April 15, 2011
Hancock County Republican Committee
Monthly Membership Meeting
Prior to the meeting, Sara DeBeck gave a proxy to Robert Laferriere
Vice Chair Steve Montague called the meeting to order at Surry
Elementary School at 7:08 PM.
Steve led the Pledge of Allegiance and Sandi Blanchette led the
invocation.
Lourdes Wellington introduced David Casavant Esq.,CPA, from Husson
College. He gave an in depth and clear overview of the differences
between the Maine State and the Federal Tax Codes. Maine is trying
to conform to the federal tax code, however, states cannot run
deficits and the Fed can.
Lourdes next introduced Douglas Wellington, attorney, CPA and
associate finance professor at Husson College to discuss the
financial implications of the new healthcare bill. In his
presentation, he explained that there are many provisions that have
nothing to do with health care at all. It is basically a way to
procure the money for a national health care plan.
The March 18 minutes were on the web site. Liz Walker moved and
Grace Shea seconded that they be approved as printed.
Motion carried
Gete Thompson moved and Lourdes Wellington seconded to accept the
Treasurer's report.
Motion Carried
New Headquarters: Nothing has been done yet.
Although the vote still stands from last month, there are still
finding and location issues. No lease has been signed. The whole
project is still in limbo.
Next Exec Meeting is May 2, 2011 at Ellsworth City Hall.
(this has been changed to April 25 same time and location)
New Business: Gete Thompson raised the question
for the executive committee. "What is the relationship between the
town committees-to the county committee-to the state committee?" An
organizational chart is needed.
The May Republican Women's Club will be centered on caucuses.
"The Mural" Phil Fredrick from
Bangor Floral
brought to the attention of the committee a web site called
www.buythemural.com This group is trying to get 6,000 people to
donate $10.00 each. So far they've raised $38,000.00. He was
unable to tell us what they plan to do with the mural.
Bill Barker moved and Liz Walker seconded that the HCRC donate
$10.00 to buy the mural.
Motion carried.
There was another reminder to support vendors who have placed ads in
our convention booklet. Bill has a list and Eric White has sent it
out on email twice.
Lourdes passed out a form regarding donations for headquarters.
"The Editorial" There was considerable discussion
regarding am op-ed that 8 Republican Senators sent in condemnation
of Governor LePage. The concern was that Brian Langley, District
28, was one of these senators. After much discussion centering on
the question, "Why was this letter written?" The following motion
was made: Gary Mosley moved and Doreen Laferriere seconded that the
secretary draft a letter to Senator Brian Langley asking him why he
did write the op-ed and expressing our displeasure. He will be
asked to please come and explain his reasoning to the May meeting.
Motion carried
Gay Leach (co finance Chair) invited everyone to a finance meeting
on Wednesday, April 27. Location is to be announced.
Phil Fredrick won the 50/50 raffle.
State Committee report: There will be a special
election for York County. Help is needed there now and on May 10
for Michelle Dare to distribute literature.
Representative Dill has been saying some very extreme things.
GOP won in 2010 although they raised only $1.1 million to Dem's $2.2
million.
There is a fundraiser at $500.00 a ticket.
Donations are up in Maine. A man from S.W Harbor is matching
donations.
Liz moved and Denis seconded a motion to adjourned.
Motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted:
Sandra Blanchette
Secretary HCRC