Aroostook County Republicans pushing for energy relief

To the editor:
    You all should know that several (if not all) of us on the Aroostook County Republican Committee have absolutely had it with elected republicans acting like democrats. This is true across a huge range of issues. The term “RINO” (republicans in name only) sadly describes far too many republicans in Maine and across the states.     Aroostook Republicans, by and large, represent still what the republican party used to be, and we are taking our grievances to the state level with renewed vigor. The first issue we are taking on is the underlying cause of our looming economic crisis – the rising cost of fuel of all types. Shamefully, both of our U.S. Senators have so far bowed to religious environmentalism and voted, for example, against drilling in the barren Artic wasteland known as “ANWAR.”
    At last the recent Maine Republican Committee meeting in Augusta, it was Aroostook Republicans, led by both county vice-chairs, who urged consideration of a resolution to change the Republican Party platform to call for aggressive energy policy changes that would lead to relief in energy prices. While support for such a resolution among representatives from all countries were vocal and impressive, the item was not on the agenda, and therefore, was not allowed to proceed at that time. Rest assured, however, that we are not giving up on this.
    Second District Congressional candidate, John Frary, is making bringing an oil refinery to Aroostook a plank on his platform. Others are talking about reviving the Dickey-Lincoln hydro-project. Even a small nuclear plant may be called for as energy prices continue to drive Aroostook people into abject poverty.
    Sentiment among grassroots republicans across the state is that we must return the party to its conservative underpinnings. The situation among party leadership is currently hot good, but it is far from hopeless.
    If you want to help with the important project of getting all Maine republicans to once again act like republicans (or, if they won’t, forcing them to join the other party, where many of them truly belong). Contact me by email at mepatriot@juno.com.
Steven J. Martin, vice-chairman
County Republican Committee
Amity