Lincoln County Republican Committee Chair Katie Winchenbach opened the Aug. 24 LCRC meeting in Damariscotta with the pledge of allegiance. Vice Chair Steve Karp then led the benediction.

There was a general discussion of the various fundraisers and events scheduled through the upcoming elections starting with the Aug. 27 meet and greet for Ann and Paul LePage on the Boothbay Common. On Sunday, Aug. 28 there is a blueberry pie special, celebrating one of Maine’s premier industries. Steve Karp, a professional violinist, was the featured entertainment. Other events include: a Sept. 11 event at the Lakehurst Lodge in Damariscotta. Ed Thelander, US HD 1 candidate, will be leading a short service in remembrance of that day then the theme will shift to the future and family events; on Sept. 17 there will be a Brats, Bean and Beer picnic at the Trump wall in Waldoboro with entertainment for all ages, and on Sept. 21 there will be a Harvest Dinner in Waldoboro. It is an annual event and a great opportunity for a good meal with great people. The LCRC also has a mobile headquarters with signs, literature, and an opportunity to meet our candidates and LCRC members. The mobile HQ will be moving around Lincoln County. All the event specifics are on our website at lincolncountyrepublicans.org.

Suheir Alaskeri and Aqeel Mohialdeen from the GOP Multiculture Center, located in Portland and Lewiston, then spoke and answered questions for an hour. The Multicultural center is an organization based on conservative values with an emphasis on a “hand up” rather than just a handout. Programs feature the empowerment and success of immigrants with business, academic and career programs, and specialized English classes. Other programs such as Legal assistance, volunteering positions, networking, job opportunities and career planning courses open new opportunities. They noted that many refugees arrive knowing several languages, have college degrees (many with advanced degrees), and have a desire to contribute to their new country. They also have a sense of pride in their accomplishments and want to use their skill set to provide a good life for their families by their own hand. Pride in themselves and respect from others is important to them. Their stories were of danger, hardship, respect for our military in their homeland, refugee camps, perseverance, determination, hope, and now the joy and faith that they will have a good, safe, and productive future in their new country. It was a humbling, stirring, and uplifting hour that left the audience believing there is opportunity for both the immigrant and our country in a program built to help everyone to succeed. We hope to have Suheir and Aqeel back as speakers in the future.

The candidates then spoke, first was Katrina Smith, candidate for HD-62, town of Somerville and Knox County. Next was Ed Polewarczyk, House District 47, consisting of the towns of Wiscasset, Alna, Jefferson, and Whitefield. Then Merle Parise, HD 46, towns of Bristol, Damariscotta, Monhegan, Newcastle, and Nobleboro. Followed by Abden Simmons, Senate District 13 candidate for all of Lincoln County and the town of Windsor. Lastly, candidate for U.S. House District 1, Ed Thelander represented by his wife Liliana.

Katrina spoke of her concerns about our K-12 education system and the mismatch of parent’s expectations for their children and the priorities of our school systems, Merle spoke of his environmental background and his common-sense environmental solutions. Ed Polewarczyk believes government spending should be reduced and taxes cut. Abden is concerned about government and state regulations and a runaway program to put windmills off our coast that will destroy our fishing industry. Liliana, speaking for Ed, who was at another event, spoke of the unity of all Republican candidates and their common goals and efforts in finding solutions to our many state and national issues.

All candidates agreed that inflation, especially the cost of oil and electricity, caused by our monetary policies and high levels of spending, is a crisis to most working Mainers and must be addressed. They also agreed that high taxes are crippling the economy of the state and are placing an unacceptable burden on our state taxpayers and our industries. They are concerned that over regulation could destroy our fishing industry and way of life. They also believe that our school systems should respect the wishes and interests of parents and students, focus on traditional subjects, and prepare high school graduates for good jobs or going on to higher education. More information on events and our candidates are available on our website lincolncountyrepublicans.org.