The Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor Town Democratic Committees met on the evening of March 4 to enjoy potluck appetizers and discuss local, state and national political matters. Several local community members joined the group to participate in the conversation and plan activities for the coming year.

A major objective for the group is to ensure that their candidates, issues, and positions maintain a more visible presence in our community.

Brian Papineau, chair of the Boothbay Harbor Democratic Committee, has been participating in events with the Maine Democratic Party. He recently attended a meeting in Fort Kent where major topics of discussion included issues relating to statewide proposals being considered in the Maine legislature.

Last September, Boothbay Region Democrats established a model of collaboration among the Town Democratic Committees of Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor and Southport to host a hugely successful “meet the candidates” gathering at the Opera House. The three towns are committed to continuing partnerships to sponsor future projects and events.

A “Summer Grill & Chill” picnic is planned for July to engage Boothbay Region Democrats and progressives in a festive atmosphere with food, beverage and live music. Town committee members are initiating the planning for this event and hope to recruit additional helpers in the coming weeks.

On Monday, May 13 at 6 p.m., an open Boothbay Region Democratic Committee meeting will be held to strategize and to enlist volunteers to assist with the summer barbecue event. All local Democrats and other interested parties are cordially invited to attend; location to be announced. Please take this opportunity to get involved in your community.

For more information about the Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, or Southport Town Democratic Committees, please contact the committee chair: Paula Arsenault, Boothbay, paulamragsdale@gmail.com; Brian Papineau, Boothbay Harbor, boothbayharborbrian@gmail.com; or Bill Messmer, Southport, wmessmer@drew.edu. Also, visit the new Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Boothbay-Region-Democrats-337750396841252/