We covered a LOT at our May 10 meeting of the Waldo County Democratic Committee, including action items, candidate announcements, voting on committee business, and much more. Here’s a summary plus additional info for the weeks ahead.
Actions
- Oppose the voter suppression referendum coming up for a vote in November. Immediately, pledge to vote no. Sign up for campaign briefings; table at events; join the volunteer network; send letters to the editor; train to become a speaker on the topic by contacting deb@lwvme.org.
- Call Out Collins at the Maine Democratic Party demonstration on Saturday May 31 in Bangor to remind Senator Collins that it’s her job to stick up for Mainers. Maine deserves better! Sign up here.
- Help Collins Find Her Conscience with postcards sent on May 20, timed for arrival June 1, the 75th anniversary of Margaret Chase Smith’s Declaration of Conscience speech. Author Lily King came up with the idea for this campaign. Her ideas, instructions, and links to sample messages are here.
- Participate in public meetings to discuss proposed budgets for RSU 71 on May 27 at 6:30pm in the Belfast Area High School Gym; and for RSU 3 on May 28 at 6:30pm in the Mount View Middle School Gym. Vote for the budgets in the public meetings and in town elections on June 10.
Elections
- Meet Democrats who are running for Governor, for Senator Collins’ seat, and to represent their House Districts at WCDC meetings and forums this summer and fall. Stay tuned for announcements.
- Help re-elect Elizabeth Lenharr on June 10 in a contested race for the Stockton Springs Select Board. Contact Liz at elenharr@yahoo.com.
- Help elect Celine Bewsher to the Northport School Committee in a contested election on June 14. Contact Ina Hollins at inalowe@gmail.com.
- Check out the June 10 Special Election in Freedom for two vacant seats on the Select Board. Nomination papers are available at the Town Office and must be returned by May 21.
- Learn how to run a winning campaign as a candidate, a campaign manager, and/or volunteer in this live training. Open to all Maine Democrats—candidates and volunteers. Monday, May 19 at 6 to 7:30pm EDT. Sign up here.
Forums
- GOP economic policies and their impact on Mainers will be the topic when our WCDC bimonthly forums launch on June 8 with Maine Center for Economic Policy (MECEP) President Garrett Martin as our speaker; at the Belfast Free Library from 2:00 – 3:30pm.
- Other forum topics under consideration are farmers and food security; universal health care; universal public child care; student loan debt relief; affordable housing; and the benefits of policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Let us know what topics you would like to learn more about at info@waldocountydemocrats.com.
Inspiration
- Chair Paige Zeigler spoke passionately about what it will take to save our democracy.
- Paige and Vice Chair Valerie Tate reminded attendees of WCDC activism over the last month and previewed upcoming forums, demonstrations and elections.
- State Senator Chip Curry (SD 11) provided a tutorial on housing issues, including chronic homelessness and jeopardy to mobile homeowners.
- Representative Mike Ray addressed ferry service and EMS needs; Republican initiatives to make driver’s licenses reflect a person’s status as a citizen; and an upcoming Dark Sky bill.
Votes
- Members voted to become a Maine Gun Safety Coalition Community Partner after a powerful presentation by its Vice Chair Joel Russ. The WCDC joins 70 other organizations committed to sensible gun safety laws and practices.
- Members voted in favor of changes to our Bylaws to create a new Deputy Treasurer role.
- Members voted for three new members: Ashley Vissers, Belfast; Caitlin Hills, Belfast; and Margaret Micholichek, Belfast. Congratulations to all! We are glad to have you with us!
You can follow our public Waldo County Democratic Committee Facebook page and join the conversation at our private Waldo County Dems Facebook page.