There continues to be feedback from the Convention in Augusta.

With the Convention successfully behind us, we look forward to Primary on June 13th, and then the "General" in November. In between now and then we have a lot of work to do. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, because it looks like we have a tough fight on our hands.

It seems, among Republicans at least, that taxes and government spending continue to be the number one issues these days. The news reported on the internet that the total state and local tax burden in Maine has hit an all time high of 4.02% is disturbing if unsurprising. And, while many of us were upset about the size of the favorable vote on the ncreased Portland school budget, the City’s cutback efforts may be a hopeful sign. We need to continue to be vigilant on his subject, and it should be a strong campaign issue this ummer and fall. The Maine Heritage Policy Center has lots of background and support material on this (and other ubjects, like health insurance) at http://www.mainepolicy.org.

Be sure to mark your calendar for the Cumberland County Republican Party’s annual golf tournament, July 28th at the Riverside Golf Club. It’s a fund-raiser with a twist...our City Committee will get a share (75%) of sponsorship monies coming from the town where the funds were raised. And, of course you can play in the tournament. Contact Tournament Chair Bill Homes at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 854-4051 to register. It’s open to all!

I have already had a chance to sign the People’s Veto petition on the so-called "beer and wine" tax increase. I was approached in a Scarborough parking lot by a young man carrying petitions for what seemed like every town in the area. He said it was going very well in the early stages. I think there is a fighting chance for repeal of this egregious tax increase.

Once again we extend a huge thank you to Cumberland County District Attorney Stephanie Anderson for speaking at our April meeting. She explained how her office works and gave numerous insights into the problems in law enforcement today. She was insightful and inspirational and we were all grateful for her generous contribution of time in a hectic schedule.

Be sure you attend our next City Committee Meeting at our new location: the campaign office of Sen. Susan Collins, 11 Baxter Blvd on Tuesday, May 27th at 7:00 pm. Not only do we have an exciting speaker in the Hon Phil Harriman, former State Senator and currently a popular co-host of "Inside Maine" Saturdays on WGAN. He typically represents the "right" countering a person of the "left", currently represented by Barbara Merrill, who recently replaced Ethan Strimling, when he left the program to run for office. It is generally a lively discussion on current issues impacting all of us. In addition we will be discussing our ideas for a summer fund raiser, as well as financial support for our candidates. We will also hear an update on our "shadow government" project. I look forward to seeing you there.

Tom Elliman
Chairman
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