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Maine News

Friday, April 25, 2008

Maine News for Friday, April 25, 2008

Portland Press Herald
Baldacci's pocket veto of gaming bill criticized
A Pittsfield lawmaker says the decision shows how out of touch the governor is with Maine's citizens.

Romney to headline state GOP gathering
The presidential nomination is 'sewn up,' but platform discussions could yield good debate, a lawmaker says.

Clerks foresee problems in budget balloting
School referendum rules will make it virtually impossible for many absentee ballots to arrive on time to be counted, they contend.

Gas bargains hard to come by
Mainers find slightly cheaper fuel in New Hampshire and look for decent deals closer to home.

Editorial
'Familial DNA' proves to be vital tool of justice
Identifying criminals using freely given samples from relatives is not a major invasion of privacy.

Hannaford making real effort to protect customers' credit cards
But one chain can't solve this problem all by itself; changes are needed nationwide.

Kennebunkport offers improved deal to protesters
Changes to a proposed mass-gathering ordinance fit the First Amendment better.

M.D. HARMONGlobal warming policies will hit our economy hard
Ever wonder why so few stories relate the cost of these measures? Because the truth hurts – a lot.

Letters:
State's legislative leaders are too quick to raise taxes

Dirigo was noble idea but it hasn't worked

Minimum wage harms the most vulnerable employees

Bangor Daily News
Orono: UM gets $12.9M federal contract

ORONO, Maine - The University of Maine has received a $12.9 million contract from the U.S. Department of Defense to take the secure shipping containers developed in the campus laboratory to the marketplace.

Old pumps not made for new fuel prices

AUGUSTA, Maine - Consumers are not alone in trying to keep up with the soaring cost of fuel. Older-model gasoline and diesel fuel pumps can't keep up, either, and the state has issued emergency rules to keep the fuel flowing.

LURC gathering public comments on its vision for Maine's North Woods

State regulators will travel throughout the state during the next two weeks to hear resident' views on the top issues facing Maine’s Unorganized Territory and how best to balance competing uses within the region.

Guard members working on border

Forty-five Maine Army National Guard soldiers recently returned from a three-week engineering mission on the Mexican border, and nearly 100 more guardsmen will depart for a similar mission within the next month.

Editorial:
Medicaid and Mirrors

It has long been clear that the Bush administration didn't have logic on its side as it tried to limit states' flexibility in extending health insurance to moderate-income children.


Job security through solidarity
May Day, the international day of labor solidarity, is coming up and it’s a good time for workers in eastern Maine to reflect on their employment.


Kennebec Journal

AUGUSTA Romney to keynote state GOP gathering Columnist Cal Thomas also likely to appear at next weekend's meeting
AUGUSTA -- Former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney will headline the Maine Republican Party State Convention next weekend in Augusta.

On Maine Politics
Check out the GOP platform 04/24/08

Drivers search for cheaper gas
PORTSMOUTH, N.H. -- At 10 a.m. on Wednesday, cars and trucks were lining up at the pumps at BJ's Wholesale Club gas station on Woodbury Avenue.

BRIEFS
GARDINER -- The Maine Technology Institute will hand out $25 million to $30 million in grants by September, institute officials said.

Editorials:
Lay midwives should not give medications New law gives potentially dangerous drugs to minimally trained home-birth helpers
In the old days -- by that, we mean the 1940s and 1950s -- childbirth was a pretty cold, clinical and over-medicated affair.

Columns:
GORDON SMITH : Beverage tax increase for Dirigo targets unhealthy behaviors
As a member of the 2006 Blue Ribbon Commission on Dirigo Health representing Maine's physicians, the Kennebec Journal editorial of April 17, titled, "Democrats slip in tax increases with night vote," was of great interest to me.

L. SANDY MAISEL : Keep 1980 Democratic primary votes in mind as '08 winds down
The Pennsylvania primary was a pivotal event in the Democratic nominating process -- in 1980.

Sun Journal
Lawmaker criticizes veto of bill
AUGUSTA (AP) - A Pittsfield lawmaker criticized Gov. John Baldacci on Thursday for refusing to sign a gaming bill sent to him at the close of this year's legislative sessions.

Resort sees cooking grease as fuel
CARRABASSETT VALLEY (AP) - Sugarloaf ski resort is expanding a program to run its off-road vehicles on a fuel that includes cooking grease.

High court sides with school panel
PORTLAND (AP) - Maine's highest court Thursday struck down a judge's ruling that required the Portland School Committee to allow a local newspaper to examine notes taken during an executive session last summer.

Ellsworth American
Freedom of Access Ruling Overturned
Maine's highest court has dealt a blow to one of the state's biggest newspaper groups. The Supreme Judicial Court has thrown out a ruling made last year which granted Blethen Newspapers access to notes taken during an executive session of the Portland School Committee. The media group says the decision violates the Freedom of Access law, and interferes with the public's right-to-know.


UMaine Receives Another Major Research Grant
The University of Maine has been awarded a 13 million dollar federal grant to continue development of a new type of secure cargo container. It's the second major research and development grant awarded to the school in as many weeks, and as Keith Shortall reports, Senator Susan Collins sees R & D as a niche that Maine cannot afford to let pass by.

Needed! Skilled Workers
As Baby-Boomers begin to retire, Maine employers are having trouble finding skilled workers these days. That's the conclusion of a study by the Maine Department of Labor. But Mainers who tune up their work skills or devleop new ones may find that in the future, the "sky's the limit." Keith McKeen reports.

Ellsworth American
Legislators Approve $210M in Bonds To Close Out Session
Statehouse News Service
AUGUSTA — Timing proved to be everything for those trying to push road and bridge projects through without taxpayer approval, as legislators voted in $210 million in bonds during the final days and even hours of the legislative session that ended on Friday night.

Effort Under Way To Repeal Tax Hike on Beverages
Statehouse News Service
AUGUSTA — Businesses hit by tax hikes on beer, wine and soft drinks, including one that would raise the price of a gallon of syrup used to make soda in restaurants by 40 percent, are considering organizing a people’s veto petition to get the increase repealed.

Consolidation Law Changes Provide Added Flexibility
Statehouse News Service
AUGUSTA — Changes made last week to the school consolidation law will allow some districts to move forward with their regional school units and others to propose unions that allow local school boards to keep some power, but not as much as they now have.

Editorial:
The Magnificent Seven
Editorials
Maine taxpayers owe a vote of thanks to the 123rd Legislature’s Appropriations Committee, and most especially two of its Democratic members. Rep. Jeremy Fischer of Presque Isle and Rep. Linda Valentino of Saco joined with Republicans on the committee last week in a 7-6 vote that stopped dead in its tracks a proposal that would have cost the state of Maine hundreds of millions of dollars over the next 20 years.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Maine News for Thursday, April 24, 2008

Portland Press Herald
Four Maine superdelegates remain uncommitted in Democratic race
Election 2008: They are among 200 around the country waiting to endorse either Clinton or Obama.

House opposition to Medicaid cuts could benefit Maine
Rules changes proposed by the Bush administration would cost the state $186 million over two years.

Drive to repeal drink tax being weighed
A citizen veto effort would target levies on beer, wine and soda.

Community colleges to raise tuition rates
A $1.2 million shortfall prompts a 2.5 percent rate hike next fall in Maine.

City's 'free yard sale' will end
Residents believe that abolishing heavy-item pickup will hurt people without trucks. Portland says that other services are more vital.

Poland Spring seeking OK to treat own wastewater
The company says a proposed irrigation system would lessen its environmental impact.

Editorials:
Close Democratic race good for party and country
Hand-wringing about making things easier for the GOP is overdone and unrealistic.

Plastic or paper? It's time to start saying, 'I brought my own'
Reusable bags cost money, of course, but the hidden costs of disposable bags are far higher.

York lawmaker's good idea now unfairly haunts her
An incomplete account led to a slew of hostile comments that Rep. Dawn Hill didn't deserve.

Bangor Daily News
State says workers needed

Maine businesses may have trouble filling positions in the future, according to a study from the state's labor department. Poll: Do you consider yourself underemployed?

Community college fees to rise

AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine Community College System board of trustees on Wednesday approved a 2.5 percent tuition increase at the state's seven two-year college campuses next fall.

UMS to stay competitive via Internet 2

ELLSWORTH, Maine - The University of Maine System has hired a Maine company to help provide the state's universities and The Jackson Laboratory with the broadband Internet capacity they say they need to stay competitive with research and education institutions worldwide.

Cianbro kicks off refinery assembly

BREWER, Maine - Cianbro crews began erecting Wednesday at the Eastern Manufacturing Facility the first of 52 construction modules that will become part of an expanding Texas oil refinery.

New law allows midwives to buy some medications

AUGUSTA, Maine - Gv. John Baldacci on Wednesday signed into law a measure that authorizes Maine pharmacists to provide certain medications to certified professional midwives for administration to mothers and newborns during home births.

Sugarloaf to run vehicles off restaurant grease

CARRABASSETT VALLEY, Maine - Sugarloaf ski resort is expanding a program to run its off-road vehicles on a fuel that includes cooking grease.

Bangor area seeks ideas on open space

A dozen Penobscot Valley communities are partnering with a national organization to develop a regional approach to expanding the amount of open space and conservation land in the area.

Editorial:
Baghdad's Burden

Members of Congress and the Bush administration have long talked about the Iraqi government taking more responsibility for the security, economy and governing of their country.

Unelected Economy Czars

Polls show the top issue among voters this election year is their fears about the fate of the economy. Voters can grill congressional candidates, but the fate of the economy may be most influenced by a body that does not answer to the American voter.

Don't blame NAFTA: Consumers and workers gain
Has NAFTA - the North American Free Trade Agreement - been a disaster for working Americans?

Kennebec Journal
NEW TAX BATTLE POSSIBLE Business groups considering people's veto to overturn taxes on beer, wine and soda
AUGUSTA -- Leaders from various business groups may launch a people's veto effort to overturn recently enacted taxes on beer, wine and soda.

Power play: CMP negotiates with China to site new power lines for aging system
CHINA -- Planners got an update Tuesday on plans to widen the power line right-of-way through China, and a request to seek a change in local ordinances to accommodate new utility poles.

VASSALBORO 'Pushing' incident prompts charge Code enforcement officer accused following alleged altercation over violations
VASSALBORO -- Richard Proctor was sitting in a chair in front of his garage Tuesday morning when he said he happened to look down the road and see a pickup truck "pushing" Leo Barnett with the front bumper.

Editorial:

911 consolidation naysayers' fear being borne out Emergency calls must be handled quickly
That's the amount of time an emergency dispatcher in Somerset County spent on hold one afternoon in late February. The dispatcher had called the Central Maine Regional Commune-ications Center in Augusta to request that a warden be sent to a snowmobile accident in The Forks.

KAY RAND : What's 'Christian' about Christian Civic League?
As a Christian, I am enormously grateful that I will be judged by a forgiving God and not by officials at the Christian Civic League of Maine.

JIM BRUNELLE : Legislative session could have been better ... or worse
On the whole, however, lawmakers ended up making the right decisions on the most contentious issues.

Sun Journal
Community college tuition rising 2.5%
AUGUSTA (AP) - The Maine Community College System board of trustees on Wednesday approved a 2.5 percent tuition increase at the state's seven two-year college campuses next fall.

Maine real estate sales, prices down
SOUTH PORTLAND (AP) - The Maine real estate market remained cool in March, with home sales down 28 percent and prices down more than 3 percent.

Editorial:
A victory for government transparency
Gov. John Baldacci's pocket veto of legislation that would have infringed public access to important legislative and municipal information, LD 1878, is a victory for clear, open transparent government in Maine.

MPBN
Maine Lawmakers Grant New Powers To Midwives
Certified professional midwives in Maine will soon be able to obtain certain medications from pharmacies to use in their practices. The new law, passed this session, is drawing criticism from nursing quarters. Barbara Cariddi reports.

Coaltion: Rid Public House Of Tobacco By 2009
Health care advocates and the State Fire Marshal's office have teamed up to urge local public housing authorities to adopt smoke-free policies by Jan. 1st of next year. Health officials say smoking continues to be the number one cause of fire-related deaths in the state. The Smoke-free Housing Coalition says the effects of second-hand smoke on non-smokers also contribute to a variety of illnesses or diseases that could be prevented by a smoke-free policy. A.J. Higgins reports.

Maine Ranks High For "Legal Climate"
Businesses in Maine may be unhappy with the tax burden imposed on them by the state legislature. But according to a survey released today, there does appear to be at least some good news for those seeking to make a buck in Vacationland. Tom Porter reports.

Nod Given To Rail Expansion Plan
Downeaster passenger trains will be going to Brunswick. Just before adjourning last Friday night, the legislature enacted a bill to pay for the 31-and-a-half million dollar track improvement project. As Irwin Gratz reports, it will mean more than just two more stops on the Boston-to-Portland run.

PolitickerME

Wally Edge: DC Pundits keep Maine’s two House seats in the D column.
Stu Rothenberg a well known DC politico has just released his latest predictions
on the 2008 US House races. In his opening paragraph Rothenberg

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Maine News for Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Portland Press Herald
Soaring food prices drain schools' lunch budgets
In addition to charging more, they are looking for creative ways to provide healthful meals.

Snowe's bill bars genetic discrimination
The Senate is expected to pass the measure, aimed specifically at insurance companies and employers.

In wake of breach, Hannaford steps up security
Card numbers will be encrypted, an effort one expert praises but describes as 'reactive.'

Gambling measures among bills blocked by Baldacci

Story in Portsmouth, N.H., paper leads to backlash over Maine's Peeping Tom bill
A news article, picked up by Fark, failed to fully explain the measure, leading to angry online comments.

Commentary:
ROBERT A. KENNEDYVoter-backed R&D bonds paying off in private-sector jobs
The funding has helped the University of Maine enable a variety of businesses to grow.

Bangor Daily News
At UM, ecovillage idea gains allies

ORONO, Maine - Between the peeling exterior paint and spartan rooms, building 11-16 in the University of Maine's York Village doesn't look like your typical setting for a revolution in college living.

Judge: Sex offender can't live at home

BUCKSPORT, Maine - For the victims and family members who still deal with the trauma Travis White caused during several years of misconduct, the decision was a victory.

Internet gives high-schoolers taste of college

HOWLAND, Maine — Samantha Hockridge plans to go to college and she’s not wasting time.

Editorial: Close down Gitmo

The prison at Guantanamo Bay has long been a national disgrace. The current mess over how to try suspected terrorists in improvised special courts highlights the need to shut down this facility.

Kennebec Journal

AUGUSTA: Out in the open
AUGUSTA -- Councilors endorsed the creation of a group that wants to be among the best friends to the city's plants, trees, wildlife, waters and open spaces.

Hannaford takes steps to prevent data breech
Hannaford Bros. has beefed up computer security since a data breach exposed 4.2 million customer credit and debit card numbers to potential fraud, and plans other changes to make the system even stronger, executives said Tuesday.

Train trip from coast aims to boost future rail service
Jack Sutton believes rail transportation could be the future of Maine.

Hallowell joins regional waterfront effort
HALLOWELL -- City councilors Monday unanimously approved joining in regional efforts with Augusta and Gardiner to seek grants and other assistance for waterfront development.

Augusta woman among EPA awardees
AUGUSTA -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded merit awards to 38 New England entities, including seven from Maine, agency officials said.

Jail isolates inmates with staph infection
SKOWHEGAN -- Two inmates at the Somerset County Jail are in isolation with what may be a Methicillin-resistant bacterial infection.

Editorial:

Lawmakers had session that was largely effective 2 less-than- admirable moves: Dirigo bailout, minor ethics reform
They dealt with jails and school consolidation, ethics and the environment, the state budget and state bridges.

Down East magazine reveals well-kept central Maine secret
"15 Small Town Getaways" was the colorful front-page headline in Down East' s April edition. I ripped the magazine open to page 76 to see the list of getaway towns and nearly fell to the floor. The world went dark. My town of Mount Vernon has been discovered.

MIKI MACDONALD, FNP : Amended midwives' law watered-down, dangerous
LD 2253, An Act To Provide Access to Certain Medications to Certified Midwives, as amended by the Legislature, was just signed by Gov. John Baldacci. The new law allows persons who hold no license to practice a health-care profession to prescribe and administer prescription drugs and other substances.

Sun Journal
Hedge fund contributions to Pingree questioned
PORTLAND (AP) - The two Democratic candidates who've raised the most money in Maine's 1st Congressional District race are trading shots over contributions from a wealthy hedge-fund manager.

Governor blocks four proposals
AUGUSTA (AP) - Gov. John Baldacci says he won't sign four bills enacted by the Legislature before its adjournment late Friday night.

Driver's license rules take effect
PORTLAND (AP) - Mainers seeking a driver's license were required to begin showing proof of residency effective Tuesday, but the change was largely uneventful.

Fort Kent holds snowplow parade
FORT KENT (AP) - After a nasty winter, residents of northern Maine have kept a sense of humor about the mounds of snow that piled up.

Editorial:
Why Maine ought to be in pictures
Knock, knock, it's the creative economy calling.

MPBN
"People's Veto" Discussed by Business Leaders
The term "People's Veto" has surfaced in talks among Maine business leaders. The idea of voters rescinding taxes raised in the waning hours of the legislative session reflects the degree of indignation felt by Maine's business community. Tax increases on beer and wine and a hike in the minimum wage, they say, is evidence the legislature has ignored the financial status of both business and consumers. Keith McKeen reports.

Candidate Ethan Strimling Profiled
We continue our series of profiles of the eight candidates vying for Maine's First District Congressional seat, long held by Tom Allen, who is now running for the Senate. Tonight we take a look at Portland Democrat Ethan Strimling. Strimling, who just turned 40, is serving his third term in the Maine Senate. He was first elected to the legislature in 2002, and for several years he's directed the social service agency Portland West, which provides education, counseling, housing and job training to low income people in the greater Portland area. Barbara Cariddi reports.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Maine News for Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Portland Press Herald
1st District candidates talk money
Election 2008: Portland's Ethan Strimling makes an issue of Chellie Pingree's hedge-fund contributions.

Schools cut back as costs rise, aid drops
Education officials reduce staff and programs and raise lunch prices to make ends meet.

U.S. attorney: Child porn prosecutions remain a priority
Federal cases nearly quadrupled over the past decade nationwide.

City layoffs: Severance costs unclear
Salary cuts may save $2.9 million, but payout expenses will offset that.

License in hand doesn't put alewives in the net
A dam in Winslow and conservation are among reasons Benton can't harvest the fish.

Yarmouth students investing in lives around the world
Using Kiva.org, an online platform, they've jumped wholeheartedly into microlending.

Editorials:
Addressing taxes has to start with cuts
Too often, lawmakers confuse 'tax reform' with the need to tax people less.

Earth Day ideal must translate to problem solving
The threats we know of today – especially global climate change – require new thinking.

RON BANCROFTLawmakers get bogged down in multiple ways
There are too many of them, one profession is too dominant and too many bills get filed.

CHELLIE PINGREE and PAUL EASTON, Special to the Press HeraldDemocrats sign on to plan to end Iraq war
Congressional candidates around the nation seek to repair the damage current policies created.

Bangor Daily News
Dirigo taxes upset business community

AUGUSTA, Maine - While lawmakers are congratulating themselves for a successful legislative session, many in the business community are less enthusiastic about what the lawmakers did - or did not do.

Maine gas buyers tanking

BANGOR, Maine - Clark and Deborah Rafford know gas prices are a gamble, so they decided to gamble for gas money on Monday afternoon. POLL: Have high gas prices caused you to alter your vacation plans?

Baldacci tallies accomplishments

AUGUSTA, Maine —-Day to day inside the State House bubble, there's a lot of maneuvering, cajoling, browbeating and scheming as a governor presses his speaking-with-one-voice advantage and lawmakers try to promote their party's priorities and their own pet projects.

Cobble beach access gem of Bold Coast buy

A major statewide land trust announced Monday that it has conserved nearly two miles of shoreline along Washington County's Bold Coast in a deal that will provide access to a scenic beach previously closed to the public.

Editorials:
ClickBack on taxes, flags

For most people, Patriot's Day was just another workday. Is the holiday commemorating the start of the Revolutionary War outdated? Only Maine and Massachusetts celebrate it and to a diminishing extent. Is it time to retire this holiday?

Editorial: Don't waste Earth Day

Requiring the recycling of computer and television monitors - and having manufacturers cover most of the cost - has diverted tons of lead from Maine landfills while saving residents money.

Kennebec Journal

Inmate labor on the rise
Roadside chain gangs might belong to an era gone by, but inmate work crews cleaning roads and other publicly-owned property around Kennebec County could become commonplace.

Continuing to improve their skills
AUGUSTA -- Firearms instructors by their side, the police cadets cautiously approach a wall of targets that resemble milk bottles.

Observing Earth Day just the beginning for some
While today marks the 39th annual Earth Day, central Maine residents have already begun observing the occasion.

Editorials:

Earth Day '08
If only Maine's attention to environmental issues and love for our most beautiful piece of Mother Earth could have an impact far greater than a rural state with 1.3 million people should expect.

DAVID B. OFFER : Park police failing to protect vulnerable national symbols
Few sights are more inspiring than the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial at night.

Don't give opinion until it's time to vote on issue
Regarding the newspaper's opinion article (April 11) about the Christian Civic League -- if you have an opinion on an issue, when it comes time to vote, and you feel we can't think for ourselves well enough to vote without your opinion, then be sure to let us know what we should do.

Oppose non-Christian vote for discrimination
This letter is in response to the recent announcement by the Christian Civic League to attempt to repeal the Maine Human Rights Law through a broadly defined referendum in favor of discriminating against gays and lesbians in the workforce and in housing, as well as in parenting rights.

Sun Journal
Day designated for threatened wildlife
WASHINGTON (AP) - Maine Sen. Susan Collins says she and California Sen. Dianne Feinstein have introduced a resolution to designate May 16 as the third annual Endangered Species Day.

Veterans' health issues heard
SANFORD (AP) - A congressional field hearing on health issues involving female and rural veterans drew dozens of former service members to Sanford.

Editorial
Rebuilding EPA's eroded reputation
This Earth Day, we'd like peace on the planet and goodwill among environmental regulatory agencies.

Democrats jump aboard the God-talk express
Beware when politicians talk about "compassion," especially when they hold a "Compassion Forum" to do it, which is what they did at the appropriately named Messiah College near Harrisburg, Pa. Politicians identify with the messianic because they think they are God's gift to America.

There's only one Earth, please be kind
Today Earth Day is upon us, which should give us cause to pause and wonder what we're doing to the planet we will pass on to the next generation. How often do we think about how we affect the environment?

MPBN
Employment Figures Point to Slowdown in Maine Economy
From Cumberland County, where unemployment was four-point-one percent last month, to Washington County, where nearly eleven percent are jobless, there were signs last month that the Maine economy is slowing. Irwin Gratz spoke with John Dorr, Director of the Center for Workforce Research and Information at the Maine Department of Labor about the subject including who, exactly, is counted as unemployed.

York Residents Rally Against Turnpike Toll Plaza Plan
The slogan for the Maine Turnpike Authority is "Think Ahead," but in York County some residents are demanding that the independent state agency "Think Again." Plans by the MTA to relocate the York Toll Plaza and rebuild a larger 21-lane structure at a cost of more than 30 million dollars have outraged some area residents who say the plan is unnecessary and would be disruptive on several fronts. Yesterday dozens of people turned out for a rally against the plan on Route 1 in York. As Susan Sharon reports, many want to know why the MTA is proceeding full speed ahead.

Veteran's Groups Say Healthcare Lacking in Rural Areas
Dozens of Maine veterans and their advocates spent a good portion of Patriot's Day discussing the healthcare needs of veterans in rural areas. That was the focus of a Congressional field hearing today at Sanford Town Hall, conducted by Second District Congressman Mike Michaud who chairs the House Veterans Affairs subcommittee on Health. Veterans arrived at the session armed with criticism for the Veteran's Administration. Keith McKeen reports.

PolitickerME

Wally Edge: Where my money at?
I hate to be a bother, I really do. But could someone please tell me where my 20 million dollars has gone. I can’t seem to find it anywhere.