Maine News for Friday, May 9, 2008

Portland Press Herald

Baldacci pays third visit to Fort Kent after flooding
Maine's governor and New Brunswick's premier plan to work together in future emergencies.

Home heating: Otten bets Mainers will warm to wood pellets
Former ski resort owner Les Otten thinks Maine Energy Systems can provide an alternative to oil.

Drug makers to Congress: Ads 'supported by research'
Democrats are calling for tougher restrictions on TV commercials that they describe as misleading.

Maine's high court upholds towns' bans on personal watercraft
Legislators had a rational basis for the law allowing local action, the court rules.

Outdoor smoking at restaurants: Is a ban too much?
Portland councilors hear public views on a proposal to prohibit lighting up in seating areas where food is served.

Ambulance costs pile up, and so do unpaid bills
A low collection rate means that Portland loses millions.

A field trip with a ripple effect
Land trusts catering to students emphasize the importance of getting outdoors and foster a new generation of conservationists.

Editorials:
One race ends and another begins
Sens. McCain and Obama will have real policy debates in their race for the White House.

M.D. HARMONWhat's John McCain thinking as he looks down the road?
It's hard to know for sure, but he might be pondering the shape of the campaign to come.

TOM DUNNE Dirigo: Fix it up or shut it down

The state-sponsored health care plan was well-launched, but it can't stay afloat as it is.

We should support taxes to pay for health care

Bangor Daily News
Lobster boat builders pinched as catch drops, economy slows
Friday, May 09, 2008
JONESPORT, Maine - For the first time in 24 years of building lobster boats, Wayne Beal doesn’t have any job orders.

Baldacci vows funding for County relief
Friday, May 09, 2008
FORT KENT, Maine - Anticipating a federal disaster declaration any day now, Gov. John Baldacci on Thursday promised state money until federal aid arrives to help rebuild what he called the worst flooding damage he's ever personally seen.

Who's the greenest? Colleges vie for title
Friday, May 09, 2008
University of Maine at Machias Green Council president Ryan Martin recently signed up his fledgling club for a project called RecycleMania as a way to build awareness.

Court OKs watercraft ban ruling
Friday, May 09, 2008
PORTLAND, Maine - Just in time for boating season, the Supreme Judicial Court has determined that it is allowable for municipalities to ban personal watercraft on ponds and lakes.

Early aid to flooded New Brunswick village came from Maine
Friday, May 09, 2008
CLAIR, New Brunswick — The flood waters that swept through Ludjer Lang’s village last week did more than swamp basements and damage houses — they washed away pieces of history.

Editorial:

Registry redo
Friday, May 09, 2008
A veto from Gov. John Baldacci gives lawmakers time to more precisely remedy problems with the state's sex offender registry. Such fixes are needed to ensure that the registry passed constitutional challenges.

Jessica Bickford: An opportunity to invest in child care for Mainers
Young children in Maine, especially from birth to age 5, deserve the best care we can give them to succeed in this world. Yet, as a child care provider I see on a daily basis the struggles working families face. There is a tremendous need for affordable, quality child care and early education.

Kennebec Journal
CENTRAL MAINE POWER CUTOFFS LOOMING FOR MANY Thousands face disconnection as winter grace period ends
AUGUSTA -- More central Mainers are at risk of having their electricity disconnected this year, as consumers appear to be making hard choices about what bills to pay.

Say it with lobsters
AUGUSTA -- Kyle Riggs walked into Augusta Seafood Thursday to order eight lobsters for a family Mother's Day celebration on Sunday. Turns out, Riggs isn't the only one who likes to honor his mother and wife with a special lobster dinner.

State's highest court OKs bans on personal watercraft
A state law that gives towns the power to ban personal watercraft on public lakes and ponds was upheld Thursday by Maine's highest court.

Otten touts change to wood pellets to heat Maine homes Entrepreneur investing $10 million for everything from boilers to delivery
A Maine entrepreneur wants to convert tens of thousands of homes in the Northeast from oil heat to wood pellets through an ambitious new business venture.

A plan for the waterfront in Gardiner
GARDINER -- Councilors on Wednesday adopted a master plan to develop the waterfront and are ready to extend the boardwalk and make other improvements.

On Maine Politics

Brennan says: Stop funding the war 05/08/08

Editorials:
Rezoning vote confirms lot's likely function
It should take a lot for the Augusta City Council to overturn a decision by the planning board -- and it did.

MIKE WILLEY OF OAKLAND : We need alternative forms of energy
The blame game won't work when it comes to energy independence.

We all must conserve, turn economy around
As the economic situation in Maine becomes more severe, it now seems that choices need to be made and priorities set. Every citizen can start with himself/herself in curbing needless spending. It all boils down to setting goals, and having discipline to follow through.

With all our woes, why is league revisiting gay issue?
I cannot find the benefit in a proposal that keeps us all busy trying to define marriage. I also can't see how it would benefit any child to be banned from being adopted into a loving home of any parentage.

Heath's column 'confusing, nonsensical wizardry'
In "The cost of rejecting natural law" (April 30), Michael Heath states "reason comes from high above us, as does the gift of divine revelation."

Sun Journal
New federal law helps Acadia park
AUGUSTA (AP) - President Bush has signed legislation that will benefit Acadia National Park through more land purchases and efforts to reduce traffic.

Court: Riding watercrafts not individual right
PORTLAND (AP) - Maine's highest court ruled Thursday that the state's ban on personal watercraft on Lake St. George is constitutional in a case that had ramifications for hundreds of lakes and ponds with watercraft bans.

Editorial:

Clarification
In yesterday's editorial, we wrote Maine repealed its motorcycle helmet laws. Maine did repeal its universal helmet law in 1977, but instituted helmet laws for riders under 15, and riders in the first year of their license or learner's permit, in 1983.

Freedom has become another empty word
I'd like to think it was the sangria talking.

MPBN

Mainers Filling Up with Corn-Based Fuel
Many motorists in Maine are now filling their cars up with a new blended gasoline called E10 - so-called because it's 10% ethanol. Corn-based ethanol's come in for a bit of a hammering this week: a growing number of lawmakers, including Maine senator Susan Collins, question its viability as an environmentally-friendly energy source and blame it for helping to drive up food prices. Maine's director of Energy Independence and Security says we need to decrease our reliance not just on oil, but on food-based fuels as well. Tom Porter has the story.

State Says Ticket Hikes Needed to Keep Ferry Service Afloat

As fuel costs continue to rise, Maine motorists are not the only ones feeling the pinch. Maine Department of Transportation supervisors say the budget for the state ferry service will go into the red without adjustments to current ticket fares and parking fees. On average, a 12.5-percent across-the-board increase is being proposed to take effect on June 1st. As A.J. Higgins reports, some residents of Vinalhaven are more angry about the parking permit hikes than the increase in ticket prices.

More Young Mothers Addicted on Opiates

The number of pregnant women addicted to opiates has jumped dramatically in Maine in recent years in part because young women ages 18 to 25 are getting hooked on prescription drugs. Last year more than 160 pregnant addicts sought treatment. To try to keep pace, maternal addiction programs are springing up around the state. One of them is Mercy Recovery Center in Westbrook where a second support group for moms has been added to its range of services. In the second part of our series on young mothers in recovery, Susan Sharon takes a look at how the group is helping women stay sober.

PolitickerME

Stephen King and political discourse

Wally Edge: 13 debates in 19 days: Republicans redefine torture
Charlie Summers, who is running for Congress in Maine's first District ---from Baghdad, is returning to Maine within the week.

Times Record
School consolidation law requires budget referendums (full story)

Maine News for Thursday, May 8, 2008

Portland Press Herald
On-the-air argument earns talk show hosts indefinite suspension
The incident involving WLOB part-timers Kevin Crocker and Lou Castaldi included an ethnic slur.

Ethanol has arrived
Maine gas stations and marinas scramble to prepare customers for the blended gas.

Maine plays role in debate over ethanol funding
A Senate panel looks into whether easing quotas might lower food prices.

To cut down on lake pollution, please do park on the grass
Water district ideas for filtering runoff into Sebago Lake are put into action in Standish.

Army has its say on King's remark
Most soldiers have above-average reading skills, a spokesman says.

GOING GREEN IN PORTLAND

Maine resident gets prison time for hiring illegal aliens
El Salvador native Manuel Antonio Cornejo employed 11 undocumented workers at his Bangor cleaning business.

Editorial
With the price of food rising, postal food drive becomes critical
Postal workers will be collecting nonperishable food items on Saturday.

Bangor Daily News
Editorial

King, Pens and Swords
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Conservatives are jumping on author Stephen King for his remarks at a recent Library of Congress event, speaking to a group of high school students about the importance of reading.

Long View on Gas Prices
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Diesel fuel and heating oil have topped $4 a gallon, and gasoline is destined to soon break that price plateau. Those prices are double and triple what they were just a few years ago.

Laurie Dobson: Sen. Collins in need of fresh ideas
It has been a week since the acquittal of the Bangor Six, who were found 'not guilty' after their criminal charges were heard in Penobscot County Superior Court.

George McGovern and Bob Dole: Letting children go hungry
How can the world's hungriest schoolchildren be denied meals while the farm bill being debated in a House-Senate conference provides millions in subsidies for wealthy farmers?

Kennebec Journal
AREA DEMOCRATS STILL SPLIT
AUGUSTA -- There's a divide in a Readfield household, where husband and wife have agreed to disagree.

AUGUSTA Ex-teachers sue School Board, claim age bias Pair say policy discourages hiring those with experience
AUGUSTA -- Two English teachers who retired from the Augusta school system at the end of the 2005-06 school year are suing the school board and superintendent, claiming they were stymied by an age-discrimination policy in their efforts to get rehired.

GRANT TO BUOY BUSINESS
FAIRFIELD -- The Kennebec Valley Council of Governments has received a $60,000 federal grant for economic-development planning and strategy.

KVCC to graduate 400; CMP chief will speak
FAIRFIELD -- Kennebec Valley Community College's 38th annual commencement exercises -- for the largest class in school history -- are scheduled for 10 a.m. May 17 at the Augusta Civic Center.

Editorials:
No fair changing rules in middle of election game
There are two ways to win a contest: fairly or unfairly.

JIM BRUNELLE : Time right to pick Mitchell as peacemaker, problem-solver
Over the years, Maine has contributed a generous number of outstanding political figures to the nation and one of them, George J. Mitchell, is listed this week in Time magazine's selection of the 100 Most Influential People in the World.

THEODORA J. KALIKOW : Grads: Enjoy today, then real education begins
It's college graduation season. Here's what I want to tell all the graduates this year:

Different rules for issues backed by homosexuals
In previous Jim Brunelle columns (re: the Christian Civic League and Gay Rights issue) did he ever use provocative words such as "the homosexuals are mounting yet another campaign to overturn the expressed vote of the people"?

Safe water shouldn't be taken for granted
On behalf of water works professionals throughout Maine, I would like to remind the public during National Drinking Water Week (May 4-10) about the many vital but often overlooked benefits that only tap water delivers.

Lots of flights over area seem to be going nowhere
Instead of secure ID so people can go to the enchanted kingdom, perhaps we should do more to secure the skies over Augusta, and state of Maine.

Sun Journal
Maine State Ferry rates to increase
ISLESBORO (AP) - Island living is about to get a bit more expensive in Maine.

Stowe House may join park system
WASHINGTON (AP) - A proposal to make the Harriet Beecher Stowe House in Brunswick a part of the National Park System is gaining momentum in Congress.

After King comments, Army has its say
BANGOR (AP) - The Army is weighing in on writer Stephen King's remark about literacy and the military that drew the ire of conservative critics this week.

Editorial:
Riding without a helmet? The statistics stink
A Phillips motorcyclist died Tuesday night after failing to negotiate a curve on Route 4, the second local motorcycle death of the season. He was not wearing a helmet.

How Clinton became a social conservative (sort of)
When Hillary Rodham gave the commencement address at Wellesley College in 1969, extolling the virtues of "human liberation" on behalf of a restless generation of left-wing youth, did she have any idea she'd one day be the champion of old, white, beer-drinking Democrats everywhere?

MPBN
Northern Maine Flood Recovery Underway
Under sunny skies today in Fort Kent, the process of cleaning up the town and estimating last week's flood damage continued. Though life for many residents and businesses is slowly returning to normal, others remain displaced or homeless after being evacuated last week. As Keith Mckeen reports, the cleanup process is far from over.

Major Maine Radio Deal in Process
In a deal that reverses a recent trend in broadcasting, a newly formed Maine company has announced that it will purchase seventeen local radio stations which are being unloaded by national media Giant Clear Channel Communications. Tom Porter has details.

A Conversation about Maine's Technology Clusters
Morning Edition Host Irwin Gratz speaks with Charles Colgan, an economist and professor at the Muskie School of Public Service. Their discussion focuses on a new report, by the Maine Technology Institute, on Maine's so-called "Technology Clusters".

PolitickerME
Wally Edge Two groups, two websites and no signatures, yet
Two groups and no signatures, yet

Times Record

Three years of Dirigo — $100M (full story)

BIW union outcasts hit back (full story)

Ellsworth American

Pulling the Plug
ELLSWORTH — Hard times and high energy prices have thousands of residential customers owing Bangor Hydro-Electric Co. many millions of dollars.

“Eco-resort” Proponents to Make Their Case at Winter Harbor Meeting

Campaign Under Way to Overturn Beverage Tax Hikes to Fund Dirigo

Total Tab for Dirigo Health More Than $100M

Editorials
Schools in Turmoil
One year after an ill-conceived school district consolidation law, championed by Governor John Baldacci and Education Commissioner Susan Gendron, was enacted by the 123rd Legislature on the coattails of the state budget, Maine’s schools are in greater turmoil than ever.

Spend in Haste, Repent at Leisure
When it comes to the condition of Maine’s transportation infrastructure, few likely will disagree that many miles of roads and more than a few bridges are in need of attention — sooner rather than later. But the approach taken by Governor John Baldacci and the 123rd Legislature to fund the badly needed repairs to roads and bridges should outrage Maine taxpayers.

Maine News for Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Portland Press Herald
Four repeal efforts target Dirigo taxes, driver's license rules
Two groups are targeting each law, and they appear open to collaborating on the 'people's veto' campaigns.

Unicel customers on daylong hold
A system outage leaves 248,000 cell phone users looking for other ways to communicate.

Governor's panel: Use qualities to lure jobs to Maine
The group suggests specific ways to use the state's distinctive features to its advantage.

Waiting-list limbo wears on seniors
A large graduating class in the U.S. means many college-bound students are dealing with uncertain futures.

Stephen King fires back after blogger's criticism
The Maine writer defends saying that poor readers might be relegated to the Army as a career.

CLOSE TO HOME: Ascending to a social life
A new group is trying to serve as a way to bring young adults together.

Editorials:
Biofuels can yield unwanted results
Congress should rethink programs that lead farmers to grow corn for fuel instead of food.

Adding to smoking's stigma shouldn't guide public policy
As a legal product, the standard for regulating tobacco use should be harm to others.

GREG KESICHRussians are formal people, with or without their clothes
And that culture of formality has a way of bringing strangers together very quickly.

CAL THOMASMaine's conservatives fight from behind
The GOP doesn't have a lot of support hereabouts, except when it runs center-left moderates.

TOM ALLENPut energy profiteers over a barrel
It's time to crack down hard on those who gouge Americans while earning record profits.

Democrats aren't to blame for high gas prices in U.S.

Bangor Daily News
Mitchell tackles U.S. health care
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
If ever there were a time for high-level intervention in the debate over reforming the American health care system, former U.S. Sen. George Mitchell of Maine says, this is it.

Stephen King fires back after blogger attacks remarks
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
BANGOR, Maine - Stephen King has fired back at conservative critics who attacked him over a remark he made a month ago at a writers symposium for high school students.

Double duty for Maine school districts
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
The state's school districts are scrambling to adapt to the two-pronged budget process required under the school consolidation law.

Snowe staff offering aid in Fort Kent
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
FORT KENT, Maine - Staffers from U.S. Sen. Olympia J. Snowe’s office will conduct a workshop today in Fort Kent to provide information regarding disaster assistance to business owners and homeowners affected by the recent floods.

FEMA expects aid for Aroostook County
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
FORT KENT, Maine - Six Federal Emergency Management Agency teams began the arduous task Tuesday of inspecting 535 structures in northern Aroostook County tentatively identified as the worst damaged in recent flooding.

Cruise a final exam for Maine Maritime cadets
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
CASTINE, Maine - Under clearing skies Tuesday morning, the State of Maine eased away from the dock and into the Bagaduce River.

Editorial

Saying 'no' to junk mail
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Decades ago, a full mailbox meant you had a lot of friends and family who wanted to keep in touch. Today, it means your address is logged into the credit card industry's data base.

Editorial: Sending Baghdad the bill
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Last summer, expectations were high that a change in strategy in Iraq was possible...Nearly a year later, there has been no change in the American mission.

Hayes Gahagan: The unifying principles of Republicans
This past weekend I had the privilege of being a member of the Aroostook County delegation at the Republican state convention in Augusta.

Kennebec Journal
GLITCH SILENCES UNICEL SERVICE
CHELSEA -- When Susan Smith's cell phone stopped working Tuesday morning, she was cut off from a friend in another state who was seriously ill.

Emergency services minimize impact of outage
Local law enforcement agencies and emergency responders reported few interruptions to the services they provide despite a Unicel network outage that silenced 248,000 customers' cell phones Tuesday.

Machines to replace Maine court reporters
AUGUSTA -- Electronic recording machines might replace court reporters in many of the state's courtrooms.

Park plan goes to Gardiner City Council tonight
GARDINER -- When the Gardiner family estate presented "Brunswick Square" Common to the city on March 15, 1824, the deed said the park was dedicated to the city for the convenience of residents, for ornamenting the town and for public walks and parades.

Candidates eye Congress at Augusta forum
AUGUSTA -- All eight candidates running for the 1st Congressional District seat sought to distinguish themselves from the pack Tuesday at a forum in Augusta.

HALLOWELL YOUR CHANCE TO DESIGN A CITY
HALLOWELL -- Residents are being asked to share their vision for the community with the Comprehensive Plan Review Committee.

Editorial

It takes a village
College student drinking isn't just a college problem.

Christian Civic League is intolerant, self-righteous
Mainers are tolerant. However a group of Mainers calling themselves the "Christian" Civic League is not tolerant.

Sun Journal

4 groups challenge new Maine laws
AUGUSTA (AP) - Maine election officials said Tuesday they've accepted applications from four groups that are challenging a pair of recently enacted laws, but the four groups could morph into two as the campaigns develop.

Report trumpets ways to grow jobs in Maine
AUGUSTA (AP) - The Governor's Council on Maine's Quality of Place says it's come up with 10 ways to use Maine's distinctiveness to promote job growth.

Stephen King fires back
BANGOR (AP) - Stephen King has fired back at conservatives who attacked him over a remark he made a month ago at a writers symposium for high school students.

Editorial
Admitted cocaine users at DHHS
In January, Heidi McIntosh testified on the sixth day of Scott Poirier's murder trial that on a Friday evening before Poirier shot his father, she and Poirier had done cocaine.

The Rev. Wright drowns in a sea of hypocrisy
My cousin thinks Jeremiah Wright walks on water.

MPBN
Quality Of Place Panel Says Tourism Is Key

A special panel created by Gov. John Baldacci says tourism will be a key to the state's economic future. In its final report, the Governor's Council on Maine's Quality of Place makes ten recommendations for plotting a path to prosperity. Chief among them: marketing all things synonymous with Maine and the state's way of life. And As A.J. Higgins reports, that branding may already be paying off for Maine's high school and college students in the summer job market.

Outdoor Retailer Cabela's To Open Next Week

One retailer hoping to capitalize on Maine's reputation as an outdoor recreation mecca is Nebraska-based retailer Cabela's, the nation's leading direct marketer of outdoor recreation equipment. Next week, Cabela's plans to open its newest store in Scarborough, a 130,000 square foot outdoor-enthusiast's fantasy. Barbara Cariddi reports.

First District Candidate Profile: Michael Brennan

This week we're continuing our series of profiles looking at candidates running to represent Maine's first congressional district, which is being vacated by Tom Allen as he attempts to win a Senate seat. As a former state senator and member of the Maine House of Representatives, Michael Brennan is one of the more experienced candidates in the race. But, as Tom Porter reports, in this crowded contest, experience alone, is no guarantee of victory.

Maine News for Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Portland Press Herald
Food prices on a roll
Chicken and pork to cost more

Feds start counting cost of flooding
Damage tallies to public infrastructure now exceed $1 million in five counties.

Editorial:
Lowering drinking age the wrong response
College officials should look elsewhere to address the problems of youth and alcohol.

New rules may limit credit card firms' grasp on our wallets
Proposals to give cardholders some true relief are working their way through the system.

RON BANCROFTPlan for improving state's economy would work
Trouble is, the Brookings Report told us what we had to do, but nobody has the political will to do it.

MARIAN McCUE and ORLANDO E. DELOGUMCLU reaches its 40th, proudly
A celebration of four decades of support for civil rights in Maine will take place Thursday.

Letters:

Time to improve international relations

Turn to the written word for Wright's real message

A vote for Michael Brennan is a vote for peace and hope

Time to level playing field on the cost of oil and gas

East-West highway poses issue for Route 1 business

Bangor Daily News
Gas tax plan: gimmick or boost?
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
AUGUSTA, Maine - Members of Maine's congressional delegation and Gov. John Baldacci are split over whether suspending federal fuel taxes this summer will help the economy or is a campaign gimmick that will do little.

N.B. floodwaters ebb, leaving murky mess
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
FREDERICTON, New Brunswick - The worst of the flooding is over in much of the province, and officials say water levels are receding along the entire length of the Saint John River, but danger lurks in the murky mess left behind.

Transient indicted in Bangor slaying
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
BANGOR, Maine - A Penobscot County grand jury Monday indicted for murder a homeless man accused of killing a fellow hobo over a can of beer last month.

Telford gets $75M Army deal extension
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
BANGOR, Maine - The U.S. Army has awarded Telford Aviation Inc. a $75 million contract to continue maintaining military aircraft and airborne reconnaissance surveillance systems used on the aircraft, according to a company official.

Editorials:

ClickBack with candidates
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
This week, ClickBack asks readers to submit questions they would ask candidates in the 1st Congressional District primary races. Some questions will be sent to the candidates, and they will respond in the coming weeks.

Dr. Erik Steele: Consider medical tourism a warning
As a health care executive, the recent news that Hannaford supermarkets is encouraging employees to have knee and hip replacement surgeries done in Singapore because the procedures cost much less there than in America has me wanting to dance a vengeful Watusi barefoot through their salad bars.

Brenda Commander: One government shouldn't dictate terms of tribal-state panel
I was shocked when the state unilaterally cut its financial support of the Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission. Perhaps even more startling was the failure to consult with my tribe and other Wabanaki tribes that belong to the MITSC.

Kennebec Journal

Richmond businessman fears impact of people's veto effort
RICHMOND -- Bill Keleher runs a small business where he needs to provide health insurance to his workers to stay competitive.

AUGUSTA COUNCIL GIVES OK TO HOTEL Western Avenue project gets zoning approval as mayor casts tie-breaking vote
AUGUSTA -- Months of debate on a zone change to make way for a proposed hotel off Western Avenue came down to a tie-breaking vote by Mayor Roger Katz Monday.

State warns on ticks
AUGUSTA -- "Clean up, cover up and check daily," is the advice going out this spring for preventing Lyme disease.

Hall-Dale budget wins; turnout low
The Hall-Dale school system's budget has overcome its final hurdle.

Oakland voters to vote budget at town meeting
OAKLAND -- Residents today will vote on a $4.16 million budget, an increase of 5.9 percent over last year's.

From the Editor

Are the Republicans on a roll? 05/05/08

Editorials:

Will Maine lose some rural schools?
"You know the old saying, 'It takes a village to raise a kid,' but you have got to have the kids to have a village."

STEVE HINCHMAN : Clean air flim flam from the Bush administration
President George Bush has finally responded to worldwide recognition of his failure to confront global warming. The new climate policy he has announced -- which delays serious pollution reductions until 2025 -- was quickly derided by critics as mere lip service, rather than a real plan to combat climate change.

Sun Journal

New Maine law restricts lead in toys
AUGUSTA (AP) - Environmental health advocates say Maine's new law to restrict lead in toys makes the state a national leader.

FEMA assesses flood, rain damage
AUGUSTA (AP) - Federal officials began the assessment process Monday to calculate damage across Maine from last week's heavy rain and flooding.

Yarmouth to host Green convention
YARMOUTH (AP) - The Maine Green Independent Party will hold its annual state convention May 18 in Yarmouth, a gathering that will apportion delegates to the national Green Party convention in Chicago.

Mainer gets medal
SOUTH PORTLAND (AP) - A Maine man who earned the Silver Star after he was injured during the Vietnam War 40 years ago finally has his medal.

Downeaster may expand in Maine
AUGUSTA (AP) - A bill enacted during the final days of the Maine legislative session sets up financing to extend the Downeaster passenger train, which now runs between Portland and Boston, farther into Maine.

Editorial:
Driving to distraction and death
Melissa Kelson of Turner reached for her cell phone while driving in Auburn Friday, lost control of her car and hit a stone wall. She walked away from the wreck without injury.

There should be a law
With summer close at hand I'm sure the lawmakers of this state and this country will soon be taking a long vacation. However, before they close shop I'm sure they will attempt to pass as many laws as they can. It is at this time of the year when all the questionable bills get passed and laws enacted that leave many of us shaking our heads.

MPBN

Congressional Hearing To Examine Corn Subsidies
'A well-meaning policy with disastrous results'. That's how Senator Susan Collins describes the government's renewable fuel policy. Collins spoke at a news conference in Kittery to preview an upcoming hearing in Washington this week that will examine the issue of subsidies paid to farmers to grow corn. Tom Porter has more.

Mainers Employ Strategies To Cope With Inflation
Rising food prices may be a complex problem, but for Maine families, coping with it boils down to simple math: more money for food, less money for everything else. And in some cases, not enough for everything else. Barbara Cariddi reports.

Maine Policy Leaders Divided Over "Gas Tax Holiday"
With gas prices soaring to record highs, presidential candidates aren't the only ones weighing a proposed summertime suspension of the federal gas tax. Some Maine policymakers say lifting the 18.4 cents-per-gallon tax on gas would act as a short-term economic stimulis package for Vacationland-bound tourists. But as A.J. Higgins reports, others worry the moratorium would deplete the fund that provides most of the money for Maine's road and bridge projects.

PolitickerME

Wally Edge Fed UP With Taxes coalition launches signature campaign
A group of Maine businesses and other organizations have officially launched a People's Veto campaign to repeal LD 2247, which will raise

Dems ask supporters for help to house organizer

Maine News for Monday, May 5, 2008

Portland Press Herald
Coalition begins challenge to new taxes on soda, beer, wine
"It's time to say 'enough is enough,' and that's what this referendum is all about," Newell Augur, the coalition's director, said Sunday.

Use of Maine's Clean Election Fund leveling off
As demand for the public campaign money stabilizes, the program gets easier to manage.

JUSTIN ELLISMaybe Michael Heath should spend time with a civil rights team

Solutions elusive: Maine colleges try security, bans, education and on-campus pubs
Some new strategies, such as segregating freshmen at UMaine, are showing promise.

A city's bright idea
Steeples on two Bath churches will soon add to the night skyline

Board to review major projects in Westbrook

Editorial:
There are no easy fixes for this economy
It will take a comprehensive plan to get the national economy back on track.

Crunch time coming for school merger decisions
Changes in the consolidation law were late arriving, so school officials should get busy.

Another View: Politics worth full attention, for 'junkies' and all others
The stakes are too vital to take a season off from trying to make the country better.

Maine Voices: Make public education work for future
We need to take serious and bold steps to ensure that everyone who wants to go to college can do so.

Letters:

Coping with high gas prices

Maine's problem is state spending, not tax burden

Role of superdelegates comes under scrutiny

McCain should clarify capital-gains tax comment

Bangor Daily News

Castine: Baldacci praises state service, County at MMA ceremony
Monday, May 05, 2008
Gov. John Baldacci took time in his commencement speech at Maine Maritime Academy on Saturday to praise the people of Aroostook County for their courage and coming together during the recent flooding.

At convention, largest turnout in party history
Monday, May 05, 2008
AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine Republican Party Chairman Mark Ellis wore a grin that could be seen from across the Augusta Civic Center when he stepped to the podium to address the state party convention over the weekend.

Maine AG: Price gouging not an issue
Monday, May 05, 2008
AUGUSTA, Maine - Gasoline and diesel prices in Maine have soared, but Attorney General Steven Rowe says it’s not because of price gouging by retailers or wholesalers in Maine.

Collins, columnist Thomas rally GOP at state convention
Monday, May 05, 2008
AUGUSTA, Maine - Republicans attending their party's convention this weekend gave Sen. Susan Collins a rousing sendoff as she embarked on a campaign for a third term

Editorial:

Bay State's buoyancy
Monday, May 05, 2008
Former Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis ran for president in 1988 touting the "Massachusetts Miracle," the Bay State's booming, high-tech based economy that brought high-paying jobs and swelled state government tax coffers.

Cleaning bill delayed
Monday, May 05, 2008
As the Legislature’s recent budget balancing efforts show, any seemingly large pot of money in Augusta can easily be diverted to cover state expenses.

Michael S. Heath: Penobscot, state divorce another gambling casualty
There is an old-fashioned look to Old Town. Main Street is flanked by a canoe factory, an Indian crafts store, and a small shop which sells mostly maps and compasses.

Dianne Tilton: Funding formula the real threat to rural education
The Legislature is out of session, and there is great sadness in rural Maine, sadness because although our legislators fought like gladiators, they were not able to slay the political forces that kept the education administrative reorganization law intact.

Kennebec Journal

Rep. Crockett to seek re-election to HD 57
AUGUSTA -- State Rep. Patsy Garside Crockett, D-Augusta, has announced she is seeking re-election as the representative of House District 57, which includes the northwest sections of Augusta.

UMA program honors victims of the Holocaust
AUGUSTA -- Charles Rotmil, who survived the Holocaust as a child, returned to Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and death camp in Poland last October, 65 years after his father was killed there. Rotmil played a hymn on his harmonica and a tune on a Japanese meditation flute.

AUGUSTA: Budget issues to be aired
AUGUSTA -- Residents -- and anyone else with thoughts on the proposed $51.3 million city and school budget -- have a chance to voice their concerns tonight.

Hazardous chemicals eyed by communities
AUGUSTA -- Residents from 10 area communities are being invited to drop off potentially hazardous household chemicals May 17 at Augusta Public Works' headquarters.

On Maine Politics

Ron Paul takeover doesn’t materialize 05/03/08

Editorials:

Reality show hunting down deadbeat dads a bad idea
If Maine is going to sprout new and successful business ventures, it's likely that more than a few of them will be based on local resources and local traditions.

Letters:

Spend food stamp budget to cook Blaine House meal
It is great that there will be a Blaine House dinner to discuss childhood hunger. Three first-class restaurant chefs have volunteered to cook. To help the attendees grasp the problem, may I suggest that dinner fare be limited to what the average mother, using food stamps, can afford per meal for her child?

Governor should sell taxpayer-financed camp
This is in response to the April 27 article about the complaint that Commissioner Patrick McGowan used an airplane to spot moose on a Sunday.

Sun Journal

Maine drive targets tax on alcohol, sodas
PORTLAND - Several small business owners formally launched a referendum challenge aimed at repealing new taxes on sodas, beer and wine adopted with a goal of bolstering funding for Maine's Dirigo Health program.

Troops arrive for flood recovery
FORT KENT (AP) - Up to 75 National Guard troops are fanning out across Fort Kent and other locations to assist in the cleanup following floods.

Episcopal bishop consecrated
PORTLAND (AP) - Maine's 17,000 Episcopalians have a new leader.

Mainers expected to spend tax rebates on necessities
PORTLAND (AP) - About 750,000 individuals and couples in Maine are expected to receive more than $500 million in economic stimulus checks.

Editorial:
Good talk in Byron
Byron is doing the right thing about wind turbines, by wondering whether it wants to have them at all.

John McCain's disturbing lack of Mideast realism
It's time to take a closer look at the foreign policy of Sen. John McCain.

Maine News for Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Portland Press Herald
Cost of Real ID challenged at hearing, as Maine worries about footing the bill
President Bush proposes providing just $200 million to cover the startup, but senators are told the tab could be $500 million.

House OKs bill to aid Acadia
The measure would allow the park to acquire more land and build a parking area for tourists on the mainland.

Washburn-Norlands fire spares center's crown jewel
The grand mansion remains, and the farmer's cottage and barn used by visitors will be rebuilt.

Contractor hired to rebuild stretch of I-295
A 22-mile section between Gardiner and Topsham will be closed while Pike Industries works on the three-month project.

Fed expected to cut rates again this week
The reduction could be the last for a while as the board tries to keep inflation from taking off.

Officials from York, turnpike share views on new toll plaza
An authority spokesman stresses that all options for the plaza location are being considered.

Northern Maine river levels rising
Officials and residents are keeping watch for floods after two days of rain amid the spring thaw.

Editorials:
Voter ID law reasonable if poor are protected
Elections will not be made more legitimate by a law that disenfranchises some voters.

Historic preservation itself warrants preserving
Planning staff cuts might be inevitable, but the benefits of a new state tax credit are vital, too.

ANOTHER VIEW: Measuring dropout rates uniformly only hides need to improve system
Substituting quantification for quality merely offers the appearance of action.

GREG KESICHRussian journalists struggle with 'interesting problems'
Reporters and editors are still groping to find their place in a rapidly changing society.

Bangor Daily News

Schools continue struggle with law
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
BELFAST, Maine - Some school districts are finding that recent changes to state law to remove financial barriers to consolidation aren’t making the process any easier.

Bangor extends talks with boat building firm
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
BANGOR, Maine - City councilors on Monday extended negotiations with a company that wants to buy a 17-acre city-owned parcel in nearby Hampden.

Flooding emergency declared in County
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
AUGUSTA, Maine - Gov. John Baldacci declared a State of Emergency for Aroostook County on Tuesday night, linking the declaration to flooding conditions, particularly in the Fort Kent and Wallagrass areas.

Ex-House candidate arrested in sting
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
ORONO, Maine - In a sting similar to those seen on TV's 'To Catch a Predator" series on "Dateline,' Orono police have charged a 44-year-old man with attempted gross sexual assault for soliciting what he believed was a 13-year-old boy.

Heavy rains prove problematic for harness horsemen
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
BANGOR, Maine - This week’s heavy rain is proving problematic for several harness horsemen who are using the stables at Bangor Raceway.

Editorials:
Tribal Gamble
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Gov. John Baldacci's veto of Penobscot Nation plans to install slot machines on Indian Island has grabbed headlines. But tribal frustration with state officials goes way beyond gambling.

Behind the Iraq News
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Back during the unpopular Vietnam war, the Pentagon ran 10-day junkets to the war zone to persuade news reporters as well as some public officials that the war was going well.

Brett D. Baber: Recognizing the rule of American law
On May 1 we celebrate the 50th anniversary of National Law Day, created in 1958 by President Dwight Eisenhower as a 'day of national dedication to the principle of government under law.'

Kathleen Parker: It's hard to woo people you don't love
In the days leading up to Pennsylvania's primary, white males — those knuckle-dragging, chaw-chompin', beer-swillin', bitter troglodytes - were suddenly the debutante's delight.

Kennebec Journal

National Weather Service issues warning for those living near the Kennebec River; 17-to-18-foot crest is expected today
AUGUSTA --The Kennebec River was expected to rise above the 12-foot flood stage in Augusta on Tuesday and continue to crest to 17 to 18 feet this morning, according to the National Weather Service in Gray.

A more perfect union?
Eight towns are making significant progress toward the development of a regional school unit, according to school officials.

(Mil)foiled again
Several Maine municipalities and organizations benefited from a tripling of grants aimed at stopping invasive plants in inland waterways.

Pellet mills retool state's aging wood industry
ATHENS -- The state's third wood-pellet mill began production two weeks ago on Route 150.

BRIEFS
AUGUSTA -- The Augusta Charter Commission meets Thursday to review the charter's rules for nominations and elections.

HALLOWELL Plan links trash, cash
HALLOWELL -- City councilors Tuesday gave informal approval for officials to develop plans to hire a single rubbish hauler and require households to pay for each container of trash they put out.

MAINE GETS 'D-PLUS' FOR ABUSE Study compares states and concludes Maine should do more to disclose information on child abuse cases
A national nonprofit agency said 15 states -- including Maine -- need "improvement" in disclosing information on fatal or near-fatal child abuse.

I-295 project detour called best option
RICHMOND -- From a podium coated in a layer of 30-year-old concrete dust, Maine Department of Transportation officials announced Tuesday that both southbound lanes of Interstate 295 will be closed for reconstruction this summer.

Editorials:
Plotting a course for the North Woods
You have a chance to help shape the future of almost half the state of Maine.

Columns:
MICHAEL S. HEATH : The cost of rejecting natural law
The gardener digging in the cool, dark earth can see that each green, tender shoot springs up in pursuit of warmth and light. The warmth and light they seek comes from another world, a world that is high above them. What warmth and light are to a young plant, human reason is to the life of man. It too comes from high above us, as does the gift of divine revelation.

GEORGE SMITH : It's a corn, corn, corn, corn world
We are the corn people. We are made of corn, surrounded by corn, totally dependent on corn. We belong to the Clan of the Corn Stalkers.

Sun Journal

Petitioners look to repeal new license legislation
AUGUSTA (AP) - Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap said Tuesday his office had received a people's veto application that could launch a referendum drive to overturn newly enacted legislation to tighten standards for getting a Maine driver's license.

Cianchette gets OK
PORTLAND (AP) - The U.S. Senate has confirmed President Bush's nomination of businessman Peter Cianchette of South Portland as ambassador to Costa Rica.

Emergency declared for Aroostook floods
AUGUSTA (AP) - Gov. John Baldacci declared a State of Emergency for Aroostook County on Tuesday night, linking the declaration to flooding conditions, particularly in the Fort Kent and Wallagrass areas.

Group protests Collins' lack of stand on Colombia deal
LEWISTON (AP) - A coalition of activist groups is calling on Sen. Susan Collins to take a position on a proposed free trade agreement with Colombia.

Editorial
Salary games
We're tired of the gamesmanship between the Androscoggin County commissioners and sheriff's office.

Christianity out of step with Jesus' teachings
James Lawson is out of step with modern Christianity.

Letters:
The high cost of high prices
This recession is caused by high prices for everything. As soon as senior citizens get a raise in Social Security, rent rates go up, the price of food goes up and so does everything else. So, we do not have any more money than before the raise.

MPBN
Congressman Allen Turns Down Challenger's Debate Request
Voters waiting for U.S. Senate candidate Tom Allen to go head-to-head with his only challenger in the Democratic primary, Tom Ledue, will be disappointed. Allen, who now represents Maine's First District in Congress, has turned down all requests for debates, including one with MPBN scheduled for May 22nd. Campaign spokeswoman Carol Andrews says none of the debates could be worked into Allen's schedule.

Major Highway Construction Plan Detailed
The Maine Department of Transportation today unveiled plans for a major construction project this summer on a heavily-traveled 18 mile southbound stretch of Interstate-295. The two-and-a-half month project from June 15th to August 30 will require the complete shutdown of southbound lanes from West Gardiner to Topsham. Traffic will be forced onto either the Maine Turnpike or Route 201. While acknowledging the construction will cause traffic tie-ups and other inconveniences, transportation officials say it's the safest and least disruptive option. Keith McKeen reports.

York Toll Plaza Dispute Drags On
In a meeting that occasionally turned heated, board members of the Maine Turnpike Authority tried to persuade about 30 residents and selectmen of York today that no final decisions have been made about a proposal to relocate and expand the York Toll Plaza. Opponents are angry about a process that they say has been one-sided and highly-charged. And as Susan Sharon reports, they're asking the board to do things: be more accountable and consider keeping the toll plaza at its current location.

PolitickerME
Bennett eyes GOP National Committeeman seat

Paul delegates promise a presence at state convention

Cianchette confirmed

Maine News for Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Portland Press Herald
For beer brewers, there is a limit
As the cost of supplies rises, Maine brewers must be aware of a new production-based tax.

Truckers call for lawmakers to act on fuel prices
At least eight drivers from Maine and their families join in the noisy protest.

Maine incomes outpaced by health insurance costs
But the nation as a whole had a bigger disparity, data from 2001 to 2005 show.

Gas prices may send blueberry profits up in smoke
Growers must burn fields, and the need for fuel is creating an early deficit.

EDWARD D. MURPHY Door's open for older Maine job seekers

Robert Baldacci forms new firm

Editorial
Turnpike panel wrestles with toll fairness, loses
It's not the members' fault they couldn't solve a problem that may have no equitable answer.

RON BANCROFT Legislature's last-minute shenanigans hurt Mainers
The only good news is that without Reps. Fischer and Valentino and their Republican colleagues on the Appropriations Committee, it would have been worse.

ADAM COTE, Special to the Press Herald
Leadership, diplomacy will get us out of Iraq
We must be as careful getting out of Iraq as we were careless getting in.

Bangor Daily News
Study lauds Maine health care solutions
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
It's no news that the cost of health insurance is out of reach for many families, but a new report from a respected national organization adds urgency to the search for a national solution.

Truckers reeling from high fuel costs rally in D.C.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
WASHINGTON - Horns blaring in a deafening fanfare, a convoy of truck drivers, including many from Maine, traveled to Washington on Monday to protest record fuel prices.

Editorial
Better Job Loss Benefits
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Despite talk of human rights, drug trafficking and tariffs, the political battle over the Colombia free trade pact is, in part, about taking care of those who are thought to lose their jobs because of increased foreign competition.

Marooned Middle Class
Monday, April 28, 2008
Some 80 percent of Americans define themselves as middle class. Though that self-assessment is most likely grossly inaccurate, it is telling.

Obama appears to take social values seriously
Beware of the campaign sound bite. Candidates live and die by clever one-liners. In Barack Obama's case, it is especially discouraging to see a candidate criticized for an off-the-cuff comment that hardly does justice to his own earlier and more careful reflections.

Kennebec Journal

New dog license law takes bite out of evaders' wallets
Hundreds of dogs in Maine communities go unlicensed every year, creating a massive amount of paperwork for town clerks, adding extra hours for overworked animal control officers and placing an extra burden on the court system.

Local doctor tells of health care beyond America's borders
AUGUSTA -- Working as a medical doctor overseas, Dr. William Alto says he has met three types of people also trying to do some good in foreign countries: missionaries, mercenaries and misfits.

Augusta traffic change weighed Study will look at Interstate 95 access issues with new cancer care center
AUGUSTA -- A major traffic study focusing on north Augusta is expected to ponder changing the Exit 113 interchange of Interstate 95 and Route 3.

Editorials:

Edging toward a farm bill
What do Caribbean trade, switchgrass, food stamps, Pacific salmon stocks and thoroughbred racehorses all have to do with each other?

Columns:

BY REP. NANCY E. SMITH : Midwives' bill is necessary and appropriate
During the 123rd Legislative session, I was actively involved in shepherding dozens of bills through the legislative process. I voted on literally hundreds more. I never imagined that the bill I sponsored in 2007 originally intended to license Certified Professional Midwives, or CPMs, would require explanation so soon after adjournment. This is one law for which I am confident the legislative process worked and the outcome was appropriate.

Sun Journal
Law changes cribbage rules
AUGUSTA (AP) - Organizations that want to host cribbage games will have a new state law to follow in July that allows them to charge higher entry fees and sets a standard annual license fee.

Blueberry growers feel pain of high fuel costs
ELLSWORTH (AP) - The high cost of fuel is being felt on more than just the state's roadways.

Saco considers residential wind turbine ordinance
SACO (AP) - Saco was the first Maine municipality to erect a city-owned wind turbine. Now it may become the city to pass an ordinance regulating residential windmills.

Hughes fined for violating Clean Election
AUGUSTA - The Maine Ethics Commission on Monday fined former legislative candidate David Hughes of Lewiston a total of $450 for Clean Election Act violations incurred during his campaign for House District 72 last fall.

Editorial
Stimulus checks are buying time
Long-awaited checks from the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 start arriving this week, either zipped electronically into bank accounts or stuffed into mailboxes in crisp, white government envelopes.

Support for children
I am writing in apprecation of Sen. Lois Snowe-Mello for her support of both the ban on the flame retardant DECA and the Kids Safe Products bills in the past year's legislative sessions.

MPBN
Weather Expected to Have Greater Impact on Tourism Than Gas Prices

Record-breaking gas prices are forcing Mainers to dig deeper into their wallets, but the escalating travel costs may hold a silver lining for the state's tourism industry. According to the American Automobile Association -- which tracks fuel prices nationally -- a gallon of unleaded gas on Monday was averaging $3.58 in Maine. But the cost of fuel is not expected to have as great an impact on the summer season as the weather will according to one toursim official. A.J. Higgins reports.

Expired Visa Progam Could Weigh on Maine Tourism

Many in the Maine tourist industry are crossing their fingers that Congress will renew the so-called H2B temporary visa program. That would allow the foreign workers Maine's hotels and restaurants depend on to return here by the time the season is in full swing. A political squabble in Congress has kept the program from being renewed, and many in the hospitality business say they're facing a worker shortage this summer. Maine's Congressional delegation is backing legislation to resolve the problem, but time is growing short. Keith McKeen reports.

Federal Government Urged to Fund Cluster Development Initiatives

Maine's boat-building industry is doing better because the boat builders talk with each other, with government, and with schools. They call it the "Northstar Alliance" and it's an example of a so-called economic cluster. Karen Mills, President of M-M-P Group, has just written a paper for Brookings, the Washington think tank, that is encouraging the federal government to get more involved in cluster development. She discussed the issue with Morning Edition Local Host Irwin Gratz.

PolitickerME

Eye on lobbying

National: Could Clinton's Pennsylvania victory be wiped out by Montana?