After a great turnout and very active extended morning of canvassing with Attorney General Aaron Frey and Maine Democratic Party Chair Charlie Dingman to defeat Question 1, Waldo County Democratic Committee members and friends met for a business meeting. Aaron and Charlie were joined at the meeting by guests Maine Education Association Vice President Beth French and The Honorable Rebecca Millett. Also present were HD 39 Representative Jan Dodge, HD 40 Representative Mike Ray, U.S. Senate candidate David Evans, and RSU 71 write-in candidate Madison Cook.
Chair Paige Zeigler briefly reviewed the grim state of affairs in our government and then outlined areas for hope. He emphasized that our two pronged strategy – demonstrations and elections – may be working and we should remain committed. He stressed the importance of the upcoming referendum initiatives and upcoming elections (including local candidate and school board elections). He noted that canvassing today in Belfast was robust and hopes it will continue; the postcard campaign for NO on 1 has been helpful; and the Democratic Candidates for Governor Forum was well-attended. He encouraged all of us to remain committed to our strategy: show up at demonstrations, pick your candidates and work for them, and stay invested in turning things around. The good news is that we are alive and committed to fighting; we have a moral compass.
Vice Chair Valerie Tate noted that persistence brings hope; and hope gives us the energy to persist. Valerie went over WCDC activities since our last meeting, including:
- Belfast Street Fair Pie Sale
- Affordable Housing and Food Security Forum
- Volunteer Appreciation Picnic
- Office repairs, opening, organizing, and scheduling
- Joining the Indivisible Waldo County Labor Day event
- Joining the celebration of Jan Geller’s life
- A special membership meeting that led to the decision to send 6,500 “Vote No on Question 1” postcards to Waldo County voters
- Forum of Democratic Candidates for Governor
- Tabling at Common Ground Fair
- Several weeks of canvassing in Belfast for voting NO on Question 1
- Tabling at the Belfast Climate Resilience Fair
Valerie spoke to upcoming activities:
- Tabling at October 18 No Kings Day Protest
- GOTV on Question 1
- Canvassing for RSU 71 write-in candidate Madison Cook
- November 9 WCDC Forum on DEIB: What it means to be an American – Liberty and Justice for All
- December 13 Woodshed volunteer day
- December 14 Gathering of Young Leaders
- January 11 WCDC Meeting and Caucus Training
- March 1 Waldo County Democratic Caucus
MDP Chair Charlie Dingman told us that this is a critical moment for Maine Democrats. It is important that we take leadership on behalf of access to the ballot. We have received positive feedback during canvassing for NO votes on Question 1. After the vote, we will turn to the future to address every campaign that we must win.
In response to a question, Charlie explained that the NO on 1 signs were designed by a coordinated campaign organization. The MDP focus has been on the most effective methods of garnering support, i.e. hiring field organizers, canvassing, relational organizing, phonebanking, etc.
Legislators
Rep. Mike Ray informed us that he has been participating in conferences on how to help the economy and address housing insecurity.
Rep. Jan Dodge noted that Republican Representative Laurel Libby voted early/absentee. Jan is interested in projects that cross county lines. She gave a summary of current bills and sessions. She also informed us that she and 10-11 other representatives are looking to call attention to the removal of signage about Indigenous people/land and climate change (stay on the paths) have been removed at Acadia National Park. She announced the new access to affordable dental care in Waldo County at the PCHC Belfast Dental Center. She will be at No Kings Day of Action on October 18.
Candidates
David Evans introduced himself as a candidate for US Senate. He’s a retired Army chaplain and former Pentagon policy writer. Evans was laid off from his Pentagon job by DOGE. He lives in Aroostook County. He explained his view about rebuilding trust and the issues that matter the most to him while acknowledging it will not be a simple fix and will take 10-15 years. We’ve got to have really tough conversations about the economy, about building jobs, about saving Social Security, and about things that matter to everybody across the political divide. He’s focused on talking to people who don’t agree with him on politics, but who have the same sorts of issues and the same sort of challenges on childcare, etc. He believes his knowledge of government will help him do the job. When asked about running for office and being a Chaplain, he said that Republicans are not the only people who get to talk about what it means to be a Christian. There is a call for Christians to take care of people in a way that he thinks fits more with the Democratic Party. He respects ranked choice voting and that it allows every voice to be heard in a democracy.
Madison Cook is a write-in candidate for one of two Belfast seats up for election on the RSU 71 school board. She would welcome volunteers on her campaign. About a week ago, it was brought to her attention that there is a really important local election for the RSU 71 school board and that, other than Martha Proulx, we didn’t have another qualified candidate who shares our values here in this room as Democrats. She said she’s really interested in getting input and advice and volunteers; and just as much energy and as much support as we are willing to provide her. She says she is a young person who’s motivated and concerned, but also needing the support of a community to really make it possible to win this campaign. She promised to stay after the meeting if people want to talk to her; and to keep us updated in terms of how to be engaged with the campaign.
Standing Committees All of the committee reports were previously submitted in writing. No questions were forthcoming.
Postcard Project: Vote NO on Question 1 Sue Conard is leading this project. 6,500 postcards have gone out to Democratic and Democratic-leaning households in Waldo County. This has been helpful in informing everyone of the referendum. Many people were not aware of the initiative. She noted that leaders from Co-housing, Penobscot Shores, and Islesboro organized groups to send cards, which was helpful.
Platform Committee Sue Conard is one of three WCDC members on the MDP Platform Committee. We will have a chance to comment. If someone has an issue they want brought up, email it to info@waldocountydemocrats.com.
Invited Speaker
The Honorable Rebecca Millett spoke with us on Question 2 on the referendum regarding an Extreme Risk Protection Order.
21 other states have Extreme Risk Protection Orders authorized in their states.
Almost 90 percent of our gun deaths are suicide. Firearms are the leading cause of death of children and teens in Maine. Ms. Millett went over the language of the referendum initiative. There is no current avenue for a family to take action without this referendum being approved. In her presentation Ms. Millett focused on the Lewiston tragedy and the powerlessness of the shooter’s family to intervene. A brief powerful video by a relative of one of the Lewiston victims was presented. An explanation of what we can do to help by action and contributions was discussed.
Countywide Caucus
Members voted unanimously in favor of a Waldo County Democrats countywide caucus with the provision that municipal or regional committees could petition us for a separate caucus by October 30, 2025.
Announcements
New Engagement Committee Co-Chairs – Jana Herbener and Victoria Olson with thanks to Cheryl Cassidy for her exemplary service
New Bylaws Committee Chair – Sue Conard
New Office Manager – Mary Lou Carhart
We are still seeking Deputy Treasurer and local chairs for Montville-Liberty and Prospect-Searsport-Stockton Springs.