Democratic Party Platform 1966

PREAMBLE

We, the members of the Maine Democratic Party in Convention assembled this fourteenth day of May, 1966, do hereby adopt our 1966 platform. We do so with thanks for those who have made it possible for us to exercise our choices in a free society, with pride in the history of our party’s commitment to fulfilling its platform pledges, and with this hope that this platform will help build a better Maine.

With this record and this platform the Maine Democratic Party solicits the votes and welcomes the support of the people of Maine.

EDUCATION

Maine ’s future depends upon its educational system. From primary schools to our University, from vocational training programs to State Colleges, we must provide that high quality of education necessary to insure maximum development of the talents of every boy and girl in Maine.

We take pride in the accomplishments of the Democratic 102nd Maine Legislature in the field of education.

. . . adoption of the uniform tax effort and increased state support of local education.

. . . expanded programs for the development of the University of Maine in its Orono, Portland and commuter campuses.

. . . crash program for increased enrollment at the University of Maine.

. . . creation of an Augusta branch of the University.

. . . creation of an Advisory Commission to conduct a comprehensive survey of higher education.

. . . improved salary levels for teachers.

. . . authorized additional vocational schools in Penobscot and York counties.

However, we recognize that much remains to be done. Therefore we make the following specific recommendations:

1. Broadened Federal education programs to include general assistance grants to the states for elementary and secondary education with maximum administrative flexibility at the state level.

2. Increased Federal assistance to students for post high school education Supplemented by an increased state-supported post high school scholarships and loan program for vocational and college training to expand educational opportunities beyond the high school level.

3. Creation of an adequately supported public service center by the University of Maine, combining existing University programs in public administration, community development and industrial cooperation to provide research and technical assistance to state agencies, local communities, business and industry.

4. Expanded facilities and programs in graduate education, with special attention to professional training in those fields important to the improvement of public services and the attraction of growth industries.

5. Continued efforts to strengthen faculties, curricula and facilities to enable all state colleges to obtain accreditation.

6. Further strengthening of salary levels at the University of Maine and the state colleges.

7. Expanded post-secondary programs at the vocational-technical institutes, area vocational training centers and the University of Maine to provide training in occupations related to agriculture, food processing, forest products, fisheries, business and technology.

8. Adequate residential facilities to permit increased enrollment at the State Colleges and the of Maine.

Two graduates in caps and gowns9. A State bond issue to finance construction of area vocational training schools.

10. Continued support and development of the State educational television programs.

11. A further increase in state minimum salary levels for teachers.

12. Increased state subsidies for elementary and secondary schools within the concept of the uniform tax effort, school district consolidation and maximum participation in federal-aid programs.

13. A State bond issue to provide low-interest loans to school administrative districts for school construction.

14. Expansion of a state program for the support of education and training of retarded children.

15. Increased State funds to improve local library service, encourage the formation of district libraries and to expand mobile and school library service.

16. Encouragement of the establishment of a Federal-State-Private financed graduate center or centers, combining the facilities and personnel of the University of Maine, State Colleges, private colleges in Maine and appropriate universities, to specialize in such areas as medical education and oceanography.

NATURAL RESOURCES

Maine has natural resources in her forests, lakes, rivers and coastal regions unsurpassed in the United States . The 102nd Legislature recognized its responsibility to preserve, protect and promote these resources by enacting:

. . . legislation to create the Allagash Wilderness Waterway.

. . . laws creating a Maine Recreation Authority and revising the Maine Building Authority to provide loans for recreational development.

. . . enabling legislation for the expanded development of State Parks.

. . . legislation to establish a Pesticides Control Board.

. . . legislation to assign tax revenue for the development of public boating facilities.

Much remains to be done, how ever, if we axe to fulfill our trusteeship for present and future generations. Therefore, we make the following recommendations:

1. Continuation and expansion of state programs for the acquisition and development of state parks and recreation areas, as well as the acquisition of scenic and other easements, to provide access to and the enjoyment of our lakes, ponds, streams and coastal waters.

2. We advocate acceleration of efforts to protect and improve the quality and value of Maine ’s water resources. To this end we:

a. urge prompt action by the state to comply with the water quality provisions of the Federal Water Quality Act of 1965.

b. support the legislative proposals of the Muskie Subcommittee on Air and Water Pollution for expanded aid to states and communities and a more effective federal program.

c. recommend upgrading and expanding the staff of the Water Improvement Commission — improvement of technical services to communities and industries in developing effective waste treatment programs–greater emphasis on regional pollution control efforts–revision of the water classification law to provide more adequate criteria for water quality standards–authority for the Water Improvement Commission to set and revise water quality standards–and improvement of water pollution abatement authority and procedures.

3. Enactment of an effective state air pollution control and abatement program.

4. We endorse the findings and recommendations of the National Special Committee on Historic Preservation and urge state support for and participation in programs for identification, restoration and preservation of historic sites and districts.

5. Continued State support for community development of public boat-landing facilities, picnic and recreational areas.

6. Removal of potato futures trading from the New York Mercantile Exchange.

7. Revision of the Maine Milk Control Law to encourage competition in the retail market.

8. Appropriation of state funds to match federal funds under the Anadromous Fisheries Act Program.

9. An accelerated stream restoration, fishway and fish hatchery program.

10. An improved and expanded conservation-oriented fish and game management program, including research on improved winter feeding conditions for deer, moose and up-land game birds, more intensive waterfowl management and improved game inventory techniques.

11. Continued efforts to prevent adverse effects on public health and natural resources from the use of insecticides and pesticides.

12. An acceleration of the State forest conservation program to further improve and develop the quality of ’s timber resources for the benefit of all.

STATE GOVERNMENT

Public service can function best when the machinery of government is designed to function efficiently, responsively and responsibly. The Maine Democratic Party has consistently and persistently advocated improved state government. We have provided the leadership in government reform in Maine. The accomplishments of the 102nd Legislature include:

. . . establishment of a Senatorial Apportionment Commission to make recommendations on reapportionment of the State Senate.

. . . appointment of the Commissioner of Agriculture by the Governor.

. . . authorized construction of a State Cultural Building .

. . . authorized competitive bidding for state insurance.

. . . approved new and expanded State services to meet present day needs.

But opposition and resistance to change have halted us short of the goal. Therefore we recommend:

1. Abolishment of the Executive Council.

2. Annual Legislative Sessions and a study of expanded staffing, improved facilities, and revisions in legislative organization which would improve the working conditions and efficiency of the legislature.

3. Appointment by the Governor of the Attorney General, Secretary of State and State Treasurer to serve at the pleasure of the Governor.

4. A re-examination of the Public Administration Survey recommendations on state government reorganization followed by positive steps to consolidate and reorganize appropriate state departments agencies and commissions.

5. Lowering the minimum voting age to 18 years.

6. Power of the item veto for the Governor on appropriation measures.

7. Increased staff and additional statutory authority for the Maine Public Utilities Commission to better protect the public interest in electric rate cases.

8. Include all Courts and legislative accounts, not now covered, among those covered by periodic state audits.

9. Continued evaluation and revision, where needed, of Maine’s election laws.

10, Expansion of the program of the Maine State Commission on Arts and Humanities.

11. Implementation of steps authorized by the 102nd Legislature to improve the placement of state insurance.

12. Adoption of more progressive investment policies by the State Employees Retirement Fund Trustees.

13. Adoption of a uniform method of local property assessment valuation.

14. Allow specific charter changes to be made in Maine cities by local referenda without seeking legislative approval.

15. State purchase of voting machines to lease to municipalities.

16. Increased cooperation with Federal officials and maximum participation in Federal aid programs.

17. That the State encourage and support Regional Planning programs within the State by grants and technical assistance to participating communities.

18. That the State of Maine encourage a review of the various New England Regional Commissions and develop a plan to insure coordination of the activities of such commissions as the New England Regional Action Planning Commission; the New England River Basin Commission; and the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission.

19. We recommend that the Legislature have prepared a professional study on the feasibility of introducing a Data Processing and Record-Keeping Center in Augusta to provide centralized computer facilities for units of Maine Government.

20. The appointment of a Commission to study the problem of gubernatorial disability and succession and to make recommendations to the next Legislature. Pending receipt of these recommendations, we urge prompt action by the Legislature to make provisions for gubernatorial succession in cases of incapacity.

EQUAL RIGHTS

ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE

Equal justice under law is a great American ideal which should not change. But the administration of justice must change and improve if we are to move toward that ideal.

The 102nd Legislature contributed to the improved administration of justice by enacting legislation to:

. . . revise and update the general statutes.

. . . eliminate the ban on voting by paupers.

. . . establish a system of judicial review of criminal sentences.

. . . authorize polling places to remain open until 8 p.m. on voting days.

. . . prohibit racial or religious discrimination in the rental of housing.

More improvement needs to be made. Therefore, we recommend:

1. A study of the feasibility of creating a system of full-time district attorneys, each serving one or more judicial districts, and of establishing the office of a state public defender.

2. A state law enforcement training assistance program, combined with the establishment of minimum standards of training, skill and competence for local police officers and deputy sheriffs engaged in criminal law enforcement.

3. Payment of the costs of maintaining the District Court system out of general state funds, with all fines collected by such courts paid into the general fund instead of requiring the District Courts to support themselves out of assessed fines.

4. Gubernatorial appointment of judges of probate.

5. A study of the feasibility of creating the position of Chief State Medical Examiner to supervise medical-legal examinations in homicide cases.

6. Revision of all State eminent domain laws to include provisions for payment of attorney fees to the property owner where the final award is greater than the final offer or appraisal made by the taking governmental body.

7. Assignment of qualified case workers to assist the courts and judges in the handling of custody suits and other appropriate matters.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Maine has benefited by the national prosperity in recent years and our economic conditions have improved. But we have not kept pace with the rest of the country and we have not realized our potential.

The 102nd Legislature pointed the way to more effective State action in economic development by enacting legislation to:

. . . increase State support for industrial expansion and to attract new

industry.

. . . support establishment of a study commission on transportation.

. . . authorize a right-of-way for a natural gas pipeline along the Maine Turnpike.

. . . support expansion and development of municipal airport facilities.

To further our state’s development we make the following recommendations:

1. Appropriations for advanced engineering and construction of the Dickey-Lincoln School hydroelectric project and the necessary transmission lines to integrate this project with an improved and dependable New England power system.

2. Continued support for the Passamaquoddy Tidal Power project.

3. Reorganization and improved staffing of the Department of Economic Development to enable it to meet the objectives for which it was established by providing adequate professional staff for research and technical assistance for community and natural resource development, industrial expansion, and domestic and foreign marketing of Maine products.

4. Increased coordination in the development of ’s highway, rail and water transportation.

5. Accelerated development of Maine harbor and port facilities.

6. Expansion of the two-lane Interstate 95 highway from Old Town to Houlton to four lanes and extension of Interstate 95 from Houlton to Fort Kent.

7. Careful study and evaluation of the various proposals for East-West highways and scenic coastal highways in the development of Maine’s highway program.

8. A general revision of consumer credit laws, following a study of existing statutes, to provide full and meaningful disclosure of interest rates and charges, to insure effective regulation of small loan companies, and to protect consumers against excessive finance charges and unfair and deceptive lending practices.

9. Support of the work of the Legislative Power Study Committee, created by the 102nd Legislature to study the general power needs of the State as to generation and transmission, including the hydro power potential of the State, and an analysis of the proposals to develop a nuclear powered generation plant under the concept of a Maine Power Authority or other public Agency and of the private utilities’ proposal for a nuclear powered plant proposed for construction in Maine.

10. Establish a commission to study the dependency of the state’s economy upon defense installations and defense industries and of ways and means to provide an orderly transition of these facilities to other uses in the event that they are no longer needed for defense purposes.

MARINE RESOURCES

From the beginning Maine has drawn on the resources of the ocean as a highway to world markets and as a provider of food and raw materials. But in our long history we have barely tapped the wealth of the deep and we have not made full use of the advantages of our shores.

The 102nd Legislature made improvements in our marine resource programs by enacting laws to:

. . . appropriate funds for expansion, improvements and salary increases at the

Maine Maritime Academy .

. . . support the programs of the Maine Department of Sea and Shore Fisheries.

. . . provide State guaranteed loans for fishermen.

. . . provide increased support for vocational training programs for marine industries.

To help launch Maine on a new and broader development of its marine resources we advocate:

1. A comprehensive state program of marine and oceanographic training, technical assistance, research and development, combining the resources of the Department of Sea and Shore Fisheries, University of Maine, Maine Maritime Academy, Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute and, where feasible, private colleges and institutions.

2. Support of the proposed federal Sea Grant College program and its adoption and implementation in the State of Maine.

3. Continuation of state and federal fisheries research programs with emphasis on determining the relationship between offshore and inshore lobsters and possible development of a Maine shrimp industry.

4. A re-examination of all laws governing offshore fishing limits along the Atlantic Seaboard.

5. A re-examination and evaluation of the state sales tax as it is applied to the boat-building and boat-brokerage industries in Maine to determine whether it is applied equitably and without inhibiting future growth of those industries.

6. Continued support for expanded enforcement capability by the warden service of the Maine Department of Sea and Shore Fisheries.

HEALTH and WELFARE

Economic development and prosperity for many of us are hollow achievements if fellow citizens are forced to bear the burden of poverty, are crushed by poor health, are trapped by mental illness or retardation. The Democratic Party has a deep and continuing commitment to provide improved programs for the poor, the aged and the ill.

The 102nd Legislature met that commitment by acting to:

. . . include Maine in the New England Welfare Compact.

. . . appropriate funds for expanded and improved services by the Department of

Mental Health and Corrections and the Department of Health and Welfare.

. . . expand vocational rehabilitation of handicapped adults.

. . . strengthen the program of accreditation of Maine nursing homes.

. . . support alcoholic rehabilitation programs.

. . . increase state support of community health service to take advantage of increased

federal funds.

But our job is not done. We believe there are additional ways to meet these needs. Therefore we recommend:

1. Continued state support of community health and welfare service programs to improve the effectiveness of these programs.

2. Establishment of coordinating groups in the state departments of Health and Welfare, Education, and Mental Health and Corrections to encourage increased cooperation in dealing with the many cases involving all these departments.

3. Development of post-graduate programs and expansion of existing educational programs for the training of social workers at the of Maine.

4. Support appropriations to carry out legislation which enables persons afflicted with mental illness or tuberculosis to receive Old Age Assistance.

5. State support for educational and work experience programs to help present and potential welfare recipients improve their standards of living and become self-supporting.

6. Increased state aid to needy patients to meet the cost of services and treatment in hospitals and nursing homes.

7. Provide funds for improved professional staffing of training and instructional programs for the blind.

8. Increased professional staffing of child welfare programs to better meet the needs of individuals and families requiring assistance by reducing the excessive case-load of individual social workers.

9. Increased state financial assistance for more realistic and adequate payments to foster homes for the care and upbringing of disadvantaged children.

10. A thorough study of the laws governing adoption of children to assure uniform and reasonable practices in finding homes for such children.

11. Establish a program of effective rehabilitation within appropriate state institutions for juvenile offenders, with increased attention given to the placement of juvenile offenders in suitable foster homes when such action is needed.

12. A study of the desirability and feasibility of establishing a center or centers for the detention of persons undergoing psychiatric examination to determine their competence to stand trial and responsibility for an alleged crime, and a center or centers for the detention, examination and treatment of sex offenders.

13. Appropriation of state funds to support an expanded educational and training program for registered nurses and practical nurses.

14. Expansion of homemaker service to insure the preservation of the home wherever possible.

15. Support the efforts of the Mental Health Task Force in Maine to establish more effective mental health programs through improved administration, recruitment, training and research.

INDIAN AFFAIRS

We commend the 102nd Legislature for enacting legislation that will make it possible for Maine Indians to become first-class citizens of our State. Placing schools on Indian Reservations under the authority of the Department of Education and establishing a Department of Indian Affairs directed by a professionally qualified person should enable the Passamaquoddy and Penobscot Indians and the state government working together, to develop a program that will enable the Indians living on the reservations to flourish and prosper.

In order to realize these objectives, we urge:

1. That means be sought to provide every Indian child with a first class elementary education.

2. That every effort be made to see that each Indian student be given an opportunity and be encouraged to continue his education in the high schools of the neighboring communities and to seek higher education.

3. That vocational training and basic adult education courses be made available to Indians on the reservations.

4, That reservation Indians be granted a greater degree of self-government arid a larger voice in their own affairs.

5. Recognizing that court rulings on re-apportionment may prevent the granting of full voting rights of Indian representatives to the Legislature, we recommend, as an interim measure preliminary to finding a solution which will insure such rights, the following:

a. That Indian representatives to the Legislature be granted full privileges to speak on all legislation on the floor of the House of Representatives.

b. That they be granted salary and expense allowances equal to that of other representatives.

6. That a conference of law enforcement officials and Indian representatives be held to determine methods of ensuring equal justice before the law for all Indians.

7. That immediate steps be taken to improve fresh water facilities and develop adequate sewerage systems on Indian reservations.

8. That a concerted effort be made to develop job opportunities for Indians.

9. That the traditional Indian skills and arts should be revived and developed through the establishment of a program for the preservation of Indian heritage and culture.

LABOR

Maine is a state rich in resources. But these resources would be fallow without the labor and skill of those who work in our forests and on our farms, in stores and factories, in businesses and in public service. We believe workers have not always received their share of the benefits they have created. We believe working conditions and benefits must be improved if we are to build a better Maine.

The 102nd Legislature worked to fulfill this philosophy by enacting laws to:

. . . raise state employees’ pay levels in order to attract and retain qualified personnel.

. . . increase the minimum wage to $1.25 an hour.

. . . revise the Workmen’s Compensation Act and Employment Security Act to provide increased benefits and expanded coverage.

. . . shorten the waiting period for benefits under the Workmen’s Compensation Act,

We will continue this tradition of fair play and economic justice. Therefore, we recommend:

1. Revision of the Maine Employment Security Act to:

a. Provide weekly benefits for unemployed persons equal to the benefits paid under the Workmen’s Compensation Act.

b. Eliminate the waiting period for the receipt of unemployment benefits.

c. Increase the number of weeks during which a person can receive benefits from 26 to 39 weeks.

2. Revision of the Workmen’s Compensation Act to:

a. Provide for compensation from the first day of accidental injury.

b. Provide specific compensation for permanent disfiguration in fixed amounts comparable to benefits paid for loss of limbs, sight or hearing.

c. Provide compensation for all illnesses and diseases contact in the course of employment.

d. Include State employees under the Maine State Employment Security Law.

3. Expanded staff and improved techniques for job placement service in the Employment Security Commission.

4. Establishment of a state minimum wage law whereby the state minimum wage will be maintained equal to the federal minimum wage.

5. Support a 40-hour work-week for all state employees with provision for adjusted pay scales to prevent any reduction in present take-home pay.

6. Support necessary appropriations for time-and-a-half pay for all state employees who work more than 40 hours in a single work week.

7. Additional increases in the pay levels of state employees to improve recruitment, strengthen employee retention and prevent excessive turnover.

8. Review and revision of the State Personnel Act to:

a. insure non-partisan hiring policies

b. provide more effective supervision of administration by the Personnel Board.

c. update and correct job classification.

d. upgrade and improve state personnel recruitment policies.

9. Establishment of an impartial arbitration board for disposition of state employee grievances.

10. Revision of the State employees Retirement plan to provide for retirement at half—pay after 30 years of service.

11. Adoption of a merit system to guarantee equal treatment of State Highway Commission maintenance men under state law.

12. An improved mileage allowance for state employees.

13. Free hospital and surgical insurance for State employees.

14. Provide additional funds for an expanded inspection program to assure safe working conditions for all Maine workers.

15. Continued opposition to so-called right-to-work laws.

NATIONAL AFFAIRS

No state is an island unto itself. Maine enjoys privileges and shares obligations with 49 other states. In this Federal compact we assume commitments to each other and to the world community.

As citizens and as members of the Democratic Party we support:

1. Legislation designed to insure equal opportunity and equal protection under the law for all citizens on the State and national level, regardless of race, creed or color.

2. Continued efforts to achieve a just and peaceful solution to the Vietnamese Conflict and the establishment of a stable, economically viable and free society in Vietnam .

3. Strengthening the cause of peace and freedom through a more effective United Nations and reasonable steps toward the reduction of international tensions and the danger of nuclear war.

4. Continuation and improvement of those programs advanced by President Johnson to create the Great Society through expanded education, economic development, environmental improvement, and the war on poverty, housing, and health and welfare.

FINANCES

We recognize that we have the responsibility to continue to work for economy in state government operations and to provide the revenues for maintaining the present level of state services to the people and for financing new services recommended.

We recommend that the voters approve, in the referenda authorized by the 102nd Legislature, bond issues to finance the State Allagash Waterway, the State airport development program, the Maine State Cultural Building , and the State Highway Commission Office Building .

In determining the state’s fiscal program, consideration must be given to our total budget requirements, a more accurate estimate of revenues, the possibility of greater use of state bond issues, re-evaluation of dedicated revenue, and the impact of further economic expansion, federal programs and grants on Maine’s financial resources, If a new state tax or a broadening of the base of existing taxes is needed, we should establish such new tax or broader base on the basis of ability to pay.

We further recommend that the investment of idle state funds and permanent trust funds should be managed by persons with professional training and experience in the handling of multi-million dollar investments.

Resolutions

The following resolutions were introduced and adopted at the 1966 Maine Democratic State Convention in Portland on May 14, 1966:

1. (Introduced by the Cumberland County delegation.)

Whereas, the Sheriffs of each of the 16 Counties in the State of Maine are elected for a 2 year term, and

Whereas, for political reasons each elected sheriff must devote considerable time during the second year of his tenure pursuing a program for re-election, and

Whereas, such procedures tend to minimize the effectiveness of the elected sheriff and his department in the field of law enforcement, imposing unnecessary cost and expenses to the voters of each of our 16 counties in the State of Maine , now therefore be it

Resolved, that appropriate action be instituted to change the tenure of sheriffs in the 16 counties of the State of Maine from a two-year term of office to a four-year term of office, and that suitable copies of this resolution be prepared and presented to members of the next session of the Maine Legislature to be held in Augusta, Maine, in January of 1967.

Note: The above resolution originally called for a change to a six-year term of office, but was amended to call for a change to a four-year term.

2. (Introduced by the Kennebec County delegation.)

Resolved, that the State Convention meeting today recommend to the new State Committee members that serious consideration be given to our Capital City-Augusta, as the 1968 Democratic Convention site.

3. (Introduced by a delegate from the floor.)

Whereas, the Togus Veterans Facility was established 100 years ago, this year, and

Whereas , this facility has provided excellent service and care for veterans of the Civil War, the Spanish and Mexican Wars, World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnamese Conflict, and

Whereas, the management and staff of the Togus Veterans Facility is continuing the high standards of performance which have been traditional at this facility,

Therefore, be it resolved, that the Maine Democratic Party, in convention assembled, extends its congratulations to the management and staff of the Togus Veterans Facility on its 100th anniversary, expresses the thanks of Maine citizens for the services provided our veterans in peace and war, and urges continued financial support for high quality service by Togus and its supporting facilities.

4. (Introduced by the Androscoggin County delegation.)

Be it resolved that the 1966 Maine Democratic State Convention recognizes the years of service given to the State Committee and to the Maine Democratic Party by Robert W. Bonenfant, both in the post of State Committeeman from Androscoggin County and most particularly in the position of State Treasurer of the Maine Democratic Party. This Convention hereby expresses its regret at Mr. Bonenfant’s retirement from this position and extends its thanks and that of the Maine Democratic Party for the time and effort he has devoted over several terms as Treasurer to the successful completion of this job.

Be it also resolved that the secretary of the convention be instructed to prepare a suitable copy of this resolution to be signed by the Chairman of the convention and given to Mr. Bonenfant.

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ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THE 1966 DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM MAY BE OBTAINED FROM –

THE MAINE DEMOCRATIC PARTY, 277 LISBON STREET, LEWISTON , 04240

Source: Maine State Law Library.