RUMFORD – The Oxford County Democrats held a holiday supper and meeting on Dec. 13 at the Eagles Hall. Mariannne Stevens, vice chairwoman of the Maine Democratic Party, was the speaker, offering remarks on the process for selecting delegates to the National Convention to be held in Denver in August.

She highlighted the fact that the Democratic party is encouraging an attendance “that reflects America.”

Oxford County Democrats are eligible to run for the seven elected delegate slots allocated to the Second Congressional District or for the five elected at-large statewide delegate slots. The process will begin at the Feb. 10 caucus meetings to be held throughout the county.

Local office-holders provided reports on their activities. Rep. John Patrick (D-Rumford) anticipates a busy legislative session in his role as house chairman of the Legal and Veterans Affairs Committee.

Rep. Tim Carter (D-Bethel) is logging until the session starts. He reported on his success at getting four bills approved by the Legislative Council for consideration in the upcoming session. The bills deal with geothermal energy, a public dock in Oquossoc, diesel fuel for loggers and a GPS bracelet for use in sentencing.

Sen. Bruce Bryant (D-Dixfield) has been attending budget meetings in Augusta and is involved in the revisions to the school administrative consolidation planning, which will remove financial barriers for regions.

Rep.-elect Sheryl Briggs (D-Mexico has been named to the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee and said she is pleased with that assignment, which deals with issues of interest to her district.

Briggs will be sworn in on Jan. 2 and was the guest of honor at a reception in Augusta, sponsored by the House Democratic Caucus, on Dec. 11. The Oxford County Democrats are planning to organize a group outing to the State House for Briggs’ swearing in.

Sheriff Wayne Gallant reported on the developments in his department that include reassignments to boost the number of detectives on the force and an increase in the revenue being generated from contracting with agencies such as the border patrol and in grants from the federal government.

He spoke about the plan being offered by the sheriffs’ association to the legislature on regional collaboration, which responds to the plan developed by the Baldacci administration.

County Chairwoman Cathy Newell reported on the progress on securing convenors for each town caucus. She said a complete list should be published by the end of December, with training scheduled for January.

Newell said candidate recruitment is going well, with announcements forthcoming in the next month. Anyone considering running for legislative or county office as a Democrat is asked to contact Newell at 875-2116 or [email protected].

County Committee Treasurer Mike Broderick of Bethel gave a report and County Vice Chairman Roy Gedat of Norway was also in attendance.

The Oxford County Democrats issue frequent e-newsletters highlighting activities. To be added to the distribution list, contact Newell at [email protected]. Participation is open to Democrats and those interested in electing Democrats.