2009 News from the Hancock County Republican Committee
Holiday Meeting
Ellsworth - The Hancock County Republican Committee held its annual holiday meeting at Jasper's Restaurant in Ellsworth on Friday, December 18, 2009. No business was conducted other than approving the secretary's and treasurer's reports. The annual holiday auction was a great success. The auctioneer was District Attorney Michael Povich. Click HERE to see a brief video clip from the auction. This video clip is in MPEG-1 format (Motion Picture Experts Group codex 1) and will appear in a new window.
Grace and Phil Shea were photographed in their holiday finery during the social hour.
After the social hour, people had an opportunity to chat while waiting for food.
Mike Povich was a very entertaining auctioneer.
After the auction Vice Chairman Eric White collected the proceeds of the sales.
Jason Levesque Speaks at November Committee Meeting - Charla Bansley Elected to Platform Committee
Ellsworth - Jason Levesque, candidate for the United States House of Representatives for the Second Maine Congressional District, spoke at our November meeting held in the Ellsworth City Hall on Friday, November 20. Mr. Levesque opened the meeting by speaking on the three goals he intends to accomplish when elected: create jobs, secure our energy independence and honor our military. Click HERE to view portions of Mr. Levesque's speech. This video clip is in MPEG-1 format (Motion Picture Experts Group codex 1) and will appear in a new window.
Jason Levesque (second from right) talks with some voters at the meeting.
Matthew Boucher (left), who was recently elected to the Ellsworth City Council, chats with the Honorable Phil Shea.
The other important business to come before the meeting was the election of our representative to the State Platform Committee. Charla Bansley and Richard Deckers were nominated for this position. A secret ballot of voting members of the committee selected Charla Bansley.
Vice Chairman Eric White (left) and Chairman Mark Remick prepare to take nominations for the Platform Committee position.
Charla Bansley explains why she should be elected to the Platform Committee.
Richard Deckers presents his reasons why he should be elected to the Platform Committee.
October Meeting Features Bruce Poliquin
Ellsworth - The October Hancock County Republican Committee meeting was held at the Union River Lobster Pot Restaurant and featured a presentation by Bruce Poliquin, candidate for Governor of Maine. Portions of Mr. Poliquin's presentation can be viewed by clicking HERE. This video clip is in MPEG-1 format (Motion Picture Experts Group codex 1).
The meeting began with reports. Daniel Sullivan announced that our representative to the state Platform Committee would be elected at our next committee meeting.
Committee Chairman, Mark Remick, and State Committeeman, Daniel Sullivan, explain the Platform Committee duties.
State Representative Brian Langley
State Representative Brian Langley discussed current legislative activities in Augusta. Brian was also the host for the evening.
A view of the venue.
Matthew Boucher, State Committee member at large, introduced Bruce Poliquin.
Bruce Poliquin
Senator Snowe Helps Send a Healthcare Bill to the Senate Floor - Senator Collins Comments
Washington - Senator Snowe became the first Republican to vote for the Senate Finance Committee's healthcare bill. The bill now goes to the Senate floor for debate and reconciliation with other bills. Click HERE to view Senator Collins's statement on healthcare. If your computer will not display Senator Collins's statement, you will need to download a free PDF reader from Adobe.com.
September Hancock County Republican Committee Meeting.
Ellsworth - The Hancock County Republican Committee met at the China Hill Restaurant in Ellsworth the evening of September 18, 2009.
Committee Chairman, Mark Remick, opened the meeting.
Vice Chairman, Eric White, discussed the efforts to repeal the recent marriage act.
Candidate for Governor, J. Martin Vachon, participated in the spirited discussion.
Sandi Blanchette was elected Committee Secretary.
Carol Woodcock, representing Senator Susan Collins, addressed a number of current issues and answered questions. See the minutes of the meeting (click on Minutes in the Site Menu) for the topics discussed. Voters may addressed comments or questions for Senator Collins through Carol at carol_woodcock@collins.senate.gov. Much of the information distributed by Carol Woodcock at the meeting can be viewed at www.collins.senate.gov. Click on Press Room and the desired press release.
State Senator Richard Rosen spoke about the importance of the coming elections. He emphasized that campaigning should be fun. Anyone who wishes to be a candidate for the State Legislature or who may wish to suggest a candidate for the Legislature should contact Senator Rosen or Senator Kevin Raye or Representative Paul Davis. To view a short excerpt from Senator Rosen's speech, click HERE. This video will be displayed by your default video player and may take some time to download especially on a dial-up line. Some Internet browsers may require you to open the downloaded file before it will play. Close the video window to return to this page.
Senator Rosen displays the beautiful queen-sized quilt to be raffled.
The raffle drawing for the queen-sized quilt was held. Finance Chair, Debby Ciampa, pours the raffle tickets into a plastic container held by Chairman Remick.
State Committeeman Daniel Sullivan mixes the tickets as Senator Rosen looks on.
Senator Rosen draws the winning ticket.
...and the lucky winner is Allison Salsbury of Bar Harbor.
Hancock County Republican Committee at the Blue Hill Fair
Blue Hill - The Hancock County Republican Committee booth at the Blue Hill Fair remained busy during the Labor Day weekend. The following photographs were taken on Sunday, September 6, 2009.
Connie and George Henkel with Sandi Blanchette (in the rear), man the Hancock County Republican Committee Booth.
Peter Mills, Republican Candidate for Governor of Maine, talks with Republican leaders.
Peter Mills discusses issues with a family but without spin, in spite of the sign.
Bruce Poliquin, Republican Candidate for Governor of Maine, and some of his supporters at the Hancock County Republican Committee booth.
Bruce Poliquin discusses issues with a voter.
The Blue Hill Fair was certainly colorful.
August 2009 Hancock County Republican Meeting
Trenton - The Trenton Town Offices were the meeting place for our August 21, 2009 meeting. The committee has a new address: Hancock County Republican Committee, Post Office Box 1193, Ellsworth, Maine 04609. Sandi Blanchette's name was placed in nomination for Secretary of the committee. A vote to elect a new secretary will be on the agenda of the September meeting. The September meeting is planned for Ellsworth.
Volunteers are still needed for our booth at the Blue Hill Fair. Our emphasis will be on voter registration and encouraging an informed electorate. We are also encouraging people to sign the petition to have the issue of increased taxes placed on the November ballot.
Many committee members have raffle tickets on a queen-sized quilt to benefit the work of the committee. The tickets are $2 each, 6 for $10 or 12 for $20. Contact a committee member to purchase tickets.
J. Martin Vachon of Mariaville announced that he is running for Governor of Maine.
July 2009 Hancock County Republican Committee Meeting
Lamoine - The Lamoine State Park was the site of the July 2009 Hancock County Republican Committee meeting. The meeting was largely a social affair. However, there was significant discussion of tax reform, gay marriage, health care and the future of our state. Republicans were invited to think about a theme for the 2010 elections and write political commentary for this website. For photographs of this meeting point and click here.
March 2009 Hancock County Republicans' Meeting
Surry - Hancock County Republicans met in Surry, Maine on Friday, March 20. After a potluck supper, the members of the County Committee voted to send a letter and resolution to our Republican members of congress expressing concern over current economic issues. The Honorable Andre Cushing spoke on candidate recruitment and the Honorable Bob Emrich spoke on the proposed Gay Marriage law.
Sandi Blanchette and the Honorable Brian Langley at the meeting. Brian gave a brief description of current legislative work.
Executive Committee Members Dan Sullivan and Kathy Birdsall discuss the letter to congress and the proposed resolution.
The Honorable Andre Cushing discussed candidate recruitment.
The Honorable Bob Emrich with the Maine Jeremiah Project discussed the implications of the proposed Gay Marriage Bill.
Town Chairs Meeting
Ellsworth
- The HCR Executive Board hosted a breakfast meeting April
4th. We separated into three groups and discussed ways that HCR can help
towns get ready for the 2010 election and came up with many suggestions to help
Republicans in Hancock County get elected. We will present those findings
at the April Hancock County Republicans meeting.
