LEWISTON — The field of five mayoral candidates debated at a live public forum hosted by the Sun Journal, the Lewiston Public Library and the law firm of Norman Hanson & DeTroy. The candidates are Mayor Robert Macdonald and challengers Luke Jensen, Ben Chin, Stephen Morgan and Charles Soule. Live Blog Lewiston Mayoral Debate […]
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Posted inMaine, sj-web
LePage staff decline to go before panel
AUGUSTA — Two members of the LePage administration are declining to appear before a legislative panel that’s reviewing allegations Gov. Paul LePage threatened to withhold funding for a private school that tried to hire a political opponent. Cynthia Montgomery, the governor’s chief legal counsel, said she and another aide, Aaron Chadbourne, must “respectfully decline” an […]
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Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine lawmakers submit almost 400 bills for 2016
AUGUSTA — Maine lawmakers have submitted nearly 400 bills for consideration for the legislative session beginning in January, reflecting their hopes ahead of the November elections. There are caveats: We only have bill titles, and the Maine Legislature won’t consider them all in 2016, since all bills submitted in even-numbered years must be deemed an […]
Posted inPerspective
Maine has found a stunning way to keep the poor in poverty
A savings account can be a powerful thing, especially for someone struggling to make ends meet. A little extra money on the side — even the tiniest of sums — can be a life-preserving cushion in the case of an unexpected injury, illness, or sudden unemployment. Building a financial base can also be a ticket […]
Posted inMaine
Maine group and national coalition call for stricter gun laws
LEWISTON — A group hoping to bring a statewide ballot question to voters in 2016 to require federal background checks on all gun sales in Maine is joining similar organizations across the country in urging Congress to tighten gun laws. Emma Connor, director of the Maine Gun Safety Coalition, said Friday her organization is concerned […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Lewiston: Five mayoral candidates seek their share of spotlight
LEWISTON — Ask political insiders outside of the Twin Cities and they’ll tell you: This year, Lewiston’s mayoral race is a contest between two guys: Bob and Ben. But many locals wonder whether the race may leave room in the middle for more centrist candidates: Luke, Steve or Charles. On the right, there is the […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Legislative committee wants LePage education officials to testify
AUGUSTA — A legislative committee reviewing allegations that Gov. Paul LePage threatened to withhold funding for a private school that tried to hire a political opponent wants to interview three members of the administration. The Government Oversight Committee has asked acting Education Department Commissioner Tom Desjardin, chief legal counsel Cynthia Montgomery and a senior adviser, […]
Posted inBusiness, sj-web
U.S. unemployment rate stays at 5.1 percent in September
WASHINGTON — U.S. hiring slowed sharply in September, and job gains for July and August were lower than previously thought, a sour note for a labor market that had been steadily improving. The Labor Department said Friday that employers added just 142,000 jobs in September, depressed by job cuts by manufacturers and oil drillers. The […]
Posted inMaine
Maine Democrats say they will fight to protect Planned Parenthood
AUGUSTA — Democratic leaders in the Maine Legislature said Thursday they intend to fight a “baseless” attack against Planned Parenthood by a trio of Republican lawmakers planning to sponsor legislation to cut funds to the organization. Planned Parenthood, which provides low or no-cost health care and other services to women, including cancer screenings, birth control […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Lajoie seeks Ward 2 Lewiston Council seat
LEWISTON — Ward 2 City Council candidate Tim Lajoie said he’s running to give to the city’s middle-class residents. “Ward 2 needs someone who will advocate for hardworking middle-class families,” Lajoie said. “I will fight against policies that are forcing them to choose between conflicting priorities. They should not have to choose between surrendering their hard-earned money […]