Paris officials hope they’ll make the list and they’re working to make it so. So far, only 25 of Maine’s 492 towns and cities have been certified “Business Friendly” by Gov. Paul LePage’s administration. State officials say only 35 have applied for the designation by filling out a seven-page application that includes narrative answers and […]
politics
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Sierra Club backs Michaud for governor
PORTLAND (AP) — The Sierra Club is endorsing Democrat Mike Michaud over independent Eliot Cutler in the governor’s race, announcing a yearlong education effort that will likely be backed by spending from the national group with a goal of preventing Republican Gov. Paul LePage from winning a second term, the group said Monday. The early […]
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Posted inMaine, sj-web
Portland landlord, mayor condemn decision to consolidate state offices in South Portland
PORTLAND — The owner of two Bayside buildings rejected for new state offices on Monday called the bidding process “a waste of time.” As a result of the state’s decision last month, Tom Toye stands to lose the Maine Department of Labor and Department of Health and Human Services as tenants at 185 and 200 […]
Posted inMaine
Lawmakers ax bills on pot and welfare reform; accept human trafficking and veterans housing proposals
AUGUSTA — Legislative leaders Thursday rejected a bill that could have put the issue of legalizing marijuana on the lawmaking agenda for the session that begins in January. Portland voters earlier this month overwhelmingly approved a city ordinance that makes legal the possession of up to 2½ ounces of marijuana for recreational use by adults […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Lewiston elects first African immigrant to public office
LEWISTON — A School Committee write-in candidate picked up 10 votes in a ballot recount Thursday, making him the city’s first African immigrant to be elected to public office. Jama Mohamed will represent Ward 5, which comprises the downtown. “I am very happy,” Mohamed said after the recount. “I am relieved. I want to thank […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
State forecasts tax revenue to rise next two years
AUGUSTA — The state expects tax revenue to increase in the next two fiscal years. The Maine Revenue Forecasting Committee forecasted Thursday that the general fund will increase about $12.86 million in fiscal year 2014 and $7.77 million in fiscal year 2015. “This is a sign that the economy is improving, but there is much […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Secretary of Defense visits BIW
BATH — The biggest destroyer ever built for the U.S. Navy will play an important role in the Pacific Ocean as the U.S. refocuses attention on the region, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told shipbuilders and sailors on Thursday. With the stealthy-shaped Zumwalt serving as a backdrop, Hagel said the ship’s assignment to San Diego after it […]
Posted inMaine
Lawmaker sponsors bill to revoke MaineCare ride contracts
AUGUSTA — A Democratic lawmaker has introduced a bill to revoke Maine’s contracts for a troubled non-emergency transportation program. The bill introduced by Senate Democratic Leader Troy Jackson of Allagash was admitted by a bipartisan panel of legislative leaders on Thursday for consideration next session. The MaineCare rides program has received reports of missed rides […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
Collins, King split on vote to restrict Senate filibusters
WASHINGTON — Maine’s U.S. Senators split on a Democratic effort to weaken filibusters and make it harder for Republicans to block confirmation of the president’s nominees for judges and other top posts. Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins voted against the restriction while the independent U.S. Sen. Angus King voted for it. It passed 52-48 — […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
Senate Panel approves Yellen’s nomination as Fed chairwoman
WASHINGTON — Janet Yellen’s nomination to be chairman of the Federal Reserve was approved by the Senate Banking Committee Thursday with a vote of 14-8. Yellen was approved by 11 of the 12 Democrats on the banking committee, and three of the panel’s Republicans. Republican Sens. Mark Kirk of Illinois, Bob Corker of Tennessee and […]