30 Dec Sagadahoc Dems December 2023 Newsletter

Happy Holidays and Buckle Up!

As we close another tumultuous chapter in our lives and find ourselves in the mist of celebrations, and preparations to usher in 2024, let’s take a few minutes to be thankful for the generous support and contributions demonstrated by fellow Democrats throughout the year. Whether by participating in local civic events, attending discussions, voting, canvassing, and supporting the Sag Dems financially, you continue to make our community a stronger and better place to live. Together, we win! 

But, as you’re visiting with family and friends over this holiday season, we encourage you to take stock of where we are in this country and prepare for an even more turbulent calendar year in front of us.  We hear it repeatedly: “The stakes couldn’t be higher.”  And while it’s easy to get numbed as we are assailed daily with bad news, we are not powerless.  At every level of government, from local school boards to the Presidential election, 2024 has the potential to be the most consequential political year for this this country, and whether actively running for one of these positions, or supporting someone who does, your individual contribution will be crucial.

From the Federal level all the way to the school board level, the contrast between the two 2024 world views of America couldn’t be greater. 

A second Trump presidency would mean an unbridled Trump focused on revenge politics, the dismantling of our government, and installing loyal MAGA supporters at every level of government to fulfil the extremist Republican agenda, including federal and state courts: 

• Destroying our free and fair election system, leaning on election denial and Gerrymandering election districts
• Discriminating against women and extreme anti-abortion legislation, targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and people of color and religious minorities
• Anti-climate legislation
• Attacking entitlement programs such as Social Security, Medicare and SNAP
• Isolationist US policies and authoritarian alliances, walking away from NATO, Ukraine and the EU
• Pushing for a white, Christian America
• Banning books in our schools and libraries (even as close as in Woolwich)
• Pro-gun legislation
• Lack of legislation to support everyday working Americans

In contrast, a Biden administration and Democratic federal and state legislatures have and will continue to work to deliver policies focused on the American people. Under President Biden’s leadership, following COVID, the US has achieved the strongest recovery of any of the world’s top economies: 

• Delivered record-high job creation, record-low unemployment and continues to deliver economic growth for all Americans; Annual inflation dropped to 3.1%
• Reduced healthcare costs and expanded the number of Americans able to afford health insurance
• Bipartisan Infrastructure funding to build roads, bridges, invest in the electric grid, and the internet all of which is creating good paying jobs
• Support for climate change adaptation and funding for communities hit by climate-related weather events
• Support for reproductive rights and equal rights for all
• Promoting common-sense gun laws

I never thought I’d live in a country where abortion was made not only illegal, but criminal; a country where books are banned; a country where an entire political party “says the quiet part out loud” and advocates for a white, Christian country.  As a Jew, as a female and as an American, I find it shocking and revolting. 

So please buckle-up dear Sagadahoc Democrats because next year is critical and we are going to need all hands on deck.  I personally am prepared to leave it all on the field in 2024 to ensure that our country and our democracy can thrive well into the future. 

Marcy Leger
Bath, Maine

It’s up to us to END gun violence

Join fellow concerned citizens for Maine Gun Safety Coalition Action Day

On January 3rd, Mainers from across the state, gun owners, medical providers, faith leaders  and parents will gather at the Maine State House to ask our lawmakers to take immediate action to keep our communities safe from gun violence. No one law can stop all tragedies, but there are critical steps we can take now that will make a difference and save lives.  Join other Mainers as we stand inside the Maine State House and tell lawmakers we want change.

Please RSVP HERE

2023 Sagadahoc Democrats Caucus Calendar

ACROSS THE COUNTY!

Things are happening all over Sagadahoc County and we want to hear about what you are doing to move the Democratic agenda forward in your neck of the woods!  Each month, we will publish an update on the goings-on in our cities or towns. If you want to share something with your fellow Sag Dems, send it to our Secretary, Marcy Léger at marcy@sagadahocdems.org

Georgetown Democrats Update

On November 19, the Georgetown Dems met at the Robinhood Free Meetinghouse (thank you Carlos!)  and discussed our robust agenda for early 2024.  Besides enjoying some delicious tapas and treats, we elected new officers and mapped out an early election year work plan.  The meeting was a great turnout, including Bronwen Tudor and some more recent town residents. 
The newly elected officers are Chair, Aria Eee, Vice-Chair, Pam Gunnell, and Secretary, Jenn Dobransky.   The Georgetown Dems have exhibited a lot of exciting “can do” energy. In that regard, they’ve scheduled a February caucus, are recruiting municipal candidates, and are investigating new fund-raising opportunities to support local Democrats.

FMI, please contact Jenn Dobransky @ 522-7350 or Aria Eee @ 514-5738