You can view the full Candidates' Forum here.
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| Irwin Gratz (left) and Charlie Summers listen as Chellie Pingree answers a question at the Candidates' Forum on Sustainability in Portland on September 28. |
On September 28, 2008, more than 70 listeners gathered in the Glickman Library at University of Southern Maine to hear the responses of Maine’s 1st District Congressional candidates, Chellie Pingree and Charlie Summers, to a series of questions about environmental sustainability. Twenty organizations, including NRCM, co-sponsored the event, which was moderated by Irwin Gratz, host of Maine Public Radio's "Morning Edition.” The forum will be broadcast on community television stations in 56 Maine communities. (View the list of stations here). The topics ranged from global warming and alternative transportation to wildlife and habitat protections and sustainable agriculture and fisheries.
On the topic of global warming, Pingree commented that “people are really committed to doing something about it and we don’t want to miss that opportunity.” Summers said that “the government has to do things to encourage alternative energy” in order to deal with our current dependence on oil.
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| Charlie Summers discusses his views as Chellie Pingree listens at the Candidates' Forum at the University of Southern Maine. |
Investment in alternative transportation was supported by both candidates, with Pingree stating that she “would like to see more transportation money for projects like that,” and that, “we have an incredible subsidy for our highway system, but not for public transportation.” Summers put the burden on the individual to make this happen, saying that, "We can't expect the government to do this for us. We have to be active participants in becoming an energy-independent country."
When asked about supporting local agriculture and fisheries, Summers cited “increasing interest in buying foods locally. .. Everywhere you turn, you see more CSA’s and farmers markets.” Pingree agreed that “any time you can buy local – that’s a good thing.” On fisheries, she added that, “We’ve really been suffering with the demise of the groundfish,” and said that she “would love to be a part of how to change this.” Summers noted that, “researchers and fishermen both have to work together to replenish our fishing stocks.”
Across the board, both candidates agreed that environmental sustainability is a critical issue for the state of Maine and pledged that they would make it a priority, if elected.