PARIS – The Oxford County Democrats set a new record for attendance at their county meeting on March 9, with close to 100 people from a majority of the towns in the county attending the meeting and trainings, including a session on campaign expenditures and reporting by Gavin O’Brien of the Maine Ethics Commission and campaign training by Torvic Vardamis of the Maine Democratic Party.

County Vice Chairman Roy Gedat of Norway led off with an introduction of the candidates present, including State Sen. Bruce Bryant of Dixfield, Rep. Terry Hayes of Buckfield, Rep. Tim Carter of Bethel, Rep.John Patrick of Rumford running for county commissioner in District 2, House candidates Matt Peterson of Rumford, Helen Rankin of Hiram, Russell Newcomb of Norway, Paul Dumas of Mexico running for judge of probate, Bruce Rood of Norway running for register of probate, and Charleen Chase of Bethel running for county commissioner in District 1. Candidates gave a short speech.

Rep. Sheryl Briggs of Mexico and Jim Bradley of Mechanic Falls running for House District 100 were unable to attend due to schedule issues, and Senate 13 candidate Lisa Villa of Harrison and House 98 candidate Megan Crawford of Harrison were attending a public event in Bridgton.

Vardamis announced that convention packets would be sent to delegates and alternates to the state convention, to be held in Augusta on May 30, 31 and June 1.

County Chairwoman Cathy Newell announced that people are welcome to attend the convention as guests, and information will be distributed in the near future on that.

Vardamis announced that forms for state committee and for national delegates are available on the Maine Democratic Party Web site, www.mainedems.org.

Sam Spencer, national committeeman from Maine, spoke on his re-election campaign and on the situation regarding the presidential nominating process.

Newell announced that there will be a county committee meeting in the southern region at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 13, at the Legion Hall in Fryeburg, with several of Maine’s super delegates as speakers, including Spencer, Party Chairman John Knutson and Vice Chairwoman Marianne Stevens.

Andrea Quaid of Congressman Michael Michaud’s Lewiston office reported on recent legislative activities. She reported Michaud had joined Oxford County Democrats for the Feb. 21 campaign kick-off in Paris.

Aislinn Hougham of the Tom Allen for Senate campaign gave a report, including news of the birth of the first Allen grandchild.

Treasurer Mike Broderick and Newell conducted a few items of county committee business. Rep. Terry Hayes was elected to represent Oxford County on the Credentials Committee for the convention.

Several town chairs, including Mary Dube of Canton, Rich Plante of Mexico and Jennifer Plante of Dixfield, reported on municipal committee meetings held recently.

The Mexico Democrats will meet at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, March 16, at the University College Center in Mexico.

The remainder of the meeting was devoted to planning for the campaign. April meetings include the April 13 meeting in Fryeburg and regional meetings in the northern and central regions, with details to be announced. Anyone interested in electing Democrats is welcome to become involved in the activities of the Oxford County Democrats.

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