HCDC Minutes-January 19, 2006 The meeting was chaired by Vice-Chair Dexter Bellows in the absence of Chair John Knutson who was out of state. There were no minutes to approve as December’s meeting had been the holiday party. Julie Mattes presented the financial report. Dexter announced Julie was stepping down as Treasurer and thanked her for her organization and work in the office. Sally Crowley was mentioned as being willing to step up to the position. The opening was announced at this meeting and the election will be held at next month’s meeting. Heather gave the Caucus Alert call. Caucus is Sunday Feb. 26 and will be held in the towns sometime between 1-8pm. Contact town chair and/or convener. Caucus information will be linked from the Hancock Dems homepage. Trainings will be held at HQ on Feb 9 and 11 for conveners. Heather also said HQ is coming along with the kitchen area being finished and carpet laid. New, sharp looking HCDC t-shirts are in and available at HQ. Members may also take any personal item to Taylor Graphics at 331 Water St and have the HCDC donkey embroidered on it for only $5.00. New HCDC brochures are also available. As always, HQ is a busy place and needs volunteers. A work party was announced for Saturday, Jan. 21 to put the wall in the front room up. Rep. Tom Allen will be in the County on January 29 with a full day of activities including a fun time at the Alamoosook Lakeside Inn in Orland. Come 1-5pm for cocoa, hiking, board games, conversation, maybe ice skating, and of course, Congressman Allen. Par Kettis announced the state party platform is still developing. The current draft is available at hancockdems.org. Bonnie Preston gave a presentation on the pending Wal-Mart superstore. A group has formed to look at the issues raised by a larger WM in Ellsworth. Contact Bonnie at 374-3636 for more info. Eric Mehnert and Jean Hay Bright, both announced candidates for the US Senate seat, presented. Both emphasized the fact that Sen. Snowe is not a moderate. Mehnert mentioned she voted with the GOP 67% of the time during her first term. Under the Bush Administration, she has voted with the Party leadership 82% of the time. He also said the intent of the Constitution and law is a search for justice and a free and fair society. Bright stated under the current Administration it is not ‘shoot first and ask questions later, it is shoot first and ask no questions.’ Both candidates oppose the War and said troops should be brought home now. Eric said he agreed with Rep. John Murtha that they serve no military purpose at this point. Several local candidates were introduced. Tom Finlay is running in Senate District 29 (mostly Washington County, with a small portion in Hancock County). Lance Weddell is running in House District 41 against Rep. Ken Lindell (R), in a district that includes Verona and Orland. Sally Crowley announced she will run again for Treasurer of Hancock County and cited numerous accomplishments while in office. Don Snoke announced he had been considering running for the House District 34 seat currently held by Rep. Earl Bierman (R) but had decided to support Rob Eaton. Rob Eaton announced he is probably running for HD 34 but will formally announce soon. Rob and his wife Candy are long-time residents of Sullivan. Rob is the Youth Director at the Ellsworth YMCA and active in the community. The candidates answered questions and the meeting adjourned at 9:07pm.