by Christine Parrish Free Press news story “I think LMF can survive, but it will take more than the governor leaving. The damage is done. Trust in the LMF process is broken,” said Piper. ” Several people have raised questions about the legality of the procedures at the Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) board meeting Read More
land bonds
House Votes to Renew $6.5 Million in Land for Maine’s Future Bonds for 5 Years
Gov. LePage, however, could veto the bill because he wants the bonds authorized only for six months. By Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story House lawmakers voted unanimously Tuesday to renew $6.5 million in Land for Maine’s Future bonds for five years despite the LePage administration’s preference for a shorter, six-month window Read More
Legislative Leaders, LePage Agree to Revive $6.5 Million in Bonds
By Michael Shepherd, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story AUGUSTA, Maine — You’re reading it right: The 2016 legislative session started with agreement between legislators and Gov. Paul LePage to revive $6.5 million in expired conservation bonds. On Wednesday, the Maine House of Representatives recalled a bill from LePage’s desk that leaders said would Read More
We Need to Let Land for Maine’s Future Make Good on Its Commitments
By Russell Black, Special to the BDN Bangor Daily News op-ed Early winter is just about my favorite time of year to be in the woods. The leaves are off the hardwoods, a few apples cling to the old orchard trees, a crunchy layer of snow is (usually) on the ground and, if I’m lucky, Read More
LePage’s Opposition on Conservation Program Begins in Augusta’s Backyard
The governor has released $11.5 million in Land for Maine’s Future bonds, but some conservationists fear his efforts to scuttle the Howard Hill project are not over. By Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story The epicenter of the political brawl over the Land for Maine’s Future program literally looms behind the State Read More
LePage is Backing Down on Land for Maine’s Future. Celebrate with Caution
By The BDN Editorial Board Supporters of the Land for Maine’s Future program can breathe a sigh of relief. They can celebrate, but with cautious optimism. We were pleased to see Gov. Paul LePage on Monday back down from his refusal to release $11.5 million in bonds voters authorized in 2010 and 2012 for a Read More
Conflict Over Land Preservation Confirms Where the Public Stands
Most Mainers want voter-approved bonds to be issued, not held hostage by the governor. By The Editorial Board Portland Press Herald editorial If Gov. Paul LePage’s years long barricade of Land for Maine’s Future has proven anything, it’s how popular the conservation program is among a broad cross-section of the state. When the governor held Read More
LMF Board Speaks Out on Governor’s “Political Obstruction”
by George Smith Bangor Daily News column I wrote this column yesterday, before Governor LePage announced he would allow $5 million of Land for Maine’s Future bonds to be sold. He also said he would allow the sale of $6 million of LMF bonds that have expired, if the legislature revives them. However, the Governor Read More
LePage Agrees to Release $5 Million in Land Conservation Bonds, Criticizes Lawmakers
The governor will issue voter-approved bonds for the Land for Maine’s Future program, which he has been trying to use as leverage to advance a home heating assistance program. By Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story Gov. Paul LePage said Monday that he will sell $5 million in bonds for the Land Read More
