Is a Governor supposed to play politics or work for Maine?

It appears that Mike Michaud is at it again playing politics - meanwhile Governor Paul LePage is out working for the state.

When Gov LePage took over from the outgoing Gov Baldacci unemployment was 8%. Since then Maine has seen its unemployment rate drop to 6.1%. Maine is ahead of the curve beating out the New England average of 6.4% and the National average of 6.7%. 

Private sector jobs are being created during one of the worse economic times of modern history under the current administration. Will a change to someone who knows how to work in Washington DC be better for Maine? Or do we stay the course with Gov LePage?

Keep Maine growing, keep Gov Paul LePage......

For more on Gov Paul LePage follow him on Facebook.

Restored Payroll Tax Pinches Those Who Earn the Least

At the beginning of  2013 when I received my first paycheck of the year it was less than what I had been receiving. I expected this and I was making about the same as I was before my change of rolls at my job. It was okay because I want to do my part. About a week later I learned that beginning with that payroll I had received a pay raise. What was originally estimated as a $30.00 or so increase in tax per pay period now came out to almost $60.00. Like the people interviewed for the following article - I too have had to cut back. Going out once a month can no longer happen. I walk to work so that I don't have to fill up and I try and make due with less. For this sacrifice the federal government gets more of my money and the local businesses get less. Then again the feds can better spend my hard earned money - not really.


New York Times

Jack Andrews and his wife no longer enjoy what they call date night, their once-a-month outing to the movies and a steak dinner at Logan’s Roadhouse in Augusta, Ga. In Harlem, Eddie Phillips’s life insurance payment will have to wait a few more weeks. And Jessica Price is buying cheaper food near her home in Orlando, Fla., even though she worries it may not be as healthy.

Like millions of other Americans, they are feeling the bite from the sharp increase in payroll taxes that took effect at the beginning of January. There are growing signs that the broader economy is suffering, too.

Chain-store sales have weakened over the course of the month. And two surveys released last week suggested that consumer confidence was eroding, especially among lower-income Americans.

While these data points are preliminary — more detailed statistics on retail sales and other trends will not be available until later this month — at street level, the pain from the expiration of a two-percentage-point break in Social Security taxes in 2011 and 2012 is plain to see.

Full story: New York Times

Todays youth and Educational Reform - Bob Carter and Chris Rector

Many are saying that throwing more money at the problem will fix what is wrong with education. There are those who feel otherwise. Candidates such as Chris Rector and Bob Carter are taking a chance and advocating for a change in the education system – to stir things up a bit so that our education system is the best that it can be. So that our children can change and adapt as our future changes.

Facebook is an engine of change and reveals who we are. If also shows and reveals who we are as a society. We are presenting actual posts that were found on Facebook. Reading them should scare you and should solidify any doubt you may have as to why there needs to be a change in the way we educate our children:

“We have to work together all racist hand & hand.” - what this person is saying is that all races must work together hand in hand. Or maybe what the author is saying is that the Black Panthers and ku klux klan should be holding hands.

“I told u before I'm voting for Obama because he is black” - for no other reason than this?

“Plus the fact they have disrespected him. Plus the fact he worships $.” - what the writer is saying here is that the GOP has disrespected Obama and that Romney worships the dollar. You wouldn't know it by the way it was written though.

“Here is why because GOP party started changing again. Now the party has moved all the way to the right.” - does this mean that the GOP was middle of the road and they are now right leaning or that the GOP are now Nazis?

Or how about this one:

“Obama don't want people to be on warfare Cathy why u think his daughters are so smart.” - what does this mean?

Although these are only a few quotes you should get the picture. The money that you are paying in taxes for education is being thrown away. We have kids who are being passed along through the grades that cannot construct an intelligent sentence. Does this reflect well on the educational system? You be the judge. If the above sentences are any indication it shows that the current educational system is in need of a major overhaul.

Vote Republican, vote for change vote for your future.

On the Campaign trail with Chris Rector

Last night Vianlhaven had a candidate forum in which both Chris Rector and Ed Mazurek participated. Chris Rector managed to do better than hold his own in this traditionally Democrat stronghold. This forum should be considered a "win" for Chris.


Tonight there is a forum sponsored by the Union Chamber of Commerce. There is a pot luck dinner from 5:30 - 6:30 and the forum starts at 6:30. We do not know what the format will be. Other Republicans of note who will be there are Les Fossel (Senate dist 20), Jethro Pease (House dist. 44), Bob Carter (House dist. 49) and Deb Sanderson (House dist. 52). Please come out and support these candidates.
 
Tomorrow (October 12) Chris Rector will find himself in Augusta. He will be co-chairing the Maine Economic Growth Council. This should should keep him occupied until the afternoon. Later in the afternoon expect to find Chris knocking on doors in the Rockport or Camden area.
 
Saturday (October 13) expect to find Chris Rector greeting the guests visiting from the cruise ship visiting Rockland that day. The afternoon will find Chris Rector in Thomaston as part of an Historical tour of the Thomaston Cemetery with the Thomaston Historical Society. Chris will be reading some information about notable citizens buried there.
 
Sunday (October 14) Chris can be found in the afternoon will be attending a meeting at the Second Congregational Church in Warren. The new pastor, Andrew Stinson will be giving a speech about his duty as a military Chaplin.

Events - Oxford County Republican Committee

The OCRC will have a booth at the Fryeburg Fair – September 30 – October 7.
We need volunteers to help staff the booth and get the word out for our 2012 republican candidates.
Use the contact form to pass on your information and we will help you to volunteer and make a difference. The link to that page OCRC


The October OCRC meeting has been scheduled – October 9 at the Grange building in Bryant Pond.  Start time for the evening is at 5:30 with a “social/cocktail hour” and dinner at 6:30 followed by a business meeting. Come and get involved and help elect republicans in the final push before election day.

To find out more about candidates in Oxford County visit OCRC website.

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.

Jon Courtney's Campaign against Chellie

Jon Courtney is going to unseat US Rep. Chellie Pingree in Maine's 1st Congressional District come November. Jon's campaign has purchased airtime on a variety of cable tv stations.

View his TV spot: Jon Courtney

The idea is to get name recognition for Jon and give a little bio about him to the public. Jon has numerous accomplishments that the public may not be aware of. “We want to get the message out” according to Keith Herrick – Jon's campaign manager.

“We passed every major reform with bipartisan cooperation,” Courtney says in the ad. “Regulatory, welfare, health insurance and pension reform. We reduced debt, all while protecting our most vulnerable and keeping our promises to seniors.”

Courtney is running a hard campaign with Chellie who has raised more campaign funds than Jon. Pingree currently has a slight edge over Courtney in the polls.

Jon and his supporters are out every day knocking on doors and letting people know what Jon stands for – Jon is a man of principles, values and ethics. Jon has and continues to fight for the independence of families rather than dependence. Jon wants to earn your vote and not buy it as his opponent is doing. For a breath of fresh ideas and values support Jon Courtney. See what Jon is doing at joncourtney.com or find him on Facebook.

Support Jon in his efforts.

A question from Tim Turner to the voting public?

Tim Turner: “The question Nov 6th is do you believe that the governments power is more important then the civil liberty's and rights of the individual? The 2 can't coexist.” Many would believe that governments power is more important than an individuals freedom. Republicans like Tim Turner are for advancement of the civil liberties and the rights of individuals. Find out more about Tim's campaign in District 94. Like him on Facebook.

Catching up with Tim Turner in District 94

Tim Turner was spotted at the Buckfield parade and then the community day celebration afterwords this past weekend. Tim commented that the biggest problem he has in running for office is that he would prefer taking more time talking with people. The quick handshake is just not satisfying. Darren Tripp commented that people who know Tim “appreciate the quick handshake and smile” or as Dannie Abbott pointed out that we know the intent “and need not the handshake or smile to know”. Get to know Tim Turner who is running for office in district 94. He is a man of the people and for the people. Give Tim the support to elect and send him to Augusta. Like Tim on Facebook. He can be found by searching for Timothy Turner or following this link: Tim Turner

Charlie Summers is highlighted in new ads on reform and service

Starting tomorrow September 5 Charlie Summers begins a television campaign which introduces the candidate to Maine voters. As Maine GOP spokesman David Sorensen points out “The Summers campaign is building momentum daily”. See Charlie's video “Meet CharlieSummers.”

Jon Courtney visits Mid-Coast Maine

Jon Courtney was again making the rounds on the campaign trail yesterday (Sept 31). He came to the mid coast area of Maine and turned up in a number of locations. Jon stopped by and talked with Richard Masters of Masters Machine Company and toured the plant. He also dropped in on Vice President Rob Hunt of N.C. Hunt Lumber in Damariscotta.

As Jon moved up the coast he settled in for some lunch at Moody's Dinner in Waldoboro. Meeting with voters at the dinner it also gave Jon a chance to touch base with House candidate Ellen Winchenbach who joined Jon there.

From the dinner it was a quick trip up Rt. 1 to Warren where join toured Lie-Nielsen Tools with owner Tom. Then to end the tour it was a drive down to Boothbay where Jon stopped in on Dawn Gilbert at her hair salon in Boothbay Harbor. Dawn introduced Jon to some people while there. While down in Boothbay Jon met up with House Candidate Stephanie Hawke.

Jon is out there because he understands the need for change in the state and in Washington. Show support for Jon by visiting his web site at joncourtney.com

The future of Maine's families is for Independence – from Government.

The Republican party is in a race with the other party to change the way we think about assistance for families in need. Jon Courtney pointed out at the Rotary Club in Wells that he and other Republicans worked on tailoring a plan to help people get off of state assistance. Government assistance should be available to help as a safety net. It should not be a way of life.

Government should be there to offer assistance when a family is in need. It should tailor that assistance though so that the person or family has a goal of independence – not dependence on that assistance. We want to present you three scenarios of people or families receiving assistance or who have tried:

• A late 30's woman who has been receiving government assistance for over 15 years now. The dollar value of assistance currently is in excess of $36,000.  She is voting for the current President because she does not want to loose any assistance. This person has no disability but knows the system well enough to live a very comfortable life paid for by those that do work. 
• A late 20's man who is 'disabled' by anxiety and has been 'disabled' for more than 5 years. This gentleman lives his life filled with 'anxiety' that is so disabling that he can not work at any normal job of any kind. He refuses to seek any help that may assist him in overcome this disabling anxiety and help him become a productive member of society. This gentleman currently spends his days drinking vodka and playing video games. This life style is paid for by all of us still working. Is the state really helping this young man? This man by the way is voting for the current President because he does not want to lose his current entitlements. 

The example presented represents what is wrong with the current system. What is supposed to be a safety net has turned into a way of life and one that is quite comfortable. Why would anyone want to give up on a situation where everything is taken care of for you? At some point if enough people opt for a lifestyle where the government takes care of you there won't be enough people to cover the cost. In our final example we see someone who probably should have help of some sort but cannot because she earns too much.

• A young woman who is 18 recently applied for assistance. She is a single Mom with a 15 month old child. She works full time at a fast food restaurant earning $7.50 and hour and working no more than 39 hours.  Her earnings come to $1170 a month which is considered too much to receive much of any kind of assistance other than food stamps (currently $122.00 per month). When this woman went to DHHS for help for child care and rental assistance she was told that she made too much money at $14,000 a year. She was told by DHHS that if she quit her job she would be entitled to more benefits. The benefits would exceed her yearly income and provide her with a home, child care and TANIF. This woman has declined the advice of DHHS and continues working.

Here we are presented again with what is wrong with a system that is supposed to help to offer a safety net to those that are in need. In the examples presented we see a system that is broken. A system that creates and encourages dependence instead of independence. Show your support for the Republican candidate in your district. Success should be how many people are not on public assistance not by how many are on assistance.

Give a man a fish and he is fed for a day. Teach a man to fish and he feeds himself for a lifetime.

In this current economic crisis neither Democrats nor Republicans can lay claim to being more sensitive to helping those families that have been impacted by the economics we all are dealing with. 
 
There is a difference though in the fundamental philosophy that each party has in giving out help. As Jon Cortney pointed out in Wells at the Rotary Club last week there is a need to help families find away off of assistance. To give the tools needed to create solutions in the future. The Republican party in Maine has been trying to break the gridlock the other party has had in government for years. Change is needed to bring in fresh ideas. This is true not only on the state level but with the Federal government.

Helping others is fine. It becomes a problem though when generations are raised to believe that this is the way life should be. People feel that they are entitled to the entitlements they are receiving not realizing where the money is coming from. The money is coming from you and I. The Republican party is trying to change this mind set. Making change to help Maine's families go from dependence to independence. It is time for change in Augusta and Washington. It is time for the party of independence – it is time for the Republicans.

What is the Democrat record on Job Creation?

No President can take credit for the actual creation of jobs, they can influence how jobs are created and or if they are created. During the current administration we have seen little or no job creation as compared to the past 11 Presidents. John F Kennedy and George HW Bush come close to the lack of job creation that Obama has had. Both of these Presidents had during their term a job gain of 2.45 million. Gerald Ford was next with 2.9 million. At the top of the heap we find Ronald Regan with 16.9 million, President Bill Clinton was close to this figure. In between we find Richard Nixon, Lyndon Johnson, Jimmy Carter and Harry Truman to name a few. At the bottom of the heap we find Barack Obama with 0.1 million jobs created. This is a sad statistic.

For Obama to have a positive influence on job creation he needs to show 260,000 jobs created between now and December for every month. Can this happen? Anything is possible. In Maine the Republican party has been fighting against the entrenched Democrat party. In the last year thousands of jobs have been created by Republicans and the current administration. Republicans in Maine have been fostering the independence of Maine's families and supporting the idea of living within ones means. In November come out and support those Republican candidates that support that value Maine's families.

Maine RepubliCANs for Job creation and Family Independence

Billions were thrown to foster job growth during his term and yet unemployment has remained above 8% for 41 months. Obama has not been able to break this 8% barrier. This despite running on job creation back in 2007/08. The Democrats have a track record these past several years that is loud and clear. In Maine Paul LePage has been working to change the business environment so that it is more business friendly. From January 2011 to March of this year over 3000 jobs have been created. Much has been done by LePage to promote a skilled workforce.

Paul LePage is working for the people as are the Republican candidates in Maine. The common thread that they all share – Jon Courtney, Kevin Raye and Tim Turner (to name a few) is that they are concerned about making Maine a better environment for businesses and employment. Maine needs a party that will will bring jobs to the state. A party that is looking out for Maine's families. A party that promotes independence rather than dependance. Support your Republican candidates