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New Gloucester resident and newly elected state Representative David Van Wie, at left, is sworn into office at the State House ceremony Dec. 3. Van Wie welcomes ideas and comments from voters residing in House District 105, which includes New Gloucester, Durham and part of Lisbon.
Courtesy photo by Cheryl Bascomb
Rep. Van Wie seeks voter input
State Rep. David Van Wie of New Gloucester was sworn-in on Dec. 3 as a member of the 124th Maine Legislature. With a deadline of Jan. 16 for new bills to be proposed, Rep. Van Wie is welcoming ideas and comments from voters in District 105 for new legislation. He is considering what bills he may wish to sponsor or cosponsor when the session reconvenes Jan. 7.
“This session promises to be a very challenging time at all levels of government,” Van Wie noted. “The terrible economic recession will require major restructuring of many government programs. While this will be politically and economically difficult for many people, it is a major opportunity to rethink our priorities, and retool the way our government works. Even in these tough times, we also need to think about essential investments that will boost our economy in the short and long term.”
Incoming representatives have not yet been assigned to legislative committees. Committee work on new legislation is a major focus for each lawmaker. “I have made the Utilities and Energy Committee my first choice, and Natural Resource my second choice. Either one would be a good match for my professional background in energy and natural resource policy and economics,” Van Wie said.
Speaker of the House Hannah Pingree and Senate President Libby Mitchell have announced that they will appoint a Joint Select Committee on Energy to explore strategies for energy independence, renewable energy development and economic development related to energy technology and production. Van Wie has asked to be appointed to that Joint Select Committee.
“I am interested in promoting community-scale wind power, and investments in energy conservation to benefit homes and businesses in Maine,” he said.
The deadline for new bills (“cloture”) is set for Jan. 16. Van Wie noted that, while it is important to keep the number of new bills to a minimum, introducing legislation is the essence of his job in the Legislature. “It is our job to propose changes in Maine law that will benefit the people of our state. I am reaching out to my constituents to hear what they believe are the highest priorities for new legislation in the upcoming session. I will use my website at www.davidvanwie2008.com to provide updates on what bills I am considering,” Van Wie said.
Constituents can contact Van Wie by e-mailing him at RepDavid.VanWie@legislature.maine.gov or by calling 926-3568.
Online information detailing how a bill becomes law can be found at www.maine.gov/legis/lawlib/billpath.htm.
Camp Pineland
Camp Pineland will be in full swing for the upcoming December school vacation. This year’s camp will run Monday, Dec. 29 through Wednesday, Dec. 31.
Parents, are you looking for some fun, structured activities for your children to do while on vacation from school? If so, come to the Pineland YMCA for sports, games, arts and crafts, outdoor activities (weather permitting), swimming, bowling, and other fun winter activities.
Camp is for school-age children ages 5 through 12. Pre-camp runs from 7:30-9 a.m.; camp, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; and post-camp 4-5:30 p.m. Note that pre- and post-camp are included in the price.
Registrations are now being accepted up through the day of camp, if space is still available. You can register your child for one, two, or all three days of camp. This program is open to both YMCA members and non-members. For more information, call 688-2255, or just stop by the Pineland YMCA at 25 Campus Drive at Pineland.
Candlelight service
The New Gloucester Bible Church, 212 Lewiston Rd., will be holding its annual Christmas Eve candlelight service Wednesday, Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. For more information, call Pastor Dan at 926-3140.
Town announcements
All town facilities will close at noon Wednesday, Dec. 24 so the staff can attend the annual employee Christmas dinner.
Dog licenses are available at the town office. All dog licenses expire on Dec. 31 each year.
Hunting and fishing licenses for 2009 currently are available at the town office.
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