Remember back during the campaign season candidates for office were promising everything from soup to nuts. They were going to make Maine a place where everyone would be treated fairly. The tax spending would be fixed, over-thelimit spending would come to an end, welfare reform was a must, help for our aging population was a must, poverty in Maine something that had to end, children’s hunger a top priority, and the list goes on and on.

My observations at the State House shows me that most of our legislators are trying to keep their promises to their constituents, BUT if things don’t meet the approval of House and Senate leaders — Republican and Democrat — chances are promises won’t be kept.

Last week I asked some of our legislators to ask for a roll call vote on a couple of bills. The answer I got was: “I’ll have to check with the leadership.” The comeback was: “The leadership doesn’t think a roll call is necessary.” Think about that for awhile.

If you read the papers or watch TV, by now you should be getting the idea that both parties are at odds with each other. Folks, when we elected these legislators, we hoped they would represent all the people in their district regardless of their party affiliation.

A simple common sense compromise — the Governor and Republicans want a 6.5 percent general sales tax, the Democrats want a 5.5 percent general sales tax. Why not agree to a compromise — set the general sales tax at 6 percent. Many other parts of the budget could be worked out by a compromise. Why does one party have to come out the winners? How about letting the taxpayers in Maine be the winners! Let your legislators know how you feel. “We The People” can make a difference. These of course are my opinions. Common sense legislation will go a long way in solving the problems we face in Maine. Democrats, Republicans and our Governor need to work together by observing and listening. I can honestly tell you that most of our legislators work hard trying to please the constituents they represent at committee meetings, public hearings, workshops, caucuses, Senate and House sessions, and don’t forget the Town Hall Meetings, answering emails, phone calls, etc. Believe me, they deserve a lot of credit for all they do. Hey, say thanks once in a while, it doesn’t hurt.

The budget problems are center stage at the State House. It looks like it will be awhile before we see the finished product. Let’s hope there’s something in it to make everyone happy.

Last week was a busy one, starting with the dedication ceremony at the Topsham Legion. Post 202 was renamed the Corey Edwin Garver, Post 202, Topsham. It was a great program attended by a large crowd, national, state, district and local Legionnaires, along with state and local politicians, many local citizens and Legion supporters. Some of the Old Guard were there, the post’s first Commander, Charley Payne, Gil Ormsby, George Moore, myself, and past Auxiliary presidents were present including past Dept. President, Terry Owens. As I stood and watched the ceremony, all I could think about was all the blood, sweat and tears that went into keeping the Post active for 50 years. I’m sure that the New Guard will carry on the traditions and policies of Post 202. The new officers appear to be very dedicated, talented and willing to make the Corey Edwin Garver Post 202, a compliment to the town of Topsham, the state of Maine, and the National Organization of the American Legion.

In my next column I will hope to report on the 43rd annual Law- Enforcement Breakfast started in 1972 by Legionnaire Gil Ormsby.

Last week was a busy one in Augusta:

. LD 836: An act to exempt the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars from sales tax. This bill was referred to a workshop.

. LD 922: An act to provide an Income Tax exemption for pension or retirement plans for veterans who are totally disabled. This bill was referred to a workshop.

. LD 565: An act to authorize municipalities to impose service charges on the exempt property owned by certain non-profit organizations. This bill was voted Ought not To Pass.

. LD 902: Resolve to establish the commission to study parking for persons with physical disabilities. This bill was referred to a workshop.

. LD 548: an act to provide a concealed handgun permit for active military members.

Coming up this week, the following bills will be up for discussion:

. LD 625: An act to increase the tax exemption on pensions.

. LD 760: An act to increase the deduction for pension income.

. LD 1070: An act to retain more retirees in Maine.

. LD 997: An act to streamline licensing requirements for and payments form veterans organizations.

. LD 1111: An act to provide funding to municipalities to assist with the maintenance of veterans graves.

. LD 1062: An act to support housing for homeless veterans.

Upcoming events:

. Sunday, April 19 — at 1 p.m., the general membership meeting will take place at Post 20 in Brunswick at the Evergreen Club. Up for discussion is the possibility of accepting the Evergreen Club for a Post home. All members are urged to attend.

The Veterans Resource Center is still looking for volunteers. Call Read Rich at 406-4103. Survivors of veterans, don’t be left out. Many benefits are available. Please call Paul Loveless at 406-4103.

From the Coffee Crowd: Gil is doing much better. He’s got his hearing back and that means I can get his advice on legislation. Topsham veteran Conrad Le Bourdais had a setback with a heart problem. Thoughts and prayers are with him.

’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.