| Somerset County Republican Committee |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
MINUTES OF JANUARY 22, 2009 MEETING
The meeting was held in Solon. The meeting was opened by Chairman Matthew Schaeffer. Minutes were accepted
as printed.
Matt announced his resignation as Chairman. He said he does not the time available that is required to be
Chairman. We will decide on a new chairman at our next meeting.
We discussed the issue of one of our Republican candidates campaigning against another of our candidates. It was
decided to send a letter to that person expressing our concern about this matter.
Legislators Phil Curtis and Wright Pinkham were at our meeting. They gave us an update and we discussed various
legislative issues with them. Rep. Phil Curtis the Republican Whip.
Due to the small attendance at this meeting, Dena Worster, Fund Raising Chairman, decided to wait until our next
meeting to present her fund raising plan. We are planning a Maple Syrup Dinner in the spring and will discuss it at
our next meeting.
Matt Schaeffer and Marc Pembroke spoke about the State Committee. Charlie Webster has been chosen to be the
new State Party Chairman.
Marc Pembroke and Elaine Aloes talked about the County Charter Commission. The committee is discussing make it
a 5 member County Commissioner Board. We reviewed the proposed districts and discussed making the seats non
partisan.
The meeting was adjourned. Respectfully, Elaine Aloes, Secretary
The meeting was held in Solon. The meeting was opened by Chairman Matthew Schaeffer. Minutes were accepted
as printed.
Matt announced his resignation as Chairman. He said he does not the time available that is required to be
Chairman. We will decide on a new chairman at our next meeting.
We discussed the issue of one of our Republican candidates campaigning against another of our candidates. It was
decided to send a letter to that person expressing our concern about this matter.
Legislators Phil Curtis and Wright Pinkham were at our meeting. They gave us an update and we discussed various
legislative issues with them. Rep. Phil Curtis the Republican Whip.
Due to the small attendance at this meeting, Dena Worster, Fund Raising Chairman, decided to wait until our next
meeting to present her fund raising plan. We are planning a Maple Syrup Dinner in the spring and will discuss it at
our next meeting.
Matt Schaeffer and Marc Pembroke spoke about the State Committee. Charlie Webster has been chosen to be the
new State Party Chairman.
Marc Pembroke and Elaine Aloes talked about the County Charter Commission. The committee is discussing make it
a 5 member County Commissioner Board. We reviewed the proposed districts and discussed making the seats non
partisan.
The meeting was adjourned. Respectfully, Elaine Aloes, Secretary
The meeting was held in Skowhegan. The meeting was opened by Vice Chairman Chris Perkins. Minutes were
accepted as read. Treasurer’s report was accepted as read.
State Committeewoman Cynthia Izon reported that officers were elected for the State Party: Charlie Webster,
Chairman; Charlie Summers, Vice Chairman; Chuck Mahaleris, Secretary; & Phil Roy, Treasurer.
State Committeeman Marc Pembroke reported the Michael Steele was elected chair of the National Republican
Committee.
Phil Roy said Charlie Webster was unable to attend because he was sick. He will be doing major fundraising
activities and wants to reenergize our party. Phil also reported on the embezzling by an employee of the state party’
s accounting firm. $48,500 was embezzled and $39,500 restitution has been paid already. Due to legal actions,
party officials were not allowed to discuss the case until recently.
Dena Worster, Fund Raising Chairman, presented her fund raising plan. She is asking for volunteers to help out.
Cynthia Izon and Walter Reuter volunteered to be on her committee.
Rep. Phil Curtis, House Republican Whip, said there are 55 republicans, 95 democrats and 1 unenrolled in the
House and in the Senate it is 15 republicans and 20 democrats. The Democrats want Republican support on the
budget so they have been willing to negotiate some on it. Last year’s budget was $6.3 billion. The U.S. Stimulus Bill
has a lot of strings attached to it. The House is already recruiting candidates.
Rep. Stacy Fitts said Republicans are fighting to keep the spending down.
Sen. Peter Mills said this time the budget needs to pass with a 2/3 majority so Republicans are getting to give their
input.
Walter Reuther reminded us that the By Law Committee still needs to complete its work.
The election was held for the new chairman. Kathy Watson was nominated and elected chairman. She said all
politics are local and we need to start fundraising and planning for the 2010 election campaign. We need a
volunteer base that is willing to help our candidates.
The meeting was adjourned. Respectfully, Elaine Aloes, Secretary
accepted as read. Treasurer’s report was accepted as read.
State Committeewoman Cynthia Izon reported that officers were elected for the State Party: Charlie Webster,
Chairman; Charlie Summers, Vice Chairman; Chuck Mahaleris, Secretary; & Phil Roy, Treasurer.
State Committeeman Marc Pembroke reported the Michael Steele was elected chair of the National Republican
Committee.
Phil Roy said Charlie Webster was unable to attend because he was sick. He will be doing major fundraising
activities and wants to reenergize our party. Phil also reported on the embezzling by an employee of the state party’
s accounting firm. $48,500 was embezzled and $39,500 restitution has been paid already. Due to legal actions,
party officials were not allowed to discuss the case until recently.
Dena Worster, Fund Raising Chairman, presented her fund raising plan. She is asking for volunteers to help out.
Cynthia Izon and Walter Reuter volunteered to be on her committee.
Rep. Phil Curtis, House Republican Whip, said there are 55 republicans, 95 democrats and 1 unenrolled in the
House and in the Senate it is 15 republicans and 20 democrats. The Democrats want Republican support on the
budget so they have been willing to negotiate some on it. Last year’s budget was $6.3 billion. The U.S. Stimulus Bill
has a lot of strings attached to it. The House is already recruiting candidates.
Rep. Stacy Fitts said Republicans are fighting to keep the spending down.
Sen. Peter Mills said this time the budget needs to pass with a 2/3 majority so Republicans are getting to give their
input.
Walter Reuther reminded us that the By Law Committee still needs to complete its work.
The election was held for the new chairman. Kathy Watson was nominated and elected chairman. She said all
politics are local and we need to start fundraising and planning for the 2010 election campaign. We need a
volunteer base that is willing to help our candidates.
The meeting was adjourned. Respectfully, Elaine Aloes, Secretary
The meeting was held in Skowhegan. The meeting was opened by Chairman Kathy Watson. Minutes were
accepted as read. Treasurer’s report was accepted as read.
Kathy Watson introduced herself and her goals for our committee. She said she got the 2008 Caucus County
Committee list from the state party. There are 155 members listed, most of whom have not been coming to
meetings. Also several towns did not caucus. We need to reach out and invite these members and republicans from
the towns that did not caucus to come to our meetings. We will be doing workshops on elections and voter lists. Our
goal is to raise money for the 2010 campaign.
Matthew Boucher, representing Jason Levesque, spoke to us. Mr. Levesque is exploring running for the 2nd
Congressional District seat. He will try to be at our June meeting. His website is levesqueformaine.com
Rep. Phil Curtis, House Republican Whip, said we are losing key votes in the legislature because we are the
minority. The State budget will be reduced by $573 million with most of this reduction for the next budget cycle. The
budget will need a 2/3 majority vote to pass. The State is also increasing fees and reducing funds for the
municipalities and schools. The State debt is between $30 to $40 billion. The State will not be having an election in
June on any bonds or referendums.
We discussed the Skowhegan Fair booth. Phil said we need to send in the $175 deposit on the booth. The total
cost is $350 for the booth and $175 for fair insurance. It was voted to send in the deposit. The balance is due by
July 31. It was also decided to again do the rifle or shotgun raffle. Also we need to better organize the fair, have a
presence at the other fairs and to sell the raffle tickets.
Phil Roy said the State Party is not in debt and all bills have been paid. He said Chairman Charlie Webster will not
run a deficit budget and is working on getting donations and building the party.
Dena Worster, Fund Raising Chairman, resigned her position. She did not feel that the committee was interested
in her ideas and objected to our not meeting every month.
Our next meeting will be in June and will be the Chicken Barbecue hosted by the Skowhegan Republican
Committee. We will also do a fund raising Auction with Bud Jones as our auctioneer. Everyone is to bring an item
for the auction.
The meeting was adjourned. Respectfully, Elaine Aloes, Secretary
accepted as read. Treasurer’s report was accepted as read.
Kathy Watson introduced herself and her goals for our committee. She said she got the 2008 Caucus County
Committee list from the state party. There are 155 members listed, most of whom have not been coming to
meetings. Also several towns did not caucus. We need to reach out and invite these members and republicans from
the towns that did not caucus to come to our meetings. We will be doing workshops on elections and voter lists. Our
goal is to raise money for the 2010 campaign.
Matthew Boucher, representing Jason Levesque, spoke to us. Mr. Levesque is exploring running for the 2nd
Congressional District seat. He will try to be at our June meeting. His website is levesqueformaine.com
Rep. Phil Curtis, House Republican Whip, said we are losing key votes in the legislature because we are the
minority. The State budget will be reduced by $573 million with most of this reduction for the next budget cycle. The
budget will need a 2/3 majority vote to pass. The State is also increasing fees and reducing funds for the
municipalities and schools. The State debt is between $30 to $40 billion. The State will not be having an election in
June on any bonds or referendums.
We discussed the Skowhegan Fair booth. Phil said we need to send in the $175 deposit on the booth. The total
cost is $350 for the booth and $175 for fair insurance. It was voted to send in the deposit. The balance is due by
July 31. It was also decided to again do the rifle or shotgun raffle. Also we need to better organize the fair, have a
presence at the other fairs and to sell the raffle tickets.
Phil Roy said the State Party is not in debt and all bills have been paid. He said Chairman Charlie Webster will not
run a deficit budget and is working on getting donations and building the party.
Dena Worster, Fund Raising Chairman, resigned her position. She did not feel that the committee was interested
in her ideas and objected to our not meeting every month.
Our next meeting will be in June and will be the Chicken Barbecue hosted by the Skowhegan Republican
Committee. We will also do a fund raising Auction with Bud Jones as our auctioneer. Everyone is to bring an item
for the auction.
The meeting was adjourned. Respectfully, Elaine Aloes, Secretary
MINUTES OF JUNE 25, 2009 MEETING
The meeting was held in Skowhegan at Steeve’s Strawberry Hill Sugar Shack. It was preceded by an excellent
chicken barbecue put on by the Skowhegan Republican Committee. We also had a fund raising Auction with Bud
Jones as the Auctioneer. The meeting was opened by Chairman Kathy Watson. Minutes were accepted as read.
Treasurer’s report was accepted as read.
Kathy Watson said she is sending out a fund raising letter for our committee. We need money for a GOP office in
Skowhegan and to help out our candidates. Phil said Sheriff Delong is still trying to get a gun for our raffle.
State Rep. Stacy Fitts said there are 55 House Republicans and we need to get more Republicans elected.
However all the Republicans held together and kept the bond limit to $150 million instead of the $306 million the
Democrats wanted.
State Senator Peter Mills said they have to keep their eyes open all the town on the bills.and we need more
Republican eyes. We cut ½ Billion dollars out of the budget and budget shortfalls are only going to worse next time.
Rep. Wright Pinkham said Rep. Doug Thomas worked hard on the Transportation bill. Rep. Thomas said
Republicans stood firm on it until it was revised. The Democrats could not get the 2/3 majority they needed without
the Republican vote. We need to stick to our principals and stick together.
Chris Perkins gave the Fair update. Maitland Richardson will help him with the Skowhegan Fair and set up will be
on Wed. August 12. Wright Pinkham will do the New Portland Fair. Kay Laney and Matt Schaeffer will do the
Norridgewock fair. Doug Thomas will do the Harmony Fair.
State Committee Chairman Charlie Webster was introduced. He was our Senator for 10 years. Charlie said he has
appointed Cynthia Izon, our State Committeewoman, for the 2nd District Field Director. Also the State Committee is
working on the People’s Veto of the Tax Reform bill. Charlie said “We don’t have an income problem, we have a
spending problem”.
Potential Governor Candidates Paul LePage and Bruce Peloquin and 2nd Congressional District Representative
Candidate Jason Levesque were introduced and talked about their candidacies.
Our next meeting will be the 4th Thursday of September.
The meeting was adjourned. Respectfully, Elaine Aloes, Secretary
The meeting was held in Skowhegan at Steeve’s Strawberry Hill Sugar Shack. It was preceded by an excellent
chicken barbecue put on by the Skowhegan Republican Committee. We also had a fund raising Auction with Bud
Jones as the Auctioneer. The meeting was opened by Chairman Kathy Watson. Minutes were accepted as read.
Treasurer’s report was accepted as read.
Kathy Watson said she is sending out a fund raising letter for our committee. We need money for a GOP office in
Skowhegan and to help out our candidates. Phil said Sheriff Delong is still trying to get a gun for our raffle.
State Rep. Stacy Fitts said there are 55 House Republicans and we need to get more Republicans elected.
However all the Republicans held together and kept the bond limit to $150 million instead of the $306 million the
Democrats wanted.
State Senator Peter Mills said they have to keep their eyes open all the town on the bills.and we need more
Republican eyes. We cut ½ Billion dollars out of the budget and budget shortfalls are only going to worse next time.
Rep. Wright Pinkham said Rep. Doug Thomas worked hard on the Transportation bill. Rep. Thomas said
Republicans stood firm on it until it was revised. The Democrats could not get the 2/3 majority they needed without
the Republican vote. We need to stick to our principals and stick together.
Chris Perkins gave the Fair update. Maitland Richardson will help him with the Skowhegan Fair and set up will be
on Wed. August 12. Wright Pinkham will do the New Portland Fair. Kay Laney and Matt Schaeffer will do the
Norridgewock fair. Doug Thomas will do the Harmony Fair.
State Committee Chairman Charlie Webster was introduced. He was our Senator for 10 years. Charlie said he has
appointed Cynthia Izon, our State Committeewoman, for the 2nd District Field Director. Also the State Committee is
working on the People’s Veto of the Tax Reform bill. Charlie said “We don’t have an income problem, we have a
spending problem”.
Potential Governor Candidates Paul LePage and Bruce Peloquin and 2nd Congressional District Representative
Candidate Jason Levesque were introduced and talked about their candidacies.
Our next meeting will be the 4th Thursday of September.
The meeting was adjourned. Respectfully, Elaine Aloes, Secretary
MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 24, 2009 MEETING
The meeting was held in Skowhegan at Charrier’s Restaurant. The meeting was opened by Chairman
Kathy Watson. Minutes were accepted as read after a correction on Paul LePage’s name. Treasurer’s
report was accepted as read. We had $912.46 as of August 1, 2009. The fairs cost $965.50. After
deposits of 1258.71 we have a check book balance of $1,205.67. Phil also has another $200 to deposit.
We still owe the Skowhegan Republican Committee $200 and Bangor Letter Shop $350. It was voted to
pay those two bills.
Sheriff Barry Delong was thanked for again obtaining the gun for our raffle.
Walter Reuther asked if Matt Schaeffer had submitted a written resignation prior to the election at our
February 2009 meeting of a new Chairman. Elaine Aloes told him that Matt had resigned verbally at our
January 2009 meeting and then sent an email out a few days later stating he had resigned as Chairman.
State Committee Chairman Charlie Webster said that the petition drive to repeal the tax reform package
collected over 60,000 signatures. He thanked every one who helped collect signatures.
Chris Perkins said the Skowhegan fair went real good and we pretty much broke even after paying for all
the fair booth expenses and the shotgun. We had a good crew of volunteers to man the booth. Chris said
we then did the New Portland Fair which did not cost us any money. Al Laney reported we made $309 at
the New Portland Fair selling popcorn and shotgun raffle tickets. He gave Phil a check in that amount.
Doug Thomas said the Harmony Fair went well also but you are not allowed to do any fundraising there.
Elaine Aloes reported on the status of the County Charter Referendum. The charter was completed and
sent to the County Administrator on August 17th. However the lawyer hired to help the Charter
Commission did not submit her legal opinion and Elaine was not informed of that until September 17 after
the 60 deadline was passed. So the Charter will not be voted on until either June or November 2010.
Elaine Aloes also talked about the Excise Tax Referendum that is on the November ballot. As a Selectman
she is concerned about the loss of revenue for the towns. In Solon it is about $50,000 and Davida Barter
said in Skowhegan it is about $500,000 in lost revenue. Also 68% of Mainers will not see any excise relief.
Only those who can afford to buy new or newer vehicles will pay less excise tax.
The election for State Committeeman, State Committeewoman and State Committeeperson was held.
There was some discussion on whether Senator Smith and Rep. Johnson were able to vote according to
our By-Laws. The By-laws were unclear. They represent towns in Somerset County but do not live in
Somerset County. A motion was made, seconded and approved to allow them to vote. For State
Committeewoman Dena Worster and Kay Laney were nominated. Dena won 22-19. For State
Committeeman Matt Schaeffer and Myles Ranger were nominated. Myles won 22-18. For State
Committee Member-At-Large Matt Schaeffer and Kay Laney were nominated. Kay Laney won 20-19.
Senator Smith, Rep. Davis and Rep. Johnson spoke to us. Senator Smith stressed the need to elect more
Republicans.
It was decided that the By-Law Committee needs to work on the By-laws revision. Elaine will email them
copies of the By-laws and work with them on preparing a draft for our next meeting if possible.
Bob Turnbull won the 50/50 raffle. Our next meeting will be the 4th Thursday of October.
The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully, Elaine Aloes, Secretary
The meeting was held in Skowhegan at Charrier’s Restaurant. The meeting was opened by Chairman
Kathy Watson. Minutes were accepted as read after a correction on Paul LePage’s name. Treasurer’s
report was accepted as read. We had $912.46 as of August 1, 2009. The fairs cost $965.50. After
deposits of 1258.71 we have a check book balance of $1,205.67. Phil also has another $200 to deposit.
We still owe the Skowhegan Republican Committee $200 and Bangor Letter Shop $350. It was voted to
pay those two bills.
Sheriff Barry Delong was thanked for again obtaining the gun for our raffle.
Walter Reuther asked if Matt Schaeffer had submitted a written resignation prior to the election at our
February 2009 meeting of a new Chairman. Elaine Aloes told him that Matt had resigned verbally at our
January 2009 meeting and then sent an email out a few days later stating he had resigned as Chairman.
State Committee Chairman Charlie Webster said that the petition drive to repeal the tax reform package
collected over 60,000 signatures. He thanked every one who helped collect signatures.
Chris Perkins said the Skowhegan fair went real good and we pretty much broke even after paying for all
the fair booth expenses and the shotgun. We had a good crew of volunteers to man the booth. Chris said
we then did the New Portland Fair which did not cost us any money. Al Laney reported we made $309 at
the New Portland Fair selling popcorn and shotgun raffle tickets. He gave Phil a check in that amount.
Doug Thomas said the Harmony Fair went well also but you are not allowed to do any fundraising there.
Elaine Aloes reported on the status of the County Charter Referendum. The charter was completed and
sent to the County Administrator on August 17th. However the lawyer hired to help the Charter
Commission did not submit her legal opinion and Elaine was not informed of that until September 17 after
the 60 deadline was passed. So the Charter will not be voted on until either June or November 2010.
Elaine Aloes also talked about the Excise Tax Referendum that is on the November ballot. As a Selectman
she is concerned about the loss of revenue for the towns. In Solon it is about $50,000 and Davida Barter
said in Skowhegan it is about $500,000 in lost revenue. Also 68% of Mainers will not see any excise relief.
Only those who can afford to buy new or newer vehicles will pay less excise tax.
The election for State Committeeman, State Committeewoman and State Committeeperson was held.
There was some discussion on whether Senator Smith and Rep. Johnson were able to vote according to
our By-Laws. The By-laws were unclear. They represent towns in Somerset County but do not live in
Somerset County. A motion was made, seconded and approved to allow them to vote. For State
Committeewoman Dena Worster and Kay Laney were nominated. Dena won 22-19. For State
Committeeman Matt Schaeffer and Myles Ranger were nominated. Myles won 22-18. For State
Committee Member-At-Large Matt Schaeffer and Kay Laney were nominated. Kay Laney won 20-19.
Senator Smith, Rep. Davis and Rep. Johnson spoke to us. Senator Smith stressed the need to elect more
Republicans.
It was decided that the By-Law Committee needs to work on the By-laws revision. Elaine will email them
copies of the By-laws and work with them on preparing a draft for our next meeting if possible.
Bob Turnbull won the 50/50 raffle. Our next meeting will be the 4th Thursday of October.
The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully, Elaine Aloes, Secretary
The meeting was held in Skowhegan at the Renaissance Center. The meeting was opened by Chairman
Kathy Watson. Minutes were accepted as printed. The Treasurer was not present so there was no
treasurer’s report.
Kathy gave her Chairman Remarks: our mission is to work together to elect Republicans; town
committees should be meeting and checking their town’s voting lists for accuracy; and none of us like
Democrat rule.
Gubernatorial candidate Senator Peter Mills spoke to us. Peter has been working on energy issues.
Maine produces a surplus of power but we pay the high New England rates. Wind power generation is
expanding in Maine and we should benefit from in reductions in our electrical rates. We should also be
compensated for the proposed power corridor from Canada to southern New England. He is also
concerned that our medical costs are too high in Maine and we need to find a way to reduce costs.
Second District Congressional candidate Jason Levesque also spoke to us. He is concerned about our
rising taxes, poor national defense and the erosion of our personal liberties. 2010 will be the year
Americans decide on whether they will walk off the cliff or turn this nation around. Change is needed but
it is the change back to our roots. Not the direction the Congress is taking our nation now. As a veteran
he is concerned about veterans and active duty servicemen issues. He is a businessman and is
interested in economic growth and development issues. Also another major issue is energy production
and costs. Rep. Michaud’s campaign is well funded but he believes Michaud can be beaten. Jason
needs campaign donations.
Chuck Mahaleris, representing Senator Collins, said she is opposed to the public option in the health
care bills.
Sen. Doug Smith and Rep. Peter Johnson spoke briefly. Rep. Phil Curtis attended the meeting but did
not speak.
Al Laney announced that gun raffle was drawn on October 22 and Earl Boyles of Waterville was the
winner.
Maitland Richardson said it is important for us to work on the voting lists and to get email addresses for
as many people as we can to help our candidates out.
Elections were held for the Platform Committee for the State Convention. Nominees were Donna Finley,
Hadley Smith and Matthew Schaeffer. Donna Finley won the vote.
Kathy said the town caucus packages will be ready in January and will be passed out at our January
meeting. It is important all the towns caucus. Kathy said the State Convention is going to be May 7 & 8
in Portland.
Al Laney won the 50/50 raffle. Our next meeting will be the 4th Thursday of January.
The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully, Elaine Aloes, Secretary