November 18, 2011 Hancock County GOP Monthly Meeting
Chair, Eric
White, called the Hancock County Republican meeting
to order at 7:10 p.m. There were 17 members present
and 5 guests. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by
Eric and the invocation was led by Kathy Birdsall.
Our guest, Speaker of the Maine
House, Robert Nutting, gave a very informative talk
on the accomplishments of the 125 legislature and
what we should be looking forward to in the upcoming
year. This was followed by a question and answer
period, it was great to hear some many interesting
questions from our members.
Old Business:
There was not a quorum at the
previous meeting so the treasure's report for the
past 2 months was dealt with.
Bill Barker explained about the
increase in cost for constant contact, this is due
to an increase of emails. Gete thomson brought up
the question for the executive board to check on
said list and eliminate any bad addresses in order
to save us some money.
David Lind moved to accept report and
Matt Foster seconded. Motion passed.
Secretary report from the last
meeting was not passed due to not having a quorum
last meeting.
Gete Thomson gave a caucus report on
how it is progressing. Still looking for a chair for
both Deer Isle and Stonington. Thank you Republican
Womens Club for all your hard work! The next Women's
Republican meeting will be held on Jan.18, 2012, at
Ellsworth City Hall at 11:30 a.m.
If you have any questions about your
town caucus please call Gete at 664-0570.
Vice Chair, Steve Montague, gave an
update on the past State Committee meeting. This was
his first meeting, as he was acting as a proxy for
Bill Barker, he found the meeting quite interesting.
Richard Deckers gave an update on the
platform committee. Richard did recommend that on
the next go-around we should have our county
concerns/input ready by the first meeting.
Basket was passed around for
donations YEAH! Thank You to everyone!
New Business:
Doug Wollmar brought up the Farmer
Brown issue of Blue Hill. He gave a short talk on
the issue and also spoke about the Local Food and
Self Governance Ordinance that had passed in Blue
Hill in 2011. He then introduced a resolution to the
voting members.
Resolution 2-2011
November 18, 2011
Hancock County Republican
Committee
Whereas the Maine Dept of Agriculture
and Walter Witcomb have filed suit against Farmer
Dan Brown of selling raw milk without a license
among other violations of State Law,
Whereas the town of Blue Hill, in
which Dan Brown resides, has passed the Local Food
and Self Governance Ordinance of 2011.
Whereas Dan Brown is acting lawfully
under said Ordinance.
It is hereby requested that the State
withdraw said lawsuit and respect the Local Food and
Self Governance Ordinance.
(end of resolution)
Kathy Birdsall motioned and Richard
Deckers seconded for the resolution to be open for
discussion.
What ensued was a very lively, and at
times, heated discussion on the pros and cons of
this topic. Much was discussed about food safety,
Home Rule, our Constitutional rights among other
points of interest on this subject.
Dave Lind motioned to close
discussion and Kathy Birdsall seconded. Motion
passed.
The resolution passed with a vote of
8 for the resolution and 6 opposed.
Dave Lind moved to adjourn meeting
and Renee Trust seconded.
Respectfully submitted
Liz Walker, State Committee Woman
Acting Secretary