Laura Jones announces campaign for State House Representative

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Laura Jones

Laura Jones, retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, and Vassalboro native, has announced her election campaign for House District #61, Vassalboro, and part of Sidney.

“Vassalboro has always been where my heart is and where I was happy to return to. I served my country for 25 years and now I am happy to serve my community. I will continue to work as hard as I can in Augusta for the people of Vassalboro and Sidney,” said Jones.

Jones, 52, a fourth generation Vassalboro resident, was born in Waterville and raised in Vassalboro. Jones served 25 years in the military, with deployments and assignments to Haiti, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Japan. She currently works at her family’s business, Fieldstone Gardens, in Vassalboro, She has been very active in the community helping organize and promote community events for the Vassalboro Historical Society, Grange, Mill and Vassalboro Business Association. She currently serves on the board of the Vassalboro Historical Society and is its treasurer.

“Laura’s contributions to the community since retiring from military service are commendable and her life experiences will serve her well in Augusta,” said Barbara Redmond, former Vassalboro select board member. “Laura is an excellent candidate and will do a great job representing the residents of Vassalboro and part of Sidney in the legislature.”

Katrina Smith announces re-election bid campaign

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Katrina Smith

Maine State Representative Katrina Smith, District #62, has announced the launch of her re-election campaign to the Maine State House. Elected in 2022, Rep. Smith has served the last session on the Inno­vation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business Committee overseeing Economic development, licensing and growth initiatives for the state of Maine.

“I will continue to be a voice for the people of my district and have been so grateful for their ongoing support and encouragement. I am always available to my constituents and no matter the political party will continue to tackle the problems that are important to them,” Smith said.

“I look forward to continuing to represent the towns of China, Palermo, Somerville, Windsor and Hibberts Gore and hope to talk to as many people as possible during the campaign season!”

Katrina can be reached at katrinaformaine@gmail.com, at 207-230-9583 or on her facebook page: Representative Katrina Smith.

EVENTS: Lincoln Dems to host panel on Gen Z & Millennial voters

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The Lincoln County Democratic Committee (LCDC) will hold its next meeting Thursday, April 25, with a panel discussion on engaging Gen Z and Millennial voters.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m., and will be in a hybrid format. Participants can join in person at the Newcastle Fire Station, 86 River Rd. in Newcastle, or via Zoom.
Pre-registration for the meeting is required for non-voting members who want to receive Zoom log on and/or phone-in details. Register at https://lincolncountydemocrats.com/meet before noon the day of the meeting to ensure access. However, LCDC will do its best to accommodate last-minute registrations.

More information about LCDC, its meetings, and other activities can be found at https://lincolncountydemocrats.com. Questions can be emailed to info@lincolncountydemocrats.com.

China & Vassalboro presidential primary results

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China Town Clerk Angela Nelson reported the following results from Tuesday’s primary election.

Two hundred and two Democratic votes were cast, with Joseph R. Biden, Jr., receiving 164, or 81 percent. Dean B. Phillips got 19 votes; declared write-in candidate Stephen P. Lyons got 17; and two ballots were left blank.

On the Republican side, 461 ballots were cast, 358 (78 percent) for Donald J. Trump. Nikki R. Haley got 91 votes (20 percent). Trailing well behind were Ron DeSantis with four votes; Vivek G. Ramaswamy with three; blank ballots and write-ins with two votes each; and Ryan L. Binkley with one vote.

Nelson called the 663 votes “a lower than normal turnout for China,” but, she said, “it was a nice steady flow all day.” Unexpected visitors included Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and a reporter from Channel 6 News, who stood outside the polling room under an umbrella.

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Vassalboro town clerk Cathy Coyne reported 523 presidential primary ballots cast in that town, 367 Republican and 156 Democratic.

Donald J. Trump got 284 Republican votes (77 percent), followed by Nikki R. Haley with 80 (22 percent) and Vivek G. Ramaswamy with two. There was one blank ballot; no one voted for Ryan L. Binkley or Ron DeSantis.

Joseph R. Biden received 128, or 82 percent, of the Democratic votes. Dean B. Phillips received 14, and there were 14 blank ballots. No Vassalboro voter chose Stephen P. Lyons.

China GOP to caucus

There will be a Town of China Republican Caucus on Thursday March 14, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. The purpose of a Maine Republican town caucus is to elect delegates and a delegation chairman to the Maine Republican State Convention to be held April 26 and 27, 2024; to elect representatives to the Kennebec County Republican Committee; to elect the officers of the Town of China Republican Committee; and to review and ratify bylaws for the town committee. Republican candidates for state and local offices present will be given an opportunity to speak. Any registered Republican voter in the Town of China can participate. The caucus will convene in the portable building behind the town office at 6:30 p.m.

China election results (November 2023)

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The unofficial returns from the November 7, 2023, municipal election for the town of China are as follows:

For select board: Chadwick = 931, Marquis = 810.

Planning board: District 3/ Mather = 996, Alternate At Large/Tripodi = 978

Budget Committee: Chairman/Rumpf = 1,037, District 1/Maroon = 1,062.

All races were uncontested.

All write in positions will be determined later in the week.

The China election saw a turnout of 1,303 voters.

Waldo County GOP to gather

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The Waldo County Republican Committee will be gathering at Mossman Park, in Searsport, on Friday, August 25, beginning at 6 p.m., to have time to connect with each other and have a short meeting at 6:30 p.m., to adopt changes to the county bylaws. Please bring your main course and a side dish or dessert to share.

The only agenda item will be the bylaws and the rest of the time will be reserved for fun and conversations with each other with no one trying to keep us on topic or on a timeline. So far, the amendments to the bylaws are very simple grammatical changes so that part should be quick. In order to make the changes they will need members’ vote on Friday. They will have copies of the proposed changes at the gathering.

LEGISLATIVE REPORT as of Thursday, May 26, 2023

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(photo by Eric W. Austin)

Legislative bills submitted by area senators & representatives as of Friday, May 26:

L.D. 1911, H.P. 1227

An Act Concerning Automotive Right to Repair. (Presented by Representative WHITE of Waterville)

L.D. 1917, S.P. 779

RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine To Implement Ranked-choice Voting for Governor, State Senator and State Representative. (Presented by Senator RENY of Lincoln)

L.D. 1923, S.P. 785

An Act to Provide for Licensing of and Tax Collection from Remote Retail Sellers of Pipe Tobacco and Premium Cigars. (Presented by Senator POULIOT of Kennebec)

L.D. 1925, H.P. 1230

An Act to Clarify and Improve the Laws Relating to the Background Check Center and the Maine Certified Nursing Assistant and Direct Care Worker Registry. (Presented by Representative SHAGOURY of Hallowell)

L.D. 1940, S.P. 789

An Act to Promote Consistent Policies within Growth Management Programs in Order to Increase Food Security and Economic Resiliency in Local Communities. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)

L.D. 1953, H.P. 1255

RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine to Establish a Parental Bill of Rights. (Presented by Representative POIRIER of Skowhegan)

L.D. 1956, H.P. 1258

An Act to Amend the Laws Governing Optometrists. (Presented by Representative POIRIER of Skowhegan)

L.D. 1968, H.P. 1265

An Act to Amend the Membership of the Somerset Woods Trustees. (Presented by Representative DUCHARME of Madison)

L.D. 1980, S.P. 809

An Act to Improve Election Laws and Notarial Laws. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)

(Copies of the Bills may be obtained from the Document Room, First Floor, State House, Augusta, Maine 04333-0002 – Ph: 207-287-1408. Bill text, bill status and roll call information are available on the Internet at http://legislature.maine.gov/LawMakerWeb/search.asp. The Weekly Legislative Report is also available on the Internet at the House home page at http://legislature.maine.gov/house/house/ under the “Documents” tab.)

LEGISLATIVE REPORT as of Thursday, May 11, 2023

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(photo by Eric W. Austin)

Legislative bills submitted by area senators and representatives.

L.D. 1852, H.P. 1182

An Act to Eliminate the Lodging Tax on Campground Sites and Revert to Using the Current Sales Tax. (Presented by Representative POIRIER of Skowhegan)

L.D. 1875, H.P. 1200

Resolve, to Create a Pilot Program for Apprenticeships for Inmates. (Presented by Representative MONTELL of Gardiner)

(Copies of the Bills may be obtained from the Document Room, First Floor, State House, Augusta, Maine 04333-0002 – Ph: 207-287-1408. Bill text, bill status and roll call information are available on the Internet at http://legislature.maine.gov/LawMakerWeb/search.asp. The Weekly Legislative Report is also available on the Internet at the House home page at http://legislature.maine.gov/house/house/ under the “Documents” tab.).

LEGISLATIVE REPORT as of Thursday, May 4, 2023

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(photo by Eric W. Austin)

L.D. 1725, S.P. 689

An Act to Strengthen Legislative Oversight of Government Agencies and Programs by Providing the Government Oversight Committee Access to Confidential Records. (EMERGENCY) (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)

L.D. 1737, H.P. 1116

An Act to Provide up to $5,000 in Property Tax Relief to Veterans. (Presented by Representative HYMES of Waldo)

L.D. 1745, H.P. 1124

An Act to Support Public Health by Protecting Certain Activities Conducted Under Comprehensive Community Drug Checking Initiatives. (Presented by Representative LaROCHELLE of Augusta)

L.D. 1751, S.P. 696

An Act to Maximize Federal Funding in Support of Emergency Medical Services. (Presented by Senator CURRY of Waldo)

L.D. 1752, S.P. 697

Resolve, to Prepare Preapproved Building Types. (Presented by Senator POULIOT of Kennebec)

L.D. 1754, S.P. 700

Resolve, to Establish the Commission to Study the Delivery of Services to Children and Families. (EMERGENCY) (Presented by Senator CURRY of Waldo)

L.D. 1755, S.P. 701

An Act to Exempt All Youth Development Nonprofit Organizations from Sales Tax and the Service Provider Tax. (Presented by Senator CURRY of Waldo)

L.D. 1757, S.P. 703

An Act to Amend the Laws Governing the Reporting and Tracking of Adult Use Cannabis. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)

Copies of the Bills may be obtained from the Document Room, First Floor, State House, Augusta, Maine 04333-0002 – Ph: 207-287-1408. Bill text, bill status and roll call information are available on the Internet at http://legislature.maine.gov/LawMakerWeb/search.asp. The Weekly Legislative Report is also available on the Internet at the House home page at http://legislature.maine.gov/house/house/ under the “Documents” tab.).

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Legislative bills submitted by area senators & representatives as of Friday, April 28, 2023

L.D. 1787, H.P. 1150

Resolve, Directing the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to Convene a Stakeholder Group Tasked with a Comprehensive Overhaul and Modernization of the State Subdivision Statutes. (Presented by Representative DUCHARME of Madison

L.D. 1818, S.P. 733

An Act Regarding Port Facilities Relating to Offshore Wind Power Projects. (Presented by Senator CURRY of Waldo)

L.D. 1819, S.P. 734

An Act to Create the Maine Medical Cannabis Advisory Commission and the Medical Cannabis Alternative Health Board. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)

L.D. 1823, S.P. 739

An Act to Respect and Protect the Right to Food. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)

L.D. 1824, S.P. 740

Resolve, to Establish the Commission to Study the Constitution of Maine. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)

L.D. 1828, S.P. 74

An Act Regarding Enhanced 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Points. (EMERGENCY) (Presented by Senator LaFOUNTAIN of Kennebec

L.D. 1832, H.P. 1164

An Act to Require Reimbursement of Fees for Treatment Rendered by Public and Private Ambulance Services. (EMERGENCY) (Presented by Representative CYRWAY of Albion)

L.D. 1842, H.P. 1174

Resolve, to Support Energy Upgrades at Maine Public Schools and Ensure That New School Construction Meets Current Energy Efficiency Standards. (Presented by Representative LaROCHELLE of Augusta)

L.D. 1847, S.P. 748

An Act to Modify the Visual Impact Standards for Offshore Wind Port Development. (Governor’s Bill) (Presented by Senator CURRY of Waldo)

(Copies of the Bills may be obtained from the Document Room, First Floor, State House, Augusta, Maine 04333-0002 – Ph: 207-287-1408. Bill text, bill status and roll call information are available on the Internet at http://legislature.maine.gov/LawMakerWeb/search.asp. The Weekly Legislative Report is also available on the Internet at the House home page at http://legislature.maine.gov/house/house/ under the “Documents” tab.)

LEGISLATIVE REPORT as of Thursday, April 27, 2023

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(photo by Eric W. Austin)

Legislative bills submitted by area senators & representatives as of Thursday, April 27, 2023.

L.D. 1477, S.P. 597

RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine to Align the Proceedings for Circulating Written Petitions for People’s Vetoes and Direct Initiatives with Federal Law. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)

L.D. 1479, S.P. 599

Resolve, Directing the Public Utilities Commission to Convene a Stakeholder Group Regarding Liquefied Propane Gas Systems and the So-called Dig Safe Law. (Presented by Senator POULIOT of Kennebec)

L.D. 1482, S.P. 603

An Act to Impose a Moratorium on Open-pit Rock Quarry Excavation. (EMERGENCY) (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)

L.D. 1483, S.P. 604

An Act to Protect the Rights of Agricultural Workers. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)

L.D. 1493, H.P. 948

An Act to Increase Affordable Housing by Expanding Tax Increment Financing. (Presented by Representative LaROCHELLE of Augusta)

L.D. 1499, H.P. 954

An Act Regarding Penalties for Early Retirement for Certain Members of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System. (Presented by Representative SHAGOURY of Hallowell)

L.D. 1536, S.P. 609

RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine to Amend the Governor’s Power to Reprieve, Pardon and Commute Sentences and Remit Penalties. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)

L.D. 1555, S.P. 619

An Act to Amend the Pine Tree Development Zone Program. (Presented by Senator CURRY of Waldo)

L.D. 1565, H.P. 1010

Resolve, to Establish a Pilot Program to Provide Grants to Expand Age Eligibility for Life Skills and Vocational Programs in Public Schools. (Presented by Representative MONTELL of Gardiner)

L.D. 1586, H.P. 1031

An Act to Enable Occupational License Portability and Prohibit Use of Good Character Qualifications in Occupational Licensing. (Presented by Representative SMITH of Palermo)

L.D. 1589, H.P. 1034

Resolve, Directing the Department of Education to Adopt Rules Prohibiting Teachers in Public Schools from Engaging in Political, Ideological and Religious Advocacy in the Classroom. (Presented by Representative SMITH of Palermo)

L.D. 1623, H.P. 1048

An Act to Prohibit All State Subsidies for Electric Vehicles. (Presented by Representative RUDNICKI of Fairfield)

L.D. 1630, S.P. 647

An Act Regarding Campaign Finance and Lobbying Disclosure and Enforcement of Income Source Reporting Requirements. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)

L.D. 1671, H.P. 1069

An Act to Reduce the Income Tax to 4.5 Percent on the Lowest Tax Bracket and Remove Low-income Families from Taxation. (Presented by Representative DUCHARME of Madison)

L.D. 1717, H.P. 1108

An Act to Provide a Property Tax Exemption for All Veterans over 62 Years of Age. (Presented by Representative COLLAMORE of Pittsfield)

(Copies of the Bills may be obtained from the Document Room, First Floor, State House, Augusta, Maine 04333-0002 – Ph: 207-287-1408. Bill text, bill status and roll call information are available on the Internet at http://legislature.maine.gov/LawMakerWeb/search.asp.

The Weekly Legislative Report is also available on the Internet at the House home page at http://legislature.maine.gov/house/house/ under the “Documents” tab.)