Governor LePage Submits State of the State in Writing to the 127th Legislature

02/08/2016 01:00 PM EST

AUGUSTA - Following the historical tradition of sending a gubernatorial address to the Legislature in writing, Governor Paul R. LePage today delivered his State of the State in written form to all members of the 127th Legislature.

In the eight-page State of the State, the Governor details his top priorities and urges the Legislature to work with him so they can move Maine much more quickly from poverty to prosperity. He also calls on lawmakers to focus on the heroin epidemic that is killing Mainers every week.

"As you know, I have chosen to forego the pomp and circumstance of a live speech so we can spend our time and energy on what truly matters: getting work done for the Maine people," the Governor wrote to the Legislature. "I've talked to thousands of Maine people in the past five years. They want us to work to reduce their tax burden, reform welfare so it benefits the truly needy, lower electricity rates so employers can create jobs, find ways to keep our young people here and eradicate the drug crisis that is ravaging our state."

Governor LePage also asked Mainers to pay attention to who they elect in November to represent them. "To the Maine people, I say this: If you want to improve our economy, if you truly want to prosper, then you have to change the culture in Augusta," the Governor wrote. "Vote for those candidates who will work for you. Hold them accountable; demand their attention."

 

TO READ GOVERNOR PAUL LEPAGE'S 2016 STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS,

IN IT'S ENTIRETY, CLICK THE LINK BELOW:

http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbXNpZD0mYXVpZD0mbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTYwMjA4LjU0OTExMzUxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE2MDIwOC41NDkxMTM1MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE2Nzk5MDM2JmVtYWlsaWQ9bGViYW5vbnRydXRoc2Vla2Vyc0Bob3RtYWlsLmNvbSZ1c2VyaWQ9bGViYW5vbnRydXRoc2Vla2Vyc0Bob3RtYWlsLmNvbSZ0YXJnZXRpZD0mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&&&101&&&http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/attach.php?id=669201&an=1

Five Judges Sworn in by Governor LePage

12/07/2015 10:42 AM EST

 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.

Maine Unemployment Rate 4.3 Percent in October

State Labor Commissioner Jeanne Paquette released October workforce estimates for Maine. Seasonally Adjusted Statewide Data Household Survey Estimates – The preliminary seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 4.3 percent for October was little changed from 4.4 percent in September and down from 5.6 percent one year ago. The unemployment rate was the lowest since 2002. The number of unemployed declined 9,600 over the year to 29,100. The U.S. preliminary unemployment rate of 5.0 percent was little changed from 5.1 percent in September and down from 5.7 percent one year ago. The estimate of the employment to population ratio (age 16 and over) in Maine of 59.6 percent was the lowest in four years. In the years ahead, the share of employed population is likely to gradually trend lower as large numbers of baby boomers retire. The U.S. average was 59.3 percent. The New England unemployment rate averaged 4.6 percent. Rates for other states were 3.3 percent in New Hampshire, 3.7 percent in Vermont, 4.6 percent in Massachusetts, 5.3 percent in Rhode Island, and 5.1 percent in Connecticut. Labor force and unemployment data is available here. Payroll Survey Estimates – The preliminary nonfarm payroll jobs estimate of 611,300 for October was up 5,500 from one year ago. The gain was entirely in the private sector, primarily in the professional and business services, hospitality, and healthcare sectors. The estimate for government was unchanged from one year ago. Nonfarm payroll jobs data is available here. Not Seasonally Adjusted Substate Data The not seasonally adjusted statewide unemployment rate estimate of 3.6 percent in October was down from 4.9 percent one year ago. Not seasonally adjusted rates were down over the year in all 16 counties, with the largest decline in Franklin County (-1.8 points). Rates ranged from 2.8 percent in Sagadahoc County to 5.4 percent in Somerset County. The unemployment rate was below the statewide average in the Portland-South Portland metro (2.9 percent) and close to the average in Lewiston-Auburn (3.5 percent) and Bangor (3.5 percent). This release is available here. November workforce estimates will be released Friday, December 18 (Data Release Schedule). NOTES: 1. Preliminary labor force estimates, including unemployment and employment to population ratios for Maine, tend to move in a direction for several months and then reverse course. Those directional trends are largely driven by a smoothing procedure and may not indicate a change in underlying workforce conditions. Annual revisions (to be published in March 2016) will moderate or eliminate those directional patterns. In addition, the 90 percent confidence interval for statewide unemployment rates in 2015 has been 0.5 to 0.7 percentage points above or below the published estimate each month. 2. Nonfarm payroll jobs estimates tend to be volatile from month to month because there is variability in the sample of reporting employers and their representativeness for the universe of all employers. Additionally, seasonal adjustment is imperfect because weather, the beginning and ending of school semesters and holidays, and other events do not always occur with the same timing, which can exacerbate monthly volatility. Users should look to the trend over multiple months rather than the change from one specific month to another. Estimates for the period from October 2014 to September 2015 will be replaced with actual payroll data in March 2016. Those benchmark revisions are likely to show less volatility than preliminary estimates.

Department of Labor Offering Workplace Safety Classes in December

 

11/20/2015 11:14 AM EST

*Space is available for classes in Augusta*

AUGUSTA-The Maine Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Standards is hosting its no-charge safety courses for employers and employees throughout December. Visit the class registration page or call 1-877-SAFE 345 (1-877-723-3345) to register for any class.

"By August 2016, the federal government will significantly increase OSHA fines for the first time in 25 years, some by as much as 80 percent," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "Our consultants at SafetyWorks! can help businesses and workers identify and address hazards around the worksite. I encourage businesses to take advantage of all SafetyWorks! programs and consultations. The return-on-investment in workplace safety, in quality of life as well as financial, is well worth the effort."

Courses are held at no charge to employers and their employees in the SafetyWorks! Training Institute at the Maine Department of Labor, 45 Commerce Drive in Augusta.

10-Hour Construction Standards: December 2 to 3, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This one-and-a-half-day course gives basic information on several of the OSHA standards for construction (29 CFR 1926). Attendees who complete the course will receive an OSHA 10-hour course completion certificate. Class runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on day one and 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on day two.

Fire Extinguisher/Emergency Action Plan: December 10, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

In this class, you will learn about Emergency Action Plans as well as various types of fire extinguishers and how to maintain them. This is a hands-on class. Those attending this class should come prepared to discharge a fire extinguisher.

OSHA Recordkeeping: December 11, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

This class provides thorough and comprehensive six-hour training for both new and experienced safety and human resources personnel. You will learn the OSHA rule (29 CFR 1904) regarding recording and reporting work-related injuries and illnesses as it applies to your organization. This class includes several hands-on activities on how to correctly fill out the required injury reporting forms.This class will include updates to the OSHA Recordkeeping Standard (29 CFR 1904) which went into effect January 1, 2015.

30-Hour General Industry Standards: December 14 thru 18, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This five-day course introduces attendees new to safety and health to the OSHA standards for general industry (29 CFR 1910). Attendees who complete all five days will receive an OSHA 30-hour general industry course certificate. Class runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., day one through day five.

Interested employers can learn more about the courses and register at http://www.safetyworksmaine.com , click "More Classes" from the homepage. Space is limited so reservations are required.

SafetyWorks! is not OSHA and cannot issue fines or citations to private businesses. While SafetyWorks! helps businesses of any size, priority is given to small businesses. The program trains about 8,000 people and consults at nearly 1,000 worksites in Maine each year. Employers interested in learning more about the consulting and training services offered by SafetyWorks! should call

1-877-SAFE 345  ~~~ (1-877-723-3345)

or visit http://www.safetyworksmaine.com .

The Bureau of Labor Standards is Maine's regulatory agency overseeing labor and employment law and workplace safety; it provides both consultation and enforcement services. The division promotes and achieves compliance with labor standards to protect and enhance the welfare of Maine's workforce.

The State of Maine is an equal opportunity provider. Auxiliary aids and services are available to individuals with disabilities upon request.

Governor LePage Speaks about Syrian Refugees

 

11/16/2015 01:32 PM EST

Paris Attacks Unite Allies, Creates Concern about Syrian Refugees Entering U.S.

Governor Paul R. LePage has released an advance copy of this week's radio address in light of the recent attacks in France and following queries related to Syrian refugees entering into the U.S. and Maine.

The written copy is below and a recorded version will be available later today.

Radio Address:

President Obama said he will allow 10,000 Syrian refugees into our country within the next year, and his staff is confident in the federal government's screening process.

In the wake of the terrorist attacks in Paris, the President's actions are irresponsible.

Hello, this is Governor Paul LePage.

Several Governors have already stated concerns about Syrian refugees resettling in the U.S. Two Governors will not agree to relocate Syrian refugees in their states. Unfortunately, we do not know for certain if Maine has any Syrian refugees at this time. While the President has expressed confidence in the U.S. screening process, some have pointed out the gaping holes in our immigration policy.

Rep. Mike McCaul of Texas is chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee. He says there is no way to vet refugees because there are no databases to do such a thing.

McCaul said the Obama Administration lacks the names of 5,000 or more foreign fighters around the world-these are very dangerous people who pose serious threats on a global scale.

One of the first actions I took as Governor was to ensure Maine is no longer a sanctuary state that harbors illegal aliens. It's important to follow federal law, and we work with law enforcement and other agencies to assist the federal government on immigration matters.

As a free state and country, we are always vulnerable to attack. The safety of our citizens comes first. We need responsible immigration policies to protect not only Americans, but all people.

The terrorist attacks in France are a tragic reminder of the dangerous world we live in. It is my responsibility as Governor to protect the people of Maine with the resources I have available. Staff from my office has reached out to the Consulate General of France in Boston to offer any assistance on behalf of the State of Maine.

The Maine Department of Public Safety and Maine Emergency Management Agency are working with the FBI, Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies to monitor any possible threats.

This is not a time to incite panic or fear. But I remind Mainers to stay alert to your surroundings and to report any suspicious activity.

You can make a report by calling 877-786-3636. That's 877-786-3636.

On behalf of all Mainers, we offer our deepest condolences to the victims and their families in Paris. An attack on our allies in France is considered an assault on the United States, and we stand together in condemning all acts of terrorism in friendly nations and around the world.

Thank you for listening.

Readers Questions Answered. How Does One Elected Office Require an Election to Fill, and Another Not Show on the Ballot??

There have been many questions regarding the Selectmen's vote on Thursday evening June 11 as to the legality of the Selectmen naming Tom Torno as Acting Road Commissioner to fulfill the term his father Larry Torno was elected to fill, which was left vacant by his Valentines Day death.
The questions have included why the position was not included on the June 9th Town Election ballot and why when the Selectmen's postion was vacant, the position was put on the ballot to elect someone to fill the term of Selectman Karen Gerrish when she was elected into the State Representative's positon.
The answer is.........
According to the State of Maine Rules for Governing Municipalities and Counties, if a Elected Department head vacates their position for any number of reasons, the Selectmen MAY opt to name someone to serve the remainder of the term. They MAY opt to oversee that department themselves.
The documentation also states that if the office of Selectmen is vacated for any number of reasons, the Selectmen MAY opt to call a Town Meeting to elect someone to fill the vacancy until the remainder of the elected term.

 

 

 Here are the direct rules governing those policies as set by the State of Maine............

2. Vacancy in office other than selectman or school committee. When there is a vacancy in a town

office other than that of selectman or school committee, the selectmen may appoint a qualified person to fill
the vacancy.
 

[ 1991, c. 270, §3 (AMD) .]

 

3. Vacancy in office of selectman. When there is a vacancy in the office of selectman, the selectmen

may call a town meeting to elect a qualified person to fill the vacancy.
 [ 1991, c. 270, §3 (AMD) .]



You can find the entire document regarding the Rules for governing municipalities and counties on the maine .gov site HERE:

http://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/30-A/title30-Ach123.pdf

Hope this helps!!!