Tuesday, June 08, 2010
The United Stance of the Write-In Candidates: Jennifer Norris (1 YR), Juliet Alexander (3 YR), and Peter Tinkham (3 YR)
May 14, 2010
Dear Editor,
Three thousand years ago the blind poet, Homer, said: Even the fool is wise AFTER the event. The modern Irishman puts it: If you saw shells, you'd guess eggs. Even our present selectmen for whom any sign of legitimate PROGRESS is considered a breach of group unity, know SOMETHING is terribly wrong in the direction our beautiful town is headed - they just can't figure out what to do about it.
In fact, the current flock of candidates for selectman are mostly either present or former occupants of the board and it is obvious that even if one, or at the extreme range of probability, two, have a grip on the situation, if elected or re-elected, they will spend their term in office hopelessly and helplessly OUTNUMBERED, while Rumford continues its slide into the abyss of economic catastrophe and political and moral derangement.
The chaotic and disordered element in this town, and we are not only referring to the people who flock here on relief looking for title eight housing or psychotropic drugs, can be measured by the double homicide which happened two blocks from the public library. In fact, that is the day our view of the trouble this town was in crystallized. There are three instructive lessons to be learned from that incredible event.
First, is the fact that the house in which the victims resided is STILL on Pine Street ready to spontaneously combust at any moment. So much for evidence of concern on the part of the current crop of selectmen to conditions in their fair town. Second, is the unbelievably stupid comments made by the family of both of the unfortunate deceased, illustrating the pandemonium that exists in many families in Rumford today. Third, both of the murderers were recent graduates of Mountain Valley High School and one of them was apparently on the honor roll there. Both of them close on the heels of that quadruple murderer in Hartford who had significant Rumford and MVHS connections.
What's to do? Remember back when YOU were in high school and were facing a multiple choice test? For every question there were at least four answers and you could circle only one. Many of them were devious, two or three seemed to be correct at first glance but left out an important piece of information. Then you circled NONE OF THE ABOVE. What we propose to your readership as a solution to this dilemma is a unified WRITE -IN campaign for the three open seats on the Board of Selectmen. A campaign that is based on the theme of NONE OF THE ABOVE.
Many of the more than half-dozen candidates who have tossed their hats into the ring this year for the unprecedented three openings are no doubt good people. Some of them have been selectmen before and some of them are selectmen now, but none of them can answer the question: How are you, if elected, going to prevent our beautiful town from being flushed down the toilet? We know this because the town has been sliding down the drain ON THEIR WATCH. Much as we respect their efforts now and in the past, they have not been up to the tremendous job that is required. Possibly some are individually able and even gifted administrators, but with no unified plan they will spend their elected terms butting heads, dissing one another and passing staggering and unjustified tax increases. To say nothing of passively permitting parts of the town go to rack and ruin for lack of proper code oversight, and the prudent employment of eminent domain to keep the fire hazards at bay and the property value of the rest of our houses from disintegrating..
Our unified slate of candidates, intelligent, mature, Christian and willing to serve, intend, if elected, to build on the tremendous civic heritage that was given to us by the committed energy and foresight of Rumford's founding and subsequent town fathers AND a blue plastic ox cemented in the ground at the edge of the Rite Aid parking lot with blue hoof prints leading to the Paul Bunyun statue on the other side of town IS NOT what we have in mind.
We propose the following platform upon which to conduct a whirlwind three week write-in campaign: First: A promise to ROLL BACK, if possible, the unethical and very likely illegal 20% property tax increase of last fall when New Page AND Brookfield Power applied for AND WERE GRANTED massive and unjustifiable re-valuations. Why? These two companies occupy some of the most expensive and desirable real estate in the entire U.S. of A. and significantly impair Rumford's ability to take advantage of its full business and recreational potential. To say nothing of the fact that when the property values of residential homes plummeted recently, we did not see homeowners (especially older residents on fixed pensions ) receive a tax break. Something smells here and it isn't the dead fish in the Androscoggin River.
Second: A promise to form a coalition of contiguous towns (or we could just do it on our own at more cost) to take over the hydro-electric plant at the Falls by eminent domain and to operate the plant (only a handful of knowledgeable people are required to actually RUN it) for the BENEFIT of every property owner in the area. In towns in other states which have a river running providentially through their borders, where municipalities own this resource, residents HEAT their homes with electricity with an average YEARLY bill of two hundred dollars. We want to give our voters the right to benefit from the Androscoggin's powerful presence in our town.
Third: A promise to SEE TO IT that the current owners of the mill commit to a plan to protect Rumford should they close down or move away. The paper mill, which was founded by the same man who literally designed our beautiful town, has changed hands several times since Hugh Chisholm died and now, instead of being a reliable benefactor of the town, it constitutes a threat, a massive threat to Rumford's very existence as we know it. We also know that the present owners have sold off their timber and the hydro¬electric plant which are necessary for the mill's long term survival. Why? Ain't they planning on sticking around?
What's going to happen if and when the current owners decide to pull out and leave the massive edifice of the plant behind? Who is going to pay to remove it or to re-direct its use? We think the mill should be required to contribute, apart from its fair property taxes, to a fund designed to mitigate the harm to Rumford tax payers should the mill shut down or its owners abandon it in future for any reason. They should be required to commit to a plan that does not leave Rumford holding the bag for the demolition of the existing structure or forced to make the tremendous, (and highly dubious,) effort to find a productive use for all that smokestack and steel.
Our slate of candidates, united in their desire to take Rumford back from the brink of economic and moral collapse, promise to MOVE towards our future as a self-supporting, self-directing municipality that says NO THANK YOU to Augusta every time funds arrive for homes for new mothers in jail or juvenile delinquents who should be in jail or ANOTHER non-profit mental health facility or probation office is planned for Congress Street (for God's sake!) in return for the governor making an appearance at a spaghetti dinner twice a year.
We promise to say YES to strengthen code enforcement, to ELIMINATE the slum tenements, and to cut the municipal budget that considers a $6000 blue cow an appropriate expenditure. We would like to see $6000 spent on providing milk and graham crackers to elementary school children, because we have seen the pallid faces and the listless bodies of our town's children and we do not like what we see. We will say YES to tightening our belts but not so tight we can't breathe. We will say YES to identifying and encouraging business to come into the town to SERVE our OWN populations, namely:
Our "Seniors": They represent over, we think we heard it reported, 50% of Rumfordians and we will see to it that this number goes up, that the advantages to the town of encouraging seniors to choose Rumford for their retirement (excellent municipal infrastructure, classic housing, many houses on one level, a community hospital and veteran's clinic, etc.) are circulated and that business which specifically cater to this population, (in-home aides, investment and pension counselors, landscapers and other home trades, companies that provide entertainment and tours to notable and religious sites in the area, etc., etc.) arrive as a result. We promise to promote every good idea that will attract law abiding, tax-paying, independent and resourceful seniors to our beautiful town.
Our "Children": We promise to improve and expand the educational and recreational opportunities that already exist here - perhaps enticing a start-up college or private high school to open and utilize the amazing infrastructure we possess. The Hotel Harris, for example, could be an administrative center for a junior college and talk about student housing! Many towns that host small colleges have a never-ending stream of revenue to small businesses. If we can accomplish self-sufficiency that means some of our children will WANT to stay here and will be ABLE to stay here and raise their families.
Our "In-betweens": These are our hard working and inventive men and women who will start up businesses to attend to the previous two populations and, if the mill does shut down and is appropriately dispatched, the recreational and tourist value of our beautiful town will increase ten-fold bringing many service jobs with it. Let's give them tax incentives and help with loans and grants. Rumford is not only a beautifully laid-out town, it is a town, apart from the necessary presence of the mill, situated in a natural paradise with recreational potential that far exceeds some of the tonier vacation spots in our fair state. IF we make the correct decisions NOW, Rumford will resume its rightful place as a magnet for families and small business, grandparents and grandchildren to locate here.
Little steps for little feet. Let's get our bullet slate of write-in candidates elected and common sense will, finalement, constitute a MAJORITY of three on a board of five for at least one year. We can accomplish this with the support and enthusiasm of our neighbors and friends. Join our candidates in their commitment to give a couple of years of what remains to them above ground in actively promoting these ideas and there will be no more controversy about Rumford going down the drain.
We invite your readership to find out more about our campaign. We Want Our Beautiful Town Back. Please phone us at the House of the Rumford Resolves, 364-3964.
Juliet Alexander
347 Pine Street
Rumford, Maine 04276
207-364-3964
Monday, May 31, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
DO NOT VOTE for Eric Giroux for the Rumford Board of Selectmen
He supports Officer Tracy Higley who has allegedly been busted for statutory rape and many, many other violations of the law to include violating citizen's rights. For Higley's complaint history, please click here.Saturday, May 08, 2010
Poliquin Wins Debate
May 7, 2010
CONTACT: BRIAN PHILLIPS
207-272-0363
brian@bruceforme.com
Portland - Today, Bruce Poliquin, candidate for Maine Governor, won the first major televised gubernatorial debate by differentiating himself as the only candidate with the right comprehensive private-sector experience and financial skills to bring competent management to state government. Poliquin effectively made his case by citing his experience as both a company executive at a sizeable asset management firm and as an entrepreneur creating hundreds of jobs in Maine and investing millions of dollars into the state economy.
"Maine's next Governor must be from the private sector...We can no longer afford political business as usual in Augusta," Poliquin said. "My entire professional life I have been starting, managing, and running companies and creating jobs...I know how tough it is to do business in Maine. We need someone with that kind of experience in the Blaine House."
For more than a decade, Poliquin managed a sizeable asset management firm that oversaw the safe investment of more than $5 billion – more money than Maine state government spends in a year. He is also currently an entrepreneur, managing the day-to-day operations of companies he's started in Maine, signing pay checks, hiring workers, dealing directly with state agencies, negotiating with vendors, and wisely using resources.
While others in the race may have some business background, none could match Poliquin's comprehensive and successful experience in finance, business management, entrepreneurship, and leading companies.
"This is a Republican primary. We're all going to be philosophically aligned on most of the issues – lowering taxes, reducing energy and health care costs, increasing job growth," Poliquin said after the debate. "The real question before voters is who has the management skills and successful experience in finance to actually solve Maine's economic, fiscal, and job-related problems. Our next Governor will have little room for error and must get it right the first time."
The debate was held at the Portland Expo Center and hosted by WGME-TV and Maine Today Media.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
About Kevin Scott (I) for Governor of Maine
Kevin L. Scott was born in Rumford, Maine and grew up in the neighboring town of Mexico, Maine. His hard work ethic, honesty, and moral values can all be traced to his family upbringing and the community environment in which he was raised. Like many Maine voters, Kevin has no spectacular claim to fame or history of trying to "one up" the next person. Rather Kevin Scott is a true Maine citizen with humble origins, a track record of hard work leading to success, and a genuine desire to limit the intrusion of government into our everyday lives. During this 2010 Governors campaign many political candidates will be making claims of what they will do for Maine. Kevin makes no false claims of personal achievements or promises - rather, Kevin is a man who understands success comes from those who we work with, who we team with, who we count on and trust as we face challenges. His committment to providing the leadership, courage, and common sense that Maine voters are demanding in this day and age is his only campaign pledge. Maine voters have had enough of broken promises and empty campaign slogans. Kevin Scott is hear to say "keep your faith" and remember the golden rule. We will, we can, and we must work together to make improvements necessary to ensuring the best possible present, and future, for Maine.For more information about Kevin Scott, please click here.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
The Second American Revolution
Submitted by Ron Theriault (Rumford, Maine)On April 19th 1775, in the Colony of Massachusetts, common Americans took up arms and started the First American Revolution to gain their freedom from a repressive Government with the shot that was heard around the world. Today, January 19th, 2010, the common folks of Massachusetts have fired the first shot of the Second American Revolution that now aims to shake off our own repressive Government and it too will be heard around the world. Americans do not submit to oppressive Governments either foriegn or domestic.
In a state where all major offices are held by Democrats, Massachusetts voters have sent a strong message to Washington by electing Republican Scott Brown by over 100,000 votes. Despite what the pundits have to say, this race was indeed a reflection of voter anger against President Obama as he continues to ignore the citizens of this country and continues his Socialist agenda. This election will add fuel to the Tea Party Express and other conservative groups as we head to the Mid-term elections of November.
It is at their own peril that candidates ignore the anger of the common voters and the dedication of the grass roots efforts to turn our country back to position of social conservatism, fiscal responsibility and Judeo-Christian social values. We are not the country that will stand by while Federal Laws disadvantage our elderly at the later stages of their lives. We will not blindly follow the insensitivity of killing our yet to be born citizens all in the name of Socialism. We will respect the men and women of our military and their proud history of securing freedom not only for ourselves, but for the world. No more apologizing for being the rescuer of the world, no more apologizing for being the best country in the world. We can now start the course to bring this country back to a fiscally strong, morally correct beacon of hope for everyone around the globe.
God Bless America
Poliquin Leads in Cash Contributions and Cash On-Hand for End-of-Year Reporting Period
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 19, 2010
CONTACT: BRIAN PHILLPS
207-272-0363
brian@bruceforme.com
Brunswick – Today, Bruce Poliquin, candidate for Maine Governor, announced that his campaign raised $225,468 in cash from 579 individual contributions during the end-of-year reporting period – considerably more than any other Republican candidate. In addition, Poliquin received $129,765 through in-kind donations, making his total for the last reporting period $355,233. He finished the year with 1037 total individual contributions.
When combined with the fundraising period ending on June 30 of last year, Poliquin brings his total cash and in-kind contributions to $632,172 for all of 2009. By comparison, his three closest opponents totaled cash and in-kind contributions of just over $88,000, $85,000, and $41,000 respectively.
Subtracting expenditures and in-kind contributions, Poliquin starts 2010 with roughly $300,000 cash on hand with less than five months to go in the GOP primary.
"All the hard work is paying off," said Poliquin. "We have more than 1000 individual contributions. That speaks for itself. Not only will we have the necessary resources to win, but we have a winning message that continues to attract new supporters."
To his cash total for the most recent reporting period, Poliquin invested $100,000 in his own campaign. The remaining $125,468 eclipses his nearest primary opponent by more than $50,000, and the remaining candidates by more than $80,000. Poliquin's cash on hand is roughly twice that of his closest primary opponent and well beyond the remaining candidates.
"I've invested in my campaign, and I'll continue to do so," Poliquin added. "But we've also demonstrated the ability to attract more support than any other candidate in our race. We will continue to run a 24/7 operation reaching out to voters, attracting supporters, recruiting volunteers, and making the best case that Maine needs a strong manager to address our economic challenges."
Totals have been updated from projections the campaign made earlier in the year.
Matt Jacobson for Governor Campaign Reports Strong Fundraising Results
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Martin Sheehan: 650-7335
Portland, ME - Republican gubernatorial candidate Matt Jacobson announced the results of his strong volunteer fundraising efforts to date. The Jacobson for Governor Campaign Committee raised more than $88,000 through December 31, 2009. The campaign raised another $10,000 in contributions so far in January, bringing the total raised to just under $100,000.
85% of Jacobson's contributions are from Maine.
"It is very encuraging that so many Maine people have heard the message of this campaign and are supporting us with their own checkbooks," notes Matt Jacobson. "I am humbled by their belief that Maine can do better with a proven and successful leader as our next Governor."
Now that the Republican primary field appears set and the public's attention is begginning to turn to the gubernatorial campaign, Jacobson will be bringing on fundraising and field staffers to ensure that the campaign has adequate additional resources to get its message out to people all across Maine this spring.
"Maine people will now have the chance to evaluate the candidates based on their respective qualifications to become the state's next Chief Executive," said Jacobson. "It can't be politics as usual in Maine anymore. We need to elect proven and successful private sector leaders - both as Governor and as legislators - if we are going to put Maine on a better course for jobs and opportunity. I look forward to an energetic campaign."
If you have additional questions or would like to arrange an interview with Matt Jacobson, please contact Martin Sheehan at 650-7335 or via email at Martin@JacobsonforGovernor.com
___________________________________________________________
Matt Jacobson is a Republican candidate for Maine Governor. A graduate of the US Naval Academy and former US Air Force pilot, Mr. Jacobson is the President and CEO of Maine & Company, a private job creation and attraction organization. He is the former President and COO of the St. Lawrence & Atlantic Railroad in Auburn, and a former railroad executive with both the Canadian National and CSX railroads.
Paid for and authorized by Jacobson for Governor, Peter A. Dufour, Treasurer
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Poliquin Earns More Endorsements from Business Leaders
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 12, 2010
CONTACT: BRIAN PHILLPS
207-272-0363
brian@bruceforme.com
Georgetown – Today, Bruce Poliquin, candidate for Maine Governor, received endorsements from three leading businessmen in Maine. Stan Bennett of Oakhurst Dairy, Dana A. Edwards of Edward's Family Shop n Save, and Chris Pierce of The Dingley Press all signaled strong support for Poliquin and his experience managing and running businesses in Maine. The endorsements of Bennett, Edwards, and Pierce add to a growing list of business and community leaders who publicly support Bruce.
"We believe Bruce Poliquin has the right background and experience to lead Maine," the three said in a joint statement. "Bruce knows how an economy works and has the management skills to address our deep financial problems. He has first-hand experience starting and running businesses in Maine and understands the difficulties our companies face. As Governor, Bruce will bring a new attitude to state government – one that supports and encourages business formation and job growth. We fully support Bruce's candidacy for Governor because he is the right person at the right time for Maine, its workers, and our economy."
Stan Bennett is the President and CEO of Oakhurst Dairy, a Maine institution and the largest independent dairy company in northern New England. He serves on the board of the friends of Casco Bay, the Tidewater Foundation, the greater Portland boys and girls clubs, and the Falmouth planning board.
Dana A. Edwards is a leading small businessman who owns a chain of grocery stores in the mid-coast area. Edwards is the immediate past President of the Maine Grocers Association and continues to serve on the organization's Executive Board. He is also a member of the Hampden Business Association. His grocery stores employ more than 180 workers in Maine.
Chris Pierce is the Chairman of The Dingley Press, one of the largest catalog printers in the country. The Dingley Press has been in Maine for over 80 years and has more than 370 employees. Pierce served as President and owner of the company for 24 years.
Recent Endorsements for Bruce Poliquin include:
Peter Anastos, Maine Course Hospitality Group
Stan Bennett, Oakhurst Dairy
Matthew Boucher, Ellsworth City Council
Rep. Tyler Clark, State Representative (District 6)
Dana Edwards, Edward's Family Shop n Save
Chris Pierce, The Dingley Press
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Michaud is Hurting Our Paper Mills, Support a Candidate that Cares: Jason Levesque
Friends,
What a year it has been.
As 2009 comes to a close it is time to reflect on what this year has meant to our nation.
The fact is, 2009 has seen was one of the largest power grabs by the federal government in the history of our country.
The stimulus bill-billions of our tax dollars spent in an attempt to put Americans back to work-with little movement in unemployment rates it is clear that this has failed.
Healthcare-the epitome of politics as usual. Background deals and pay-offs to Member of Congress to pass a bill that 60% of American reject.
Raising our national debt. My family always taught me not to spend what I don't have unfortunately the leadership in Washington has been unable to comprehend this simple rule.
As we head in 2010 with uncertainty about our economy, our healthcare system, the cap and trade bill we have an opportunity to stand up and make our voices heard.
My family also taught me you can be part of the problem or part of the solution. So now, after serving in the military, raising my family, and building my own business, it's time to be part of the solution. Just as I know you all reading this want to be part of the solution and not the
problem.
As 2009 comes to a close, we have a major deadline in under 48 hours-on December 31st when the fundraising period closes. We need YOUR help right now!
If you are as concerned about our expanding government, socialized medicine and exploding debt please go to www.levesqueforcongress.com right now and send a message to our leaders in Washington that we will not sit idly by in 2010 by making your most generous contribution of $500, $250, $100, $50, $250 or any other amount
This race is ours to win-the first step to victory is showing that we have the support behind us to get our message out. By reaching our 2009 goal, people all across America, will know that we will win this race!
Thank you again for you continuous support and Happy Holidays,
-Jason
P.S. Please go to www.levesqueforcongress.com right now. We have under 48 hours until our December 31st deadline-your support will make the difference whether it be $500, $250, $100, $50, $25 or any other amount! Don't rely on others to do the heavy lifting, let's all shoulder the load together for the betterment of Maine and the Nation!
Paid for by Levesque for Congress. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year. Contributions or gifts to the Levesque for Congress Committee are not deductible as charitable contributions for Federal income tax purposes. Contributions by corporations, foreign nationals (non green-card holders), labor unions and federal government contractors are prohibited. An individual can contribute up to $4800 ($2400 for the Primary Election and $2400 for the General Election). www.LevesqueforMaine.com
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
Poliquin Responds to Governor's Budget Announcement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DECEMBER 18, 2009
CONTACT: BRIAN PHILLIPS
207-272-0363
brian@brucforme.com
Georgetown - Today, Bruce Poliquin, candidate for Maine Governor, responded to the release of the Governor's plan to address a $438 million budget shortfall:
"Today's announcement by the Governor represents another disappointing episode in the ongoing fiscal mismanagement of our state."
"As in past budgets, it depends heavily on budget gimmicks and raiding funds already allocated for other purposes. It also irresponsibly assumes Washington will provide significant additional assistance to our poorly managed and bloated Medicaid program. This so-called 'placeholder' is the financial equivalent of keeping our fingers crossed and hoping for the best."
"Mainers should not be convinced that this plan represents anything other than business-as-usual in Augusta. At its core, this budget plan lacks a fundamental shift in the way our state government is run."
"The message is loud and clear: our elected officials are not willing to make the tough decisions and prefer to push them on to the next administration."
Jason Levesque Comments on Congressman Michaud's Votes to Spend Maine's Future Generations into Greater Debt
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2009
Contact:
Alicia Preston
646-645-9373
JASON LEVESQUE COMMENTS ON CONGRESSMAN MICHAUD’S VOTES TO SPEND MAINE’S FUTURE GENERATIONS INTO GREATER DEBT
Mike Michaud Vote to Allow Congress to Spend More Money…Then Votes to Spend it.
Auburn, Maine – Maine’s 2nd District Congressman Mike Michaud voted last night to give Congress an increase in their spending limit, hiking the amount the nation is allowed to deficit spend and guaranteeing generations of Maine citizen’s will be paying it back. The vote to increase the debt limit by $300 billion was shortly followed by a vote to spend an additional $175 billion on a second attempt to create jobs, since the first trillion dollar venture failed. Jason Levesque released the following statement on Michaud’s votes:
“Congressman Michaud sided with the Pelosi Team of his party and supported both an increase in the debt ceiling and nearly $200 billion in new spending. Maine families are struggling and we need jobs. We need the efforts to allow tax credits and deduction for businesses, what we do not need is hundreds of billions more spent to do what the Congress has failed to do--stimulate the economy and create jobs. In Mike’s own home town area of Millinocket, unemployment is at 14.5%. This is outrageous. We need to bring jobs back to Maine and we need them now. More big government programs are not the answer. We can create jobs by loosening the overburdening regulations that have strangled our economy and shut down our workforce. We can loosen the restrictions, implement tax incentives for small businesses and Maine’s job market will begin to grow again. These are the real reforms we need and the ones Congressman Michaud has been unwilling to do. Let’s stop the Congressional spending spree and start the common sense and fiscal responsibility that the people of Maine have entrusted Congressman Michaud with.” -- Jason Levesque, Maine’s 2nd District Congressional Candidate.
Media wishing to speak to Jason, or to learn more about Team Levesque, please contact Alicia Preston at phone number or email listed above.
