Lincoln County Democrats, and the Wiscasset American Legion Post honored State Representative Peter Rines at Le Garage Restaurant December 18.

The Lincoln County Democratic party recognized Rines for his four terms in the State House of Representatives. Tim Nason, Lincoln County Chairman, presented a plaque to Rines showing their appreciation for his service to the county and the state over the past eight years. He has reached the limit of terms for which he is eligible to serve.

During the presentation, some guests present suggested he make a run for the senate.

Commander James Seigars, of the Bradford-Wright Sortwell, American Legion Post 54 presented Rines with a one-year membership in the Sons of the American Legion.

"I present to you this membership in memory of your father, Benjamin Rines, Sr., a Marine Veteran of World War II, and a member of our Post for many years," Seigars said.

"If I become active in the Sons of the American Legion, I won't have time to run for Senator," Rines said with a chuckle.

One of the guests said, "The American Legion has a lot of votes. You better think about it."

After expressing his gratitude for the honors, Rines talked about the legislative accomplishments which mean the most to him over the past eight years.

The first was an amendment to a bill concerning the 911 surcharge. The amendment required the state to reduce the number of Public emergency Services Access Point provided by Verizon from the current 49 to no more than 26. Had the bill passed as originally proposed the cost of the 911 surcharge would have been from $3. to $3.50 per month. With the reductions in the amendment the surcharge was maintained at 50 cents. The amendment covered a period of five years, but the rate was held for six years, according to Rines he expects it to be effective for four more years.

The second accomplishment which Rines mentioned was the legislation which he introduced three years ago to remove MBTE from gas in Maine.

"I want to thank everyone in the District, it has been a tremendous experience, a real honor and privilege." Rines told the many guest present at the celebration.

Among the many guests of Democrats attending the event were; Majority Whip Senator Sean Fairchild, Representatives, Wendy Pich, Bruce MacDonald, Janet Mills, and Lisa Miller.

Chellie Pingree and Adam Cote, who are seating Congressman Ton Allen's seat, was also in attendance.

Rines is the representative for Alna, Dresden, Pittston, and Wiscasset. He served as a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Utilities and Energy. The Speaker of the House appointed Rines to the national Conference of State Legislator's Communications, Financial and Interstate Commerce Committee.

Rines, along with Representatives Carol Grose, from Woolwich, and Bruce MacDonald, from Boothbay recently received high marks for their voting records on bills that will have a positive impact on the environment.

The Maine League of Conservation Voters recently praised the three for their support of new laws that will reduce carbon emissions in the Northeast, ban chemicals from household products that are dangerous to children, expand conservation efforts through the Land for Maine Future program, and prevent shoreline deforestation and invasive plant infestation.

According to a press release from the Maine House Majority office, the three representatives scored a perfect record for the 2007 legislative session for bills impacting the environment.

The Maine League of Conservation Voters has tracked and reported legislators' voting record on key environmental issues since 1986.

The Democratic caucuses will be held in Lincoln County February 10, in Boothbay, at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall, at 2:30 p.m.; Great Salt Bay School in Damariscotta. At 1 p.m. and in Wiscasset at 3:30 p.m. at the Wiscasset Primary School. Further information of the caucuses will be announced at a future date.