Maine Democratic Gov. Janet Mills announces she will seek a 2nd term
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine’s Democratic governor says she will seek a second term in office. The Tuesday announcement from Janet Mills sets up a possible contest against former Gov. Paul LePage, a Republican and a rival of Mills when she served as the attorney general. Mills became the first female governor in Maine history after she was elected in 2018. That was also the final year of LePage’s second term, but he decided last year that he would seek a return to office.
$6M in grants to boost Maine’s forest industry
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — More than 200 forest companies in Maine will receive $6 million in grants through a state initiative looking to invigorate one of the state’s oldest industries. Democratic Gov. Janet Mills said Tuesday the grants will be administered by the Maine Technology Institute and will mostly go to companies that have 10 employees or fewer. She says most will support rural logging and trucking companies that were hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Harvesters of valuable baby eels hope for a stable 2022
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The industry that harvests one of the most valuable fish species in the United States is hoping for a more stable year in 2022 after two years of volatile price swings. Fishermen in Maine harvest baby eels. The elvers are sometimes worth more than $2,000 per pound because they are vitally important for Asian aquaculture companies. Maine is the only U.S. state with a significant fishery for the eels. Prices have fluctuated wildly since the start of COVID-19 pandemic.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Lawmakers push for affordable housing in Maine as costs rise
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine lawmakers are unveiling a plan to allow denser development to try to curb a growing lack of affordable housing in the state. The proposal comes at a time when rental prices have gone up by 25% or more in some communities, and home prices are soaring throughout the state. Lawmakers proposed a bill Monday that would allow up to four units on lots zoned for single-family housing. The proposal would also require the state’s government to provide grants and technical assistance to cities and towns to revise their own zoning rules.
FATAL CRASH-MAINE
Truck crash in Maine kills passenger, hospitalizes driver
NAPLES, Maine (AP) — Police in Maine are investigating a pickup truck crash that killed a 22-year-old passenger and hospitalized a driver. They say the single-vehicle crash happened on Sunday night in Naples when the truck collided with a tree. Police said two occupants had freed themselves from the vehicle and two others were trapped inside. Police say the crash killed 22-year-old Ashley Gentile-Wing of New Kensington, Pennsylvania. They say the driver, a 21-year-old from Naples, was transported to a hospital for injuries that could be life threatening.
TRAFFIC STOP BILL
Maine lawmakers consider ending minor offense traffic stops
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine lawmakers are considering a bill that would ban police from pulling over people for minor offenses in an attempt to reduce racial profiling in the state. The proposal would eliminate what are called pretextual traffic stops — stops for minor offenses that can become an investigation into something else. The proposal would decrease offenses like not wearing seat belts, having expired registrations or inspections, or having faulty plate lights. The Portland Press Herald reported that police and other critics of the proposal testified last week at a Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee hearing and said that if certain offenses become a low priority, it would make the roads more dangerous.
SUPREME COURT APPOINTMENT
Maine governor to appoint first Black justice to high court
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine’s governor has nominated a veteran judge to become the first Black justice on the state’s highest court. Gov. Janet Mills, a Democrat, nominated Rick Lawrence to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court post on Monday. The Bangor Daily News reports the 66-year-old Lawrence has served more than 20 years as a district court judge. Lawrence is lined up to replace Associate Justice Ellen Gorman, who has announced plans to retire. Lawrence’s appointment is subject to approval by the Maine Senate.
GAS TAX
Maine lawmaker proposes suspending state’s gas tax for year
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A Republican lawmaker in Maine wants the state to suspend its gas tax during a time when the state is expecting new tax revenue and prices at the pump are rising. Rep. Laurel Libby of Auburn said Monday the 30 cent gas tax is a burden for residents coping with high inflation and rising fuel costs. Her proposal, also submitted Monday, would suspend the tax for the rest of the year. Libby submitted the proposal as an emergency bill. It will first go to the Legislative Council and after that would face scrutiny before the Maine Legislature, which is controlled by Democrats.
SKI LIFT ACCIDENT
Sunday River ski lift mishap could’ve been worse
A ski lift accident that sent a gondola falling to the ground at Sunday River Resort in western Maine could’ve been much worse. It fell only 10 feet and the sole occupant, a teenager, walked away. A spokesperson for Boyne Resorts, which owns Sunday River, acknowledged “the outcome could have been worse.” The so-called “Chondola” — a lift featuring both chairs and gondolas — was operating at half speed in windy conditions when a gondola detached from a cable at the top terminal during night skiing on Feb. 23. It was out of commission several days before resuming operation.