Knox County - Mark Your Calendar - July 10 and August 14, 2014

Knox County Republicans announce the next two meetings at their new summer headquarters.

Thursday July 10 and August 14 (second Thursday of the month for July & August only)
Social time is 6:30pm and the meetings will start at 7pm. Refreshments will be provided as well as some really good food.

The new headquarters is located in Rockport at the old Cody's Restaurant building on Old County Road. Our space is located in the big red building. The street address is 399 Commercial Street, Rockland ME for those of you who do not remember Cody's.

At the meeting we will be working on campaign preparation, assisting candidates. Staff training for volunteers working at the office. We do have a new coordinator and we will hear updates from the candidates.

All republicans are welcome. Remember to bring a friend.

Sonja Sleeper
Knox County Committee Secretary

Knox Country Republican Committee is looking for a few Good Candidates

The Knox County Republican Committee are interviewing candidates for the 2014 election cycle.  A strong desire to serve and an ability to interact with a wide range of people are two of the most important skills required.  We have reason to believe that a few shifts will be taking place within current leadership in Knox County and that will open up some significant opportunity.  A few individuals have expressed interest and we are aggressively currently recruiting for the following Districts :

(numbers reflect the recent re redistricting)

House District 94  Camden, Rockport and Islesboro

House District 93   Owls Head and Rockland

House District 92   Criehaven, Cushing, Matinicus Isle, Mussell Ridge , So. Thomaston, St. George and Thomaston

House District 91   Friendship, Union (part), Washington and Waldoboro

House District 95   Appleton, Hope, Union (part) and Warren

Senate District 12   Appleton, Camden, Criehaven, Cushing, Friendship, Hope, Isle Au Haut, Matinicus Isle, North Haven, Owls Head, Rockland, Rockport, So. Thomaston, St. George, Thomaston, Union, Vinalhaven and Warren

Campaigning is a serious undertaking and as an experienced County Committee we are prepared to inform, support and assist you in exploring the possibility of running for an elected position.  Getting a Republican majority back in Augusta is critical for our Governor Paul LePage to more effectively continue the progress that has been made in Augusta and throughout our great State.

If you wish to learn more about becoming a candidate please contact Chairman Bob Carter or Vice Chair Paula G. Sutton at knoxcountymegop@gmail.com or (207) 380 -3406

An invitation to the Knox County Republican meeting - Tuesday November 12, 2013

Please join the Knox County Republicans at their scheduled meeting (normally the second Tuesday of each month) on Tuesday November 12 at The Trade Winds in Rockland. Our meetings are held in the fifth floor meeting room, with a social time beginning at 6:30 providing a casual atmosphere for people to meet and enjoy a meal of Shepard’s Pie, Pumpkin rolls and hot coffee. This month’s agenda will have Bob Carter providing important information related to our strategy and event calendar for 2014.

For more information visit the Knox County Republican Party website

 

Lunch with the Governor - Paul LePage - the people's politician

This past Sunday (2013-10-20) afternoon well over 100 people gathered at the Tradewinds ChowderHouse and Speakeasy to mingle with Governor Paul LePage and enjoy each other’s company, and a delicious dinner. In addition to many of the “usual” attendees there were nearly a dozen new faces in the crowd. The early reception was held downstairs in the “Speakeasy” which will be open to the public next month and will feature MoTown music and live entertainment. The Governor leisurely chatted with us and blended in as just another person. Of Course that’s part of the reason why we love him; he is just a regular man. LePage is a people’s politician not a polished politician.

Then we all went to the main dining area where we listened to the Governor speak for 30 minutes on a variety of topics including the recent incident where the federal government closed the Cobscook Bay State Park. Governor LePage took action for the people of Maine and had it reopened due to a long standing agreement that has been in place since 1965. He also spoke to the fact that he wanted more Mainers off foreign oil and used the Province of Quebec as an example of affordable electric energy. In Quebec 92% of the population uses electricity to power their homes. The average heating cost in the winter is $100.00 per month. LePage expressed his frustration that the legislature has not been willing to work at reducing the cost of energy for the citizens of Maine. One bright point is that the governors of Massachusetts and Connecticut recognize what Governor LePage has been saying for years. That Maine, New England should look north to Quebec for inexpensive energy. Jobs were another subject that the governor spoke to the crowd about. During his tenure there has been over 12,000 jobs created. These jobs are in areas that are economically depressed for the state. These jobs created are in contrast to the 56 created under the previous administration.

Governor Paul LePage took several questions from the audience and was thorough in his answers . The questions were hard hitting but dear to the hearts of many Mainers. The Governor answered each with grace and integrity that one would expect and did so in a way that all could relate to. When the meal was served he did not even eat, rather choosing to visit each table in the room shaking hands and posing for photographs.

Nearly $2000.00 was raised at the dinner and when added to the $5400.00 from the yard sale last week we are most certain to reach our fundraising goal for next year’s election cycle. A donation is going to be sent to Governor LePages reelection campaign form the Knox county Republicans as a measure of our gratitude and support . Thank you to all who attended, sponsored tickets, and to Bob Liberty at the Tradewinds, and Kevin and Cathy Labree as well as the staff at the ChowderHouse.

Bruce Poliguin speaks at the Knox County Republican Party Meeting

Bruce Poliquin was the guest speaker at tonight’s Knox County Republican Party meeting. He focused on the budget battle and what we as a state are up against in trying to balance the states books.

Although things are better than they were four years or even two years ago. We are not out of the woods yet and still have major problems ahead to tackle. Bruce told the crowd of listeners that Maine for this budget still has a shortfall of $100 million that needs to be closed. It was explained how this was going to be accomplished.

Bruce explained how the Federal Government is borrowing for $16 trillion dollars. While the interest now is low it now consumes 40% of what we borrow. The worry is what will happen when those rates start to rise. This will affect Maine and how the state will be able to handle its budget. Because when rates rise for the Federal Government the services that will be squeezed out will be passed along to the states. Maine which is in a budget crisis as a result of spending beyond our means will have to make drastic cuts in order to balance what it spends with what is taken in.

For the next budgetary cycle starting mid July 2013 and running to July 2015 the state is facing a $800 million shortfall. How do we close this gap – where are the problems. Some of the areas that Bruce talked about were uncomfortable but needed to be addressed.

1. Medicare is a huge problem. Federal reimbursement to the state is only $0.63 this is down from $0.73. Payments still have to be maintained to Hospitals. The state has balanced this portion of the budget in the past by not paying what was owed. To date the state owes for $480 million to the states hospitals.
2. Revenue sharing will be reduced to 0% for this two year period (currently at 3.5%). There has been a 123% increase in property tax and it is expected there will be further rises. The state has no money for this program and towns have become dependent on this money to cover shortfalls. The money is drying up for the state and as a result money is drying up for towns from the state.
3. School budgets are closely related to revenue sharing and represents a huge portion of any towns budget. Instead of looking for cost efficiencies towns will often vote on increasing budgets. Yet it was pointed out that budgets do not have to be passed all because they have been proposed. Bruce and members of the audience related stories of voting against budget increases. It requires grassroots action to do this. It was also recommended that we ask our superintendent of schools if they are purchasing insurance independently as example.

The point of these examples is that in the past we spent more than we took in.  That the state relied on creative accounting to push off to the future what it could not pay for today. That we relied on Federal stimulus money to help cover other debts and program expansions. That creative accounting and stimulus money has either gone away or dried up and the state is faced with some hard decisions. It has only been recently that Augusta has had a backbone in trying to accomplish this difficult task. There is going to be huge debates on the budget in the up coming weeks. The legislature is going to try and kill tax breaks as a way to counter the hard choices the Governor is suggesting. It is agreed that everyone is going to be affected but how the citizens will be impacted is going to depend on how the budget is passed. The Governor is trying to pass it so that it will have a minimal of impact on everyone. The worry is that special interest groups will start to carve out areas to protect so that in the end the burden will fall on fewer and fewer people. Let your representative know that it is time to get our house in order and work with the Governor.

For more information please contact us at RepubliCANofME@gmail.com or for up to date information like us on Facebook.

Knox County Republicans to meet Feb. 12 2013 at 7 pm

Rockland — The Knox County Republicans announce that Bruce Poliquin will be the evening’s speaker. Newly-elected Chairman Bob Carter will also be presenting exciting new plans for the coming year.

The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 12, at 7 p.m. A social hour will take place beginning at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Trade Winds on the top floor in downtown Rockland.

All Knox County Republicans are welcome and urged to attend.

Chris Rector State Senate - on voter misinformation

Dear Voter,

It is personally distressing to me that there has been more misinformation, half-truth and outright lying in this election campaign about my voting record and positions on issues than I could ever have imagined possible. I am disheartened to think this is the new direction of politics in Maine.

The ability to discuss issues in a frank and candid manner is very important, and I certainly don’t mind honest disagreement about policy. I do, however, object to misinformation being spread as truth by those who do not even make an effort to verify its veracity. I hope you’ll agree that this behavior represents the worst form of subversion of our election process. Voters deserve to be armed with the facts, not the rumors or lies that someone presents as facts. We all know better than this!

To begin, the statement that I am a rubber stamp for the LePage administration is simply false. I have supported the Governor’s policies when I believed they were appropriate and I have objected to them when I have disagreed. For example, I fought hard to overcome the Governor’s veto of the R&D Bond proposal that would help to power Maine’s economy into the future. And I objected to the advance of “right to work” legislation as a distraction from a focus on serious issues affecting the Maine Economy such as spending priorities, debt, taxation and regulations.

Early in this Administration with seven of my Senate Republican colleagues, I signed a letter to the Governor, and met with him, objecting to the tone and the style with which he presented his message. It was offensive to many and unproductive for Maine.

I am proud of my record of protecting Maine’s Environment, as evidenced by my endorsement by Maine Conservation Voters.

I am also proud of my support of the business community, and the recognition of that effort, I have received the endorsement of the National Federation of Independent Businesses. This stands as proof that Maine can certainly have a healthy environment and a strong economy.

I am proud of my support of education, including an increase in the current biennial budget of $62M to support K-12 public education that also helps to reduce property tax burdens back home.

And I am particularly proud of my record of reaching across the aisle to colleagues, evidenced by my endorsement by One Maine. Contrary to common belief, virtually all of the major initiatives in the 125th Legislature were supported by both parties. Legislative reforms of taxes, pensions, government regulations, small business and insurance reforms were all supported with bi-partisan votes in the Legislature. I am a leader of the effort to find common ground.

I have always taken my legislative responsibilities seriously. I have labored to represent the many diverse interests of my district and the best interests of the State of Maine. I am proud of my opportunity to be the Senator from Knox County and hope that I can return to that role in the126th legislature. Win or lose, I believe it is essential that voters have the truth about the many issues that have been circulated in a less than honest manner.

Please feel free to circulate this letter as you see fit to any who you think may not have all the facts, and please contact me directly if you have specific questions. I can be reached by e-mail at cwrector@hotmail.com, or by telephone at 354-6571. Everyone deserves to be informed when they vote.

Sincerely,Christopher Rector
State Senator District 22,
Knox County

Running for Office is a True Test of Character - Can Your Candidate handle the Pressure?

The political season is fast coming to a close and the attacks will only become stronger and more pointed. The attacks will come from both sides and aimed towards the other. What is interesting is the fallout from these ads. For instance we have seen the fallout from PAC ads against Jeff Evangelos running in district 49 against Bob Carter. Supporters for Jeff have come out in local papers where people have expressed their outrage about these negative ads and rightly so. The character of this man is being called into question. Are the statements untrue or are they just a little to close to home? That is something you as the voter will have to decide in just a few days.

As a voter you should look to see how your candidate handles being under the gun. Is this person a poor sport in the way he/ she handles criticism or does he/ she show grace under fire. Brushing aside the attacks and not falling for being set up. Does the candidate respond from the heart or the head. Running for office is a test of character. Do we really want someone in Augusta that ignores the competition and acts in a childlike manner? Of course not.

That is why we ask that you cast your vote for the Republicans in Knox, Lincoln and Waldo counties. They have come under fire and have shown grace that one would expect our political leaders to display. Vote Republican, vote for change and vote for our future.

Chris Rector and his promise for Health Care Reform in Maine

2010 Chris Rector promised Maine families that he would reform the health care system in Maine. Chris Rector kept that promise to Maine's families with more choices and lower costs.

Mainers will soon be able to purchase health care coverage plans from other states - Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut as well as Maine. This will broaden the choices and increase the competition for all of us.

Because of this competition amongst these out of state plans for your business the cost for health care will be driven down. This will keep more of your money in your pocket.

There will be no loss of consumer protection as these out-of-state plans are subject to the same consumer protections that Maine plans are.

Senator Chris Rector is concerned about about health care for the families of Maine. In 2010 he made a promise and because of this Chris Rector has delivered. Support Chris Rector this coming election on November 6.

Maine Coast Television Channel 7 - Republican Candidate Schedule

10/22  2pm & 9pm  Carole Gartley

10/24  2pm & 9pm  Bob Carter

10/27  2pm & 9pm  Les Fossel

10/29  2pm & 9pm  Deb Sanderson and Jethro Pease (will play back to back)

10/31  2pm & 9pm  Mike Collins and Chris Rector (will play back to back)

11/03  2pm & 9pm  Jon Courtney

11/05  2pm & 9pm  Carole Gartley and Deb Sanderson (will play back to back)

These are interviews with the Republican candidates and it is a good opportunity to become familiar with the issues that your candidate stands for.

Where does District 49 candidate Bob Carter stand – on Education

It speaks well of the candidate when you understand where that candidate comes from. Education is turning out to be one of those “hot button” topics of this election. People are concerned – they want better education for their children but they also don't want to pay higher taxes.

Bob Carter who is running for District 49 is in the unique position of knowing about education and how to improve the education system in the State of Maine without raising your taxes. Bob Carter's background includes 25 years in banking (he understands fiscal responsibility and saving) as well as 14 years as a teacher and Principal (he understands education and the management of a school system).

Bob Carter likes the idea of Charter Schools in Maine and giving them a chance to compete. Although the idea has been around for awhile it is new to the state with two charter schools opening up in the past few weeks. What these schools do for education is many-fold. Increased school day, competition with public schools and a diverse curriculum that public schools may not be able to offer and support. These are just a few of the advantages to having charter schools. The biggest though – is that your taxes do not go up to support a system that may only provide a mediocre education for your child.

Although money is a big part of the equation it is not the whole equation. Our education system is behind the times. Look at the Japanese, Indians and even Europe to see education systems that are flexible and change as society needs change. Charter Schools have that flexibility that public schools are slow to adapt to. They can keep up with the times.

Bob Carter is the representative that will push for innovative educational ideas and reform – remember he has the background for it. Support Bob Carter this coming election – do it for your kids future.

Meet the Candidate Chris Rector today and tomorrow

Today you can find Chris Rector knocking on doors in Owls Head. Tonight there is a forum starting at 6:30 pm at the Rockport Opera House - this is going to be a great chance to hear what the candidates stand for. This forum is sponsored by PenBay Pilot and the Rockport Public Library.

Tomorrow (Saturday 10/20) - Chris will be knocking on doors. We don't have the location - yet. The evening will find Chris at the Lincoln-Knox Farm Bureau Dinner in Washington (ME).

What do we know about District 49 Candidate Jeff Evangelos?

We know that Jeff likes a quote from Mark Twain “If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything”. We know that Jeff likes the character Atticus Finch from the movie “To Kill a Mocking Bird” and that his favorite leaders are Dwight Eisenhower and John F Kennedy. Beyond that we really do not know all that much about this candidate running for District 49. Is this what makes a good candidate? I think voters would much rather know that a candidate will do something for them. Like education reforms, limiting government intervention and helping to promote new job growth to name a few of the concerns that voters are dealing with. There is no disputing that Jeff Evangelos has an impressive resume of accomplishments and had a business. As one supporter noted Jeff is a “wicked smart guy”. There is a concern as to what he stands for and if he has a clear understanding of what the current issues that are important. Is Jeff the candidate you should vote for? Well if you are a voter concerned with quotes, movie characters and nifty Red Sox or Patriots schedules - sure. Otherwise look to a candidate who actually stands for something.

The Knoc County Republican Committee meeting of 10/09/2012

Last night the Knox County Republican Committee had a meeting that included Michael Collins, Jethro Pease, Carole Gartley, Les Fossel, Bob Carter, Chris Rector and Bruce Poliquin – Maine's State Treasurer.

The meeting started with Bruce who was articulate, engaging and funny. He also laid out what was on the line for the candidates running for office. Bruce’s speech lasted almost 30 minutes in which he covered a wide range of issues that concern Maine's citizens.

Bruce gave encouragement to those that attended the meeting by saying “Look at all of these signs... everybody look at what you've done” and pointed out all of the signs and work that the volunteers have done for the Republican party in Knox County.

He asked the audience “Who saw Obama get nailed” which brought a lot of applause from those attending.

Bruce also pointed out that “things are changing in this state.. the reasons things are changing is because we are doing it differently from the characters in DC”. He went on to point out what everyone knows what the problems and issues are. Everyone knows that our government is too big. What happens with big government? Bruce went on to explain that government will have to charge a fortune in taxes and fees to pay for things. The issue is that in doing so we draw business investment away, jobs are drawn away and out kids end up leaving. What is left? Nothing but a series of fiscal calamities. Greece is a prime example of this very reality.

Bruce Poliquin went on and discussed the National debt as being a 600 lb Gorilla. When the interest rates start to go up we will be saddled with a spike in interest payments. The Gorilla is a beast that is in need of being tamed. To tame this beast is going to require reform. Can reform be done? As Bruce pointed out – yes it can – and he gave an example right here in Maine where government has been able to eliminate 41% of the pension debt. 41%.

What would happen if this mess was fixed? A renaissance. Our country would go through a renaissance where business investment and employment would come together. Investing in business makes them grow, business expands, more people are hired and incomes go up. This idea makes sense and the enthusiasm as displayed by the crowd was resounding.

One of the major points that Bruce Poliquin was making was that in the last few years we have turned this state around. Maine is spending less and borrowing less according to Bruce. There is fiscal responsibility that is being introduced to the state on a level that has not been seen for decades. Supporting the Republican candidates in Maine come November 6 will ensure that Maine continues down the path of fiscal responsibility and that what we have gained will not be lost.

October 9, 2012 - Knox County Republican Committee - Meeting

Come show support for Republican Candidates in Knox County on Tuesday at 6 pm. Jon Courtney, Carole Gartley and Chris Rector will be there to answer questions and this will be an opportunity to hear what is going to happen for the last 30 days of the campaign.

Come meet Senator Chris Rector, Carole Gartley and Jon Courtney Sept. 26

The Knox County Republican women will be holding a business meeting on Wednesday September 26. This meeting will be held at the Helm - located on route 1 in Rockport.

Guest will include State Senator Chris Rector and House Candidate Carole Gartley. Also planning on attending is Jon Courtney - US Candidate for US Congress.

This meeting starts at 11:30 and runs until noon at which point lunch will be served. There will be a silent auction and the results will be announced at then conclusion of lunch.

For more information please contact Linda Brawn at 236-3123.

We have learned that Charlie Summers is supposed to be attending this meeting also. To find out more about Charlie visit him at: summersformaine.com or on facebook

Where in the world is Jon Courtney?

We don't know where he is right now but Jon has been jumping around the state these last few days and he was most recently spotted at Pikes Industries in Wells this evening. Jon was attending a fund raiser for Senator Ron Collins and toured the facility with Ron and Rick Goodrich.

Jon also made a stop over at the Nonantum in Kennebunkport. This Grand Hotel located on the Kennebunk River played host to a fund raiser for Deb Plowman this evening.

Earlier in the day Jon was spotted at the Kennebunk location of Courtney Cleaners in Kennebunk and also at the Kennebunk Post Office with Rep. Paul Bennett and his daughter Clarke Canfield.

Show support for Jon and his campaign against Chelie Pingree. Like him on Facebook. Check him out at his webpage, send him an email detailing the issues you feel are important in this campaign.

Who is Bob Carter District 49 Candidate?

Who is Bob Carter?

• He was an Elementary School Teacher for 14 years - He understands education.

• He has been a banking officer for over 25 years - He understands business.

• He was on the Town of Warren Budget Committee - He understands fiscal responsibility.

• He has been married to his wife Jennifer for 40 years - He understands commitment.

Bob has the background to make a difference for the people of Maine and the people of District 49. As your representative he will fight for:

• Tax cuts - which will promote a stronger economy and help keep more money in your pocket.

• Investments - protecting your investments in your family, retirement and future

• Creating Opportunities - to help keep the youth of Maine in Maine

• Limited Government Intervention - Limiting the reach of government into our lives - personal and business

• Jobs - Fostering an environment that will create jobs for Maine which in turns will promote a stronger economy.

Bob Carter understands what it is going to take to make Maine a stronger independent state with opportunities. Now we have the chance to stop the dependence that has gripped Maine for years. To help Bob feel free to email him at: rcjcsccc@aol.com, call him at 207-210-1766.

Show your support for Bob and ask for a lawn sign and like him on Facebook.

On the Campaign Trail with Carole Gartley

Representing the concerns of people in Camden and Rockport. Carole when elected will work with the same energy and skills she has with education and business. There are 10 principles that guide Carole:

• Healthcare Reform - a control of spending and costs

• A strengthening of education - from early childhood to technical training

• Suitable spending - to help those in need and reduce unfunded liabilities

• Private and Public partnerships - to attract business and expand our economy

• Regulations that make sense - working with citizens for improvement without adding layers of obstruction

• Supporting Small Business - listening to their needs. Small businesses are the backbone to our economy.

Carole is a part of the Camden - Rockport community. She has been and is involved as a small business owner, organizations and committees. Her roots are in the Midcoast area of Maine.

You can help Carole by posting a sign in your yard or volunteering to help her campaign.

To help elect Carole or to find out what Carole is doing. Check back here or like her on Facebook. Carole can also be emailed at: CaroleGartley2012@gmail.com

Chris Rector - visits Sea Hag Seafood Co

This past Thursday Chris Rector (State Senate District 22) was down in Tennants Harbor visiting with Kyle Murdock, owner of Sea Hag Seafood Co. Sea Hag Seafood is a Lobster-processing facility which is located at the former Great Eastern Mussel Farm – has plans to process and ship out of state frozen and cooked tail, claw and knuckle meat.

Chris Rector who is seeking to be re-elected cares about local businesses. Being a local business man and owner of Camden Cone, Chris understands the need that businesses have. To keep up with Chris Rector like him on Facebook.