MEXICO – The Oxford County Democrats met March 29 at the Mexico Town Hall, preceded by a pizza supper with Congressman Michael Michaud and Andrea Quaid, congressional aide for Oxford, Franklin and Androscoggin counties.

Michaud spoke about a variety of issues before Congress, including Social Security and the Bush budget, as well as the Base Closure Commission. He expressed particular concern about the cuts proposed by the Bush Administration for veterans’ health care.

During the business meeting, Mike Broderick gave the treasurer’s report. Marianne Stevens, vice chairwoman of the Maine Democratic Party, reported on developments at headquarters, including the purchase of a new building, hiring of additional staff with positions posted on the Web site and a credit card program with sign-up on the Web site.

She announced that Cathy Newell was appointed by Chairman Pat Colwell to chair the Administration Committee and that Roy Gedat was elected to the committee. Broderick was elected to the Finance Committee. All Oxford County Democratic State Committee members were present at the last state committee meeting.

Reports from the regional meetings held in February and early March were given. Marlee Turner and Myra Bethell reported that a successful meeting was held in the Sacopee region in February and another is scheduled for April 20.

At the February meeting ideas were generated and sent to Howard Dean, the new party chairman.

Connie Allen and Newell reported that the Oxford Hills area Democrats meeting at Miriam Laster’s home on March 6. Marge Medd suggested that the group assist REACH, the rape crisis center for the county, with an event this spring.

The group agreed and Newell will send an e-mail appeal for individual donations. This is in the tradition of the annual charitable donations made by the Oxford County Democrats, which have included New York City firefighters, Canton flood relief, local food pantries and the prescription drug trip to Canada.

The Bethel area Democrats held a meeting in February and plan to meet in April. The River Valley Area Democrats will meet in April as well.

The remainder of the meeting concerned planning for upcoming events. Bill Petrie was the winner of the 50-50 raffle and donated his share to the county Democrats. Jan Kubiac donated two lap desks with stationery supplies for letter-writing.

The next meeting of the Oxford County Democrats will be held on Thursday, May 19, in the Porter area. Anyone who would like information may visit the Web site, www.oxforddems.org, or call Newell at 875-2116.