WATERFORD – David Clough of Yarmouth, state director for the National Federation of Small Business, the nation’s largest small business group, with more than 5,000 small business members in Maine, was the featured speaker of the Oxford County Republican Committee.

He discussed the Maine Legislature and small business. Clough, a native of Bangor and special assistant to Congressman Bill Cohen in the 1970s, has been a lobbyist at the Maine Legislature since 1982. Small business is the backbone of the Maine economy, said Clough.

He said on the issues of taxes, workmen’s compensation, regulations and health insurance, the Maine Legislature has, over the past 30 years, not been as supportive of small business as it might have been.

During the business meeting, Becky Kendall, state committeewoman, and Stan Howe, state committeeman, thanked everyone who helped with ads for the state convention program publication. The goal was more than met, ensuring that Oxford County would have front row seating at the convention in Augusta.

Candidates were present and spoke briefly, including Rob Cameron of Rumford, David Hastings of Fryeburg and Caldwell Jackson of Oxford for the State Senate as well as Bruce Hanley of Paris, candidate for the Maine House, and House incumbents Arlan Jodrey of Bethel, Randy Hotham of Dixfield and Sawin Millett of Waterford. Earlon Jones of Fryeburg was introduced as the new chairman of that town, which will host the committee at the August meeting.

Dinner was provided by the Hannibal Hamlin Women’s Republican Club. The next meeting will be June 15 at the Stoneham Congregational church.


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