The governor’s overuse of political leverage creates a system of unchecked one-man rule. By The Editorial Board Maine Sunday Telegram editorial Nineteen bills that Gov. LePage did not veto dominated last week’s political news, but that should not distract attention from a single bill that he did veto. L.D. 1378, sponsored by Republican Sen. Roger Read More
Senator Roger Katz
Push to Kill Land for Maine’s Future Bonds Ratchets Up
by Andy O’Brien & Christine Parrish Free Press news story As the July 16 Veto Day approaches, a bill to fund 36 land conservation projects appears to be losing Republican support, making it uncertain if the Legislature can override a LePage veto. LD 1378, sponsored by Sen. Roger Katz (R-Kennebec), would prevent the governor from Read More
LePage Vetoes Land for Maine’s Future Bond Bill
The measure seeks to force him to issue bonds for the conservation program. By Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — As expected, Gov. Paul LePage vetoed a bill Tuesday aimed at forcing him to sell $11.4 million in bonds for the Land for Maine’s Future program that he has been Read More
Fate of Land Bond Money Still Uncertain
WCSH-6 TV news story AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) — A collection of conservation and other groups again Thursday called on Gov. Paul LePage to release money for land protection that was approved by Maine voters. More than $11 million for the Land for Maine’s Future program was passed in statewide bond issue voters in 2010 Read More
Maine House and Senate Approve Bill to Force Governor to Release Bonds
By A.J. Higgins MPBN news story AUGUSTA, Maine – Pressure is mounting on Gov. Paul LePage to release more than $11 million in voter-approved conservation bonds. Thursday morning, a coalition of land conservation groups rallied in support of projects they say could collapse as the result of the governor’s refusal to authorize the bonds unless Read More
Legislature Gives Veto-proof Approval to Bill that would Force LePage to Issue Bonds
By Christopher Cousins, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story AUGUSTA, Maine — Gov. Paul LePage’s blockage of voter-approved bonds, which he has used several times during his tenure in attempts to force his will on the Legislature, received significant pushback Thursday when the Senate voted 26-9 and the House voted 102-48 for a bill Read More
LePage Says He has Ordered Investigation of Land for Maine’s Future
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
LePage’s Actions Could Doom Program to Protect Land for Public Use
Land for Maine’s future has saved recreational and natural areas from development. By David Trahan Kennebec Journal op-ed Gov. Paul LePage is a master at controlling the tone and direction of debate on issues he decides are our state’s priorities. Whether it is income tax cuts or welfare reform, his style is in tough and Read More
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
