AUGUSTA — State Democratic Party Chairman Ben Grant apologized Thursday for comments he made about conservative Republican Rep. Amy Volk of Scarborough, who he said last week was attempting to “soften her edges” with a bill aimed at helping victims of human trafficking. “I made several ill-conceived remarks last week about Rep. Volk’s proposed legislation,” […]
politics
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine pot legalization advocates eye statewide law
PORTLAND (AP) — Marijuana legalization advocates in Maine are aiming for a statewide law to legalize pot after voters in the state’s largest city convincingly approved a local legalization ordinance. Portland voters passed a referendum 67-33 percent Tuesday making it legal to possess up to 2 1/2 ounces of pot. The decisive outcome should send […]
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Posted inMaine, Nation / World, sj-web
King: Conference panel ‘one of our last chances’
WASHINGTON (AP) — Independent Sen. Angus King of Maine says the conference committee aimed at coming up with a fiscal plan is “one of our last chances” to show the American people that Congress can govern. King made his remarks Wednesday on the floor of the Senate, telling his colleagues that “it’s almost less important […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Legal pot advocates turn attention to statewide referendum
PORTLAND — A decisive vote legalizing recreational marijuana in Maine’s largest city sets the state for advocates to push for a law that would make pot legal statewide. By a margin of 67-33 percent, Portland voters on Tuesday supported a referendum making it legal for adults 21 and over to possess up to 2 ½ […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Analysis: Michaud’s coming out could help topple LePage in 2014
Maine Gov. Paul LePage, R, could be in danger of losing his job next year to an opponent who revealed his homosexuality Monday in a newspaper article. The declaration by U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud, D, a leading contender in the 2014 election for governor, keeps Maine — better known for lobster, vacation spots and sober […]
Posted inFranklin, The Franklin Journal
Fayette school panel authorized to develop withdrawal plan
FAYETTE — Residents voted 206-80 on Tuesday to have the School Committee prepare a plan of withdrawal from the school system that includes Winthrop. Once developed, the withdrawal plan would be considered by the Alternative Organizational Structure 97 school board, the Maine commissioner of education and Fayette residents. If approved, it would allow withdrawal by […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Wife defeats husband in Waterville election
WATERVILLE (AP) — A Waterville woman has beaten her husband in an election they say was more about being involved in their community than about partisan politics. The Morning Sentinel (http://bit.ly/1cQIXpj ) reported that Democrat Jennifer Johnson won the Ward 1 warden position over Republican David Johnson on Tuesday by a 127-76 margin. They were […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Lawmakers urge study of Searsport dredging proposal
BELFAST (AP) — Maine lawmakers and environmentalists are seeking a comprehensive study of a proposal to dredge part of Penobscot Bay. Sen. Chris Johnson of Somerville, Rep. Walter Kumiega of Deer Isle and Rep. Mick Devin of Newcastle are joining members of the Sierra Club of Maine and others in Belfast on Wednesday. They want […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Portland approves recreational pot by wide margin
PORTLAND — Maine’s largest city legalized possession of marijuana for recreational use on Tuesday in a vote that has been eyed as an indicator of support levels in the Northeast following last year’s votes out West. The proposal, making it legal for adults 21 and older to possess up to 2½ ounces of pot in […]
Posted inRiver Valley
Rumford voters finally approve last budget item
RUMFORD — It took five tries in five months, but town officials finally have a municipal budget, thanks to Tuesday’s voters. They approved a proposed $1.19 million budget for Unclassified Accounts by a tally of 582-312. Voters also approved, 548-196, the Comprehensive Plan update that town meeting voters rejected in June. Residents elected six people […]