Election’s over, legislators sworn in, party leaders chosen, joint committees formed, cloture for submitting legislation gone by, Governor inaugurated, his budget submitted … here we go. Glove tied on, Republicans and Democrats square off, let the games begin!

What can ‘ we the people’ expect? It’s all up to us, we are in control. Keep a close eye on what’s going on in Augusta. Not happy? Something upsets you? Let your legislator know! Hey, you voted for him or her — let them know they represent you. You’re their constituent, and remember how they vote — we’ll be voting again in two years. Politicians need to hear that from us. Gil and I, and others, will be in Augusta to keep track of what’s being done. I will report back to you with the results, positive or negative.

These past few days I’ve spent in the hospital; I got a chance to talk to a lot of people there. It’s surprising how many of our healthcare workers are veterans. Also surprising is how many of them have family members who served or are still serving. You all should know the state of Maine has a veteran’s recognition program and they are trying to locate any veteran who served in the military — especially veterans of WW II, Korea, Vietnam, Cold War, and the current Persian Gulf War — and that includes female veterans, too. The state wants to honor these veterans and any who may have been awarded a Purple Heart or are a former POW, and those who have been Missing In Action or Killed In Action. All family members or veterans who are eligible for such recognition are urged to call the Mid-Coast Veteran’s Resource Center at 406-4103.

Another program, the Blue Star Service Banner program, recognizes families who have loved ones currently serving on active duty, in the reserves or the National Guard. A family member should call the MVRC with the following information: Name, branch of service and rank of the serving member; family connection to the member; name of parent, grandparent, spouse, etc. Arrangements will be made to present the family with a Blue Star Service banner, along with a personally signed letter from First Lady Ann LePage.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank those who cared for me during my recent stay in the hospital — the doctors, nurses, and others. Also, those who took the time to visit me and send the cards and make the phone calls. All of this is the best kind of medicine. Also, I missed the Governor’s inaugural, but Gil reports that it all went well. He also reported that friends Joe and Marion had a good time and that they all were impressed with what our Governor had to say.

On Saturday, we had a ‘Meet & Greet’ in Biddeford with our York County veterans and state legislators. David Patch of the Mid-Coast Veteran’s Council (MCVC) did a great job in conducting the meeting. We had a very busy agenda and accomplished a great deal. Two senators (Ronald Collins and David Woodsome) and eight house members met with 25 York County legionnaires. The session was both informative and educational. Our new legislators were happy to be there and said they learned a lot about veterans issues. The question and answer period went very well — I think we’re ready for what’s ahead in the 127th Maine State Legislature.

Sen. Garrett Mason (Lisbon Falls) has written a memorial resolution to ask our state legislature to urge Maine’s federal congressional delegation to be more aggressive with issues affecting our Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. The resolution has to go before the legislature’s executive committee for approval. We hope that all our legislators will sign on as co-sponsors.

For you veterans and their survivors, its that time of the year — time to check that you are getting your veterans’ property tax exemption. Estates of veterans ( real and personal property) are exempt for up to $6,000 for the place where the veteran (or surviving spouse) is a legal resident. The military veteran must: (1) have served during a federally recognized period, and reached the age of 62, or; be receiving a pension or compensation from the U. S. government for total disability (either service- or non-service connected) as a veteran, and (2) before April 1st, notify the town’s tax assessor in writing (with proof — remember that DD-214?) to claim this exemption.

This is a one-time thing for the veteran — if he/she has already applied for this exemption, it remains in effect until his/her death. The surviving spouse must reapply after the death of the veteran.

In determining the local assessed value of the exemption, the town’s tax assessor will multiply the amount of the exemption by the ratio of the current just value upon which the assessment is based, as furnished in the assessor’s annual return to the state. Confused? If in doubt, ask your tax assessor. Widows, you should call the tax assessor to find out if you are registered. Look up the Maine Revenue Services’ Property Tax Bulletin No. 7 for the details.

Again, your proof of entitlement for this tax exemption is a copy of the veteran’s birth certificate together with presentation of honorable discharge papers if the claim is based on reaching age 62. If the claim is based on a 100 percent disability, you’ll need a certificate or letter from the VA or other federal agency that the applicant is receiving compensation or pension from the U.S. government as a veteran or a widow of a veteran.

‘Til next time, keep the faith.

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Chick Ciciotte is the legislative chairperson for the Mid- Coast Veterans Council. He lives in Topsham.