PORTLAND LAWMAKERS SEEK FACTS NOT RHETORIC FROM THE GOVERNOR

Questions linger about LePage’s remarks with former cabinet member

AUGUSTA—In a letter to the Governor’s office and the Department of Marine Resources, all ten members of Portland’s state delegation have requested information pertaining to the City of Portland and groundfishing in Maine. The letter, submitted today, requests records of meetings, notes, and emails between the two offices pursuant to the Freedom of Access Act (FOAA).

“A lot of questions remain. And we’re simply not getting answers. Yesterday, the governor had an opportunity to bridge the gap between Portland and Augusta and instead he excluded the very people working on behalf of Portland residents,” said Assistant Senate Democratic Leader, Justin Alfond. “The need for collaboration, transparency, and civility should trump partisan rhetoric.”

The governor met with Portland Mayor, Nicholas Mavodones yesterday in response to Mavodones’ request for a meeting following allegations made by former Marine Resources Commissioner, Norman Olsen. Olsen alleged that the governor refused to work with Portland on reviving the groundfishing industry because the city was politically “against him” and would, in fact, “build a new port somewhere.” Representative Anne Haskell had requested to attend the meeting with the Mayor and Governor but was told by the Governor’s office that she could not attend despite Mavodones’ support.

“I am disappointed that the Governor did not see the value I could have brought during the 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. Ultimately the bill died but has since been referred to as the basis for new groundfishing policy by Olsen and other industry leaders.

Before the meeting with Mayor Mavodones, the governor blasted members of the media for not seeking his side of the Olsen story but was then unavailable for comment after the meeting.

Alfond and the other Portland lawmakers are frustrated by the lack of response they’ve gotten from the Governor’s office regarding Olsen’s allegations and seek to gain a better understanding through the FOAA of what was said and done during Olsen’s tenure.

“Landing groundfish in Maine means jobs for the boat crews, jobs for vessel services, jobs for fish processors,” said Rep. Jon Hinck. “There is no room for disagreement as Portland and the State collaborate to capture whatever share of the business we can.”