Cumberland County Democratic Committee
Minutes of the CCDC Monthly Meeting
July 20, 2008 at Gorham Municipal Center
Attending: Terry Morrison, Pam Fenrich, Darcy Halvorsen, Rep. David Farrington, Lu Bauer, Rep. John Brautigam, Sen. Phil Bartlett, Commissioner John Richardson, Rep. Stan Gerzofsky, Rep. Mark Bryant, Steve Bloom, Greg Howard, Dan LeVasseur, Dan Wolfe, Missy Kimmelman, Jamie Watson, George Gratto, Allen Evans, Michael O'Brien, Kathy O’Brien, Diane Bryant, Donna Borelli, Tom Foley, Peggy Killimen, Pat McKeen, Elden McKeen, Ben Katz, Fil Eden, Halsey Snow, Reid Sher, Tom Foley, Steve Bloom, and Matt Grill.
• Meeting started at 7:06pm and was chaired by acting Chair Pam Fenrich.
Welcome by David Farrington, Chair of the Gorham Democratic Committee, and introduced of all current legislators and candidates attending.
Secretaries Report: Terry reported on June’s meeting minutes. There were no questions or comments from the floor. A motion on the floor was put forth to accept the minutes. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Treasurers Report: Current balance of $2,500. A motion on the floor was commenced for acceptance. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Fundraising: Darcy asked if folks have not yet turned in there membership dues, please do so. Our annual summer picnic is also a fundraiser; we will not be doing any pre-registration, but collecting the $15 entrance fee at the picnic. Darcy also thanked Halsey Snow for passing the hat at the convention and doing do raised roughly $3000.00.
Communications: Tom reported that $1,000.00 forth of ad space was sold in the last issue. Instead of mailing them, copies were handed out at the convention. Next issue will be in September/October. If candidates would like to submit anything, please send it to Tom at tomfoptld@yahoo.com.
Coordinated Campaign Update: Introduction of a new Cumberland County Coordinator Jamie Watson. He reported of a county wide canvas on the July 26, which marks 100 days to the election. All municipalities will be participating. Current polling indicates that Tom Allen is only 7 points behind Susan Collins.
Update from the Tom Allen campaign: Aislinn Hougham reported that Tom received the Maine Teachers Association and Democracy for America endorsements. Upcoming events include a women’s event in Yarmouth, Cumberland, and Falmouth on August 6, an energy summit on August 6th, Westbrook Community Supper on August 8, and a concert featuring Bonnie Raitt on August 11.
Nominations and Elections for CCDC Officers: The first nomination was for Secretary. Pam asked for a nomination from the floor. Reid Scher was nominated, seconded, and the vote was unanimous. The second nomination was for Treasurer. Pam asked for a nomination from the floor. Halsey Snow was nominated, seconded and the vote was unanimous. The third nomination was for Chair. Pam asked for a nomination from the floor. Darcy Halvorsen was nominated, seconded and the vote was unanimous. They each gave a brief outline and we look forward to working with them in the future. Congratulations to Darcy, Hasley and Reid!
Picnic Planning Meeting: The next CCDC picnic planning meeting will be held at Pam Fenrich’s home on July 29 starting at 6:00. Her address is 3 Fox Hall Rd. in Falmouth.
Program: The Maine Economy: John Richardson (Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development), Sen. Phil Bartlett, and Rep. David Farrington were guest panelists for a discussion on the Maine economy. Below are highlights of the discussion.
• Homes in Maine haven't lost value during this economic slow down.
• The conversation needs to turn to what’s right with Maine, not what’s wrong.
• We can compete in the global market very well.
• Mainers have a great work ethic.
• Our innovation drives the economy.
• The right attitude makes all the difference in changing the economic landscape.
• The best proposal gets state funding.
• Research and development projects have more commercial applications than ever before.
• We join forty-four other states that are adapting to a changing and older workforce.
• The Democratic Party is the party of small business.
• T.I.Fs from wind energy power companies should be directed to economic growth.
Question from the floor: Do casinos and water manufacturing plants help Maine’s economic growth? John indicated that strategists indicate that they do not do much to stimulate growth.
Statement from the floor: We do not have the trained workforce to go into the tech industries. They require a masters or Ph.D that Maine universities do not provide.
Darcy thanked the panelists and asked for a motion to adjourn. The motion carried.
• Meeting adjourned at 8:35pm.
• Next regular meeting will be Sunday, September 21, 2008 at 7:00pm in New Gloucester at the First Congregational Church vestry. Refreshments and socializing from 6:30-7:00pm.
• Meeting minutes submitted by Second Vice Chair Terry Morrison.