1. STATEMENT OF REPUBLICAN PRINCIPLE:
We believe that the greatest benefit Government can provide is freedom and opportunity for its citizens to prosper by their own efforts.
We believe that the ability of the State to perform adequately these and other legitimate functions is dependent upon the prosperity of the citizens.
We therefore reject any concept of Government which promises everything for everybody and in the final analysis is detrimental to all.
We pledge honest, efficient government with a minimum of cost and interference in the lives of our citizens, and with increased opportunities for all.
2 ADMINISTRATION AND ELECTION REFORM:
To the end that our State Government function more efficiently, we favor:
a. Consolidation or reorganization of Departments where it will achieve that objective.
b. Less Federal and State control over the lives of our citizens.
c. The certification of Primary Nomination Papers by Town Clerks.
3. EDUCATION:
To improve the Educational System in Maine, we recommend:
a. State Scholarships for deserving students with exceptional aptitudes.
b. More attention to Education for the Mentally Retarded.
c. Increased opportunities for Vocational Training.
d. Continued improvement in the methods and Courses in our public schools with emphasis on the exceptional child.
e. Fully accredited Teachers’ Colleges.
f. Continued expansion of the facilities of our State University.
4. HIGHWAYS AND HIGHWAY SAFETY:
In order that Highway construction and Safety keep pace with the increased importance of Highway Use, we recommend:
a. Continuation of scientific Highway Planning Methods.
b. Acceleration of the Highway Safety Program.
c. Expand student driver training programs.
d. Enhancement of natural highway beauty by improved billboard legislation.
5. AGRICULTURE:
To improve the position of agriculture in Maine, we recommend:
a. Continued State assistance for research, management and marketing.
b. Encouragement of methods for processing and marketing farm products.
c. The elimination of Potato Futures Trading.
6. SEA AND SHORE FISHERIES:
To further the prosperity of our coastal citizens, we recommend:
a. Division of Fisheries within the Department of Economic Development for encouragement and assistance to the Maine Fishing Industry.
b. The intensification of seeding programs.
c. Equitable quotas for the importation of lobsters.
d. That regulatory clam rights be granted by the Commissioner in towns which participate in approved conservation measures.
7. LABOR AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
Recognizing that the State’s prosperity and the welfare of its workers depends upon free enterprise which provides the livelihood of our citizens, and creates our tax dollars, we urge that every effort he made to insure full employment. To that end we recommend:
a. Increased assistance by the Department of Economic Development for existing Maine Business and Industry in addition to efforts to attract new industry.
b. Local cooperation with the Federal Government in the field of adult education and on-the-job training program to increase the earning capacities of Maine workers and provide higher standards of living.
c. Legislation be enacted to prevent the unfair exploitations of skilled or unskilled labor in this State.
d. Increased Vacation Travel advertising.
e. That the advantages of the Industrial Building Authority be further promoted, and that it he given the right to guarantee loans for industrial park sites.
f. Continuance and extension of the present cooperation between the State and Municipalities in the fields of planning, zoning and urban Renewal.
g. A survey of the effect that the St. Lawrence Waterway will have on the economy of Maine.
8. FOREST AND SOIL CONSERVATION:
Believing that full and wise use of our Natural Resources will bring the greatest benefit to our citizens, we subscribe to the following policies:
a. Encourage increased participation by land owners and farmers in the activities of soil conservation Districts.
b. We commend the growth of the “Tree Farm” movement in Maine, and urge early completion of the Maine Forest Resources Survey by the United States Forest Service.
9. WATER CONSERVATION:
Believing that a continuation of our present system of Water conservation which has resulted in the classification of approximately 90% of our Inland Waterways is in the best interests of Maine, we recommend:
a. That classification of all waters be completed as rapidly as possible.
b. That upgrading and improvement of water conditions be accomplished wherever feasible.
c. That increased funds be made available for aid to municipalities for the survey and planning of sewerage systems.
d. Continuation of the existing system of Federal-State aid to municipalities for sanitary construction.
10. HEALTH WELFARE AND INSTITUTIONS:
Recognizing the obligation which we owe to the less fortunate, we believe that the following efforts be stressed:
a. Improvement of the Aid to Dependent Children Program.
b. Increased assistance to the elderly.
c. Aid to private hospitals to care for persons unable to defray their own expenses.
d. Establishment of a Youth Service Board to handle Juvenile Delinquents.
e. Additional support for State Institutions where necessary.
f. Increased emphasis on Rehabilitation Programs at Penal Institutions.
g. An exhaustive study and revision of all laws relating to juveniles.
11. TAXATION;
We firmly believe that there should be no increase in taxation under present economic conditions. The foregoing recommendations which require financial appropriations must be tempered with caution. Such services must be limited in scope to fall within existing revenues, or additional economies in State Government must be achieved.