There were people who even showed up in the rain Wednesday night for the "Meet & Greet" with Dave Johnson, Republican candidate for the Legislature for this District. This writer was in attendance Thursday evening and was pleased to see and meet people from Clifton as well as Eddington. Nice refreshments were provided along with the opportunity to sign up for a variety of events to help out with the campaign before and on Election day in November.
***
Just as this writer was leaving Comins Hall, one of the people in attendance told me that application papers from both SAD 63 and CSD 8 were reportedly signed during the first part of the week in anticipation of being mailed on or before Wednesday, August 25 to the State Commissioner of Education for approval of SAD 63 and CSD 8 forming an AOS (Alternative Organized System) - I believe that's what the acronym stands for. Under the state law, school districts needed to form approved consolidated districts or AOS. What with former Commissioner Gendron's action last spring, SAD 63 and CSD 8 were left with no potential consolidation partners. So this action appears to be the only possible way to avoid another year with a state imposed tax penalty. Considering three factors, it seems this action is the wisest way to go:
1. SAD 63 and CSD 8 already share administrative services (superintendent and business services). They have for years. Since that was the purpose of the Legislature, it would appear these two school districts were in compliance with the state law even before the law was passed. (Wonder why our elected State Senator Richard Rosen and Representative Ben Pratt didn't make mention of that when the Legislature was in session last year.)
2. The property owners in the two districts certainly don't need another $178,000+ tax penalty in the coming year. Under the AOS, perhaps the state might actually pony up a reasonable share of ITS voter-mandate cost of public education, which it has never done. Wonder why it is alright for the Legislature to levy a tax on the people for not complying with the "law" that the Legislature has passed when the Legislature ignores complying with the Law which the voters have passed? Seems a bit upside-down to this writer/voter/tax-payer/American citizen.
3. Obtaining approval of the AOS plan at this point in time, would allow the plan to be placed on the Ballot in November for the voters to approve (hopefully). The November Ballot is paid for by the State. The State will Not Pay for a special ballot or vote for an AOS at any other time (because the state has run out of money for the consolidation issue even though it is requiring districts which have not, as yet consolidated, to have a vote). Being able to vote on this issue in November will therefore cost us nothing. Such a deal!
4. Bottom Line - This AOS is nothing but a Name Change. The system will remain the same as it has been for years. Each district will have its own School Board, its own budget, and will simply share administrative services - paid for proportionately by each district 9same way it is now). Maybe we're getting the best deal, after all.
***
Also heard last night and again today,
A Celebration of Life for Carolyn Baker was held today - Saturday, August 25 from 1pm to 3pm at Comins Hall. This writer only heard by word of mouth from two different sources but apparently it was an Open Door event, anyone could attend and was welcome. What a wonderful woman she was. I know she will be deeply missed by many.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
LOCAL REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE FOR STATE LEGISLATURE TO HOLD "MEET & GREET" THIS WEEK
I received a telephone call this evening from Carrie Johnson, wife of Dave Johnson. Dave is running for the Maine House of Representatives this coming November (against Democrat incumbent Ben Pratt).
Dave will be holding a "Meet & Greet" this Wednesday and Thursday evenings (25th & 26th) at Comins Hall. Comins Hall is located in Eddington on Route 9 just west of Hwy 46.
The Meet & Greet will be from 6:30pm to 7:30pm on both nights. This even is an opportunity for all constituents in his district (Eddington, Clifton, Holden, Dedham and a portion of Bradley) to meet the Candidate and discuss your/our concerns of the district. (Such as state funding for our school districts.)
Please pass on this information to your friends and neighbors and urge them to attend either night (or both if they wish).
The event is free but the "Committee to Elect Dave Johnson" plans to "pass the hat" to cover the cost of renting the hall.
Rusty
Dave will be holding a "Meet & Greet" this Wednesday and Thursday evenings (25th & 26th) at Comins Hall. Comins Hall is located in Eddington on Route 9 just west of Hwy 46.
The Meet & Greet will be from 6:30pm to 7:30pm on both nights. This even is an opportunity for all constituents in his district (Eddington, Clifton, Holden, Dedham and a portion of Bradley) to meet the Candidate and discuss your/our concerns of the district. (Such as state funding for our school districts.)
Please pass on this information to your friends and neighbors and urge them to attend either night (or both if they wish).
The event is free but the "Committee to Elect Dave Johnson" plans to "pass the hat" to cover the cost of renting the hall.
Rusty
Saturday, August 21, 2010
FEELS A BIT LIKE FALL
The notifications are posted regarding the starting day(s) of school - just read the listing at the Eddington Elementary School - and those yucky hot days seemed to have passed. The last week here - and the one forecasted to come - seem to be the Perfect Weather. While the TV weather people say the state needs rain, this weather seems perfect to many of us. Even if we have to water the lawn and gardens.
My neighbor seems to be hosting a mass family get-together. I've counted at least five igloo-style tents and one smaller one staked out on his front and back lawns. And there are plenty of well-behaved young children playing and acting like cousins. They launched two green canoes early this morning and took a "stroll." Can't get much better.
Around here it's been pretty exciting, too. Yesterday I received notification of being awarded the single scholarship for a Writers Retreat a few months from now. The award was based, I'm told, of the writing sample I submitted with the application. It's the first chapter in the novel currently undergoing a serious edit. Maybe all these hours here in the office are adding up to something...
My neighbor seems to be hosting a mass family get-together. I've counted at least five igloo-style tents and one smaller one staked out on his front and back lawns. And there are plenty of well-behaved young children playing and acting like cousins. They launched two green canoes early this morning and took a "stroll." Can't get much better.
Around here it's been pretty exciting, too. Yesterday I received notification of being awarded the single scholarship for a Writers Retreat a few months from now. The award was based, I'm told, of the writing sample I submitted with the application. It's the first chapter in the novel currently undergoing a serious edit. Maybe all these hours here in the office are adding up to something...
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
MAINE HERITAGE POLICY CENTER'S TWO LAWSUITS
The latest political action by Maine Heritage Policy Center - law suits filed again Maine Municipal Association and against state law allowing "Clean Money candidates" to obtain tax money because other candidates receive more financial support. It's supposed to be OUR money but the state Legislature can still take it. Maybe the federal courts will say differently. We can only hope at this point.
READ MORE BELOW:
For eight years The Maine Heritage Policy Center has been clear in its purpose: to fight for less government and more freedom, and to hold politicians and bureaucrats accountable to you, and every other Maine taxpayer.
We have done so under the Statehouse Dome in Augusta, at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., at the ballot box, through MaineOpenGov.org, and now, in the courts.
In June, MHPC's Center for Constitutional Government filed suit against the Maine Municipal Association - declared by the Maine Legislature in 1989 as an instrumentality of local government - for expending nearly $2 million in public funds to influence the outcome of five citizen initiatives between 2002 and 2009. The case is now pending in federal court.
The Maine Municipal Association is funded by our property tax dollars. A governmental entity cannot use our tax dollars for electioneering and political campaigns. It's morally wrong, and it's unconstitutional. Through the courts, MHPC will hold the Maine Municipal Association accountable for its illegal behavior. The law is on our side.
We have also joined a lawsuit filed just last week against Maine's Clean Elections Law for its provisions that infringe upon our First Amendment right to free speech.
The Maine Clean Elections Act, passed in 1995, provides taxpayer funding for Maine legislative and gubernatorial candidates who agree to limit how much money they raise and spend on their political campaigns. Under the law, state legislative candidates receive between $500 and $19,000 in initial funding, plus additional "matching funds" of up to $38,000 if they are outspent by their opponent and independent groups.
Under the law, you can contribute to a candidate who chooses to raise his or her own funds privately to run a political campaign. But if that individual candidate is running against a Clean Elections candidate, your contribution to the candidate you support is matched, dollar-for-dollar, with taxpayer funds, and deposited directly into your opponent's campaign coffers.
When your financial support of your favorite candidate results in your opponent receiving equal funding in the form of tax dollars without lifting a finger, your free speech rights are violated. It's unacceptable, it's unconstitutional, and it must be stopped.
The federal courts seem to agree. In the last month, two federal courts of appeals have prevented similar public funding schemes from operating in Connecticut and Florida. And in June the Supreme Court took the step of stopping an Arizona public funding scheme that used matching funds.
Now, the battle has come to Maine, and MHPC is on the front lines.
In addition to our ambitious agenda for 2010, and our lawsuit against the Maine Municipal Association for its illegal electioneering, MHPC must devote a significant amount of resources and staff time to ensure our free speech rights are protected not only in the court of law, but also in the court of public opinion.
Your support, in any amount, makes all the difference.
Will you please consider a contribution to The Maine Heritage Policy Center to support our work? Your gift today of $1,000, $500, $250, $100, $50 or even $25 will help us continue the fight for a smaller, smarter government that does not infringe upon your constitutional rights.
You can click here to make your tax-deductible contribution securely online today.
When government crosses the line, when your rights are trampled, when politicians continue to expand government, The Maine Heritage Policy Center acts. Your support makes what we do possible. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Tarren Bragdon
Chief Executive Officer
ABOUT MHPC
The Maine Heritage Policy Center is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit, nonpartisan research and educational organization based in Portland, Maine. The Maine Heritage Policy Center formulates and promotes free-market, conservative public policies in the areas of economic growth, fiscal matters, health care, education, constitutional law and government transparency - providing solutions that will benefit all the people of Maine. Contributions to MHPC are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
READ MORE BELOW:
For eight years The Maine Heritage Policy Center has been clear in its purpose: to fight for less government and more freedom, and to hold politicians and bureaucrats accountable to you, and every other Maine taxpayer.
We have done so under the Statehouse Dome in Augusta, at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., at the ballot box, through MaineOpenGov.org, and now, in the courts.
In June, MHPC's Center for Constitutional Government filed suit against the Maine Municipal Association - declared by the Maine Legislature in 1989 as an instrumentality of local government - for expending nearly $2 million in public funds to influence the outcome of five citizen initiatives between 2002 and 2009. The case is now pending in federal court.
The Maine Municipal Association is funded by our property tax dollars. A governmental entity cannot use our tax dollars for electioneering and political campaigns. It's morally wrong, and it's unconstitutional. Through the courts, MHPC will hold the Maine Municipal Association accountable for its illegal behavior. The law is on our side.
We have also joined a lawsuit filed just last week against Maine's Clean Elections Law for its provisions that infringe upon our First Amendment right to free speech.
The Maine Clean Elections Act, passed in 1995, provides taxpayer funding for Maine legislative and gubernatorial candidates who agree to limit how much money they raise and spend on their political campaigns. Under the law, state legislative candidates receive between $500 and $19,000 in initial funding, plus additional "matching funds" of up to $38,000 if they are outspent by their opponent and independent groups.
Under the law, you can contribute to a candidate who chooses to raise his or her own funds privately to run a political campaign. But if that individual candidate is running against a Clean Elections candidate, your contribution to the candidate you support is matched, dollar-for-dollar, with taxpayer funds, and deposited directly into your opponent's campaign coffers.
When your financial support of your favorite candidate results in your opponent receiving equal funding in the form of tax dollars without lifting a finger, your free speech rights are violated. It's unacceptable, it's unconstitutional, and it must be stopped.
The federal courts seem to agree. In the last month, two federal courts of appeals have prevented similar public funding schemes from operating in Connecticut and Florida. And in June the Supreme Court took the step of stopping an Arizona public funding scheme that used matching funds.
Now, the battle has come to Maine, and MHPC is on the front lines.
In addition to our ambitious agenda for 2010, and our lawsuit against the Maine Municipal Association for its illegal electioneering, MHPC must devote a significant amount of resources and staff time to ensure our free speech rights are protected not only in the court of law, but also in the court of public opinion.
Your support, in any amount, makes all the difference.
Will you please consider a contribution to The Maine Heritage Policy Center to support our work? Your gift today of $1,000, $500, $250, $100, $50 or even $25 will help us continue the fight for a smaller, smarter government that does not infringe upon your constitutional rights.
You can click here to make your tax-deductible contribution securely online today.
When government crosses the line, when your rights are trampled, when politicians continue to expand government, The Maine Heritage Policy Center acts. Your support makes what we do possible. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Tarren Bragdon
Chief Executive Officer
ABOUT MHPC
The Maine Heritage Policy Center is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit, nonpartisan research and educational organization based in Portland, Maine. The Maine Heritage Policy Center formulates and promotes free-market, conservative public policies in the areas of economic growth, fiscal matters, health care, education, constitutional law and government transparency - providing solutions that will benefit all the people of Maine. Contributions to MHPC are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
GORGEOUS WEATHER - GREAT SUMMER
The weather here this year has been (so far) 100 percent better than last year when it seemed to rain every day. This year we've had both hot and warm days, some much tooo humid for man, woman or beast, and some lovely cool night - perfect for sleeping. Last night was one of those perfect nights and tonight there is a projected meteor shower after 11pm. Here, where there is little or no light pollution, the shower should be observable over the lake. Maybe we'll even see reflections in the water. Our own fireworks show without the sound effects.
Because this summer hasn't had all that never-ending rain, even the mosquito population seems less.
Today will be one of those perfect days to be outside whether at the coast, in the garden or out on the water. This is definitely a good way to celebrate Summer.
Because this summer hasn't had all that never-ending rain, even the mosquito population seems less.
Today will be one of those perfect days to be outside whether at the coast, in the garden or out on the water. This is definitely a good way to celebrate Summer.
Monday, August 9, 2010
LATEST ON MAINE EDUCATION
From today's Maine Heritage Policy Center's mail:
At a press conference last week, Steve Bowen, director of MHPC's Center for Education Excellence, unveiled new updates to our education transparency Web site www.GreatSchoolsForME.org.
Our press conference and the updates to our cite were noted by WLBZ/Channel 2, WABI/Channel 5, WGME/Channel 13, the Kennebec Journal, the Portland Press Herald, Boston.com and Capital Weekly.
Updates to the site include graduation rates and student performance data for every K-12 Maine public school. When compared with spending, student enrollment, administrative and teacher payroll and other data already available on GreatSchoolsForME.org, this new information provides users with an even more complete picture of how Maine schools are delivering education to our students.
NOTE: Good that WLBZ and WABI were at the press conference. Where was the Bangor Daily News?
As to questions, voters and taxpayers in the SAD 63 district should be thinking and asking the School Board what the plan is to avoid a tax penalty next year because we could not consolidate this year (thanks to former Commissioner Gendron). As one Eddington voter said to me this week, SAD 63 should be suing the State of Maine - put a block on any deduction of state funds for a "tax penalty" when the Legislature has consistently ignored the state-wide people's vote REQUIRING the state to pay 55 percent of the cost of public education. How does do OUR elected representatives have the right to penalize us when they have failed to comply with the people's vote for years? GOOD QUESTION. Maybe none of those running for re-election should be returned to Augusta regardless of their political party. Rep. Ben Pratt doesn't seem to know or care how his own constituents are being impacted - and until this past May, neither did Richard Rosen.
At a press conference last week, Steve Bowen, director of MHPC's Center for Education Excellence, unveiled new updates to our education transparency Web site www.GreatSchoolsForME.org.
Our press conference and the updates to our cite were noted by WLBZ/Channel 2, WABI/Channel 5, WGME/Channel 13, the Kennebec Journal, the Portland Press Herald, Boston.com and Capital Weekly.
Updates to the site include graduation rates and student performance data for every K-12 Maine public school. When compared with spending, student enrollment, administrative and teacher payroll and other data already available on GreatSchoolsForME.org, this new information provides users with an even more complete picture of how Maine schools are delivering education to our students.
NOTE: Good that WLBZ and WABI were at the press conference. Where was the Bangor Daily News?
As to questions, voters and taxpayers in the SAD 63 district should be thinking and asking the School Board what the plan is to avoid a tax penalty next year because we could not consolidate this year (thanks to former Commissioner Gendron). As one Eddington voter said to me this week, SAD 63 should be suing the State of Maine - put a block on any deduction of state funds for a "tax penalty" when the Legislature has consistently ignored the state-wide people's vote REQUIRING the state to pay 55 percent of the cost of public education. How does do OUR elected representatives have the right to penalize us when they have failed to comply with the people's vote for years? GOOD QUESTION. Maybe none of those running for re-election should be returned to Augusta regardless of their political party. Rep. Ben Pratt doesn't seem to know or care how his own constituents are being impacted - and until this past May, neither did Richard Rosen.
Monday, August 2, 2010
IS PRUDENTIAL YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY?
The following was one of the news clips on this morning IAVA daily news (Iraq Afghanistan Veterans Association). Like the families of these men and women haven't suffered enough?!
-----
U.S. House bill would set new rules on soldiers' life insurance
A bill has been introduced in the House that would impose new requirements on life insurance companies that hold onto money from death benefits to families of U.S. soldiers and veterans. The bill and an investigation in New York State into companies that hold soldiers' life insurance policies come in reaction to the recent revelation that Prudential was profiting from the deaths of soldiers.
-----
U.S. House bill would set new rules on soldiers' life insurance
A bill has been introduced in the House that would impose new requirements on life insurance companies that hold onto money from death benefits to families of U.S. soldiers and veterans. The bill and an investigation in New York State into companies that hold soldiers' life insurance policies come in reaction to the recent revelation that Prudential was profiting from the deaths of soldiers.
BIRDS, BEES & BLOSSOMS
Anyone who has hostas in their gardens has noticed the profusion of lavender-colored flowers in full bloom these days. The cooler temperatures have certainly helped invigorate the numerous trumpet-like blossoms on the individual stems so that they can lift their heads to the sun, encouraging the visitation of those coming to drink and feed on their nectar.
Recently I was checking on the roses I planted this spring in the center of the garden that holds center court in the midst of my circular driveway. I was amazed at the dozens of busy bees buzzing all around the hosta crown of the rock enclosure. The bees were not the least bothered by my presence. And I felt no threat from them. After the national news of entire bee colonies dying from some mysterious cause just a few years ago, I feel a kind of joy seeing beautiful honey bees happy and content in my gardens. Although I do have to stop putting in any more gardens. The two that went in this year must be the last if for no other reason than the sheer cost of Spring and Fall preparations. At least I have (more or less) converted the majority of all ten (10!)of them to perennial plants. Now the task will be to keep the chipmunks and squirrels from knocking down the early blooms in the course of their mad races through "their" playgrounds. (Or deciding they are the PERFECT place to stash their seeds and other goodies down amongst the bulbs and roots - not so good!)
The final benefit of the weather and the flowers has been the increase in hummingbird activity around here, too. At least three have been enjoying the red sugary liquid feeder on the back porch. Strange how the male will not share with any others. As beautiful as his red throat is, he is a greedy son-of-a gun. And then he'll go perch himself nearby on a tall bracket between the black-eyed Susan's in the garden next to the walkway, just in case the ladies come by. Of course, out in the circular driveway garden, there have been as many as four zipping among the bee balm and hosta flowers. Maybe because there are so many places where flowers await attention, the males and females can get along at the same time. Or maybe it's because time is short. The blossoms will not wait for temperamental territorial testosterone.
I have noticed in all of this, those little guys are neither all that little nor are they all that quiet. One would think a giant bee was in the neighborhood to hear the sound of their wings even ten feet away. All in all, it is a wonderful time - with these peaceful, gentle creatures - the bees, the birds and the chipmunks. And it is the gardens, planted as much for them and the butterflies that are beginning to come and for my sense of peace and sanity, that make this the best time of the year.
Recently I was checking on the roses I planted this spring in the center of the garden that holds center court in the midst of my circular driveway. I was amazed at the dozens of busy bees buzzing all around the hosta crown of the rock enclosure. The bees were not the least bothered by my presence. And I felt no threat from them. After the national news of entire bee colonies dying from some mysterious cause just a few years ago, I feel a kind of joy seeing beautiful honey bees happy and content in my gardens. Although I do have to stop putting in any more gardens. The two that went in this year must be the last if for no other reason than the sheer cost of Spring and Fall preparations. At least I have (more or less) converted the majority of all ten (10!)of them to perennial plants. Now the task will be to keep the chipmunks and squirrels from knocking down the early blooms in the course of their mad races through "their" playgrounds. (Or deciding they are the PERFECT place to stash their seeds and other goodies down amongst the bulbs and roots - not so good!)
The final benefit of the weather and the flowers has been the increase in hummingbird activity around here, too. At least three have been enjoying the red sugary liquid feeder on the back porch. Strange how the male will not share with any others. As beautiful as his red throat is, he is a greedy son-of-a gun. And then he'll go perch himself nearby on a tall bracket between the black-eyed Susan's in the garden next to the walkway, just in case the ladies come by. Of course, out in the circular driveway garden, there have been as many as four zipping among the bee balm and hosta flowers. Maybe because there are so many places where flowers await attention, the males and females can get along at the same time. Or maybe it's because time is short. The blossoms will not wait for temperamental territorial testosterone.
I have noticed in all of this, those little guys are neither all that little nor are they all that quiet. One would think a giant bee was in the neighborhood to hear the sound of their wings even ten feet away. All in all, it is a wonderful time - with these peaceful, gentle creatures - the bees, the birds and the chipmunks. And it is the gardens, planted as much for them and the butterflies that are beginning to come and for my sense of peace and sanity, that make this the best time of the year.
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