AUGUSTA — Republican Gov. Paul LePage said Tuesday that the “gloves are off” as he digs in for another fight with Democrats this year over his plan to increase the number of drug enforcement officials in Maine. LePage is imploring the Legislature to back his latest $4 million budget initiative that would create seven new drug […]
Paul LePage
Posted inMaine, sj-web
LePage appoints new Maine Forest Service head
AUGUSTA — Republican Gov. Paul LePage has appointed the head of the Maine Forest Service to manage forestry activities on state-owned lands. The Portland Press Herald reports that Doug Denico’s appointment to the post is drawing concern from environmental groups opposed to LePage’s efforts to boost timber harvesting on public lands. The former director of […]
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Maine microbead ban becomes law without LePage’s signature
AUGUSTA — A bill banning synthetic microbeads in personal care products has become law without Gov. Paul LePage’s signature. Republican Sen. Tom Saviello’s proposal went into law this week after LePage took no action on the bill. Microbeads are non-biodegradable plastic particles used in facial cleansers and toothpaste. They will have to be phased out […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
‘I didn’t lie’: Fired Maine National Guard chief responds after documents released
AUGUSTA — Information contained in emails and texts relating to Maine National Guard Adjutant Gen. James D. Campbell’s controversial plan to transform Maine’s 133rd Engineer Battalion into an infantry unit led to his being fired, a spokeswoman for Gov. Paul LePage said Wednesday. “There was a mischaracterization” about how plans for a change in the […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Fired Maine National Guard chief says he didn’t lie
AUGUSTA — Information contained in emails and texts relating to Maine National Guard Adjutant Gen. James D. Campbell’s controversial plan to transform Maine’s 133rd Engineer Battalion into an infantry unit led to his being fired, a spokeswoman for Gov. Paul LePage said Wednesday. “There was a mischaracterization” about how plans for a change in the […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
LePage postpones news conference on drug enforcement budget
AUGUSTA — Republican Gov. Paul LePage has postponed a meeting with reporters to discuss additional law enforcement positions to address the state’s drug problem. The decision to postpone Tuesday’s press conference came moments before the governor announced that he had fired Brig. General James Campbell of the Maine National Guard. LePage was supposed to speak […]
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LePage dismisses Maine National Guard commander
Read the speech that Gen. James Campbell was to deliver before the Legislature AUGUSTA — Maine National Guard Adjutant General James D. Campbell, who was scheduled to address the House and Senate this morning, was relieved of duty shortly before the speech by Gov. Paul LePage. “Based on an internal review of General Campbell, I […]
Posted inBusiness, Maine
Maine rights panel denies LePage plea to reopen Moody’s Diner case
AUGUSTA — The Maine Human Rights Commission on Monday denied a request from Gov. Paul LePage to reconsider its ruling that Moody’s Diner, a destination restaurant in Waldoboro, discriminated against a former employee for religious reasons. The commission ruled in November 2014 that “reasonable grounds” exist to believe discrimination by Dan Beck, a co-owner of […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Stephen King says LePage is wrong about Florida residence
AUGUSTA — Stephen King isn’t pleased with Gov. Paul LePage’s claim that the horror writer has moved out of Maine. LePage used his radio address this week to make his case for eliminating Maine’s income tax. He said states without an income tax, like Florida, have lured away Maine residents, including former Gov. Ken Curtis, […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine tax plan analysis fuels debate over LePage budget
AUGUSTA — A new analysis of Gov. Paul LePage’s ambitious tax overhaul proposal is bolstering supporters and opponents as the first votes on the Republican’s plan grow near. LePage hopes to slash the personal and corporate income tax while raising the sales tax and applying it to more services. The governor says a report released […]