GOVERNOR DENIES PORTLAND DELEGATION ACCESS
Rep. Haskell not allowed to attend meeting with governor and mayor
PORTLAND—Members of Portland’s legislative delegation learned today that Governor LePage refused to let Rep. Anne Haskell (D-Portland) attend his meeting with Mayor Nicholas Mavodones to discuss LePage’s controversial, anti-Portland remarks and the future of Maine’s groundfishing policy.
“I am disappointed that the governor’s actions trump his rhetoric. Last week we heard he has no hard feelings for Portland, yet he’s shutting out Portland’s lawmakers. The lack of transparency and cooperation are not helpful,” said Assistant Senate Democratic Leader, Justin Alfond of Portland. “If the governor is truly interested in resolving contention within the fishing industry, creating jobs at the Portland Fish Exchange and doing what’s right for the people of Maine, then he would have embraced Portland’s lawmakers.”
Mayor Mavodones requested a meeting with the governor after allegations were made by former Marine Resources Commissioner, Norman Olsen, that the governor refuses to work with Portland because the city is politically “against him.” Specifically, Olsen said the governor did not want to work with the city on groundfishing issues and would, in fact, “build a new port somewhere.”
“I am disappointed that the governor did not see the value I could have brought during today’s discussions,” said Haskell. “As the sponsor of groundfishing legislation, I understand the issue deeply and thought I’d be of value in understanding the governor’s approach.”
As a member of the 123rd Legislature, Rep. Haskell introduced legislation that supported a by-catch policy for groundfishermen. During the public hearing for LD 170, thousands appeared before the Marine Resources committee to testify. Ultimately the bill died but has since been referred to as the basis for new groundfishing policy by Olsen and other industry leaders.