Consider the candidates’ records. Your article pointedly omitted facts about Governor Baldacci’s record. From day one he worked to save jobs at mills, and did so. Over 7000 jobs have been saved because of this governor’s intervention. No other governor in living memory has worked so hard to make sure the people of this state have good jobs. Mill jobs, for families that have known nothing else for generations, are important. Maine is the nation’s second-largest wood producer. And now that is wood from sustainable forests. Because of the governor’s efforts 7.25 million acres are green certified guaranteeing this valuable resource for future generations.
He worked day in and day out to save the shipyard in Portsmouth from closing. His efforts paid off — those workers know how valuable the governor is to the state.
His tax incentives for Pine Tree Zones have helped create 3200 jobs in areas in need. Over the last three and a half years 28,600 jobs in residential employment have been created — many of those workers use the Internet — where Baldacci’s efforts have given companies incentives with his ConnectME program. Another proportion of those jobs are people involved in the creative economy — which Baldacci is a strong supporter of, providing resources and incentives for business startups.
His community college system is seeing an increase in enrollment of 44 percent. He understands how important it is to give as many people who seek new skills the opportunity to do so, affordably. These skilled workers are what companies look for when opening up new businesses, and Maine is attracting more companies such as US Functional Foods and T-Mobile.
It makes a difference having a governor that is implementing a vision that is transitioning Maine into the new global economy like Governor Baldacci — none of his opponents understand how Maine’s economy is changing.
Ramona du Houx
Solon
Ramona du Houx is the publisher of The Maine Democrat newspaper.
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