Our governor, the Legislature, House, Senate Leaders, who will win? You can bet it’s not going to be “We the People.”

I’m betting our governor will survive this fiasco. I’ll admit the whole thing is frustrating to most of us. You’d think our Legislators and their leaders would spend their time doing the work of the people, “We the People,” rather than arguing back and forth on whose right and whose wrong.

A lot of people I talk to agree it’s an embarrassment to our state. People are hurting, our seniors (I’m one of them) are wondering what’s happening with their income. Taxes are climbing, will they be able to stay in their homes, will they be able to keep up with their medical needs. Some I talk to wonder will they be a burden to their families. If you could read our governor’s vetoes you’d know that he is concerned about our taxes, about spending, and he does have a genuine concern for the elderly.

I realize that we all have our own concerns and opinions, but not enough of us let our Legislators and our governor know how we feel. Folks, it’s time to speak up, time to wake up the old Yankee voice and let Augusta hear us loud and clear. You know, it’s funny in a way, some of our leaders agree with me, this session of our Legislature has seen too many of our elected people have their own agenda. Bottom Line — let’s hope for the good of our State and for “We the People” the courts will make the right decision.

The more I talk to people about LD1280, “A Casino in Southern Maine,” the more I’m convinced that this is a good piece of legislation. It’s a peoples bill and will help a lot of deserving, hard working people who are trying to make an honest living to support their families. Gambling is not going away, politicians refuse to do anything to abolish it so let’s take advantage of it. Give people an opportunity to have a job. A casino, with restaurants and hotel will do that. Think about the people it will take to build such a facility. The cascade offered by this bill will provide an estimated 14 million dollars to veterans. Think about this, our Legislature can use the funds usually set aside to help veterans to provide funds for our transportation problems, provide a safety net for the livelihood of many people, in the Harness Racing Industry, farmers and Fair Associations, Horseman, Off-track Betting Parlors and the list goes on and on. In my opinion using the excuse, “it’s religious commitment,” is ridiculous. These same politicians don’t complain about receiving donations from the gambling industry, (Oxford-Hollywood Slots). Let’s be real!

Let’s continue with the subject of veterans benefits available. Remember the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs honors and serves you by fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise, “to care for him who have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.” Vet success, VA assists veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for, obtain, and maintain suitable employment through the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Vet Success Program. First, VA conducts a comprehensive evaluation to help determine your future career path. Based on your evaluation, Vet Success provides you with vocational counseling, job-search assistance, and other education and training services. Vet Success career counseling benefits are also available to you if you recently separated from the military or are using VA education benefits, even if you don not have a service connected disability. Since writing this column we have helped hundreds of people. Veterans, their families and survivors receive help with the Veterans Administration, DD 214’s, burial benefits, pensions, compensation, health care, housing, employment, education benefits, etc. If you’re in doubt about your eligibility, call someone. Paul Loveless at the Veterans Resource Center, (207) 406- 4103, will do all he can to assist you. Many of our surviving widows have been helped by simply making a phone call. Are you in need of assistance with living in your home? Aid is available to those eligible for Housebound or Aid and Attendance. I received a news release Sen. King’s office this week on a “Bipartisan Bill to improve support for Nation’s New Veterans.” This bill would better connect newly returning veterans with services, resources and benefits in their communities. We will report more about this bill as we receive more information. In the mean time, if you are in need, again call Paul Loveless at the Veterans Resource Center.

George T Files Post 20, American Legion, assumed ownership of the former Evergreen Senior Center. Last week Commander Joe Donahue signed the agreement papers with officials representing the Evergreen Center. Plans are underway for a Grand Dedication Ceremony at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. American Legion National Commander Michael Helm (Nebraska) will be here to conduct the official dedication ceremony, Gov. Paul LePage and First Lady Ann LePage will also be present to participate in our ceremony. Legion Awards will be presented to, Citizen of the Year, Law Officer of the Year, Newspaper of the Year, Boys State Attendee, Service Officer of the Year, National awards to Post 20 etc.

Post 20 members are urged to call (207) 725-8543 for reservations. Local State Legislators led by Sen. Gersofsky will be on hand to make a Legislative Sentiment award to Roger and Bonnie Dumont, long time hard working, volunteers for veterans in this area.

Volunteers and teams are still needed for the Annual Mid Coast Veterans Golf Tournament and Fundraiser. The tournament will take place Friday, Aug. 21 at the Brunswick Golf Course. Call for further information and reservations at (207) 406-4103.

Thanks to Joe and Marion Donahue for helping with the column the past two weeks.

Came across a friend, Denny Barrett, at Home Depot. He’s looking and doing great.

From the Coffee Crowd: Gil Ormsby is rehabbing at home. He’d like to hear from his friends. Cards can be sent to P.O. Box 6482, Brunswick, ME 04011.

Still talking about the Yankees and Red Sox. Murph’s on top, Jim, Cliff, Bob what can we say. Dante, playing golf almost daily in the 90s (age) — not bad.

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