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PRESQUE ISLE — Two local service clubs held a joint meeting last week to welcome Sen. Susan Collins for an update on efforts underway in Washington, D.C.
The senator spoke before a packed audience about everything from efforts to prevent scams targeting senior citizens to work underway to support business growth in Aroostook County.
“It is a pleasure to join you and always great to be back home in The County,” the senator began.
“Both the Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs are two exemplary organizations that do so much to serve the city of Presque Isle and surrounding communities,” she said. “From the Annual Rotary Auction to the Kiwanis Club’s Christmas Basket Project, the members of your organizations are dedicated to improving the quality of life for families in the County. I am grateful for your contributions to your communities.”
She praised efforts of local communities, as well as those around the state, for improving downtown areas in a trend of revitalization.
“This resurgence is apparent in every corner of the state, including in the Star City. The community recently approved a permanent pavilion for the Public Market and regularly organizes Riverside events, which will encourage people to visit and shop downtown,” she told the audience. “Presque Isle’s Community Center will also contribute to the city’s continuing revitalization.”
Collins touched on higher education trends, as well. “Of note is Linda Schott, president of the University of Maine at Presque Isle, who led efforts to make the University one of the first in the nation to adopt proficiency-based education.”
Collins spoke about her service on the Senate Special Committee on Aging, noting her opinion that issues affecting older citizens lack sufficient attention in the state and the nation, and explained that the committee has released a resource guide designed to help inform and protect seniors from a variety of prevalent scams. The most common fraud is IRS impersonation, particularly now in tax season, she reported.
“Our veterans are another group that is the focus of my efforts in Washington as a member of the Military Construction/Veterans Administration Appropriations Subcommittee,” the senator said. She outlined efforts to extend the Access Received Closer to Home (ARCH) program for another five years.
Collins detailed her travels throughout the state to connect with agricultural enterprises, other businesses and employees. She discussed visits to such facilities as Pineland Farms in Mars Hill, the Buck Family Farm of Mapleton, Maine Bag Company of Presque Isle and Huber Engineered Woods of Easton, and commended them for their successes. She praised the accomplishments of other companies including Bison Pumps and Smith and Wesson in Houlton, Porvair Filtration in Caribou and Acme Monaco in Presque Isle.
Collins thanked the clubs for their hospitality before taking questions.
“With all the challenges that we face, good things are happening every day in Maine,” she concluded. “I am very optimistic about our future in Maine, and it continues to be an honor to represent you in the United States Senate.”
