Lots happening in Augusta between our governor and our legislators. The courts are hearing all this stuff but no decisions yet. The 2016 campaign has already started. Looks to me like some of our legislators are using the present fiasco with our governor to gain political points. Many people I talk to are on the governor’s side. Don’t throw money at the problem just so you can look good. That’s what they do in Washington and the legislators in Maine want to continue that practice. I’ve been wondering, how many of these people who write letters to the editor have actually sat in on a House or Senate session, or walked through the halls of the State House and talked to the many lobbyists who represent special interest groups, or talked to their local legislators about the issues? How many?

My update on LD1280, a casino for Southern Maine. Lobbyists for the casinos (Hollywood Slots, Oxford Casino) claim cannibalization. (From the dictionary: “To take any or all personnel or components from [one organization] for the use in building up another.”) How does this apply to someone wanting to build a resort casino in southern Maine? What has happened to free enterprise (“willingness to undertake new and risky projects, energy and initiatives.”) What’s wrong with a little competition? (“Rivalry in business, as for customers and markets.”)

Sounds to me like our two casinos want a monopoly. (“Exclusive control of the commodity or service in a given market, or control that makes possible the fixing of prices and the virtual elimination of free competition, exclusive possession or control of something.”) Think about this, where would we be if we allowed monopolies? Would Shaw’s and Hannaford be able to shut out Mom and Pop stores, convenience stores, etc.? A casino in southern Maine means more people will be employed from the cascade being offered by the proposed bidders, veterans $14 million. Who is afraid of competition? Hey, that’s what America was built on. Talk to your legislators. Senators, don’t listen to the lobbyists, listen to “We the People.”

Once again, a reminder that the Annual Veterans Council Golf Tournament is taking place on Aug. 21. Please submit your teams entries soon so we can get an accurate head count for planning purposes. Remember this tournament allows the Mid-coast Veterans Council to continue assisting veterans in our area. The bonus is we all have a good time doing it. See you there.

Saturday, Aug. 1, George T. Files Post 20, American Legion Post Home in Brunswick was formally dedicated by National Commander of the American Legion, Michael Helm (Nebraska), assisted by Maine’s Past National Commander, Tony Jordan (Augusta). The Honorable Paul R. LePage, Governor of Maine, and First Lady of Maine Ann LePage were on hand as special guests of Post 20.

Post 20 officers, led by Commander Joe Donahue and Past Commander Marty Diller were joined by State and National Officers of the American Legion and also state and town officials. A good crowd estimated at 150 were in attendance.

The Evergreen Senior Center members gave ownership of the property, building and contents to George T. Files Post 20. The Post was first chartered in 1919. The Post has always played a big part in patriotic events in town and also been involved with community affairs, school activities, baseball, Boys/Girls State, law and order, etc.

Iona Osnoe, WWII veteran a 65 year member of the American Legion, who joined the Brunswick Post in 1944, was a special guest along with other WWII veterans.

Many awards were presented to Legion and local residents. Roger and Bonnie Dumont received a Legislative Sentiment from State Sen. Stan Gerzofsky and also gifts from Brunswick Resource Director Read Rich.

A Combat Service was presented by Gov. LePage, and Col. Michael Samerov, USMC, Commanding Officer 25th Maine Regiment to Purple Heart Recipient Adam M. Robert a Afghanistan combat veteran. First Lady Ann LePage presented a Blue Star Banner to Mrs. Judy Gorby in appreciation for her grandson, Jesse Ayotte, U. S. Army.

The outstanding Citizen Award was presented to town employee Buddy Rogers by Town Manager, John Eldridge and Legion Commanders Joe Donahue and Marty Diller. Mr. Rogers was cited for his volunteering to take care of the graves of the local veterans for the past 15 years.

The American Legion Law Officer of the Year award was presented to Brunswick Police Sgt. Jonathan O’Connor, by Brunswick Chief of Police Rizzo assisted by Deputy Chief Mark Hagan. He was recognized for a life saving rescue this past year.

The Legion’s Fourth State Award (Newspaper) was presented to The Times Record by State Commander of the Legion Ron Rainfrette.

The Legion Humanitarian Award was presented to Joanne McMahon (Brunswick) by Immediate Past Commander Marty- Diller. Mrs. McMahon was selected for her many hours volunteering to assist disabled and handicapped veterans.

Legion Americanism awards were presented to Post 20 members Gil Ormsby and Joe Donahue by the Past State Commander Richard Graves (Milo).

Legion Boy/Girls State Award was presented to Spencer Wodatch by State Director Pete Johnson, assisted by Region 10 Director Pete Dawson and Assistant Director Cindy Hutchins.

Legion Service Officer Award was presented to Rich Kowalzyk, Brunswick Post 20 by State Service Officer Amedeo (Deo) Lauria. Post 20 assisted 111 veterans, family members and survivors with Veteran Administration Affairs, from June 2014 to June 2015.

National Commander Mike Helm presented Past Post 20 Commander, Marty Diller, with the National Post Excellence Award and also the Gold Membership Banner for 100 percent by Dec. 31. Post 20 has won this award the past four years. A light lunch prepared by the wives of Post members was served following the ceremony.

The membership of Post 20 presented the National Commander Mike Helm with a gift certificate from LL Bean in appreciation for attending the Dedication Ceremony.

Coming Events: Garrison- Lavallee Chapter 15, Disabled Veterans, meeting 6 p.n. Aug. 4, Brunswick Elks.

From the Coffee Crowd: Dante “Governor stick with the people.” The baseball situation between the Red Sox and Yankees is still topic of discussion, Jim “those Red Sox players are overpaid.” Friend Gil is getting around. Way to go Gil.

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