June 24, 2011
Eric White called the meeting to order at the Bar Harbor town hall at 7:15. The lateness was due to people having difficulty finding the meeting place.
Thank you to David Lind who provided the refreshments.
Proxies: Eugene Churchill to Gay Leach, Sara White to Tammy Deckers and Grace Shea to Jinny Comiciotto.
There were 17 members with votes from 10 towns.
Steve Montague, vice-chairman led the pledge. Eric White, Chairman, led the invocation.
Eric introduced the first speaker, Nancy Tibbetts from Bar Harbor. She gave an excellent talk about tourism in Bar Harbor which is now the largest cruise ship port in Maine. The Governor maintained the state budget for tourism this year. She took questions and was very informative.
Sandi Blanchette introduced Lee Speronis, from Husson University in Bangor. His talk on tourism encompassed the state. He raised concerns on how much the government takes from the hospitality business in Maine. If they were allowed to even keep 1% more they could hire even more people. His concern from Augusta is, “It’s a thriving business, let’s tax them more.” His department (Hospitality) in college places 100% of its students. “We can keep people in Maine if we give them jobs.” One out of every $4.50 raised in Maine comes from the hospitality industry. He also explained that the airlines, not the airports define which airports they will use and set their own prices.
Next Meeting: Is a fundraiser at the home of Doris Russell in Castine. It is July 15 from 4-6 PM. Susan Collins will be there as guest of honor. There will be a poster available on line for members to print and post.
September Meeting: Steve Bowen, the Education Commissioner will be the speaker. Sherm Hutchins is setting up Penobscot school for September 15. Plans are tentative as to the date. This is a Thursday.
Remarks from the Chairman: Part of our job is to push voter registration.
Platform Committee: The following people sent Eric their names to be placed in consideration: Denis Blogett, Richard Deckers, Rene Trust, Kathy Birdsall, Matt Deckers, Steve Montague and Sandi Blanchette.
Sandi read from the Convention book that the names needed to be in by September 30. There were no objections to having the election at this meeting.
David Lind moved and Bill Barker seconded accepting the names without making them be nominated. Motion Carried
Eric asked if anyone else wanted to be considered. Hearing none, David moved and Karin Shea-Arkin seconded closing the nominations. Motion carried.
Rene Trust and Kathy Birdsall asked to have their names withdrawn.
Each person was given the opportunity to state the reasons why he/she should be elected to the position. In a secret ballot Richard Deckers won and Sandi Blanchette was second. If Richard finds he cannot commit to the time required, Sandi will fill in.
Bill Barker won the 50/50 drawing and donated $20.00 back to the group. Because the treasurer was unable to attend, Eric kept the money to give to him.
Bill brought a resolution to be voted on by the committee.
RESOLUTION 1-2011
A RESOLUTION TO REDUCE FEDERAL SPENDING AND DEBT
HANCOCK COUNTY REPUBLICAN COMMITTEE
WHEREAS federal borrowing approaches the current debt limit of $14.294 trillion.
WHEREAS congress established its budget process in 1974, the United States was in debt by about a half trillion dollars; it is now in debt over $14 trillion.
WHEREAS federal spending and borrowing continues to pile trillions of dollars in debt upon the shoulders of American’s children and the generations to follow.
WHEREAS legislative powers fix upon Congress the responsibility for the national debt.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the HANCOCK County Republican Committee that:
HANCOCK County Republicans affirm the need for decreases in spending, deep spending cuts that must begin immediately, and that Congress should emphasize cuts in continuing programs that result in related reductions in future spending.
Restrict spending, imposing enforceable caps on the amount of Federal spending, especially the out-of-control entitlements programs.
Congress should amend existing federal laws that provide permanent or indefinite appropriations for federal agencies or programs, including entitlement programs.
Fix the spending process without delay or hesitation because there is no substitute for action when it comes to congressional self-control on spending.
Defund any federal department that has not met the goals for which it was established with five years of such establishment.
HANCOCK County Republicans urge our Senators and Representatives to furrow the current irresponsible spending and unsustainable burden of debt by adopting the Fiscal Year 2012 Budget as proposed by Rep. Paul Ryan, Chairman of the Committee of the Budget.
David Lind moved and Denis Blogett seconded adopting the resolution with the removal of the line “and its members”. Motion carried
Douglas Wellington moved and Debbie Ciampa seconded adding: “Defund any federal department that has not met the goals for which it was established within five years of such establishment.” Motion carried.
David moved and Doug seconded adopting the resolution with the two changes. Motion carried.
Sandi was asked to report how senators Langley and Rosen voted on certain issues.
Kathy asked about upcoming parades. Sandi reported that she would be in the parade in Orland with Richard Rosen and James Gilway Saturday, June 25. Eric promised to get information about the Bar Harbor 4th of July parade as to when and where to meet.
Denis moved to adjourn.
Respectfully submitted:
Sandra Blanchette
Secretary