Thibodeau gets a raw deal as 128th Legislature finally comes to a close September 21, 2018 by Jill Goldthwait on Columnists, Jill Goldthwait, Opinion Five months beyond the April 18 statutory adjournment date, the 128th Legislature finally called it quits. But they could not avoid letting the door hit them on the way out. Governor Paul LePage accused departing legislators of everything from “shifty financing” to “insouciant oversight.” He reserved special ire for Senate President Mike Thibodeau, whose efforts …
As staffers quietly depart, LePage not going gentle into that good night September 14, 2018 by Jill Goldthwait on Columnists, Jill Goldthwait, Opinion Governor Paul LePage pulled the plug on 18 nominees to state boards and commissions last week. His spokesman, Michael Beardsley, said it was in response to “petty partisan politics” in Augusta, an apparent reference to the failure of two other gubernatorial nominees to be approved by the Legislature’s Transportation Committee the previous day. Beardsley made …
A messy slog toward the finish line for the 128th Legislature September 7, 2018 by Jill Goldthwait on Columnists, Jill Goldthwait, Opinion Members of the Maine Legislature convened last week in yet another attempt to put the 128th Legislature to bed. In fits and starts they inched along toward the goal as the clock crept toward midnight. Passage of a tax conformity bill put one of the remaining hurdles behind them. Failure to do so would have …
Nothing fake about Alan Baker’s commitment to community journalism August 31, 2018 by Jill Goldthwait on Columnists, Jill Goldthwait, Opinion You have in your hands the last edition of The Ellsworth American or Mount Desert Islander to be published under the ownership of Alan Baker. He has been owner and publisher of The Ellsworth American since 1991, and founded the Islander in 2001. His retirement is the end of a distinguished career in service to …
Yet another head-scratcher of a referendum question August 24, 2018 by Jill Goldthwait on Columnists, Jill Goldthwait, Opinion The sleeping giant that is Augusta emitted some rumbles in the past week. Bolstered by the court decision that said the Ethics Commission could proceed with releasing Clean Election funds to qualified candidates despite the Governor’s refusal to issue executive orders to that effect, the Ethics Commission also agreed to issue another funding round held …
Four seasons fill the measure of a year August 17, 2018 by Jill Goldthwait on Columnists, Jill Goldthwait, Opinion Mid-August. Oh dear, oh dear. How are you doing on your summer checklist? You’ve been to the annual meeting of your favorite nonprofit, right? Right. How about a gala? Check. A book sale at your local library? Check. A talk by a political notable? Check. A play at a repertory theater with real, live actors? …
Governor would put half-baked proposal on legislative menu August 10, 2018 by Jill Goldthwait on Columnists, Jill Goldthwait, Opinion As if Maine lawmakers have not had enough trouble bringing the 128th Legislature to a close, Governor Paul LePage wants to bring legislators back, yet again, this summer to consider a welfare reform bill. He spoke about his proposal in Portland last week. He offered few details and a bill has yet to appear in …
Education standards change setting Maine students up for failure August 3, 2018 by Jill Goldthwait on Columnists, Jill Goldthwait, Opinion With Maine’s oceanfront and lakeshores filled to bursting with tourists, one might think our state looks pretty prosperous. There is no doubt that tourism plays a major role in our economy, including providing jobs galore. But seasonal jobs, welcome though they may be, are not the key to Maine’s future. Many, if not most, of …
Tourism, trade war have working waterfront feeling the heat July 27, 2018 by Jill Goldthwait on Columnists, Jill Goldthwait, Opinion Sued by a customer burned by hot coffee, a well-known food chain started putting a warning on its cups. “Caution: Contents are hot.” Other vendors followed suit. Hmm. When one orders coffee, one expects it to be hot. In fact, that is the program, right? “A black coffee, please.” Does anyone ask how hot you …
Strong-arm tactics will result in long-term gridlock in Augusta July 20, 2018 by Jill Goldthwait on Columnists, Jill Goldthwait, Opinion To date, Governor Paul LePage has vetoed (or let pass without his signature) 235 bills from the Legislature. If one were to seek his governing philosophy, there is no better place to look than his veto messages. The state Constitution provides that a governor may approve a measure passed by the Legislature or return the …
