Katie Winchenbach, chair of the LCRC, opened the Oct. 26 meeting at the Wiscasset Community Center with the Pledge of Allegiance then vice chair Steve Karp followed with the Benediction. Our candidates briefly addressed the group with updates on their campaigns and their experiences from talking with Lincoln County voters.

LCRC members are concerned with the reports of increasing crime at the national and state level, drugs coming into Lincoln County, the dramatic increase in drug deaths, the restorative justice movement that is perceived to be “catch and release,” and finally, the defund and disrespect message we hear coming out of Washington and the press. The LCRC invited speakers from Lincoln County Law Enforcement to address our concerns and to answer questions. The speakers were Chief John Lash of Waldoboro, Chief Larry Hesseltine of Wiscasset, and School Resource Officer Jonathan Barnes of Wiscasset.

The speakers shared that Lincoln County has many of the same challenges being reported in the national news. Drugs coming into the county are a very serious problem. They are run from other states and bring in violent criminals to control distribution and sales. The users often turn to crime to support their addiction. Fentanyl has made the use of any drug more dangerous as it often is added to other drugs without the user’s knowledge. The legalization of marijuana has resulted in an increase of OUIs. The threshold for drug OUI is “impaired to the slightest.” This starts a process for the offender that requires transportation, further evaluation, and testing.  The process requires significant resources from law enforcement. The lockdowns, isolation (especially for younger people), the economy, and uncertainties in everyday life have put a strain on society that is showing up first as mental health issues then, as law enforcement action. Increasing road rage incidents are one example of that. Often violence is the result of a drug or mental health issue.  In those cases, the individual may be transported to a hospital or mental health facility. Effective treatment at that time can be successful but often mental health resources are limited and the treatment often fails and the cycle starts again. Restorative justice can be effective, but also can result in people being arrested multiple times for the same or similar offenses. In the case of OUI, this puts other drivers at risk. There are also individuals who have overdosed several times that have been saved by Narcan. In some cases, this cycle ends in death when the Narcan does not arrive on time. The national message of defund and disrespect law enforcement in general has not had a major effect on our local law enforcement. In most cases our officers are valued and respected however recruitment has become a problem. Years ago, an opening would have many applicants. Now often jobs remain open waiting for a qualified individual.

On a positive note, it appears that our police are accepting and incorporating the changes in policy and demands the new challenges and expectations are requiring from them while meeting their core value of protecting the public.  Johnathan Barns, Wiscasset’s School Resource Officer, gave good examples of this in his role of working with young people. He and all the speakers expressed genuine concern with the safety and welfare of all our people, especially the young, and recognize many who come to their attention are not criminals but are people often in need of help.

This writer and the audience of about fifty were left with a very favorable impression of Chief Lash, Chief Hesseltine and Officer Barns and expressed that with a lengthy standing ovation at the close of the meeting. More information on this and other subjects can be found on our website lincolncountyrepublicans.org.