Wiscasset Republican Committee Chairman, Bill Maloney, opened the Aug. 10 Wiscasset meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. There was a general discussion with the Wiscasset committee members of what they considered to be the most pressing issues affecting them and our state. Of general concern was the high cost of almost everything, especially energy, shortages identified as empty shelves in stores, and a concern about the potential for the availability of heating oil and even natural gas this winter. Ed Polewarczyk noted that he was only able to lock into an oil delivery contract at a much higher price with a quantity that was less than was used in the past.

The candidates then spoke, first was Polewarczyk, House District 47, consisting of the towns of Wiscasset, Alna, Jefferson, and Whitefield. Ed started with his campaign message, “I believe in a brighter future - one with lower costs, better jobs, and great public schools.” He followed with specifics: reducing government spending, reducing/eliminating the state income tax to help struggling Mainers and auditing the state spending to reduce waste. Ed continues to talk to students at local schools about his experiences on the Space Shuttle Program. He believes that education should get back to the basics, teaching our students how to think, not what to think and protecting parents' right to speak out about school policies and curriculum.

Abden Simmons, Senate District 13 candidate for all of Lincoln County and Windsor, then spoke. He noted that he has decades of experience in the fishing industry. It is an 800 million dollar industry that has a 4.6 billion dollar impact on our state’s economy. This industry is being threatened by both state and federal policies that is putting limits, restrictions, and new regulations which, if allowed to continue, could cripple the industry and lead to the loss of a Maine way of life. He has served on state level advisory councils and has had other roles representing the fishing industry. He believes his leadership is needed in Augusta to protect fishing interests. He is also for eliminating the state income tax, establishing more trade schools as a choice in education, and a “Parents Bill of Rights.” Both presentations were well received by the attendees who were encouraged by the messages. The candidates then took questions from the audience and after some engaging conversations, the meeting was adjourned.