Is Senator Susan Collins still a Republican?

Silly question?

Maybe.

But her recent political antics certainly provoke much widespread puzzlement and confusion. Either Susan is badly out of step with the Republican Party, or many in the Republican Party are out of step with Susan. As a very troubling symptom of Senator Collins political "pivots", the very left-leaning Portland Press Herald has been keeping her front and center in the paper on an almost daily basis, as she gives various Republicans a "black eye". It has kept most Republicans very unhappy!

These days Republicans come in many different "political flavors. There are:  conservative "Tea Partiers", Libertarians, Middle of the Road types, RINOs, and then there is Senator Susan Collins. Is she an Independent, or an-almost Democrat, or what?

In all fairness, Senator Collins has many years of admirable public service as a Maine Republican Senator. She used to be a fairly recognizable "middle of the road Republican", able to compromise on legislation when it seemed appropriate to get things done. This was compromise without "surrender" of core Republican principles. Now we are left wondering as she jumps ship on core Republican issues like Obamacare - repeal and replace. Senator Collins recently proposed a bill to rescind President Trump's decision to disallow transgender persons in the military. The president's decision recognized the difficulty of having a functional, combat ready military if there is an array of internal social turbulence.

Here in Maine, there is much Republican perplexity about Senator Collins "next political move". Will she run for Governor of Maine? On which party? Republican, Independent, or Democrat? When will she make known her decision? Some suggest it will happen within a month. There is considerable concern being privately expressed among some Republicans that a Collins run for Governor could be a "spoiler" for those Republicans who have already announced that they are in the gubernatorial race. The speculation is that, having offended Maine Republican leadership, and therefore  damaging her her chances in the Republican primaries, that she might enter as an Independent candidate. As an Independent, with great name recognition and with constant press approval of her rebellions against the Republican party, she might scoop up supporters from among more liberal Republicans and from a large number of Democrats, who like her attacks on Republicanism.

The word in the street is that over the years, Collins has accumulated a huge "election war chest" and doesn't need any financial support from the Maine Republican party. Furthermore, it is being whispered behind closed doors that she is hinting at helping with financial support for Maine politicians seeking Maine or national political offices. Loyalty to Susan Collins is the 'quid pro quo'. The "Collins marketing pitch": Imagine a "Republican Governor for 8 years. Imagine a Republican majority in the Maine House and Senate. Imagine an all Republican congressional delegation. 

Just "make nice" to Susan Collins in the primaries and it all could fall into place.

Has she "cooked her goose", as Gov LePage claims, or can she entice with "a chicken in every pot" for loyal candidates?

Public Comments on LR 2395 An Act To Amend the Marijuana Legalization Act.

THIS IS YOUR ONLY CHANCE: This is your one chance for your views to be heard in person by Maine's Joint Select Committee on Marijuana Legalization Implementation. This is the only time that the committee will be hearing from the public.

This past summer the committee has been hearing from the lobbyist for marijuana industry.

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED: 

The Marijuana Legalization Implementation Committee will be hosting a public hearing at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26. The purpose of the hearing is to take public testimony on LR 2395, An Act To Amend the Marijuana Legalization Act.

LOCATION:

specific room in the State House is To Be Decided, but probably, it will be the Appropriations Committee Room (it's big). Further details will be distributed by email and posted on the committee's website at  when they become available.

COME, SPEAK, BE HEARD:

It is always strongly recommended (but not mandatory) that in addition to spoken testimony, that you have written testimony (multiple copies- 20). Written testimony goes to each committee member, the policy analysts and the State House Law Library.

Will Medical Marijuana Undermine Municipal Sovereignty?

To: Senator Roger Katz and Representative Teresa Pierce, Members of the Marijuana Legalization Implementation Committee

From: Sidney Board of Selectmen

Date:  August 28, 2017

Subject: The Dan Walker Memo dated 8/4/2017; Re: proposed changes to medical marijuana laws


The Selectmen of Sidney have grave concerns about the concepts embodied in the Walker memo. The memo from Mr. Daniel Walker to Sen Katz and Rep Pierce appears to jeopardize Sidney’s Ordinance banning all retail sales/operations of recreational marijuana, passed at the Town Meeting in March 2017. As we read this memo it would, in fact, nullify our “go dry” ordinance as it relates to recreational marijuana. Can you clarify this for us?

Here are several other questions the Walker Memo raises for which we request answers from you:

1. What would be the impact of the proposed changes in status of medical marijuana dispensaries in the Walker memo on Sidney’s current "go dry" ordinance?

 2. Would this establish 'de facto' marijuana shops, clubs and manufacturing under the medical marijuana license, and avoid the need for such businesses to contend with Sidney’s "go dry" ordinance?

 3. Does the Walker proposal subvert the intent of "local control" regarding municipal marijuana commerce?

 4. Who would regulate this commerce if it were transformed from medical marijuana to a multi-dimensional commerce, including recreational marijuana?

• Local cities and towns, the state?
• Department of Human Services?
• Who would have oversight, do inspections, assure product quality, spot check license (and other) violations and prosecute them?

 5. Who would handle law enforcement? Department of Human Services, State Police, Sherriff, local police? No one?

 6. Does the Maine Marijuana Legalization Committee intend to seek direct opinion data from Administrators and governing bodies of Maine towns and cities about the "Dan Walker" proposal? Or is it up to cities and town to oversee where the committee moves on issues affecting municipal sovereignty?

7. Is the Maine Municipal Association being briefed by the committee on these issues?   In what form are these relevant opinions being sought – written testimony or opinions, interviews, other?

8. Has the Walker memo been circulated to Maine cities and towns for their in-put? Are there any other similar proposals with an impact on municipalities that will go out for evaluation and comment?

We look forward to your response to these questions prior to the announcement of any proposed legislation.

Sincerely,

John Whitcomb, Chair; Kelly Couture, Laura Parker, Sandra Tibbitts, Tim Russell

Town of Sidney Selectmen