South Portland Democrats http://www.sopodems.com/index.php/site/index/ en mattbeck13@msn.com Copyright 2009 2009-05-12T15:14:00-05:00 Wellstone Film Series Wraps Up Season with "The Rape of Europa" on Thursday, May 28 http://www.sopodems.com/index.php/site/wellstone_film_series_wraps_up_season_with_the_rape_of_europa_on_thursday_m/ On Thursday, May 28, we will be showing “THE RAPE OF EUROPA” (2006) at the South Portland Community Center. This will be the last documentary viewed in the 2008-9 season of the Paul Wellstone Documentary Series. (The 2009-10 series will resume in October.) Since the film runs 116 minutes, we will begin at 6:15 instead of the usual 6:30 to leave time for discussion. As described by distributors, “The Rape of Europa” chronicles the twelve years of Nazis’ pillaging works of art throughout Europe and the international effort to locate, protect and return millions of valuable treasures. Directed by Richard Berge, the film narrates efforts of art lovers and everyday heroes who tried to thwart the looting Nazis and shows how experts from Europe and the US continue to recover priceless works of art missing or hidden for decades.  “The Rape of Europa” won an Audience Choice Award for Best Documentary at the 2007 River Run International Film Festival. Kenneth Turan, writing for the Los Angeles Times, says the documentary “covers a lot of territory and is packed with information. It also tells a series of wonderful stories, many of which are fascinating enough to inspire movies of their own.” Another reviewer comments that the film “leaves you wondering how art ever survives wars.”

Please join us for this excellent and educational documentary, a must for art lovers, on May 28th starting at 6:15 pm in the Teen Room on the Second Floor of the South Portland Community Center.

More information on this fine film at http://www.rapeofeuropa.com/

To view the film trailer, click here: http://www.rapeofeuropa.com/theTrailer.aspx

]]> 2009-05-12T15:14:00-05:00 Wellstone Film Series Continues with "Young At Heart" on Thurs. April 30th at 6:30 p.m. http://www.sopodems.com/index.php/site/wellstone_film_series_continues_with_young_at_heart_on_thurs_april_30th_at_/ Well, viewers at our March showing decided we needed an upbeat documentary next, so here it is for April: “Young At Heart” (2007). Doors will open at 6 p.m. at the South Portland Community Center in the Second Floor Teen Room on Thursday, April 30th, with the film beginning at 6:30. Running time is 107 minutes, which leaves us some time for discussion afterward.  Directed by Stephen Walker, YOUNG AT HEART follows a singing group of Massachusetts senior citizens as they prepare for their 2006-7 concert tour of New England, the West Coast, and Ireland. As Ty Burr of the Boston Globe points out, the premise of the film sounds “much too cute to tolerate.” However, the “ragged triumph of Stephen Walker’s film is that it convinces us to stick around as the proceedings deepen into profundity.” After mentioning the songs performed in the film and the source of suspense in the action, Burr concludes: “In ‘Young at Heart,’ the prison is old age, and every song’s a jailbreak.” Please join us for this humane and heartwarming documentary, which premiered at Sundance in 2008.

Again, doors will open at 6 p.m. at the South Portland Community Center in the Second Floor Teen Room on Thursday, April 30th, with the film beginning at 6:30.

More info on this wonderful film can be found at the official website: http://www.foxsearchlight.com/youngatheart/

The original movie trailer can be seen below:

]]> 2009-04-02T16:35:00-05:00 Rep. Terry Morrison to Host Tax Reform Public Forum on Monday, April 6th http://www.sopodems.com/index.php/site/rep_terry_morrison_to_host_tax_reform_public_forum_on_monday_april_6th/ Rep. Terry Morrison is hosting a Tax Reform and Relief Package Public Forum at the South Portland Community Center on Monday, April 6th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. The forum will be held in the Senior Center wing and the public is invited and encouraged to attend. Joining Rep. Morrison for this important event will be the rest of the South Portland delegation to the Maine Legislature: Sen. Larry Bliss (D-7th Dist.), Rep. Jane Eberle (D-123rd Dist.) and Rep. Bryan Kaenrath (D-124th Dist.). In addition, the featured guest speaker will be Rep. Linda Valentino from Saco (D-134th Dist.). Rep. Valentino is a member of the Maine Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Taxation. Come hear all about the 2009 Legislative Tax Reform and Relief Package plan and be sure to bring your questions with you. Tax Reform & Relief Package

Overall Concept

Revenue-neutral tax reform package designed to cut the state income tax for Mainers,
dropping the top income tax rate by over 20% from 8.5% to 6.5%; stimulate economic
development; export tax burden; and stabilize revenues.

Because out-of-staters will pay more of a fair share, practically all benefits will flow back
to Mainers; resident tax burden will be decreased by over $75 million a year.

Mainers in every income category will benefit.

Focus on income taxes will help stimulate economy.
Impacts

Maine’s income tax rate will go from one of highest in the nation to the middle-of-the-pack.

Put more money in the pockets of Maine families

Directly support small business (since most small businesses are partnerships or S-corps that pay
taxes through individual income tax).

Help change the perception of Maine as a high taxed state.

Make Maine more competitive for business attraction and investment.

Reduce incentives that drive some Mainers to become non-residents.
Mainers’ tax burden (from ALL sources) will drop by more than $75 million/year.

Provide an overall tax decrease of between $100 and $500 for most Maine tax filers every year.

Pump more money into Maine’s economy.

Encourage individuals to become Maine residents and provide incentives for owners of small
businesses that file as individuals to locate in the state.

Maine’s tax base will remain competitive in the areas where it is already, and become more
competitive in others.

Maine would still have a lower sales tax rate (5%) than the national average (5.75%).

Maine would still have a narrower sales tax base than most states.

Maine’s meals and lodging tax will still be far below most travel destinations.
This plan would increase competitiveness for Maine businesses.

A lower income tax, closer to the middle of the pack nationally

Putting $100-$500 more in the pockets of Maine people, increasing incomes as fuel for the
economy.

Lower business taxes and create more appeal for business growth.
Maine’s future tax revenues will be more stable.

Lowering capital gains rate and broadening sales tax base will both reduce volatility.

A more stable budget impacts the whole economy - businesses that contract with the state can
better plan for the future.

The Time is NOW!

Hard economic times demand action. Maine must not only spend wisely, but collect revenues
wisely (in ways that export more tax burden and spur needed economic development).

Maine will fill a budget gap of over 1 billion dollars this legislative session. It’s foolhardy to
think that any extra funds could be found to pay to lower taxes. But tax burden can be reduced
significantly through a revenue-neutral tax reform plan. That’s the only practical approach.

Even AFTER any extra sales taxes are paid, Maine people will have an additional $100-$500 in
their pockets each year

We can’t afford to leave $75 million/year on the table. This is the time to act!

Bill Components:

Lower top income tax rate from 8.5% to 6.5% and replace the current tiers with a
progressive household credit (which lowers the effective tax rate below 6.5% for most for
most Mainers).

Taxpayers would choose between a standard deductible credit and an itemized deductible
credit (based on the amount of state qualified itemized deductions on a taxpayer’s federal
tax return). NOTE: This new system incorporates the popular deductions for mortgage
interest and charitable giving while providing more benefit to most Mainers. Taxpayers
will have a choice between taking a standard or itemized credit based on your federal
income tax deductions.

Remove exemptions for select consumer services

Amusements and recreation

Rare and occupational repair and maintenance services, excluding home repairs

Taxi and limo services

Interstate telephone charges (It was previously thought that Federal law barred states
from instituting taxes on interstate telephone charges. It has since been resolved and
states are allowed to, so many states have consequently imposed sales taxes.)

Some personal property services such as dry cleaning, pet boarding, and storage units

Transportation and courier services

NOTE: This is a drastically scaled-down version of what was proposed in 2007.
The current focus is items that are exportable, discretionary, or counter-cyclical,
and where the business is already collecting sales tax. Business to business
services and certain consumer services (such as haircuts) are excluded.

Increase tax on prepared meals and lodging to from 7% to 8.5%, while simultaneously investing
more funds in tourism promotion. Raise the tax on short-term car rentals from 10% to 15%.
Increase the real estate transfer tax modestly for homes worth over $500,000. Retain the RETT at
current level (.44%), except that for a residential property sold for more than $500,000, the
amount over $500,000 will be taxed at 1%.

This is different from last year’s plan because it places a greater emphasis on lowering the income
tax rate and does not extend the sales tax to items that are less exportable or to businesses
that have not collected sales tax before.

Timetable:

Bill was printed on March 17th. It is L.D. 1088.

Bill is expected to be heard by Taxation Committee in late March or early April.

]]> 2009-03-27T14:01:00-05:00 Wellstone Documentary Film Series - "Taxi To The Dark Side" on Thursday, March 26 at 6:30 pm http://www.sopodems.com/index.php/site/wellstone_documentary_film_series_taxi_to_the_dark_side_on_thursday_march_2/ On THURSDAY, MARCH 26TH, we will be showing TAXI TO THE DARK SIDE at the South Portland Community Center.  As usual, doors open at 6:00 p.m.; the film, which runs 106 minutes, begins at 6:30.  Admission is free, though donations are always welcome to cover snacks.Directed by Alex Gibney, TAXI TO THE DARK SIDE was released in 2007.  In 2008 it won Best Documentary at the Academy Awards.  This documentary tells the 2002 story of Dilawar, a young Afghan taxi driver who picks up three passengers and never returns home.  Five days later he winds up dead at Bagram Air Base, killed by injuries inflicted by US soldiers.  The interviews, net footage, and firsthand reports provide a gripping look at this controversial case and the Bush administration’s policy on torture.  The term “dark side” was coined by Vice President Dick Cheney during a “Meet the Press” interview when he stated that the US might have to use tactics of the “dark side” to contain terrorists.  The documentary has had excellent reviews:  Wesley Morris of the Boston Globe writes:  “the film quickly becomes one of the most powerful, carefully researched investigations of the moral-legal side effects of current American military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq.” Tamard Straus, writing for the San Francisco Chronicle, suggests that the film’s winnning an Oscar must mean that “academy members also want Americans to be rattled by the country’s lost moral stature.”

Please join us for a viewing and lively discussion afterward on Thursday, March 26th.

]]> 2009-03-19T18:36:00-05:00 An Update from Senator Lawrence Bliss (7th Dist.) http://www.sopodems.com/index.php/site/an_update_from_senator_lawrence_bliss_7th_dist/ February 16, 2009 - The legislative session is well underway. We have already passed the “Supplemental Budget” document, designed to balance this year’s budget. We have now begun holding hearings on the Governor’s proposed budget for the next two years. This session, I serve as Chair of the Judiciary committee, and also sit on the Taxation committee.  There is quite a bit to learn on both of these committees, and I find myself reading bills and background information well into the evenings on a regular basis. Here are some things that you might find interesting. I hope you will pass them along to others as appropriate.

1.  Unclaimed Property: Every year the State Treasurer releases a list of unclaimed property that belongs to Maine citizens but is being held by the state. I’ve been reviewing that list, and have found a number of folks in our area who have money coming. In the next few days, I’ll be calling to let you know that you are “one the list,” and I’ll tell you how to claim that property.

2.  Foreclosure Prevention Workshop: The Maine Housing Counselor Network, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Maine State Housing Authority are sponsoring a FREE workshop on Saturday, February 28th at the Augusta Armory (179 Western Avenue, Augusta). The workshop will REPEAT every hour from 11am to 3pm. If you are behind on your mortgage payments, or worried about your next house payment, or are considering bankruptcy to avoid foreclosure, this workshop is for you. Call Kim Moulton at 859-1637 with questions.

3.  Tax Preparation Assistance: If your earnings for 2008 were $50,000 or less, you can get FREE tax preparation assistance. The United Way of Greater Portland is working with AARP, Casey Family Services, Consumer Credit, KeyBank, Pine Tree Legal Assistance, the Portland Housing Authority, and People’s Regional Opportunity Program to make this possible. When you have all your 2008 tax documents, dial 2-1-1 for the number to make an appointment.

4.  Financially Fit Kids: On March 9th, author Joline Godfrey will speak in USM’s Hannaford Auditorium on “Raising Financially Fit Kids.” Ms. Godfrey has written several books on the subject, and is being presented FREE as a public service event sponsored by the USM Office of the President, Junior Achievement of Maine, and the LL Bean/Lee Surace Colloquium Series. To reserve your FREE seat, visit http://www.usm.maine.edu/~gramlich/godfrey/rsvp.htm .

5.  Getting Ready for College: I’ve gotten two great documents from the National Association for College Admission Counseling. Both are designed to help prepare you and your teen for college. One is designed specifically for parents of Middle School teens, and the other is for parents of High School teens. If you’d like me to email one (or both) to you, just send me an email and let me know.

6.  This list: If you would like to be removed from my “Updates” list, please send me an email and I’ll take you off the list right away. But if you know others who might like to receive this update, please ask them to contact me and I’ll add them for the next mailing.

Please stay in touch! I’m always interested in hearing from folks who live in my legislative district. Please feel free to keep me informed of your views. I can be reached at Lawrence.bliss@gmail.com, or by calling the Democratic Senate office at the State House at 287-1515.

Larry

Senator Lawrence Bliss
Senate District 7 (Cumberland County)
Maine State Legislature

]]> 2009-03-01T21:24:00-05:00 Wellstone Documentary Film Series Continues with "9/11: Press For Truth" on Friday, February 27 http://www.sopodems.com/index.php/site/wellstone_documentary_film_series_continues_with_9_11_press_for_truth_on_fr/ Directed by Ray Nowosielski, “9/11: Press For Truth” was released in 2006.  Based partly on Paul Thompson’s book “The Terror Timeline,” the film chronicles the efforts of family members who lost loved ones in the 9/11 attack as they hound powerful officials to uncover the truth. The film will be shown on Friday, February 27th at the South Portland Community Center in the second floor Teen Room beginning at 6:30. Doors open at 6:00 and admission is free. The film runs 84 minutes and will be followed by a discussion for those interested. The families succeed in generating an independent iinvestigation, but more questions than answers emerge as the film spotlights secretive politicians, buried news items, and government press conferences lacking substance.  Viewers’ comments on the film are very positive; for example, one commentator writes that it portrays “just the struggle of 9/11 survivors to get reasonable answers from our government”; another, there are “lots of news stories revealed here that shed new light on what really happened.” Especially powerful is the post-commentary during and after the credits of the film at the end, which suggests that we are far from knowing the truth of this catastrophe.

Once again, we invite you to join us for a viewing and lively discussion afterward on Friday, February 27th in the second floor Teen Room at the South Portland Community Center. As usual, doors open at 6:00 p.m. The film, which runs 84 minutes, starts at 6:30.  Admission is free.

More information about this powerful film can be found at http://www.911pressfortruth.com/

To view the movie trailer, click below on the embedded YouTube link.


]]> 2009-02-08T20:38:00-05:00 Wellstone Film Series Continues Friday, Jan. 30th with "Flow" http://www.sopodems.com/index.php/site/wellstone_film_series_continues_friday_jan_30th_with_flow/ On FRIDAY, JANUARY 30TH, we will be showing our next documentary for the Paul Wellstone series.  PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A FRIDAY AND NOT A THURSDAY EVENING.  “FLOW: FOR LOVE OF WATER” was recently released (in 2008); running 84 minutes, it will begin at 6:30 in the 2nd Floor Teen Room at the South Portland Community Center.  As usual, doors open at 6:00 p.m., and admission is free. The film examines the harsh realities behind the mounting crisis of fresh water. Directed by Irena Salina, the documentary shows how issues of this important natural resource are interwoven with larger economic, social, political, and human concerns that affect all of us.  With water becoming scarce all over the world, the film urges a call to arms before more of our most precious natural resource evaporates.  The New York Times, commenting on water as “the sleeping giant issue of the 21st century,” describes the film as “compelling and passionate,” opening our eyes to the seriousness of the global water crisis.  Robert Redford argues that director Salina “builds a case against the growing privatization of the world’s dwindling fresh water supply with an unflinching focus on politics, pollution, human rights, and the emergence of a domineering world water cartel.” Underlying the issues raised by this film is the question:  can anyone really own water? 

“FLOW: FOR LOVE OF WATER” is an important film for Mainers, since bottled water companies are descending on Maine to harvest its rare and abundant supply of clean, fresh water and ship it elsewhere.  Several small towns and communities have already dealt with this issue; others (Brownfield and Denmark, Maine) are in the midst of legal battles with large beverage companies. 

Please join us for a viewing and discussion afterward of this documentary on Friday, January 30th, beginning at 6:30 in the 2nd Floor Teen Room at the South Portland Community Center.  As usual, doors open at 6:00 p.m., and admission is free.

The film’s official trailer may be viewed by clicking below:

]]> 2009-01-06T19:00:01-05:00 Michele Parry Launches Bid to Chair SoPo Dems http://www.sopodems.com/index.php/site/michele_parry_launches_bid_to_chair_sopo_dems/ Democratic activist Michele Parry has announced her intention to run for the role of Chair of the South Portland Democratic City Committee. The seat will soon become vacant in the wake of the announcement of the resignation of Deborrah Jabar from the post. “Barack Obama’s victory on November 4th marked the culmination of tremendous efforts by Democrats in South Portland, in Maine, and across America to create avenues to change,” Parry said. “I want to see our Party continue to grow and strengthen and surpass the amazing gains we made in this election.” Nominations for Chair of the South Portland Democrats will be accepted at our regular monthly meetings on Wednesday, January 28 and Wednesday, February 18. At the latter meeting, nominations will cease and a new Chair will be elected. South Portland Democrats interested in running for the position also have the option of notifying the committee by email at sopodems@hotmail.com

Ms. Parry is the first candidate to throw her hat into the ring to finish out the term of Chair, set to run until the next party caucus. Michele Parry joined TD Banknorth in 2004 and assists in the management of the Higher Education Group, focusing on educational clients. She is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine, with a B.A. in English. Michele lives in South Portland with her husband, Jon Parry.

“Just as President-Elect Obama is building his team and preparing to assume the great challenges that face him come January 20th, we should likewise be preparing for what comes ahead,” Parry continued. “Now is the time to continue building on the grassroots approach that proved so effective for Democrats in this election year. As Chair, I will work diligently to keep this momentum going and focus on increasing community involvement and on fundraising activities. I know that you are all committed to the success of our party and I would greatly appreciate your support to help achieve it.”

The remaining officers of the South Portland Democrats plan to finish out their two-year terms, having been elected at the presidential caucus in February 2008. The other officers are: Matt Beck, Vice Chair; Alan Mills, Treasurer; and Tom Ayres, Secretary.

]]> 2009-01-03T19:40:00-05:00 Message from The Chair - Thank You and Happy New Year! http://www.sopodems.com/index.php/site/message_from_the_chair_thank_you_and_happy_new_year/ December 31, 2008 - Greetings South Portland Democrats!!! As we approach 2009 - which promises to be one of hope and change for our country - and as we continue to revel in our many Democratic victories throughout the nation, I warmly extend my thanks and appreciation to all the hardworking citizens of South Portland who gave their all to make these victories possible. I am stepping down as Chair of the South Portland Democratic City Committee and I officially announce the call for nominations for the position of Chair.  The nominations shall remain open until our February Meeting on Wednesday, February 18. At that time nominations will cease and a Chair will be elected. Anyone interested in running for the position of Chair may inform the committee by email before our next meeting on Wednesday, January 28, or at the meeting itself. We will be happy to post your intention to run on the official website of the South Portland Democratic City Committee and any biographical information or statement about your candidacy. Of course, you may also introduce yourself at our January and February meetings.

This has been a great learning experience for me. I have enjoyed working with all of the dedicated Democrats in South Portland and throughout our great State of Maine. I thank my fellow officers and sub-committee members for their unwavering dedication and support. It is now time to give someone else an opportunity to serve as Chair and bring forth new ideas and goals for 2009.

I look forward to continuing to participate in our committee’s grassroots efforts to bring out the vote and get our local Democrats involved on issues that are so important to the growth and well being of our community.  I’m most appreciative for the chance to serve.

Happy New Year and All Best Wishes to Everyone for Good Health, Happiness and Good Fortune in 2009!

Peace to You and Yours!
Deborrah

Deborrah Jabar
Chair, South Portland Democratic City Committee

]]> 2008-12-31T19:54:00-05:00 Larry Bliss Releases Video Thanking Voters for Their Support http://www.sopodems.com/index.php/site/larry_bliss_releases_video_thanking_voters_for_their_support/ Larry Bliss, the newly-elected 7th District State Senator, has produced a videotape thanking voters for their support. “I appreciate your trust and your confidence in me,” Larry said, “and I promise I will work hard for you.” Bliss reminds viewers of his pledge to continue working on issues that he’s championed during his previous tenure in Augusta. Before running for Senate, Bliss served four terms in the Maine House representing the 122nd District. Those issues include alternative energy & conservation; reforming Maine’s tax structure; encouraging economic development; and making sure that every citizen is safe and warm during the cold winter months.

Larry also pledged to work to help small farmers such as those in Cape Elizabeth, protect our marshlands, and work to find a solution to the unbearable truck traffic noise by the highways and near Broadway.

The video was produced by Harbor Light Films, a South Portland-based video production company. You can view it by clicking below:

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