Thank you to Donna Morse, one of our area's great educators, for this letter from yesterday's issue of the Falls Times:
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I live in Andover and have known Matt all his life. Matt is an honorable
and caring individual who knows how to overcome obstacles. He is
productive and helpful and looks out for the good of all with knowledge
and a common sense approach. Matt has managed to build important
relationships with leaders of both parties. I am sure Matt will continue
to work diligently in helping to make Maine and the River Valley a more
affordable state with more jobs, helping seniors, and ensuring that our
schools are preparing out young people for tomorrow jobs. Please vote for
Matt
Donna Morse, Andover
Thursday, October 28, 2010
"He best embodies the spirit of his district."
Thank you to Cam Kaubris--MV's star Quarterback--for this great endorsement! Go Falcons!
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I am a senior at Mountain Valley High School and I live in Rumford, Maine. I am a three sport athlete and a member of the National Honor Society. I am captain of both the Falcon football and basketball squads.
I have previously voted for Matt Peterson in the primary. At the time, I was only seventeen (17) years old, and I learned from my history teacher, Chris Carver, that as long as I was eighteen (18) by the time of the November elections, I could vote in the primaries. Needless to say, I was very excited. I had been waiting for quite some time now to take part in our nation’s governing process. I feel that it is important for all Maine’s citizens to get out and vote and to have a fair representation in Augusta.
As I scanned the ballot at the American Legion, I happened upon Matt Peterson’s name. I was glad to see that he was running for re-election. Mr. Peterson has done an excellent job as a representative for this area’s voters. He has all the qualities one would look for in a politician. He is thoughtful on all issues, he brings a common-sense approach to all of his decision making and most importantly, he best embodies the spirit of his district. He has an amazing ability to incorporate the views of both the youth as well as the elderly. He has also built relationships with leaders of both parties in order to benefit the constituents of the River Valley. That kind of talent and bipartisanship is rarely seen and is an often over looked strength of Mr. Peterson.
Matt Peterson has already accomplished a great deal and has overcome plenty of obstacles. I hope that voters take into account what he has done, and also the potential that he holds. Vote for Matt, he still has much that he can accomplish for us.
Cameron Kaubris
Rumford, Maine
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I am a senior at Mountain Valley High School and I live in Rumford, Maine. I am a three sport athlete and a member of the National Honor Society. I am captain of both the Falcon football and basketball squads.
I have previously voted for Matt Peterson in the primary. At the time, I was only seventeen (17) years old, and I learned from my history teacher, Chris Carver, that as long as I was eighteen (18) by the time of the November elections, I could vote in the primaries. Needless to say, I was very excited. I had been waiting for quite some time now to take part in our nation’s governing process. I feel that it is important for all Maine’s citizens to get out and vote and to have a fair representation in Augusta.
As I scanned the ballot at the American Legion, I happened upon Matt Peterson’s name. I was glad to see that he was running for re-election. Mr. Peterson has done an excellent job as a representative for this area’s voters. He has all the qualities one would look for in a politician. He is thoughtful on all issues, he brings a common-sense approach to all of his decision making and most importantly, he best embodies the spirit of his district. He has an amazing ability to incorporate the views of both the youth as well as the elderly. He has also built relationships with leaders of both parties in order to benefit the constituents of the River Valley. That kind of talent and bipartisanship is rarely seen and is an often over looked strength of Mr. Peterson.
Matt Peterson has already accomplished a great deal and has overcome plenty of obstacles. I hope that voters take into account what he has done, and also the potential that he holds. Vote for Matt, he still has much that he can accomplish for us.
Cameron Kaubris
Rumford, Maine
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
"I’m proud to have him representing our community."
Thank you to Rick Greene for this Letter to the Editor that ran in today's issue of the Rumford Falls Times:
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I am writing in support of Matt Peterson in his re-election as state representative in District 92. I have had the pleasure of having a number of different interactions with Matt during his first term as state representative. He is always accessible to answer questions and listen to concerns.
Matt started his first year sponsoring a bill that sought to radically overhaul services for people dependent on home health care services. His goal was to improve the options for people that were dependent on these services while saving the taxpayers money through reducing a duplication of services and increasing efficiency. This bill was ultimately passed by the legislature. This is extremely rare for a freshman legislator. I believe this is a testament to Matt’s intelligence, hard work and concern for all of the people of the state of Maine.
Matt is not simply a politician, playing the game to get elected. It is very clear to me that Matt truly cares for the people he represents. I’m proud to have him representing our community.
Richard Greene, Rumford
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I am writing in support of Matt Peterson in his re-election as state representative in District 92. I have had the pleasure of having a number of different interactions with Matt during his first term as state representative. He is always accessible to answer questions and listen to concerns.
Matt started his first year sponsoring a bill that sought to radically overhaul services for people dependent on home health care services. His goal was to improve the options for people that were dependent on these services while saving the taxpayers money through reducing a duplication of services and increasing efficiency. This bill was ultimately passed by the legislature. This is extremely rare for a freshman legislator. I believe this is a testament to Matt’s intelligence, hard work and concern for all of the people of the state of Maine.
Matt is not simply a politician, playing the game to get elected. It is very clear to me that Matt truly cares for the people he represents. I’m proud to have him representing our community.
Richard Greene, Rumford
Sunday, October 24, 2010
"Matt has demonstrated his commitment to serving the diverse needs of the district."
Thank you to Jim and Linda Macgregor for this wonderful endorsement in today's issue of the Sun Journal:
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In his first term as a representative, Matt Peterson has demonstrated his commitment to serving the diverse needs of the district. District 92 covers a large territory: Andover, Byron, Rumford, Weld, Rangeley and Sandy River Plantation; the unorganized territories of west central Franklin County; and Madrid.
He brings many strengths and skills to his office, including boundless energy, a questioning mind and genuine respect for the people he serves.
But the standout for us is his communication with his constituents — not only reports from his office, but rapid and reliable response to the citizens; no call unreturned, no letter or e-mail unanswered.
He is running for a second term in the Maine House. We’re confident that the voters of District 92 will cast their ballots for Matt Peterson. We surely will.
Jim and Linda Macgregor, Rumford Point
http://www.sunjournal.com/letters/story/929082
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In his first term as a representative, Matt Peterson has demonstrated his commitment to serving the diverse needs of the district. District 92 covers a large territory: Andover, Byron, Rumford, Weld, Rangeley and Sandy River Plantation; the unorganized territories of west central Franklin County; and Madrid.
He brings many strengths and skills to his office, including boundless energy, a questioning mind and genuine respect for the people he serves.
But the standout for us is his communication with his constituents — not only reports from his office, but rapid and reliable response to the citizens; no call unreturned, no letter or e-mail unanswered.
He is running for a second term in the Maine House. We’re confident that the voters of District 92 will cast their ballots for Matt Peterson. We surely will.
Jim and Linda Macgregor, Rumford Point
http://www.sunjournal.com/letters/story/929082
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
"Matthew J. Peterson of Rumford has already rolled his sleeves up, proven his honesty and integrity."
Many thanks to Oxford County Sheriff Wayne Gallant for this wonderful endorsement in today's issue of the Rumford Falls Times:
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To the Editor:
As a resident of Rumford I want to believe I am represented in Augusta by an individual who is not lacking in honesty and integrity. I want to believe I have a representative that is a true voice of those he represents. I want to believe that my state representative knows he is in Augusta to represent our needs not the dictates of government or special interests. I believe our state representatives, now more than ever, need to forget party politics, roll up their sleeves and do the things needed to get this State out of the deep fiscal hole it has fallen into.
District 92 State Representative Matthew J. Peterson of Rumford has already rolled his sleeves up, proven his honesty and integrity. He proudly goes to Augusta and clearly has shown he knows who he represents…all the people of District 92. Please join me on November 2nd in allowing Matt to continue the great job he has been doing.
Wayne J. Gallant
Rumford
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To the Editor:
As a resident of Rumford I want to believe I am represented in Augusta by an individual who is not lacking in honesty and integrity. I want to believe I have a representative that is a true voice of those he represents. I want to believe that my state representative knows he is in Augusta to represent our needs not the dictates of government or special interests. I believe our state representatives, now more than ever, need to forget party politics, roll up their sleeves and do the things needed to get this State out of the deep fiscal hole it has fallen into.
District 92 State Representative Matthew J. Peterson of Rumford has already rolled his sleeves up, proven his honesty and integrity. He proudly goes to Augusta and clearly has shown he knows who he represents…all the people of District 92. Please join me on November 2nd in allowing Matt to continue the great job he has been doing.
Wayne J. Gallant
Rumford
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
"Matt will again be my choice for a better Maine."
Thank you to Brenda Sassi for this beautiful letter which also ran in today's Rumford Falls Times:
I supported Matt in his previous election and having seen him in action there is no doubt in my mind that this young man is going places. Visiting Matt in Augusta and listening and watching Matt it is very obvious that he is respected by members of both parties. Everyone wanted to talk to him about various topics and get his feedback. His continuous updates in our weekly newspaper keeps us well informed on what he is doing. There is no lack of communication with his District 92 and the State of Maine in what he is achieving to get the real value for our tax dollar.
Matt is a gentlemen that is positive, very approachable, a problem solver and will work with lawmakers on both sides of the aisles and will always work to achieve mutual goals. Matt will again be my choice for a better Maine. Why change something great if it is going well.
Brenda Sassi, Rumford
I supported Matt in his previous election and having seen him in action there is no doubt in my mind that this young man is going places. Visiting Matt in Augusta and listening and watching Matt it is very obvious that he is respected by members of both parties. Everyone wanted to talk to him about various topics and get his feedback. His continuous updates in our weekly newspaper keeps us well informed on what he is doing. There is no lack of communication with his District 92 and the State of Maine in what he is achieving to get the real value for our tax dollar.
Matt is a gentlemen that is positive, very approachable, a problem solver and will work with lawmakers on both sides of the aisles and will always work to achieve mutual goals. Matt will again be my choice for a better Maine. Why change something great if it is going well.
Brenda Sassi, Rumford
"It’s all possible because of Matt’s leadership."
Thank you to Randy and Ruby Gunther for this wonderful endorsement from today's Rumford Falls Times:
To the Editor:
We have known Matt most of his life, have watched him grow up in Rumford, and see he is reflecting the best of our River Valley community. Despite facing a few setbacks along the way, Matt has continued to work hard and has always focused his attention outward on how he could help others. He has provided great service to Rumford and the River Valley in the Legislature and we look forward to giving him our vote on November 2nd.
We are particularly proud that our representative was the one who brought forward the legislation to make Mixed Martial Arts a legal and regulated sport in Maine. We share Matt’s passion for this sport, and he was the one who stepped up to get the sport regulated in our state. Matt accomplished this by securing almost unanimous support from both parties in both bodies of the Legislature. In just a few months, we expect that Maine citizens will be attending the first ever mixed martial arts show in our state -- and that will be just the beginning for promotions that will bring new revenues to small businesses around the state. While the first shows will likely be in Portland, Lewiston/Auburn or Bangor -- we’re looking forward to the time that events will be held in the River Valley. It’s all possible because of Matt’s leadership.
As a young family that has decided to live and work and raise our daughter here in Rumford, we understand the need for strong representation to promote the future of our area. We hope you’ll join us in sending one of Rumford’s finest back to represent us in Augusta. Vote for Matt Peterson.
Randy and Ruby Gunther, Rumford
To the Editor:
We have known Matt most of his life, have watched him grow up in Rumford, and see he is reflecting the best of our River Valley community. Despite facing a few setbacks along the way, Matt has continued to work hard and has always focused his attention outward on how he could help others. He has provided great service to Rumford and the River Valley in the Legislature and we look forward to giving him our vote on November 2nd.
We are particularly proud that our representative was the one who brought forward the legislation to make Mixed Martial Arts a legal and regulated sport in Maine. We share Matt’s passion for this sport, and he was the one who stepped up to get the sport regulated in our state. Matt accomplished this by securing almost unanimous support from both parties in both bodies of the Legislature. In just a few months, we expect that Maine citizens will be attending the first ever mixed martial arts show in our state -- and that will be just the beginning for promotions that will bring new revenues to small businesses around the state. While the first shows will likely be in Portland, Lewiston/Auburn or Bangor -- we’re looking forward to the time that events will be held in the River Valley. It’s all possible because of Matt’s leadership.
As a young family that has decided to live and work and raise our daughter here in Rumford, we understand the need for strong representation to promote the future of our area. We hope you’ll join us in sending one of Rumford’s finest back to represent us in Augusta. Vote for Matt Peterson.
Randy and Ruby Gunther, Rumford
Monday, October 11, 2010
Comments to Honor Paul Harris Fellows
Today, Columbus Day 2010, I was honored to be invited by the Rumford Area Rotary to participate in a tree planting ceremony in honor of Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary. Reprinted below are my remarks from today:
Comments by Representative Matt Peterson to Honor Paul Harris Fellows October 11, 2010
It is a particular honor for me to have been invited to make a few comments regarding the important contributions that Rotary has made to our community and to communities across the globe. We remember Paul Harris, who started the Rotary Clubs, who came to Rumford more than 70 years ago to give a boost to the Rumford Rotary which has an outstanding record of community service for 85 years.
Over those 85 years, Rotary members, collectively and individually have done many things for the community -- service that was both obvious and public, as well as acts of kindness that were private and every bit as significant in the lives they have touched.
It’s become pretty popular to bash government these days and as someone who has had the opportunity to serve my neighbors in the River Valley for the last two years -- I can tell you that the negativity can become a little discouraging. There is a great deal of need in our community and in our state, and there is an appropriate role for government to play in developing and delivering the services that individuals need in order to stay healthy and make the most of their lives.
One area where the critics of government are correct is that “government has its limitations.” Government cannot do it all. Motivated individuals, working individually or in service organizations like Rotary are another essential ingredient in making our communities work for all citizens. I look at the areas of concern for the Rumford Rotary -- Health Care Services; Education; Quality of Community Life --and these are the same issues that are central to the discussions of the Legislature. Fortunately, the Rotary doesn’t have to deal with the details of fishing licenses -- although they would probably do a good job with that, too.
When I look at Rotary -- I see partnerships. Partnerships between individuals, partnerships with government, partnership with institutions that serve the community like the Red Cross or Androscoggin Home Health and Hospice, partnerships that extend educational opportunities through scholarships or literacy action. These partnerships are essential to any healthy community and Rotary is that glue that holds communities together.
I’m honored to be here today and look forward to the opportunity to hear from the Paul Harris Fellows and celebrate the many achievements of Rumford Rotary and its members. Thank you.
Comments by Representative Matt Peterson to Honor Paul Harris Fellows October 11, 2010
It is a particular honor for me to have been invited to make a few comments regarding the important contributions that Rotary has made to our community and to communities across the globe. We remember Paul Harris, who started the Rotary Clubs, who came to Rumford more than 70 years ago to give a boost to the Rumford Rotary which has an outstanding record of community service for 85 years.
Over those 85 years, Rotary members, collectively and individually have done many things for the community -- service that was both obvious and public, as well as acts of kindness that were private and every bit as significant in the lives they have touched.
It’s become pretty popular to bash government these days and as someone who has had the opportunity to serve my neighbors in the River Valley for the last two years -- I can tell you that the negativity can become a little discouraging. There is a great deal of need in our community and in our state, and there is an appropriate role for government to play in developing and delivering the services that individuals need in order to stay healthy and make the most of their lives.
One area where the critics of government are correct is that “government has its limitations.” Government cannot do it all. Motivated individuals, working individually or in service organizations like Rotary are another essential ingredient in making our communities work for all citizens. I look at the areas of concern for the Rumford Rotary -- Health Care Services; Education; Quality of Community Life --and these are the same issues that are central to the discussions of the Legislature. Fortunately, the Rotary doesn’t have to deal with the details of fishing licenses -- although they would probably do a good job with that, too.
When I look at Rotary -- I see partnerships. Partnerships between individuals, partnerships with government, partnership with institutions that serve the community like the Red Cross or Androscoggin Home Health and Hospice, partnerships that extend educational opportunities through scholarships or literacy action. These partnerships are essential to any healthy community and Rotary is that glue that holds communities together.
I’m honored to be here today and look forward to the opportunity to hear from the Paul Harris Fellows and celebrate the many achievements of Rumford Rotary and its members. Thank you.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
November 2010 Ballot Questions Information
Question 1: Citizen Initiative
Ballot Question: Do you want to allow a casino with table games and slot machines at a single site in Oxford County, subject to local approval, with part of the profits going to specific state, local and tribal programs?
Question 1 is a citizen initiative that would authorize the Gambling Control Board to license a casino at a single site in Oxford County for the operation of table games and slot machines. The casino could be licensed to operate up to 1,500 slot machines and would be the only place in the state where table games are allowed.
To be eligible for a casino license, the operator must own a facility at which harness racing was conducted in the 2009 racing year. The only facility that meets this requirement is the Oxford County Fairgrounds, which conducted harness racing in 2009 under a state license. The casino also must meet other minimum requirements including lot size, distance from the fairgrounds and proximity to police, hospitals and the interstate.
The casino would also have to be approved by the municipality where it is to be located. The local vote must be held on or before December 31, 2011. Renewal of a casino license would also require local approval.
After January 1, 2011, no other casino or slot machine facility could be licensed unless it is first approved by voters in a statewide referendum, as well as by the municipal officers or voters of the municipality where it is to be located.
The casino operator would be required to turn over 46% of the net revenue from slot machines and 16% of the net revenue from table games to the Gambling Control Board for distribution to a variety of state and local programs in specified amounts. 25% of the net revenue from slot machines and 10% of the net revenue from table games would be used to supplement (but not supplant) funding for essential programs and services in public schools. The remainder of the net slot machine revenue would be distributed in amounts, ranging from 1% to 4%, to the University of Maine System and Maine Community College System scholarship programs, the tribal governments of the Penobscot Nation and the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Agricultural Fair Support Fund, the Sire Stakes Fund, a fund to supplement harness racing purses, and dairy farm stabilization programs. Net revenue from both slot machines and from table games would also be directed to the host municipality (2%), the host county (1%), and to support administrative costs of the Gambling Control Board (3%), which include counseling services for gambling addiction.
A YES vote is to enact the initiated legislation.
A NO vote opposes the initiated legislation.
Question 2: Bond Issue
Ballot Question: Do you favor a $5,000,000 bond issue to be awarded on a competitive basis to increase access to dental care in Maine, $3,500,000 to be used for a community-based teaching dental clinic affiliated with or operated by a college of dental medicine to be matched by $3,500,000 in other funds, and $1,500,000 to be used to create or upgrade community-based health and dental care clinics across the State to increase their capacity as teaching and dental clinics?
Question 2 would authorize the State to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $5,000,000 to raise funds to be used for a community-based teaching dental clinic and to create or upgrade community-based health and dental clinics across the State to increase their capacity as teaching and dental clinics. The bonds would run for a period not longer than 10 years from the date of issue and would be backed by the full faith and credit of the State. The bonds may not be issued before July 1, 2011.
Proceeds of the sale of the bonds are to be awarded on a competitive basis and would be expended under the direction and supervision of the Department of Health and Human Services as follows:
$3,500,000 must be expended for a community-based teaching clinic affiliated with or operated by a college of dental medicine and must be matched with $3,500,000 in other funds.
$1,500,000 must be expended to create or upgrade community-based health and dental care clinics across the State to increase their capacity as teaching and dental clinics.
A YES vote approves the authorization of the $5,000,000 bond issue to finance all of the activities.
A NO vote disapproves the bond issue in its entirety.
Question 3: Bond Issue
Ballot Question: Do you favor a $9,750,000 bond issue to invest in land conservation and working waterfront preservation and to preserve state parks to be matched by $9,250,000 in federal and other funds?
Question 3 would authorize the State to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $9,750,000 to raise funds to invest in: the acquisition of land and interest in land for conservation, water access, outdoor recreation, wildlife and fish habitat, farmland preservation and working waterfront preservation. The bonds would run for a period not longer than 10 years from the date of issue and would be backed by the full faith and credit of the State.
Proceeds of the sale of the bonds would be expended as follows:
$9,250,000 would be expended under the direction and supervision of the Land for Maine’s Future Board, as follows:
$6,500,000 must be spent for the acquisition of land for conservation, water access, and wildlife and fish habitat, outdoor recreation, including hunting and fishing, and farmland preservation. The bond funds must be matched with at least $6,500,000 in public and private contributions.
$1,750,000 must be made available to protect working waterfront properties that support commercial fisheries businesses in accordance with the Maine Working Waterfront Access Pilot Program. Grants for working waterfront projects would have to be matched, dollar for dollar, by the local governments or organizations receiving the grants and would be made subject to a condition that the property may not be used, altered or developed in a manner that precludes its use by commercial fisheries businesses.
$1,000,000 must be made available to preserve working farmland. Grants for the preservation of farmlands would be made when matching funds are available from cooperating entities.
With the exception of working waterfront projects and farmland preservation projects, hunting, fishing, trapping and public access may not be prohibited on lands acquired with these bond proceeds, unless required by applicable federal, state or local laws.
$500,000 would be expended by the Department of Conservation’s Bureau of Parks and Lands to preserve state parks and properties managed by the Department of Conservation.
A YES vote approves the authorization of the $9,750,000 bond issue to finance all of the activities.
A NO vote disapproves the bond issue in its entirety.
Ballot Question: Do you want to allow a casino with table games and slot machines at a single site in Oxford County, subject to local approval, with part of the profits going to specific state, local and tribal programs?
Question 1 is a citizen initiative that would authorize the Gambling Control Board to license a casino at a single site in Oxford County for the operation of table games and slot machines. The casino could be licensed to operate up to 1,500 slot machines and would be the only place in the state where table games are allowed.
To be eligible for a casino license, the operator must own a facility at which harness racing was conducted in the 2009 racing year. The only facility that meets this requirement is the Oxford County Fairgrounds, which conducted harness racing in 2009 under a state license. The casino also must meet other minimum requirements including lot size, distance from the fairgrounds and proximity to police, hospitals and the interstate.
The casino would also have to be approved by the municipality where it is to be located. The local vote must be held on or before December 31, 2011. Renewal of a casino license would also require local approval.
After January 1, 2011, no other casino or slot machine facility could be licensed unless it is first approved by voters in a statewide referendum, as well as by the municipal officers or voters of the municipality where it is to be located.
The casino operator would be required to turn over 46% of the net revenue from slot machines and 16% of the net revenue from table games to the Gambling Control Board for distribution to a variety of state and local programs in specified amounts. 25% of the net revenue from slot machines and 10% of the net revenue from table games would be used to supplement (but not supplant) funding for essential programs and services in public schools. The remainder of the net slot machine revenue would be distributed in amounts, ranging from 1% to 4%, to the University of Maine System and Maine Community College System scholarship programs, the tribal governments of the Penobscot Nation and the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Agricultural Fair Support Fund, the Sire Stakes Fund, a fund to supplement harness racing purses, and dairy farm stabilization programs. Net revenue from both slot machines and from table games would also be directed to the host municipality (2%), the host county (1%), and to support administrative costs of the Gambling Control Board (3%), which include counseling services for gambling addiction.
A YES vote is to enact the initiated legislation.
A NO vote opposes the initiated legislation.
Question 2: Bond Issue
Ballot Question: Do you favor a $5,000,000 bond issue to be awarded on a competitive basis to increase access to dental care in Maine, $3,500,000 to be used for a community-based teaching dental clinic affiliated with or operated by a college of dental medicine to be matched by $3,500,000 in other funds, and $1,500,000 to be used to create or upgrade community-based health and dental care clinics across the State to increase their capacity as teaching and dental clinics?
Question 2 would authorize the State to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $5,000,000 to raise funds to be used for a community-based teaching dental clinic and to create or upgrade community-based health and dental clinics across the State to increase their capacity as teaching and dental clinics. The bonds would run for a period not longer than 10 years from the date of issue and would be backed by the full faith and credit of the State. The bonds may not be issued before July 1, 2011.
Proceeds of the sale of the bonds are to be awarded on a competitive basis and would be expended under the direction and supervision of the Department of Health and Human Services as follows:
$3,500,000 must be expended for a community-based teaching clinic affiliated with or operated by a college of dental medicine and must be matched with $3,500,000 in other funds.
$1,500,000 must be expended to create or upgrade community-based health and dental care clinics across the State to increase their capacity as teaching and dental clinics.
A YES vote approves the authorization of the $5,000,000 bond issue to finance all of the activities.
A NO vote disapproves the bond issue in its entirety.
Question 3: Bond Issue
Ballot Question: Do you favor a $9,750,000 bond issue to invest in land conservation and working waterfront preservation and to preserve state parks to be matched by $9,250,000 in federal and other funds?
Question 3 would authorize the State to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $9,750,000 to raise funds to invest in: the acquisition of land and interest in land for conservation, water access, outdoor recreation, wildlife and fish habitat, farmland preservation and working waterfront preservation. The bonds would run for a period not longer than 10 years from the date of issue and would be backed by the full faith and credit of the State.
Proceeds of the sale of the bonds would be expended as follows:
$9,250,000 would be expended under the direction and supervision of the Land for Maine’s Future Board, as follows:
$6,500,000 must be spent for the acquisition of land for conservation, water access, and wildlife and fish habitat, outdoor recreation, including hunting and fishing, and farmland preservation. The bond funds must be matched with at least $6,500,000 in public and private contributions.
$1,750,000 must be made available to protect working waterfront properties that support commercial fisheries businesses in accordance with the Maine Working Waterfront Access Pilot Program. Grants for working waterfront projects would have to be matched, dollar for dollar, by the local governments or organizations receiving the grants and would be made subject to a condition that the property may not be used, altered or developed in a manner that precludes its use by commercial fisheries businesses.
$1,000,000 must be made available to preserve working farmland. Grants for the preservation of farmlands would be made when matching funds are available from cooperating entities.
With the exception of working waterfront projects and farmland preservation projects, hunting, fishing, trapping and public access may not be prohibited on lands acquired with these bond proceeds, unless required by applicable federal, state or local laws.
$500,000 would be expended by the Department of Conservation’s Bureau of Parks and Lands to preserve state parks and properties managed by the Department of Conservation.
A YES vote approves the authorization of the $9,750,000 bond issue to finance all of the activities.
A NO vote disapproves the bond issue in its entirety.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
" I can depend upon Matt to make sure that this area is not forgotten in Augusta..."
Thank you to Ron McHugh, Executive Director of Oxford County Mental Health Services, for the following letter that appeared in this week's issue of the Rumford Falls Times:
I am writing on behalf of Rep. Matt Peterson’s campaign to represent this District again in Augusta. I have resided in Rumford for 10 years and I manage Oxford County Mental Health Services, located at 150 Congress Street in Rumford.
I first met Matt Peterson five years ago when the Jane deFrees Health Center was being built. I needed someone to re-assure me that this facility was barrier free for people with disabilities and Alpha-1 sent Matt Peterson to evaluate the Health Center. From the moment I met him, he impressed me with his genuine and deeply felt concern for the people of this area.
Since Matt’s election two years ago, I have depended upon him to help preserve and promote the services this agency provides and the almost 50 jobs at stake. He has never let me or my agency down. He always returns phone calls and he has worked hard in many different ways to promote this area of Maine. He is in touch with our concerns. Whenever I had to deal with key decision makers in Augusta, I thankfully could always depend on Matt Peterson being in my corner to preserve and improve the services we offer to the people in this area and throughout Oxford County.
Last year, Matt Peterson played a very important role in advocating for our fair share of health care funding. Sometimes, Oxford County is not at the top of the priority list in Augusta but because of his efforts, this agency received an increase of about $125,000 for expanded health care services for the Rumford area.
I know that Matt Peterson will continue his dedicated work on our behalf. These are tough times and we will face tough decisions. Matt is a dedicated and creative guy who finds solutions without raising our taxes. I can depend upon Matt to make sure that this area is not forgotten in Augusta and that our government is responsive and cost effective as we go forward.
I would urge everyone re-elect Matt Peterson in the upcoming election.
Ron McHugh, Rumford
I am writing on behalf of Rep. Matt Peterson’s campaign to represent this District again in Augusta. I have resided in Rumford for 10 years and I manage Oxford County Mental Health Services, located at 150 Congress Street in Rumford.
I first met Matt Peterson five years ago when the Jane deFrees Health Center was being built. I needed someone to re-assure me that this facility was barrier free for people with disabilities and Alpha-1 sent Matt Peterson to evaluate the Health Center. From the moment I met him, he impressed me with his genuine and deeply felt concern for the people of this area.
Since Matt’s election two years ago, I have depended upon him to help preserve and promote the services this agency provides and the almost 50 jobs at stake. He has never let me or my agency down. He always returns phone calls and he has worked hard in many different ways to promote this area of Maine. He is in touch with our concerns. Whenever I had to deal with key decision makers in Augusta, I thankfully could always depend on Matt Peterson being in my corner to preserve and improve the services we offer to the people in this area and throughout Oxford County.
Last year, Matt Peterson played a very important role in advocating for our fair share of health care funding. Sometimes, Oxford County is not at the top of the priority list in Augusta but because of his efforts, this agency received an increase of about $125,000 for expanded health care services for the Rumford area.
I know that Matt Peterson will continue his dedicated work on our behalf. These are tough times and we will face tough decisions. Matt is a dedicated and creative guy who finds solutions without raising our taxes. I can depend upon Matt to make sure that this area is not forgotten in Augusta and that our government is responsive and cost effective as we go forward.
I would urge everyone re-elect Matt Peterson in the upcoming election.
Ron McHugh, Rumford
Monday, October 4, 2010
Peterson's Maine Forest Legacy PAC Ranking -- Highest Category of VERY STRONG
I am proud to report that I have received the highest rating of a VERY STRONG advocate for Maine’s forest products industry by the Maine Forest Legacy Political Action Committee based upon my responses to a candidate questionnaire and prior voting record in the 124th Maine Legislature. This ranking indicates the highest level of support for Maine’s forest products industry including loggers, truckers, private landowners, manufacturing facilities and foresters.
More from the Maine Forest Legacy PAC: "Candidates in this category demonstrate a very strong support of the forest products industry in their survey responses and many in their voting records during the 124th Maine Legislature. As candidates, you have a firm grasp on policy issues pertaining to the forest products industry and we feel that you can be looked to as champions on issues that matter to Maine’s loggers, truckers, paper mills, saw mills, private landowners, foresters, and wood energy facilities."
For more information visit http://www.maineforest.org/.
More from the Maine Forest Legacy PAC: "Candidates in this category demonstrate a very strong support of the forest products industry in their survey responses and many in their voting records during the 124th Maine Legislature. As candidates, you have a firm grasp on policy issues pertaining to the forest products industry and we feel that you can be looked to as champions on issues that matter to Maine’s loggers, truckers, paper mills, saw mills, private landowners, foresters, and wood energy facilities."
For more information visit http://www.maineforest.org/.
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