1999
Press Releases
To see the full text, click
on the underlined words. Also available are 1998
and 1997 press releases.
Secretary
Gwadosky Lauds Agencies' Cooperation to Preserve Maine's Heritage
December 29, 1999
Highway
Safety for Holidays Stressed by Safety Advocates
50,000
Reminder Cards Distributed on Turnpike
December 22, 1999
U.S. District
Court Rules on Petition Process Court Upholds Residency and Registration
Requirements and Invalidates Law Prohibiting Payment Per Signature
December 10, 1999
Secretary
Gwadosky to Join Ranks of Organ Donors and Encourage Maine Citizens to
Consider Organ Donation at License Renewal
December 2, 1999
Secretary
of State Dan A. Gwadosky to Honor State Mutual Insurance Company for 100
years of Incorporation
November 30, 1999
Secretary
Gwadosky Approves Death with Dignity
Petition
Second Initiative Possible for November 2000 Ballot
November 23, 1999
Secretary
Gwadosky Approves Video Lottery Terminal Petition
Initiative
may appear on November 2000 Ballot
November 16, 1999
Secretary
of State Dan A. Gwadosky to Honor Calais Advertiser for 100 Years of Incorporation
November 8, 1999
Secretary
Gwadosky to Visit Polling Sites Election Day
November 1, 1999
Kickoff
Marks Beginning of Census 2000 Planning in Maine
October 29, 1999
Federal
Immigration Law Repealed
Social
Security Number not to be encoded on Driver's License
October 22, 1999
Secretary
of State Dan A. Gwadosky to Honor
Bates College
Athletic Association for 100 Years of Incorporation
October 1, 1999
Media
Advisory - Secretary of State to Kick-Off Mall Display, Bangor Mall,
Bangor
September 23, 1999
Media
Advisory - CITIZENSHIP DAY, Portland City Hall, Congress Street, Portland
September 15, 1999
Return
North Yarmouth Declaration to Town, State Says
September 3, 1999
New
Driver's License Design Unveiled by Secretary Gwadosky
Transition
to Digital License will Begin in October
September 2, 1999
Advisory
- Secretary of State to Unveil Design for New Digital Driver’s License
August 31, 1999
Maine
State Archives to Renovate Records Storage Area
August 13, 1999
Secretary
Gwadosky Suspends Benton Woman’s License, Pending Evaluation
July 27, 1999
Secretary
Gwadosky sets order of ballot questions
Drawing
held this morning to determine question placement
July 7, 1999
Chickadee
License Plate Distribution Begins Today
July 1, 1999
MEDIA
ADVISORY - Lobster License Plate to be “Retired”
June 30, 1999
New
License Plate to Identify Firefighters
June 24, 1999
Winners
of Maine Constitution Essay and Poster Contest
to View
Original Maine Constitution
May 11, 1999
Bureau
of Motor Vehicles to Implement New Telephone System
New
Phone Number Part of Change
April 9, 1999
Secretary
Gwadosky Rules Petitioners Obtained Sufficient Signatures to Place Referendum
on November 1999 Ballot
February 22, 1999
Secretary
Gwadosky to Rule on Validity of Petition
February 19, 1999
Secretary
Gwadosky Expands Conservation License Plate Program
February 2, 1999
License
Plate Reservation Process Continues - Vehicle owners reminded to advise
Bureau of change of address
January 26, 1999
December 29, 1999
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
Secretary Gwadosky Lauds
Agencies' Cooperation
to Preserve Maine's Heritage
AUGUSTA—Nearly forty communities
from Abbot to Yarmouth have received grants from state and federal sources
to protect their historical materials in the year 2000, Secretary of State
Dan A. Gwadosky announced today.
With state funds provided
by the Legislature's "Communities in the New Century" program, the Maine
State Archives and the Maine State Museum have developed a unique opportunity
for historical societies, museums, and archives. The jointly administered
program provides technical assistance to evaluate the condition of historical
materials, and the financial assistance necessary to preserve and provide
access to them. Though funded by two separate agencies, applicants
need contact only one person and complete one simplified application.
"Not only are we proud of
these efforts to preserve Maine's historical records and museum objects,"
Secretary Gwadosky declared, "I am particularly gratified to see the close
cooperation among government agencies that benefits Maine citizens through
simplified procedures and lower costs of administration."
A closely allied grant program
of the Maine Historical Records Advisory Board is also administered through
the State Archives, a bureau within the Department of the Secretary of
State. 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.
Gwadosky has spearheaded
efforts within his Department to improve performance through reorganization
and innovation. Calling attention to a preliminary report on these
programs, which accompanies this release, he noted that "This is one example
of how thoughtful collaboration pays great dividends for the people of
Maine.”
-more-
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Anne Ball,
Project Consultant
December 29, 1999
New Century Grant Program
287-7591 or 846-1132
GRANTS AID COMMUNITIES
TO SAVE HISTORIC
DOCUMENTS AND OBJECTS
Thirty-eight communities
will enter the new century with projects preserving memories of earlier
centuries of Maine's heritage. The New Century Community Program,
which was generously funded by the legislature this past spring, in conjunction
with the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC),
enabled the Maine State Archives and the Maine State Museum to award nearly
$50,000 in community grants for projects to be completed in 2000.
This is the first time the
Maine State Archives, the Maine State Museum, and the federal government
(through the NHPRC) have collaborated to protect historical materials.
According to James Henderson, Maine State Archivist, "It has been very
exciting to see the types of projects that have come out of this collaboration
and it is wonderful to have resources to help communities preserve their
valuable collections." Communities around Maine received notification
of their grants recently.
Both the jointly administered
Archives-Museum project and the NHPRC-funded project used similar application
forms and review standards. The federal project, now winding down,
served as a model for the more recently developed state project.
Applicants for NHPRC funds who were not ready for funding this year were
referred to the new state program to provide continuity and to insure that
critical needs are met.
Grant projects ranged from
the microfilming of a local newspaper for the Acadian Archives at the University
of Maine in Fort Kent; to conserving the 1,000-specimen Kate Starbird Collection
of Oxford County flora collected from 1890-1917 in South Paris; and conserving
the LaRue Spiker Photograph Collection of 2,000 black and white photographs
taken on Mount Desert between 1954-1975; to preserving the Lewiston-based
Franco-American Heritage Collection of document, artifacts, photographs,
and scrapbooks dating from 1850; and preserving an audio collection of
200 recordings of oral histories and hymns for the Shaker Library-United
Society of Shakers.
Two more opportunities for
communities to apply for grants under the New Century Program occur on
February 15th and June 1st. Contact Anne Ball for more information
and application material.
Grant Recipients
(alphabetical by town
name)
Abbot, Abbot Historical Society,
preservation of archival collection
Augusta, Old Fort Western,
cataloging of archaeological artifacts
Bar Harbor, Abbe Museum,
preservation of Ann Molloy Howell Basket Collection
Belfast, Belfast Free Library,
consultant to assist with special collections
Brunswick, Pejepscot Historical
Society and Curtis Memorial Library, indexing, cataloging and increasing
accessibility of archival collection
Brunswick, Pejepscot Historical
Society, preservation of town records
Calais, Calais Free Library,
microfiliming of “Calais Advertiser”
Cumberland, Cumberland Historical
Society, consultant visit
Farmington, Mantor Library,
University of Maine, Farmington, preservation of graduate photographs 1880-1921
Fort Kent, Acadian Archives,
University of Maine Fort Kent, microfilming of “St. John Valley Times”
Grand Lake Stream, Grand
Lake Stream Historical Society, preservation of Shaw Brothers Tannery Collection,
c. 1890
Hinckley, LC Bates Museum,
preservation of Maine Bird Mounts, Peary Eggs and Native American Baskets
Jay, Jay Historical Society,
consultant visit
Kennebunkport, Seashore
Trolley Museum, consultant visit
Lewiston, Franco-American
Heritage Collection- preservation of archival collection
Lisbon, Town of Lisbon,
cleaning and preservation of town records
Livermore, Norlands Living
History Center, preservation of woman’s photograph collection
Mechanic Falls, Mechanic
Falls Library, preservation of photograph collection (1862-1970)
Monhegan Island, Monhegan
Historical & Cultural Museum, consultant visit
Mount Desert, Mount Desert
Island Historical Society, preservation of La Rue Spiker Photograph Collection
(1954-1975)
New Gloucester, Shaker Library-
United Society of Shakers, preservation of audio collection
New Harbor, Colonial Pemaquid,
conservation of 17th century cannonball collection
North Yarmouth, North Yarmouth
Historical Society, preservation of town records
Northeast Harbor, Great
Harbor Maritime Museum, conservation of logbook and Fred Savage Architectural
Drawings
Peaks Island, Fifth Maine
Regiment Center, Preservation of Shute Scrapbook Collection
Portland, Greater Portland
Landmarks, preservation of slide and photograph collection
Portland, Maine Historical
Society, conservation survey of the Fogg Collection
Rangeley, Rangeley Lakes
Region Logging Museum, preservation of archival collection
Saco, Dyer Library, preservation
of glass plate negative collection
Solon, Solon Historical
Society, consultant visit
South Paris, McLaughlin
Foundation and Garden, conservation of Kate Starbird Flora Collection
Stockholm, Stockholm Historical
Society, increased access to genealogical collection
Sumner, Town of Sumner,
consultant visit
Thomaston, Montpelier, General
Henry Knox Museum, conservation of 18th century silver collection travel
chest
Waterville, Maine Children’s
Home, preservation of archival records
Weld, Weld Historical Society,
preservation of town records
Yarmouth, Town of Yarmouth,
survey of town records
Yarmouth, Yarmouth Historical
Society, development of finding aid for archival collection
December 22, 1999
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
(207) 626-8400
Highway Safety for Holidays
Stressed by Safety Advocates
50,000 Reminder Cards
Distributed on Turnpike
Secretary of State Dan A.
Gwadosky and members of several transportation safety organizations gathered
today to promote safe driving habits over the holiday season and throughout
the New Year. The main message was don’t drink and drive, and motorists
on the Maine Turnpike will be receiving reminder cards outlining the dangers
of driving after drinking. The Maine Turnpike Authority has agreed to distribute
the enclosed reminder cards to motorists beginning on December 22, 1999.
Over 50,000 reminder cards will be distributed prior to the holidays.
“This is an important message
throughout the year, but it requires special emphasis during the holiday
season when people are celebrating and not necessarily focusing on the
dangers of drinking and driving,” said Secretary Gwadosky. “We want
everyone to be safe on Maine’s roadways this holiday season.”
Joining Secretary Gwadosky
at the Kickoff were members from the following organizations:
Maine Turnpike Authority
Maine State Police
Maine Chiefs of Police
Maine Sheriff’s Association
Mothers Against Drunk
Driving
Maine Highway Safety
Commission
Maine Transportation
Safety Coalition
Secretary Gwadosky also touched
upon another serious highway safety issue--drowsy driving.
He encouraged everyone to be well rested before starting a trip and to
stop when necessary during the journey to rest.
“Many people will be visiting
friends and relatives during the next two weekends and it is important
for drivers to stay alert and be well rested,” Secretary Gwadosky continued,
“Twenty-five percent of all motor vehicle crashes are the result of driver
fatigue.”
The Maine Turnpike Authority,
Host Marriot Corp. and CN Brown have provided for an additional benefit
to motorist. The reminder card may be redeemed for one cup
of coffee at any Maine Turnpike rest area on December 24, 25, or 31, 1999
or January 1, 2000 compliments of Host Marriot Corp., CN Brown and the
Maine Turnpike Authority. In addition, the Maine Turnpike Authority
will be using its message boards along the turnpike to provide similar
safety information.
Secretary of State Gwadosky
is the chief Driver Licensing official in the state and oversees driver
licensing and education, as well as vehicle registrations. Gwadosky’s
remarks were delivered at the kickoff of the fourth annual Holiday OUI
Awareness Event. Gwadosky gathered with other safety advocates at
Exit 14 A of the Maine Turnpike as turnpike workers began passing out the
holiday reminders.
December 10, 1999
For Immediate release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
U.S. District Court Rules
on Petition Processes
Court Upholds Residency
and Registration Requirements and
Invalidates Law Prohibiting
Payment Per Signature
U.S. Magistrate David M.
Cohen has issued an order that has invalidated a Maine law prohibiting
the payment of petition circulators on a per signature basis. This
ruling is part of a lawsuit filed in the United States District Court,
District of Maine by On Our Terms ’97 PAC and U.S. Term Limits, who sought
to invalidate a number of laws involving the petition circulation process.
Magistrate Cohen has previously ruled in favor of the Secretary of State
on two other key issues—the requirements that circulators be residents
of the State of Maine and registered voters in Maine.
“We are disappointed and
concerned with the most recent order of the court,” said Secretary of State
Dan A. Gwadosky. “The citizen initiative process is an important
part of our democratic process and it is our responsibility to ensure the
integrity of this process for the citizens of Maine. We strive to
keep the focus on ‘citizens’ in the citizen initiative process.”
Magistrate Cohen acknowledged
“the Secretary has expressed a laudable determination to carry out its
mission of protecting the integrity of the initiative and referendum process
in Maine.”
In 1994, the Maine Legislature
passed a law that prohibited paying petition circulators on a per signature
basis. The rationale of this law was to discourage petition circulators
from soliciting fraudulent signatures or “bounty hunting” for signatures
in order to increase their paychecks. Groups circulating petitions
were not prohibited from paying circulators a salary or on an hourly basis.
In a decision issued on April
23, 1999, Magistrate Cohen denied the request made by On Our Terms ’97
PAC and U.S. Term Limits to eliminate the requirements that circulators
be residents of Maine and registered to vote in this state. The only
issue that remained to be decided was the issue of payments per signature.
After hearing testimony on this issue, an order was issued on December
9, 1999 invalidating the payment per signature law, thereby issuing a final
judgment on the case. Either side may appeal this decision.
December 2, 1999
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
Press Conference
Friday, December 3, 1999
at 11:00 a.m.
Motor Vehicle Branch Office
49 Topsham Fair Mall Road,
Topsham
Secretary Gwadosky to
Join Ranks of Organ Donors and Encourage Maine Citizens to Consider Organ
Donation at License Renewal
Secretary of State Dan A.
Gwadosky will be at the Motor Vehicle Branch Office in Topsham on Friday,
December 3, 1999 at 11:00 a.m. to place an organ donor sticker on his license.
This will serve as an indication to his family of his desire to be an organ
donor. Secretary Gwadosky will be joined by Bruce White from the
New England Organ Bank who will speak on the organ donation process and
Peter James will give a personal account of the importance of organ donation.
Mr. James’ daughter, Kate James, was on a waiting list for a lung transplant,
however a donor did not become available in time to help Kate.
While organ donation has
increased, in recent years, those in need of organ and tissue transplants
surpass the current available pool of organ donors. Nationally
each year approximately 4,000 people die waiting for a transplant and at
the end of 1998 over 64,000 people were on a waiting list.
Secretary Gwadosky, Mr. White
and Mr. James will be available for interviews following the press conference.
November 30, 1999
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
Secretary of State Dan
A. Gwadosky to Honor
State Mutual Insurance
Company for 100 Years of Incorporation
Secretary of State Dan A.
Gwadosky will present a certificate of achievement to State Mutual Fire
Insurance Company for attaining 100 years of incorporation. The presentation
will take place on Wednesday, December 1, 1999 at approximately 11:30 a.m.
during the Board of Director’s Meeting at the Ramada Inn in Lewiston (off
Exit 13). State Mutual Fire Insurance Company was incorporated in
the State of Maine on May 15, 1899.
Eleven corporations are celebrating
their centennial anniversary this year. They include Portland Wharf
and Land Company, Hebron Water Company, The Bates College Athletic Association,
Cumberland County YMCA f/n/a Young Men’s Christian Association, Bangor
Fuel Society, Newport Public Library Association, The Advertiser Publishing
Company, W.A. Wilde Company, Deering Co. and Scarboro Public Library Corporation.
“This is an excellent opportunity
to recognize Maine businesses and nonprofit organizations for their longevity,”
said Secretary Gwadosky. “It takes the efforts of many individuals
to keep an organization or corporation active for 100 years.”
State Mutual Insurance Company
was originally incorporated as Dirigo Mutual Fire Insurance Company.
In 1934, the name was changed to State Mutual Fire Insurance Company.
State Mutual Fire Insurance Company became affiliated with the Farm Bureau
Mutual Insurance Company (Concord Group) in 1964, and in 1965, moved its
offices to the current location on Center Street in Auburn.
November 23, 1999
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
Secretary Gwadosky Approves
Death with Dignity Petition
Second Initiative Possible
for November 2000 Ballot
AUGUSTA--Secretary of State
Dan A. Gwadosky ruled today that sufficient valid signatures have been
filed by Mainers for Death with Dignity, a petition group seeking to legalize
physician assisted suicide. The petition had been filed for certification
with the Secretary of State’s Office in late September.
“The direct initiative process
is an important part of our democratic system,” said Secretary Gwadosky.
“It allows the citizens of Maine to place before the Maine Legislature,
and ultimately Maine voters, legislation that if adopted will become law.”
The direct initiative process
is set forth in the Maine Constitution and allows citizens to propose bills
for 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 in
the last gubernatorial election. Currently, this figure is 42,101.
If the Legislature does not adopt the initiative as presented, then it
will be automatically placed on the November 2000 ballot.
The following question will
be put before the voters, unless the Legislature adopts the initiated legislation
during its next legislative session:
Should a terminally ill adult
who is of sound mind be allowed to ask for and receive a doctor’s help
to die?
Summary of Signatures Determined
Valid/Invalid
Initially submitted
56,285
Excluded by local officials
6,437
Excluded by the Secretary
of State 1,282
Total valid signatures
48,566
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 second petition
to be validated for the November 2000 ballot. Last week Secretary
Gwadosky determined that sufficient signatures had been filed by a group
seeking to allow video lottery terminals at racetracks.
~
STATE OF MAINE
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
OF STATE
DETERMINATION OF THE VALIDITY
OF A PETITION FOR INITIATED
LEGISLATION ENTITLED:
“Maine Death with Dignity
Act”
1. On September
24, 1999, petitions containing 56,285 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, “Maine
Death with Dignity Act.”
2. Following
a review of the petitions I find the following signatures to be invalid
for the following reasons:
A. 5,552 are
invalid because they were not certified by the registrar as belonging to
a registered voter in that municipality.
B. 885 signatures
are invalid because they are duplicate signatures already counted.
C. 875 signatures
are invalid because the circulators were not registered to vote in the
State of Maine.
D. 198 signatures
are invalid because the circulator's verification was incomplete.
E. 100 signatures
are invalid because the petition was not on the approved form.
F. 86 signatures are
invalid because the petitioner dated his or her signature after the date
of the circulator's oath before the notary.
G. 16 signatures have been
determined invalid due to a counting error by the registrar.
H. 6 signatures are
invalid because the registered voter’s signature was made by another.
I. 1 signature
is invalid because the petitioner failed to provide a signature.
3.
For the reasons set forth above, I find that 7,719 signatures are invalid.
Petitioners have therefore submitted 48,566 valid signatures. The
number of signatures required to determine the petition to be valid is
42,101. Because the number of valid signatures exceeds the required
number by 6,465 signatures, I find the petition to be valid.
Dated: November 23,
1999
_______________________________
Dan A.Gwadosky
Secretary of State
November 16, 1999
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
Secretary Gwadosky Approves
Video Lottery Terminal Petition
Initiative may appear
on November 2000 Ballot
AUGUSTA--Secretary
of State Dan A. Gwadosky today ruled that sufficient valid signatures have
been filed by a group of individuals seeking to pass a law allowing video
lottery machines at racetracks. The petition had been filed for certification
with the Secretary of State’s Office in early September.
"The direct initiative process
is an important part of our democratic system," said Secretary Gwadosky.
"It allows the citizens of Maine to place before the Maine Legislature,
and ultimately Maine voters, legislation that if adopted will become law."
The direct initiative process
is set forth in the Maine Constitution and allows citizens to propose bills
for 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 in the last
gubernatorial election. Currently, this figure is 42,101. If the Legislature
does not adopt the initiative as presented, then it will be automatically
placed on the November 2000 ballot.
The following question will
be put before the voters, unless the Legislature adopts the initiative
during its next legislative session:
Do you want to allow video
lottery machines at certain horse racing tracks if 40% of the profits are
used for property tax relief?
Summary of Signatures Determined
Valid/Invalid
Initially submitted 58,983
Excluded by local officials
12,436
Excluded by the Secretary
of State 2,390
Total valid signatures
44,157
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 INITIATED
LEGISLATION ENTITLED:
"An Act to Allow Video Lottery
Terminals"
1.
On September 10, 1999, petitions containing 58,983 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 to Allow Video Lottery Terminals."
2.
Following a review of the petitions I find the following signatures to
be invalid for the following reasons:
A. 11,206 are invalid
because they were not certified by the registrar as belonging to a registered
voter in that municipality.
B. 1,437 signatures are
invalid because the notary was not qualified as a notary at the time the
oath was made.
C. 1,230 signatures are
invalid
because they are duplicate signatures already counted.
D. 380 signatures are invalid
because the circulators were not registered to vote in the
State of Maine.
E. 214 signatures are invalid
because the certification of the registrar was not completed.
F. 172 signatures are invalid
because the petitioner dated his or her signature after the date of the
circulator's
oath
before the notary.
G. 108 signatures are invalid
because the circulator’s verification was incomplete.
H. 31 signatures are invalid
because the petition was not in the approved form.
I . 21 signatures are invalid
because the registered voter’s signature was made by another.
J. 12 signatures have been
determined invalid due to a counting error by the registrar.
K. 9 signatures
are invalid because the notary and circulator were related.
L. 4 signatures
are invalid because of material alterations to the petition.
M. 2 names are invalid
because the petitioners failed to provide a signature.
3.
For the reasons set forth above, I find that 14,826 signatures are invalid.
Petitioners have therefore submitted 44,157 valid signatures. The number
of signatures required to determine the petition to be valid is 42,101.
Because the number of valid signatures exceeds the required number by 2,056
signatures, I find the petition to be valid.
Dated: November 16, 1999
______________________________
Dan A. Gwadosky
Secretary of State
November 8, 1999
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
Secretary of State Dan
A. Gwadosky to Honor
Calais Advertiser
for 100 Years of Incorporation
Secretary of State Dan A.
Gwadosky will present a certificate of achievement to The Advertiser Publishing
Company for attaining 100 years of incorporation. The presentation will
take place on Tuesday, November 9, 1999 at approximately 9:00 a.m. at
the offices of the Calais Advertiser located at 19 Church Street
in Calais. The Advertiser Publishing Company was incorporated in the State
of Maine on March 3, 1899.
Eleven corporations are celebrating
their centennial anniversary this year. They include Portland Wharf and
Land Company, Hebron Water Company, The Bates College Athletic Association,
Cumberland County YMCA f/n/a Young Men’s Christian Association, Bangor
Fuel Society, Newport Public Library Association, State Mutual Insurance
Company, W.A. Wilde Company, Deering Co. and Scarboro Public Library Corporation.
"This is an excellent opportunity
to recognize Maine businesses and nonprofit organizations for their longevity,"
said Secretary Gwadosky. "It takes the efforts of many individuals to keep
an organization or corporation active for 100 years."
The Advertiser Publishing
Company was established in 1836 and incorporated in 1899. Now know as the
Calais Advertiser, the newspaper was purchased by Ferguson Calder
in 1985. It is the largest weekly paper in Washington County, serving the
Calais, Woodland and Eastport area and with a readership covering as far
as Vanceboro, Waite, Talmadge and Eastport.
November 1, 1999
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
Secretary Gwadosky to
Visit Polling Sites Election Day
Augusta--Secretary of State
Dan A. Gwadosky will be visiting a number of polling places on election
day, November 2, to greet voters and thank election workers for their dedication
in conducting Maine’s elections.
“Each election I challenge
the people of Maine to go to the polls and continue Maine’s longstanding
tradition of leading the nation in voter turnout,” stated Secretary Gwadosky.
“The issues and decisions facing Maine citizens in referendum elections
have far reaching effects. Decisions will be made on Tuesday that
will determine whether or not the state will expend funds in particular
areas, amend the state constitution, and adopt new legislation.”
“I also look forward to having
the opportunity to meet with some of the many people who work tirelessly
at the polls on election day and thanking them for their efforts,” said
Secretary Gwadosky.
Secretary Gwadosky is scheduled
to visit the following municipalities:
Municipality
Poll Location Approximate Time
Cape Elizabeth,
Cape Elizabeth High School - 9:45 a.m.
Portland,
Ward 4, Precinct 5 - 10:15 a.m. (Washington Gardens, Veranda
Street)
Brunswick,
Wards 2 and 3 - 11:00 a.m. Brunswick High School
Lewiston,
Ward 6 (Elks Lodge, Lisbon Street) - 1:00 p.m.
Auburn, Ward 1
(Washburn School, Mt. Auburn Ave.) - 1:30 p.m.
Winthrop, St.
Francis Parish Hall - 2:30 p.m.
Augusta, Augusta
Civic Center - 3:15 p.m.
Additional polling sites
may be added as time permits.
October 29, 1999
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
Kickoff Marks Beginning
of Census 2000 Planning in Maine
Augusta--Secretary of State
Dan A. Gwadosky, Joyce Benson, Senior Planner, and Richard A. Sherwood,
Policy Development Specialist from the Maine State Planning Office were
joined by Arthur G. Dukakis, Boston Regional Director, U.S. Census Bureau
at the Augusta Comfort Inn to kickoff Census 2000 planning for the State
of Maine. Secretary Gwadosky and the State Planning Officials pledged
Maine’s support in conducting the Constitutionally mandated head count
next spring. Mr. Dukakis, who oversees all Census 2000 operations
in the six New England states, upstate New York and Puerto Rico, announced
upcoming plans for Census 2000.
Governor Angus S. King, Jr.
declared October 29, 1999 Census Day and Secretary Gwadosky officially
presented this proclamation during the kick off activities. The Census
2000 kickoff coincides with a working meeting of the Maine Census Data
Center Program, a network of 37 libraries, planning organizations, university
departments, and state government agencies. The workshop will focus
on acquainting network organizations with upcoming Census 2000 data products
and enhancing the Program’s service to the public.
Local Census offices have
recently opened in Bangor and Portland to implement all Census 2000 operations
in Maine.
An accurate and complete
Census is important for the nation, the State of Maine and local communities.
On the national and state level population counts from the census are used
to reapportion Congressional seats, to determine Congressional districts,
and to distribute nearly $100 billion of Federal funds annually.
Locally, census counts are instrumental in providing valuable information
for a number of initiatives including forecasting future transportation
needs, assessing rural development and planning and designing public
safety strategies.
October 22, 1999
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
Federal Immigration Law
Repealed
Social Security Number
not to be encoded on Driver’s License
Augusta--Recent action taken
by the United State’s Congress has eliminated the need to display social
security numbers on driver’s licenses. Specifically, Congress has
repealed a portion of the 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant
Responsibility Act that required the collection and display of social security
numbers on driver’s licenses and state identification cards.
Maine has been complying
with this federal law since September 1997 by collecting and verifying
social security numbers when anyone applied for or renewed a driver’s license.
The Bureau of Motor Vehicles has been preparing to comply with the additional
requirement to display the social security number on the license with the
anticipated implementation of the new digital license. The social
security number was to have been encrypted in the 2D bar code on the reverse
side of the new license.
“Given the recent, and somewhat
unexpected, repeal of the federal law, we believe leaving the social security
number off the driver’s license is a prudent step,” said Secretary of State
Dan A. Gwadosky. “We will look to the Legislature for further guidance
on this issue.”
With this recent development,
the need to display the social security number on the driver’s license
in any format is no longer necessary and will no longer be part of the
new digital license implementation. State law, however, continues
to require the Bureau to continue to collect and verify the social security
number. This verification is intended to ensure the person applying for
or renewing a driver’s license is properly identified and reduces the likelihood
that anyone will fraudulently obtain this credential.
The recent federal action
merely removes the mandate to display the social security number on the
license; it does not prohibit states from individually collecting social
security numbers and displaying them on the license. As of 1997,
15 states use the social security number as the driver license number.
Some additional states collect and verify the social security number, but
assign a separate driver’s license number.
Current state law also continues
to require that the social security number be collected, verified and displayed
on state identification cards. Secretary Gwadosky indicated that
he would bring the issue before the Legislature in the next session for
guidance on this issue.
Secretary Gwadosky will be
available for further comment or interviews on this issue on Saturday,
October 23, 1999 from 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at his office in Augusta.
October 1, 1999
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
Secretary of State Dan
A. Gwadosky to Honor
Bates College Athletic
Association for 100 Years of Incorporation
Secretary of State Dan A.
Gwadosky will be honoring the Bates College Athletic Association for 100
years of incorporation on Saturday, October 2, 1999 at approximately 1:45
p.m. during the half-time activities of the Bates-Tufts football game.
The Bates College Athletic Association is a nonprofit organization that
was incorporated in the State of Maine on June 13, 1899.
Eleven corporations are celebrating
their centennial anniversary this year. They include Portland Wharf
and Land Company, Hebron Water Company, The Advertiser Publishing Company,
Cumberland County YMCA f/n/a Young Men’s Christian Association, Bangor
Fuel Society, Newport Public Library Association, State Mutual Insurance
Company, W.A. Wilde Company, Deering Co. and Scarboro Public Library Corporation.
“This is an excellent opportunity
to recognize Maine businesses and nonprofit organizations for their longevity,”
said Secretary Gwadosky. “It takes the efforts of many individuals
to keep an organization or corporation active for 100 years.”
The Bates College Athletic
Association was formally organized in 1880 and incorporated in 1899.
In its early years, the Association sponsored field days and organized
competitions with other schools.
September 15, 1999
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
CITIZENSHIP DAY
Friday, September 17,
1999 12:00 p.m.
on the steps of Portland
City Hall
Congress Street, Portland
Secretary Gwadosky to
Encourage Voter Registration at Citizenship Day Celebration
Portland--The second annual
"Citizenship Day" will be held on September 17, 1999 to launch a statewide
drive to register voters and to educate citizens on the importance of voting.
Organized by the Portland Area League of Women Voters, the ceremony will
feature the Portland Sheriff's Department Color Guard, addresses by U.S.
District Court Judge D. Brock Hornby and Secretary of State Dan A.
Gwadosky, as well as remarks by Portland Mayor, Nick Mavodones, Portland
City Clerk, Laurie Savona and League of Women Voters State President, Sarah
Walton.
Secretary Gwadosky will be
encouraging the citizens of Maine to make the Citizenship Day celebration
an opportunity to visit their local municipal office and register to vote.
Additionally, individuals who have recently moved or had an address or
name change may take this opportunity to register in their current municipality
or update their records with their municipal clerk or registrar.
“We hope the Citizenship
Day celebration will be a reminder to everyone that it is important to
register to vote,” said Secretary Gwadosky. “We also want to remind
everyone that there is no better way to have a voice in government than
by casting a ballot on November 2.”
League members will be available
to register voters. The video "It's Time to Vote" will be shown and the
State Street Traditional Jazz Band will perform jazz music. Residents
of all ages are invited to participate, to honor the day and help launch
the voter registration drive.
September 23, 1999
Media Advisory
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
MEDIA ADVISORY
Friday, September 24,
1999 at 12:00 p.m.
Secretary of State to
Kick-Off Mall Display
Bangor Mall, Bangor
Secretary of State Dan A.
Gwadosky will be at the Bangor Mall on September 24, 1999 at 12:00 p.m.
as his department begins a two day visit at that location with a display
featuring the new chickadee license plates. Members of the Maine
Legislature from the Greater Bangor area have been invited to attend the
opening day activities.
The events at the Bangor
Mall will include a spectacular display of all license plates issued by
the Bureau of Motor Vehicles since 1905, when car registrations were first
implemented; chickadee license plate stickers for young people; and other
nostalgic displays of motor vehicle memorabilia.
In addition to the displays,
the Secretary of State’s Office will have an information booth at the Bangor
Mall on September 24 and 25. The booth will provide information on
how the new plates are being distributed and how individuals may reserve
their current license plate number.
Distribution of the chickadee
license plates began on July 1, 1999 and will continue for the next year.
The new plates will be available to Maine citizens at the usual time they
register their vehicles.
September 3, 1999
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jim Henderson
287-5793; james.henderson@state.me.us
RETURN NORTH YARMOUTH
DECLARATION TO TOWN, STATE SAYS
AUGUSTA: Declaring
that the North Yarmouth Print of the Declaration of Independence is “a
public historic treasure for the people of North Yarmouth and for all Maine
citizens,” Maine State Archivist Jim Henderson today affirmed his intention
to return it to public custody.
In a letter to Phillip Isaacson,
attorney for the out-of-state collector who seeks to remove the Declaration
to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Henderson noted that Isaacson had not made
a convincing case that the once public record is now private property.
The letter requests either strong evidence of private ownership or the
return of the Print to the Town of North Yarmouth by September 15th.
Both the North Yarmouth Historical Society and the Yarmouth Historical
Society have urged the State to recover the Print for the town.
The State says that the
Print began as a public record and remains so today, having been kept in
North Yarmouth for over 200 years. While it has no monetary value
to the State, the Print is one very important record in a string of other
town records retrieved recently, some from towns also formed before statehood.
Ten years ago, in strengthening the retrieval process, the State Legislature
anticipated problems in recovering public records, and this year it again
reaffirmed its commitment to saving historical records by funding the Communities
in the New Century Program.
If the state loses its original
public records, Henderson contends, people will lose connections to their
rich heritage and students will be denied the opportunity to interpret
history by making their own judgments based on reading the original documents.
He noted that the National Archives considers all records created prior
to 1861 to be potentially “historical,” the date in England is 1750.
Why are old records valuable?
They are more likely to be rare and thus contain that scant bit of evidence
about life in earlier times. They tend to have “intrinsic value”
as an artifact and may be valuable in local exhibits with their curious
physical features, seals, types of paper, etc. They may have artistic
or aesthetic value as shown in handwriting, sketches, and other designs.
So, why should the North
Yarmouth Print stay in Maine? One obvious reason is its tangible
connection to the past. Removed from its context, it is a curiosity
without meaning. But when a school child or a local citizen views
the Print that was read in his or her hometown one summer 223 year ago,
and then marvels at the handwritten record of Town Clerk David Mitchell
made that very summer, a whole new perspective emerges. The American
Revolution had come to North Yarmouth that summer!
Why else in Maine?
Because that context is critical to researchers and historians as well.
They can see the place where historical events, chronicled in these records,
actually occurred. They can easily review related records, not only
in North Yarmouth, but also in Yarmouth, at the Maine Historical Society
in Portland, and the Maine State Archives.
But there is an even more
compelling reason: original records are just that - original. They
are the evidence that the copy is true. With public cynicism at uncomfortable
heights, suspect “copies” may be challenged as not representing the contents
of the original.
According to the State Archivist,
no one disputes that the North Yarmouth Print was created by a government,
the Massachusetts Executive Council of 1776, delivered to the Sheriff of
Suffolk County, a public official, then delivered to another government,
the Town of North Yarmouth. It obviously served the official public
purpose of notifying the citizens that the colonies had declared their
independence from England. Nor is there any dispute that two town
officials, the local minister and the town clerk, received this official
communication and acted according to its direction: to read it at a public
gathering and to record it in the town’s record book.
The minister, Rev. Mr. Tristram
Gilman, was supported by local taxes and held services in the same building
that was used for town meetings. After Town Clerk David Mitchell
recorded the contents of the communication in his record book, he maintained
possession of it for several months before making another partial entry
in his book. At no time did the Town of North Yarmouth vote to give
or sell this historic public record to anyone else.
“I firmly believe,” Henderson
said, “that this Print has been in the possession of the Town of North
Yarmouth, sometimes through the efforts of its trusted private citizens,
ever since 1776.” Public records have been maintained in homes in
most Maine towns until very recently, especially since Clerks working without
office space obviously kept their records nearby. They did not, however,
become private property for that reason.
“The very fabric of small
town life relies on public-spirited people like Nellie Leighton, in whose
home the Print was recently found, to care for community records,” he observed.
“As an active member of the North Yarmouth Historical Society, and brother
of a former North Yarmouth town clerk, Mrs. Leighton was passionately committed
to preserving her community's heritage.”
"While it may have been
temporarily misplaced, I can’t imagine that she would not have delivered
it to the Town Office or to the Historical Society as she had done before
with other town records," he said. "Let us be clear. This is
not an item that was sold or given away hundreds of years ago, nor was
it hundreds of miles away carefully concealed by an investor with an eye
to making a profit. It was held in the community, for the community,
by the community residents, including Nellie Leighton."
The State of Maine is not
concerned about the monetary value put on the North Yarmouth Print.
In fact, the law does not allow the town or the State to sell it and thereby
make a profit. Nor, is this Print singled out for special treatment
because of its notoriety.
The Legislature in 1989
strengthened the process by which Maine citizens could assert ownership
of their own public records, anticipating the current controversy.
The bill's Statement of Fact stated
Recent losses of historical
documents from the National Archives and the Library of Congress have underscored
the need for security and legal protection for the records of the United
States. In this State, public documents have been found "on the auction
block" after having been in private hands for many years.
In all of these cases, the
State's right to maintain its public documents have been put at risk.
In addition to security, which is primarily an administrative responsibility,
appropriate legal provisions must be in place to ensure the clear authority
of the State over its records, to ease the recovery process, and to discourage
those who would seek to profit by the unauthorized possession of these
records.
In recent years the Archives
has successfully negotiated the return of records separated from Maine
communities: the Aroostook town of Littleton (1995); the former Milton
Plantation in Oxford County (1996); the deorganized Somerset County plantation
of Concord (1996); the towns of Vienna and Mount Vernon (1997); and Phippsburg
in Sagadahoc County (1999).
In each case, modest 19th
century records -- such as tax bills, clerk’s records, Justice of the Peace
dockets, school assessments – were recovered in large part based on the
good will of Maine citizens and the strength of the law protecting public
records. As was North Yarmouth, Mount Vernon (1792), Vienna (1802),
and Phippsburg (1814) were all incorporated as Massachusetts towns before
Maine statehood in 1820.
A dealer in rare manuscripts
freely returned the Littleton records when they were identified as public
property. In a letter to Mr. Stuart Martin in 1996, Henderson wrote
Please consider this
a receipt for the Milton Plantation records I received from you on July
5th. I appreciate your cooperation in returning these records to
the public arena.
You have done a great
service to your area and to the state by rescuing these records from doom
on the dump! I realize you have cared for them for many years and
had donated them to the Rumford Point Congregational Church for their auction.
"The hysterical reports from
some observers to the contrary, the Archives asserts no legal claim to
private historical records,” Henderson noted. “A private copy of
the Declaration of Independence was sold very recently for a handsome sum,
as have other private materials at various auction and rare document dealers
this summer. We are very concerned that Maine’s history and heritage
is weakened by some of these sales, but the preferred approach lies in
increasing public awareness, and in strengthening historical societies
and museums across the state to become even better stewards of our past."
To facilitate this approach,
the Legislature, in a forward-looking initiative earlier this year, created
the Maine Communities in the New Century Program to promote the preservation
and interpretation of our culture and heritage. The Archives, in
close cooperation with the Maine State Museum, is actively participating
in this initiative by offering technical assistance and grants to community
organizations seeking to protect their historical records. The New
Century Program was co-sponsored by Speaker of the House Steve Rowe and
President of the Senate Mark Lawrence, indicating the State’s concern about
these issues.
Coincidentally, in two weeks
a group of teachers and representatives of historical societies, museums
and archives will meet at the Maine Historical Society in Portland to map
plans for an expanded Maine History Day program. The program is based
on a national model created by history teachers to encourage students to
think critically about the past by researching original records and not
by relying solely on bland textbook accounts.
The attorney for the out-of-state
bidder has until September 15th to reply to the State's request to return
the North Yarmouth Print of the Declaration of Independence or provide
new, convincing evidence why it should not be returned to the town.
In 1998, Henderson outlined
the importance of original historical records in a letter to the Attorney
General’s Office:
This is in response
to the question you posed regarding whether the Town of Phippsburg tax
bills are “official government records,” and subject to replevin under
Maine law. My answer is, “Yes.”
They are clearly records
as defined in the statute as “all documentary material, regardless of media
or characteristics, made or received and maintained by an agency in accordance
with law or rule or in the transaction of its official business.”
Undoubtedly some may
say they are “only” old tax bills. However, consider these points:
-
First, these records are approximately
150 years old and date from when Maine was a State for only thirty years.
-
Second, they may be the ONLY
tax bills in existence for Phippsburg in that period.
-
Third, these records date from
the first thirty years of Phippsburg’s incorporation as a town.
-
Fourth, they date from a period
in which 200 of Maine’s cities and towns had yet to be incorporated and
represent a small surviving example of early practices and forms.
-
Fifth, they refer to certain
residents and, I assume, their property which will have value for those
researching local history not only in Phippsburg, but in the local region.
-
Sixth, in concert with other
records (contemporary, earlier, and later), researchers may be able to
note patterns in taxation, land ownership, business development and other
topics not easily anticipated.
While not conceding for
a moment that more recent government records may be held outside government
authority, it is worth noting that several countries have designated all
records created before a certain date to be of historic value. While
in olde England that date is 1750, in France it is 1830, and in Italy,
1861. The U.S. National Archives has designated 1861, the beginning
of the Civil War, as its rule of thumb.
In Maine, new state
mandated recordkeeping requirements for towns began in 1892 and the complete
1890 U.S. Census for the state was later destroyed, leaving a gap in our
knowledge of that period. For those and related reasons, all local
government records prior to 1900 should be given a presumption of historical
value.
Why are old records
likely to be valuable? First, they are more likely to be rare and
thus contain that scant bit of evidence about life in earlier times.
Second, they tend to have “intrinsic value” as an artifact. They
may be valuable in exhibits (of early Phippsburg history); they may have
curious physical features, seals, types of paper, coloration, watermarks,
etc.; they may have artistic or aesthetic value as shown in the handwriting,
sketches, and other designs that may appear on them.
September 2, 1999
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
New Driver’s License Design
Unveiled by Secretary Gwadosky
Transition to Digital
License will Begin in October
Augusta--Secretary of State
Dan A. Gwadosky unveiled Maine’s new digital license today with a state
of the art Internet flash presentation. Beginning in October, Maine
drivers will be receiving a license with a new look and produced with advanced
digital technology. Secretary Gwadosky indicated that the new digital
license and the flash presentation are representative of his Department’s
commitment to utilizing new advances in technology that will improve the
services available to Maine citizens.
“I am very excited about
this new digital license and the benefits it will bring to the people of
Maine,” said Secretary Gwadosky. “The digital technology will provide
a more attractive, higher quality driver’s license that has improved security
features.”
“This Department is committed
to implementing technological advances that will improve the services available
to the public. This is the first of many innovations we plan to introduce
over the next year,” stated Secretary Gwadosky.
Digital license technology
allows for a photographic image to be taken by video camera and computer.
The image is stored electronically, thereby allowing for a choice of two
photographs. The stored image will also make duplicate license requests
more convenient by eliminating the need to appear at the branch office
for a new photograph. Duplicates may be requested and received by
mail with this new technology. Additionally, the digital technology
allows for a number of security features to be included that help make
the card virtually tamper-proof.
This same technology and
process will be used for the state identification cards. The fees
for the ID card and the license will remain the same--$5.00 for an ID card
and $30 for a six year license. The new license will be phased in
beginning in October. Maine drivers will have their license replaced
with the new digital license at their usual time of renewal.
While the new license will
have the advantages of improved technology, it will also have a new look.
The plastic tamper-proof card will sport a new logo with a colorful sunrise
scene at the top of the license that declares to all that Maine is the
eastern most spot in the United States by proclaiming “Maine--Where America’s
Day Begins.” The scene represents Maine’s long-standing heritage
with the forest and sea, and depicts the work ethic of Maine’s people with
a lobster boat beginning its day as the first dawn breaks.
Information on the new digital
license has been included in the renewal notices that are being mailed
to those drivers whose licenses expire in October 1999. The Internet
presentation and information on the new digital license are available on
the Secretary of State’s web site www.state.me.us/sos. Anyone with
questions may also contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Driver License
Services Division at 624-9000, Ext. 5-2114.
August 31, 1999
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
MEDIA ADVISORY
Press Conference
Thursday, September 2,
1999 at 12:00 p.m.
Location: Office
of the Secretary of State
Nash School, Corner of
Sewall and Capital Streets
Secretary of State to
Unveil Design for New Digital Driver’s License
Secretary of State Dan A.
Gwadosky will hold a press conference on Thursday, September 2, 1999 at
12:00 p.m. to unveil the new design for the digital license that Maine
drivers will begin receiving this October. This will be the public’s
first glimpse of the new license design. A state of the art Internet
slide presentation during Monday’s program will introduce the new license
and Secretary Gwadosky’s commitment to advancing new technology throughout
his Department.
The digital license will
have a new look and will open the door to new customer benefits.
A digital license is produced with computer technology that allows for
your image to be captured digitally and displayed on the license.
This same process will be used to issue state identification cards.
This new technology will
be phased into all motor vehicle branch offices and renewal agent locations
throughout October. Maine has over 800,000 licensed drivers and renews
licenses through a staggered renewal cycle. Therefore, it will take
6 years to completely replace all Maine driver’s licenses.
August 13, 1999
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jim Henderson
207-287-5793
Maine State Archives to
Renovate Records Storage Area
The Maine State Archives
will begin renovations in its records storage area in anticipation of new
shelving to be installed in the coming weeks. The Archives will be removing
standard shelving and replacing it with high-density mobile compact shelving.
The mobile shelving units will increase the storage space to the archives
staff and state agencies for record retention.
While renovating this storage
area, an asbestos management project will be conducted. The current shelving
and lighting is attached to the ceiling, which, in the storage areas, contains
asbestos. The clean up is anticipated to take 3 to 4 weeks.
During the cleanup period,
ninety million government records held by the Maine State Archives in Augusta
will be temporarily inaccessible. While the actual document may not
be available, a substantial number of these records have been microfilmed
and will be available in this format. Additionally, the public will
continue to have full access to hundreds of microfilms containing information
on births, deaths, marriages and census records. Databases indexing
the Archives’ collection of maps, photographs, early legislation and court
records will be available for use, though the actual records will not be
available during this period.
A large number of marriage
and death records are accessible via the Internet at www.state.me.us/sos/arc/general/admin/arcserv.htm.
Other general information about the Archives and related institutions may
be found at www.state.me.us/sos/arc/general/admin/mawww001.htm.
The 120 million State agency
records held at the State Records Center in Hallowell are not affected
by this cleanup and will continue to be available to the State agencies
that own them.
The Maine State Archives
is a Bureau within the Department of the Secretary of State and is charged
with managing the creation, use, maintenance, retention, preservation and
disposal of State records. The Archives also provides centralized
storage and retrieval facilities for records that must be temporarily retained,
but which do not need to be maintained in high cost office space.
July 27, 1999
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
Secretary Gwadosky Suspends
Benton Woman’s License, Pending Evaluation
Augusta—Secretary of State
Dan A. Gwadosky has suspended Marie Wyman’s driver’s license effective
immediately, pending an evaluation of her driving ability. The evaluation
will be based, in part, upon a driving test and medical report. This action
is being taken based upon an adverse driving report filed by the Winslow
Police Department with Secretary Gwadosky’s department. Mrs. Wyman
was involved in a motor vehicle crash at the Lobster Trap Restaurant in
Winslow on Sunday.
“I spoke with Mrs. Wyman
personally to explain our evaluation process,” said Secretary Gwadosky.
“Once this has been completed, we will make a final determination regarding
her continued ability to drive. We want to ensure her safety and
the safety of others on Maine’s roadways.”
“Maine is a very rural state
with few alternative means of transportation,” stated Secretary Gwadosky.
“The ability to drive is directly related to a person’s independence.
Therefore, it is important to deal with these situations on a case by case
basis and to have options available based upon a person’s ability.”
Secretary Gwadosky indicated
that there are several options available to his department depending upon
the results of a particular evaluation. These include revoking an
individual’s license; placing restrictions on the person’s license, such
as no night driving; requiring the individual to complete a defensive driving
class.
The Department of the Secretary
of State, through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles has the authority, by law,
to evaluate the performance of all drivers in the following circumstances:
-
an individual is involved in
3 or more accidents in 3 years;
-
an accumulation of demerit points
on a driver’s license;
-
an adverse driving report is
filed by a law enforcement official;
-
any changes in an individual’s
medical or physical condition, as noted by a physician;
-
the Secretary of State has good
cause to believe that a person is not qualified to be licensed.
Secretary Gwadosky noted that
many times family members have difficulty dealing with this issue and they
contact his office to ask for assistance in evaluating a loved one’s ability
to drive. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles also reviews these requests.
The evaluation and a final
determination regarding Mrs. Wyman’s license should be completed within
the next few weeks.
July 7, 1999
For immediate release
Contact: Dan
Gwadosky
(207) 626-8400
Secretary Gwadosky sets
order of ballot questions
Drawing held this morning
to determine question placement
AUGUSTA--Secretary of State
Dan A. Gwadosky conducted a public drawing this morning to determine the
order of the nine questions scheduled to appear on the November 2, 1999
ballot. Secretary Gwadosky held the lottery at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday,
July 7, 1999 in his office in the Nash School Building in Augusta.
The drawing for ballot position is required by Maine law.
Maine law also requires the
questions to be organized on the ballot by category as follows: people’s
veto questions are first, then citizen initiatives, followed by bond questions,
then constitutional amendments and finally referendum questions.
There are no people’s vetoes or referendum questions scheduled to appear
on the ballot.
The questions will appear
on the November 2, 1999 ballot in the following order:
CITIZEN INITIATIVES:
Question 1 Do you want to
ban a specific abortion procedure to be defined in law, except in cases
where the life of the mother is in danger?
Question 2 Do you want to
allow patients with specific illnesses to grow and use small amounts of
marijuana for treatment, as long as such use is approved by a doctor?
BOND ISSUES:
Question 3 (P&S 37)
Do you favor a $56,042,031 bond issue for improvements to highways and
bridges, airports and state-owned ferry facilities; development of rail
corridors and marine infrastructure; and replacement of public transportation
fleets statewide that makes the State eligible for up to $112,000,000 in
matching federal funds?
Question 4 (P&S 60)
Do you favor a $12,500,000 bond issue for the following purposes:
(1) $7,000,000 to construct
water pollution control facilities, providing the state match for $12,500,000
in federal funds;
(2) $2,500,000 to protect
the State’s drinking water resources by granting funds to cities and towns
for the closure and cleanup of their solid waste landfills;
(3) $500,000 to protect
the public health, safety and the environment by providing funds for the
cleanup of tire stockpiles;
(4) $1,000,000 to abate,
clean up and mitigate threats to the public health and environment from
uncontrolled hazardous substance sites or other hazardous waste discharges;
and
(5) $1,500,000 to construct
drinking water system improvements that address public health threats,
providing the state match for $7,500,000 in federal funds.
Question 5 (P&S 57)
Do you favor a $9,400,000 bond issue for the conversion to digital broadcasting
by the Maine Public Broadcasting Corporation?
Question 6 (P&S 40)
Do you favor a $26,420,000 bond issue for infrastructure improvements at
Maine’s 7 technical colleges that must be matched by at least $7,000,000
of private or in-kind donations?
Question 7 (P.L. 514)
Do you favor a $50,000,000 bond issue to purchase public lands and easements
statewide from willing sellers for conservation, water access, outdoor
recreation, including hunting and fishing, wildlife and fish habitat and
farmland preservation, to be matched by $25,000,000 in private and public
contributions?
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS:
Question 8 Do you favor amending
the Constitution of Maine to require that a petition for a people’s veto
be voted on at the next statewide or general election, rather than at a
special election?
Question 9 Do you favor amending
the Constitution of Maine to allow for reduced property taxes on property
that will be maintained for historic preservation or for scenic views of
significant vistas?
July 1, 1999
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
(207) 626-8400
Chickadee License Plate
Distribution Begins Today
South Portland -- Secretary
of State Dan A. Gwadosky announced that the chickadee license plates make
their debut on Maine’s roadways today. A celebration and brief ceremony
was held today at the Maine Mall with several members of the Maine Legislature
in attendance. Secretary Gwadosky ceremoniously “retired” the lobster
license plate into a lobster pot and then displayed the new chickadee license
plate for all in attendance.
Secretary Gwadosky also unveiled
an unprecedented display containing all Maine license plates issued by
the Bureau of Motor Vehicles since 1905 when vehicle registrations were
first implemented.
“We are very excited about
this new license plate,” said Secretary Gwadosky. “I think the people
of Maine will also be pleased with its unique design. The lobster
has served us well over the last 12 years, however it is now time for our
state bird to represent us as Maine vehicles travel across this state and
the country.”
The new Maine license plate
features a chickadee on the left-hand side of the plate perched on a white
pinecone and tassel, the state flower.
Over the next year, chickadee
license plates will be replacing the lobster license plates. There
is no additional charge for the license plate, unless an individual wishes
to keep their current vanity plate or number designation. The fee
to reserve a current plate number is $15.00. The annual registration
fee and excise tax must be paid in all instances at the time of registration.
The chickadee plate will
be phased in over the next year and will be available at the normal time
of vehicle registration beginning with the July 1999 registrations.
Over 900,000 pairs of license plates will be replaced when this project
is completed.
“Replacing this number of
license plates is a tremendous undertaking, and it could not be completed
without the dedication of the employees at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles,”
continued Secretary Gwadosky.
The celebration at the Maine
Mall will continue through Friday, July 2, 1999 and Maine citizens are
invited to stop by the Bureau of Motor Vehicle booth located in the Garden
Court of the Maine Mall to find out more about the new chickadee plate
and the registration process. Additionally, several nostalgic displays
will be available for viewing, along with stickers and other items for
young people.
The license plate replacement
was approved by the Legislature during the 1997 session. A task force
was established by the Legislature to consider designs for the new general
issue license plate. This task force, which included legislators,
Bureau of Motor Vehicle personnel, and law enforcement officials, considered
possible designs and recommended the chickadee design that was approved
by the Legislature.
The lobster license plate
was issued in 1987. Prior to that date, Maine had a white plate with
black lettering from 1974 to 1987 and a yellow plate with black lettering
from 1968 to 1974.
The following license plates
will not be replaced by the chickadee design: conservation (loon),
University of Maine System (UMS), veteran, purple heart, trailer, prisoner
of war, apportioned and motorcycle/moped.
For additional information
contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles a 624-9000, ext. 52164.
June 30, 1999
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Dan A. Gwadosky
(207) 626-8400
MEDIA ADVISORY
Press Conference
Thursday, July 1, 1999
at 12:00 p.m.
Location: Garden
Court
Maine Mall, South Portland
Lobster License Plate
to be “Retired”
Augusta – Secretary of State
Dan A. Gwadosky will be holding a press conference on July 1, 1999 at 12:00
noon in the Garden Court at the Maine Mall to announce that the chickadee
license plates begin to make their debut and take flight on Maine’s roadways.
Over the next year, chickadee license plates will be replacing the lobster
license plates and motorists will receive their new license plates when
they register their vehicle.
Secretary Gwadosky will be
joined by members of the Maine Legislature in celebrating the new chickadee
plate and “retiring” the old lobster plate in a ceremonial “lobster pot.”
The events at the Maine Mall will include a spectacular display of all
license plates issued by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles since 1905, when
car registrations were first implemented; chickadee license plate stickers
for young people; and other nostalgic displays of motor vehicle memorabilia.
The Bureau of Motor Vehicles
will have a booth at the Mall on July 1 and 2 to provide information on
the new license plate and the registration process. The license plate
display will also be available for view during this time period.
June 24, 1999
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
New License Plate to Identify
Firefighters
Augusta--Secretary of State
Dan A. Gwadosky announced today that the Bureau of Motor Vehicles would
begin issuing new license plates to qualifying firefighters. The
new license plate displays a red Maltese cross to the left of the registration
number. The Maltese cross is an internationally recognized
symbol for firefighters. Previously the license plates have indicated
firefighter status with an “FF” designation after the registration number.
“We are pleased to have worked
with the representatives of several fire departments to make this new license
plate a reality,” said Secretary Gwadosky. “It is our desire that
the Maltese cross design will clearly identify firefighters.”
A number of firefighters,
including the Vice President of the Maine Federation of Firefighters, Steve
Boucouvalas, joined Secretary Gwadosky at the Firefighters Memorial located
near the State House in Augusta to unveil the new license plates.
Several members of the Maine Legislature were in also in attendance, including
State Senator William O’Gara (Cumberland), State Senator James Libby (York),
State Senator Marge Kilkelly (Lincoln), and State Representative Kenneth
Honey (Boothbay).
The new firefighter plates
will be phased in beginning on July 1, 1999 and will be available to those
qualifying individuals at the time of their vehicle’s normal registration
date. This process will continue through June 30, 2000.
Maine law allows for the
special plate designation to be provided to active firefighters whose status
is certified by their fire chief. Over 3000 firefighter plates are
currently issued to qualifying firefighters.
The new firefighter license
plate distribution will coincide with the new general plate distribution.
Over the next year, the current lobster plate will be replaced with the
chickadee plate when Maine citizens register their vehicles. Additional
information on the chickadee plates will be available July 1, 1999.
May 11, 1999
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
Winners of Maine Constitution
Essay and Poster Contest
to View Original Maine
Constitution
Augusta--Secretary of State
Dan A. Gwadosky announced the winning students of a Maine Constitution
Poster and Essay Contest. In an effort to promote an awareness of
Maine history and the importance of democracy and voting, Secretary Gwadosky
sponsored the contest this Spring. Secretary Gwadosky received over
800 posters and over 150 essays in response to the contest.
The winners in each of the
categories are as follows:
Posters
Grades K-3 Maine Symbols;
Julia K. Schmidt, Kennebunkport Consolidated School
Grades 4-5 Maine History;
Michael Burns, Windsor Elementary School
Essays
Grades 6-8 Maine Constitution;
Emily VanDam, Columbia Falls Elementary School
Grades 9-12 Voting and Democracy;
Amanda Jane Keef, Bonny Eagle High School
The winners of the contest
receive a $100 savings bond and have been invited by Secretary Gwadosky
to visit Augusta and the Capital Complex and to view the original Maine
Constitution with the members of their class.
“The response to this program
has been tremendous this year. It was very difficult to select winners
from the many fine essays and imaginative posters,” stated Secretary Gwadosky.
Invitations to participate
were mailed to all Maine schools. Students could participate in one of
four categories based upon grade level. Students in Kindergarten
to Grade 3 could draw a poster on the symbols of Maine (chickadee, pine
tree, state seal, etc.). Grades 4 and 5 were asked to draw a poster
pertaining to Maine History. Students in grades 6 to 8 could submit
an essay on the Maine Constitution, while grades 9 to 12 were given the
topic “the Importance of Voting and Democracy.”
“This program is a great
way to get younger students to start thinking about their state and its
history, while encouraging older students to examine the nature of self
governance and the importance of having a voice in that governance” said
Secretary Gwadosky. “The trip to Augusta helps to reinforce these
themes.”
The winners and their classmates
have visits to Augusta scheduled for the following dates:
May 3,
1999 Columbia Falls Elementary School
May 11, 1999
Windsor Elementary School
May 19, 1999
Bonny Eagle High School
June 2, 1999
Kennebunkport Consolidated School
The contest judges included
Secretary Gwadosky, State Senator Beverly Daggett (Kennebec County), State
Senator Carol Kontos (Cumberland County), Representative Randall Bumps
(China), Representative Julie O’Brien (Augusta), Representative Arthur
Mayo (Bath), Representative Joseph Brooks (Winterport), Julie Flynn, Deputy
Secretary of State for the Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions
and Sylvia Sherman, Director of Archive Services, Maine State Archives.
The winning posters and essays
may be viewed at the Maine State Archives in Augusta, or over the Internet
on the Secretary of State’s home page (www.state.me.us/sos/sos.htm).
Additionally, the poster entries from the various schools have been distributed
to the local Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch offices and will be on display
through the month of May.
April 9, 1999
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
to Implement New Telephone System
New Phone Number Part
of Change
AUGUSTA--Secretary of State
Dan A. Gwadosky announced today that beginning April 12, 1999, the Bureau
of Motor Vehicles will be implementing a new telephone system. With
this new telephone system the main office in Augusta will obtain new telephone
numbers. This new system is intended to provide improved customer service
by more effectively routing telephone calls. The Bureau of Motor
Vehicles will have one main number (624-9000) from which specific
divisions and sections may be reached through an assigned extension number.
These changes will not affect the telephone numbers for the 13 branch offices
located throughout the state.
Anyone dialing the old main
number, or any other Bureau number, will receive a recorded message providing
them with the new number to call.
February 22, 1999
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
Secretary Gwadosky Rules
Petitioners Obtained Sufficient Signatures to
Place Referendum on November
1999 Ballot
AUGUSTA--Today, Secretary
of State Dan Gwadosky announced that an effort to ban a certain abortion
procedure has
submitted sufficient signatures
to qualify for the November 1999 ballot. A total of 82,372 signatures were
found valid by the
Secretary of State.
"Our portion of this process
is completed," said Secretary Gwadosky. "The result will now be referred
to the Maine Legislature
which has the option of
enacting the legislation as written or submitting it to a vote by the citizens
of Maine."
This is the second and final
citizen’s initiative that has been validated by the Secretary of State’s
Office for the November 1999
ballot and submitted to
the Legislature for consideration. On December 23, 1998, Secretary Gwadosky
ruled that sufficient
signatures had been filed
by Mainer's for Medical Rights, a group seeking to legalize marijuana for
medical purposes.
If the question is placed
on the November ballot, it will read as follows:
"Do you want to ban a specific
abortion procedure to be defined in law, except in cases where the life
of the mother
is in danger?"
Summary of Signatures
Determined Valid/Invalid
Initially submitted
91,113
Excluded by local officials
4,428
Excluded by the Secretary
of State 4,313
Total valid signatures 82,372
Total needed for approval
42,101
The direct initiative
process is set forth in the Maine Constitution and allows citizens to propose
bills for 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 in the last gubernatorial election. Currently,
this figure is 42,101.
February 19, 1999
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
MEDIA ADVISORY
Secretary Gwadosky to
Rule on Validity of Petition
PRESS CONFERENCE
Scheduled for Monday,
February 22, 1999 at 10:30 a.m.
Office of the Secretary
of State
Nash School Building
Corner of Sewall and
Capital Streets
Secretary of State Dan A.
Gwadosky will hold a press conference on Monday, February 22, 1999 at 10:30
a.m. to announce the result of the petition drive conducted by a group
seeking to ban certain abortion procedures. The press conference
will be held at the Office of the Secretary of State located in the Nash
School Building on the corner of Sewall and Capitol Streets.
If successful, the petition
results will be referred to the Maine Legislature which may enact the proposed
legislation without change, or submit the issue to Maine voters.
If it is submitted for a vote, the following question will appear on the
November 1999 ballot:
"Do you want to ban a specific
abortion procedure to be defined in law, except in cases where the life
of the mother is in danger?”
For the petition to be successful
in placing the issue on the ballot, 42,101 signatures of registered Maine
voters needed to be collected. This represents 10% of the total number
of votes cast in the last gubernatorial election, as required by the Maine
Constitution. Secretary Gwadosky will issue his ruling on the petition
drive at 10:30 a.m.
February 2, 1999
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
Secretary Gwadosky Expands
Conservation License Plate Program
AUGUSTA--Secretary of State
Dan A. Gwadosky announced today that the Conservation license plate design,
commonly referred to as the "Loon Plate," will be expanded to allow classifications
for commercial, disability, motor home and trailer license plates.
Previously, Loon plates were only available for passenger vehicles.
"We have received many requests
from individuals wanting to display the Loon plate on their trailer, commercial
vehicle or motor home. Additionally, many people have expressed a
desire to have a choice of the Loon design for the disability plate," Secretary
Gwadosky said. "I'm happy to announce today that these plates are
now available."
As of today, the specialty
Loon plate will be available for those vehicles that qualify as commercial,
motor home, and trailer. A disability plate will also be available
with the Loon design. In order to obtain these license plates, all
other qualifications for the specific license plate classification must
be met by the applicant.
These plates are currently
available at Bureau of Motor Vehicle branch offices across the state.
Vanity plates (up to four characters for disability plates and five characters
for all others) may be requested for any of the classifications.
The initial $20.00 fee for the Loon specialty plate in these classifications
is the same as for a passenger vehicle. The renewal fee for these
plates is $15.00, thereafter. Vanity plates require an additional
$15.00 annual fee. Some municipalities will also have these plates
available. For more specific information regarding availability at
municipalities contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicle at 287-9002.
As with the passenger Loon
plate series, $14.00 of the initial and renewal fees associated with these
license plates goes directed to the Department of Conservation and the
Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. As required by statute,
the Department of Conservation's Bureau of Parks and Lands receives 60%
(or $8.40) and the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife receives
40% (or $5.60) from each initial registration and renewal.
January 26, 1999
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400
License Plate Reservation
Process Continues
Vehicle owners reminded
to advise Bureau of change of address
Augusta--Efforts to prepare
for the new chickadee license plate continue at the Bureau of Motor
Vehicles (BMV). Vehicle owners wanting to keep their current license
plate number when the new chickadee plates are distributed still have time
to reserve their number. Distribution begins July 1, 1999. The reservation
process has highlighted, however, the fact that many people have not been
notifying the BMV of their change of address when moving or being assigned
a new address because of E-911 efforts.
"The reservation process
has been moving very smoothly and over 62,000 people have reserved their
current plate number thus far," stated Secretary Gwadosky. "However,
through the reservation process, we have determined that many people have
not updated their addresses at BMV after moving," continued Gwadosky.
"I realize it is most difficult to remember this requirement when assigned
a new address for E-911 purposes. We are taking this opportunity
to remind Maine motorist of the requirement to update their address with
our office when it changes for any reason."
A reservation system has
been established by BMV to allow Maine motorists who want to retain their
current plate number when the new license plate design is distributed.
Anyone who wants to reserve their current plate number may pick up a form
at any motor vehicle branch office and municipal offices that process motor
vehicle registrations. A $15.00 fee is required and a copy of your
current registration must be included with the reservation form.
The statutory fee is intended to cover the cost of producing and
handling the plate out of sequence. In the case of vanity plate holders,
the $15.00 reservation fee will be credited towards the next renewal of
their plates.
Anyone who does not wish
to reserve their current plate number will be issued a chickadee plate
bearing the next available number at no additional charge. It is
estimated that over 90% of motor vehicle registrants will opt to receive
a chickadee plate with the next available number and will incur no additional
charge for the new plates. When the new general plate issue is completed,
over 900,000 pairs of license plates will have been replaced with the chickadee
design.
The license plate replacement
was approved by the Legislature during the 1997 session. A task force
was established by the Legislature to consider designs for the new general
issue license plate. This task force, which included legislators,
BMVrepresentatives and law enforcement officials, considered a number of
designs and recommended the chickadee design, that was approved by the
Legislature.
The following license plates
will not be replaced by the chickadee design: conservation plates
(loon), University of Maine System (UMS), veteran, purple heart, trailer,
prisoner of war, apportioned, and motorcycle/moped.
Anyone with questions regarding
the reservation program or the new chickadee design plate should contact
the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at 287-9002 or visit our home page at www.state.me.us/sos/sos.htm
