor’s Office for First Time Since 1964
AUGUSTA – The people of Maine Tuesday called on Republicans to lead the way out of a crippling economic downturn, and Republicans are ready to answer the call.
“Our victory Tuesday came because, united, we made it clear what we are here to do: fix this economy and get Maine working again,” said Governor-Elect Paul LePage. “The people of this state have honored us with their votes, and we are humbled by the responsibility we now face. ”

“This election was an unmistakable endorsement of the principles of bringing fiscal responsibility to state government, and creating an environment for economic growth through lower taxes and less regulation — ideals espoused by our Republican candidates,” said Senator Olympia Snowe. “Maine people spoke decisively that they want to change the direction of Maine, to foster desperately needed job creation and secure a brighter future for our state.  My congratulations and appreciation goes out to the candidates and to all those who worked tirelessly to make this extraordinary victory possible.”

“It’s clear that Maine citizens want a new direction for our state.  I campaigned with Republican candidates all across the state, and everywhere we went, people told us they want more jobs, less spending, lower taxes, and more accountability in their state government,” said Senator Susan Collins. “I congratulate our candidates, our hard-working volunteers, and Chairman Charlie Webster and his team at the Maine Republican Party.  This is an historic win for Republicans, and it’s an exciting opportunity to lead Maine to a new, more prosperous future.”
“What happened Tuesday was amazing. The people of Maine stood up and took back control of their government, and we are both humbled and honored by this opportunity,” said Maine GOP Senate Leader Kevin Raye. “Our party came together as one to fight this battle, and we stand together, stronger than ever, as we begin the process of making Maine the best place in the nation to live and work.”
“What the people of Maine told our candidates this year was clear – go to Augusta and fix it,” said Maine GOP House Leader Josh Tardy. “Now that we’ve moved through this election, we are wholly focused on doing just that. We have some difficult work ahead of us, but we are ready, willing and able to get Maine working again. We have the talent, we have the passion- and we will deliver.”

I also was asked to throw out one of the first pitches. Although not known for my athletic prowess I delivered a pretty good pitch right across the plate which was deemed a solid strike. 

Little League is a great program. Founded by Carl Stotz in 1939 as a three-team league in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Little League Baseball encourages local volunteers to organize and operate Little League programs that are annually chartered through Little League International. Each league can structure itself to best serve the children in the area in which the league operates. Several specific divisions of Little League baseball and softball are available to children ages 5 to 18. The organization holds a congressional charter under Title 36 of the United States Code.^[1]

^{(Source of information is Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_League_Baseball )}

Remarks at Hampden Memorial Day, May 31, 2010

 Thank you all for being here today. I am honored to say a few words as we pay our respects to those Americans who have given their lives in service to our country. We can never repay them for making the supreme sacrifice, but we can remember and salute them for keeping our nation the land of the free.

 For a long time, Memorial Day seemed at risk of becoming just another day off work, a reason to have a picnic or a barbeque. It meant summer was finally here, the pools were open. But in recent years, there has been a shift in our thinking, a new awareness of the sacrifices our military men and women are making. Part of that shift comes from the shared experience of seeing today’s young men and women fighting in miserable conditions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Part of it comes from movies like “Saving Private Ryan” and “The Patriot” that have made those sacrifices much more real.

 Regardless of the reason, something has changed about the way Americans now think about those valiant souls who put their lives on the line for us. And this is very much a change for the better. President Kennedy once said, “A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.”

 Memorial Day, perhaps more than any other holiday, was born of human necessity. Deep inside all of us lies a fundamental desire to make sense of life and our place in the world. What we have been given, what we will do with it, and what we will pass on to the next generation is all part of an unfolding history, a continuum that links one soul to another.

 Abraham Lincoln pondered these thoughts in the late autumn of 1863. His darkest fear was that he might be the last president of the United States, a nation then in the midst of what he described as “a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure.” He began his remarks with those words as he stood on the battlefield near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on November 19th of that year.

 It was the site of a terrible collision of the armies of the North and the South.

When the battle was over, the Army of the Potomac had suffered 23,049 casualties. The Army of Northern Virginia had suffered 28,000 casualties. With a total of 51,000 casualties, including more than 7,000 men killed in action, the Battle of Gettysburg is the bloodiest single battle in American history. In an area of 25 square miles, the battle was fought with 172,000 men. 

The brief speech that became known as Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address turned into what might be called the first observance of Memorial Day. Lincoln’s purpose was to dedicate a portion of the battlefield as a cemetery for the thousands of men who had fallen there.

 Since that time, America’s sons and daughters have been called upon time and again to defend our freedom and our way of life. As we reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day, countless images come to mind. A mother running a finger over her son’s name on the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial. A monument of five Marines and a Navy corpsman raising the American flag on Iwo Jima during World War II. The honor guard at Arlington Cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknown, maintaining his silent vigil. The homecoming of today’s young Americans from far-flung battlefields.

These images serve as constant reminders of those who gave their lives to something greater than themselves. The freedoms we enjoy stem from their sacrifices – from the American Revolution to the modern era. Our enemies have learned to their regret about the fighting spirit of free men. Once we Americans have been wronged or attacked in peace, as we were at Pearl Harbor or in the 9-11 terrorist strike, we become warriors. We are a peace-loving people, but when forced to take action, we are dangerous. As the historian Davis Hanson once said, “Thank God we don’t have to fight anyone like ourselves.”

I don’t want to glamorize war. War is a terrible thing for all concerned. The soldier does not want it. The generals do not want it. Those who have seen it up close want it least of all. It robs us of our youth and brings untold suffering to families everywhere it touches.

But it also serves as a sobering reminder that the cost of liberty was not paid in full by our forefathers. The debt remains with us even today, and the costs are heavy. The world has become a hostile place, with violence that seems contrary to every value we hold true. Our enemies today are not a sovereign nation we can negotiate with. They represent an ideology we can scarcely understand. I salute the fine young Americans who have volunteered for military service in the distant places where we encounter this deadly and determined enemy in a war that could last for many years.

At this Memorial Day gathering, we especially want to recognize those who served during World War II. Their generation is now passing from the scene, and we are all the poorer for that loss. It is important that we show our appreciation of their collective sacrifices. Without their strong dedication and perseverance, the cause of freedom, decency and sanity in the world would not have prevailed. We owe them an enormous debt.

Gathering together on this day is one way to show our appreciation and gratitude. But how do we extend that reverence we feel through the other days of the year. And more importantly, how do we instill and deepen the tradition of this special day in the younger generation? How do we ensure that Memorial Day is observed with profound gratitude whether we are at war or not?

First, we must teach others about the sacrifices that have been made on our behalf so that we might continue to enjoy the liberties and freedoms granted in our Constitution. We must help future generations understand that the act of committing yourself to your country and being willing to fight for the freedom of others is among the most noble of endeavors. This is especially important today. In our schools these days, our children are often taught to be ashamed of their country. Their teachers too often focus on the flaws of America, not on its greatness. It is up to us to pass on the ideals of America. President Reagan said it best: “Freedom is never more than one generation from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected and handed on for them to do the same.”

Lest we ever doubt the noble role played by American soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines, let me quote a short piece written by Army veteran Charles Province, an author and founder of the George S. Patton Historical Society:

“It is the Solder, not the reporter,

Who has given us Freedom of the Press.

It is the Soldier, not the poet,

Who has given us Freedom of Speech.

It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer,

Who has given us the Freedom to demonstrate.

It is the Soldier, not the lawyer,

Who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the Soldier who salutes the flag,

Who serves the flag, and whose coffin

Is draped by the flag,

Who allows the protester to burn the flag.”

Thank you very much.

MEMORIAL DAY

By 1865 the practice of decorating soldiers’ graves had become widespread in the North. The first known observance was in Waterloo, New York on May 5, 1866, and each year thereafter. The friendship between General John Murray, a distinguished citizen of Waterloo, and General John A. Logan, who helped bring attention to the event nationwide, was likely a factor in the holiday’s growth. On May 5, 1868, in his capacity as commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic – the organization for Northern Civil War veterans – Logan issued a proclamation that “Decoration Day” should be observed nationwide.^[3] It was observed for the first time on May 30 of the same year; the date was chosen because it was not the anniversary of a battle.

to read more about this special day go to the link below

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Day

Weatherbee third grade visit

On Wednesday June 19th Weatherbee’s third grade classes visited the Maine State Museum and following their lunch I invited them over for a brief tour of the Maine Statehouse. As we were out of session, students, faculty and parents were able to enter both the House and Senate chambers and take seats were the members are seated. I gave a brief description of the activities which take place, composition of the members and how we vote and are recognized to address the body on an issue. I asked several questions of the students about our leadership and their knowledge of the Legislature and was pleased that several respondents knew that both the Maine House of Representatives and the Senate have women who were elected leaders. Speaker Hannah Pingree and Senate President Elizabeth Mitchell. Many of the students were able to get a chance to view the hall from the rostrum and some even had their pictures taken. I am always pleased to have visitors to our Capitol, especially younger folks who someday may themselves be called upon to serve in elected office.  Getting a closer look at the statehouse may spark an interest in government or at least make them more comfortable in contacting their elected officials.

After their visit I was pleasantly surprised to receive an envelope filled with handmade thank you cards with notes from the students expressing their appreciation and sharing what part of the visit they liked the most. I have view the cards several times and was touched by many of their comments. I too enjoyed their visit and hope  to see more students visit us in Augusta. To those reading this post, we offer an honorary page program and I would be happy to have students join us for a day at the statehouse. Please feel free to contact me if you are interested.

Secretary of State’s 8th Grade Citizenship Award

Reeds Brook Middle School

June 14, 2010

 The Secretary of State’s Eighth Grade Citizenship Award is presented to students throughout Maine who understand the importance of academic success and who devote time and attention to making meaningful progress.  The award also serves to recognize those individuals who take responsibility for their work, and who strive to make contributions in their community.

 Today’s recipient of the 2010 Secretary of State’s Eighth Grade Citizenship Award for Reeds Brook Middle School is very deserving of this recognition.

 As a student, activist, and athlete Dustin Ramsay has distinguished himself as a young man with diverse interests, creative thinking, and boundless enthusiasm.

 In the 4th grade Dustin was the driving force and founder of The Green Team at Weatherbee school.  This club educated students about the benefits of earth friendly practices and recycling.  He worked hand in hand with SAD #22 to apply for and win a 15 thousand dollar “Green grant.”  With this funding the school was able to install a new photovoltaic system on the rooftop to reduce the school’s electricity consumption.  When his Green Team moved up to Reeds Brook, they joined forces with beloved custodian Larry Hoyt to educate people about reducing germs, staying active, and keeping healthy.

 Dustin’s activist work extends beyond the school halls.  He has been a volunteer in the Penobscot River Cleanup where he has helped remove tons of clothing and trash from the banks of the Penobscot River.  Dustin has also been involved with the National Resources Council of Maine’s Citizen’s Action Day in Augusta for the past 3 years. Dustin learned about what priorities and  proposed initiatives needed public support.  Then he joined the other the activists in lobbying the Maine legislators to pass the bills that would best ensure a healthy planet.  In 2009 he received one of 4 statewide environment awards from NRCM for his lobbying efforts & Green Team work.

 Having a healthy planet begins with being fit yourself, and so Dustin supports many programs that spread this idea.  He has participated in the Hoops for Heart program for 3 years, raising hundreds of dollars for research.  For Dustin, running is not just a hobby, but an all out passion. He has run in the Sugarloaf Half Marathon, Portland Half Marathon, Kiwanis 4th of July Run, and The Komen Race for the Cure, a national event that raises funds for research and awareness about Breast Cancer.  At school Dustin was voted to be the captain of the Boys Cross Country team by his teammates.  He was the #1 Runner for the Reeds Brook team and has scored exceptionally high for someone of his age.  His coach has said that Dustin is a great leader who always strives to build up the morale of everyone around him, cheering on his team mates, helping teach the proper forms of stretching, and keeping kids focused on the team goals.  

 His teachers have commented that Dustin is a great student who contributes to every class he attends.  When you ask him to share his thoughts in writing, he always gives an articulate, well reasoned answer that exceeds expectations.  Dustin brings an unusual creativity to competing with the Math team.  He finished in the Top 10 for the year of all students in the Eastern Maine Math league.  His teachers have observed that he’s very intuitive about Math.  Mrs. Simpson has said that Dustin can think outside the box and has a knack for constructing his own methods of learning when faced with a problem.  This quick thinking was a major factor to the school team’s win of the Eastern Main Math League Title in 2010.

 Another community service that Dustin enjoys is volunteer work behind the scenes in theatre programs.  This year he served as the lighting designer for Brewer’s Next Generation Theatre group on several productions.  He worked hard on the weekends to help run and program the lighting board, aim and adjust the lighting so others on the stage could shine.  He also has lent his talents to the Reeds Brook Drama Club, and as a member of chorus.

 For these and other reasons, we are pleased to present the Secretary of State’s Eighth Grade Citizenship Award for 2010 to Dustin Ramsay.

 He has taken important steps forward, and we’re confident that he will continue to achieve great things in the years ahead.

 Congratulations Dustin!  Please come forward to accept your award.