Lincoln County Republicans held their monthly meeting on April 23 at the Water of Life Lutheran Church in Newcastle. The meeting opened with a presentation from Leah Carle, the executive director of Zoe, a Woman’s Center located in Rockport. The center has been operating for over 30 years. She notes that the center has provided free, evidence-based medical and educational services. The Infant, and child services are given in a caring, judgment free, and respectable environment. Among the services they provide are ultrasounds, pregnancy testing, and pregnancy options education. Their trained advocates, medical staff, and volunteers offer services such as parenting and pregnancy classes, life skill classes, pregnancy options education, fatherhood classes, and spiritual and emotional support.  Under their giving tree program, they offer new infant car seats, strollers, and other items needed for new mothers and babies. It was an inspirational address in which she shared success stories of helping young mothers deal with unexpected pregnancies and challenges. She noted that they are always in need of contributions and volunteers as all their services are free. She provided a phone number, (207) 594-1616 and a web address zoeawomanscenter.org for those interested in their services or wishing to support their organization.

The meeting then continued with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation. Scott Rocknak, the Maine GOP Vice Chair then addressed the group on initiatives coming from the Maine GOP such as training and candidate support and opportunities for Republican candidates in the upcoming elections.

Ed Polewarczyk, former Representative of HD-47, addressed the group as he continues to be engaged in state politics. He noted that Wiscasset school performance is below the state average with costs significantly above the state average with a declining enrollment. He went on to say that student assessments in Maine are among the lowest in the country. Ed, a strong advocate of education, believes every child should have the same opportunity he had in receiving a solid education. He credits his strong early education as the first step to college and a career with NASA and feels we are shortchanging our young. When questioned, he responded that he had not ruled out a 2026 run for HD 47.

The Republican Committee of Waldoboro announced several events they will be supporting in the next few months. June 14 is a special day, not only is it Flag Day, but it is also the 150th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army and is President Trump’s birthday. The Waldoboro Committee will be having a hot dog fundraiser at the Waldoboro ballfield. On July 12, the committee will feature an Ice Cream Social at the Trump Wall. On Aug. 16 they will present The Great American Picnic. Their Harvest supper is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 17. The Waldoboro Committee works to keep costs low for attendees in the Republican tradition.

There was a short discussion of Voter ID which will soon be on the ballot. Requiring Voter ID, with the exception of two countries, is a world-wide standard in developed countries to prevent voter fraud. It is a requirement in all 27 European Union countries. Rasmussen polling shows that more than 77% (3 of 4 voters) in the country want it. It should not be a polarizing political issue. Members of the committee were urged to share this information with their families, friends, and interested parties.

The next Lincoln County Republican meeting will be Wednesday, May 28. Information is available at lincolncountyrepublicans.org