Media Alert: Major Economic Development and Innovation Announcement at Colby College

Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

WATERVILLE – As part of continued revitalization efforts in Waterville, Maine, Governor Paul R. LePage will join with Colby President David A. Greene and City of Waterville Mayor Nick Isgro to announce an important development that will contribute to sustained economic vitality in the region.

A partnership between business, cultural, education, and civic leaders has begun to transform Waterville, and this announcement introduces the important element of new high-quality jobs.

When: Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015, 11 a.m.

Where: Page Commons, Cotter Union; Parking is available in the Eustis Lot and the Mary Low Lot.

Governor to Attend Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony to Honor American Patriots
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage will attend the 48th Annual AMVETS Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance Ceremony in Portland on Monday. The special ceremony will be held at 1:00 at Fort Allen Park on Portland’s Eastern Promenade.

“Pearl Harbor Day is one of the significant anniversaries of World War II, which reminds of the great sacrifices our military men and women bear to defend and protect our freedoms,” said Governor LePage. “We are a brave and resilient Nation because of these heroes, and no amount of thank yous are enough to honor the men and women, past and present, who have given so much for our way of life.”

The Governor has signed a proclamation to honor those American patriots who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

Additionally, flags should be lowered to half-staff Sunday, December 7, to commemorate National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. *Please note that flags will be already lowered to mark respect for the victims of the San Bernardino, California attack. This in no way takes away the respect our veterans deserve on December 7 as a day of remembrance.

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage today administered the oath of two magistrates and two lawyers as District Court Judges and a Superior Court Justice as an Active Retired Justice for the Maine Superior Court.

The Hon. Maria A. Woodman, Esq. and the Hon. Paul D. Mathews, Esq. will serve as District Court Judges, as will Jed J. French, Esq., a managing law partner in a private firm, and Michael P. Roberts, Esq., a deputy district attorney.

Superior Court Justice Paul A. Fritzsche will serve as an Active Retired Justice for the Superior Court.

“As Governor, I have the utmost respect for those serving in the Judicial Branch,” said Governor LePage. “In choosing judges, my focus is on the qualifications, demeanor and integrity of the candidates. These respected professionals reflect those priorities. I am confident they will live up to the high standards we expect from Maine judges.”

The Governor’s nominees represent a wide and diverse geographic area of Maine. They come from Kennebunk, Yarmouth, Monmouth, New Castle and Bangor.

Justice Paul A. Fritzsche, of Kennebunk, has served as a Superior Court Justice for 29 years. He was also a Public Advocate from 1983 to 1986, representing consumers before the Public Utilities Commission, courts, the Legislature and federal agencies. He also served from 1975 to 1981 as staff attorney and directing attorney for Pine Tree Legal Assistance in Lewiston and Portland. A graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute, he earned his law degree at the University of Maine Law School.

The Hon. Paul D. Mathews, Esq., of New Castle, a family law magistrate in the Maine District Court since 1998, served from 1979 to 1981 as Deputy District Attorney in Augusta and from 1981 to 1983 as Assistant District Attorney in Bath. In his private practice, he handled family law matters, criminal defense and trial work in District and Superior Court. He is a graduate of St. Anselm College in Manchester, N.H., attended St. John’s College in Santa Fe, N.M. for graduate studies in liberal arts and earned his law degree at Gonzaga University School of Law in Spokane, Washington.

The Hon. Maria A. Woodman, Esq., of Monmouth, a family law magistrate in the Maine District Court since 2012, served as an Assistant District Attorney from 2003 to 2010 in the Division of Child Support and Maine Care Crimes Unit. From 1999 to 2003, she was an Assistant District Attorney for the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office in New York, prosecuting cases ranging from murder to felony drugs. She is a graduate of The George Washington University and American University, Washington College of Law, in Washington, D.C.

Michael P. Roberts, Esq., of Bangor, a deputy district attorney, is a prosecutor with more than 30 years of experience. An experienced drug court prosecutor, he has been with the District Attorney’s Office in Bangor since 1983 and is responsible for the case evaluation of all Penobscot County felonies, including arson, manslaughter, robbery, gross sexual assaults, attempted murder and white collar crimes. He is a graduate of the University of Maine and Western New England College, School of Law.

Jed J. French, Esq., of Yarmouth, a managing law partner at Powers & French, P.A. since 1994, has handled cases ranging from unemployment compensation, business dissolution and real estate disputes to felony criminal charges, personal injury and family matters. He is a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Air Force/Air National Guard and has been appointed as arbitrator, referee and special master for 14 courts. From 1988 to 1991, he worked for U.S. Senator William S. Cohen. He is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine and the University of Maine School of Law.

Winter Windfall Raffle Tickets on Sale

Proceeds from the raffle will benefit Healthy Community Coalition

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Tickets for the Healthy Community Coalition (HCC) 6th annual Winter Windfall raffle are now available until the end of January. The raffle is sponsored by Franklin Community Health Network.

By donating $10 per ticket to HCC, the donor will be eligible for 31 prizes to be drawn daily throughout January. Prizes include: a guided drift boat fly fishing adventure; local artisan creations and photography; area business, restaurant and massage gift certificates; ski passes to Sugarloaf and Sunday River; fitness memberships, and more!

The Winter Windfall raffle, a popular annual event, gives a person the chance to win multiple times as all winning tickets are reentered into the drawing daily. Most prizes are valued at $50 or more. The tickets are the perfect stocking stuffer or gift for those who are hard to buy for.

“Proceeds from the raffle will allow HCC to offer services in the community not covered by grants, and allow for the expansion of current programs such as mobile health unit screenings and home visits to community members in need,” said Jennifer McCormack, executive director of Healthy Community Coalition.

Tickets for Winter Windfall are available from any HCC staff or board member, or by printing out and mailing in the form found at www.fchn.org/news. The Healthy Community Coalition is located at 105 Mt. Blue Circle, Suite #1 in Farmington. For additional information, contact Janis Walker at 779-2750

Governor Paul R. LePage and First Lady Ann M. LePage to Host Military Children’s Christmas Party

December 3, 2015

For Immediate Release: Thursday, December 03, 2015

Contact: Lynn Harvey, (207) 512-0280

The Governor and First Lady invite children of military families to the Blaine House for a Christmas celebration

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage and First Lady Ann M. LePage will host Military Families for a Christmas Party at the Blaine House from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 5, 2015.

Children and their families of Maine’s military service members are invited to enjoy Christmas cookies and hot cocoa with the Governor and First Lady and with special guests, Santa and Mrs. Claus.

“Maine’s military service members, and their families, make tremendous sacrifices on behalf of all of us,” said Mrs. LePage. “Many children are faced with the difficult task of a parent leaving home for deployment and being gone over the holidays. This is an opportunity for the Governor and me to show how much we sincerely appreciate their sacrifices while spending time together enjoying some Christmas cheer.”

Any military family wishing to attend should contact the Maine Army National Guard’s State Family Program to register either online at www.jointservicessupport.org or by calling the Child and Youth Specialist at 207-430-5773.

Governor to Visit University of Southern Maine for Next Town Hall

December 3, 2015

For Immediate Release: Thursday, December 03, 2015
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage has announced he will hold his next town hall meeting on Tuesday, December 8 in Portland where he will deliver remarks about moving Maine forward and answer questions from students and residents.

The University of Southern Maine will host the town hall from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The meeting is open to the public and will be held in the Abromson Center, 88 Bedford Street, Portland.

The town hall meeting will focus on the Governor’s vision for Maine, including further reducing the income tax; reforming welfare by strengthening the State’s safety net for the most vulnerable; cutting energy costs; and addressing Maine’s high student debt burden.

We cannot wait any longer to fight drug dealers

Heroin is raging in our state, and it is killing Mainers every week. We need less talk on this deadly pandemic and more action.

Hello, this is Governor Paul LePage 

Everyone agrees Maine’s heroin problem has escalated into a public health crisis. But politicians differ on how to handle it. 

My administration is focused right now on attacking the supply side of the problem. We need more law enforcement officials on the streets, hunting down drug dealers and stopping them from selling poison in our state. However, as we have said repeatedly, we are not looking to arrest drug addicts. We are going after the organized drug dealers who run these illegal operations like a very profitable business. We need to shut them down wherever we can.

We absolutely agree that more treatment, education and recovery efforts are needed. If the Legislature wants to create a comprehensive plan to increase both law enforcement and treatment, we welcome it. The Legislature has the ability to prioritize funding for this comprehensive plan when they go through the budget. Unfortunately, like everything else the Legislature does, it will take a long time to come up with the plan—and even longer to implement it.

We can’t stand by and watch Mainer after Mainer die from heroin or other lethal opiates while the Legislature is mulling over their plan.

As Maine is plagued  with the worst drug epidemic in history, MDEA is shortest staff than ever.  We first proposed 14 new agents in March 2014, but the Legislature only approved 4 new drug enforcement agents in July. That’s not enough. We need to build a pipeline for hiring and training new agents so as some are hitting the streets, more are coming in for training. But the Legislature has delayed these law enforcement efforts for a year-and-a-half. As the drug crisis is rapidly accelerating, we are falling behind in resources to stop the supply.

The Legislature can determine the timeline for funding the new agents. I just need to know they are serious about creating these positions no later than Jan. 2016. But if they continue to stall and wait around for an unspecified plan to increase treatment, I will move ahead without them. As they contemplate how to create a plan, Mainers are literally dropping dead.

If they have not informed me by December 10 that they are planning to fund these new agents, I will take action.  That’s why I will use every resource available to me to fight these drug traffickers, including temporary support from the National Guard.

Every life is worth saving, and we will do whatever is necessary to prevent the death of one more Mainer.

 The weekly message is available via the Office of the Governor website http://www.maine.gov/governor/lepage/news/radio_addresses/index.shtml.

Generosity and Spirit of Mainers

The First Lady and I opened the Blaine House doors again this month for our annual food drive, and we were pleased to see the generosity of Mainers helping other Mainers.

Hello, this is Governor Paul LePage.

Mainers travel from all parts of our State each year to donate food to needy people they have never met. The holidays are often hard for the less fortunate, so it is truly heartwarming to see their fellow Mainers stepping up to help. We were humbled by the hundreds of Mainers who came to donate thousands of pounds of non-perishable foods. The Good Shepherd Food Bank will distribute the food to those who need it most.

As I reflect on this Thanksgiving season, I am thankful for my family and for the generous spirit of the people of Maine. Instilling the gift of service to others has always been very important to Ann and me. Our children were raised to understand that while receiving something is always nice, giving to others is even more rewarding.

Giving back to your community is an important part of being a good citizen and a good neighbor.

I am someone who has been in need. But it wasn’t the government that helped me out. I never forget that it was the commitment and love of Maine people who gave me the support I needed to succeed. Government should certainly provide a safety net for our most vulnerable, but government programs do not change lives: people do.

Mainers have a long tradition of caring for their neighbors as they care for themselves and their own families. And when you extend your goodwill, it has a way of encouraging others to do the same. So, as we approach the holiday season, let’s take a moment to pause and reflect on what it is we are thankful for. Let us also think about how we can contribute to our communities and the future of Maine.

Ann and I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Thank you for listening.

FMH Remembrance Tree Decorations Honor Loved Ones

Decorations can be purchased for $5 to support the Auxiliary

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The Franklin Memorial Hospital Auxiliary is once again having a Remembrance Tree with tree decorations that can be purchased “in memory of” or “in honor of” one or more individuals for a nominal fee. This tree in the hospital lobby shows the names of the dedications, as well as the donors who made the gift. Proceeds benefit the Franklin Memorial Hospital (FMH) Auxiliary.

On December 2 at 3 p.m. a dedication and lighting ceremony of the Remembrance Tree will take place along with caroling and music by Sammie Angel. “The ceremony is an opportunity to remember loved ones who have passed on and to honor those special people in our lives who are still with us,” said Auxiliary President Dawn Girardin.

To order a decoration, send the name of the person it is to be “in memory of” or “in honor of” to: Jean Rand, 725 Orchard Drive, Wilton, ME 04294 or Mary Harris, 67 Cape Cod Hill Rd. New Sharon, ME 04955. Enclose a check payable to the FMH Auxiliary for the total decorations purchased. Each is $5.

Forms to order decorations are also available at the hospital’s information desk and in the hospital’s gift shop, located near the main entrance. For additional information call Jean Rand 645-4823 or Mary Harris 778-2366.

In addition on Friday, December 4, the Auxiliary is hosting its annual holiday craft and bake sale in the hospital lobby beginning at 8 a.m. until sold out. This event features seasonal crafts and many baked goods. 

Statement of Governor LePage Opposing the Settlement of Syrian Refugees in Maine

Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage has released the following statement opposing the settlement of Syrian Refugees in Maine:

“The thoughts and prayers of the First Lady and I are with the People of France as they mourn those killed in Friday’s despicable terrorist attack in Paris. As Franco-Americans, we say with a special conviction, ‘nous n'oublierons jamais—‘we will never forget.’”

We now know that not only has ISIS claimed credit for this attack, but at least one of the attackers was a Syrian refugee. We also know that President Barack Obama has vowed to bring 10,000 Syrian refugees to the United States, despite his own FBI director testifying to Congress last month that the federal government is unable to conduct background checks on them.

To bring Syrian refugees into our country without knowing who they are is to invite an attack on American soil just like the one we saw in Paris last week and in New York City on 9/11. That is why I adamantly oppose any attempt by the federal government to place Syrian refugees in Maine, and will take every lawful measure in my power to prevent it from happening