• 1 pair diamond stud earrings.- $100 Value – The Village Jeweler – 221 Water Street
• Dinner for 2 – $50 Value – Mad Dog Pub – 259 Water Street
• 1 bottle of wine – $20 Value – Water Street Café – 347 Water Street
• Floral arrangement – $25 Value -  Berry and Berry Floral – 207 Water Street
• Photo Shoot and 11”X14” Print – $50 Value – Picture Perfect Photography  – 226 Water Street
• 2 Tickets to “Primo Cubano” Hot Latin Jazz Performance – Feb. 11th – $30 Value – Johnson Hall –280 Water Street

The purchase price for this package deal is only $99 – Valued at $275.  For more information, contact Gardiner Main Street – 582-3100.  To purchase the package, visit Johnson Hall, Mad Dog Pub, Village Jeweler, Water Street Cafe, or Berry and Berry Floral.

Click here to register for FEBRUARY 17!

Small Business Development, Recruitment and Retention for Downtowns: How to Survive in (small) Business and Keep on Thriving! - February 17
Engine Arts, 265 Main Street, Biddeford – first floor (across from the McArthur Library downtown)

Have you heard? Downtowns are HOT and opportunities for all sizes and varieties of businesses exist across Maine in our historic commercial districts.  The Maine Downtown Center is focusing its efforts this year with Business Opportunities On Main (BOOM):  matching resources to needs and boosting business development, recruitment and retention in our downtowns.  Join us for this informative and inspirational session where three Main Street downtown small business entrepreneurs will share their strategies to thrive in this economy.  The session concludes with an optional insiders tour of selected historic places, demonstrating innovative adaptive use and cutting-edge rehabilitation projects.
Presenters include:

• Brad Swanson, Business Counselors, Maine Small Business Development Center
• Gordon Platt, Business Counselors, Maine Small Business Development Center
• Jaimie Logan, Governor’s Account Executive, Maine Department of Economic and Community Development
• Josh Davis, Gelato Fiasco, Brunswick
• Johanna Hoffman, Saco Framing, Saco
• Tammy Ackerman, Engine Arts, Biddeford

This session is co-hosted with the Maine Small Business Development Centers and the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development.

Click here to register for MARCH 16!

SAVE THE DATES:

September 14 – Augusta Promotions, Events and Marketing for Downtown: Hot Ideas to Build Momentum

October 12 – BrunswickMarket Analysis/Market Edge for Downtowns: What’s Working and Why

Green Design, Good Design: Historic Preservation and Smart Energy Solutions – March 16
Bath, Bath Savings Institution, 105 Front Street, downtown Upper Level conference room (elevator accessible)
The cost of energy is a leading economic development challenge in Maine.  Add historic buildings, sustainable design, accessibility, modern infrastructure and energy efficiency needs to the mix and you have a recipe for downtown revitalization that requires creative skill and adept financing to deliver.  The Maine Downtown Center, Maine Preservation and the Environmental Funders Network present a practical and thought-provoking session geared to everyone interested in retaining the authentic historic character downtown, while being protective of the environment.  This is truly a global issue of our times and is timed perfectly for the construction season.   Project Canopy/Green Downtown street tree grant opportunities will also be presented.  An optional lunch presentation by the Maine Environmental Funders Network coordinators concludes the Institute.  There will be a small additional charge for lunch.  Co-hosts: Maine Preservation, the Maine Forest Service/Project Canopy, GrowSmart Maine and Efficiency Maine Trust.

All sessions are open to everyone and are held on Fridays from 9-Noon with a continental breakfast provided at registration check in (8:30 a.m.).  Advance registration and payment is required.

Maine Downtown Center
Maine Development Foundation
295 Water Street Suite 5
Augusta, Maine 04330

Questions or FMI: Contact Roxanne Eflin, Senior Program Director, at207.626.3117, 202.229.9465 (mobile) or via email.

Freedom of Access Act (FOAA) Analysis of DEP Documents Related to the 2012 Report, “Implementing Product Stewardship in Maine” Yields Industry Paper Trail

Today, the Natural Resources Council of Maine released an analysis of documents that reveal how a recent Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) report was substantially influenced by representatives of out-of-state companies that opposed enactment of Maine’s product stewardship laws[1] in the first place, are working to defeat similar laws in other states, and who received easy and preferential access to top DEP officials in the new LePage Administration. The NRCM analysis is based on documents acquired under Maine’s Freedom of Access Act (FOAA) law.

The DEP report Implementing Product Stewardship in Maine, released in late December for public comment, addressed five product stewardship programs administered by the state that have reduced mercury and lead pollution to Maine’s environment, diverted millions of pounds of waste from Maine’s landfills and incinerators, and saved money for taxpayers and municipalities. The five product stewardship programs^[2]were adopted with overwhelming bi-partisan support.

But rather than focusing on the benefits of these programs to Maine people and the environment, DEP’s Product Stewardship report presents a surprising assault on the product stewardship programs, including a recommendation to consider their termination. NRCM reviewed hundreds of internal DEP emails, memos, and documents related to preparation of the Implementing Product Stewardship report.

“Our review shows that senior DEP officials have maintained an open door policy for out-of-state manufacturers interested in undermining Maine’s product stewardship programs and a closed door policy to all other stakeholders—including interested lawmakers, internal DEP staff who manage the programs, municipalities, and public interest organizations,” said Abby King, NRCM Product Stewardship Advocate.

“Industry representatives have been gunning to weaken product stewardship programs here in Maine so that they don’t face similar programs in other states,” added King. Findings from the NRCM analysis include the following:

·Senior DEP officials met with representatives of the Thermostat Recycling Corporation (TRC) at least 10 times over the past year. TRC is comprised of Honeywell, GE, and Westinghouse, and they have long opposed Maine’s thermostat recycling program—even as Maine’s program has proven to be one of the most successful of its kind in the nation.

·In a response letter to State Rep. Melissa Walsh Innes (D-Yarmouth), then Acting DEP Commissioner Patricia Aho committed to supporting a “robust” stakeholder process on product stewardship—but no effort has been made by DEP to initiate such a process. Quite the contrary, the letter to Rep. Innes was sent two days after Aho met with TRC, and DEP held multiple additional meetings with TRC over the past seven months. No effort has been made to engage other stakeholders in a meaningful way.

·TRC recommended in February 2012 that DEP conduct a “review” of Maine’s thermostat recycling program. DEP launched such a review, receiving input through private channels from TRC throughout this review period. And when the review was complete, with a recommendation to possibly terminate some product stewardship programs (including possibly the thermostat program), TRC “fully supports” the effort to sunset the program.

·Senior DEP officials delegated the role of “reviewing” Maine’s product stewardship programs to a newly reassigned staff member, Kerri Malinowski, who was not previously familiar with the programs. DEP staff members who manage Maine’s product stewardship programs were deliberately excluded from providing information.

·DEP’s review of Maine’s product stewardship programs resulted in a seriously flawed report that is rife with inaccurate, unsubstantiated, inconsistent, and incomplete information, as demonstrated by the strong concerns voiced in public comments. More than 308 individuals and 34 organizations submitted comments in opposition to DEP’s report, compared with only seven letters of support—six of which were from out-of-state manufacturers.

Maine is not the only target of concerted attacks on product stewardship programs designed to shift some taxpayer-funded recycling costs to the manufacturers that produced the products.  Indeed, many of the very individuals who have been frequenting the offices of DEP this year have been traveling through the halls of state government elsewhere.

In California, for example, the Thermostat Recycling Corporation (TRC) is fighting regulations that would impose collection rate standards on that state’s thermostat recycling program. “Policy-makers in California are looking to Maine’s thermostat program as a guideline for ways to improve our program,” says Annie Pham of Sierra Club California. “But TRC is working hard against us, even as their voluntary thermostat collection program shows a pitiful first-year collection rate of 3.2%.”

Similarly, in New York, the thermostat industry has spent $90,000 in the past two years lobbying to block passage of an effective thermostat collection program. “The pattern of the thermostat industry in New York is to cover up the success of Maine’s collection program and tout their voluntary collection program instead,” said Laura Haight, senior environmental associate with the New York Public Interest Research Group.

In 2008, according to TRC’s collection data, Maine’s per capita thermostat collection rate was the highest in the nation, and more than 20 times higher than New York’s. After 2008, TRC stopped making its data available to the public.

NRCM carefully reviewed public comments submitted to DEP by the January 16 deadline, and from that analysis created a long list of errors, omissions, and inconsistencies in DEP’s report. (Appendix D of the report)

“Although we’re not particularly surprised by the extent to which out-of-state lobbyists have been pounding down the doors at DEP, we are troubled to see how eager DEP has been to assist industry in trying to undo programs that are working well for Maine people,” said King.

“DEP’s product stewardship report presents such a flawed, incomplete, and biased view of Maine’s product stewardship programs that the report should be retracted,” said NRCM Advocacy Director Pete Didisheim. “The report’s content and conclusions are so obviously indefensible that the report’s continued appearance on the DEP website reflects poorly on the credibility of the DEP.”

1.Maine’s product stewardship programs, passed with overwhelming bi-partisan support, are focused on toxic and troublesome products in the waste stream and require manufacturers to establish collection systems to recycle or properly dispose of them.

2.The programs addressed:  mercury-added lamps; mercury switches in motor vehicle components; mercury-added thermostats; electronic waste (e-waste), and dry cell mercuric oxide and rechargeable batteries.

Judy Berk * Natural Resources Council of Maine * 3 Wade Street Augusta, ME 04330 * judy@nrcm.org * (207) 430-0103 * mobile (207) 462-2192 * 1(800) 287-2345 ext 203 * fax (207) 622-4343 * www.nrcm.org

[1] Maine’s product stewardship programs, passed with overwhelming bi-partisan support, are focused on toxic and troublesome products in the waste stream and require manufacturers to establish collection systems to recycle or properly dispose of them.

[2] The programs addressed:  mercury-added lamps; mercury switches in motor vehicle components; mercury-added thermostats; electronic waste (e-waste), and dry cell mercuric oxide and rechargeable batteries.

Maine Labor Commissioner Robert Winglass discusses Governor LePage's job training plan

Augusta – In an effort to improve employment outcomes and financial accountability for approximately $20 million in state and federal job training dollars spent each year in Maine, members of Governor LePage’s State Workforce Investment Board are considering a number of significant reforms to the state workforce system. At a meeting of chamber of commerce executives from around the state this week, the Governor shared his plan to restructure how training funds are distributed in the state and realign training priorities so that workers have skills for careers in demand by Maine employers. The Governor outlined his vision for engaging business and industry in workforce development.

“We need to bring job creators into the conversation,” he said. “Through industry partnership, they will have a say in identifying skill gaps in the workforce, prioritizing training initiatives and developing defined career ladders where workers can build on prior skills and new learning to advance in their jobs.” Eight local workforce areas are defined in the new plan, up from the four workforce areas currently in place now.

The new model will be aligned closer with regional chamber of commerce areas allowing the workforce system to be more responsive to the unique challenges and opportunities in different local economies around the state. Administration of training funds, currently split between four Local Workforce Investment Boards, will be centralized to a single State Workforce Investment Board under the proposal.

“My plan puts more funding directly into training that helps workers get better jobs and careers,” Governor LePage said. The proposal also calls for additional performance based standards to evaluate performance of workforce programs. The measures will look at return on investment for taxpayers and participants, employer market share, and repeat business customers. Fred Webber, State Workforce Investment Board chair said the proposal comes at a critical time for Maine workers and employers. “There are thousands of jobs going unfilled in Maine because of a skills mismatch in our workforce,” he said.

“Governor LePage’s plan targets our training resources so that Maine people get the skills they need to be successful in the job market and Maine businesses have a talented workforce that can help them be competitive in a global economy.” For more information on the State Workforce Investment Board and Governor LePage’s proposed workforce training reforms, call (207) 621-5087 or email swib@maine.gov.

The central and western Maine store certifications make Hannaford the leading green grocer in the state, with 12 of the 23 DEP certified stores

AUGUSTA – Hannaford is being recognized by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection for its voluntary efforts to reduce the environmental impact of nine of the company’s supermarkets in central and western Maine.

This month, stores in Farmington, Gardiner, Jay, Madison, Rumford, Skowhegan, Waterville (Elm City Plaza and JFK Plaza) and Winthrop were certified by the department as Environmental Leaders, joining Hannaford’s two already certified stores in Augusta and one in South Portland to make the company the leading green grocer in Maine with 12 of the state’s 23 certified stores.

Their common green practices include selling a percentage of locally grown and produced food items that are highlighted with "Close to Home" signage and Gulf of Maine Research Institute verified sustainable seafood; using energy-efficient store lighting, water conserving fixtures in restrooms, heat recovery from refrigeration systems and environmentally preferable cleaning products; donating food to local food banks or pantries; recycling of paper, cardboard and plastic waste as well as composting of organic waste; and the adoption of a written stormwater management policy for parking lots.

The certified stores also maintain environmental information that educates customers and staff on the company’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact and have an environmental team of staff at each store that meets at least quarterly.

In 2009, Hannaford opened the first supermarket certified at the platinum LEED level by the U.S. Green Building Council. That store on Whitten Road in Augusta served as a learning laboratory for Hannaford’s sustainability activities and the Environmental Leader initiative furthered that effort, says Bernie Ouellette, a district manager for Hannaford in the Augusta-Waterville area

"We saw Environmental Leader certification as a way to increase focus on our sustainability work at a store level, while also engaging our associates," explained Ouellette. "Associates in these stores worked really hard to distinguish Hannaford, and themselves, as leaders in the area of sustainability."

As an example, the typical Hannaford store keeps 61 percent of its waste from going to a landfill – compared to around 45 percent for the industry. Hannaford stores participating in DEP’s Environmental Leader program averaged 78.7 percent.

The Environmental Leader program is a self-guided process offered by the department as part of its pollution prevention efforts that encourages lodging facilities, restaurants, and grocers to implement selected improvement initiatives from those offered in the department-developed workbook to achieve points towards certification. Businesses submit their completed workbook to DEP for review and certification approval, and must increase their point total to be recertified after two years.

As businesses work through the process, DEP’s regional directors and staff from its Office of Assistance provide free technical assistance to help participants implement sustainable practices, save money and reduce their environmental impact.

In addition to considerable cost savings, businesses are also incentivized to participate by recognition within store signage and marketing materials and by research that shows environmental designations are attractive to customers.

"Environmental Leader certification recognizes that our practices are good both for business success and Maine’s environment," said George Parmenter, manager of sustainability for Hannaford. "We encourage more grocery stores and other Maine businesses to take advantage of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection’s voluntary program encouraging sustainable business practices."

DEP Commissioner Patricia Aho says the Environmental Leader program shows that what is good for Maine’s environment is also good for the economy.

"We are so proud of our Environmental Leader program because it engages businesses in DEP’s core priority of protecting our natural resources while ensuring a vibrant and sustainable economy," Aho said. "Grocers who participate are seeing significant energy cost savings that are leading to increased profitably, allowing them to invest in infrastructure improvements and expansion of their workforce. And by selling locally-sourced food, they are also helping to grow the businesses of those local producers too."

For more information about the Environmental Leader certification program and a complete list of participants, go to http://www.maine.gov/dep/assistance or contact the Office of Assistance at 1-800-789-9802. For more information about the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, visit http://www.maine.gov/dep.

Hannaford Supermarkets, based in Scarborough, operates 179 stores and employs more than 27,000 associates in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont. The company’s Whitten Road store in Augusta was the world’s first supermarket to achieve LEED Platinum certification. For more information, visit http://www.hannaford.com

See you on the street!

Patrick Wright

Screaming deal for Valentine’s Day!!

Love your Downtown this Valentine’s day with a package deal that’s easy to love.

Sweet Valentine Deal on Water Street!

For only $99, you can purchase a package for your sweetheart (or suggest that your sweetheart buy one for you).  The package is valued at $275 and includes:

1 pair diamond stud earrings.- $100 Value – The Village Jeweler – 221 Water Street

Dinner for 2 – $50 Value – Mad Dog Pub – 259 Water Street

1 bottle of wine – $20 Value – Water Street Café – 347 Water Street

Floral arrangement – $25 Value -  Berry and Berry Floral – 207 Water Street

Photo Shoot and 11″X14″ Print – $50 Value – Picture Perfect Photography  – 226 Water Street

2 Tickets to “Primo Cubano” Hot Latin Jazz Performance – Feb. 11th – $30 Value – Johnson Hall -280 Water Street

Purchase Certificate at participating merchants, but hurry – the deal is limited to 25 packages.

Call to Sculpture Artists!

Gardiner Main Street is seeking temporary sculpture or installation artwork for Johnson Park, to be installed and exhibited between May and October. The work should be suitable for public exhibition in an exterior space.  The work should be at human scale or greater.

Johnson Park is in the middle of downtown Gardiner, next to Johnson Hall Theatre and across the street from the Artdogs artist studios. A $1500 stipend will be paid to the artist, $1000 when they are selected and another $500 at the time of de-installation. The chosen artist will be given an artist’s reception at Artdogs and be asked to speak about their work at an artist talk.

Interested artists should contact Gardiner Main Street and be prepared to provide up to 5 images of the piece(s) they wish to submit and a brief explanation about why they would like to have a piece exhibited in Johnson Park.

Applications will be reviewed in a timely manner by a committee of Gardiner community members and email notifications will be sent to all applicants regarding the committee decisions.St. Francis of Assisi Pet Pantry Hopes to Open in February!

Located at Christ Church Episcopal, 2 Dresden St., Gardiner, Maine-right off the Gardiner Commons.

These are tough economic times; we realize how important it is to maintain intact families and for many of us our pets are a big part of our family. Our pets contribute significantly to maintaining psychological well being which increases our overall health. So the pantry is being instituted to help our friends and neighbours who need some assistance in feeding and caring for their pet family members.

The pantry needs dog food, cat food, kitty litter, over the counter flea medication and sprays/powders for home decontamination, over the counter de-worming medications, chew toys, litter boxes, leashes and any other donations that would make a pet’s life better. Also needed is a capable handy person willing to donate their skills at putting up shelves for storage.

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The pantry is currently looking for collection sites, donors, volunteers, and sponsors or parties interesting in hosting benefits! If you know of a church, business, or organization that would like to help in any way, please contact Syndi Holmes  207-620-6644.

Boys and Girls Club asks for your vote!

Team EJP Challengeis to help the BOYS & GIRLS CLUB of GREATER GARDINER!

Mainers are caring people!  Nearly 90,000 people voted for their favorite charities last year in the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation’s Community Matters More grant-making initiative.  The 2012 Community Matters More voting began January 23rd and runs for six weeks, ending on March 5th, 2012.

If the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Gardiner gets the most votes for the Central area and receive the $5,000.00 from Bangor Savings Bank, EJP will donate and match the $5,000.00 in your name(s) of people that take the time to vote, EJP Employees, Friends, Family & Businesses.

This year, a total of 68 grants will be awarded to the organizations listed on the ballot & to the top 20 write-in-recipients.  The organizations in each of the 8 regions (including write-ins) that get the most votes will receive $5,000 each.  The remaining 60 organizations will each receive $1,000.

To vote for your favorite nonprofit, go to www.communitymattersmore.com

Voting ends March 5, 2012 at 11:59 pm. If you Vote, please email your name(s) to Beth.Cooley@ejprescott.com

START VOTING TODAY; SPREAD THE WORD, THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!

Make “A Journey to Oz”!

Winter Shenanigans Visual & Performing Arts Day Camp

Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center invites children in grades 3-8 to attend another great year of creative learning and artistic growth during school vacation week, on February 21, 22, and 23, from 9:30-4.   Registration brochures are available at Johnson Hall, Gardiner Public Library, at Johnson Hall Online

This year, Shenanigans campers will travel to the Land of Oz, in Richard Coleman’s “A Journey to Oz.”  The script, all in verse, tells the familiar story of Dorothy and her friends, Toto, the scarecrow, tin man, and cowardly lion visiting the wizard and defying the Wicked Witch of the West.  Produced by special arrangement with Busy Bee Scripts of the United Kingdom.

Theater Director Kathleen Nation and Art Director Laura Howe lead campers in playing theater games, learning lines, creating sets and props and producing the performance on the last day of camp. Tuition is $110, and includes all art materials. Space is limited.  Winter Shenanigans is sponsored by Staples Funeral Home, keeping tuition low.  Please contact Judy Lloyd at 582-7144 or info@johnsonhall.org to apply for scholarship assistance sponsored by Evergreen Foundation

Mailbox Vs. Inbox

Love Wins!

Sweet Love’s ‘Post This’ letter writing and card crafting series continues with an Open Valentine Circle! Come create a masterpiece to send to a friend! Materials available for use, also cards available for purchase (vintage, reproductions, and hand made!) The idea is to send some love to someone you love, meet new people, or just put some glitter on something!! They always have an abundance of treats, myriad of hot beverages, and hundreds of yards worth of beautiful wedding gowns for those of you looking to get hitched in 2012!! Get crafty in downtown Gardiner!

Saturday, February 4th 12:30-3:30 drop-in, self service creativity! Postage available with select purchases! They’ll even mail your Valentine! Call for more info 512-5859

Gardiner Main Street exists to promote and support a vibrant, healthy Downtown Gardiner.  You can help by volunteering, buying locally, and spreading the word about Downtown Gardiner.  Be part of the fun and excitement!

Gardiner Main Street | 287 Water Street, 2nd floor | P.O. Box 194 | Gardiner | ME | 04345

If you haven’t done so already, Please take a moment and “Like” The Valley Voice on Facebook.

The impetus for changing the organization’s name came from the Chamber Board of Directors, which began discussions in September.

“We wanted the Chamber to be identified with the lakes, which are among the area’s greatest assets,” stated former Chamber President Jeff Seguin, “And we wanted the name to reflect the Chamber’s regional purview. We thought the new name would be more attractive to residents and visitors alike.”

The Chamber Board of Directors then put forward the recommendation for the name change to the membership in anticipation of the annual meeting in October. It was unanimously approved.In 2003, the Chamber was established with the mission of promoting, supporting, and developing new and existing businesses, trade and economic interests in the Winthrop Lakes Region, and for the mutual benefit and representation of area municipalities and their citizens. Almost a decade and more than 100 members later, pursuit of the same mission continues today.

“We’re always working to improve and strengthen the Chamber to better serve our members and the Winthrop Lakes Region,” said current Chamber President Victoria Christopher. “We’re getting ready to produce our third Visitors’ Guide, which promotes area tourism and is distributed statewide.”

“Getting a free listing in the Visitors’ Guide is just one of the many great benefits of membership,” added Christopher. “Businesses and individuals interested in joining the Chamber can visit our website to learn more. If they join now, they can take advantage of this opportunity to be listed in the Visitors’ Guide.”

For more detailed information about the Winthrop Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, please go towww.winthropchamber.org, call 207-377-8020, or send an email to info@winthropchamber.org.

Talaria 48 class yachts built by The Hinckley Company, Southwest Harbor, Maine

AUGUSTA – The Hinckley Company, founded in Southwest Harbor, Maine, has been building and servicing the finest yachts in the world since 1928. On Wednesday, Governor Paul LePage joined company officials and staff to celebrate the launch of the very first yacht of Hinckley’s Talaria T48 series at The Hinckley Company boat yard.

For more than 79 years The Hinckley Company has been producing Maine-made renowned sail and power boats. The Talaria T48 represents another significant achievement. Being the first of the series to be launched is a historical event for the company and Maine boat building.

During Wednesday’s launch the Governor, The Hinckley Company CEO Jim McManus and the Captain of the new Talaria T48, Dan Duffy christened the boat with a bottle of champagne on the bow before safely boarding the vessel for a short ride.

“The craftsmanship of the Hinckley is truly an original piece of art,” said Governor LePage. “The men and women who build these boats have a lot to be proud of. Boat building has a strong tradition here in Maine and The Hinckley Company has built upon that workmanship and I wish them continued success for years to come.”

Maine’s 3rd largest industry, boat building remains an anchor to our economy and continues to realize a need for skilled craftsmen. The Governor’s dedication, support and focus on workforce issues that directly impact Maine’s boat building industry will ensure continued contributions to Maine’s economy.

“My Administration is committed to introducing policies that will encourage job creation,” said the Governor. “A continued focus on balancing the needs of job creators and protecting our environment will assist in revitalizing our economy and provide more job opportunities for Mainer’s.”

Additionally, the Administration’s efforts to steer energy policy in Maine towards lower costs will certainly have a positive impact on Maine’s boat building industry. When competing against boat builders from warmer climates, Maine’s boat builders carry an energy expense that places them at a competitive disadvantage.

In November, Governor Paul LePage visited The Hinckley Company to learn more about what the Administration can do to help the boat building industry. Through the Administration’s assistance, Hinckley has taken advantage of several Maine economic development incentive programs, such as Tax Increment Finance (TIF) and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). According to Andy Fitzpatrick, Plant Manager for Hinckley Production Operations, more than 60 employees have been added at the Trenton plant in the past 10 months bringing total employment to 170 Mainers.

At Wednesday’s launch, the head of Hinckley, Jim McManus thanked Governor LePage for the Administration’s support and offered words of encouragement about the past, present and for the future of the Maine company. “Sales exceeded our expectations and the company as a whole enjoyed a very healthy 2011,” said Jim McManus, president and CEO of The Hinckley Company, “We are excited about the prospects for 2012. We continue to invest in new product development and as a result we will continue to launch exciting new models into the marketplace like the Talaria 48 and this summer the new Hinckley T34.”

MORE: The Hinckley Company Christens Its Talaria 48

When Governor Paul LePage of Maine christened Hinckley’s new Talaria 48 for her official launch into Somes Sound on February first, the boat joined the first family of American yachting, a family with roots in Maine workboats and branches as distinguished as the Bermuda 40 and the Picnic Boat.

With its state-of-the-art construction, classic styling above the waterline, and innovative design below, jet propulsion and patented JetStick control, this stunning 48-foot yacht is already earning her place in the Hinckley family.

In preliminary sea trials, targeted boat speeds of 30 knots at cruise and 35 knots top were easily met on the motoryacht version of the boat with standard twin Cummins QSM 11s. In heavy seas and breeze, the boat rode very comfortably. Hinckley Production VP Mike Arieta credits Michael Peters who designed the Talaria 48. “A fuller bow with convex sections that reduce the rise and fall motion gives the boat a softer ride. Whether you’re crossing the gulfstream for the Bahamas or you’re making your way across Vineyard Sound, the ride quality is so important. Talaria 48 owners will also enjoy reduced cabin sound levels and the enhanced visibility that the forward positioning of the cabin and helm station affords in this boat.”

Meeting the yacht’s design weight is a result of Hinckley’s artful blend of construction technologies. The company makes use of SCRIMP vacuum bagging and the latest in foam coring to prevent burdening the hull with non-structural components. “The boat sits perfectly on her lines which aids performance and also makes her beautiful to look at,” says Arieta.

The public debut of the Talaria 48 is at the Miami Boat Show at the Sea Isle Marina venue February 16-20. And we have made special arrangements for her admirers to park conveniently and be shuttled by private Picnic Boat to the show. For details, contact echamplin@hinckleyyachts.com

Legacy Publishing Company expands and creates 125 new jobs

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul LePage congratulated Legacy Publishing Company today at a ribbon cutting ceremony in Westbrook as the business announced the expansion of a new customer engagement center. The new center is located a few minutes from their Westbrook Headquarters and employs 125 Mainers.

The Governor joined Legacy’s Executive Team including Legacy Publishing founder and CEO Steve Anderson and Executive Vice President of Sales Jim DeWolfe to highlight the expansion of the 10,000 square foot facility and the services Legacy has to offer. Westbrook Mayor Colleen Hilton also joined the ceremony.

Legacy Publishing Company is the world’s premier producer and publisher of personal development products and services for families. Executive Vice President of Sales Jim DeWolfe says Legacy puts the knowledge of America’s most respected psychologists and therapists in the hands of parents and couples, to give them practical tools they can learn and apply quickly in their families and relationships.

Delivering remarks, Governor LePage commended the company for their good work within the community. “Even in a tough economy we have bright spots and it’s important we recognize there are companies that are doing well and making a difference in the lives of Maine families. Legacy Publishing is a shining example of the positive contributions a company can have on its employees and its community. Our Administration will work with them to see that they continue to succeed,” said Governor LePage.

“This is a great day in the lives of 214 Legacy employees, the City of Westbrook and the State of Maine,” said DeWolfe. “Legacy’s programs have helped coach and inspire hundreds of thousands of parents. They have instilled hope back into families everywhere and a healthy dynamic back into their homes. As a company, we’re improving the lives of an entire generation of families, one family at a time.”

Legacy’s flagship product, The Total Transformation Program-created by renowned Maine child behavioral therapist James Lehman, MSW-has sold more than a quarter of a million units to date. To schedule an interview, please contact Mary Crowley at 856-5600 x 3005 or mcc@legacypublishingcompany.com . For more information about joining Legacy Publishing Company’s team, visit <>www.goodnewsgoodjobs.com .

Maine state government’s credit rating is an important tool to attract jobs.  Our credit score is a visible measurement of Maine’s fiscal and economic health.  Businesses choose to invest their money in states where government can pay its bills, and taxes and regulations are fair and predictable.  Otherwise, employers rightly fear that their companies and workers will likely pay higher taxes to fund unaffordable programs, or their public services will be cut.

The credit rating agencies are watching Maine state government to see how it deals with our unaffordable Medicaid program.   The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) calculates a $221 million shortfall in the program through June 30, 2013, the end of the two-year budget cycle.  Governor LePage has submitted a supplemental budget to the Legislature that includes adjustments to the program to make it solvent and affordable.  Without adopting these reforms, DHHS reports that our Medicaid program will run out of money in April.

The proposed changes to our Medicaid program (called Mainecare) will bring the benefits and costs more in line with those of other states.   In 1998, approximately 154,000 of our most disadvantaged fellow Mainers were enrolled in this taxpayer-funded health care safety net. During the last 13 years, this number has increased by 134% while our population has grown by roughly 4%.  Today, there are 361,000 individuals in the program, the 3rd highest enrollment rate of any state in the country.

Maine state government has an opportunity to demonstrate to the people of Maine, and to the credit rating agencies, that it will live within its means.  That it will no longer spend more than it takes in.  That it will address our long-term liabilities without budgetary gimmicks. That it will make the difficult but necessary decisions to redesign our unaffordable Medicaid program for the benefit of the most vulnerable, and for fairness to the taxpayers alike.

Let’s work together to demonstrate to job creators that Maine is a promising place in which to invest.   Fiscal discipline, economic growth, and jobs are all connected.

Below is my testimony on December 16 before the Appropriations Committee of the Legislature:

“Thank you Senator Rosen, Representative Flood, Senator McCormick, Representative Strang Burgess, and distinguished members of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs, and the Health and Human Services Committees. I’m Bruce Poliquin, State Treasurer.

I appreciate the opportunity to bring to your attention an important factor as you deliberate the Governor’s proposed Medicaid reforms included in his 2012-13 Supplemental Budget. This important factor is the State’s credit rating.

Standard & Poor’s currently rates our General Obligation bonds “AA with a Negative Outlook,” and Moody’s rates them “AA2 Stable.” These credit ratings are in the bottom 40% among the other states.

During exhaustive discussions with the rating agencies this past spring and fall, Maine state government’s commitment to rebuild our financial reserves, and to pay down our accumulated obligations to hospitals were viewed favorably. As you know, these amounts owed to hospitals were primarily due to Medicaid services provided over a number of years. In its May, 2011 credit report, Standard & Poor’s stated that our negative outlook “…could be revised back to stable if Maine’s financial, liquidity, and liability positions improve…” That means, in part, spending only what we take in, and paying down our debt.

Maine’s bond rating is a tangible and visible measurement of our state government’s fiscal health and discipline. A high rating keeps our interest payments low, and helps to attract business investment and jobs.

One needs to look no further than Washington to see the results of fiscal imprudence, and a credit downgrade. Washington’s fiscal recklessness has created deep uncertainly within the business community, which is discouraging capital investment and job creation.

Maine state government is highly dependent on funds flowing from Washington. 43% of federal government spending is for Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security. One can reasonable expect less federal tax revenues flowing to the states in order for Washington to put its own fiscal house in order. The largest sum of money flowing to Maine from Washington is for our Medicaid program.

The rating agencies are closely watching all states to see how they deal with their structural Medicaid problems. They know that Maine’s Medicaid enrollment has grown from 154,000 in 1998 to 361,000 today. They know that 27% of our citizens are enrolled in Medicaid, the 3^rd highest enrollment rate in the country. They know that federal stimulus money is gone.

The credit rating agencies will look favorably upon those states that embrace fiscal discipline. Those that spend only what they can afford; pay off their debts; and balance their budgets without gimmicks. Let’s keep Maine state government continuing down our path of long-term fiscal health.

Thank you. I’d be pleased to answer any questions that you might have.”

Bruce Poliquin
Maine State Treasurer

Gardiner Where History and Progress Meet. Photo Credit: jimbaumer.posterous.com

Gardiner is a small Maine city with a historic waterfront downtown surrounded by a large rural community.  Gardiner also boasts several walking trails, historic neighborhoods, and a new waterfront recreational park and marina situated on the Kennebec River.  Gardiner is located within Augusta, Maine’s Capital business region and is home to 5,800 residents, countless small businesses and non-profit organizations, and the Libby Hill Business Park.

The City of Gardiner, Maine is hiring a part-time Assistant Community Planner to assist the Department of Economic and Community Development in community planning; grant writing, administration and stewardship; and committee staffing to support the City’s planning and development efforts, including an Orton Family Foundation Heart & Soul Community Planning grant.  The position offers thirty hours per week until January, 2014 at a salary range of $18.00-21.00/hour based on experience and qualifications.  Funding from the Heart & Soul grant will end in January, 2014 at which time the hours for the position will be reduced to approximately two (2) days per week.  Additional hours may be available pending successful future grant applications, for which the Assistant Community Planner will play a key role.  The successful applicant must be available for evening and weekend meetings and engagements in support of project goals.  The successful applicant must also be available to fly to Chicago to attend a paid training meeting February 23-26, 2012.

The ideal candidate will have professional experience with municipal planning, grant writing and stewardship, strong communication skills, and the technical knowledge and ability to capably perform a diverse range of tasks.  The Assistant Community Planner will have proven grant stewardship ability with demonstrated past success.  The Assistant Community Planner will work as needed with all City staff and elected officials, as well as with partner community leadership organizations and a private foundation.

Work involves land use planning; professional writing and grant stewardship; staffing and providing technical assistance to pertinent City committees; researching, analyzing data, and administering land use and planning related projects; maintaining accurate records; and public contact. Work will be supervised by the Director with considerable independence of action.  The Director will review work with the Assistant Planner via review of obtained results, submitted reports, and efficiency of methods. A qualified applicant will have a Bachelor’s degree in municipal planning, engineering, or an allied field.

A detailed job description is attached.
Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least three references via e-mail to:
dbrown@gardinermaine.com or by mail to this address:

Assistant Community Planner Position
c/o City of Gardiner Human Resources Department
6 Church Street
Gardiner, ME 04345

Deadline for Applications:  12:00 PM on Thursday, February 2, 2012

The City reserves the right to accept or reject applications.  Gardiner is an equal opportunity employer. Review of applications will begin on February 2, 2012 and will continue until the position has been filled. For more information, including a complete job description, please visit: www.gardinermaine.com

LD 1707-An Act to Define, Prevent, and Suppress Gang Activity

January 27, 2012

Testimony by: Sarah T. Moon, Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition (M-PAC)

Senator Mason, Representative Plummer, Members of the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee my name is Sarah T. Moon and I am here today as a member of the Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition (M-PAC) representing our statewide members and hundreds of incarcerated Mainers. Thank you for allowing us to have this opportunity to be a voice for these women and men. My testimony today includes input from M-PAC members in and outside of Maine prisons.

To say that this legislation is problematic would be a monumental understatement. Our members are deeply concerned with any law that incarcerates adults and/or minors for asking, “Will you join my street gang”. There are volumes of research data available that shows “enhanced sentencing” and upgraded crime classification—including but not limited to adding new crimes and mandatory sentences—does nothing to deter crime. Yet in spite of this data, bills of this kind continue to surface.

In its original form this bill requires judges add 1-4 years onto normal sentences provided that a District Attorney proves gang affiliation. The “proof” required is flimsy at best. The bill cites one usable method as the use of “reliable sources”. Our members hope that going forward terminology and tactics of this nature are left in Totalitarian regimes where they belong.

In addition, any legislation with the racialized term “gang” begs the question, who is the law targeting? Past news stories that focus on possible gang activities in Maine have centered on Asian, Sudanese, and Somali populations. M-PAC advocates are incredibly apprehensive about the potential for racially targeted groups being profiled and falling under increased scrutiny. We feel that legislators need to do more research and spend time understanding the far reaching consequences of hastily compiled bills that inadvertently or not target Maine’s racial minorities.

Furthermore, while we understand it may not be the intent of the sponsors, co-sponsors, and the committee to reduce the privacy and civil rights of individuals, if this legislation passes it will do just that, because it applies pressure on the community and/or members of to become gang experts when it authorizes them to be “reliable sources”. This bill incites an attitude of fear that hyper sensitizes community members to hand gestures, tattoos, and colored clothing to name a few. By setting the tone for “gang” fear, this legislation is calling attention to the predominately benign behaviors of youths and adults as they imitate popular culture portrayals of their favorite TV shows, social networks online, and music.

M-PAC concurs that a growing phenomenon of peer group affiliation exists everywhere in the world, whereby young people—by virtue of family circumstances, poverty, unemployment, lack of mentoring, lack of access to education, and sometimes chemical addiction—seek attachment and identity. However, defining them as “street gang members” only perpetuates a growing social issue where the individual’s privacy is stolen, they are typified in their area, and are ultimately overlooked for job opportunities and positive community reinforcement. The severity of a gang classification is one that often stays with the person for life. M-PAC supports positive reinforcement and mentoring programs, which reinforce skills and leadership among our youth instead of sending them into the world stereotyped and profiled.

Moreover, M-PAC recognizes the bill generates from Representative Volk’s and the co-sponsors good intentions, however we feel this bill is a simplistic and redundant attempt at solving a social problem. Adding prison beds for hastily defined gang members creates a problem that has consequences reaching the community and the state budget.

I would also like to add that M-PAC has worked with hundreds of incarcerated women and men over many years and we have seen groups form affiliations, yet, to date, our members—both in and out of prison—have not encountered “gang” members. In fact, every source that M-PAC has that is incarcerated across the state reports that gangs are not present in Maine’s adult prisons. These reports come from younger inmates, as well as older inmates that are serving lengthy sentences who are known as “long-timers”.

In the interest of time, I will conclude by pointing out that the handouts you received include quotes taken from different news articles regarding the issue of gang legislation, mentoring programs, and this bill specifically. I would like to add that although Representative Volk has been in contact with M-PAC stating that she plans to amend the bill, our members do not and will not support this bill in its original or any amended form.

Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition extends its hands to law enforcement and legislators for help with future drafts of proposals and information. We believe that protecting our youth is not just important it is vital, but we reiterate that adding pathways for them to enter the criminal justice system is simply not the way to do it.

Thank you.

Westbrook’s Police Chief Bill Baker said in August 2010: “I would even go so far to say there isn’t any visible or active gang activity in Westbrook. What there is is people with connections to the gangs, some of whom act badly in Westbrook and get prosecuted for crimes.” In the same article, former Portland Police Chief James Craig said that he thought the gang situation in Portland was in its infancy. http://www.pressherald.com/news/24-with-gang-links-arrested-in-maine-cities-during-sweep-_2010-08-21.html

In “Gang Myths & Realities,” a Jan 2010 story in the Bangor Daily, Arlen Egley Jr., a senior research associate with the National Youth Gang Center in Florida said it’s important to distinguish gang activity from full-fledged gangs. “Just because certain gang graffiti or tagging shows up in a public park in Bangor does not mean the Crips have set up shop,” he said in a phone interview. “Frequently, gang names are copied, adopted, or passed on, but in most instances, there is little, if any, real connection between local groups with the same name other than the name itself.” http://bangordailynews.com/2010/02/05/news/bangor/gang-myths-vs-realities/

In a Seattle Times report, Javier Luna, 34, credited the complete turnaround in his life, even his survival, to a city of Seattle initiative that provided adult mentors, jobs and recreation to young gang members. He said, “I got all of this because an individual gave me a chance and believed in me and the system allowed it.” http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008726881_savedfromgangs10m.html

In the January 25, 2012 edition of the Portland Phoenix Lance Tapley writes, In a letter to the Criminal Justice Committee, the Maine Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers said the bill is unnecessary: It “criminalizes conduct that is already a crime under Maine law, the crime of criminal conspiracy.” Tapley also reports, “If I had had the opportunity to take my name off the bill, I would have,” said one of the bill’s cosponsors, Senator Justin Alfond, a Portland Democrat. http://portland.thephoenix.com/news/133066-gang-buster-bill-gets-dissed/#ixzz1ketTl300

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Making sensible choices on what's best for Maine people.

Should we cut health care services for more than a hundred thousand Mainers, including seniors, the poor, people with disabilities and children?

Or, should we cancel the new tax cuts for the rich, make sure the 1% pay their fair share and invest in quality care that will cost us less and keep Maine healthier?

More than 1,800 of you have already spoken out, asking the legislature to do the right thing and reject Governor LePage’s extreme health care cuts.

Now, the Maine People’s Alliance, the Maine Medical Association, the Catholic Church, the Maine Small Business Coalition and others have come together to offer a specific alternative – a responsible solution for a moral budget. See the details here.

If you haven’t yet sent a message to the legislature asking them to make the right choice, you can do so right now, right here.

The Maine legislature will soon decide whether to cut care for people who need help or cancel tax breaks for those who don’t.

Please make sure they do the right thing.

Thank you.

Ben Chin

Maine People’s Alliance Political Engagement Director

ben@mainepeoplesalliance.org

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My vision for Maine is one that brings a more prosperous tomorrow to my fellow citizens. And by looking back at our past we can learn how to better shape our future.

Hi. This is Governor Paul LePage.

The fiscal well-being of our State is critically important to our road to recovery. Currently, members of the Appropriations Committee are working to solve a massive financial shortfall within the Department of Health and Human Services.

The $220 million dollar deficit is not a simple problem to solve, but I have provided a common sense approach that will redesign our welfare program to a state of sustainability.

As highlighted in my State of the State Address my administration did not create this problem nor did we invent it. Many of our legislators did not create this problem, nor did they invent it. But regardless of who is responsible, we must fix it.

Our plan is reasonable and responsible in that it allows the system to protect our most vulnerable.

Unfortunately, we no longer can be all things to all people. As the welfare program has grown our revenue has not, and the simple truth is we are spending money we don’t have. By eliminating services to 19 and 20 year olds and those who do not have disabilities or children we strengthen the safety net for our most needy.

By reducing eligibility to the federal standard for optional services we maintain an affordable safety net that will serve more than 280,000 Maine people.

But we must not delay in taking action. And I am cautiously optimistic Appropriations Committee members are working toward a solution by February 1.

As Democrats reflected on the State of the State speech bonding was brought up.

While it’s true we have a real need for transportation improvements and bonding would create short-term construction jobs, we must first get our fiscal house in order. Bridges and roads are essential to a healthy economy, but we can’t talk about borrowing more money until we have a plan to pay our current bills.

As I outlined Tuesday, energy and education will be the catalysts to job creation.

Mainers earn some of the lowest wages in the country and hard working families deserve more money in their pockets. We have great potential to increase the per capita income, but to do that our high energy costs must be addressed.

Next month, you will hear about an energy proposal that will lower electricity rates for Maine residents and businesses. Not only does our high electricity cost have an effect on the economy and our job creators, but it also hurts Maine families.

In addition to our plan, you’ll hear more about the Administration’s support to encourage expanded investments in alternative sources of energy and efficiency. I also support all forms of renewable energy including hydropower. We must remove the 100 megawatt restriction on this renewable green energy.

We have the ability to accept a balanced approach that will benefit our environment and economy – and we must – as we look to our future.

Our youngest generation is our future and a strong education system will lead them on the path toward success.

Education Commissioner Steve Bowen and I believe the best way to shape a student is to offer real choices – choices that inspire our students and encourage them to succeed.

For too long, we have quarantined our students in a system that doesn’t work for everybody. That’s not to say public education is not a valuable resource, because it is – for some. By expanding learning options for students and making use of every educational resource we can better prepare our children for the 21^st century.

It’s important our teachers have the tools they need to succeed as well. Therefore, it’s crucial they understand the expectations of effective educators. We must empower our teachers with ongoing support and meaningful feedback.

Research proves that the school-based factor with the biggest impact on student learning is the effectiveness of a teacher. Commissioner Bowen is working on a set of standards of effective practice for our teacher and principal evaluation systems, and soon we will release all the details.

In closing, I will tell you this, if we choose to set politics aside for the greater good we will be able to work on sensible solutions for all Mainers.

As your Governor it is a privilege to lead our great State. It is a privilege to share a vision with you and I thank you for listening.

Ann and I hope you have a most enjoyable weekend. Take care.

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Eliot R. Cutler, American Elect Director; Chair, OneMaine, Website: http://www.onemaine.com/

AUGUSTA, MAINE -Secretary of State Charlie Summers announced Wednesday that the Americans Elect Party successfully gathered sufficient signatures of Maine registered voters to qualify to participate in the June 12, 2012 Primary Election.

In order to gain qualified party status in Maine, the Americans Elect Party was required to submit at least 28,638 signatures from Maine registered voters who are either enrolled in the Americans Elect Party or who are unenrolled. The Americans Elect Party submitted signatures to the Secretary of State on December 15, 2011. Maine election law requires that the petitions be filed before 5 p.m. on the 180th day preceding the primary election (which was December 15, 2011) and must contain signatures and legal addresses of voters equal in number to at least 5% of the total vote cast in the State for Governor at the last preceding gubernatorial election.

After a thorough review of the petitions, officials at the Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions prepared the Determination of Validity http://www.maine.gov/sos/news/2012/determinationvalidpetition.pdf that enumerates the certification effort supervised by the Secretary of State. The Determination finds that 30,908 of the submitted signatures are valid; this surpasses the required number by 2,270 signatures.

After the Americans Elect Party holds its required municipal caucuses and state convention, the party is qualified to nominate candidates for the primary ballot as well as nominate a presidential candidate.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN ELECT PARTY

THE GOAL OF AMERICANS ELECT is to nominate a presidential ticket that answers directly to voters—not the political system.

American voters are tired of politics as usual. They want leaders that will put their country before their party, and American interests before special interests. Leaders who will work together to develop fresh solutions to the serious challenges facing our country. We believe a secure, online nominating process will prove that America is ready for a competitive, nonpartisan ticket.

AMERICANS ELECT is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that is not affiliated with any political party, ideology or candidate. It is funded exclusively by individual contributions—and not from corporate, labor, special interest, foreign, or lobbyist sources. And we intend to repay our initial financing so that no single individual will have contributed more than $10K.

Ultimately, Americans Elect is the first nominating process that will be led directly by voters like YOU.

WEBSITE:

http://www.americanselect.org

Here’s something that President Obama laid out in his State of the Union that I think deserves special attention:

Under current law, American companies can actually get a tax deduction for outsourcing jobs.

That’s the opposite of how it should work. President Obama is proposing to end tax deductions for outsourcing, create a new tax credit for bringing jobs home, and lower tax rates for companies that manufacture and create jobs in the United States.

If you think this should be a priority during this campaign, it’s up to you to speak out. Support the President and spread the word:

http://my.barackobama.com/Keep-Jobs-at-Home

This could be a defining issue of 2012.

One of our prospective opponents built his career in part on outsourcing jobs in the private sector — and then continued outsourcing jobs as a governor. Is that the kind of economic experience and mindset people want in a President?

We heard a much different plan from President Obama this week — and we need to make sure everyone knows about this contrast. In his own words, “It’s time to stop rewarding businesses that ship jobs overseas, and start rewarding companies that create jobs right here in America. … Our workers are the most productive on Earth, and if the playing field is level, I promise you — America will always win.”

Thanks,

James
James Kvaal
National Policy Director
Obama for America

P.S. — Here’s the quote from the State of the Union:

“Think about the America within our reach: A country that leads the world in educating its people. An America that attracts a new generation of high-tech manufacturing and high-paying jobs. A future where we’re in control of our own energy, and our security and prosperity aren’t so tied to unstable parts of the world. …

 

What’s happening in Detroit can happen in other industries. It can happen in Cleveland and Pittsburgh and Raleigh. We can’t bring back every job that’s left our shores. But right now, it’s getting more expensive to do business in places like China. Meanwhile, America is more productive. A few weeks ago, the CEO of Master Lock told me that it now makes business sense for him to bring jobs back home. Today, for the first time in fifteen years, Master Lock’s unionized plant in Milwaukee is running at full capacity.

So we have a huge opportunity, at this moment, to bring manufacturing back. But we have to seize it. …

My message is simple. It’s time to stop rewarding businesses that ship jobs overseas, and start rewarding companies that create jobs right here in America. Send me these tax reforms, and I’ll sign them right away.”

Photo: Governor LePage and Comissioner Keliher (to the right of the Governor) joined by members of the Marine Resources Committee

AUGUSTA – Yesterday, Governor Paul LePage administered the oath for Patrick C. Keliher to serve as Commissioner of the Department of Marine Resources (DMR). The Joint Standing Committee on Marine Resources voted unanimously Thursday afternoon to approve the nomination.

Keliher, of South Gardiner, has served as Deputy Commissioner and Director, Bureau of Sea Run Fisheries and Habitat within DMR since 2007. He has served, most recently as Acting Commissioner, and has been serving in this capacity since July.

Maine’s commercial and recreational fisheries industry is a valuable component of Maine’s outdoor heritage. The marine industry sustains thousands of jobs for hardworking Mainers, which significantly contribute to the overall State economy. Maine is known and recognized worldwide for its fresh seafood.

Governor LePage congratulated Keliher and encouraged him to keep up the good work. “Keliher has demonstrated his ability to work with the fishing industry on contentious issues, balancing our need to create and sustain jobs while protecting Maine’s numerous marine resources. I am confident that he will continue to serve Maine people well.”

“I was very honored by the Governor’s nomination. I’m grateful for the show of confidence by the Governor, Marine Resources Committee, and those who came to speak on my behalf,” stated Keliher.  “I look forward to working with the Legislature and our Marine industries as we find ways to grow our coastal economy.”

Prior to joining DMR, Keliher served as Executive Director of the Atlantic Salmon Commission and Executive Director of the New England States of the Coastal Conservation Association, Greater New England. Keliher has also served as a licensed Coast Guard Captain and is a Registered Maine Guide.

Largest Corporate Dairy, Biotech Firm and USDA Accused of
Conspiring to Corrupt Rulemaking and Pollute Organics

The Cornucopia Institute has formally requested that the USDA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) investigate corruption at its National Organic Program resulting in the use of illegal synthetics in organic food and then allowing powerful corporations to “game the system” for approval “after the fact.”

The controversy surrounds synthetic products—genetically modified soil fungus and algae—developed by Martek Biosciences Corporation (part of a $12 billion Dutch-based conglomerate) as nutritional supplements in organic food including milk, infant formula, and other foods. Martek’s formulated oils are processed with synthetic petrochemical solvents in a blend containing a myriad of other synthetic chemicals. Supplements derived from these oils, commonly marketed as DHA and ARA, are being added to milk, infant formula and other organic foods by such companies as Dean Foods (Horizon), Abbott Laboratories (Similac) and Nurture, Inc. (Happy Baby).

Cornucopia’s research has linked Martek’s supplements to serious illness in some infants. To view the full news release, click here.

Monsanto Seeks to Squelch Patent Lawsuit

Image creator Grant Cochrane

Monsanto has moved to dismiss a lawsuit challenging its patent rights on genetically modified seeds. The Cornucopia Institute is among the 83 family farmers, seed businesses and organic agricultural organizations represented by the Public Patent Foundation in the lawsuit. The matter will be heard in a Manhattan courtroom in New York City on Tuesday, January 31.

“We are putting Monsanto on notice,” said Jim Gerritsen, a Maine family farmer and President of the Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association. “Americans have the right to choice in the marketplace – to decide what kind of food they will feed their families – and we are taking this action on their behalf to protect that right to choose.”

Monsanto contends the lawsuit is a trivial publicity stunt. Supporters of the lawsuit are urged to attend the hearing to make a positive impression on presiding judge Naomi Buchwald concerning the seriousness of the matter. If you can travel to and attend this important hearing, in NYC, (farmers are especially encouraged) and would like more details, pleasecontact us.

“Family-scale farmers desperately need the judiciary branch of our government to balance the power Monsanto wields in the marketplace and through their legislative lobbyists,” notes Cornucopia’s Mark Kastel. “Farmers have saved seeds since the beginning of agriculture. It is outrageous that one corporate entity, through the trespass of what they refer to as their ‘technology,’ can intimidate and run roughshod over family farmers in this country.”

Office of Inspector General Investigating Management of
National Organic Dairy Program

The internal legal arm of the USDA is investigating the management and oversight of the nation’s organic dairy program by the National Organic Program (NOP). The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is expected to release a report early in 2012 regarding its preliminary investigation.

This report, according to Miles McEvoy, the director of the NOP, is the first stage of the organic dairy investigation. For the rest of 2012, the OIG expects to dig further into the matter, including site visits to organic dairies around the U.S.

Cornucopia welcomes this long needed investigation. Our research and onsite visits have documented numerous suspect management practices at factory-scale dairies with thousands of cows. The NOP has been slow to investigate the formal complaints filed by Cornucopia. Ethical family-scale farmers have been economically injured by factory farm scofflaws and consumers fooled by pretty images on cartons containing their faux organic milk. Cornucopia’s organic dairy scorecard provides guidance on brands sourcing milk from farmers with the best organic practices.

Say No to Monsanto’s Genetically Engineered Soy
Send Your Comment to the USDA

By deregulating one GMO after another (Round Up Ready alfalfa, “drought-resistant corn, etc.), President Obama and Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack have made it clear to the American public that they do not care about our concerns with genetically engineered food and its questionable safety, adverse environmental impacts, and detrimental effects on farmers, especially organic farmers.

We must keep the pressure on! Let’s continue to flood the USDA with public comments opposing their misguided and dangerous policy of indiscriminately releasing GMOs into America’s farm fields and food supply. Cornucopia already urged farmers and consumers to commenton Dow Agrosciences’ petition to deregulate corn that is resistant to the herbicide 2,4-D. Please also send comments opposing the petition by Monsanto for its soybeans that are high in stearidonic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that does not naturally occur in soybeans.

While an omega-3-rich soybean may appear beneficial to public health, the truth is that genetically engineering a ubiquitous monoculture crop to contain higher levels of just one particular nutrient will not solve our public health crisis, and might even exacerbate it. A healthy diet is about much more than simply increasing the levels of one particular omega-3 fatty acid. “Monsanto’s stearidonic acid soybeans is another band-aid solution that will do little to address the root of the problem with our nation’s ‘nutrition’ problem, which is people eating too many processed foods containing corn and soybean derivatives, and not eating a varied diet of nutrient-rich wholesome foods,” said Charlotte Vallaeys, Cornucopia’s Director of Farm and Food Policy.

Citizens can comment on the proposed approval of Monsanto’s stearidonic acid soybeans until February 27, 2012.

Enforcement Hammer Falls on Shamrock Dairy

Shamrock organic cows in feedlot

An industrial-scale organic dairy, located south of Phoenix in the desert Southwest, is poised to lose its USDA organic certification. The enforcement action at Shamrock Farmsfollows a USDA investigation into the dairy triggered by aformal legal complaint in 2008 from The Cornucopia Institute.

Shamrock operates a massive dairy that was milking approximately 16,000 cows at the time of Cornucopia’s visit. Between 700 and 1,100 of the cows at the split operation were in the organic milk herd; the remainder were part of a conventional dairy operated at the same sprawling complex.

“We found inadequate, overgrazed pasture adjacent to their milking facility, and we were told by Shamrock employees that the confined cows had not been out in weeks,” said Mark A. Kastel, Senior Farm Policy Analyst for Cornucopia.

“At a time when conventional and organic dairy producers are all being squeezed by extraordinarily high feed prices, there is no doubt that large corporate-owned, vertically-integrated operations like Shamrock put downward pressure on farm gate prices,” said Will Fantle, Cornucopia’s Research Director. “If this dairy was indeed violating the law, they have taken profits out of the pockets of hard-working ethical family farmers.”

Support The Cornucopia Institute

The Cornucopia Institute is a non-profit group based in Wisconsin and working on food and farm policy issues concerning sustainable and organic agriculture. We depend upon our members and readers like you for support. Please visit our website at http://www.cornucopia.org/for more details about our activities and how you can become involved or email us at cultivate@cornucopia.org.

cultivate@cornucopia.org P.O. Box 126 Cornucopia, WI 54827 608-625-2042 2011

Our state government’s credit rating is an important tool to attract jobs.  It’s a visible measurement of Maine’s fiscal and economic health.  Businesses choose to invest their money in states where government can pay its bills, and taxes and regulations are fair and predictable. Otherwise, employers rightly fear that their companies and workers will likely pay higher taxes to fund unaffordable programs, or their public services will be cut.

Maine’s credit rating ranks in the bottom half of all states based on Standard and Poor’s analysis. 13 are healthy enough to be awarded the prized AAA rating.  15 receive the AA+ distinction. Another 16, including Maine, score AA.   4 are rated AA-. California and Illinois have even lower ratings.

An individual seeking a home mortgage or car loan submits to a credit assessment by the bank or automobile company.  The lender wants confidence that the borrower is able to repay the loan.  If the individual is spending more than he/she earns, and is making up the difference with credit card debt, the loan might not be granted.  Or, if it is, the interest rate and monthly payments will be high.   Likewise, if a state government is not fiscally prudent and responsible, its credit rating is in jeopardy of being lowered, resulting in higher interest payments for taxpayers on the money it borrows.

Maine state government submits to an exhaustive examination of our budgetary and economic health.  This analysis by Standard & Poor’s has resulted in our AA rating.  When the Legislature and voters approve borrowing to build/repair roads and bridges, for example, State Treasury sells bonds to investors to secure the necessary funds.  Similar to a monthly home mortgage payment, every six months Maine taxpayers pay the bond holders interest and principal until the bond (loan) is retired (repaid).

The credit rating agencies favorably view Maine state government’s conservative practice of paying off the General Obligation bonds sold by Treasury in 10 years.  They also positively view the LePage Administration’s commitment to balance the state budget without gimmicks.  In years past, the books were “balanced” in part by not paying hospitals approximately $500 million they were owed.  One-time federal stimulus money was mostly funneled into already unaffordable programs instead of reforming them.  Unpaid state employee furlough days were used to plug budget holes.  Our financial reserves were depleted.

The credit rating agencies also point out the importance of addressing our long-term financial obligations. Last year, the LePage Administration worked with the Legislature to eliminate $1.7 billion of public pension debt by slowing the rate of growth of retirement benefits for teachers and state employees.  This reduced future government spending by approximately $200 million per year until the pension debt must be paid off in 2028.  And this, in turn, created a more affordable obligation for Maine taxpayers, and a more predictable funding source for teachers and state employees who receive those benefits.

This year, the credit rating agencies are again watching closely as to how Maine state government deals with another long-term liability — our unaffordable Medicaid program (Mainecare).  In 1998, approximately 154,000 of our most disadvantaged fellow Mainers were enrolled in this taxpayer-funded health care safety net.  During the last 13 years, this number has increased by 134% while our population has grown by roughly 4%.  Today, there are 361,000 individuals in the program, the 3^rd highest enrollment rate of any state in the country.  This dramatic growth in the Medicaid program, combined with unusually generous benefits, has become increasingly unaffordable for Maine taxpayers.  This financial strain also puts our most vulnerable families at risk of losing their health care benefits if the money runs out.

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) calculates a $221 million shortfall in our Medicaid program through June 30, 2013, the end of the two-year budget cycle.  The Governor has submitted a supplemental budget that includes adjustments to the program to make it solvent and affordable.  Without the Legislature adopting these reforms, DHHS reports that our Medicaid program will run out of money this April, roughly three months before the end of the current fiscal year.

Right now, state government has an opportunity to demonstrate to the people of Maine, and to the credit rating agencies, that it will live within its means.  That it will no longer spend more than it takes in.  That it will make the difficult but necessary decisions to redesign our unaffordable Medicaid program for the benefit of the most vulnerable, and for fairness to the taxpayers alike.

Fiscal discipline; living within our means; Maine’s credit rating; job creation; taking care of the needy.  They’re all connected to the long-term economic and fiscal health of our Great State. Let’s all work together to make it work for all.

Best wishes,

Bruce Poliquin
Maine State Treasurer

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Central Maine (January 25, 2012) Spectrum Generations is once again collaborating with AARP to offer tax preparation services at its community centers throughout Central Maine.  This free service is open to any member of the community for support with personal income taxes now through mid-April.  Appointments are required for all locations, and fill up fast.  For those interested in scheduling an appointment, contact Spectrum Generations at 1-800-639-1553 or the community center closest to you.

§Coastal Community Center in Damariscotta 563-1363

§Cohen Community Center in Hallowell 626-7777

§Knox Community Center in Rockland 596-0339

§Muskie Community Center in Waterville 873-4745

§Somerset Community Center in Skowhegan 474-8552

§Southern Mid Coast Community Center in Topsham 729-0475

Spectrum Generations has promoted life-long learning, health, wellness, nutrition, community engagement and the social well-being of all older and disabled adults for 40 years as the Central Maine Area Agency on Aging.   For more information about Spectrum Generations programs, services, and center activities, call 1-800-639-1553 or visitwww.spectrumgenerations.org.  For more information regarding AARP, visit their website at www.aarp.org.

Holly Couture

Spectrum Generations

1-800-282-0764 ext. 146