RUMFORD – Gov. John Baldacci was the guest of honor at the Oxford County Democratic holiday party on Dec. 15 at the Eagles Hall.

In his remarks, Baldacci highlighted the accomplishments of his administration, including guiding the state out of a recession, an inherited debt and the financial woes brought on by the policies of the federal government. The economic projections for the coming year have been revised upward recently.

Baldacci spoke about Dirigo Health, which is providing small businesses and individuals with comprehensive health insurance. He also discussed his recent trade missions to France and Cuba.

He described the efforts of his administration to provide heating assistance and advice for seniors on Medicare Part D. Baldacci recognized the work of Sen. Bruce Bryant and Rep. John Patrick in the legislature and as community leaders. He thanked County Chairwoman Cathy Newell and the more than 60 attendees for their past support and asked for their help in the coming campaign.

Andrea Quaid of Congressman Mike Michaud’s Lewiston office represented the congressman, who was unable to attend the supper as planned as Congress was still in session. Quaid said Michaud was in Rumford on Dec. 11 for the 100th Anniversary Mass at St. Athanasius and St. John Church, attending Mass and the reception with Patrick and Bryant. All three were mentioned by Bishop Malone in his remarks.

Later in the day, Michaud and Quaid accompanied Bryant to a briefing session in Canton on the flood relocation efforts.

Patrick and Bryant offered brief remarks as did Register of Deeds Jane Rich, Wayne Gallant of Rumford, candidate for sheriff, and Roy Gedat of Norway, a candidate for House and vice chairman of the Oxford County Democrats.

Marianne Stevens of Kingfield, vice chairwoman of the Maine Democratic Party, provided an update on the Feb. 26 caucus meetings and on her recent attendance at the Democratic National Committee meeting.

The dinner committee included John and Clair Patrick, Dennis Arsenault, Theresa Fraser, Pam Pace, Cathy Newell and Bruce Bryant. The menu included salad, spaghetti and a dessert buffet contributed by volunteers.

The county Democrats will hold regional meetings in January to allow towns to receive caucus training. Tim Carter of Bethel announced that a Bethel area Democratic meeting will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 17. Similar meetings will be scheduled in the Rumford, Oxford Hills and southern Oxford County areas during January.

The Oxford County Democrats welcome new members who are interested in helping elect Democrats at all levels. Anyone interested may contact Newell at 875-2116 or e-mail cathyn@megalink.net.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.