An anniversary and more legislative bills

It was my pleasure this past weekend to attend a celebration honoring Doris and Jim McBreairty of Washburn on the occasion of their 70th anniversary. I was pleased to present the couple with a sentiment from the 123rd Legislature recognizing this milestone. I sponsored the sentiment, and it was co-sponsored by the entire Aroostook County delegation. All our best wishes to this long-married couple.
    Doris and Jim were married April 30, 1937, at Doris’ parent’s home in Perham and later raised four children. Over the years Jim held practically every office in the town of Perham. He served on the school board for over 20 years and was instrumental in forming SAD 45 and building the new Washburn District High School. Retired from farming, Jim became a highly respected state Representative and then a state Senator from 1975 to 1986. When Jim returned from Augusta, he served for eight years as Aroostook County Treasurer. After 63 years there, Doris and Jim sold their “home farm” in Perham in the summer of 2005 at the ripe old ages of 85 and 90, respectively. They moved into a new home in Washburn. It’s wonderful that they’ve had so many years together.
Even though Aroostook County is a large area, our population tends to share similar views. I find that the County delegation, although represented by two different parties, usually stands together on “County” items.
Recently, there was a bill before the Legislature that would allow trucks that had been stopped and determined to be slightly over weight to continue to their destination before having to unload. It was specifically designed to assist truckers hauling from the woods, allowing them to go on to the mill to be weighed and unloaded there rather than spending time waiting for unloading along a roadway. The bill came out of committee “Ought Not to Pass” 11-2. However, Rep. Troy Jackson of Allagash spoke well on the floor of the House explaining the purpose of his bill and the impact it would have on truckers trying to make a living with their trucks in regions of the state dependent upon wood harvesting. We had a roll call vote, and while the bill still did not pass, all of the County House members supported the legislation.
The County delegation met with representatives of Maine Public Service Company this week. It was a pleasure to meet Brent Boyles, the new president of the company. They share our concerns about the higher cost of electricity and explained what they are trying to do to help residents and commercial users as the provider of our electrical power. The bottom line is, we all must make efficient choices about energy use – both at home and through policies set at the state level, in order to lower costs.
As predicted, the Governor vetoed the so-called racino bill that was brought to us as the result of a successful petition drive by the Washington County Racino supporters. His veto was not overturned, so it will be on the ballot this fall.
Please feel free to contact me with your thoughts or concerns. I may be reached at 287-1400 or toll free 1-800-423-2900 or you can e-mail me at RepPatricia.Sutherland@legislature.maine.gov.