By Christopher Cousins Bangor Daily News news story Gov. Paul LePage made news on several fronts during a nearly hour-long press conference Friday at the Blaine House, which by now you’ve probably read something about. One of the tidbits we know the least about was LePage’s statement that he has called for an investigation into Read More
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Katz’s Bond Bill Would Return Power to the People
The attempt to use voter-approved bonds as bargaining chips violates the Founders’ vision. By The Editorial Board Portland Press Herald editorial ‘If men were angels, no government would be necessary,” wrote Founding Father James Madison. “If angels were to govern men … (no) controls on government would be necessary.” But – even in Maine – Read More
Senator Pushes Ahead with Bill to Force LePage to Release Conservation Bonds
By Christopher Cousins, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story AUGUSTA, Maine — Republican Sen. Roger Katz of Augusta argued Monday that no governor should have the power to overrule the will of Maine voters when it comes to the release of bond funding. Katz has made headlines for opposing Republican Gov. Paul LePage on Read More
Bill’s Supporters Push to Force LePage to Issue Land Conservation Bonds
Republican Sen. Roger Katz, who introduced the bill, says the Legislature will ‘set a terrible precedent’ if it lets the governor withhold the voter-approved bonds. by Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage’s hardball political tactics came under bipartisan criticism Monday from lawmakers who are considering a bill Read More
Critics Say LePage ‘Cherry-picking’ Land Conservation Deals
The $1.7 million federal grant he accepted is separate from voter-approved bonds, but some say he’s superseding a state board with 30 projects lined up. By Steve Mistler, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage has accepted $1.7 million in federal funding for a 13,875-acre conservation project in Piscataquis County, Read More
Of LePage Bondage: Governor Holds One Bond Hostage, Proposes Another for State Buildings
By The BDN Editorial Board Bangor Daily News editorial Gov. Paul LePage has opposed many bond proposals during his tenure and is currently holding hostage bonds, already approved by voters, to fund land conservation through the Land for Maine’s Future program. So, the governor’s desire to borrow $112 million to rehab state-owned properties and build Read More
LePage’s Use of Bonds as Bargaining Chips Spurs GOP Infighting
By Mario Moretto, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story AUGUSTA, Maine — A state senator known as a moderate on Tuesday called out Gov. Paul LePage for the “artificially created crisis” about voter-approved conservation bonds worth more than $11 million. LePage has refused to issue the bonds, jeopardizing more than 30 land preservation projects Read More
Bipartisan Ire Grows Over Governor’s Refusal to Issue Land Bonds
By A.J. Higgins MPBN news story AUGUSTA, Maine – A showdown is looming in the Maine Legislature over Gov. Paul LePage’s refusal to release about $11.5 million in voter-approved conservation bonds until lawmakers approve his plan to increase timber harvesting on public lands. Republican Sen. Roger Katz of Augusta is building a bipartisan coalition to Read More
LePage Doubles Down on Effort to Trade Conservation Bonds for Timber Harvesting
By Mario Moretto, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story CUMBERLAND, Maine — Gov. Paul LePage on Monday reiterated that he will not authorize roughly $11.5 million in voter-approved conservation bonds unless the Legislature approves a new plan to cut more timber on public land and use the new revenue to pay for heating assistance Read More
