The Maine Wire
  • News
  • Commentary
  • The Blog
  • About
    • Contact
  • Investigations
    • Data
Facebook Twitter Instagram
Trending News
  • Federal Judge Blocks Trump Admin’s Efforts to Dismantle U.S. Department of Education
  • “One Big Beautiful Bill” of Tax and Spending Provisions Passes House in Late Night Vote, Condemned by Maine Reps Golden and Pingree
  • Supreme Court Split Over Nation’s First Catholic Charter School, Oklahoma Court’s Ban Stands
  • Dems Kill Baldacci Bill to Increase Penalties for Parents Who Expose Kids to Fentanyl
  • Mills Virtue-Signals Against Trump Tariffs with New Welcome Signs for Canadians
  • South Portland Police Negotiator Saves 20-Year-Old in Crisis from “Suicide by Cop” Threat
  • Fatal Crash in Lewiston: Car Slams into Home, Killing One and Injuring Two
  • Maine Democrats Seek to Shield Portland’s Welfare Spending on Homeless Shelters from DHHS Rule Change
Facebook Twitter Instagram
The Maine Wire
Friday, May 23
  • News
  • Commentary
  • The Blog
  • About
    • Contact
  • Investigations
    • Data
The Maine Wire
Home » News » Commentary » Despite Democrats’ Roadblock, Mental Health Unit Will Be Built
Commentary

Despite Democrats’ Roadblock, Mental Health Unit Will Be Built

Paul LePageBy Paul LePageDecember 19, 2016Updated:December 20, 2016No Comments2 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Email LinkedIn Reddit
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email

Sometimes when you hit a road block, you have to find a detour.

I was appalled when Democrats recently voted—twice—to block the approval of plans to construct a secure mental health unit in Augusta. While Riverview has been a political pawn for Democrats for years, it needs to stop.

This new facility is needed for individuals who are not criminally responsible and who no longer require a hospital level of care. This facility would ensure these forensic patients receive the right treatment in the right setting.

Moving individuals who no longer need a hospital level of care will significantly improve Riverview’s ability to meet the statewide demand for inpatient psychiatric capacity for civil patients, and become certified as a state mental health hospital. Many of them are stuck in local emergency rooms waiting for a bed.

Plans for the new facility have been in the works for two years. In May, the Capitol Planning Commission approved the same plans, as did the City of Augusta Planning Board. Let me be clear: patients are my priority. With or without the Democrats’ approval, a new mental health unit will be built.

I have agreed to work with new legislators should they have questions. However, I expect elected officials to do their homework before the first day of school.

The State plan has been online and will continue to be. I encourage lawmakers to read the more than 200 pages we have made available to the public.

Democrats claim to be the party of the people—but they refuse to provide care or compassion for the elderly and the physically and mentally disabled.

It is unconscionable that Democrats are being obstructionists just to score political points. They must demonstrate real compassion for the truly needy patients we are treating in this facility today and into the future.

Democrats on the Legislative Council can choose to do what’s right and I hope they do.

Commentary Featured
Previous ArticleA Maine Tradition to Honor Our Veterans: Wreaths Across America
Next Article Eliminating the Individual Income Tax Can Alleviate Municipal Budget Woes
Paul LePage

Governor Paul LePage (R) served as the 74th Governor of Maine. Prior to his time as governor, LePage served as the general manager of Marden's and as the mayor of Waterville.

Subscribe to Substack

Related Posts

Robinson Report: State Auditor Matt Dunlap on Challenging Jared Golden in CD-2, No-Bid Contracts, and the 2024 Audit [WATCH]

May 21, 2025

Rolling the Dice on Wyss: Is Anyone at the Maine Trust for Local News Worried About Alleged Benefactor’s Sexual Harassment Suit? No Comment…

May 21, 2025

Despite Federal Court Ruling, Firearm Rights Remain Under Attack

May 21, 2025

Leave A Reply

Subscribe to Substack
Recent News

Federal Judge Blocks Trump Admin’s Efforts to Dismantle U.S. Department of Education

May 22, 2025

“One Big Beautiful Bill” of Tax and Spending Provisions Passes House in Late Night Vote, Condemned by Maine Reps Golden and Pingree

May 22, 2025

Supreme Court Split Over Nation’s First Catholic Charter School, Oklahoma Court’s Ban Stands

May 22, 2025

Dems Kill Baldacci Bill to Increase Penalties for Parents Who Expose Kids to Fentanyl

May 22, 2025

Mills Virtue-Signals Against Trump Tariffs with New Welcome Signs for Canadians

May 22, 2025
Newsletter

News

  • News
  • Campaigns & Elections
  • Opinion & Commentary
  • Media Watch
  • Education
  • Media

Maine Wire

  • About the Maine Wire
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us
  • Submit Commentary
  • Complaints
  • Maine Policy Institute

Resources

  • Maine Legislature
  • Legislation Finder
  • Get the Newsletter
  • Maine Wire TV

Facebook Twitter Instagram Steam RSS
  • Post Office Box 7829, Portland, Maine 04112

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.