Things are fairly quiet in Augusta with the legislature in recess. There’s not much to report on. The speaker and the governor are still in the news, but word from governor’s office — “move on, continue to do the work of Maine people.”

Good news reported in the Bangor Daily News Aug. 12 saying that Maine is ranked 4th as a veteranfriendly state. We owe a lot of people a big thank you for passing legislation eliminating military retirees from state income tax. Let’s not forget that this was one of our governor’s priorities. Thanks, Gov. LePage.

Let’s continue with LD 1280 — a resort casino in southern Maine. Driving through Brunswick the other day I passed the new building being constructed on Federal Street. I noticed lots of vehicles parked there. I stopped to look things over and saw that it was Royal Flooring out of Lewiston. Of course my thoughts went to our senators in Lewiston who oppose LD 1280. They feel that another casino would hurt those Lewiston/ Auburn residents who work at Oxford Casino. What about Maine contractors (Royal Flooring) or others in Lewiston/Auburn area? Construction of a casino with restaurant and hotel will take a lot of flooring and put a lot of people to work who live in the area. I wonder if these senators of Lewiston/ Auburn and Lisbon Falls think about those people.

I also noticed Seebee Electric out of Scarborough and others from South Portland, Portland etc.. What about those senators in Cumberland County who oppose LD 1280? These Maine contractors employ a lot of people. Construction of a casino in southern Maine means jobs for these people which relates to economics for that area. “I’m opposed to gambling.” That’s what I hear from these people. Gambling is here and isn’t going away. Think about the positive side — jobs, jobs and more jobs, financial security for families, a ripple effect for other businesses in the area and the list goes on and on. Cannibalize (here’s is that word again) has no meaning with this legislation. The cascade provides for $5 million to Oxford and Hollywood Slots. In my opinion that money could be better used for drug enforcement, treatment centers and other drug related programs. Why give money to the other casinos who want to monopolize gambling in Maine. Competition is what comes into play here. Isn’t that what this country was built on? How about a casino up north – an economic boon for Aroostook and Washington Counties?

Once again LD1280 is a people’s bill creating many jobs, financial stability to those in the Harness Racing Industry, and finally some financial independence for our veteran citizens of Maine. Call your State Legislators (senators) and ask them to support LD 1280 — a casino for southern Maine. It’s a win-win for all of us! I’d like to thank Gary Sagris, Brunswick, for the info he sent me on the upcoming Maine Fairs.

Had a visit from Gail Kezar, representative for Sen. King. She brought a copy of a proclamation from Sen. Collins and King to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII. The statements of Sen. Collins and Sen. King were submitted to the Congressional Record. “”t is said that crisis builds character. For an entire generation of Americans crisis did not build character; it revealed it. Today we express our nation’s gratitude to all veterans of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine for their service and sacrifice seven decades ago,” said Collins. “The people of Maine were part of this great endeavor. Some 80,000 Mainers served in WWII more than any previous war. More than 2,500 laid their lives upon the altar of freedom.”

Sen. King said: “On this seventieth anniversary of WWII, we remember all the American and allied servicemembers who bravely served on land, air, and sea; as well as those on the home front providing for our warfighters. Their service and sacrifices contributed to international peace and stability and ensured the continued promise of freedoms we enjoy today.”

During this Resource Center visit Council Comr Steve Jarrett and myself discussed Veterans Court and asked that Sen. King look into getting funding for Maine’s program. We also asked for a possible grant to help with finances for the all volunteer Veterans Resource Center on Brunswick Landing.

The Veterans Resource Center staff urges local veterans to contact or visit with legislators during August while they are not in session. The following issues should be addressed: Ask that they oppose the pharmacy co-pay increase, cuts to commissary benefits, the smaller active duty pay increases and BAH reductions Senate Defense bill. They also should support provision to provide veterans status for 20 year reservists. Also request support for (HR1735/S1376) Agent Orange Blue Water Navy bill. Terminate sequestration and support (HR3236), which will free up $3.4 billion dollars to cover shortfalls in VA health care budget.

Acupuncture takes place 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Resource Center. Also, the Golf Tournament is on Friday, Aug. 21. There is still time to sign up for great fun and a good cause.

On Saturday Aug. 15, Area 3 American Legion represented by 6th District (Knox County), 7th District (Lincoln County) and 8th District (Sagadahoc County) held an area conference to discuss this year’s agenda.

Nine Posts were represented by 17 Legionnaires and 2 guests, Lincoln County News Reporter Abigail Adams, who presented a public relations briefing. Amedeo (Deo) Lauria, State Service Officer for Maine American Legion gave a presentation on VA benefits. State Commander Ronald Rainfrette was in attendance and gave a very informative report on State activities. Legislator of the Year Award was presented to Mickey Devin, District 90, Damariscotta. The award was given for Rep. Devin’s support of veterans legislation during the first session of the 127th Legislative Session. This is Rep. Devin’s second continuous award.

Hope everyone read Rep. Cabe’s letter to the editor concerning Rep. Tepler’s (Topsham) record in her freshman session. I have observed her actions and totally agree with Rep. McCabe. She reminded me a lot of former State Rep. Lorraine Chonko (Topsham) who always voted on facts — not on things just to get along.

Now about the letter from Conrad, WWII veteran from Topsham, about the upcoming air show! Reporters from other newspapers called me to get an opinion regarding the $20-$25 admission fee for the show. Ridiculous! Sen. King’s office is going to inquire about it.

Coffee Crowd still meets at McDonald’s. Lots of talk about baseball — Yanks and Red Sox and Toronto. Yanks are still in first place, (Murph can breathe easier). Jim, Cliff and Bob are smiling — Red Sox scored 22 runs in one game. Gil is still rehabbing at home. He’s in good hands, though — sister Barbara and his two nephews take good care of him. Dante is getting ready for the Mid- Coast Veterans Golf Fundraiser.

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