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.