We had a busy February meeting featuring legislative updates, a discussion with Dan Lord from MDP, and much more!
Rep. Jan Dodge let us know about several bills she’s sponsoring that have come out of the revisor’s office and will be heard in committee. You can contact Rep. Dodge at Jan.Dodge@legislature.maine.gov with any questions. Rep. Paige Zeigler updated us about his committee activities and other legislative work. His email is StanleyPaige.Zeigler@legislature.com.
- You can find contact info for other legislators on our Elected Officials page.
- Visit our Advocacy page to learn how to make your voice heard in Augusta.
County Commissioner Betty Johnson thanked everyone for their condolences and support following the death of her husband and said she is returning her full attention to her work on the County Commission, the party, and other community service.
Dan Lord, the Maine Dems’ Local Organizing Director, spoke with us about the work he is undertaking on behalf of the party to elect more Democrats to municipal and county boards and councils. He is updating data on municipal offices, holding Run Local candidate trainings, and helping to recruit candidates from select boards to the legislature. He’ll work closely with municipal and county committees. WCDC’s own Campaign & Engagement Committee will coordinate with Dan to collect updated info about local offices.
Chair Sara Salley thanked the members who are leading and participating in committees carrying out the vital work of the WCDC and noted how fortunate we are to have members with such a range of experience, skills and expertise.
- Valerie Tate, chair of the Campaign & Engagement Committee, and members Jan Geller, Susan Conard, and Linda Bright, are planning the midwinter get-together for March 5 at 2pm, and collecting info on municipal offices with elections this spring.
- Laura Baker, chair of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, and members Josh Goldstein, Martha Proulx, and Philo Hutcheson, are working to articulate the committee’s mission and purpose, collect resources, and develop bylaws to establish a standing DEI Committee.
- Philo Hutcheson, chair of the ad hoc Bylaws Committee, and members Susan Conard, Reeves Gilmore, and Laura Baker, have developed recommended changes to the Treasurer responsibilities and budget process (subsequently enacted by WCDC) and will next consider bylaws provisions to expand the WCDC Executive Committee.
We elected a new WCDC Treasurer, Gail Chase (“Chase”), a former state auditor and treasurer to several organizations. We’re very grateful to Pam Chase, who has served the past year but needed to resign to attend to family needs.
Congratulations to Belfast resident Owen Smith upon becoming a WCDC member and receiving the Committee’s endorsement supporting his appointment by the Governor to become County Treasurer!
Our next meeting is March 12 at 1pm on Zoom – preregister here.