News from the Hancock County Republican Committee

2012 Biennial Caucuses

Mount Desert - The first of the biennial Hancock County Republican caucuses were held on Saturday, February 4 in Sedgwick and Mount Desert, Maine. More Republicans attended these caucuses than attended other recent biennial caucuses. There were also a number of people who simply observed. The Bar Harbor caucus alone had twenty-two Republicans in attendance. Candidates or their representatives addressed the caucuses before the formal caucuses convened. The audience then broke into town groupings to convene the town caucuses.

The meeting room at the Somesville firehouse was packed with caucus attendees from Mount Desert Island and other nearby islands. Many more people arrived after this photograph was taken. State Senator Brian Langley is shown addressing the caucuses before the formal caucuses began. (Photograph by David W. Lind)

The Tremont Caucus deliberating. (Photograph by Renee Trust)

The Sedgwick caucuses consisted of the towns of Blue Hill, Brooklin, Brooksville, Deer Isle, Penobscot, Sedgwick, Surry and Stonington. The towns in the Mount Desert Island caucuses were Bar Harbor, Cranberry Isle, Mount Desert, Frenchboro, Swan's Island, Tremont and Southwest Harbor.

Gete Thomson addresses the caucuses at the Sedgwick Elementary School. (Photograph by Renee Trust)

Part of the crowd at Sedgwick. A total of 106 registered Republicans and 30 guests participated in the Sedgwick caucuses. (Photograph by Renee Trust)

As more caucus information becomes available, it will be posted here.

First Committee Meeting of the New Year

Ellsworth - The first Hancock County Republican Committee meeting of the new year took place on January 20 at the Moore Community Center, Ellsworth. After a short business meeting, the attendees took a break to enjoy dessert. A vote was taken to select the best dessert. When the meeting resumed, caucus procedures were discussed and Charlie Webster, Chairman of the Maine Republican Party, spoke on candidate recruitment.

Desserts were enjoyed by all. (Photograph by David W. Lind)

A secret ballot was taken to select the best dessert. (Photograph by David W. Lind)

Charlie Webster addressed the meeting. (Photograph by David W. Lind)

The Annual Christmas Party was the December Meeting Agenda

Ellsworth - The December meeting of the Hancock County Republican Committee convened at Jasper's Restaurant in Ellsworth on December 16. The business meeting was tabled to begin the annual Christmas Party. Participants enjoyed food and conversation followed by an auction of wrapped gifts.

The meeting was held in Jasper's Bar area. (Photograph by David W. Lind)

Gifts were auctioned to raise money for the 2012 campaign. (Photograph by David W. Lind)

One gift anticipated President Obama's future. (Photograph by David W. Lind)

November Meeting Featured Speaker of the Maine House Robert Nutting

Ellsworth - The November meeting of the Hancock County Republican Committee featured Speaker of the Maine House Robert Nutting. The meeting took place at the Moore Community Center on November 18. Speaker Nutting reviewed the accomplishments of the legislature since Republicans took control and outlined the goals of the current legislative session. His primary goal is to expand Republican control of the legislature to ensure that Governor LePage can accomplish his goals during his entire term as governor.

The caucus arrangements and party platform was discussed. A resolution was passed to ask the State Government to stop its prosecution of a farmer in the Blue Hill area for selling milk without a license. A copy of this resolution follows:

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)

The six o'clock social hour included refreshments. (Photograph by David W. Lind)

Speaker Nutting held informal discussions during the social hour. (Photograph by David W. Lind)

Speaker Nutting addressed the committee and guests. (Photograph by David W. Lind)

October Meeting at the Moore Community Center

Ellsworth - The October meeting of the Hancock County Republican Committee convened at the Moore Community Center in Ellsworth on October 21. There was some competition from a haunted house event in another section of the building. Ruth Summers, Vice Chair of the Maine Republican Party, was unable to attend. The Honorable Debra Plowman, Assistant Majority Leader in the Maine Senate, substituted for Ruth. She emphasized the controversy on the citizen's initiative to repeal the recently enacted voting law. Ken Bovée then gave a presentation on his research into the founding of the Republican Party by one of his distant relatives Alvan Earl Bovay (born Bovée). The business portion of the meeting dealt with a number of routine matters.

The Honorable Debra Plowman addresses the committee. (Photograph by David W. Lind)

Ken Bovée Described the life of Alvan Earl Bovay. (Photograph by David W. Lind)

Alvin Earl Bovée changed his name to Alvan Earl Bovay. Other variations on the Bovée name were discussed. (Photograph by David W. Lind)

The audience showed great interest in Mr. Bovée's presentation. (Photograph by David W. Lind)

The Committee officers listened carefully to the business discussions. (Photograph by David W. Lind)

September Meeting

Penobscot - The September 2011 meeting of the Hancock County Republican Committee took place at the Penobscot Community School, Penobscot, Maine on Friday, September 23. After a social hour and potluck supper, State Senator Richard Rosen, Chairman of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Joint Committee, gave a power point presentation on the recently enacted biennial state budgets. The General Fund Budget was covered in some detail. All three state budgets were passed overwhelmingly on a bipartisan basis. Senator Rosen took time to answer questions on the budgets and other legislation passed by the current legislative session.

The beverage table included sandwich ingredients. (Photograph by David W. Lind)

Ample food was available for the many people attending this meeting. (Photograph by David W. Lind)

Senator Rosen gave the power point presentation. (Photograph by David W. Lind)

Senator Rosen took questions from the audience. (Photograph by David W. Lind)

Blue Hill Fair 2011

Blue Hill - The Hancock County Republican Committee sponsored a booth at the Blue Hill Fair once again this year. Fair goers could count on a warm welcome at the Republican booth and were given an opportunity to participate in a presidential straw poll. Many visitors stopped to chat and express their appreciation for the work being accomplished by Governor LePage, his administration and the legislature. The fair reminds us of the importance of agriculture in Maine.

There was always a warm welcome at the Republican booth. (Photograph by David W. Lind)

Fair goers enjoyed the rides and food. (Photograph by David W. Lind)

Many games provided amusement. (Photograph by David W. Lind)

Farm animal contests like this horse pull were popular. (Photograph by David W. Lind)

Children enjoyed the farm animals. (Photograph by David W. Lind)

Some animals, like these fancy hens, fascinated city dwellers. (Photograph by David W. Lind)

The Republican booth remained busy all day. (Photograph by David W. Lind)

The presidential straw poll was popular. (Photograph by David W. Lind)

Blue Hill with its communications tower loomed above the fair grounds as a flock of birds flew over the fair staff parking area. (Photograph by David W. Lind)

The sun sets over Blue Hill as evening comes to the fair. (Photograph by David W. Lind)

Maine Republican Party Chairman Featured at August Meeting

Surry - Charlie Webster, the Chairman of the Maine Republican Party, was the feature speaker at the August Meeting. Mr. Webster described his motivation to become a Republican leader and outlined the steps necessary to improve the prospects of Maine citizens. Click here for a ten-minute MPEG1 video of an excerpt from Charlie Webster's presentation. This MPEG file may take a while to download.

The meeting was preceded by a picnic. (Photograph by David Lind)

People gathered in the Surry Elementary School Gymnasium for the meeting. (Photograph by David W. Lind)

Charlie Webster spoke to the gathering. (Photograph by David Lind)

Doris Russell Honored at Fundraiser

Castine - In lieu of a July meeting, a highly-successful fundraiser was held at the home of Doris Russell. This event allowed the Castine Republican Committee and the Hancock County Republican Committee to honor Doris Russell for her many years of work for the Republican Party in Maine. Senator Susan Collins spoke briefly about current efforts in Washington and then presented Doris with a book of quotations by Abraham Lincoln and a photographic album showing Doris's activities on behalf of the Republican Party.

Republican supporters enjoyed refreshments and conversation under three tents set up in Doris Russell's beautiful back yard. (Photograph by David Lind)

Lourdes Wellington introduces Senator Susan Collins. (Photograph by David Lind)

Senator Collins points out some memorable photographs in the album the Senator presented to Doris Russell. (Photograph by David Lind)

Charlie Webster, Chairman of the Maine Republican Party, adds his appreciation for Doris's efforts. (Photograph by David Lind)

Some Maine Republican women pose for a photograph with Senator Collins. (Photograph by David Lind.)

June Meeting Concentrates on Tourism

Bar Harbor - The June 2011 Hancock County Republican Committee Meeting convened in the auditorium of the Bar Harbor Municipal Building. Nancy Tibbetts, representing the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce, spoke on the tourist industry with an emphasis on the Bar Harbor area. She fielded numerous questions from the people in attendance.

Nancy Tibbetts was the first speaker.

Lee Speronis, a professor at Husson University, spoke about the tourist industry in Maine and also answered many questions. The discussion of tourism in Maine left little doubt that a healthy tourist industry is vital to the economic health of Maine.

Professor Lee Speronis addresses the meeting.

Following the discussion of tourism, the proposed July fundraiser was discussed. Invitations and posters will be available shortly.

Richard Deckers was elected to be our representative to the State Convention Standing Resolutions Committee (Platform Committee). Sandi Blanchette was elected as the alternate to this committee.

The votes for our platform committee representative are counted under the watchful eyes of Chairman White.

Bill Barker presented A Resolution to Reduce Federal Spending and Debt in support of United States Representative Paul Ryan. This resolution was adopted. Read the resolution by clicking on Resolution 1-2011.

An executive order issued by President Obama on rural affairs was introduced for the information of concerned Republicans. This Executive Order can be viewed in PDF format by clicking on Executive Order 13575.

Planning for the 2012 Election

Lamoine - The may 2011 meeting of the Hancock County Republican Committee took place on May 20 at the Lamoine Consolidated School. The discussion centered on preparations for the 2012 General Election. Chairman White talked about committee responsibilities. Gete Thomson described the actions that the committee must take leading up to the 2012 elections. Emphasis was placed on convening caucuses for all the towns in Hancock County.

Gete Thomson reviewing the significant dates. (Photograph by David Lind)

April Meeting Featured Tax Code and Obamacare Information

Surry - The April 2011 meeting of the Hancock County Republican Committee convened at the Surry Elementary School on April 15. David Casavant, Esq., CPA, Associate Provost of Husson University spoke on "Overview of Structural Differences Between Federal and Maine Tax Code." J. Douglas Wellington, Esq., CPA, Associate Professor of Finance at Husson University spoke on the "Financial Implications of Obamacare, the New Federal Healthcare Bill."

David Casavant addresses the gathering. (Photograph by Sandi Blanchette)

J. Douglas Wellington at the meeting. (Photograph by Sandi Blanchette)

March Meeting Featured Healthcare

Surry - The March 2011 meeting of the Hancock County Republican Committee was convened at the Surry Elementary School. Chairman White announced that the committee will open a permanent headquarters on Maine Street, Ellsworth. More information will be available after the lease is signed.

The Honorable Richard Malaby speaks on healthcare. (Photograph by David Lind)

The Honorable Richard Malaby representing House District 34 in the Maine legislature, gave a comprehensive talk on healthcare issues. Representative Malaby is a member of the House Health and Human Services Committee. He and Senator Brian Langley answered questions on healthcare and other issues. They recommended that the best way to influence legislation before it comes to the floor of the legislature is to write the committees reviewing bills of interest.

Lincoln Day Dinner

Trenton - The February meeting of the Hancock County Republican Committee was the Lincoln Day Dinner at the Good News Center Auditorium in Trenton on Friday February 18. The featured speaker was Bruce Poliquin, Treasurer, State of Maine. He spoke on the Importance of Fiscal Discipline. The details of his presentation and related information can be accessed by going to or clicking on: http://www.maine.gov/treasurer/ and selecting "Treasurers Outreach Program." The Honorable James Gillway opened the meeting with an invocation.

A roast beef dinner prepared by Two Hot Cookies Catering was enjoyed by all including Sandi and David Blanchette. (Photograph by David Lind)

Joe Marshall read Lincoln's Farewell to Illinois Speech and the Gettysburg Address. (Photograph by David Lind)

State Treasurer Bruce Poliquin gave a spirited and informative presentation. (Photograph by Rennee Trust)

Andrew Varisco representing Senator Snowe and Deidre Grant representing Senator Collins read greetings from the Senators. (Photograph by David Lind) 

January Meeting

Surry - The January 2011 meeting of the Hancock County Republican Committee was held at the Surry Elementary School in Surry, Maine, Friday, January 28. This meeting was originally scheduled for January 21 but was postponed because of a snow storm. The main topic of the meeting was regulations affecting small farms and business solutions. A three-person panel discussed the plight of small farmers in Maine and offered a local ordinance designed to allow local farmers to conduct business economically and more freely. Representatives of Senators Snowe and Collins were also present and participated in the discussion. More information about this topic can be obtained from the following websites/website topics: The Center for Food Safety and The Complete Patient at http://truefoodnow.org, Family Farm Defenders at http://familyfarmdefenders.org and Farmer to Consumer Legal Defense Fund at http://farmtoconsumer.org. 

Members of the Hancock County Republican Committee and guests gather at the Surry Elementary School Gymnasium. (Photograph by David Lind)

The small farm panel was, from left to right, Heather Retberg from Quill's End Farm in Penobscot, Deborah Evans from the Bagaduce Farm in Brooksville and Larissa Curlik from East Blue Hill. (Photograph by David Lind)

The Inauguration of Paul R. LePage, Governor of Maine

(Photograph by David Lind)

Augusta - The Honorable Paul R. LePage was inaugurated Governor of Maine on January 5, 2011 before a crowd of over five thousand people at the Augusta Civic Center. The inauguration ceremonies began with performances by the 195th Army Band and the Maine Steiners. After the seating of the honored guests, the Little Eagles Drum Group performed. Governor Baldacci and former governors of the State of Maine took their places on stage. The current state legislature were then seated on the Civic Center floor. The Honorable Kevin L. Raye, President of the Senate, convened the legislature in convention for the purpose of inaugurating the new governor.

The Little Eagles Drum Group perform. (Photograph by David Lind)

The Honorable Kevin Raye presides over the convention. The LePage family is on stage to the left of this photograph. Former governors and other distinguished are above the family. The 195th Army Band is to the rear of the distinguished guests. (Photograph by David Lind)

Members of the Maine Judiciary were invited to the convention. (Photograph by David Lind)

Bruce Myrick, a longtime friend of the LePage family, addressed the convention. (Photograph by David Lind)

The convention recognized the accomplishments of outgoing Governor Baldacci. To the right of Governor Baldacci and front are Governor Angus King, Governor John R. McKernan, Jr. Governor Joseph E. Brennan and The Honorable Leigh Ingalls Saufley, Chief Justice, Maine Supreme Judicial Court. (Photograph by Renee Trust)

After the convention recognized veterans and current members of the Armed Services, the Colors were presented by the Maine State Select Honor Guard and the National Anthem was sung by Jillaine McGough. (Photograph by David Lind)

The invocation was given by Father Joseph E. Daniels. (Photograph by David Lind)

The Maine Steiners performed after the invocation. (Photograph by David Lind)

The Oath of Office was administered by the Honorable Kevin Raye while Ann LePage held the Bible and the LePage family looked on. (Photograph by David Lind)

Governor LePage signs the Oath of Office. (Photograph by Renee Trust)

The governor's wife, Ann LePage, after the Oath of Office. (Photograph by Renee Trust)

The Honorable Charles E. Summers reads the proclamation identifying the new governor as the Honorable Kevin Raye and Chief Justice Saufley looks on. (Photograph by David Lind)

Governor Paul LePage gives his Inaugural Address. (Photograph by Renee Trust)

Distinguished guests react to a moment of humor during the Governor's address. (Photograph by David Lind)

The Benediction was given by the Reverend Kenneth Dutille, Jr. (Photograph by David Lind)

Representatives of the news media were scattered throughout the hall. (Photograph by David Lind)

Some of the people from Hancock County attending the Inauguration. (Photograph by Renee Trust)

Old friends were greeted after the inauguration. In this photograph is Professor John Frary and Renee Trust. (Photograph courtesy of Renee Trust)

The evening reception was a gala event. This photograph was taken immediately after the doors opened. (Photograph by David Lind)

The food at the reception featured Maine products from lobster to whoopee pies. (Photograph by David Lind)

The lobster was particularly popular. (Photograph by David Lind)

Of course, there was a cash bar. (Photograph by David Lind)

A brass band entertained the guests. (Photograph by David Lind)

Some of the Hancock County people at the reception included the Honorable Richard Malaby, Kathy Birdsall and Debby Ciampa. (Photograph by David Lind)

The Honorable Sherman Hutchins from Hancock County and his wife were some of the first people in the reception line to greet the new governor. (Photograph by David Lind)

Governor LePage in front of the sign "Open for Business" indicating the beginning of his administration. (Photograph by Renee Trust)