A group of Lincoln County grassroots political activists wants to make Maine great, again! Taking a cue from the new president, Damariscotta businessman Norm Hunt is organizing “Let’s Make Maine Great, Again” to lobby the Maine legislature. Hunt believes last fall Maine Republican legislators were elected for the specific purpose of creating a better business climate by reducing taxes and eliminating unnecessary regulations.

Despite Republicans occupying the Blaine House, retaining control of the state Senate and increased numbers in the House of Representatives, Hunt isn’t confident the newly elected legislature will follow through on promises to reduce taxes and eliminate unnecessary regulations without vocal public encouragement. Hunt recently concluded serving as the Lincoln County GOP county chairman. He believes politicians often don’t live up to their campaign promises and wants the newly formed group to encourage legislators to do what they were elected to do.

“Just because we elected Republicans, it doesn’t mean anything is going to get done,” Hunt said. “We all live in a great state, but we don’t have enough jobs and we’re losing our young people. This group is needed to lobby our elected leaders and encourage them to do the right thing by making hard choices for improving our economy.”

As a businessman, Hunt has seen economic devastation in his field of forestry and logging. In recent years, several paper mills around the state have closed. According to Hunt, other sectors of the Maine economy and society are also struggling such as education and job creation. He also cited Maine’s drug problems. He believes without support from the grassroots, legislators may be satisfied with small victories.

“It’s going to take a group of people getting together and contacting legislators on a regular basis. Our support is essential because they (legislators) will be under pressure from interest groups not to implement everything needed to improve the economy,” he said.

Hunt initially brought the concept up during the December Lincoln GOP meeting. He was encouraged by the feedback he received. Let’s Make Maine Great, Again’s first meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 25 in the brick building at 241 U.S. Route 1 in Damariscotta. Hunt expects about 10 people to attend. He envisions meeting twice a month and expanding the organization beyond Lincoln County.

“The goal is for this to grow and become a statewide organization. I’m hoping in a few months we’ll have people from five or six counties attending meetings.”

The group is open to all who want to participate. Hunt doesn’t expect Democrats or liberal members because the group’s focus is on reduced taxes and spending. “Everyone is welcome. I think the group will consist of concerned businessmen, taxpayers and fiscally conservative individuals who want to clean up the mess. Just look at the education system and drug problems in the state. we’ve got to do something about it,” Hunt said.

He is the group’s founder. Hunt came up with the concept after receiving a Christmas card from Maine Republican Party Chairman Rick Bennett. The card congratulated Maine Republicans for their strong showing in the November election. After receiving the card, Hunt realized the true goal was as President Trump proclaimed, to “Make America great, again,” not winning an election.

Hunt owns N.C. Hunt Lumber in Damariscotta.