Platform Committee 2009-10 HCDC has three members of the Maine Platform Committee: Par Kettis, Chair of the Committee, Castine: kettis@myfairpoint.net, 326-4548 Roger Bowen, Birch Harbor: rwbowen5@aol.com, 963-4156 Paul Liebow, Bucksport: palakaseal@aol.com, 469-7427 If you have any ideas you would like to see reflected in the Platform to be adopted at the Convention 22-23 May 2010, you are welcome to contact one of our members above at any time. The Maine Platform Committee has scheduled the following meetings: in 2009 on 25 October, 22 November and 13 December, and in 2010 on 24 January, 21 February and 21 May 2010. The proposed amendments to the old platform will be distributed on 1 March 2010. Delegates and alternates to the Convention may propose their own amendments (10 signatures). The Platform Committee will review these amendments on 21 May 2010 and make recommendations to the Convention. The Convention will then make its decisions about all the amendments. Notes from the Nov. 7 Platform Meeting at HCDC HQ Par Kettis HCDC  had arranged a meeting with the three members of the Platform Committee at HQ Saturday 7 November 2009 at 10 AM. The three members were present and discussed issues in the existing Platform that they think should be added or changed. Those present exchanged ideas and  these are some of their  thoughts. Anybody who has additional questions or suggestions please contact any of the three members. Roger Bowen suggested that Maine graduates shall be offered a partial reduction of their debt in return for working a couple of years in Maine, after which they would be free to work anywhere. As it is now students often take a better paid job out of state so that they can pay down their debt faster. Roger also wants to work for inclusion of new legislation to allow physician assisted suicide when a patient for example has a terminal illness and is suffering pain.  Paul Liebow is interested in working on introducing rules for a more effective control of toxic substances: in food, cosmetics, children’s items and other commercial uses.  Par Kettis suggested that the global section should include a firm and clear statement  in favor of bringing to an end our nation’s engagement in the Afghan war so it will not go on indefinitely. We should hand over the protection of the Afghan people to themselves and limit our efforts in that country to preventing future attacks by terrorists on the U.S. Â