PREAMBLE
Since the resurgence of the Maine Democratic Party in 1954, the party platform has been the vehicle for setting forth the party’s positions on the issues facing the state and its people. Democrats have prided themselves in the widespread involvement of Maine people in the development of the platform.
Twenty years later, the 1974 Democratic Party Platform Committee has followed and expanded upon that tradition. This year’s platform is a direct response to the concerns and needs that Maine people expressed in twelve public hearings. More than 4,000 people have been involved in shaping this document.
The 1974 Democratic Party Platform looks forward, not backward. It is specific, not general. It is comprehensive, not narrow. It is bold, not timid. It is controversial, not safe. In short, it is in sharp contrast with the platform of the opposition party.
Our platform is more than a set of promises — it is our commitment to transform ideas into legislation. Our platform demonstrates that we are still the party of ideals and compassion — that, as in 1954, we are ready to move forward to a better government for Maine and a better life for its people.
Rep. David W. Bustin Platform Committee Chairman
AGRICULTURE
Preamble
The attitude of the Democratic Party is that farming and the expansion of farming is of the utmost importance to the State of Maine.
We have enjoyed abundance in the past, but the current threats of food shortages are making it increasingly clear that Maine agricultural producers make a vital contribution to the state’s life and economy. Maine should be concerned with maintaining its own food supply rather than depending on transportation of food into the state both because of the potential food shortages and the economic advantages to the producer and to the consumer.
We therefore demand that the Maine Department of Agriculture change its objectives; in addition to providing regulatory services, it should become an aggressive, innovative leader in agriculture.
The Democratic Party of Maine recognizes that the success of any society depends, first of all, on its ability to feed itself and that none of us is further away from agriculture than the next meal. A prosperous agriculture provides employment not only in the areas directly related to the production, processing and distribution of food and fiber, but also supports thousands of workers in other service capacities as, well.
The business of is a significant factor in the economy of Maine, accounting for over 15% of the total value of the State’s gross products last year in cash farm income alone. The 1973 cash farm income was $422 million, almost double the 1972 level, and this year agriculture’s impact will be even greater. Every dollar used in the production and processing of agricultural commodities has a multiplier of 11 in terms of its effects on the economy, whereas the multiplier of most other industries is between 2 and 3.
In civilizations where food is plentiful, people have time to study, and invent, write books and music, carve statues, practice medicine, and law. Only with a successful agriculture, is it possible for civilization to advance.
Today’s agriculture requires tremendous amounts of capital. No longer will “a man, a mule, and a plow,” suffice in the face of the worldwide demand for quality food. The 1969 national average census value per farm in the U.S. was $43,606, compared to $27,613 in 1965 — up 62% in five years, — and that was for land and buildings only, no machinery, livestock, labor, taxes, interest, etc. The average capital investment of a Maine potato farm, for example, was $81,000 almost five years ago and has now passed the $100,000 mark. From 1952 to 1972 farm increased 110% while returns increased only 13%.
With its vast acreages of fertile land, its experienced and dedicated agriculturalists, ideal climatic conditions and proximity to the eastern population centers, Maine has all the ingredients necessary to become the “Breadbasket of the Northeast.” Our goal, as Democrats, must be the efflorescence of a healthy, viable and productive agriculture in Maine, not only to assure an abundance of high quality food, but to provide the soundest possible foundation for a progressive and diversified economy as well. We therefore commit ourselves to the following steps toward those ends:
ATTITUDE OF STATE GOVERNMENT
In order for Maine agriculture to come to a fuller realization of its potential, we pledge:
1. An awareness by those at the highest levels of State Government of agriculture’s position as a charter member, and indeed senior partner, in the industrial community;
2. Vigorous, innovative and developmental leadership by the Maine Department of Agriculture; and
3. Encouragement of increased development of agriculture-oriented courses at the high school level, including agribusiness as well as agricultural production to insure continuity of agricultural education through the existing two and four-year college level programs.
TRANSPORTATION
Inasmuch as Maine is a major exporter of agricultural commodities and is bordered by only one other state, adequate and competitive transportation is of perennial concern to the agribusiness community. We therefore recommend and support efforts to:
1. Extend the limited access highway system throughout the length of the state, giving priority in new construction to those areas not presently served by a limited-access highway.
2. Merge or otherwise consolidate the existing Maine railroads into a united rail system under a single management and operating authority.
AGRICULTURAL CHEMICALS
1. Strongly recommend that public funds be made available to help underwrite the expensive process for determining which agricultural chemicals may be safely used.
MILK COMMISSION
We recognize the plight of the dairy farmer and advocate:
1. That the continued pricing powers of the Maine Milk Commission at the farm level be retained.
We recognize the need of investigation of the Maine Industrial Building Authority by the legislative Committee on Agriculture and we advocate:
1. That loans be made available to those making a start in agriculture.
ORGANIC FARMING
We recognize the growing organic farming movement in Maine and its need for marketing assistance to fill the consumer’s need for a stable, consistent supply of certified, organically grown fruit, vegetables, milk, and meat; therefore, we advocate:
1. Total Department of Agriculture involvement in the development of a legal definition of “organically grown” and its enforcement in the market place in order to protect the consumer from the potential flood of fraudulently marketed so-called organic – natural – health foods.
2. Congressional action causing the Farmers Home Administration to recognize organic farming as legitimate in their loan considerations.
POULTRY
We recognize the vital contribution of Maine’s poultry industry to the total economy of the state and are concerned for the interregional competitive disadvantage facing the industry; therefore, we advocate:
1. That the Maine Department of Agriculture should take an aggressive role in the increase of feed grain production within the state.
2. That the Department institute research and development of low-cost poultry housing adaptable to our climatic conditions.
3. Upgrading of agricultural experiment stations.
We recognize prime agricultural land as one of the state’s most valuable resources. Therefore, we advocate:
1. That these lands receive immunity from eminent domain.
2. That these lands not be capitalized upon for industrial, housing, or economic reasons other than agriculture.
3. The development of agricultural resources be done by people from Maine in Maine.
We recognize the inequities in the sales tax as presently assessed and recommend the elimination of the sales tax on agricultural equipment and supplies.
We recognize the vulnerability of farm crops to natural disasters and the economic plight of farm families hard hit by such loss; therefore, we advocate:
1. The establishment of an effective statewide program of crop insurance.
We recognize the potential pollution problems surrounding extreme use of herbicides and pesticides, therefore, we advocate:
1. The wise and regulated use of these materials and encourage further research which will allow a reduction of the farmer’s future dependence on these commercially prepared products.
2. Legislative standards whereby agriculturalists will be permitted and required reasonable use of the natural agricultural waste products, thereby facilitating this reduction of present dependence on commercial products. We recognize the accelerating plight of agriculture in Maine; therefore, we advocate:
1. The increased development of agriculturally oriented course at the high school level — agricultural business as well as agricultural production — to act as a more adequate feeder system for the 2- and 4year programs already in existence at the college level.
CONSUMER AFFAIRS
Preamble
At a time when our government appears to be controlled by powerful interest groups, the Maine Democratic Party asserts itself strongly in favor of the consumer. It is clear that no Maine citizen should ever suffer the sting of an unethical business practice without recourse before the law. All Maine people should be able to purchase insurance which provides the greatest coverage for the smallest cost; further, credit must always remain available at the lowest rate possible.
The cause of Maine consumers in these and other issues cannot be forwarded without a deep sensitivity for the needs of Maine people. The Maine Democratic Party embodies that sensitivity and rejects any measure that fails to favor Maine citizens in their battle for economic survival. Protection of the special few to the detriment of the many cannot continue to be tolerated.
To these ends, we urge the following:
CONSUMER PROTECTION
There is a need for additional consumer protection in the retail market. We would remedy this need by the creation of an appropriate investigative authority empowered with enforcement capabilities.
CONSUMER ADVOCATE
We support the concept of a consumer advocate, adequately funded to represent the consumer’s interests before any and all hearings conducted by public state commissions.
PUBLIC MEMBERS
All boards, panels, commissions, councils, and task forces shall contain members from the public sector. Public members shall be compensated from public funds.
CREDIT COUNSELLING
Amend the current Maine law to insure that only persons certified by the Consumer Protection Agency be made available to counsel debtors.
CREDIT REPORTING
We encourage revision of current Maine credit reporting practices along these lines:
1. Licensing credit reporting agencies.
2. Licensing credit investigators and establishing minimum training requirements.
3. Separation Of personnel doing reporting and collections.
4. No disclosure of personal financial information to any person or organization without specific approval of the individual involved.
INTEREST RATES
Lower maximum interest rates on all consumer credit transactions in Maine.
LICENSING
We recommend licensing of automobile mechanics, appliance and TV repairpersons, telephone solicitors, and door-to-door salespersons. Licensing standards will be reviewed periodically. The intent of this recommendation is to promote and/or insure quality service to Maine consumers, not to limit entry into those fields of endeavor.
AUTOMOBILE WARRANTIES
The purchase of an automobile, new or used, is a major economic event for Maine consumers. They deserve intelligible and enforceable warranties as well as effective remedies under the law.
HOUSING
We recommend that the administration of mobile home warranties be transferred to the State Housing Authority.
We recommend that the legislature appropriate the necessary funds to enable the Housing Authority to make direct loans to individuals unable to obtain conventional financing.
SUNDAY BLUE LAW
We recommend the repeal of Maine’s Sunday Blue Law.
HEALTH
We strongly urge a study of the cost, availability, adequacy, and accountability of Maine health care facilities. Maine citizens should have access to adequate medical care.
Current Maine health insurance programs should include mental, dental, and eye care coverage.
We support the establishment of regulatory standards for all organic, health, and natural food sales.
We support the establishment of regulatory standards for adequate mental health care. In nursing homes across the state, performance for services shall be guaranteed.
People who are committed in mental health institutions in Main against their will shall not be held liable for costs.
SMALL CLAIMS COURT
Increase small claims allowance from $200 maximum to a $500 maximum.
We urge the adoption of a law or rule providing that small claims court proceedings be con-ducted without normal court procedure
EMINENT DOMAIN
We advocate the creation of a single state agency to deal with all eminent domain cases.
In establishing just compensation in eminent domain proceedings, the Department of Transportation shall not consider appreciation of property values as a result of highway construction.
Individuals affected shall have the automatic right of appeal to said agency and shall be provided with an attorney by the State and shall be informed of their rights by the officials seeking condemnation.
BANKING STATUTES
We urge serious consideration of those recommendations and/or specific points outlined in the report of the Maine Banking Study Commission.
NO-FAULT INSURANCE
We recommend the adoption of an effective, comprehensive, consumer-oriented no-fault auto-mobile insurance measure.
PUBLIC POWER
Create a public power authority.
MAINE SALES TAX
Remove the Maine Sales Tax from those products which are fundamental to human existence.
Eliminate duplication of taxation by abolishing Maine Sales Tax computed on other than the actual cost of goods.
DRUGS
We support removal of the self-interest regulations of the Maine Board of Pharmacists which prohibit prescription advertising. Due to the high cost of brand-name prescription medicines, the substitution of generic medicines when pharmaceutically equivalent should be allowed.
LIQUOR STORES
We support the right of state licensed private retail stores to sell liquor without state price regulation.
In any event, we urge that the retail price of liquor in all state stores be the same
MILK COMMISSION
Abolish the retail price control authority of the Maine Milk Commission.
FEE SCHEDULING
To promote consumer education and public awareness, publication of professional fee schedules shall be posted at the site where service is rendered.
LIENS
We advocate a full hearing before the execution of any consumer directed lien.
BUSINESS LEGISLATION COMMITTEE
We suggest that the Maine Legislative Joint Standing Committee on Business Legislation be re-named the Joint Standing Committee on Business and Consumer Affairs.
ASSIGNED RISK IN AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE
No Maine driver should pay more in insurance premiums than is justified by his driving record. To that end, we recommend the abolishment of the assigned risk pool in Maine.
TAX-DEFERRED ANNUITIES
We advocate the formation of a study commission specifically charged with investigating and proposing corrective legislation in the area of tax-deferred annuities. Increasing numbers of com-plaint from Maine consumers have indicated that these programs all too frequently turn out to be exceedingly bad bargains.
ADVERTISING AND PUBLIC UTILITIES
We urge passage of legislation which would restrain public utilities from passing the costs of promotional advertising on to the consuming public.
HOME CONSTRUCTION WARRANTIES
We advocate adoption of new home construction warranties covering workmanship and materials for a ten-year period.
EDUCATION AND CULTURE
Preamble
The content and structure of educational and cultural programs in Maine should be constantly reviewed and progressively shaped toward two goals broadly characterizable as (1) education for productive efficiency and (2) education for cultural fulfillment.
Whether it is to improve his/her skills (and thus the “value” of his/her labor) or to improve his/her enjoyment of living, each citizen’s need for access to such programs should have consideration irrespective of age or status, and inequalities of opportunity should be redressed as rapidly as they are perceived. On the vocational side, preparation for every productive enterprise in which Maine people should be prepared to en gage needs to be considered — not that the state must, itself, provide every sort education or training — but to insure a legislative climate in which the kinds that are needed are encouraged and made available. Every resource, public or private, formal or informal, should be ‘considered in the determination of availability.
And because, in a changing world, work skills cannot be planned to match employment opportunities with perfect precision, Maine should regard itself as having a special obligation toward anyone who does not find himself/herself agreeably and profitably employed. In this sense re-training might be thought of as having an even higher ‘-priority than training.
In the cultural sphere the aim is a participatory enjoyment of the fruits of our cultural heritage as people of the world in general and of Maine in particular, appreciative of its literature, art, music, history, and every native expression of life and thought.
We believe that though good education costs money, it is worth what it costs; but no longer can a single segment of society such as the property owner be expected to pay the bulk of the bill. An educated populace benefits all and all must pay their share.
The Maine Democratic Party welcomes its responsibility to make recommendations that will lead Maine toward these goals.
SCHOOL FINANCE
We continue to support the principle of state funding of local public schools as the most accept-able way to assure equality of educational opportunity throughout the state.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Evidence shows that pre-school programs make a qualitative difference in the child’s success in learning. We again urge that the legislature provide financial incentive for programs for pre-school children.
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
Comprehensive screening procedures and other additional guidance services for elementary children, lower teacher-pupil ratios (1-25) and increased use of teacher aides and assistants will improve the quality of learning. We recommend that incentives be provided to encourage experimentation with a variety of approaches and methods of teaching. We strongly urge that kindergartens be made uniformly available.
We commend the passage of LD 965 and we encourage the speedy implementation of this legislation which extends equal educational opportunities to exceptional children.
We feel that every classroom should reflect the healthy heterogeneity of the community.
SECONDARY EDUCATION
We again urge that all students be allowed to reach their full academic potential without limitations by the imposition of tracking.
We strongly urge legislation permitting maximum flexibility by district in school calendar design, attendance requirements, and program scheduling.
We urge continued support for exploration of alternative methods of organizing our schools.
We encourage support for “Upward Bound” and “Onwards.”
We believe all secondary schools should establish and maintain job placement services for graduating seniors, including those attending regional vocational centers, and to others leaving formal public education. Further, that monies will be provided to facilitate the training of secondary school personnel in the skills of job placement.
POST SECONDARY
Recognizing that all citizens of Maine desirous of post-secondary or specialized vocational education –and especially those citizens with limited financial resources–are considered eligible to acquire the appropriate education or training:
We recommend that the State of Maine encourage the fullest use of all educational resources, public or private, by creating student oriented programs — a system of educational aid — which will enable any qualified Maine citizen to attend any qualified institution or program in Maine, as determined by his/her choice, with benefits to be determined by need in a manner comparable to need-determination at public institutions.
We recommend further that, supplemental to the broad range of offerings in the public sector (the University, V.T.I.’s, etc.,) the Board of ‘Education or its agencies be authorized and encouraged to accept proposals from independent schools, colleges, or other approved corporate bodies for sup-port of specialized educational programs — vocational or professional — for which, in the opinion of the Board, there is a demand; paying a negotiated price for specific services rendered to citizens of the state; thus insuring a breadth of programming and reducing the need to create or expand specialized programs at public institutions.
We again urge the University of Maine Law School to hold night and weekend courses in order to allow those who work full time the opportunity to obtain a law degree as well as to more fully utilize the investment of the people of the State of Maine.
We strongly urge that support be given to the need for change in teacher education especially in the affective domain and that current statutes remain or be strengthened to insure the ability of the state to bring about that change.
We recommend that the concept of free public education be extended to include the first year at any state institution of higher education for Maine residents; that the low-tuition policy for education beyond that level be continued; and that there be increased financial support to all existing public institutions of higher education.
We specifically and strongly oppose the tuition, increase now being contemplated by the Board of Trustees of the University of Maine.
We urge the University of Maine to establish a master’s degree program and a doctor’s degree program in nursing.
We urge that the University of Maine make courses available at all the University campuses for diploma nursing graduates to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing on a part-time basis.
We urge legislation of the appropriation of funds that would support the Continuing Education Program at the same level as all other university programs.
We recommend that the University system and the Department of Education continue to work together to develop and expand two-year less than baccalaureate degree community colleges throughout the state.
ADULT EDUCATION
We again urge that funds be provided to insure the availability of adult education programs to all Maine citizens and to subsidize adult education programs at the local level.
Recognizing that there are large numbers of adult functional illiterates who lack the skills necessary for everyday living in Maine, we urge support of programs specifically designed to aid these people, programs such as “Right to Read,” “Literary Volunteers,” and an increase in Adult Basic Education centers.
We recommend that attention be given to provisions of educational programs in areas of the state where there is general unemployment. We recommend that consideration be given to provisions of education-grants and training grants specifically for the unemployed.
REMEDIAL EDUCATION
We urge the expansion of remedial educational programs which will deal with the problems of the educationally handicapped and culturally deprived students.
We urge that local schools allow the transfer of disadvantage students from one local school to another, with local financing following the student where such transfer allows that student to meet his/her educational needs and which allows him/her to develop to his/her full potential.
ACCOUNTABILITY
We urge increased attention to accountability by educators and boards of education at all levels.
We urge that a Professional Standards Board composed of a consortium of members of the education profession be established with the responsibility of setting and enforcing standards of licensure practice, ethics, and competence.
INSTITUTIONAL EDUCATION
We recommend that the State Department of Education improve its cooperation and coordination with the educational efforts of prisons and juvenile correction centers, hospitals, and related institutions.
LIBRARY SERVICES
We recommend continued development and coordination of the services and resources of all types of libraries and media centers in order to achieve equalization of access to total library re-sources for all Maine people.
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
For the purpose of creating a well-informed citizenry better capable of fulfilling its responsibility to bequeath a healthy world to future generations, we urge:
1. Continued support of environmental education programs.
2. An expanded consumer education program.
3. Health education, sex education, and education for family life.
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
We urge attention to, and implementation of affirmative action plans at all levels of education in the State of Maine.
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Preamble
The title of this plank suggests the Maine Democratic Party’s overriding concern with the adjustment and progressive development of the necessarily interrelated fields of environment and economy. The apparent balancing of the various factors involving the economy and the environment is the most difficult and challenging task facing man. One discipline maintains, rightly, that the quality of the present employment situation and the prospects for improvement is the paramount problem for our society and one which requires immediate attention. With this we agree. However, we recognize the importance of the problem of the depletion of earth’s natural re-sources and consequent environmental imbalance to mankind’s survival. For the ultimate betterment of the citizens of the State of Maine, we recommend that factors adversely affecting the environment be diminished, while factors favorable to a vigorous and prosperous economy be promoted within the limits defined.
We hold that there is no alternative to curtailing the pollution of our water and air and halting the introduction into our environment of the long-lived chemicals which adversely affect the food chain and which may result in genetic changes in man, woman, and other creatures. Given this commitment, and recognizing the tremendous burden of the costs of this commitment, we sup-port the research, planning, development, and operation of Total Concept Development Centers. We believe that close cooperation between government, industry, and labor is necessary for the desirable economic growth needed in Maine. Development centers that take advantage of natural and human resources would stimulate development of an attractive economic climate necessary to support continued environmental clean-up and allow a better long-range utilization of the state’s resources.
LAND AND WATER USE
We believe it should be public policy for the State of Maine to recover its full rights to the approximately 400,000 acres of public lots.
We favor a state plan for the appropriate use of the mountain areas of Maine with a view to safe-guarding this unique natural resource.
We advocate further acquisition of parkland for day use, and development of hiking, biking, and snowmobile trails.
We urge the passage of the bond issue to allow the State Department of Inland Fish and Game to acquire land for wildlife management areas.
We advocate greater access for Maine people to the natural resources of the state; specifically encouragement should be given to the identification, posting, and publicizing of public rights of-way to rivers, coastal areas, and great ponds.
We ask that the use of non-returnable beverage containers be prohibited.
We advocate further streamlining and improvement of state regulation of land and water use by:
1. Providing one central location at which all concerned state licensing agencies would have representation and where applications could be made for all necessary licenses and permits.
2. Provide more technical staff and enforcement personnel to DEP and LURC.
3. Require that at least two industry representatives of DEP be representatives of labor.
We advocate classification of all lakes and ponds as to fragility.
We encourage new aquaculture projects for fish and shellfish with due regard for the present rights of Maine people who make their living from the sea.
In order to avoid increased costs to communities and to provide jobs for Maine people, we demand the immediate release of water pollution abatement funds impounded by President Nixon. We deplore the action of the President as breaking faith with the states and local communities who have made strenuous efforts to clean up their waterways.
We urge that the Site Selection Law be made specific to include testimony as to economic impact.
Investigations and experiments should continue with government technical aid and financial assistance to develop conversion of one mans wastes to another’s raw materials.
We support a Forest Practices Act for Maine.
TAXES
We ask that a special capital gains tax be imposed on land sales excluding the principal residence when the land has been held by its present owner for less than five years.
We suggest that the residency requirement for the Maine State Income Tax be lowered to two months.
We call for a study of the Forest Productivity Tax as to its yield to the state, its fairness, and its relationship to funding of the spruce budworm control program.
We suggest a thorough study of the property tax be undertaken to identify and correct its detrimental, environmental, economic, and social effects.
We recommend that Maine citizens receive a real estate tax exemption an the first $5,000 of assessed valuation on their principal single -‘family residence based on 100% valuation. This Homestead exemption shall be in addition to any other exemption now existing under Maine law.
TRANSPORTATION
Recognizing improved transportation is a necessity for the conservation of energy by all citizens the continued growth of the recreation industry, and the mobility of the poor and the elderly, we recommend the following:
1. Restoration of rail passenger service.
2. Improved railroad roadbeds.
3. Development of all Maine ports.
4. Dedication of gasoline taxes be broadened to include all transportation problems until that time when dedication of revenues in no longer allowed in the State of Maine.
5. More mini-bus transport programs for the elderly.
6. Better utilization of school buses for public transit.
7. Improvement of existing bus service.
8. Repeal of hitchhiking laws.
9. Institution of a state system of bicycle paths.
10. That the Department of Transportation undertake feasibility study with the view toward the establishment of a statewide transportation system.
We support the move to initiate a referendum to repeal the bill passed in the 106th Legislature for an increase in truck weights and lengths.
ENERGY
Recognizing the need for cheaper power as essential to the encouragement of industry, we sup-port the creation of a public authority to provide energy at the least possible environmental and financial cost to Maine consumers.
We favor Dickey-Lincoln and Passamaquoddy.
We endorse revised public utilities regulations responsive to Maine consumers.
We would permit oil processing providing such processing-meets environmental standards, provided navigational aid systems are improved along the Maine coast, and provided such processing is not “incompatible with the livelihoods of thousands of Maine people in the fishing and tourist industries or with the habitats of citizens living on the islands and along the coast of Maine.
We call for the passage of necessary legislation to insure that the State of Maine receives equitable and adequate fuel oil for heating purposes, during periods of oil shortage.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
We favor encouragement of non-polluting industries, especially industries based on Maine’s natural resources.
We favor establishment of an inventory of available natural resources with a view to encouraging industrial development.
We recommend that the Department of Marine Resources give support, including technical assistance, in the formation and operation of fisherman’s cooperatives.
Research should be carried out by the Marine Resources Department which would provide a scientific basis for development and conservation of the fishing industry. Fishermen should be involved in the setting of research goals and in actively participating in the program wherever possible. In support of Maine’s fishing industry, we propose:
1. That the 107th Maine Legislature adopt a Maine Fisheries a Policy which outlines a broad fishery policy and goals I for the state to pursue.
2. That the Congress enact immediately a 200-mile territorial fishing zone.
3. That the Congress adopt the Base-Line Theory which would provide Maine with additional territorial jurisdiction among coastal islands.
4. Endorsement of the University of Maine’s endeavors to become a sea-grant college and strong support for their proposed Advanced Studies Center for Marine Resources.
6. That more efforts through the University of Maine, the vocational schools, and the Department of Marine Resource be directed toward providing fishermen with extension type assistance.
We support more development aid to communities and the encouragement of community development groups to promote and control economic growth in accord with local conditions.
We believe that Maine should upgrade its means for attracting industry through broadening of the statute governing the Maine Guarantee Authority. We believe that methods and incentives should be devised to increase venture capital possibilities in Maine.
A tax credit should be given to Maine businesses and industries for expenses related to on-the-job training for new jobs for Maine citizens. We call for the State of Maine to give preference to citizens and businesses of Maine as far as the state’s hiring and contracting practices are concerned.
We support the Atlantic Sea Run Salmon Commission in cooperation with the U. S. Department of Interior in order to restore the Atlantic Sea Run Salmon to the- rivers of Maine.
VACATION-TRAVEL
We call for a basic decision to encourage development of interior lake-oriented sections of the state and to preserve the integrity and attractiveness of the coast.
We encourage the continued expansion of the four seasons aspect of the vacation travel industry.
HUMAN SERVICES
Preamble
The Democratic Party of Maine recognizes its responsibility fill the needs of Maine’s children and youth, the elderly, the men tally ill, the social offenders, the poor, the sick, the needy, through progressive legislation and policies which will devote a greater proportion of our re-sources eliminating these problems. Therefore, we make the following recommendations:
MENTAL HEALTH
1. Further reduce the population of our mental health and retardation institutions through the continued development of adequate and responsive community-based programs, and provide adequate financing as the need decreases for these funds at the state level.
2. Determine the need for operating mental health institutes in Bangor and Augusta while assessing the services provided by both
3. Provide sufficient resources to upgrade the quality or care and maintain accreditation of Bangor and Pineland Center.
4. Develop comprehensive mental health and retardation systems with emphasis on early detection of mental health and retardation problems
5. Re-allocate the cost savings gained from the reduction in population at the mental health institutions to the local facilities which are now charged with providing the services to these people.
6. Determine how the regional mental health clinics can better provide services to the public which they are supposed to be serving.
7. Develop and fund comprehensive aftercare services for persons reintegrated into their communities from institutions.
8. Assess and upgrade the psychiatric care provided by the state for children and adolescents.
HEALTH CARE
1. Support the concept of the establishment of a State of Maine Medical School “without walls”, granting the degree of Doctor of Medicine to citizens of the State of Maine completing its required courses in order to better provide for better health care of our citizens.
2. Increase assistance and encouragement to public schools in their efforts to provide more health, family living, and family planning instructional programs.
3. Repeal the complete prohibition of physicians providing medical treatment and advice to minors without parental consent, as the present situation of self-treatment has reached dangerous proportions.
4. Increase availability of counseling and informational services for those with unwanted pregnancies and other related matters.
5. Establish low-cost dental care throughout the state to make dental care available to all citizens.
6. Expand the lead-poisoning detection program and provide related education.
7. Expand the Medicaid program pending enactment of an adequate national health insurance bill. ‘We support the original Kennedy-Griffitus Bill instead of the Kennedy Mills Compromise.
8. Adequately fund and develop good programs for the Uniform Alcoholism and Intoxication Treatment Act.
9. Support the new program to test, detect, and treat cervical cancer which affects many Maine women.
10. Support legislation which would adequately fund and develop programs that would lead to placement of paraprofessional personnel to supplement the delivery of health care in those areas of Maine which lack adequate medical manpower.
SOCIAL SERVICES
1. Expand Social Security Title IV-A and XVI programs to take full advantage of available federal funds with emphasis on the state wide development of services such as transportation, day care, and nutrition.
2. Increase AFDC benefits to provide an adequate standard of living for all recipients. 3. Provide low-interest housing loans to middle- and low-income families for the rehabilitation and construction of dwellings.
4. Require a building code that meets BOCA standards where none exists and establish a state program to provide increase d enforcement of building code standards where not enforced at lo-cal levels.
5. Require that all public buildings be accessible to handicapped people.
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
1. Explore the possibility of establishing a permanent agency to plan and coordinate children and youth services.
2. Develop strong, effective preventive programs to fight the incidence of child abuse in Maine.
3. Strengthen and clarify existing child abuse and neglect laws so that the courts and social workers can better deal with the problems.
4. Make application for federal funds which have become available to the states with the passage of the National Child Abuse Act, which is aimed at preventing and remedying child abuse incidence.
5. Develop programs to fill the existing void for children with emotional and mental health problems.
6. Encourage availability of community and neighborhood recreation centers for children, youth, and adults.
7. Develop recreation programs in which the entire family can Participate and enjoy individually or as a family.
8. Expand comprehensive child day care centers.
ELDERLY
1. Expand nutrition programs such as “Meals on Wheels for Me.’
2. Upgrade standards for nursing homes to insure high-quality care and adequate protection of patients’ rights.
3. Increase the state supplement to the Federal Supplemental Security Income Program.
4. Increase refunds under the Elderly Householders’ Tax and Rent Refund Act.
5. Maine senior citizens 62 years or older should receive a real estate tax exemption on the first $15,000 of assessed valuation on their principle single family residence based on 100% assessed valuation.
6. Establish a state veterans home for Maine.
7. Encourage development of geriatric day care centers.
CORRECTIONS
1. Establish community-based rehabilitation centers for those offenders who do not require security.
2. Require mandatory training, minimum standards, and psychological screening of all personnel dealing directly with inmates of correctional institutions including probation and parole officers.
3. Promote more participation by qualified citizens in the existing “Volunteers in Probation” pro-gram.
4. Develop probation programs with varying degrees of counseling, assistance, and supervision to guarantee more complete rehabilitation.
5 Continue improvement of education and rehabilitation services with increased emphasis on useful vocational training programs at correctional institutions.
6. Strengthen and improve pre-sentencing and pre-intake diagnostic screening and evaluation programs for the entire Maine State, Corrections System, with thoughtful sentencing based on the results of evaluation.
7. Continue efforts to insure that individuals in our correctional institutions are not denied their basic human rights and dignity.
8. The extension of “good time” limits to provide earlier review by the Parole Board of a prisoner’s progress in rehabilitation.
9. An on-going Task Force on Corrections to plan for the improvement of our corrections system and monitor our correctional institutions.
10. A moratorium on the construction of county prisons pending the development of a comprehensive statewide plan of corrections, except in cases where antiquated facilities must be replace immediately.
11. The establishment of an independent Ombudsman for our correctional institutions.
12. Compensation for prisoners and elimination of jobs which do not prepare the inmate for work outside of the institution.
13. More facilities in the communities to assist schools, families, and social service agencies with juvenile problems.
14. More “half-way-out” houses for paroled and released inmates to facilitate gradual adjustment and reentry to the community.
15. More coordination of available resources such as group homes, counseling, and remedial education programs for juvenile offenders.
INDIAN AFFAIRS
Preamble
While Indians residing in Maine have begun to make significant strides toward self-determination as a result of a new recognition by the State of their unique status as Indians and of their special b needs, we recognize that much remains to be done to guarantee their treaty and aboriginal rights and to aid in the development of their ‘communities
LAND
We recognize the unfair actions taken by the State of Maine its predecessor, Massachusetts, in the improper acquisition and illegal appropriation of Indian land. We therefore advocate that the Attorney General immediately begin to seek a just settlement with all the Indians residing in Maine in the area of land claims.
We urge repeal of Section 4709, Actions by Attorney General, which refers to damage and injuries to Tribal lands prior to September 16, 1961.
FEDERAL INDIAN PROGRAMS
The greatest single step that can be taken to improve the Position of Indians residing in Maine, whether on or off reservation, would be the extension of Federal Indian services to them. UP to now, these services have been improperly denied. Such services would amount to five million dollars per year in the areas of health care, employment, education, new and rehabilitated housing, welfare, community development, and law enforcement. We advocate that all appropriate agencies of the state, including the Office of the Governor and of the Attorney General, take up as their first Indian-related responsibility, the acquisition of these necessary services.
INDIAN RIGHTS AND SELF-GOVERNMENT
We recognize the inherent rights of tribal sovereignty regarding the conduct of internal tribal affairs.
We urge that proposed legislation be accompanied by a Tribal Council resolution which approves that legislation.
STATE CONCERNS
We urge that Maine develop an integrated program of services, including employment and new and rehabilitated housing, for Indians residing in Maine, regardless of residency on or off reservation. Such a program would recognize the integrated nature of the Indian community around the state.
We urge that all appropriate Maine state planning boards, commissions, and advisory committees have adequate representation of Indians residing in Maine as a means to improve Indian input into and participation in state services.
We advocate that the University of Maine system and vocational technical institutes should actively recruit qualified Maine-residing Indians for full tuition scholarships. The University should make available to Indians programs which emphasize technical and on-the-job training.
Legislation should be passed to fund a census to determine the population of all people residing on Indian reservations in Maine and a separate census to determine the number of off-reservation Indians in Maine.
We suggest that tribally elected Indian representatives be endowed with speaking privileges within the House of Representatives of the State of Maine.
JUSTICE AND EQUAL RIGHTS
Preamble
While being thankful that we live in a country and a state founded on the principles of liberty and justice for all human beings, we recognize that these noble concepts are not always applied equally to all persons in our state.
As our civilization becomes more complex, constitutionally guaranteed human rights are too of-ten overlooked. Recognizing the inherent rights of all people to enjoy and defend life and liberty, to acquire, possess, and protect property, and to pursue and obtain happiness, we must be ever mindful of the danger of granting specific rights to any one group of citizens by denying these rights to others. Therefore, we must strive to update our laws to meet the constantly changing needs of society without abrogating any basic unalienable rights of individuals.
We commend our courts and our law officers in their efforts to secure enforcement of the law, but we must continually seek methods to improve law enforcement and the administration of justice. We must also seek to improve and strengthen our correction and rehabilitation facilities or else good legislation, good law enforcement, and a good court system will be worthless.
We assert that all human beings must enjoy common rights without discrimination in any form and be guaranteed due process of law.
EQUAL RIGHTS
1. The Democratic Party reaffirms its support of the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment for men and women, and commends the United States Congress and the State of Maine for passing this most important legislation. We also recommend that any State laws which may result in discrimination based on sex be revised forthwith.
2. As an extension of the traditional Democratic Party’s regard for civil liberties, we advocate that the Human Rights Act be amended to forbid discrimination on the basis of homosexuality. We also urge the legislature to appropriate sufficient funding to allow the Human Rights Commission to function effectively and to strengthen existing legislation.
3. We urge the Department of Education and Cultural Services to establish policies which will insure equal educational opportunities for all Maine children. We recommend that a system of accountability be developed whereby state and local school systems would have to demonstrate that they were, in fact, providing equal opportunities for low income, culturally deprived, and minority group children. We recommend the abolition of the lock step tracking of students. We urge equal physical educational facilities, equipment, and programs for men and women and boys and girls.
a. We also recommend that the federal government be urged to encourage integration of public schools and that the state legislature be opposed to any constitutional, amendment which in effect would nullify all efforts at integration.
b. We recommend that all federal legislation be amended so that all American workers receive all benefits extended to foreign workers.
4. In defense of an individual’s right to freedom of choice and freedom to determine his own values and morals, the Democratic Party opposes criminal penalties for private acts of consenting adults which are considered “victim-less” crimes. We also recommend eliminating those laws which attempt to dictate morals and values to the people, recognizing the individual’s right to determine his own acts in private, provided such acts do not impinge upon the rights of others.
5. We recommend the revision of the divorce laws to institute a policy wherein irreconcilable differences shall be a ground for divorce without conditions.
6. The Democratic Party favors a careful review of marijuana research and, in the meantime, the elimination of jail terms for possession of marijuana for personal use.
7. We recommend a review and clarification of all rules, regulations, and laws which prohibit the participation in party politics by certain classes of employees.
8. Recognizing that many citizens are discriminated against in both overt and subtle ways, we advocate the following: a. The establishment of a legal holiday for Black Americans dedicated to the recognition of the contributions which blacks have made in our society. b. That ways to eliminate discrimination within the Democratic Party be continued and strengthened.
ENFORCEMENT OF THE LAW
1. Because of the high degree of professional expertise required of law enforcement officers to-day, we advocate mandatory training prior to being placed on duty, state minimum standards and salaries, and psychological testing for local and state police officers and deputy sheriffs engaged in criminal law enforcement.
2. Viewing bail not as preventive detention or punishment, but as insuring that accused individuals will appear for court proceedings, we recommend that bail procedures continue to be re-viewed with recognition of increased use of personal recognizance.
3. We support equal enforcement of the law regardless of social, political, or economic status.
4. We favor further expansion of procedural and substantive due process and other rights, including a prison’s right to vote by absentee in state and local elections.
ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE
1. Recognizing that denial of justice by reason of its expense is an ancient ailment of judicial systems that still infect Maine courts today, the Democratic Party advocates the extension of the in forma pauperis procedure in divorce litigation to all forms of civil litigation.
2. We favor the enactment of legislation creating a statewide defender system which would guarantee that no person too poor to hire an attorney shall go unrepresented in a criminal case.
3. We endorse the concept of prepaid legal services insurance so that legal services will be avail-able to all persons.
4. We propose the enactment of legislation creating the Office of Ombudsman to aid citizens in dealing with problems involving all branches of state government.
5 We suggest a revision of juvenile court procedures and sentencing recognizing that minors have rights and responsibilities closely paralleling those of adult citizens.
6. We continue to propose the gubernatorial appointment of Judges of Probate.
7. We believe that in eminent domain proceedings, the property owner shall be entitled to the re-placement value of his/her property and an award of reasonable attorney’s fees if it becomes necessary for the owner to go to court to recover just compensation.
8. We advocate a bill of rights for those confined to nursing homes and similar facilities.
9. We favor legislation recognizing a person’s right to confidentiality of his/her medical records.
10. We encourage the legislature to appropriate sufficient funds for the Governor’s Advisory Commission on the Status of Women.
11. We recommend that the courts consider, in determining the questions of sentence and punishment, whether restitution is to be made by the perpetrator to the victim of the crime. We endorse the payment of the minimum wage to working prisoners.
12. We recognize the need for the evaluation and development of our system of justice, both criminal and civil, to meet and be responsive to the needs of the citizens of Maine.
LABOR AND MANPOWER
Preamble
The core strength of our Nation, State, and Party are working men and women. They deserve the best that is possible in terms of pay, working conditions and safety, job security, and benefits.
LABOR RELATIONS
We advocate:
1. State laws protecting the rights of all employees, public and private, whether or not covered by existing federal law, to organize and bargain collectively with their employers and that this activity be properly regulated for the protection of employees, employees organizations, and the public.
2. Continued opposition to so-called “right to work” laws in any form and recognition of the right of all working people to achieve union security if they so desire.
3. In recognition and support of the right of farm workers to organize and collectively bargain, we encourage all Democrats NOT to buy grapes or Gallo wines or any wines with Modesto, California on the label. We further urge all Democrats to refrain from purchasing non-Maine lettuce not picked by members of the United Farm Workers Union.
MINIMUM WAGE
We advocate:
1. A minimum wage that reflects the true needs of all Maine workers, including those not presently covered by State and Federal law, of at least $2.75 per hour and a provision for automatic upward adjustment to compensate for inflation.
2. That all employees, including employees of non-profit organizations, receive overtime pay at time and one-half for all hours in excess of 7 hours in any one day or 35 hours in any one week and that a law be enacted guaranteeing that the employee’s compensation will not be reduced be-cause of the shorter work day or week.
3. That the little “Davis Bacon Act” be extended by the Maine Legislature providing that prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits for State construction projects be applied to any and all construction work receiving state financial assistance.
4. The application of minimum wage and child labor laws to and the regulation and control of industrial homework.
WORK SAFETY AND WORKMEN’S COMPENSATIO14
We advocate:
1. Withdrawal of the State occupational safety and health plan from consideration by the U. S. Department of Labor; full federalization of job safety and health enforcement under Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and ending of the present U. S. Department of Labor contract with the Maine Bureau of Labor and Industry.
2. Covering all employees under the Workmen’s Compensation Law and requiring all employers to carry appropriate industrial accident insurance under said law. 3. A more adequate provision in the Workmen’s Compensation Law for compensation and rehabilitation of workers whose hearing and eyesight have been injured.
4. Protection of the family members of workers who suffer from communicable disease and other diseases transmitted to them by the workers who have been exposed on the job.
5. A more adequate compensation for all permanent impairment and disabilities incurred as a result of work injury.
6. Rigorous enforcement of the statutory provision prohibiting discrimination by employers against any employees for filing a claim or testifying under the Workmen’s Compensation Law.
7. Improved availability of medical care for injured employees at or near the work site.
8. Improved, more frequent, more regular, and most importantly, unannounced safety inspection to prevent work injuries.
9. Creation of a state insurance fund for workmen’s compensation coverage so that through greatly reduced costs, employee benefit may be increased and the cost to employers reduced.
10. If an injury is covered by Workmen’s Compensation and is the direct result of a violation by the employer of a Federal or State safety statute, then the Workmen’s Compensation award shall be adjusted upward by SO per cent.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEES
We advocate:
1. Improved pay and benefits including a 20-year retirement plan for all public employees to in-sure the retention and recruitment of able personnel.
2. Payment of the full costs of a maximum benefit of hospital and surgical insurance for all public employees.
3. Strengthening the administration of the public employees labor relations laws and opposition to any efforts to erode rights of employees under those laws.
4. Extension of the rights of collective bargaining to University of Maine employees and all other quasi-public agencies such as non-profit hospitals.
5. Making the 35-hour work week, 7-hour work day standard for all hourly paid public employees and providing over time pay for any work in excess thereof with the exception that employees may choose to work more than 7 hours in one day, but not to exceed 35 hours in 1 week without overtime’.
6. Continuous and careful review of the investment policies of the public employees pension fund to insure the maximum return compatible with safety principle.
7. Removal of the prohibition of economic sanctions by public employees in the present public employee labor relations law.
8. Application of federal OSHA standards to a new state OSHA program covering all public employees.
STRUCTURE
We advocate:
1. Sufficient personnel for the administration of labor safety and the public employees labor relations law so that the promises of these laws are carried into reality for the working men and women of Maine.
2. Alteration of the name of the Bureau of Labor and Industry to the Bureau of Labor as being more appropriate to its function, and statutory provision requiring that the Director of the Bureau of Labor has to have considerable experience in the labor movement or employee associations.
EMPLOYMENT SECURITY
We advocate:
1. That legislation be adopted that guarantees to employees their wages, fringe benefits, and pension in the event of employer insolvency, bankruptcy, or relocation.
2; Increasing the benefits under Unemployment Compensation Law to 2/3 of the individual’s last actual wage, but in no event less than the state minimum wage computed on a 40-hour work week.
3. Amending the Unemployment Law to provide for immediate benefits for unemployed due to lockout by an employer.
4. Amending the Unemployment Law to provide for benefits for employees after the first week of a strike.
5. Elimination of the waiting period in the Unemployment Compensation Law.
6. A provision in the Unemployment Compensation Law for the payment of fees to attorneys rep-resenting unemployed workers at hearings concerning their claims modeled after the similar pro-vision in the present Workmen’s Compensation Laws.
7. Eliminating existing loopholes under the Severance Pay Act so that some major employers can no longer flaunt the beneficial purpose of that act.
8. Stringent control over the import of foreign workers to Maine and the nation so as to insure that foreign workers DO NOT reduce job opportunities for our workers or undermine our labor standards.
9. Controlling tariff and import policies so that more adequate consideration is given to the needs of Maine workers, particularly in the shoe and textile industries, and controlling large corporations to prevent the export of jobs overseas location of their foreign subsidiaries.
10. The Federal on-the-job training program be continued and that its practical orientation to the needs of Maine and Maine workers be strengthened and that any abuses now existing in the on-the-job training programs which undercut labor standards or threaten the jobs of workers be eliminated.
11. State and federal compensation and training programs to assist employees adversely affected by international trade policies of the United States.
12. The appeal period under the Unemployment Compensation Law be increased to 30 days.
13. A provision in the Unemployment Compensation Law so that a worker shall not be penalized or refused compensation because he must refuse or terminate employment due to economic or other conditions beyond his control.
14. Elimination of the present inequities between the rights of employers and employees under the present Unemployment Compensation Law.
15. That for the protection of the jobs of Maine workers, all contracts or purchases involving expenditures of public funds should be to Maine contractors or suppliers within 2% of the lowest bid, providing said contractor guarantees 90% of the work force on bid jobs will be State of Maine workers. Furthermore, when bids are not required, purchases will be made from Maine suppliers of goods and services.
16. A State of Maine funded program to train workers for jobs in new or expanded industries in the State of Maine be instituted and oriented to the needs of Maine and Maine workers.
NATIONAL AFFAIRS
Preamble
While the primary concern of the Democratic Party of Maine involves state and local government, decisions of the national government affect our lives and, to a large extent, limit the options available at the state and local levels. It is, therefore, appropriate that we adopt these proposals to record our views on national affairs and to provide guidance to our representatives in the Congress and in the various councils of the National Party.
I. Impeachment of the President. The people of the United States can no longer tolerate a President whose administration has been marked by a lack of policy direction, by a gross abuse of authority, and by a failure to uphold the most widely held moral standards. We endorse the broad definition of Constitutional grounds for Presidential impeachment recommended by the staff of the House Committee on the Judiciary and call for prompt action by the House of Representatives and trial by the Senate to determine if the President is guilty and should be removed from office.
II. The confidence of the people of the United States in their governmental institutions can only be regained through reforms in the methods by which we choose those who govern, by which we raise money to finance the government, and by which we allocate funds among governmental programs.
We, therefore, propose:
A. Campaign reform. A system of mixed public and private financing of primary and general election campaigns for President, Senator, and Congressman/Congresswoman. Such a system should limit the money spent on campaigns without eliminating the possibility that a challenger can overcome an incumbent, should foster reliance -on small rather than’ large contributions, should restrict the funds which any individual or family may give to any campaign, and should guarantee full and timely disclosure of all campaign contributions and expenditures. We urge prompt Congressional action on such matters.
B. Tax reform. The revision of the income tax and its loopholes so that it will place the burden for payment on those individuals and corporations most capable of paying in fairly graduated rates on earned income.
C. Budget reform. The development within the Congress of budgetary priorities and redress the current imbalance which favors the Executive.
D. Impoundment of funds. Legislation to prohibit the unreasonable and illegal impoundment of funds by the President and to require the President to release funds already impounded.
III. It is the responsibility of the national government to protect the rights of individuals and to improve the quality of life for all Americans. Therefore, calling for a reordering of national priorities to provide tax relief and to shift the national budget from an emphasis on arms and the defense budget to a stress on domestic needs while recognizing our international responsibilities, we propose:
A. Individual privacy. To protect individual privacy by repealing “no-knock” legislation, by eliminating wire tapping and surveillance by government agencies, and by regulating the collection and dissemination of individual records by mass data banks.
B. Economic policies.
1. Unemployment. The reduction of unemployment from its present unacceptable level by in-creasing government expenditures in the public sector of the economy, by providing additional public funding of training and re-training in lines of work which the economy is likely to require, and by instituting a liberalized and uniform unemployment compensation system.
2. Incomes policy. An adequately enforced government incomes policy which will impose reasonable restraints on rents, interest rates, profits, and wages and which will do so only after suit-able adjustments are made to eliminate the inequities of existing price and wage structures.
3. Minimum wage. Extending the coverage of and raising the minimum wage to $2.75 an hour with subsequent increases with rises in the cost of living.
4. Restriction of right-to-work laws. The repeal of Section 14B of the Taft-Hartley Act which permits the states to pass right-to-work legislation.
5. Conglomerates and monopolies. To reduce the insidious economic and political influence of conglomerates and monopolies by rigorous public scrutiny, regulations, and divestiture when appropriate.
C. Military budget. The significant reduction of the military budget by halting the development of nonessential new weapons and delivery systems and whatever other means may be required to transfer outlays for these projects to needed domestic programs. The establishment of a Presidential Commission to study the achievement of that goal is recommended.
D. Energy policy. The development of a coherent, long-range energy policy which will emphasize consumer rather than producer interests, the prudent exploitation of nonrenewable energy sources, the massive development of renewable energy sources, and the reduction of wasteful consumption.
E. Housing and community development. The adoption of a national program which will fulfill the pledge made by Congress in 1948, and repeated in 1968, to provide a decent home in a decent community for every American family.
F. Health insurance. A comprehensive national health insurance program, financed by funds from the income tax which will guarantee hospital, medical, dental, optical, and psychiatric care to every American.
G. Pubic transportation. Public support and ownership of mass transit systems.
H. Social security. Raising the limitations on the amount a social security recipient may earn be-fore reducing that person’s benefits, adjustment benefits to raises in the cost of living, and financing the program from funds generated by the income tax.
I. Environment. The rigorous enforcement of all existing standards of pollution control and all reasonable future deadlines. If additional restrictions are needed to provide a suitable environment for human habitation, we will propose them.
J. Racial rights. The promotion of equal economic, social, and political rights for all races and ethnic groups so that they may live where they wish and have access to equal education opportunities.
K. Women’s rights. The promotion and enforcement of equal treatment for women, equal pay for equal work, equal educational opportunities, and equal opportunities to work.
L. Children’s needs. Increased national support of comprehensive programs that will enable all children and youth to develop to their fullest potential.
M. Foreign policy.
1. Strategic Arms Limitation. The successful completion of the Strategic Arms Limitation negotiations.
2. Detente with Soviet Union and recognition of China. The continuing search for economic and political detente with the Soviet Union and recognition of the Peoples Republic of China.
3. Cuba. The resumption of diplomatic relations with the Republic of Cuba.
4. Middle East. The continuation of peace negotiations in the Middle East, consistent with a policy which guarantees the sovereignty and defensible borders of the State of Israel and of other states in the area.
5. Southeast Asia. The suspension of all military aid to the governments of Southeast Asia and strict monitoring to assure that economic and humanitarian aid will be used to benefit the people of those nations.
6. Developing states. Increased economic aid and support for birth control programs to reduce the threat of starvation and deprivation in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
7. United Nations. Economic and diplomatic support for the United Nations to promote a world community in which humans may live in peace.
8. Rights of Emigration. The Democratic Party of Maine expresses its indignation over the treatment of Soviet Jews regarding emigration and supports the diplomatic efforts of the U.S. Government and Congress to secure rights of emigration to welcoming countries for all Soviet citizens.
IV. To begin the process of healing the wounds which have afflicted our people as a result of the Vietnam War, we propose:
A. Veterans benefits. The increase of medical and educational benefits to veterans and their survivors and the development of adequate administrative machinery to insure the delivery of these benefits in such a way that veterans can be re-assimilated into society as quickly and as completely as possible. We also propose that the greatest effort be made to train veterans for jobs and to provide them special opportunities in the job market.
B. Veterans missing in action. That every effort be made by the United States government to locate and return all of those missing in action in Southeast Asia.
C. Amnesty. The offer of amnesty to all United States citizens who refused to fight in Vietnam.
D. We support a 35% increase in allotments to veterans seeking an education through the G.I. Bill.
E. We propose an end to the multiple type discharge system in favor of a single discharge for all leaving the service.
STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Preamble
The Democratic Party, voicing the concerns of the majority of Maine citizens, desires effective and responsive state and local government accessible to all. Therefore, we present the following proposals as goals toward which Democrats should work during the next two years.
I. As Democrats we are deeply concerned that each Maine citizen declare his will in free elections. We therefore propose the following recommendations: That
A. The Maine Constitution be amended to allow future amendment through the process of initiative and referendum.
B. Training programs be established for all of Maine’s election workers.
C. The “Mini-Hatch Act” be repealed to allow Maine State employees full participation in the electoral process.
D. The charge to the public for voter registration lists be set at a level to cover only the reason-able costs of producing such lists.
E. The order of names of candidates on ballots be determined by random lottery drawing.
F. Public financing be available for candidates for major state office, including as a first step, the modification of the present Maine income tax to allow taxpayers to allocate a dollar of their taxes to the party of their choice.
G. Require that absentee ballot voting be permitted in all municipal elections where the secret ballot is used.
H. We urge that the law be amended to permit municipal employees to hold municipal offices on bodies other than those which are their direct employers.
I. We advocate the creation of a Fair Campaign Practices Commission empowered to impose sanctions, during and after political campaigns, upon individuals found guilty of unfair campaign practices including, but not limited to, voiding the election of any successful candidate found guilty of such practices.
II. As Democrats, we have long been involved in making state and local government serve the people and their needs better, more efficiently, and more economically. We therefore propose the following: That
A. The Executive Branch of State Government be modified to provide that:
1. The Governor have the power to appoint and remove the Attorney General, the Treasurer, and the Secretary of State.
2. The Executive Council be abolished.
3. The Governor have the power of item veto.
4. The process of departmental reorganization be completed.
B. The Legislative Branch of State Government be altered by:
1. Reducing the size of the House of Representatives, consideration of a unicameral legislature, and, if necessary, increasing the professional staff.
2. Meeting annually.
3. Eliminating loopholes in the regulation and reporting of lobbying activities.
4. Making available to the press and public, in convenient form, the roll call votes of both houses.
C. The Judicial Branch be improved through state financing of the court system.
D. Other modifications include:
1. The establishment of a public power authority.
2. Allowing the advertising of prescription drug prices.
3. Formation of state building and electrical codes, with adequate enforcement.
4. Periodic adjustments of the personal exemption on the Maine income tax to reflect cost of liv-ing changes.
5. Continuation and strengthening of all programs to assist the readjustments to civilian life of Vietnam veterans and to meet their educational and social needs.
6. Abolishing state dedicated revenues.
E. Local government adopt proposals to:
1. Encourage pooling their resources to provide efficiently more comprehensive services for their citizens.
2. Develop regional governmental councils, composed of elected municipal officials, which would meet regional needs and which would carry out state and federal programs on a regional level.
3. Provide for reimbursement by tax-exempt properties for municipal services rendered.
F. In recognition of the 200th birthday of the United States of America which will occur in 1976, we support:
1. Recognition and promotion of Maine’s significant historical landmarks of the American Revolution.
2. State financial support for appropriate state and municipal bicentennial observances to supplement federal grants already authorized
3. Recognition of the, Bicentennial as ongoing reaffirmation of American values expressed by the Founding Fathers in the Revolutionary Period.
Finally, and most importantly, we recognize the continuing need for close scrutiny of state expenditures, to insure efficiency in carrying out state programs; and we recognize the need for a continuing citizen’s commission representing a broad spectrum of Maine society to review governmental operations and promote such efficiency. If, in spite of such efforts, tax increases are still deemed necessary, we advocate that such increases be made in those portions of our tax structure which place the burden on those most able to pay.
Source: Copy provided by Carl E. Pease, Windsor, 2008.