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
weatherization
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
LePage, Clean-energy Advocates Clash Over Governor’s Agenda
At issue are the governor’s proposals that reflect his skepticism over ratepayer charges to support conservation. By Tux Turkel, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story Gov. Paul LePage has submitted three bills to the Legislature aimed at lowering energy costs, but clean-energy advocates said Tuesday that the measures would dismantle years of state policies 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
NRCM Testimony in Support of LD 1378, An Act To Amend the Laws Governing the Issuance of Bonds and To Effectuate the Issuance of Bonds To Support Maine’s Natural Resource-based Economy
Dear Sen. Whittemore, Rep. Martin, and members of the State and Local Government Committee: Thank you for the opportunity to submit written testimony in support of LD 1378, An Act To Amend the Laws Governing the Issuance of Bonds and To Effectuate the Issuance of Bonds To Support Maine’s Natural Resource-based Economy. For the second 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
Republicans and Conservation — Not the Partnership It Used to Be
Teddy Roosevelt was a Republican who achieved the most remarkable conservation record of all of our presidents. By George Smith Kennebec Journal column April 29 was a sad day for this Republican. Sen. Roger Katz, of Augusta, also a Republican, was attacked for defending the projects and integrity of the Land for Maine’s Future program. 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
