Secretary
Gwadosky Suspends Massachusetts Trucking Company
September 6, 2000
*Media
Advisory* Lewiston Motor Vehicle Branch Grand Opening
August 29, 2000
National
Association of Secretaries of State Elects Gwadosky as Treasurer
July 19, 2000
Grants
Support Preservation of Historic Documents and Objects
July 17, 2000
Maine
Senate District 34 Recount Completed
June 22, 2000
Recount
from June 13 Primary to be Held Tomorrow
June 21, 2000
Secretary
of State Dan A. Gwadosky Kicks-Off Vote in Honor of a Veteran Initiative
June 14, 2000
*Media
Advisory*
Secretary of State to Kick-Off VOTE IN HONOR OF A VETERAN
INITIATIVE
June 13, 2000
Secretary
Gwadosky to Visit Polling Sites Tomorrow
June 13, 2000
Motorist
Personal Information will be Protected by Rule Change
June 1, 2000
Secretary
Gwadosky Sets Order of Ballot Questions
May 25, 2000
*Media
Advisory* Gwadosky to hold ballot drawing Thursday - Results
will set order of Questions on November 7 Ballot
May 24, 2000
2000 Poster
& Essay Contest Winners Announced
May 2 , 2000
Maine
Students Qualify for National History Day Contest
April 15, 2000
Second Round
of Grants Allow Local Communities to Preserve Maine's Heritage
April 11, 2000
Secretary
Gwadosky Suspends Two Motor Carriers
April 10, 2000
History
Comes Alive at UMA Saturday - Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky
to Honor
Prize Winners at Maine History Day Competition
April 6, 2000
Secretary
Gwadosky Urges Maine People Not to Let Federal Money "Go up in Smoke",
Return Census Forms - Portland
April 5, 2000
Secretary
Gwadosky Urges Maine People not to let Federal Money "Go up in Smoke",
Return Census Form - Bangor
April 3, 2000
Media Advisory-
Secretary Gwadosky to Urge Maine People Not to Let Federal Money "Go Up
in Smoke", Return Census Forms
April 1, 2000
Secretary
Gwadosky Rules Candidate Petition for House District 92 Invalid
March 31, 2000
Hearing
Scheduled for Challenge to House District 92
March 24, 2000
Secretary
Gwadosky Advocates for State/Municipal Internet Network
Appropriations
Committee to Consider Bill in Wednesday Workshop
March 14, 2000
Polling
Site Visits Scheduled for Election Day by Secretary Gwadosky
March 7, 2000
Maine
Students Rethink the Past in History Day Competition
March 2, 2000
Final
Petition for November 2000 Ballot Certified
Secretary
Gwadosky Rules on Snack Tax Petition
March 1, 2000
Secretary
Gwadosky to Address National Governors' Association on Proposed Presidential
Primary System
February 28, 2000
Secretary
Gwadosky Announces Sufficient Valid Signatures Filed in Forestry Petition
February 28, 2000
Secretary
Gwadosky Advises Voters of Party Enrollment Requirements for Presidential
Preference Primary
February 11, 2000
Gwadosky
Supports Bill to Make Passengers Safer - Proposed law would limit passengers
in vehicles of new drivers
February 9, 2000
Monday
Final Day to File Citizen Initiative Petitions for November 7, 2000 Ballot
January 28, 2000
Rapid
Renewal to Allow for Vehicle Registration Online
Secretary
Gwadosky Selects Municipalities to Participate in Pilot Project
January 21, 2000
Personal
Information on Driving Records to Become Private
January 14, 2000
New Online
Services Announced by Secretary Gwadosky
January 7, 2000
New
Online Services and Web Design to be Unveiled January 7, 2000
January 6, 2000
Candidate
Petition Forms Available for 2000 Election Cycle
January 4, 2000
ForImmediate
Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
November 6, 2000
Secretary Gwadosky toVisit
Polling Sites Tomorrow
Augusta--Secretary of StateDan
A. Gwadosky will be continuing his traditional Election Day visits to polling
places on November 7, 2000. Secretary Gwadosky will
personally thank election workers throughout the day at 12 pollingplaces
across the state. He will also be supporting the Promote theVote
activities sponsored by his office.
“I look forward
to visitingthe polling places on Election Day,” stated Secretary
Gwadosky. “Itprovides me with an opportunity to meet with
and thank the local electionofficials for their dedication in conducting
Maine’s elections.”
One of the activities sponsoredby
the Promote the Vote Committee organized by SecretaryGwadoskyare
the “I Voted Today !” stickers that will bedistributed
on avoluntary basis by municipalities at their polling places. Over400municipalities
will be distributing over 500,000 stickers to votersthatdeclare“I
Voted Today!” The Maine Rotary Clubs,especiallytheBangor
Rotary Club, have been very supportive of this programand haveprovideda
generous contribution to help defray some of the costof thestickers. Rotarians
may also be assisting in the distributionofthe stickers at somelocations.
The stickers are provided to votersso that when they returnto their work,
home, school or neighborhood wearingthe stickers, they willinspire and
remind others to go to the polls.
Secretary Gwadosky is scheduledto
visit the following municipalities:
| Municipality |
PollLocation |
Approximate Time |
| Caribou |
88 Sweden Street |
8:00 a.m. |
| Fort Fairfiled |
VillageSq Bldg., Main St |
9:00 a.m. |
| PresqueIsle |
Forum Bldg, Mechanic St. |
9:30 a.m. |
| Mars HIll |
Town Office, West RidgeRd. |
10:30 a.m. |
| Bridgewater |
Civic Bldg, 399 US Rt 1 |
11:15 a.m. |
| Houlton |
Dental Mem Bldg, Maine St.
Rec. Center |
12:30 p.m. |
| Island Falls |
Municipal Building |
1:30 p.m. |
| East Millinocket |
Municipal Bldg, Main St. |
2:45 p.m. |
| Lincoln |
Mattanawcook Academy |
3:45 p.m. |
| Bangor |
Ward2 - William CohenSchool,
Garland St |
5:15 p.m. |
|
Ward3 - FourteenthSt
School, Fourteenth St. |
6:15 p.m. |
| Fairfield |
Community Center |
7:45 p.m. |
Additional polling sitesmay
be added as time permits.
ForImmediate
Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
November 6, 2000
10,000 Maine People will“Vote
in Honor of a Veteran”
New Promote the VoteInitiative
Exceeds all Expectations
AUGUSTA--Secretary of StateDan
A. Gwadosky announced today that on Election Day, 10,000 Maine voterswill
be wearing a Vote in Honor of a Veteran button when they go to thepolls.
By casting a ballot and remembering a specific veteran in their life, Maine
people will be recognizing the important role that members of our armed
services have played in the past and continue to play todayin ensuring
that we retain our important right to vote.
“We havehad an
overwhelmingresponse to this program. It has provided peoplewith
a way to publiclyshow their appreciation for those who have served inthemilitary
and therebyhave helped preserve our right to vote,” SecretaryGwadosky
said. “Too often people take the right to vote for grantedwithout
realizingthe sacrifices that have been made for us to keep that right.
Thebuttons are just one way to help people remember the importance of taking
part in the election process,” continued Secretary Gwadosky.
The Vote in Honor of a Veteranprogram
is a new voting initiative that seeks to promote voter participationby
making the connection between those who have served our country in thearmed
forces and our right to vote. Secretary Gwadosky has worked this
summer and fall in cooperation with the Maine Veterans’ Coordinating
Committee to encourage people to wear a personalized button to the pollson
Election Day.
The Maine Veterans CoordinatingCommittee
has been an important part of this program becauseof its desireto encourage
Maine citizens take part in the electoral process. Inemphasizing
the importance of voting and encouraging voter participation, Jack Munroe,
Commander, Military Order of the Purple Heart stated, “Election
Day, 7 November 2000 is a day when critical issues will be decided by the
American people. These issues will affect all American like neverbefore
in years to come. Each vote is important. Be part ofthe process
not a reason why it failed.”
Since June 14th Maine citizenshave
been requesting a personalized button to honor a veteran in theirlife--a
father or mother, a sister or brother, a husband or wife, a neighboror
fellow veteran. The list continued to grow with people wantingto
thank a family member or other important person in their life for ensuringour
important freedoms, including the right to vote. By the October20th
deadline, 10,000 buttons had been requested.
Over the past two weeks thebuttons
have been mailed out to individuals in time for them towear tothe polls
on Tuesday, November 7th. The buttons are personalizedfor each person
and indicate that the wearer is voting in honor of a specific veteran who
has served, or is currently serving in the military.
ForImmediate
Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
November 5, 2000
Mock Election Voters GiveNod
to Governor Bush
Approximately 450 studentsfrom
34 schools convened at locations in Bangor and South Portland at the2000
Maine Mock Election held on Thursday evening. This was the firsttime
that two headquarters were set up to receive mock election results.
Students at both locations received results phoned in from participatingschools,
tallied votes, listened to candidates and enjoyed pizza, snacksand drinks.
Students conducted most of the evening’s activities--introducingspeakers,
making presentations on the issues, and participating in a newsconference.
The Maine MockElection wascoordinated
by Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky as part ofthe FosteringYouth Involvement
programs sponsored by his office. TheMaine effortis part of the National
Student/Parent Mock Election, a nonpartisandemocracyeducation project which
provided students in all 50 states an opportunityto cast ballots on November
2, 2000.
The results finalized overthe
weekend found the students favoring Governor George W. Bush for President,
while the incumbent candidates for U.S. Congress tallied the most votesfrom
the student voters. The students also voted on the six referendumquestions
that their parents will see on Tuesday. The current votingresults
are
listed below. Over 475 schools cast ballots and as ofthis date, 301
schools have provided their voting results to the Secretaryof State’s
Office.
The Mock Election eveningwas
sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of State, the BangorDailyNews,
Pepsi, United States Cellular, Infotech, Hannaford Bros. Co.,PizzaOven,
Associated Press, Seltzer & Rydholm, Inc., AT&T Wireless,WCSH Channel
6 andWLBZ Channel 2.
| President |
|
US Senate |
|
| Browne,Harry |
941 |
Lawrence, Mark |
12,678 |
| Buchanan, Pat |
660 |
Snowe, Olympia |
31,502 |
| Bush, George W. |
24,445 |
|
|
| Gore, Al |
20,590 |
Congress 1st District |
|
| Nader, Ralph |
5,662 |
Allen, Thomas H. |
12,656 |
| Phillips, Howard |
230 |
Amero, Jane A. |
7,545 |
|
|
Staples, J. Frederic |
2,080 |
| Question 1 |
|
|
|
| Yes - 21,659 |
No - 15,945 |
Congress 2nd District |
|
| Question 2 |
|
Baldacci, John E. |
14,284 |
| Yes - 14,435 |
No - 22,893 |
Campbell, Richard H. |
6,498 |
| Question 3 |
|
|
|
| Yes - 20,716 |
No - 16,736 |
|
|
| Question 4 |
|
|
|
| Yes - 18,542 |
No - 16,786 |
|
|
| Question 5 |
|
|
|
| Yes - 20,888 |
No - 15,168 |
|
|
| Question 6 |
|
|
|
| Yes - 22,351 |
No - 13,381 |
|
|
ForImmediate
Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
November 2, 2000
Mock Election to be HeldToday!
Students to Tabulate
Votes at 2 Locations
AUGUSTA--The Maine Mock Electionwill
be held today with 475 schools across the state casting ballots aspart
of the National Student/Parent Mock Election, a nonpartisan democracyeducation
project for students and their parents.
Schools in allareas of thestate
have been preparing for Mock Election Day since September,with manyteachers
including information about candidates, the issues andthe electionprocess
in their lesson plans. Today, students willcast ballotsat their
school during the day and the results of the votingwill be reportedat Mock
Election Headquarters in Bangor and South Portlandfrom 4:00 p.m.to 8:00
p.m.
The Maine MockElection,part
of the Foster Youth Involvement program, is coordinated bySecretaryGwadosky
with the assistance of a steering committee of educatorsand democracyadvocates.
A list of committee members is attached. The typeof activities conducted
at each school prior to the election is lefttothe creativity and judgment
of the local organizers.
Over 450 students, representing33
different schools, will run the headquarters and take results from over475
schools participating in the voting. The Mock Election programsimulates
election night activities for students and allows for hands onlearning
experience. Students may participate in a number of events including
a press conference, phone bank for receiving election results,tote board
for posting results, and a variety of presentations.
Several guestshave beeninvited
to address the students at both locations during the afternoon and evening
festivities. All candidates for U.S. Senate and U.S.House of Representatives
and the Maine Legislature have been invited toattend. An updated
listofattendees
and schedule of events is attached. Members of themediaare welcome
to attend.
For the mock election vote,schools
have been provided with a modified ballot that includes thecandidatesfor
President and Vice-President, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representativesand
the referendum questions. However, the emphasis oftheMock
Election is education, not just election results.
For additionalinformationregarding
the Mock Election Night Activities or the participatingschools,please contact
the Office of the Secretary of State at 626-8406.
For ImmediateRelease
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
October 31, 2000
Students Prepare for November2nd
Mock Election
Student Voterswill castballots
at 475 Schools
AUGUSTA--Secretary of StateDan
A. Gwadosky announced today that 475 schools will be taking part inthe
Maine Mock Election that will be held on Thursday, November 2, 2000.
This event is part of the National Student/Parent Mock Election, a nonpartisan
democracy education project that provides students in all 50 states anopportunity
to cast ballots on November 2nd.
Schools in allareas of thestate
have been preparing for Mock Election Day since September,with manyteachers
including information about candidates, the issues andthe electionprocess
in their lesson plans. On November 2, studentswillcast ballots
at their school during the day and the results of the votingwill be reported
at Mock Election Headquarters in Bangor and South Portlandfrom 4:00 p.m.to
8:00 p.m.
“The Student/Parent
MockElection is an excellent way to encourage young people to become interested
in voting and involved in state and national issues and candidates,”
statedSecretary Gwadosky. “This is an opportunity to bring
civics and currentevents into the classroom. There is an added benefit
tothese classroomdiscussions,” Secretary Gwadosky continued.
“Many times these discussionscontinue at the dinner table when
the student goes home. Many parents,who otherwise would not vote,
become interestedin the electoral processbecause of the interest developed
by their son ordaughter, while thoseparents who already vote reinforce
the lessons learnedin the classroom.”
Over 450 students, representing33
different schools, will run the headquarters and take results from over475
schools participating in the voting. The Mock Election programsimulates
election night activities for students and allows for hands onlearning
experience. Students may participate in a number of events including
a press conference, phone bank for receiving election results,tote board
for posting results, and a variety of presentations.
For the mock election vote,schools
have been provided with a modified ballot that includes thecandidatesfor
President and Vice-President, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representativesand
the referendum questions. However, the emphasis oftheMock
Election is education, not just election results.
Several guestshave beeninvited
to address the students at both locations during the afternoon and evening
festivities. All candidates for U.S. Senate and U.S.House of Representatives
and the Maine Legislature have been invited toattend. A tentative
list of attendees and scheduleof
events is attached. Members of the media are welcome to attend.
The Maine MockElection,part
of the Foster Youth Involvement program, is coordinated bySecretaryGwadosky
with the assistance of a steering committee of educatorsand democracyadvocates.
A list of committeemembers
is attached. The type of activities conductedat eachschool prior
to the election is left to the creativity and judgmentofthe local organizers.
For additionalinformationregarding
the Mock Election Night Activities or the participatingschools,please contact
the Office of the Secretary of State at 626-8406.
ForImmediate
Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
October 25, 2000
Secretary of State DanA.
Gwadosky to Honor
Livermore Falls LibraryAssociation
for 100 Years of Incorporation
Secretary of State Dan A.Gwadosky
will honor the Livermore Falls Library Association on Thursday, October
26, 2000 at 7:00 p.m. at the Treat Memorial Library located on56Main Street,
Livermore Falls. The Livermore Falls Library Associationisa non-profit
corporation incorporated in the State of Maine on October26,1900.
Ten corporations are celebratingtheir
centennial anniversary this year. They include four businesscorporations--The
Pine Tree Telephone and Telegraph Company, Boothby &Bartlett Company,
Chi Delta Phi House Corporation, and The Palmer FamilyCompany--and 6 non-profit
corporations--Franklin Grange, No. 50, Mechanics’ Association,
Mt. Desert Island YMCA, Tarratine Club, Livermore Falls Library Association,
and Winterport Free Library Association.
“I enjoythis opportunityto
recognize these Maine businesses and nonprofit organizations that haveattained
this milestone,” said Secretary Gwadosky. “Many
dedicatedpeople have been involved in keeping these organizations and businesses
active for 100 years. It is a significant achievement, given thatmy
Department has over 50,000 active corporations on file.”
The Livermore Falls LibraryAssociation
was originally formed on November 23, 1899 when a group ofcitizens met
at the Methodist Church in Livermore Falls. The library was
first opened in January 19, 1901 and located on the secondfloor of the
Livermore Falls Trust Bank Building. At the time ofits opening the
library owned a total of 539 volumes. A fire in 1910destroyed the
library and the building in which it was housed. In1928, the Livermore
Falls Library Association and the new library movedinto the Ham Block.
The Library Association began to recognize aneed for a new library building
in 1947. Through the generosityof Mrs. Elsie Reynolds Treat,a
new building was constructed and donatedto the town in memory of her husband.
The George Winfield Treat MemorialLibrary continues to serve the citizens
of Livermore Falls to this date.
ForImmediate
Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
October 25, 2000
Secretary of State DanA.
Gwadosky to Honor
Boothby & Bartlett
Company for 100 Years of Incorporation
Secretary of State Dan A.Gwadosky
will honor the Boothby & Bartlett Company for 100 years ofincorporation
by presenting a certificate of achievement to Daniel J. O’Halloran,
President of Boothby & Bartlett on Thursday, October 26, 2000 at 8:30
a.m. at its offices located on 185 Main Street, Waterville. Boothby
& Bartlett Company was incorporated in the State of Maine on July 5,1900.
Ten corporations are celebratingtheir
centennial anniversary this year. They include four businesscorporations--The
Pine Tree Telephone and Telegraph Company, Boothby &Bartlett Company,
Chi Delta Phi House Corporation, and The Palmer FamilyCompany--and 6 non-profit
corporations--Franklin Grange, No. 50, Mechanics’ Association,
Mt. Desert Island YMCA, Tarratine Club, Livermore Falls Library Association,
and Winterport Free Library Association.
“I enjoythis opportunityto
recognize these Maine businesses and nonprofit organizations that haveattained
this milestone,” said Secretary Gwadosky. “Many
dedicatedpeople have been involved in keeping these organizations and businesses
active for 100 years. It is a significant achievement, given thatmy
Department has over 50,000 active corporations on file.”
Boothby & Bartlett wasoriginally
organized by Levi Thompson Boothby in 1859 beginning a business of insurance
sales that would continue to this day. As the business grew he was
joined by his son William Appleton Rust Boothby and in 1886,Martin F. Bartlett
came into the business, at that time known as L.T. Boothby& Son Company.
In 1919, under the leadership of MartinF. Bartlett, the company took its
current name of Boothby & Bartlett. Boothby & Bartlett continues
to provide various insurance productsand services including homeowner,
automobile, commercial property, workerscompensation, group health and
life insurance coverage to the central Mainearea.
For ImmediateRelease
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
October 20, 2000
Chi Delta Phi HouseCorporation
To be Honored for 100Years
of Incorporation
Deputy Secretary of StateJulie
L. Flynn, on behalf of Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky,will honorthe
Chi Delta Phi House Corporation for 100 years of incorporationon Saturday,October
21, 2000 at 4:00 p.m. at Bowdoin College. The ChiDelta PhiHouse Corporation,
formerly known as the Lambda Chapter House, isa businesscorporation that
was incorporated in the State of Maine on July5, 1900.
Ten corporations are celebratingtheir
centennial anniversary this year. They include four businesscorporations--The
Pine Tree Telephone and Telegraph Company, Boothby &Bartlett Company,
Chi Delta Phi House Corporation, and The Palmer FamilyCompany--and 6 non-profit
corporations--Franklin Grange, No. 50, Mechanics’ Association,
Mt. Desert Island YMCA, Tarratine Club, Livermore Falls Library Association,
and Winterport Free Library Association.
“Many dedicated
people havebeen involved in keeping these organizations and businesses
active for100 years,” said Secretary Gwadosky. “It
is a significant achievement,given that my Department has over 50,000 active
corporationson file.”
The Lambda Chapter Housewas
first organized in 1867. The Chapter House itself was built onproperty
donated by Edgar O. Achorn and was occupied in 1904 and has remained at
the same location on College Street since that time. Two notable
members of the Chapter House were William T. Cobb, who served as Governor
of the State of Maine from 1905-1909 and Horace A. Hildreth, who was Governor
of the State of Maine from 1945-1949.
ForImmediate
Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
October 18, 2000
Secretary of State DanA.
Gwadosky and Bowdoin College Student Panel
to Discuss Youth Voting
Secretary of State Dan A.Gwadosky
will be taking part in a program to discuss youth voting with a panel of
Bowdoin College students on October 19, 2000 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00
p.m. at the Bowdoin College, Moulton Union, Main Lounge.
The program is sponsored by the Brunswick Area League of Women Voters,the
Bath-Brunswick Chamber of Commerce, and the Bowdoin College GovernmentStudies
Department and Women’s Studies Program. The public is welcome
to attend and participate in the discussion.
The discussionwill centeron
the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) NewMillenniumProject.
NASS commissioned the bipartisan project to betterunderstandthe problem
of declining youth engagement in the political processandto gain insights
into potential solutions to this growing problem. The New Millennium project
report is available at www.nass.org/nass99/youth.htm
.
Thursday night’s
programwill consider many of the issues raised in the New Millennium study
andseek the input and reaction of the Bowdoin College students to the study’s
findings. Secretary Gwadosky will provide a brief overview of theNASS
New Millennium project and then moderate the student panel.
Generally, theNew MillenniumProject
found that voters between the ages of 18 to 24 werethemost disenfranchisedand
disillusioned members of the electorate. Whilethis age grouphas high rates
of volunteerism, their activism is apolitical. Thestudy also finds
that this group often lacks the information and skills to have a clear
understanding about the responsibilities of citizenship,the function of
government, and what ideals candidates and political partiesrepresent.
Most feel that their issues and views are not being heardor discussed bypolitical
campaigns.
Following the discussionon
youth voting, an overview will be provided on the two Constitutional Amendments
(Questions 4 and 5) that will appear on the November 7, 2000ballot
.
ForImmediate
Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
October 18, 2000
Secretary Gwadosky ChallengesMaine
Youth
to State of the VoteTrivia
Challenge
Why is Election Day heldin
November?
Who was the only person
to serve as President and Vice-President without being elected?
What is the only state thatdoes
not
require people to register to vote?
How many votes does a candidateneed
from the Electoral College to win the U.S. Presidency?
Do you think you can answerthese
questions? Do you think you can meet the challenge? Secretaryof
State Dan A. Gwadosky is challenging Maine’s young people to
test theirtrivia knowledge with the State of the Vote Trivia Challenge
on a new youthvoting web site (www.stateofthevote.org
). The Trivia Challenge is part of the State of the Vote website
sponsoredby the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS).
Visitorsto the site can answer 25 questions and test their knowledge on
a varietyof election related trivia. Answers will be posted on the
web siteNovember 7, 2000.
“I’m
encouraging young people,to visit the State of the Vote web site and take
the trivia challenge. And don’t expect a standard civics exam,”
Secretary Gwadosky stated. “The questions include several references
to current cultural electionrelated events. Few civics exams I know
reference ‘E-Bay’ and ‘Survivor’.
The trivia questions are a fun way to test yourself, your friends or yourparents.”
The web site is one of manyNASS
initiatives seeking to bring younger voters into the election process.The
1998 New Millennium Project, sponsored by NASS, identified this groupof
voters (18 to 24 years old) as the most disenfranchised and disillusioned
members of the electorate.
The State of the Voteweb
site uses the familiar “Who?, What?, Where?, How?,and Why?”
headingsto point visitors to information on who are the candidates?, what
do Ineed to know about voting?, where and how do I register to vote?, and
whywas the New Millennium Project developed? The site also provides
interesting facts about prior elections and historical oddities that putcurrent
electoral practices into a different perspective.
NASS commissioned the bipartisanNew
Millennium Project to better understand the problem ofdeclining youthengagement
in the political process and to gain insights intopotentialsolutions to
this growing problem. Founded in 1904, NASS isthe nation’soldest
bipartisan government association, representingthe 50 states, theCommonwealth
of Puerto Rico, and the territories of AmericanSamoa, Guam,and the Virgin
Islands.
ForImmediate
Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
October 13, 2000
Absentee Ballots Availableat
Municipal Offices
Change in Law Makes ItEasier
to Vote Absentee
Augusta--Secretary of StateDan
A. Gwadosky, Maine’s chief election official, is reminding voters
thatabsentee ballots are currently available from their municipalclerks
forthe November 7, 2000 general election. And now anyone canvote
absentee,no reason needed.
“Maine has a long
historyof providing its citizens with exceptional ballot access,”
Secretary Gwadoskysaid. “We have allowed same day voter
registration for over 25 yearsand this is one of many reasons for our high
voter turnout. In thelast session, the Maine Legislature provided
the people of Maine with theability to obtain ‘no reason’
absentee ballots,” continued Secretary Gwadosky. “Now,
voters do not have to be out-of-town or have any other reason totake advantage
of this easy way to vote at a time that is most convenientto them.”
Anyone may obtain and castan
absentee ballot. No specific reason must be given to receive andcast
an absentee ballot. Voters may contact their local municipal clerk
by mail or telephone to request an application for an absentee ballot.
An individual may also vote absentee in person at the clerk’s
office. Absentee ballots are available now and through Election Day.
Thosepeople wanting to vote absentee, but who are not currently registered
intheir municipality, may also contact their municipal clerk to registerabsentee
when requesting an absentee ballot.
Maine law allows an immediatefamily
member to obtain an absentee ballot on the voter’s behalf by
makinga request in writing. Ballots that are obtained inthis manner
donot require witnesses, unless the voter received assistancewhencastingthe
ballot.
Anyone who wants to makea
request by mail should do so as soon as possible to ensure the timely receipt
and return of the absentee ballot. Completed absentee ballots must
be received by the clerk before 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, November7, 2000.
Anyone wantingmore informationon
absentee ballots may contact their municipal clerk orthe Division ofElections
at 287-4186 or visit the Secretary of State’sweb site at www.state.me.us/sos/cec/elec/absent.htm
.
The Secretary of State’sweb
site also provides information on the 6 referenda questions on theballot
in the Maine Citizens Guide to the Referendum Election at www.state.me.us/sos/cec/refguide.htm.
The November 7, 2000 Referendum ballot contains 3 citizen initiative questions,2
constitutional amendments and 1 referendum question.
ForImmediate
Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
October 10, 2000
Drivers Contract Unveiledto
Aid Communication
Between New Drivers andParents
AUGUSTA--For those parentswith
new drivers in their families, communication about driving responsibilities
can be difficult, if not, impossible. Who will fill the gas tankand
pay the insurance? What are the conditions for use of the car?
Once these issues are decided, how do you make sure that memories don’t
fade? Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky announced today that hisoffice
has developed a Teen/Parent Driving Contract that may help openup communications
on many crucial driving issues.
“We haveprovided
a basicdriving contract that can be modified to meet the specificneeds
of eachfamily,” Secretary Gwadosky said. “Our
mainobjective is to havenew drivers and their parents communicate about
the responsibilities thatcome with a new license. Many times
discussions about driving are repetitious or require constant negotiations.
This becomes frustrating for both teens and parents,” Secretary
Gwadosky continued. “A driving contract allows for
expectations to be determined by discussion and agreement in advance, thereby
reducing confusion and misunderstanding.”
Statistics in Maine, andnationally,
consistently indicate that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause
of death for young people between the ages of 15 to 24. Having identified
these alarming statistics, Secretary Gwadosky assembled a Task Force on
Young Drivers that studied this issue and recommended a numberof changes
to the Maine Legislature in an effort to strengthen the licensing process
for this age group.
In 1998, the Maine Legislatureadopted
many of the Task Force’s recommendations in oneof the most comprehensivechanges
in the driver licensing process in the last 30 years. Someof these
changes included requiring an additional 35hours of practicedriving with
a parent or guardian prior to scheduling aroad test; requiringanyone under
18 years old to take driver’s education;and increasing theprovisional
license period of new drivers from 1 to 2 years.
Secretary Gwadosky’s
departmentalso implemented a number of changes and introduced new initiatives
basedupon the recommendations and findings of the Task Force. Someofthese
changes included increasing the hours of training behind the wheelin driver
education from 6 to 10 hours; expanding and updating the roadtest;and establishing
higher standards for driver education instructors.
“Throughthe new
drivinglaws and other initiatives, we are seeking to ensure thatMaine’s
newestdrivers obtain the necessary training and skills priorto receivingtheirdrivers’
license,” said Secretary Gwadosky. “Thedriving contractis
an opportunity to keep the lines of communicationopenafter a new driverreceive
a license. Driver education does notend onceyou get yourlicense orwhen
you reach a certain age.”
The Teen/Parent Driving Contractwill
made available to all driver education schools, motor vehicle branchoffices
and on the Secretary of State’s web site http://www.maine.gov/sos/news/youngdriver.htm.
Individuals may also request the contract by contacting the Secretary ofState’s
Office at 207-626-8406.
ForImmediate
Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
October 6, 2000
Secretary Gwadosky AnnouncesNew
Youth Vote Web Site
National Association
of Secretaries of State launches www.stateofthevote.org in time for Presidential
Election
With the Presidential Electionjust
a few weeks away, Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky announced todaythat
a new web site has been launched by the National Association of Secretariesof
State (NASS) in an effort to reach voters between the agesof 18 to24.
The web site is one of many NASS initiatives seeking tobringyounger voters
into the election process. The 1998 New Millennium Project,sponsored by
NASS, identified this group of voters as the most disenfranchisedand disillusioned
members of the electorate.
“This web site
has an easyto use format that provides information in an interesting and
fun way,”Secretary Gwadosky stated. “NASS is
committed to reaching out toyounger voters because their participation
in the electoral process nowis crucial if we are to ensure their participation
in the future,” SecretaryGwadosky continued. “The
New Millennium Project results clearly indicatedthat some younger voters
feel they do not receive enough information aboutthe voting process.
This new web site is one way of providing youngpeople in Maine and the
nation with information in a format that is mostappealing to them--over
the Internet.”
The State of the Vote website
uses the familiar “Who?, What?, Where?, How?, and Why?”
headings topoint visitors to information on who are the candidates?, what
do I needto know about voting?, where and how do I register to vote?, and
why wasthe New Millennium Project developed? The site also provides
interestingfacts about prior elections and historical oddities that put
current electoralpractices into a different perspective. Visitors
can alsotake theState of the Vote Challenge that tests their voting knowledge.
Answerswill be posted on Election Day.
NASS commissioned the bipartisanNew
Millennium Project to better understand the problem ofdeclining youthengagement
in the political process and to gain insights intopotentialsolutions to
this growing problem. Founded in 1904, NASS isthe nation’soldest
bipartisan government association, representingthe 50 states, theCommonwealth
of Puerto Rico, and the territories of AmericanSamoa, Guam,and the Virgin
Islands.
For anyone wanting more informationabout
the New Millennium Project, Secretary Gwadosky will be taking partin a
program on October 19, 2000 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. sponsoredby the
Brunswick Area League of Women Voters that will discuss many ofthe finding
of the New Millennium Project with a youth panel from Bowdoin College.
MediaAdvisory
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
September 25, 2000
Secretary Gwadosky toPresent
Kathleen Montejo with
Lorraine M. Fleury Awardat
Lewiston City Hall
On Tuesday, September 26,2000
at 11:00 a.m., Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky will present the Lorraine
M. Fleury Award to Kathleen Montejo, City Clerk of Lewiston forher outstanding
contributions to the election process. Thepresentation will
take place at the City Council Chambers, City Hall inLewiston.
The Lorraine M. Fleury Awardis
presented to an individual for outstanding contributions to the electionprocess.
The Award seeks to honor a person who has made a significantcontribution
to the election process and exemplifies the qualities of fairness,experience,
knowledge and service. The Award is named after LorraineM. Fleury
who was the long time Elections Director for the Stateof Maineand who exemplifies
the qualities that are the criteria for thisAward.
Kathy Montejo is a fittingrecipient
of this award. She has been a strong advocate for clerktraining.
She has taken the lead in seeking scholarships so clerks could obtain the
necessary training that would allow them to excel in their positions and
better serve their communities. She has also encouraged clerks to
network with each other and share information and techniquesbyestablishing
an e-mail directory and she has also worked to help re-establishand strengthen
the clerks’ county associations.
An active member of the MaineTown
and City Clerk’s Association, Kathy has served two terms as presidentand
has become a certified trainer on various municipal topics, includingelections.
In addition, she has received a certified municipal clerkdesignation from
the International Institute of MunicipalClerks, as wellas the New England
Association of City and Town Clerks. She receivedher Bachelor of Arts degree
from the University of Maine.
Her career hastaken herinto
various areas of public service. Kathy served as townclerkin Woolwich
for 5 years and also held the position of administrativeassistantwith responsibility
for daily oversight of town activities. She has also held the position
of city clerk and registrar of voters inthecity of Bath. In her current
position, Kathy serves as city clerkinLewiston.
Individuals who have beenhonored
in the past are Gerald P. Berube of Lewiston, Linda C. Cohen ofSouth Portland,
D. Brenda Caldwell of Gorham, Ethelyn Marthia of Kennebunk, Deborah S.
Cabana of Brunswick, and Debra Lane of Cape Elizabeth. The award is typically
presented at the Secretary of State’s Annual Elections Conference,which
provides training to election officials.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
September 25, 2000
Secretary Gwadosky AnnouncesExpanded
Hours
at Motor Vehicle MobileUnit
Locations
AUGUSTA--Secretary of StateDan
A. Gwadosky announced today that beginning on October 1, 2000, theBureau
of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will be providing expanded hours at its mobile
unit locations in Kittery and York and adding a new mobile unitsite in
Eliot. Mobile Unit teams currently visit 25 municipalitiesacross
the state on a rotating schedule to provide driver license and stateidentification
card services to Maine citizens.
“The mobile unit
teams allowus to reach many areas that are not located near one of our
13 motor vehiclebranches,” stated Secretary Gwadosky. “With
the additional hours,we will be better able to serve Maine citizens.”
This new mobile unit schedulewill
allow the BMV to provide an additional 10 hours a month of service.
Today’s announcement
alsoincluded schedule changes for 5 other municipalities. The mobile
unit teams will be visiting the municipalities of Bridgton, Farmington,Limerick,
Skowhegan, and South Paris on a new set of scheduled days.
In addition tothe branchoffices
and mobile units, driver license renewals may also be processed at 8 Rite
Aid Stores across the state. With their expanded hours,the Rite Aid
Stores provide people with another option for renewing theirdriver’s
license. A complete list of these motor vehicle agency locationsisavailable
here.)
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
September 19, 2000
Secretary of State DanA.
Gwadosky to Honor
Pine Tree Telephone andTelegraph
Company
for 100 Years of Incorporation
Secretary of State Dan A.Gwadosky
will honor the Pine Tree Telephone and Telegraph Company for 100years of
incorporation on Wednesday, September 20, 2000 at its offices on Route
26 in Gray, Maine. The Pine Tree Telephone and TelegraphCompany is
a business corporation that was incorporated in the State ofMaine on January
29, 1900.
Ten corporations are celebratingtheir
centennial anniversary this year. They include four businesscorporations--The
Pine Tree Telephone and Telegraph Company, Boothby &Bartlett Company,
Chi Delta Phi House Corporation, and The Palmer FamilyCompany--and 6 non-profit
corporations--Franklin Grange, No. 50, Mechanics’ Association,
Mt. Desert Island YMCA, Tarratine Club, Livermore Falls Library Association,
and Winterport Free Library Association.
“I enjoythis opportunityto
recognize these Maine businesses and nonprofit organizations that haveattained
this milestone,” said Secretary Gwadosky. “Many
dedicatedpeople have been involved in keeping these organizations and businesses
active for 100 years. It is a significant achievement, given thatmy
Department has over 50,000 active corporations on file.”
The Pine Tree Telephone andTelegraph
Company was first organized in December 1899 to serve the communication
needs of the communities of Gray and New Gloucester. Its first operations
were out of a family home. Over its 100-year history, PineTree
Telephone has been part of a number of technological advances, fromearlymagneto
phone systems to electronic telephone switches to fiber optics. Pine Tree
Telephone is a company committed to providing personal servicetoitscustomers,
while seeking to continually advance and evolve withthe newtechnologiesthat
will better serve those customers.
ForImmediate
Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
September 12, 2000
Secretary of State DanA.
Gwadosky Honors
Franklin Grange, No.50
for 100 Years of Incorporation
Secretary of State Dan A.Gwadosky
honored the Franklin Grange, No. 50 for 100 years of incorporation on Saturday,
September 9, 2000 prior to its monthly meeting in Wilton. The Franklin
Grange, No. 50 is a nonprofit organization that was incorporated in the
State of Maine on March 27, 1900.
Ten corporations are celebratingtheir
centennial anniversary this year. They include four businesscorporations--The
Pine Tree Telephone and Telegraph Company, Boothby &Bartlett Company,
Chi Delta Phi House Corporation, and The Palmer FamilyCompany--and 6 non-profit
corporations--Franklin Grange, No. 50, Mechanics’ Association,
Mt. Desert Island YMCA, Tarratine Club, Livermore Falls Library Association,
and Winterport Free Library Association.
“I enjoythis opportunityto
recognize these Maine businesses and nonprofit organizations that haveattained
this milestone,” said Secretary Gwadosky. “Many
dedicatedpeople have been involved in keeping these organizations and businesses
active for 100 years. It is a significant achievement, given thatmy
Department has over 50,000 active corporations on file.”
The Franklin Grange was firstorganized
in 1874. In 1886, the members purchased the cheese factoryon the
Weld Road from the Wilton Cheese Company and this served as theGrange Hall
until 1948, when the members purchased and renovated the former White Schoolhouse.
Through the generosity and hard work of its members, the Franklin Grange
has established, among other items, a Grange Library, that is considered
one of the finest in the state.
For ImmediateRelease
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
September 11, 2000
Post-Labor Day Kick-Offfor
“Vote in Honor of a Veteran” Program
At World War II Memorialin
Bangor
On Monday, September 11,2000
at 10:30 a.m., Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky held a post-Labor Day
kick off event for the Vote in Honor of a Veteran program at the World
War II Memorial located at the Cole Land Transportation Museum in Bangor.
This new voting initiativeseeks
to promote voter participation by making the connection between thosewho
have served our country in the armed forces and our right to vote.
Secretary Gwadosky is working in cooperation with the Maine Veterans’
CoordinatingCommittee to encourage people to wear a personalized button
to the pollson Election Day. The buttons will indicate that the wearer
is votingin honor of a veteran, perhaps a family member or a neighbor who
has served,or is serving in the military, and thereby acknowledging thatindividual’ssacrifice
to preserve our democracy.
“This program is
a way forus to show our appreciation for those who have served in themilitary
andthereby have helped preserve our right to vote,” SecretaryGwadosky
said. “Too often people take the right to vote for grantedwithout
realizingthe sacrifices that have been made for us to keep that right.
Withthis new program we hope to help people remember the importance of
taking part in the election process,” Secretary Gwadosky said.
“It is alsoan opportunity for people to declare their appreciation
for the specific contributions of a particular veteran.”
The Marine Corps League ColorGuard
took part in the event, along with many distinguished guests, includingveterans
from the various branches of the armed services. Galen Cole,the founder
of the Cole Land Transportation Museum provided welcoming remarks. The
main speaker was Victor Buker of Albion, whose brother, Sergeant BrianBuker,
was a Medal of Honor Recipient. Mr. Victor Buker providedsome
personal remarks about the importance of voting and the sacrificesmade
by U.S. servicemen and servicewomen that ensure we continue to livein a
democratic society. Sgt. Brian Buker served in the U.S. Army,Detachment
B-55, 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces. Hereceived the
Medal of Honor “for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.
Sgt. Buker distinguished himself while serving as a platoon adviser ofthe
Vietnamese mobile strike force company during an offensive mission.”
An Albion native, Sgt. Bukerpersonally
led his platoon through a well-guarded pass in the Chau DocProvince of
the Republic of Vietnam, on April 5, 1970 and establishedthefirst foothold
at the top of an impenetrable mountain fortress. Theplatoon came under
intense enemy fire from two bunkers, and Sgt. Buker“with complete
disregard for his personal safety, charge through thehailof enemy fire”
to destroy the first bunker. While organizinghismen for an attack
of the second bunker, Sgt. Buker was seriously wounded. Despite his wounds,
“he crawled forward and destroyed the second bunker. Sgt.
Buker refused medical attention and was reorganizing his men to continue
the attack when he was mortally wounded.”
Order forms toreceive apersonalized
button to wear to the polls on November 7, 2000 canbe downloadedfrom the
Office of the Secretary of State’s web site at www.state.me.us/sos/news/vet.htm
andmailed
to 148 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333or received bycalling (207)
626-8406. Local veteran posts will alsobe distributingorder forms throughout
the fall .
Media Advisory
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
September 8, 2000
***Media Advisory***
Post-Labor Day Kick-Offfor
“Vote inHonor
of a Veteran”Program
Monday, September 11,2000,
10:30 a.m.
World War II Memorial
Cole Land Transportation
Museum
405 Perry Road, Bangor
On Monday, September 11,2000
at 10:30 a.m., Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky will hold a post-Labor
Day kick off event for the Vote in Honor of a Veteran program at the World
War II Memorial located at the Cole Land Transportation Museum in Bangor.
This new voting initiativeseeks
to make the connection between those who have served ourcountryin the armed
forces and our right to vote. Secretary Gwadoskyisworking in cooperation
with the Maine Veterans’ Coordinating Committeeto encourage people
to wear a personalized button to the polls on ElectionDay. The buttons
will indicate that the wearer is voting in honorofa veteran, perhaps a
family member or a neighbor who has served, oris servingin the military.
Taking part inthe eventwill
be the Marine Corps League Color Guard, along with many distinguished guests,
including veterans from the various branches of the armed services.
Galen Cole, the founder of the Cole Land Transportation Museum will provide
welcoming remarks. The main speaker will be Victor Buker of Albion,
who’s brother, Sergeant Brian Buker, was a Medal of Honor Recipient.
Mr. Victor Buker will provide some personal remarks about the importanceof
voting and the sacrifices made by U.S. servicemen and servicewomen thatensure
we continue to live in a democratic society. Sgt. Brian Bukerserved
in the U.S. Army, Detachment B-55, 5th Special Forces Group, 1stSpecial
Forces. He received the Medal of Honor “for conspicuous
gallantryand intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond
thecall of duty. Sgt. Buker distinguished himself while serving as
aplatoon adviser of the Vietnamese mobile strike force company during anoffensive
mission.”
Order forms toreceive apersonalized
button to wear to the polls on November 7, 2000 canbe downloadedfrom the
Office of the Secretary of State’s web site atwww.state.me.us/sos/news/vet.htmand
mailed to 148 State House Station, Augusta,Maine 04333 or receivedby calling
(207) 626-8406. Local veteran postswill also be distributingorder
forms throughout the fall.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8406
September 6, 2000
Secretary Gwadosky SuspendsMassachusetts
Trucking Company
AUGUSTA--Secretary of StateDan
A. Gwadosky announced today that Quality Trucking’s right to
operatecommercial vehicles in Maine will be suspended for 30 days, effective
September15th. Secretary Gwadosky suspended the Pittsfield, Massachusetts
carrier based upon the recommendation of the Maine Motor Carrier ReviewBoard.
In taking thisaction, SecretaryGwadosky
noted that the company had 13 safety-related motorcarrier violationsin
a 1 year period including defective brakes, using anunqualified driver,several
unsecured load violations, and several over-limitpermit violations. In
addition, over the past year, the company hashad 6 roadside safetyinspections,
resulting in 3 vehicles being placed out-of-servicefor vehicledefects,
primarily for brake problems.
“The Motor Carrier
ReviewBoard was particularly concerned because Quality Trucking hauls oversize/overweightnon-divisible
loads,” Secretary Gwadosky said. “While all trucking
companiesshould strive to meet all safety standards, the transportation
of oversizeloads requires that carriers pay particular attention to their
unique safetyrequirements.”
“As a condition
of restoration,”Secretary Gwadosky noted, “the company
must provide the Motor Carrier ReviewBoard with additional information,
so the Board may assess the company’sfuture ability to operate
on Maine’s roadways.” Further considerationand
action may be taken at the Board’s December 7th meeting.
The Maine Motor Carrier ReviewBoard
was created in 1996 to review the records of motor carriers withsignificant
violation histories in Maine. The Board reviews approximately 80 carriers
a year, and makes recommendations to the Secretary of Statefor possible
enforcement action.
Media Advisory
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
August 29, 2000
***Media Advisory***
Lewiston Motor VehicleBranch
Grand Opening
Wednesday, August 30,2000
Secretary of State Dan A.Gwadosky
will officially open the new motor vehicle branch office in Lewistonon
Wednesday, August 30, 2000, with a ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled for
11:15 a.m. The Lewiston Branch has recently relocated to 36 Mollison
Drive, Lewiston (near Sparetime Recreation at the old fair grounds).
The branch office had previously been located at 124 Canal Street in Lewiston.
The new location will allow the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to provide a more
professional atmosphere and added amenities to the citizens of Lewiston.
The new location is also handicapped accessible.
The Lewiston Branch is oneof
thirteen motor vehicle branch offices across the state. Patty Morneault
is the Branch Manager. The Lewiston Office is a full service branch
processing driver’s license, vehicle registrations and state
identificationcards; providing driver examinations; and conducting administrative
hearings. In addition to a new address, the Lewiston Branch will also have
a newtelephone number--753-7750.
For ImmediateRelease
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
July 19, 2000
National Association of Secretaries of State
Elects Gwadosky as Treasurer
Secretary of State Dan A.Gwadosky
was elected Treasurer of the National Association of Secretaries of State
(NASS) during its summer meeting and conference in Baltimore,Maryland.
As Treasurer, Secretary Gwadosky will oversee the financialtransactions
of the organization and continue to sit on the Executive Committee. Secretary
Gwadosky has served on the Executive Committee as Eastern RegionalVice-President
for the past two years. The Executive Committee providesleadershipand
is responsible for ensuring the organization’s activitiesare
completed.
The NASS members are alwaysseeking
ways to improve voter participation in their states. Thesecretaries
often share ideas, programs and information that will encourage citizens
to register and to vote. Additionally, they also seek toestablish
programs that will increase students’ awareness of the democraticprocess.
NASS has also developed andproposed
a regional rotating presidential primary system designed to curb the current
trend by states to front load presidential primaries. The NASS proposal
creates four geographic regions, Eastern, Southern, Midwestern and Western
and it also contains a provision to allow the New HampshirePrimary and
the Iowa Caucus to be held prior to the first round of regionalprimaries.
The regions follow a structured calendar of primaryelection dates that
would rotate every four years to allow voters in eachregion an equal opportunity
to be among the first states to have theirvoices heard in the presidential
nominating process. (A copy of theproposal is available on the Internet
at www.nass.org.)
NASS was established in 1904to
assist Secretaries of State in the public administration of their duties.
Over the years, the responsibilities of the office have evolved to includea
variety of fields, however, the organization continues to provide theseelected
officials with information and education for efficient and effective serve
to the public. Many of the common areas shared by secretaries of
state are election oversight, corporate filing, Uniform Commercial Code
filing and campaign finance and ethics administration.
ForImmediate
Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
July 17, 2000
Grants Support Preservationof
Historic Documents and Objects
Twenty-four additional communitieshave
received State funding to preserve archival records and museum materialsin
the last of three grant opportunities. The June 1st deadlinedrew forty-oneapplications
totaling over $113,000 in requests for which lessthan $38,000was available.
The New Century Community Program, whichwas generouslyfunded by the legislature,
enabled the Maine State Archivesand the MaineState Museum to award funds
for these projects.
The Maine State Archivesand
the Maine State Museum have collaborated to protect historical materialswith
a single application and a common review mechanism. Communities acrossMaine,
which contributed over $40,000 in their own local matching funds, recently
received notification of their grants.
"Maine's towns, cities, historicalsocieties
and museums need continued and stable support to plan and protectour heritage,"
Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky observed. Additionalfunding by
the Maine Legislature will be needed to continue this type ofsupportfor
community preservation. With over $70,000 in unmet need apparentfrom
the June deadline alone, many communities are hoping that the NewCentury
Program will continue.
Projects beginning this summerrange
from preserving the history of the Public Health Division of theCity of
Portland; preserving and providing access to community television videos
of local and regional activities; to protecting research materialat the
homestead in Harborside of the late Helen and Scott Nearing; tothe conservation
of 15,000 photographs at the Monhegan Island Museum; toprotecting textile
(clothing) collection in the Standish and Ste. AgatheHistorical Societies;
to conducting environmental monitors at the VictoriaMansion in Portland;to
organizing and preserving town records in Harpswell,Beals, and Cumberland;
to a conservation assessment of materials housedat the Museum of AfricanAmerican
Tribal Art.
In total, 112 communities
received $133,000 in grants since December 1999. The first roundofgrants
in December provided $50,000 to 38 communities while in April,50 communities
received $45,000 to preserve historic documents and artifacts. Attached
is a list of the most recent grant recipients.
Grant Recipients in June2000
(Alphabetical by town name)
Beals,Town
of Beals, To inventory, store and preserve 75 years oftown records. Collaborative
Project w/Beals Historical Society.
Belfast,Belfast
Historical Society & Museum, Archival housingof photographcollections
Brunswick,Bowdoin
College Museum of Art, Conservation and framingof Midsummer Dayat Great
Diamond
Island, 1899,by CharlesFrederick Kimball.
Cumberland,Town
of Cumberland, To preserve and organize the Town's records and makethem
accessible to the public.
Embden,Embden
Historical Society, To purchase archival materials that will housea collection
of endangered historical documents including scrapbooks, books,newspapers,
postcards, photographs, diaries, etc.
GrandLake
Stream, Grand Lake Stream Historical Society, To ascertain that
each object in the collection has accession # and provenance and catalog
those objects.
Harborside,Good
Life Center, To preserve the special collection of Helen and ScottNearing
housed at Forest Farm in Harborside.
Harpswell,Town
of Harpswell, To create a finding aid for the Town's permanent historicalrecords
and conduct some preservation of those records.
Kennebunk,Brick
Store Museum, To develop a long-range conservation schedule for theMuseum's
portrait schedule.
Monhegan,Monhegan
Museum, to clean, conserve and re-house 15,000 photographs.
Porter,Parsonsfield-Porter
Historical Society, To develop and institute a planfor the preservation
and maintenance of the Society's vast collection ofarchival materials and
objects.
Portland,City
of Portland, Dept. of Health & Human Services, To preserve thewritten
history of the Archives Public Health Portland and to create ameans for
public access to this history.
Portland,Museum
of African American Tribal Art, Conservation of Assessment.
Portland,University
of Southern Maine Library, The African American Archives seeksto become
fully apprised of the existence and content of other collectionsin Maine
and serve as a clearing house and reference source for anyoneinquiring
into this aspect of Maine and African American history.
Portland,Victoria
Mansion, To develop a comprehensive program of environmental monitoringfor
Victoria Mansion.
Scarborough,Community
Television of Maine, Scarborough Community TV, To promote thepreservation
of and access to thousands of hours of community televisionmaterial reflecting
local and regional life in the state of Maine througha cooperative relationship
with Northeast Historic Film.
Sebago,Jones
Museum of Glass and Ceramics, Conservation work of archival collection.
Skowhegan,Skowhegan
History House, To conduct a general needs assessment for thecollection:
inventory, catalog, register and evaluate and suggestcourseof action.
SouthBerwick,
Dunnybrook Historical Foundation, Inc., Consultant Visit: requests 2 days
from Chris Beam.
St. Agatha, Ste. Agathe
Historical Society, To evaluate the worth and provide appropriate storage
for textile collection.
Standish,Standish
Historical Society, Textile Re-housing Project based on DeborahBede Site
Visit.
Steuben,Steuben
Historical Society, To purchase archival suppliesand transferdocuments
and photographs.
Stratton,Dead
River Area Historical Society, To catalog, preserve, display and providecollections
care training for Artifact collection.
Vinalhaven,Vinalhaven
Historical Society, To create and implementan accessioningprocedure and
cataloging system for our archival collection.
ForImmediate
Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
(207) 626-8400
June 22, 2000
Maine Senate District34
Recount Completed
AUGUSTA - A recount resultingfrom
the June Primary Election was held today in the RepublicanPrimaryfor Senate
District 34. Michael J. McAlevey (R) of Waterbororemainedthe winner
by a margin of 9 votes after the ballots were recountedunderthe supervision
of the Secretary of State’s Office. JamesJ. Campbell(R)
of Newfield had requested the recount after the preliminaryresultsfrom
Election Day showed him to have lost the election.
“Recounts are one
of manychecks and balances in our democratic form of government that allow
thecandidates, as well as the general public to have confidence inthe electoralprocess,”
stated Secretary Gwadosky.
Recounts are conducted ina
secure State Police building on Hospital Street in Augusta. Recounts
are a public proceeding and members of the media may attend to observe.
State Troopers collect the ballots for the recounts as required by law.
The ballots are stored in tamperproof metal containers and are closed with
specially numbered security seals and locks. State Troopers guard the ballots
24 hours a day.
In a recount, the candidatesand
the staff in the Division of Elections manually review each ballotto determine
if the initial tabulation in the election is correct.Thecandidates may
revise the election results based on the recount and bytheir mutual agreement.
A candidate who requests and receives a recountmaywithdraw from the recount,
thus ending the recount, at any time whiletherecount shows that candidate
did not win the election. If, duringtherecount, the candidate requesting
the recount overtakes and passesthe candidatewho initially appeared to
win the election, the candidaterequesting the recountmay not withdraw the
request.
If the recountproduces enoughdisputed
ballots to affect the outcome of the election, theSupremeJudicialCourt
shall review the disputed ballots and will determinethe outcomeofthe election.
| Date |
Race |
Candidates |
Result
|
Result
|
Thursday
June 22
1:00 p.m.
|
Maine Senate District 34
|
MichaelJ. McAlevey - R
James J.Campbell - R
|
989
977
|
980
971
|
ForImmediate
Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
June 21, 2000
Recount from June 13 Primaryto
be Held Tomorrow
AUGUSTA--A recount resultingfrom
the June Primary Election will be held tomorrow, Thursday,June 22,2000
at 1:00 p.m. at the Maine State Police Crime Laboratory on Hospital Street
in Augusta.
James J. Campbell of Newfielda
candidate in the Republican Primary for Maine Senate District 34 hasrequested
a recount in the race he apparently lost to Michael J. McAlevey of Waterboro.
This is the only recount request from the June Primary Election.
As required bylaw, the MaineState
Police have collected all the ballot boxes from eachcommunity involvedin
this recount. The ballots are stored in specialsecuritycontainersand
are kept in a secure State Police facility until thedate ofthe recount.
Recounts are a public proceeding, but thenumber ofobservers is limitedby
the sizeof the recount site.
In a recount, the candidatesand
the staff in the Division of Elections manually review each ballotto determine
if the initial tabulation in the election is correct.Thecandidates may
revise the election results based on the recount and bytheir mutual agreement.
A candidate who requests and receives a recountmaywithdraw from the recount,
thus ending the recount, at any time whiletherecount shows that candidate
did not win the election. If, duringtherecount, the candidate requesting
the recount overtakes and passesthe candidatewho initially appeared to
win the election, the candidaterequesting the recountmay not withdraw the
request.
If the recountproduces enoughdisputed
ballots to affect the outcome of the election, theSupremeJudicialCourt
shall review the disputed ballots and will determinethe outcomeofthe election.
--------------------------------------------------------------
June Primary Recount
| Date |
Race |
Candidates |
Initial Result |
Recount Result |
Thursday
June 22
1:00 p.m.
|
Maine
Senate
District 34
|
MichaelJ. McAlevey-R
James J.Campbell-R
|
989
977
|
Pending
Pending
|
(Apparent difference of 12 votes, or 0.6% of all votes cast.)
ForImmediate
Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
June 14, 2000
Secretary of StateDan
A. Gwadosky
Kicks-Off “Vote
in Honorof a Veteran” Initiative
Augusta - - Ina Flag Daycelebration,
Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky, in cooperationwith theMaine Veterans’
Coordinating Committee, kicked-off a new votinginitiativeat the Vietnam
War Memorial in Capitol Park, Wednesday, Flag Day. Secretary Gwadosky and
veterans’ groups are encouraging people to gotothe polls on Election
Day, November 7, 2000 in honor of a veteran. The new program seeks to make
a connection between the sacrifices of ourveteransand our right to vote.
Personalized buttons whichproclaim
the wearer is “Voting in Honor of a Veteran,” perhaps
a familymember, a friend, or a neighbor that has served, or is serving
in the militarywill be provided by the Office of the Secretary of State
forpeople towear to the polls. Order forms are available for downloadingat
www.state.me.us/sos/news/vet.htm.The forms should be mailed to 148 StateHouse
Station, Augusta, Maine 04333. Forms can also be received by calling626-8406.
In addition, localveteranposts will be distributing orderforms throughout
the summer andfall. Forms must be returned by October20, 2000 to ensure
that thosewho requesta button will receive it in timefor Election Day.
“The buttons are
a way forus to show our appreciation for those who have served in the military
andthereby have helped preserve our right to vote,” Secretary
Gwadosky said. “Too often people take the right to vote for granted
without realizingthe sacrifices that have been made for us to keep that
right. Withthis new program we hope to help people remember the importance
of taking part in the election process,” Secretary Gwadosky said.
“This programis also a chance for people to declare their appreciation
for thespecificcontributions of a particular veteran.”
Distinguished guests Wednesdayincluded
Jack Monroe, Department Commander of Military Order ofPurpleHeart of United
States of America, Department of Maine; Jon Garland,VicePresident of the
Board of Trustees of the Maine Veterans Home; MerleAuclair,Department of
Maine American Legion Representative; Romona Naragon,StateCommander American
Legion Auxiliary; Marty O’Brien, past presidentof theClair Good
Blood Chapter of the Korean War; Ed Hoyt, Department ofMaineKorean War
Representative; Charles Michaud, Department of Maine Veteransof Foreign
Wars Representative; and Diana Gerrish, American Legion AuxiliaryPresident.
MediaAdvisory
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
June 13, 2000
MEDIA ADVISORY
Wednesday, June 14, 2000at
10:00 a.m.
Flag Day
Secretary of State toKick-Off
VOTE IN HONOR OF A VETERANINITIATIVE
Vietnam War Memorial,
Capitol Park, Augusta
Secretary of State Dan A.Gwadosky
will be at the Vietnam War Memorial at Capitol Park in Augusta, at 10:00
a.m. Wednesday, June 14, 2000, Flag Day. At that time hisdepartment
will unveil a new voting initiative which seeks to make theconnection between
those who have served our country in the armed forcesand our right to vote.
The Office of the Secretary of State is workingin cooperation with the
Maine Veterans’ Coordinating Committee to encouragepeople to
wear a personalized button to the polls on Election Day. The buttons will
indicate thatthe wearers are voting in honor of a veteran,perhaps a family
member or aneighbor who has served, or is serving inthe military.
Distinguished guests Wednesdaywill
include veterans from the various branches of the armed services aswell
as auxiliary members. Speakers will encourage people to show their
appreciation of the sacrifices our veterans have made to ensure that we
have the right to vote by wearing the “I’m Voting in
Honor of a Veteran”button to the polls in November.
Order forms toreceive apersonalized
button to wear to the polls on November 7, 2000 canbe downloadedfrom the
Office of the Secretary of State’s website atwww.state.me.us/sos/news/vet.htmand
mailed to 148 State House Station, Augusta,Maine 04333 or receivedby calling
(207) 626-8406. Local veteran postswill also be distributingorder
forms throughout the summer and fall.
ForImmediate
Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
June 12, 2000
Secretary Gwadosky toVisit
Polling Sites Tomorrow
Augusta--Secretary of StateDan
A. Gwadosky will be continuing his traditional election day visits to polling
places during the June 13, 2000 Primary Election. Secretary Gwadosky
will greet voters and thank election workers throughoutthe day at 11 different
polling places.
“I look forward
to visitingthe polling places on election day,” stated Secretary
Gwadosky. “Itprovides me with an opportunity to meet with
the local electionofficials,greet voters at the polls, and thank the election
workers for theirdedication.”
Secretary Gwadosky is scheduledto
visit the following municipalities:
Municipality |
Poll Location
|
Approximate Time
|
| Belfast |
City Hall,Church
Street |
9:00 a.m.
|
| Searsport |
Searsport Public SafetyBuilding |
10:00 a.m.
|
| Bucksport |
Bucksport High School |
10:45 a.m.
|
| Ellsworth |
City Hall,Wards
1 and 2 |
11:30 a.m.
|
| SouthwestHarbor |
American Legion Post 69,Village
Green Way |
1:00 p.m.
|
| Bar Harbor |
Municipal Building 3rd Floor,Cottage
Street |
1:45 p.m.
|
| Holden |
Municipal Building, Rt 1 |
3:30 p.m.
|
| Bangor |
Bangor High School, Ward |
4:15 p.m.
|
| Orono |
Municipal Building, MainStreet |
5:00 p.m.
|
| Pittsfield |
Town Office |
6:15 p.m.
|
| Fairfield |
Community Center |
7:00 p.m.
|
Additional polling sitesmay
be added as time permits.
ForImmediate
Release
June 1, 2000
Contact Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
Motorist’s Personal
Informationwill be Protected by Rule Change
AUGUSTA--Beginning today,the
personal information contained on your motor vehicle records will nolonger
be available to sales and marketing organizations or to the general public.
Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky announced that his department has adopted
rules, effective June 1, 2000, to provide Maine citizens with additional
privacy and security regarding the personal information foundon their motor
vehicle records.
“Maine citizens
are concernedwith their privacy, and rightfully so,” stated Secretary
Gwadosky. “Today’s rule change is one way to help provide
some measure of securityfor people’s personal information.
While personal information maynot be as readily available to sales and
marketing organizations or thegeneral public, there are still instances
when personal information mustbe provided to law enforcement agencies,
insurance companies and others,as specified by federal law,”
Secretary Gwadosky continued.
In 1994, Congress enactedthe
Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) to protect personal information contained
on an individual’s motor vehicle records. In September
1997, the Department of the Secretary of State adopted rules that conformed
with the requirements of the federal law. In particular, Maine motorists
could request that their personal information not be released to salesand
marketing organizations and the general public by completing an ‘opt-out’
form. By completing the form, an individual’s personal
information could not be released unless in connection with one of the
enumerated exceptions under the law.
During the 1999 session Congressamended
the federal DPPA. Under this amendment, states cannot releasepersonal
information on motor vehicle records to sales andmarketing organizationsand
the general public, unless an individual specificallyagrees to therelease.
In this manner, an individual’s personalinformation isautomatically
protected from release to sales and marketingorganizationsand the general
public without having to take any action. This federalamendment required
the change in Maine rules that becomes effectivetoday.
Personal information is informationthat
identifies an individual, such as a name, address, telephone number,medical
or disability information, photograph or digital image, and licenseor social
security number. Information relating to motor vehicle accidents,
driving violations, or a driver's license or motor vehicle registration
status is deemed public information under the federal law. A motorvehicle
record includes a driver’s license, permit, motor vehicle titleandregistration
and identification cards.
The DPPA does allow for therelease
of personal information from motor vehicle records if used in connectionwith
vehicle safety, vehicle theft or emissions and for market research,product
recalls and court proceedings. Those agencies with accessto personal
information for these purposes are: law enforcement agencies, insurance
companies, motor vehicle dealers, businesses and employers toverify personal
information for employment, towing companies to notifyowners oftowed vehicles,
and private detective and security agencies.
For additionalinformationplease
visit our web site www.state.me.us/sos/bmv/privacy.htmor
call 624-9000 ext. 52114 for acopy of our Maine Driver’s Privacy
Brochure.
For immediaterelease
May 25, 2000
Contact: DanGwadosky
(207) 626-8400
Secretary Gwadosky setsorder
of ballot questions
Drawing held this morningto
determine question placement
AUGUSTA--Secretary of StateDan
A. Gwadosky conducted a public drawing this morning to determine theorder
of the six questions scheduled to appear on the November 7, 2000 ballot.
Secretary Gwadosky held the lottery at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 25, 2000
in his office in the Nash School Building in Augusta. Today’s
drawing for ballot position was required by Maine law to determinethe order
of three citizen initiatives, two constitutional amendments andone referendum
question scheduled to appear on the November 7, 2000 ballot.
Maine law alsorequires thequestions
to be organized on the ballot by category as follows:people’sveto
questions are first, then citizen initiatives, followedby bond questions,then
constitutional amendments and finally referendum questions. There are no
people’s vetoes or bond questions scheduled to appearon theballot.
“It is significant
to notethat this November’s ballot will not contain any bond
questions,” statedSecretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky. “This
is the firstNovember electionsince 1982 that Maine voters have not been
asked to considersometypeof bonding measure.”
The questions will appearon
the November 7, 2000 ballot in the following order:
Prepared by the Office ofthe
Secretary of State
119th Legislature–
2ndRegular Session
November 7, 2000
REFERENDUM ELECTION BALLOTQUESTIONS
CITIZEN INITIATIVES
Question 1
Should a terminally ill adult who is of sound mind be allowed to ask forand
receive a doctor’s help to die?
Question 2
Do you favor requiring landowners to obtain a permit for all clear-cuts
and defining cutting levels for lands subject to the tree growth tax law?
Question 3
Do you want to allow video lottery machines at certain horse racing tracksif
40% of the profits are used for property tax relief?
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
Question 4
Do you favor amending the Constitution of Maine to allow the Legislature
to provide for the assessment of land used for commercial fishing activities
based on the current use of that property?
Question 5
Do you favor amending the Constitution of Maine to end discrimination againstpersons
under guardianship for mental illness for the purpose of voting?
REFERENDUM
Question 6
(PL 629) Do you favor ratifying the action of the 119th Legislature wherebyit
passed an act extending to all citizens regardlessof their sexual orientationthe
same basic rights to protection against discrimination now guaranteedto
citizens on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national originin
the areas of employment, housing, public accommodation and credit andwhere
the act expressly states that nothing in the act confers legislative approval
of, or special rights to, any person or group of persons?
MediaAdvisory
Contact: Dan Gwadosky
May 24, 2000
(207) 626-8400
* MEDIA ADVISORY *
Gwadosky tohold ballotdrawing
Thursday
Results will set orderof
questions on November 7 ballot
Augusta--Secretary of StateDan
A. Gwadosky announced today that he will conduct a public drawing onThursday,
May 25, 2000 to determine the order of three citizen initiatives, two constitutional
amendments and one referendum question, scheduled toappear on the November
7, 2000 ballot.
Secretary Gwadosky will conductthe
drawing at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 25, 2000 in his office in the NashSchool
building at the corner of Sewall and Capital Streets in Augusta. Maine
law requires the drawing process for ballot position.
Maine law alsorequires thequestions
to be organized on the ballot by category as follows:people'sveto questions
are first, then citizen initiatives, followed by bondquestions,then constitutional
amendments and finally referendum questions. There are no people’s
vetoes or bond questions scheduled to appearon theballot. Secretary
Gwadosky will conduct a drawing to determinetheorder of the questions within
each of the previously mentioned categories.
The questions that will appearon
the November 7, 2000 ballot are as follows, in no particular order:
Prepared bythe Officeof
the Secretary of State
119th Legislature –
2ndRegular Session
November 7, 2000 REFERENDUMELECTION
BALLOT QUESTIONS
CITIZEN INITIATIVES
Question_____ Should a terminallyill
adult who is of sound mind be allowed to ask for and receive a doctor’shelp
to die?
Question_____ Do you wantto
allow video lottery machines at certain horse racing tracks if 40% ofthe
profits are used for property tax relief?
Question_____ Do you favorrequiring
landowners to obtain a permit for all clear-cuts and defining cutting levels
for lands subject to the tree growth tax law?
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
Question______Do you favoramending
the Constitution of Maine to end discrimination against personsunder guardianship
for mental illness for the purpose of voting?
Question_____ Do you favoramending
the Constitution of Maine to allow the Legislature to provide for the assessment
of land used for commercial fishing activities basedon the current use
of that property?
REFERENDUM
Question_____ (PL 629) Doyou
favor ratifying the action of the 119th Legislature whereby it passedan
act extending to all citizens regardless of their sexual orientation the
same basic rights to protection against discrimination now guaranteed to
citizens on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin
in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodation and credit andwhere
the act expressly states that nothing in the act confers legislativeapproval
of, or special rights to, any person or group of persons?
For ImmediateRelease
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
May 2, 2000
207-626-8400
2000 Poster& EssayContest
Winners Announced
Augusta--Secretary of StateDan
A. Gwadosky announced the winning students of the Office of the Secretaryof
State’s 2000 Maine Constitution Poster and Essay Contest.
Thecontest is held in an effort to promote awareness of Maine history and
the importance of democracy and voting among students in Grades K-12. Secretary
Gwadosky’s office received over 800 posters and more than 100
essays fromschools all over the state.
The winners ineach of thecategories
are as follows:
Posters
Grades K-3 Maine Symbols
Leah Rose Brooks Lisbon Elementary School
Grades 4-5 Maine History
Mark Emerson Andover Elementary School
Essays
Grades 6-8 Maine Constitution
Andrew Chin North Yarmouth Academy
Grades 9-12 Voting and Democracy
Noah Sargent Bangor Christian Schools
The winners ofthe contestreceive
a $100 savings bond and have been invited by SecretaryGwadoskyto visit
the Capital Complex and view the original Maine Constitution,held at the
Maine State Archives, with the members of their class. Thevisitsare scheduled
as follows:
LisbonElementary
– May 2
NorthYarmouth
Academy – May 12
AndoverElementary
School – May 17
“The response to
this programhas been wonderful this year. It was very difficultto
select winnersfrom the many fine essays and creative posters,”
stated Secretary Gwadosky.
Invitations toparticipatewere
mailed to all Maine schools. Students could participate inone offour categories
based upon grade level. Students in Kindergartento Grade 3 could
draw a poster on the symbols of Maine (chickadee, pinetree,state seal,
etc.). Grades 4 and 5 were asked to draw a posterpertainingto Maine
History. Students in grades 6 to 8 could submitan essay onthe Maine
Constitution,while grades 9 to 12 were given thetopic “theImportance
of Voting andDemocracy”. “This program isagreat
way to get younger studentsthinking about their state and itshistory,while
encouraging older studentsto examine the nature of selfgovernanceand its
importance in a free society,”said Secretary Gwadosky.
The winning posters and essaysmay
be viewed on the Secretary of State’s Kids Page website - - http://www.maine.gov/sos/kids/fyigames/const_essay.htm
ForImmediate
Release
Contact: Jim Henderson
April 15, 2000
207-287-5793
Maine Students Qualifyfor
National History Day Contest
Augusta - - Twenty-three
individuals and teams representing nine Maine schools last Saturday wonthe
opportunity to match history knowledge with the best America has tooffer.
The students, along with their parents and teachers, havequalified to participate
in the National History Day competition at theUniversity of Maryland, June
11-15th. This year's theme is "TurningPoints in History."
Secretary of State Dan A.Gwadosky
presented the awards at the April 8th state competition at theUniversity
of Maine in Augusta. “This has been a tremendous experiencefor
me and my staff,” he declared. “I am very confident
that ourstudents will have a great experience at the National Contest and
willrepresent their schools and the State of Maine with distinction."
Scarborough High School fieldeda
large team and captured eight of the first or second place awards requiredto
qualify for the National event. The other participating schoolswere
Bonny Eagle High School, Bonny Eagle Middle School, Lake Region MiddleSchool,
Pownal Elementary School, Shaw Middle School, Skowhegan Area MiddleSchool,
York High School, and York Middle School.
Participants in the Senior(grades
9-12) and Junior (grades 6-8) Divisions competed in one of sevencategories:
historical paper (individual only); or exhibit, performance, or documentary
(individual and group subcategories).
The Skowhegan Area MiddleSchool
four-student team won the Junior Division World War II theme honorswith
their performance entitled "The Holocaust: Legalized Discrimination."
Each student will receive a U.S. Savings Bond for $125 from the NationalWorld
War II Memorial Foundation.
The Senior Division WorldWar
II theme winner was Melanie Heazel from Scarborough with her exhibit "The
Atomic Bombing of Japan." She will receive a $500 U.S. Savings Bond
from the Foundation.
Other awards were presentedfor
use of newspapers in historical research and for a project's considerationof
the topic's "relevance for today."
Maine History Day was coordinatedby
the Maine State Archives, and supported by several major sponsors: theMargaret
Chase Smith Library, the Maine State Library, the Maine HistoricalSociety,
the University of Maine at Augusta, and the National World WarII Memorial
Fund.
The History Day program,at
both the state and national levels, adds a new dimension to teaching and
learning history, and rewards student initiative, creativity, and scholarship.
Its most important purpose: to change the way history is taught and learned
by challenging students to conduct historical inquiry and by providinga
positive learning environment in which students’ work is evaluated
outsidethe classroom. The Department of Secretary of State has sponsoreda
variety of programs under the theme of Fostering Youth Involvement’
– FYI. History Day, in addition to our Student Mock Election,
EighthGrade Citizenship Award, and Constitution Essay and Poster Contest,
providesa great opportunity for young people to develop their own sense
of placein our country’s history.
Maine NationalHistory Dayis
an important opportunity for schools, teachers, and students. Each
year more than 500,000 students and 50,000 teachers across the country
participate in teacher workshops and student competitions. The Maine
program has an informative Internet web site with research tips at www.state.me.us/sos/arc/historyday/histhome.htm.
It features a list of participating schools, contest details, prizes andawards,
and research sources.
To foster creativity andimagination,
students select from a variety of formats to present their entries: papers,
tabletop displays, media presentations, and performances. Required
research develops analytic abilities, as well as reading and comprehension
skills. An interdisciplinary approach is encouraged, integratingarts,
economics, sciences, and other disciplines. Problem solvingskills
and teamwork are stressed. Teams of educators and historiansjudge
entries on historical quality, presentation, and adherence to theme. The
experience of History Day enriches students' academic knowledge andpractical
skills.
The competition providesteachers
with a means to encourage students to expand their efforts beyondthe classroom
experience. Maine National History Day provides anexcellent assessment
tool; integrates the study of history with other disciplines, including
writing, the arts, and other social sciences; supplies curricular aids
(lesson plans, bibliographic guides); supports professional development
through workshops and summer institutes; encourages interaction with academic
historians, librarians, archivists, and public historians; involves families
and communities in support of education. Winning schools, students andteams
will be recognized for their achievements.
Maine History Day 2000:Placement
by Category and Division
Historical Paper
Teacher
School
Junior
1 Discovering theStructure
of DNA
Andrea Gould
York Middle School
Sarah A. Pardoe
Senior
1 The Telegraph
Audrey Lovering Bonny Eagle
High School
Aimee V. Cole
219th Amendment Paul LedmanScarborough
High School
Courtney A. Sullivan
3 The Food And Drug Administration
Ben C. Prunty Paul Ledman Scarborough High School
Media, Group (Documentary)
Teacher
School
Junior
1 George Mitchellon thepath
to Peace
Eleanor Botka LakeRegion
Middle School
in Ireland
Erin E. Bilodeau
Patricia C. Shorey
Alaina J. Clark
Timothy A. Cushing
2 Legal system changes throughoutthe
Civil
Glenn Widmer ShawMiddle
School
rightera
Josh Wing
Katie B. Kimball
Sophia R. Kovrinos
Kevin Sawyer
Sarah E. Brown
3 Jackie Robinson...Breaking
the Color Barrier
Jane Littlefield Shaw Middle
School
Elisabeth L. Beagle
Brian A. King
Senior
1 World WarII
Audrey Lovering Bonny Eagle HS
Nicholas Walker
Josh Lamson
Media, Individual (Documentary)
Teacher
School
Junior
1 The Last of theKennebecLog
Drives
Laura Richter
Skowhegan Area
Michael Hoy
Middle School
Senior
1 Sputnic Starts the SpaceRace
Audrey Lovering
Bonny Eagle HS
Thomas A. Anderson
2 The Second Punic War:A
Turning Point in
Marita O'Neil
Scarborough HS
Arin R. Bratt
3 History of the Automobile
Paul Ledman
Scarborough HS
Kate M. Angis
Performance, Group
Teacher
School
Junior
1 The Depression
Michael Morong Bonny Eagle Middle School
Brent P. Profenno
Matt C. Brown
Justin Norton
Aron F. Semle
Nick Wood
2 The Holocaust: Legalized
Discrimination
Laura Richter Skowhegan Area Middle School
Denise M. Moody
Kristina MacMichael
Dana E. Bulba
Ashley Colby
Senior
1 The English Women's SuffrageMovement
Marita O'Neil
Scarborough HS
Sarah G. Abrams
Ashley R. Barton
Mariah K. Buckley
Jill B. Macomber
Becky K. Condon
2 The War in the Pacific
Marita O'Neil
Scarborough HS
Mike P. McLaughlin
Sean P. Flaherty
Mike B. Mack
Ryan M. Flint
Performance, Individual
Teacher
School
Senior
1 Saursa Tynchal;Hunt ofFreedom
Audrey Lovering Bonny
Eagle HS
Emily E. Gammon
2 Blood Stains onWhiteMarble
Steps:
Andrea Gould
York High School
Brown v. Boardof
Education
Alex S. Redfield
Project, Group (Exhibit)
Teacher
School
Junior
1 The Desegregation of LittleRock
Central High Michael
Morong, Bonny Eagle Middle School
-- ATurning
Point in History
Michele E. Trumble
Susan Shiland
2
Suburbs: For Better or For Worse?
Eleanor Botka, Lake Region Middle School
Nicole M. Perry
Shannon M. Harrison
3 Westward Movement: A TurningPoint
in History LauraRichter,
Skowhegan Area Middle School
Dean B. Redlevske
Cynthia M. Currier
Jack F. Belyeu
Senior
1 Battle of Stalingrad
Sandra Bradford, Scarborough High School
Emily M. Kipp
Alyssa L. Brackett
Briana L. Carr
2 The Bombing of Pearl Harbor
Sandra Bradford, Scarborough High School
Hannah J. Hoxsie
Allison L. Bertsch
3 Gandhi
Marita O'Neil, Scarborough High School
Sarah Bushey
Jennifer R. Coyne
Erin Kilby
Project, Individual (Exhibit)
Teacher
School
Junior
1 Follow the Leader
Andrea Gould
York Middle School
Meghan Eaton
2 Morse Code
Andy DesPres Pownal Elementary School
Tyler G. Callnan
3 The Jazz Age
Jane Littlefield Shaw Middle
School
James L. Hebert
Senior
1 The Atomic Bombing ofJapan
Sandra Bradford Scarborough High School
Melanie M. Heazel
2 Paradise Lost
Sandra Bradford Scarborough High School
Matt B. Leighton
3 Abolition of Slavery inBritain
Sandra Bradford Scarborough High School
Elisabeth Grotton
Maine History Day 2000-
Special Awards
Bonny Eagle Middle School
92 Sokokis Trail , Buxton,ME
04093
Use of Newspapers
The Depression
Teacher: Michael Morong
Division and category: JuniorPerformance,
Group
JustinNorton
NickWood
AronF.
Semle
BrentP.
Profenno
Matt C. Brown
The Desegregation of LittleRock
Central High -- A Turning Teacher: MichaelMorong
Division and category:
Junior Project, Group (Exhibit)
Michele E. Trumble
Susan Shiland
Scarborough High School
20 Gorham Road , Scarborough,
ME 04074
Relevance for OurTime
The Second Punic War: ATurning
Point in History
Teacher: Marita O'Neil
Division and category:
Senior Media, Individual
Arin R. Bratt
The English Women's SuffrageMovement
Teacher: Marita O'Neil
Division and category:
Senior Performance, Group
Becky K. Condon
Jill B. Macomber
Mariah K. Buckley
Ashley R. Barton
Sarah G. Abrams
Use of Newspapers
Gandhi
Teacher: Marita O'Neil
Division and category:
Senior Project, Group (Exhibit)
Erin E. Kilby
Jennifer R. Coyne
Sarah Bushey
World War II Senior Division
The Atomic Bombing of Japan
Teacher: Sandra Bradford
Division and category:
Senior Project, Individual (Exhibit)
Melanie M. Heazel
Skowhegan AreaMiddle School
Skowhegan, ME 04976
World War II Junior Division
The Holocaust: Legalized
Discrimination
Teacher: Laura Richter
Division and category:
Junior Performance, Group
Kristina MacMichael
Denise M. Moody
Ashley Colby
Dana E. Bulba
York Middle School
84 Organug Road ,York,ME
03909
Teacher: Andrea Gould
Relevance for OurTime
Follow the Leader
Division and category:
Junior Project, Individual (Exhibit)
Meghan Eaton
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
April 11, 2000
207-626-8400
Second Round of GrantsAllow
Local Communities
to Preserve Maine's Heritage
AUGUSTA--An additional fiftycommunities
received grants from state and federal sources to protect theirhistorical
materials, Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky announced today. Communities
from Alexander to York were the beneficiaries of over $ 45,000 in grant
funds.
"These grants are an excellentopportunity
to preserve Maine's historical records and museum objects,"Secretary Gwadosky
declared.
The preservation of Maine’sheritage
at the local level was provided by the Maine Legislature's "Communitiesin
the New Century" program. Through the “New Century”
program, theMaine State Archives and the Maine State Museum have developed
a uniqueopportunity for historical societies, museums, and archives to
obtain technicalassistance to evaluate the condition of historical materials,
as well asthe financial assistance necessary to preserve and provide accessto
them.
A closely allied grant programof
the Maine Historical Records Advisory Board is also administered throughthe
State Archives, a bureau within the Department of the Secretary ofState.
Supported by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission,
this federally funded historical records program was the model for the
state's Archives-Museum program.
This is the second of threegrant
opportunities under the New Century program. In December 1999,thirty-eight
communities received $50,000 in grants to preserve memories of earlier
centuries of Maine's heritage. One additional opportunity for communities
to apply for grants under the New Century Program occurson June 1, 2000.
Contact Anne Ball with the Cultural Resources Information Center at 287-7591
or 846-1132 for more information and application material.
Grant Recipients
(Alphabetical by townname)
Alexander, Alexander-Crawford
Historical Society, Microfilm of Assessor’s Books (1875-1899)
and Selectman's Ledger (1847-1899)
Allagash, Allagash HistoricalSociety,
Consultant Visit
Alna, Committee for AlnaHistory,
Develop Archival Plan including: access policy, maintenancepolicy,acquisition
policy and rehousing
Auburn, Androscoggin HistoricalSociety,
Purchase of Archival Materials for Map and PhotographCollection
Augusta, John Paul JonesMemorial
State Historic Site, Conservation of Maine Sailors and Soldiers Memorial
by Bashka Paeff, 1926
Augusta, Old FortWestern,To
teach, in a statewide workshop setting, innovative methods forconstructingand
casting mannequin forms that are archival, economical andhistoricallyaccurate
Bar Harbor, Town of BarHarbor,
Organization, access and rehousing of town records
Bath, Patten FreeLibrary,Microfilm
of the 1921 Bath Independent Newspaper
Brewer, Brewer Historical
Society, To create a complete inventory of the collections in the Clewley
Museum and Consultant Visit
Brewer, City of Brewer,
Microfilm of tax valuation and tax commitment books from 1978-2000 thathave
not previously been microfilmed
Brooksville, Brooksville
Historical Society, Develop accessions procedures. Organize records, mark
objects and review, evaluate and organize collection and Consultant Visit:
to provide overall assessment and work plan
Brunswick, Peary MacMillan
Arctic Museum, Reassemble, duplicate, catalog and provide public accessto
167 hand-tinted glass lantern slide used by Donald B. MacMillan in hisimportant
early lectures
Bucksport, Northeast HistoricFilm,
Preservation and access to "An Amateur Exemplar"- a selection ofamateur
film and home movies as a record of Maine culture and twentieth century
creativity
Camden, Camden Historic
Resources Archives, Conservation Treatment and Framing of Map of Camden,Knox
County
Caribou, NylanderMuseumof
Natural History, Consultant Visit and Evaluation of Geological Collection,
Mollusk Shell Collection and archival material of Olof. O. Nylander
Cumberland, Town of Cumberland,Assessment
of Town Records
Dixfield, Dixfield HistoricalSociety,
Archival assessment, sorting, rehousing, and cataloging and ConsultantVisit
Fort Kent, Fort Kent HistoricalSociety,
Catalog and re-house artifact and archival collectionand provideUV filtering
for collection
Freeport, Freeport HistoricalSociety,
Process Clifford "Mel" Collins Collection
Frenchville, Frenchville
Historical Society, Catalog and label the entire collection and performbasic
conservation and rehousing where necessary
Gray, Gray Historical Society,Preserve,
organize, rehouse and make accessible archival collection
Greenville, Moosehead HistoricalSociety,
Textile collection survey and conservation recommendations.
Harmony, Harmony Historical
Society, Consultant Visit
Hinkley, L.C. Bates Museum,Treatment
survey of Charles D. Hubbard dioramas from between 1920-1923
Houlton, Aroostook CountyHistorical
& Art Museum, Assessment of Artifact and Archival Collection with recommendations
for storage, conservation and exhibition
Kennebunk, Kennebunkport
Historical Society, Condition assessment and development of curatorialplan
for textile collection
Lille-Sur-St-Jean, L'Assoc.culturelle
et historique du Mont, Survey, rehouse and prepare conservation priorities
for textile collection
Livermore, Town of Livermore,Microfilm
of Vital Statistics, town records and town reports from 1700-present
Livermore, Town of MountVernon,
Survey of collection and microfilming of materials in the Town collection
and the Mount Vernon Historical Society
Milbridge, Milbridge HistoricalSociety,
Organize and conserve vital statistics and town records of Townof Milbridge.
Decrease access to originals by creating copies, microfilm and index.
Monmouth, Monmouth Academy,Local
history project with students
Monmouth, Monmouth Museum,To
secure the safety of at risk artifacts, textiles and fabrics.
New Gloucester, New GloucesterHistorical
Society, Review, evaluate and organize town recordsand schoolrecords in
the collection of the New Gloucester Historical Society
New Sweden, New Sweden HistoricalSociety,
Evaluate and perform conservation on Immigrant trunk collection dating
from 1870-1920 and located in four institutions: New Sweden Historical
Society, Stockholm Historical Society, Maine's Swedish Colony and Woodland
Museum
North Yarmouth, North YarmouthHistorical
Society, To process 72 linear feet of pre 1849 North Yarmouth Town Records
Orono, Hudson Museum, Preservation(including
relocation, stabilization, conservation and exhibition) of birchbark
canoe from 1888 originally made for Charles Strickland ofBangor
Orrington, Orrington HistoricalSociety,
Consultant Visit
Otisfield, Otisfield HistoricalSociety,
Microfilm of the diaries of Mary Pride Knight
Phillips, Town ofMadrid,Consultant
Visit
Presque Isle, Northern MaineScience
Museum, Scientifically organize and preserve the Fresh-Water andTerrestrial
Mollusca Shell Collection and associated archival material of Leroy F.
Norton (1893-1970), local natural historian and ConsultantVisi
Richmond, Town ofRichmond,Inventory,
classify, assess, make preservation recommendations,begin implementationof
preservation strategy and promote awareness of townarchival collection
Rockland, Farnsworth ArtMuseum,
Wallpaper conservation project in the Farnsworth Homestead
Sedgwick, Sedgwick-Brooklin
Historical Society, To rehouse, process and catalog 25 linear feet of archival
material
South Paris, McLaughlin
Foundation, Consultant Visit
Thomaston, Friends of Montpelier-GeneralHenry
Knox, Environmental monitoring and conservation of Duncan Phyfe teatable
and ornamental eagle
Union, Union Historical
Society, To accession, catalog, index and rehouse materials relating topre-1850
buildings in the town and the William Bessey Collection
Van Buren, Notre Heritage
Vivant-Living Heritage Society, UV Filtering at the Acadian Village andtextile
assessment and rehousing
Vinalhaven, Vinalhaven HistoricalSociety,
To create an index and catalog system for museum objects and archives
Waterford, Waterford HistoricalSociety,
Preserve, review, evaluate, organize, catalog and index archivalcollection
Weld, Weld Historical Society,Consultant
Visit
Windsor, Town of Windsor,
Consultant Visit
Yarmouth, Yarmouth HistoricalSociety,
Conservation assessment of artifact collection and establish conservationpriorities
York, Old York Historical
Society, Digitize and microfilm Town Clerk records and genealogical notes
from 1860
ForImmediate
Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
April 10, 2000
207-626-8400
Secretary Gwadosky SuspendsTwo
Motor Carriers
AUGUSTA--Secretary of StateDan
A. Gwadosky has issued suspensions for two motor carriers who conductbusiness
in Maine. Secretary Gwadosky’s suspension ofA&L Transport,Inc.
of Oakfield, Maine, and Striker Transportation, Inc.,of Chelsea,Massachusetts,
were made pursuant to recommendations receivedfrom theMaine Motor Carrier
Review Board. Both carriers are suspendedfora period of ninety days,
beginning April 21, 2000. The suspensionprohibits the carriers from
operating commercial vehicles in Maine. Either motor carrier may appeal
the suspension to the Maine Superior Court.
“The suspension
period providescarriers with an opportunity to ensure their drivers and
vehicles operatewithin the safety requirements of Maine law,”
said Secretary Gwadosky. “The Motor Carrier Review Board has
been effective in evaluating the recordsof commercial carriers and promoting
safety on Maine’s roadways.”
A & L Transport, Inc.has
a history of overweight violations, among other safety violations, and
had been suspended in December 1998. This recent review by theMaine
Motor Carrier Review Board was based upon continued weight violationsandcitations
for vehicle safety defects that resulted in a second recommendationfor
suspension.
Striker Transportation, Inc.came
before the Board for a number of vehicle defect and safety violations,
as well as a log book violation and two violations for operating withoutauthority.
The company also had 10 roadside inspections resultingin 21 out-of-service
violations. An out-of-service violation is aspecific, serious violation,
generally vehicle related, that prevents anyfurther movement of the vehicle
until the violation is corrected.
The Maine Motor Carrier ReviewBoard
gives special consideration to hours of service, gross vehicle weight,log
book and vehicle defect violations. The Board is comprised ofrepresentatives
from large and small motor carriers, the forest productsindustry, the insurance
industry and a citizen representative who is amember of Parents Against
Tired Truckers. The Board’s existence, membership and actions
are authorized by laws passed in 1995. TheSecretary of State is responsible
for considering and, if warranted, actingon the Board’s recommendations.
Since its creation in 1996,the
Board has conducted 375 reviews of over 200 different Maine and out-of-statemotor
carriers. The 375 reviews resulted in the Board conducting159
preliminary reviews; issuing 131 formal warnings; conducting 73 formalhearings;
and recommending 10 suspensions. In addition, the Boardhas also required
carriers to develop and implement a motor carriersafetyplan, as part of
remedial action when appropriate.
ForImmediate
Release
Contact: Jim Henderson
April 6, 2000
207-287-5793
History Comes Alive atUMA
Saturday
Secretary of State DanA.
Gwadosky to Honor Prize Winners at
Maine History Day Competition
AUGUSTA—On Saturday,
April8, 2000, more than 100 students from around the state will gather
at theUniversity of Maine at Augusta’s Jewitt Hall for the annual
Maine HistoryDay Competition. The students will compete for the honor ofmoving
on tothe National History Day Competition to be held in College Park,Marylandin
June.
Secretary of State Dan A.Gwadosky
will be on hand to honor the prize winners in seven different categories.
Students can either compete as individuals or in a group bysubmitting a
paper, an exhibit, a documentary or by performing live infront of a panel
of select judges. There are also two levels of competitionone for Grades6-8
and one for Grades 9-12
“I am pleased to
have theopportunity to honor these outstanding young people who have worked
sohard to get to this day,” Secretary Gwadosky said. “Maine
History Day,in addition to our other Fostering Youth Involvement programs,
provides a great opportunity for young people to develop their own sense
of placein our country’s history.”
“The young people
who takehome the awards on Saturday will be excellent representatives of
our stateat the National Competition and I wish them well,” theSecretary
added.
Schools with students participatingin
Maine History Day are: Bonny Eagle Middle School and High School, Standish;Shaw
Middle School, Gorham; Scarborough High School, Scarborough; LakeRegion
Middle School, Naples; Pownal Elementary School, Pownal; Skowhegan Area
Middle School, Skowhegan; and York Middle School and High School,York.
Maine History Day beginswith
registration at 9 a.m. and ends with an Awards Ceremony beginning between
2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Judging of entries will begin at 9:30 a.m. andrun until
12:30 p.m.
Come by UMA’s Jewitt
Hallin Augusta Saturday and see history come alive.
ForImmediate
Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
April 5, 2000
207-626-8400
Secretary Gwadosky UrgesMaine
People Not to Let Federal
Money “Go Up
in Smoke,”Return Census Forms
Portland--Secretary of StateDan
A. Gwadosky was joined by local municipal officials atthe SouthPortland
Census Office on Wednesday, April 5, 2000 to encourageMaine residentsto
return their Census forms to ensure Maine receives itsfair share ofFederal
funds.
“Completing the
census formis very quick and easy,” said Secretary Gwadosky.
“I want to remindeveryone that there is still time to mail in
yourform and be counted. Don’t miss this opportunity to
ensurethat Maine receives its fair shareof federal funding.”
An accurate and completeCensus
is important for not only the nation, but also for the State ofMaine and
local communities. Population counts from the census are used to
reapportion Congressional seats, to determine Congressional districts,
and to distribute nearly $200 billion of federal funds annually.
An incomplete count can directly impact the amount of federal funds theState
of Maine and local municipalities receive for various programs.
Locally, census counts areinstrumental
in providing valuable information for a number ofinitiativesincluding forecasting
future transportation needs, assessing ruraldevelopmentand planning and
designing public safety strategies.
The initial response ratefor
the return of census forms in Maine is averaging 48%. Thisislower
than the response rates for the Northeast region, 52%, and nationally,50%.
Maine officials are hoping at least 63% of Maine citizens willcomplete
and return their census forms.
To underscore the factthat
a failure to return your census form is like “burningmoney”
thatcould be used in Maine, Secretary Gwadosky, as part of hispresentation‘burned
money’ to illustrate his point.
Census officeshave beenopened
in South Portland and Bangor and while Census forms weredue onApril 1,
2000, census takers will be completing the enumeration ofMaineresidents
over the next several weeks. The South Portland CensusOffice is located
on the corner of Ocean and Market Streets. Foradditionalinformation
on Census activities in the Portland area call 741-4019.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
April 3, 2000
207-626-8400
Secretary Gwadosky UrgesMaine
People Not to Let Federal
Money “Go Up
in Smoke,”Return Census Forms
Bangor--Secretary of StateDan
A. Gwadosky was joined by local municipal officials and representatives
of various Native American organizations at the Bangor Census Office onMonday,
April 3, 2000 to encourage Maine residents to return their Censusforms
to ensure Maine receives its fair share of Federal funds.
“Completing the
census formis very quick and easy,” said Secretary Gwadosky.
“I want to remindeveryone that there is still time to mail in
yourform and be counted. Don’t miss this opportunity to
ensurethat Maine receives its fair shareof federal funding.”
An accurate and completeCensus
is important for not only the nation, but also for the State ofMaine and
local communities. Population counts from the census are used to
reapportion Congressional seats, to determine Congressional districts,
and to distribute nearly $200 billion of federal funds annually.
An incomplete count can directly impact the amount of federal funds theState
of Maine and local municipalities receive for various programs.
Locally, census counts areinstrumental
in providing valuable information for a number ofinitiativesincluding forecasting
future transportation needs, assessing ruraldevelopmentand planning and
designing public safety strategies.
The initial response ratefor
the return of census forms in Maine is averaging 48%. Thisislower
than the response rates for the Northeast region, 52%, and nationally,50%.
Maine officials are hoping at least 63% of Maine citizens willcomplete
and return their census forms.
To underscore the fact thata
failure to return your census form is like “burning money”
that couldbe used in Maine, Secretary Gwadosky, as part of his presentation
‘burnedmoney’ to illustrate his point.
Census officeshave beenopened
in South Portland and Bangor and while Census forms weredue onApril 1,
2000, census takers will be completing the enumeration ofMaineresidents
over the next several weeks. The Bangor Census Officeislocated on
the 5th floor of the Fleet Center on Exchange Street. Foradditional information
on Census activities in the Bangor area call973-1741.
Media Advisory
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
April 1, 2000
207-626-8400
MEDIA ADVISORY
Press Conference
Monday, April 3, 2000at
10:30 a.m.
Census Office
Fleet Center, 5th Floor
80 Exchange Street, Bangor
Secretary Gwadosky toUrge
Maine People Not to Let Federal
Money “Go Up
in Smoke,”Return Census Forms
Secretary of State Dan A.Gwadosky
will be joined by local municipal officials and representatives of various
Native American organizations to encourage Maine residents toreturn their
Census forms to ensure Maine receives its fair share of Federalfunds.
An accurate and completeCensusis
important for not only the nation, but also for the State of Maine andlocal
communities. Population counts from the census are used toreapportion
Congressional seats, to determine Congressional districts, and to distribute
nearly $200 billion of federal funds annually. An incomplete
count can directly impact the amount of federal funds theState of Maine
and local municipalities receive for various programs.
To underscore the factthat
a failure to return your census form is like “burningmoney”
thatcould be used in Maine, Secretary Gwadosky, as part of hispresentationwill
‘burn money’ to illustrate his point.
Census officeshave beenopened
in South Portland and Bangor and while Census forms weredue onApril 1,
2000, census takers will be completing the enumeration ofMaineresidents
over the next several weeks.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
March 31, 2000
207-626-8400
Secretary Gwadosky RulesCandidate
Petition for House District 92 Invalid
Augusta--Secretary of StateDan
A. Gwadosky issued a decision today upholding the challenge brought by
Barry Timson against the petition filed by Jonilyn L. Grant, a Republican
candidate for the House of Representatives. In his ruling, Secretary
Gwadosky found that the challenger had provided sufficient evidence toinvalidate
two signatures on the petition. Without these signaturesthe petition
contained only 23 valid signatures, two short of the 25 requiredby law
for a person’s name to be placed in nomination as a primary ballotcandidate.
Since the petition did not contain sufficient signatures,Secretary Gwadosky
therefore ruled the entire candidate petition invalid.
“This was a clear
violationof Maine’s election law and has all the appearances
of election fraud,”said Secretary Gwadosky. “For
this reason, we have referred the matterto the Attorney General’s
Office for further investigation of any possiblecriminal activity surrounding
the petition.”
On March 22, 2000, BarryS.
Timson, a registered voter residing within House District 92, filed a challenge
with the Office of the Secretary of State. At issue was whether several
of the signatures appearing on the petition were actually signed by the
person whose signatures they purported to be. Accompanying the challenge
were written statements of two of the individuals whose signatures appear
on the petition but who claimed not to have signed the petition.
Also submitted with the challenge was a photocopy of the obituary of athird
individual, Julia Barlow, whose signature appears on the petition. At a
hearing held on March 28, 2000, Lyn A. Gray and Robert O. Gray provided
testimony consistent with their written statements that those were nottheir
signatures on Ms. Grant’s petition.
In a separate communication,
the Secretary of State’s Office referred several issues that
came to lightduring the hearing to the Attorney General’s Office
for further investigationinto possible criminal activity surrounding the
petition. In particular,the Attorney General’s Office was
provided with the unchallenged testimonyof Lyn A. Gray and Robert O. Gray
that indicates their signatures may havebeen forged on the petition.
The evidence at the hearing also calledinto question the validity of the
circulator’s oath, which requires a circulatorto swear that everyone
who signed the petition did so beforehim.
The Secretary of State’sOffice
had previously referred to the Attorney General’s Office the
informationit received from the Hallowell clerk’s office indicating
that one of thesignatures invalidated by the deputy city clerk was that
of a Julia Barlow,of 47 Middle Street, who had died on March 13, 1996.
Any criminalcharges will be issued by the Attorney General’s
Office upon completionof its investigation.
RULING OF THE SECRETARYOF
STATE:
ON THE VALIDITY OF THE CHALLENGEBROUGHT
BY BARRY S. TIMSON OF HALLOWELL AGAINST THE PETITION FILED ON BEHALFOF
JONILYN L. GRANT, A REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE FOR REPRESENTATIVE TO THE LEGISLATUREIN
DISTRICT 92, PURSUANT TO 21-A M.R.S.A. SECTION 337,SUB-SECTION 2, PARAGRAPHC.
1. On March 28, 2000 a publichearing
was held for the purpose of hearing evidence relating to the allegationsdelineated
in the challenge made by Barry S. Timson ofHallowell againstthe petition
filed on behalf of Jonilyn L. Grant, a Republicancandidatefor Representative
to the Legislature in District 92.
2. The challenge was filedin
the Office of the Secretary of State, Division of Elections,on March22,
2000 and contained the following allegation:
That the petition containedinsufficient
valid signatures for nomination based upon the written statementsof Lyn
A. Gray and Robert O. Gray of Hallowell, that they did not signthe petition
which contains their names.
3. Following areview ofthe
Report of the Hearing Officer dated March 29, 2000 and of theexhibitspresented
at the hearing, I find that the challenger has met theburdenof providingsufficient
evidence, pursuant to 21-A M.R.S.A. section337,sub-section 2,paragraph
B, to invalidate the signatures of Lyn A. Grayand Robert O. Grayand therefore
find the challenge to the petition isvalid. I furtherfind that withthe
invalidation of the signaturesof Lyn A. Grayand RobertO. Gray, the petition
is invalid as there areinsufficient signaturesfor nominationof Jonilyn
Grant, to the RepublicanPrimary Election, in HouseDistrict 92,pursuant
to 21-A M.R.S.A. section335, subsection 5, paragraphG, and section337,
subsection 2, paragraphC.
4. This decision may be appealedby
commencing an action in the Superior Court within 5 days, pursuant to21-A
M.R.S.A. section 337, subsection 2, paragraph D. Acopy of therelevant
statute is attached for your convenience.
Dated: March 31, 2000
__________________________
Dan A. Gwadosky
Secretary of State
MediaAdvisory
Contact: Domna Giatas
March 24, 2000
207-626-8406
Media Advisory
Hearing Scheduled forChallenge
to House District 92
Candidate Petition
1 p.m., Tuesday, March 28,2000
1st Floor Conference Room
Office of the Secretary
of State
Nash School Building
Corner of Sewall and CapitalStreets
in Augusta
On Tuesday, March 28, 2000,the
Office of the Secretary of State will hold a public hearingat 1:00p.m.
to determine if a petition filed by Joni-Lyn L. Grant, a Republican candidate
for District 92 of the House of Representatives, has sufficient valid signatures
to allow her name to appear on the ballot for the Republican Primary Election
in June.
On March 22, 2000, BarryS.
Timson, a registered voter residing within House District 92, filed a challenge
with the Office of the Secretary of State. At issue iswhether several
of the signatures appearing on the petition were actuallysigned by the
person whose signatures they purport to be. Accompanyingthe challenge
were written statements of two of the individuals whose signaturesappearon
the petition but who claim not to have signed the petition. Alsosubmitted
with the challenge was a photocopy of the obituary of athird individualwhose
signature appears on the petition.
At the public hearing Mr.Timson
will have to provide evidence and witnesses that support his claim that
Ms. Grant’s petition does not contain the minimum 25 signatures
requiredby state law in order to appear on the primary ballot or that the
petitionshould otherwise be declared invalid. Ms. Grant will also
have anopportunity to provide any evidence and witnesses that support the
nominating petition she has filed. The hearings officer will determine,
uponexamination of all of the evidence, if the petition meets the requirementsof
state law.
For ImmediateRelease
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
March 14, 2000
207-626-8400
Secretary Gwadosky Advocatesfor
State/Municipal Internet Network
AppropriationsCommitteeto
Consider Bill in Wednesday Workshop
AUGUSTA—Imagine
receivinggovernment services with just a few clicks of a mouse at your
computer, instead of standing in line or waiting on hold. That’s
the goal ofthe Maine Governmental Information Network (MGIN). MGIN
was created in 1999 by the Maine Legislature and charged with forming an
Internet network of municipalities and state agencies to provide improved
access for citizens to governmental services at the state and local level.
SecretaryofState Dan A. Gwadosky is encouraging support for just such a
proposalcurrentlybefore the Maine Legislature’s Joint Standing
Committee on Appropriations.
“In recent days,
the discussionabout technology and its benefits to Maine has revolved around
laptop computersand seventh graders. More needs to bedone to
improve Maine’sposition in an ever-increasingly technologicalworld,
but government shouldlead by example,” stated Secretary Gwadosky.
“Laptops will not beof benefit to this or the next generation
if government is not able tocoordinate and integrate its functions to provide
important informationand services on-line.”
Sen. Carol Kontos (D-Cumberland),the
sponsor of the original legislation explained, “To most people,
thereis no distinction between levels of government, it’s just
government. With the current advances in technology, this is an opportunity
to provideimproved and seamless governmental services via the Internet.”
Kontosadded, “Maine was first in the nationto connect all the
schools and libraries,and it can be one of the first inthe nation to connect
communities.”
Before state and local governmentscan
expand exciting innovative services to Maine citizens, it is essentialthat
all municipalities have the basic technological infrastructure. The
MGIN Board was established by the Legislature to create such a network,
in a format similar to the schools and libraries program.
“A technological
frameworkhas been established in southern Maine by Bell Atlantic throughthe
useof DSL; and Time Warner will be providing Internet service to PresqueIsle,”Secretary
Gwadosky continued. “The Maine Legislaturehas the opportunityto
provide these same advantages to every municipalityin Maine, and ensurethat
Maine’s towns are not divided into the ‘have’s’and
the ‘have not’s’.”
Referencing Maine’s
so calleddigital divide, Secretary Gwadosky commented, “We simply
cannot ignorethe impact a lack of technology will have on our smaller municipalities.
Many communities that were bypassed by the interstate highway system inthe
1950’s and 1960’s never recovered from the economic
losses. Wemust be vigilant in ensuring that the “information
super-highway” reachesall of Maine’s communities.”
Secretary Gwadosky citedrecent
surveys that indicate 45% of Maine households are connected to theInternet.
However, less than half of the municipalities have access to Internet connections.
Maine citizens are demanding moreconvenient services, including the ability
to obtain government services24-hours a day; to conduct government transactions
on-line, instead ofwaiting in line; and to interact with a single point
of contact for governmentservices.
“In order to meet
the growingexpectations of citizens and to attract high-tech businesses
to Maine,government at the state and local levels must be prepared to transact
e-commercethrough the use of e-government,” said Secretary Gwadosky.
MGIN envisionsa number ofservices
that could become available once municipalities are connected. Some
possibilities include the processing of hunting and fishing licenses, motor
vehicle registrations, Department of Human Services, Department ofPublic
Safety and Maine Bond Bank services, as well as a statewide voterregistration
data base, the possibility of internet voting and local andstate permitting.
State and local governments are already cooperatingin many areas.
By creating a network even more municipalities willbe in a position to
participate, and the services to citizens will be streamlined. Both local
and state governments will also benefit by obtaining a moreefficient exchange
of information.
ForImmediate
Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
March 7, 2000
207-626-8400
Polling Site Visits Scheduledfor
Election Day by Secretary Gwadosky
Augusta--Secretary of StateDan
A. Gwadosky will be continuing his traditional election day visits to polling
places during the March 7, 2000 Presidential Preference Primary.
Secretary Gwadosky will take the opportunity to greet voters and thankelection
workers for all their efforts in conducting Maine’s elections.
“I look forward
to visitingthe polling places on election day,” stated Secretary
Gwadosky. “Itprovides me with an opportunity to meet with
the local electionofficials,greet voters at the polls, and thank the election
workers for theirdedication.”
Secretary Gwadosky is scheduledto
visit the following municipalities:
| Municipality |
PollLocation |
Approximate Time |
| Farmington |
Community Center (MiddleStreet) |
9:00 a.m. |
| Skowhegan |
Municipal Building (WaterStreet) |
10:00 a.m. |
| Newport |
Fire Hall |
10:45 a.m. |
| Hampden |
Reeds Brook Middle SchoolGym |
12:00 p.m. |
| Brewer |
Brewer Auditorium |
1:30 p.m. |
| Bangor |
Ward 4,Precinct 2 (5thStreet
School) |
2:15 p.m. |
| Old Town |
Wards 2& 3 (Knightsof
Columbus Hall) |
3:00 p.m. |
| Fairfield |
Community Center |
4:15 p.m. |
| Augusta |
City Center |
5:15 p.m. |
Additional polling sitesmay
be added as time permits.
ForImmediate
Release
Contact: Jim Henderson
March 2, 2000
207-287-5793
Maine Students Rethinkthe
Past in History Day Competition
AUGUSTA--Imagine the pridein
Skowhegan when Enza Loera won a national contest, including a $1,000award,
portraying the Lady from Maine, Margaret Chase Smith. AndEnza is from Pittsburgh,
PA! She won National History Day’sfinalcompetition, dressed
for the part, based on Senator Smith’s “Declarationof
Conscience” speech denouncing the heavy handed tactics of fellowSenatorJoseph
R. McCarthy.
With visions of participatingin
the National Championships, middle and high school students will assembleat
the University of Maine at Augusta on Saturday, April 8th. Theywill
be part of the state’s growing involvement in National History
Day. This year the Margaret Chase Smith Library in Skowhegan is a major
sponsorof Maine’s program.
Secretary of State Dan A.Gwadosky
will present the awards at the April 8th competition. “Iam
especially proud to be part of this effort,” he declared.
“OurDepartment sponsors a variety of programs under the theme
of ‘Fostering Youth Involvement’ – FYI.
History Day is an excellent addition toour Student/Parent Mock Election,
Eighth Grade Citizenship Award, and Constitution Essay and Poster Contest
and provides a great opportunity for young people to develop their own
sense of place in our country’s history.”
The annual event is opento
all Maine students in grades 6 through 12. Each year students prepare
papers, projects, or presentations that explore a broad historical theme.
This year’s theme: Turning Points in History: People,Ideas,Events.
The program adds a new dimension to teaching andlearninghistory, and rewards
student initiative, creativity, and scholarship.
Its most important purpose:to
change the way history is taught and learned by challenging students to
conduct historical inquiry and by providing a positive learning environment
in which students’ work is evaluated outside the classroom.
The programfits perfectly with the history segment of the social studies
section ofMaine’s learning results:
Students will learn to analyzethe
human experience through time, to recognize the relationships of eventsand
people, and to identify patterns, themes, and turning points of changeusing
the chronology of history and major eras. In interpreting currentand
historical events, students will evaluate the credibility andperspectivesof
multiple sources of information gathered from technology,documents,artifacts,
maps, the arts, and literature.
Maine NationalHistory Dayis
an important opportunity for schools, teachers, and students. Each
year more than 500,000 students and 50,000 teachers across the country
participate in teacher workshops and student competitions. Statecompetition
winners will attend the National Competition in College ParkMaryland this
June. Last year six Maine schools and about 100 studentsparticipated,
with Maine students excelling at the National Competition.
“We expect to exceed
pastparticipation and to send strong teams to the Nationals this year,”
saidJim Henderson, coordinator of Maine National History Day. Henderson,Director
of the Maine State Archives, said he was impressed bythe commitmentof sponsors,
teachers, students, and volunteer mentors andjudges. “In these
uncertain times of rapid change, people arelooking for a foundationon which
to build,” he noted. “Contemporarynews coverage
reports‘new’ events, proposals, and problems asif they
had sprung magically fromthe earth, rather than being the outgrowthof long-term
trends that wemust understand if we are to cope with them.”
In addition tothe satisfactionof
learning and achieving recognition, students will reaptangible rewardsoffered
by the World War II Memorial Fund, the PejepscotHistorical Societyin Brunswick,
the Joshua Chamberlain Civil War Round Table,the 20th MaineCivil War Shop
in Freeport, and the Maine State Archives, amongothers. Other sponsors
include the Maine Department of the Secretaryof State,the MaineHistorical
Society, the Maine State Library, and the MaineHumanitiesCouncil.
The Maine program has aninformative
Internet web site with research tips at www.state.me.us/sos/arc/historyday/histhome.htm.
It features a list of participating schools, contest details, prizes andawards,
research sources, and volunteer mentors willing to help teachersand students
with their projects. The deadline for formal registrationis March
17th.
To foster creativity andimagination,
students select from a variety of formats to present their entries: papers,
tabletop displays, media presentations, and performances. Required
research develops analytic abilities, as well as reading and comprehension
skills. An interdisciplinary approach is encouraged, integratingarts,
economics, sciences, and other disciplines. Problem solvingskills
and teamwork are stressed. Teams of educators and historiansjudge
entries on historical quality, presentation, and adherence to theme. The
experience of History Day enriches students' academic knowledge andpractical
skills.
The competition providesteachers
with a means to encourage students to expand their efforts beyondthe classroom
experience. Maine National History Day provides anexcellent assessment
tool; integrates the study of history with other disciplines, including
writing, the arts, and other social sciences; supplies curricular aids
(lesson plans, bibliographic guides); supports professional development
through workshops and summer institutes; encourages interaction with academic
historians, librarians, archivists, and public historians; involves families
and communities in support of education. Winning schools, students andteams
will be recognized for their achievements.
NOTES:
National History Day goalsinclude
the following:
-
encourage teachers to engagetheir
students in active learning;
-
motivate teachers to use primarysources
and to teach students how to interpret them;
-
provide a model for meetingeducational
standards that require performance-based assessment;
-
interest students in learningabout
history by integrating the materials and methods of social studies,art,
literature, language, and music into their entries;
-
develop research and readingskills
and refine presentation skills in writing, visual projects, andperformances;
-
improve critical thinking andproblem-solving
skills that will help students manage and use informationeffectively now
and in the future;
The history segment of the socialstudies
learning results are composed of the following broad objectives:
A. CHRONOLOGY:
Students will use the chronology of history and major eras to demonstrate
the relationships of events and people.
B. HISTORICAL KNOWLEDGE,CONCEPTS,
AND PATTERNS: Students will develop historicalknowledgeof major events,
people, and enduring themes in the United States,in Maine,and throughout
world history.
C. HISTORICAL INQUIRY,ANALYSIS,
AND INTERPRETATION: Students will learn to evaluate resourcematerial
such as documents, artifacts, maps, artworks, and literature, and to make
judgments about the perspectives of the authors and their credibility when
interpreting current historical events.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
March 1, 2000
207-626-8400
Final Petition for November2000
Ballot Certified
Secretary Gwadosky Ruleson
Snack Tax Petition
AUGUSTA—For the
second timethis week Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky announced that
sufficientvalid signatures were submitted on a citizen initiative petition.
Secretary Gwadosky ruled today that a petition group seeking to removethe
sales tax on snack food items has filed sufficient valid signatures.
The petition had been filed for certification with the Secretary of State’s
Office on January 31, 2000.
“This has been
an incredibleyear for citizen initiated legislation,” stated
Secretary Gwadosky. “I am very proud of the extraordinary efforts
of the Elections Divisionstaff. They have worked diligently during
the last 30 days reviewingover 104,000 signatures on two citizen initiative
petitions, while preparingfor next Tuesday’s Presidential Preference
Primary.”
The direct initiative processis
set forth in the Maine Constitution and allows citizens to propose billsfor
consideration by the Legislature through the petition process. Petitioners
seeking to utilize this democratic process must collect signatures of Maine
voters that represent 10% of the total number of votes cast inthe last
gubernatorial election. Currently, this figure is 42,101. If
the Legislature does not adopt the initiative as presented, then itwill
be automatically placed on the November 2000 ballot.
The following question willbe
put before the voters, unless the Legislature adopts the initiated legislationduring
its current legislative session:
Do you want torepeal thetax
on snack food except candy and confections?
Summary of Signatures DeterminedValid/Invalid
| Initially submitted |
58,259 |
| Excluded by local officials |
8,686 |
| Excluded by the Secretaryof
State |
976 |
| Total valid signatures |
48,597 |
| Total needed for approval |
42,101 |
A copy of the Determination
of Validity for this petition is attached and provides a breakdown on the
signatures that were deemed invalid.
~
STATE OF MAINE
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
OF STATE
DETERMINATION OF THE VALIDITY
OF A PETITION FOR INITIATEDLEGISLATION
ENTITLED:
“An Act to Repeal
the SalesTax on Snack Food Except Candy and Confections”
1. On January 31, 2000, petitionscontaining
58,259 signatures were submitted to the Secretary of State pursuantto the
Constitution of Maine, Article IV, Part Third, Section 18 on behalfof the
initiated legislation entitled, “An Act to Repeal the Sales Taxon
Snack
Food Except Candy and Confections.”
2. Following areview ofthe
petitions I find the following signatures to be invalid forthe followingreasons:
A. 7,978 areinvalid
because they were not certified by the registrar as belonging
to a registered voter in that municipality.
B. 708 signaturesare
invalid because they are duplicate signatures already
counted.
C. 645 signaturesare
invalid because the circulators collected signatures prior to
becoming registered to vote in the State of Maine.
D. 152 signaturesare
invalid because the circulator’s verification was incomplete.
E. 64signatures
are invalid because the petitioner dated his or her signature after
the date of the circulator’s oath before the notary.
F. 40signatures
are invalid because the registered voter’s signature was madeby
another.
G. 24 signaturesare
invalid because the petition has been altered by someone
other than the Registrar.
H. 20 signaturesare
invalid because a circulator was not registered to votein the
State of Maine.
I. 18signatures
have been determined invalid due to a counting error by the
registrar.
J. 7 signaturesare
invalid because the certification of the registrar was not
complete.
K. 6 signaturesare
invalid because the petitioner failed to provide a signature.
3. For the reasonsset
forth above, I find that 9,662 signatures are invalid. Petitioners
have therefore submitted 48,597 valid signatures. The number of signatures
required to determine the petition to be valid is 42,101. Becausethe
number of valid signatures exceeds the required number by 6,496 signatures,
I find the petition to be valid.
Dated: March 1, 2000
_________________________
Dan A. Gwadosky
Secretary of State
~
This is the fourth and finalpetition
to be validated for the November 2000 ballot. Secretary Gwadosky
validated two additional petitions at the end of last year. Both
of these initiatives are currently before the Maine Legislature awaiting
action.
Citizen Initiative PetitionsCertified
in November 1999
Video lottery machines atracetracks
Do you wantto allow videolottery
machines at certain horse racing tracks if 40% of theprofits areused for
property tax relief?
Legalize physician assistedsuicide
Should a terminally illadult
who is of sound mind be allowed to ask for and receive a doctor’s
help to die?
Citizen Initiative PetitionCertified
on February 28, 2000
Forest Protection Act
Do you favor requiringlandowners
to obtain a permit for all clear-cuts and defining cutting levelsfor lands
subject to the Tree Growth tax law?
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
February 28, 2000
207-626-8400
Secretary Gwadosky toAddress
National Governors’ Association on Proposed PresidentialPrimarySystem
Washington, D.C.—Secretary
of State Dan A. Gwadosky has been invited to address the National Governors’
Association (NGA) regarding a Rotating Regional Presidential Primary system
developed by the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS).
Secretary Gwadosky and Kansas Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh, will address
the NGA on Tuesday, February 29, 2000 at 9:15 a.m. during its Annual Winter
Meeting in Washington, D.C. at the J W Marriott Hotel.
“The current trend
findsstates moving their presidential primaries earlier in the year in
orderto have a voice in the selection process,” said Secretary
Gwadosky. “This ‘front-loading’ deprives
citizens of the opportunity to play anyreal role in the nomination process;
deprives regions of their abilityto effectively communicate their unique
concerns to future presidents andthe nation; and limits political parties
in their ability to distinguish their candidates’ ideology.
It also requires a great deal offinancialresources to sustain concurrent
campaigns in multiple venues, destroyingthe American dream that anyone
can grow up to become president,” concludedSecretary Gwadosky.
In the last 20years thenumber
of primaries held in the month of March has more than tripled. Additionally,
the current primary calendar finds two-thirds of all delegates to both
parties’ national conventions selected in March. Theearlierprimaries
have also increased the cost of campaigning for all candidates. Recent
reports in the New York Times indicate that Super Tuesday, March7,2000,
will include 13 of the 25 largest media markets in America. Thisrequirescandidates
to expend large amounts of campaign funds in ashort periodof timeto ensure
their message is before the voters.
The NASS proposal createsfour
geographic regions, Eastern, Southern, Midwestern and Western andit also
contains a provision to allow the New Hampshire Primary and the Iowa Caucus
to be held prior to the first round of regional primaries.
The regions follow a structured calendar of primary election dates thatwould
rotate every four years to allow voters in each region an equal opportunity
to be among the first states to have their voices heard in the presidential
nominating process. (A copy of the proposal is available on the Internet
at www.nass.org.)
“The recent presidentialprimary
process is forcing candidates to begin campaigning earlier thanever to
keep ahead of the primary dates,” stated Secretary Gwadosky.
“This is creating a vicious cycle of earlier primaries and earliercampaigning.
The NASS proposal is an attempt to take some of the frenzyout of the nominatingprocess
and in the end reengage a currently disinterestedpublic in theprocess.”
The presidential primaryproposal
endorsed by NASS has gained the support of the Council of StateGovernments
(CSG) and has captured the attention of the Democratic and Republican Parties.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
February 28, 2000
207-626-8400
Secretary Gwadosky AnnouncesSufficient
Valid Signatures
Filed in Forestry Petition
AUGUSTA--Secretary of StateDan
A. Gwadosky ruled today that sufficient valid signatures have beenfiled
by the Forest Ecology Network, a petition group seeking to setlimitson
timber harvesting on land subject to the Maine Tree Growth Tax Law.
The petition had been filed for certification with the Secretary of State’s
Office on January 31, 2000.
“We havecompleted
a verythorough review of the petition and have determined thatsufficientvalidsignatures
have been filed by the petitioners,” statedSecretaryGwadosky.
“Given that this is one of four citizen initiativepetitionsfiled
forthe November 7, 2000 election, it is possible that wewill have arecordnumber
of citizen initiative questions on the ballot.”
The direct initiative processis
set forth in the Maine Constitution and allows citizens to propose billsfor
consideration by the Legislature through the petition process. Petitioners
seeking to utilize this democratic process must collect signatures of Maine
voters that represent 10% of the total number of votes cast inthe last
gubernatorial election. Currently, this figure is 42,101. If
the Legislature does not adopt the initiative as presented, then itwill
be automatically placed on the November 2000 ballot.
The following question willbe
put before the voters, unless the Legislature adopts the initiated legislationduring
its current legislative session:
Do you favor requiring landownersto
obtain a permit for all clear-cuts and defining cutting levels for landssubject
to the Tree Growth Tax Law?
Summary of Signatures DeterminedValid/Invalid:
| Initially submitted |
46,248 |
| Excluded by local officials |
2,038 |
| Excluded by the Secretaryof
State |
465 |
| Total valid signatures |
43,745 |
| Total needed for approval |
42,101 |
A copy of the Determination
of Validity for this petition is attached and provides a breakdown on the
signatures that were deemed invalid.
This is the third petitionto
be validated for the November 2000 ballot. Secretary Gwadosky validated
two additional petitions at the end of last year. Bothofthese initiatives
are currently before the Maine Legislature awaitingaction.
~
STATE OF MAINE
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
OF STATE
DETERMINATION OF THE VALIDITY
OF A PETITION FOR INITIATEDLEGISLATION
ENTITLED:
“An Act Regarding
ForestPractices”
1. On January 31, 2000,petitions
containing 46,248 signatures were submitted to the Secretary of State pursuant
to the Constitution of Maine, Article IV, Part Third,Section 18 on behalf
of the initiated legislation entitled, “An Act Regarding Forest
Practices.”
2. Following a reviewof
the petitions I find the following signatures to be invalid for thefollowing
reasons:
A. 1,803 are invalid because they were not certified by the registrar
as belonging
to a registered voter in that municipality.
B. 343 signatures are invalid because the circulator’s
verification was incomplete.
C. 235 signatures are invalid because they are duplicate signatures
already
counted.
D. 76 signatures are invalid because the petition was not on theapproved
form.
E. 21
signatures have been determined invalid due to a counting error by the
registrar.
F. 18 signatures are invalid because the registered voter’s
signature was made
by another.
G. 4 names are invalid because the petitioner failed to sign hisorher
signature.
H. 3 signatures are invalid because the petitioner dated his or her
signature after
the date of the circulator’s oath before the notary.
3. For the reasonsset
forth above, I find that 2,503 signatures are invalid. Petitioners
have therefore submitted 43,745 valid signatures. The number of signatures
required to determine the petition to be valid is 42,101. Becausethe
number of valid signatures exceeds the required number by 1,644 signatures,
I find the petition to be valid.
Dated: February 28,2000
_______________________________
Dan A. Gwadosky
Secretary of State
~
Citizen Initiative PetitionsCertified
in November 1999:
Video lottery machines atracetracks
Do you wantto allow videolottery
machines at certain horse racing tracks if 40% of theprofits areused for
property tax relief?
Legalize physician assistedsuicide
Should a terminally illadult
who is of sound mind be allowed to ask for and receive a doctor’s
help to die?
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
February 11, 2000
Tel: 207-626-8400
Secretary Gwadosky AdvisesVoters
of Party Enrollment Requirements
For Presidential PreferencePrimary
AUGUSTA – Secretary
of StateDan A. Gwadosky is advising Maine residents that Friday, February
18, 2000is the last day for enrolled voters to apply to change political
partiesand still be eligible to participate in the state’s second
presidential preference primary on March 7, 2000.
The February 18 deadlineaffects
only those registered voters who are currently enrolled in a qualifiedpolitical
party, but who want to vote in a different party’s primary onMarch
7, 2000. Voters who want to switch parties must file an applicationwith
their municipal election official by February 18, 2000.
Any Maine citizen who isnot
currently registered to vote or who is a registered voter but is notenrolled
in a political party may register and enroll in a political party up to
and including election day if this is done in person.
“The Presidential
Primary,like the party caucuses it replaces, is an opportunity for political
partiesto select their candidates in an open and participatory fashion,”
saidSecretary Gwadosky.
This will be the second timea
Presidential Preference Primary will be held in Maine. Accordingto
Secretary Gwadosky, in 1996, the Presidential Preference Primary significantlyexpanded
the participation of Maine’s citizens in thepresidential selectionprocess,
which had previously occurred at party caucusesheld atmunicipalitiesthroughout
the state. It is estimated that 10,000peopleattend themunicipal caucuses
for each party. The adoption ofa PresidentialPreferencePrimary hasincreased
participation in the process,and in 1996,over 94,000voters casta ballot
and had a voice in selectingthe presidentialcandidatefor their politicalparty.
In order to participate inthe
presidential preference primary, voters must be enrolled in eitherthe Democratic
or Republican Parties. While the Green Independentand Reform Parties
are currently qualified parties in the State of Maine,neither ofthese parties
certified to the Secretary of State that theyhad presidentialcandidates
in a contested race for their party’s nomination. Unlikeprimaries
in other states, unenrolled voters are not allowed toparticipatein a primary
election for candidates, and voters enrolled ina specific partycan only
participate in their party’s primary election.
When voters enroll in a particularparty,
they must remain in that party for 3 months beforethey can filean application
to change or withdraw their enrollment. Therefore,voters who enroll or
change enrollment to participate in the March7 primarywillnot have time
to change enrollment again, if they wish to voteindifferentparty’s
primary on June 13.
General Voter RegistrationInformation:
Maine residents may registerto
vote in person at their municipal clerk’s office or by mail.
However,any application sent by mail or delivered by another person besides
thevoter must be received by the local municipal election official by February
22, 2000 in order for that voter’s name to appear on the voting
list forthe March 7 election.
Some Statistical Informationon
the 1996 Presidential Preference Primary:
Primary election attracted
nearly 5 times the voters as caucus-only system.
Percentage of enrolled Republicansvoting:
25% (Number of Candidates on Ballot – 8)
Percentage of enrolled Democratsvoting:
9% (Number of Candidates on Ballot - 2)
Combined percentage of enrolledDemocrats
and Republicans voting: 16%
Percentage of estimated
voting age population that voted: 10%
Total votes cast forall
Democratic Candidates 27,027
Total votescast forall
Republican Candidates 67,280
Total votes onMarch 5, 1996
94,307
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
February 9, 2000
207-626-8400
Gwadosky Supports BillTo
Make Passengers Safer
Proposed Law would limitpassengers
in vehicles of new drivers
Augusta--Secretary of StateDan
A. Gwadosky announced today that the Legislature’s joint standing
Committeeon Transportation will hold a hearing Thursday on a bill that
strives tomake passengers safer when riding with teenaged drivers.
The bill, LD 2450, is sponsoredby
Rep. Christine Savage of Union and would restrict passengers from ridingwith
newly licensed drivers for a period of 90 days.
“The premise of
the billis simple,” said Secretary Gwadosky. “Let’sgive
our sons and daughterstime to get some experience and a measure of comfort
behind the wheel beforeallowing them to take on the distraction of having
friends in the car.”
The legislation would coverany
newly licensed driver between the ages of 16 and 20. An exception isprovided
for immediate family members.
A public hearing on thisbill
will be held Thursday, February 10, 2000 at 9:30 a.m. in thePiscataquisRoom
at the Augusta Civic Center.
In analyzing 1998 crash data,the
Office of the Secretary of State found that passengers 15to 20 yearsold
are 9 times more likely to be severely injured when ridingwith a driverbetween
the ages of 16 and 24 than when riding with any otheragegroup.
“This bill follows
a nationaltrend of providing new drivers with a period to becomeaccustomed
to theresponsibility of driving before taking on the additionalresponsibilityof
having passengers in the car,” Secretary Gwadoskysaid.
Other startling statistics:
-
Of passengers who ride withdrivers
between the ages of 16 and 24, 85% of those killed were under theage of
21.
-
Drivers 16-24 years old represent12%
of all licensed drivers, but carry 27% of all passengers who are involvedin
an accident.
“We all want our sons
and daughtersto get safely through their first years of drivingwithout
a serious accidentor fatality,” Secretary Gwadosky said. “LD2450
would help to ensure thatgoal is reached.”
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
January 28, 2000
207-626-8400
MondayFinal Dayto
File Citizen Initiative Petitions
for November 7, 2000Ballot
Augusta--Monday, January31,
2000 is the final day for filing citizen initiative petitionswiththe Office
of the Secretary of State for inclusion on the November 7,2000ballot.
The state Constitution proscribes that petitions be “filedin
the office of the Secretary of State by the hour of 5:00 p.m., . . .onor
before the25th day after the date of convening of the Legislature insecondregular
session.” (Article IV, Part Third, section 18) TheLegislature
convened on January 5, 2000.
“Severalgroups
have beencirculating petitions who appear to be well organized andit is
possiblethat one or two of them may file petitions with our Office,”stated
SecretaryGwadosky. Twenty-eight citizen initiative petitionshave
been approvedfor circulation by the Secretary of State’s Office.
A complete listof all citizen initiatives is attached.
The direct initiative processis
set forth in the Maine Constitution and allows citizens to propose billsfor
consideration by the Legislature through the petition process. Petitioners
seeking to utilize this democratic process must collect signatures of Maine
voters that represent 10% of the total number of votes cast inthe last
gubernatorial election. Currently, this figure is 42,101.
Secretary Gwadosky has alreadycertified
2 citizen initiatives in November 1999 and they have been submittedto the
Maine Legislature for consideration. One citizen initiativeproposes
the use of video lottery terminals at racetracks and the otherseeks to
legalize physician-assisted suicide. If the Legislature does not
enact the proposed citizen initiative legislation, then the issues will
be referred to the voters on the November 7, 2000 ballot.
Completelist of all citizen initiatives.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
January 21, 2000
207-626-8400
Rapid Renewal to Allowfor
Vehicle Registration On-line
Secretary Gwadosky SelectsMunicipalities
to Participate in Pilot Project
Augusta—Secretary
of StateDan A. Gwadosky announced today that his department is taking the
firststeps to provide an on-line vehicle registration renewal service toMainecitizens.
Secretary Gwadosky introduced Rapid Renewal, a new on-lineservice that
will allow for vehicle registration via the Internet. Theprogram will beintroduced
as a pilot program in 10 municipalitiesthroughoutthe State ofMaine.
Secretary Gwadosky announced thatthe municipalitiesof Bangor,Brunswick,
China, Columbia Falls, Corinna,Hermon, Lewiston, Portland,Saco,and Waterville
have agreed to participatein the pilot program.
“Ultimately it
is our goalto bring Rapid Renewal statewide to any municipality interested
in providingthis service to its citizens. These pilot municipalities
will playan important role in making that happen,” said Secretary
Gwadosky.
“This department
is committedto advancing the concept of e-government as an option to more
traditionalmethods of providing government services,” Secretary
Gwadosky continued.“We are very excited about this program and
the doors itwill open foradditional department services via the Internet.”
The program will be initiallyestablished
in a limited number of municipalities and is expected to beon-line as of
June 2000. The pilot project will lay the groundwork for statewide
participation, which is anticipated within a year. All municipalities
received information on the pilot project and had anopportunity to apply
for consideration. Municipalities were selectedbased uponinterest
in the program, and diversity in the location and sizeof towns wasalso
considered.
Rapid Renewal will allowfor
the electronic filing of an individual’s motor vehicle registration
renewal information and fee to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, payment ofexcise
tax to the municipality and verification of insurance coverage,all over
the Internet. Current and future participation by the municipalitieswill
be voluntary.
Secretary Gwadosky statedthat
this is one of 13 different on-line services his department will makeavailable
to the public by August 2000. Currently, driver license, registration,
and title information is available over the Internet. For additional
information visit our web site at http:// www.state.me.us/sos.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
January 14, 2000
207-626-8400
Personal Information onDriving
Records to Become Private
AUGUSTA--Secretary of StateDan
A. Gwadosky announced today that the Bureau of Motor Vehicles wouldbe taking
new steps to keep the personal information collected on motor vehicle records
private. Personal information is information that identifies an individual,
such as a name, address, photograph, license or social security number.
Gwadosky explained that Wednesday’sU.S.
Supreme Court ruling on the Federal Driver Privacy Protection Actcleared
the way for state action. “We had been contemplating moving inthis
direction over the past several months but had deferred any actionin anticipation
of the Supreme Court’s ruling,” statedSecretary Gwadosky.
Currently, motor vehicleoperators
and owners may request to limit the release of personalinformationfrom
their motor vehicle records to sales and marketing companiesor tothe general
public by completing a form at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. This process
is referred to as an “opt-out.” By June1,
2000,the Secretary of State will have to adopt rules to protect this personalinformation
on all motor vehicle records. Once these rules are adopted,the Bureau
of Motor Vehicles will not provide an individual’s personalinformation
to sales and marketing companies or to the general public unlessthe individual
specifically allows for that release, or “opts-in.”
“Ensuring the privacy
ofpersonal information has become an increasingly important issue for Mainecitizens
and an important issue for this department,” said Secretary Gwadosky.
“A democratic government, by its nature, requires an open process
and accessto government records. However, the public’s
right to know must bebalanced against an individual’s desire
to keep certain personal informationprivate. Our modification of
the Driver Privacy Protection Act seeksto strike this balance.”
While the recent court actiondeals
with personal information, information relating to motor vehicleaccidents,
driving violations, or a driver's status is deemed public informationunder
the both federal and state law. “Even with this change to an
opt-insystem, it is important to understand that the federal law does allow
anumber of exceptions and circumstances when personal information must
beprovided,” said Secretary Gwadosky.
Personal information frommotor
vehicle records must be released if used in connection with vehicle safety,
vehicle theft, product recalls and court proceedings. Those agencies with
access to personal information for these purposes include law enforcement
agencies, insurance companies, motor vehicle dealers, along with businesses
and employers who verify personal information for employment, among others.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
January 7, 2000
207-626-8400
New Online ServicesAnnounced
by Secretary Gwadosky
Augusta—Secretary
of State DanA. Gwadosky unveiled new online services currently availableon
his department’supdated web site (www.state.me.us/sos/).
Theweb site has a new lookand is easier to navigate thanks to the addition
oftwo innovative searchengines. The search engines are the first of their
typeon any state agencyweb page and access information on the site in two
different ways. In addition to the standard ‘key word search,’
there is also a search functionentitled ‘How do I?’
which connectsvisitors to the most commonly requestedinformation.
“Across the country,
governmentsat all levels are awakening to the necessity of using technology
to providecitizens and businesses with convenient access to government
informationand services,” said Secretary Gwadosky. “With
recent survey informationindicating that over 40% of Maine households are
currently hooked up tothe Internet, the time has arrived when Maine citizens
expect more technologicallybased information and services from their government,”
Secretary Gwadoskycontinued. “Today, this department stands
at the forefront in advancingthe concept of e-government as an option to
more traditional methods ofproviding government services.”
Secretary Gwadosky introducedSOSonline,
a one-stop site for all of the department’s new Internet servicesavailable
through the Information Resource of Maine (InforME), a publicinstrumentality
created to provide electronic access to public information. SOSonline
is a part of the department’s web site, but it also has its ownweb
address allowing easy access to these services--www.sosonline.org.
A live Internet demonstration showcased the department’s current
online services and introduced the newest service—a vanity plate
availability check. This service allows individuals to check the
availabilityofvanity plate number and letter combinations from their home
computer. A color graphic design shows what the license plate will look
like withavailableselections.
Secretary Gwadosky statedthat
the department will continue to add more online services in the nextseveral
months and plans to have thirteen different online services available to
the public by August 2000.
“We are committed
to usingtechnology to increase the access Maine citizen’s have
to their government,”said Secretary Gwadosky.
Additionally, the Secretaryof
State’s Kid’s Page has been enhanced with new information
and activitiesso children of all ages can learn more about the State of
Maine. Two new animated characters spring into action greeting visitors
and twonew games test children’s skills. The site continues
to provide agreat resource of links to homework helpers and other states’
kid’s pages.
Planned Online Services
Batch Driver Records.
Delivery of multiple driver records to high volume requestors of specifiedruns
via electronic means, usually tape or FTP. Currently available.
Interactive Driver Records.
Delivery of individual driver records requestedby users or subscribersof
the Network via electronic means. Serviceswill be offered overthe
Internet and through a modem dial-up connection. A fax back servicewill
also be offered at an additional cost. Currently available online.
Special Request Title,Registration
& Driver ID Records. Delivery of multiple title,registration
or driver identification (not history) records withindefinedparameters
via electronic means. A label service may alsobeoffered at
an additional cost. Currently available.
Special Request Title&
Registration Database. Delivery of entire title or registration
database via electronic means. A label service may also beoffered
at an additional cost. Currently available.
Rapid Renewal –
OnlinePilot for Vehicle Registration Renewal, Municipal Excise Tax Payment
&Insurance Information Submission. Electronic filing of motor
vehicleregistration renewal information and fee, excise tax payment and
insuranceinformation via the Internet. This project will be initially
limitedto a pilot of about five (5) municipalities approved by the SOS.
Municipalities will participate on a voluntary basis. Thisproject
may be expanded to include additional municipalities by the writtenagreement
of the SOS and the Network. Anticipated implementationdate:
June 2000.
Interactive Title &Registration
Records. Delivery of individual title or registrationrecords
requested by users or subscribers of the Network viaelectronicmeans over
the Internet. Currently available online.
Personalized Plate Availability.
Search of the vanity plate database for theavailability of a particularvanity
plate via the Internet. Currentlyavailable online.
Driver Cross Check.
Automated review of driver records to identify a change in the driver recordhistory
and produce an electronic or written report identifying those recordsthat
have changed. Request may include entire database or indicateparticular
records. Anticipated implementation date: February2000.
Interactive CorporateRecords.
Delivery of individual corporate records requested byusers or subscribers
of the network via electronic means over the Internet. Anticipated
implementation date: May 2000.
Interactive UCC Searches.
Delivery of individual UCC records requested by users or subscribers ofthe
Network via electronic means over the Internet. Anticipated implementationdate:
April 2000.
Batch Corporate &UCC
Records. Delivery of multiple corporate or UCC records tohigh
volume requestors of specified runs via electronic means, usuallytape of
FTP. Anticipated implementation date: February 2000.
Special Request Corporate&
UCC Records. Delivery of multiple corporate or UCC recordswithin
defined parameters via electronic means. A label service mayalso
be offered at an additional cost. Anticipated implementation date:
February 2000.
Interactive CorporateCertificates
of Good Standing. Delivery of corporate certificates of standing
and existence requested by users or subscribers of the network via electronic
means over the Internet. Anticipated implementationdate: August
2000.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A.Gwadosky
January 6, 2000
207-626-8400
Press Conference
New Online Services andWeb
Design to be Unveiled
Friday, January 7, 2000 at10:00
a.m.
Office of the Secretary
of State
Nash School Building
Corner of Sewall and CapitalStreets,
Augusta
Internet useby Maine householdsis
on the rise, with recent surveys indicating that over40% of Maine householdsare
hooked up to the Internet. On Friday, January 7, 2000 at 10:00a.m.,
Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky will unveil hisdepartment’s
updatedweb site. This web site will have a new lookand will be easier
tonavigate with the addition of two innovative searchfunctions for accessinginformation
on the site. The search engineswill be the firstof their type
on any state agency web pages.
Secretary Gwadosky will alsobe
introducing SOSonline, a one-stop site that allows access toall ofthe department’s
Internet services. There will bea live demonstrationof the
current department services available over theInternet and theintroduction
of the department’s newest service—avanity plate availabilitycheck.
This service will allow individualsto check the availabilityof vanity plate
numbers from their home computer. Acolor graphicdesign will allow a person
to see what the license plate willlooklikewith available numbers or letters.
Additionally, the Secretaryof
State’s Kid’s Page has been enhanced with new information
and activitiesso children of all ages can learn more about the State of
Maine. Two newanimated characters will spring into action greeting visitors
and two newgames will test children’s skills.
The servicesto be demonstratedare
the start of thirteen Internet services the department plans to haveavailable
to the public by August 2000 and demonstrates Secretary Gwadosky’scommitment
to using technology to increase the access Maine citizens haveto their
government.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A.Gwadosky
January 4, 2000
207-626-8400
CandidatePetition FormsAvailable
for 2000 Election Cycle
Augusta--Candidate petitionforms
are currently available at the Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions
for those individuals interested in seeking elected office in the State
of Maine, Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky announced today.
Any candidate seeking theoffice
of U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, Maine Senate andMaine House
of Representatives within the Democratic, Green Independent, Reform, and
Republican parties must submit petitions to the Secretary ofState in order
to appear on the appropriate primary ballot. Petitionforms must also
be completed by those seeking certain county offices--CountyCommissioner,
Treasurer, Judge of Probate, Register of Probate, and Sheriff.
Depending onthe office sought,candidates
must obtain a certain number of signatures fromregistered Mainevoters,
who are of the same political party. All partycandidatesmust file
their petitions with the Secretary of State by March15, 2000.
Non-party candidates--individuals
who are not enrolled in a qualified party--may also circulate petitionsto
appear on the November 7, 2000, general election ballot. Non-partycandidates
must collect a designated number of signatures based upon theoffice sought
and unlike party candidate petitions, any registered votermay sign the
petition. Non-party petitions must be filed with theSecretary of
State by June 1, 2000, except for non-party presidential candidateswho
must file by August 15, 2000.
Party candidates were requiredto
file their petitions by December 1, 1999 for the Presidential PreferencePrimary
to be held on March 7, 2000.
