Author: Isabelle Christie

A recent report submitted for a ranked-choice voting (RCV) lawsuit in Maine highlights the deleterious effects of the system and notes there is little evidence that the purported benefits of RCV have come to fruition. The report’s author, Nolan McCarty, professor of politics and public affairs at Princeton University, found that RCV elections led to lower “full voter participation” rates in Maine in 2018 compared to the state’s plurality elections. In RCV elections, full participation means ranking at least all but one candidate, and not overvoting (i.e. selecting more than one viable candidate as the highest rank). McCarty found that…

On Friday, Maine’s Energy, Utilities, and Technology committee voted 8-1 to amend a bill that would allow for the state takeover of Central Maine Power (CMP) and Versant Power. The bill, LD 1646, originally aimed to create a consumer-owned public utility––the Maine Power Delivery Authority––by acquiring the assets and operations of Maine’s two private power companies. The amended version of the bill, which was sent to the full Legislature, calls for the creation of a Consumer Ownership Evaluation Task Force to study the possibility of the state takeover of CMP and Versant Power. The 13-person task force, made up of…

On Tuesday morning, Rep. Dale Crafts officially secured the Republican nomination for the 2nd Congressional District in a ranked-choice vote count conducted by the Secretary of State’s office. The win was all but guaranteed for Crafts, who received 46 percent of the vote in the first round of polling. His opponents, Adrienne Bennett and Sen. Eric Brakey, conceded last Wednesday after receiving 32 percent and 23 percent of the vote, respectively, in the first round. The Secretary of State’s office began tabulating votes for the second round of polling Friday morning. With Brakey eliminated in the first round, 3,351 of…

Last week, Governor Janet Mills’ Economic Recovery Committee released recommendations urging the administration to spend $1.1 billion to support and stabilize Maine’s economy, more than what the state can afford through remaining Coronavirus Aid and Relief Economic Security (CARES) Act funding alone. The 45-member committee, headed by Thomas College president Laurie Lachance and Tilson CEO Josh Broder, organize their recommendations into three categories: supporting Maine people, stabilizing Maine employers and investing in Maine infrastructure. Notable expenses include $300 million to PreK-12 schools and $45 million to childcare programs. The state has already directed $165 million and $8.4 million in CARES…

A recent commentary published in the Journal of Pediatrics encourages schools to reopen, citing that children rarely transmit COVID-19 to each other or to adults. The commentary, authored by two pediatric infectious disease specialists at the University of Vermont, builds on evidence that children contract the virus at much lower rates than adults and when infected, generally have mild symptoms. The specialists, Benjamin Lee, M.D. and William V. Raszka, Jr., M.D., wanted to know to what extent children are responsible for transmission, a key consideration for reopening schools. The two base their conclusions on five recent studies examining COVID-19 transmission…

On Friday, Governor Janet Mills released guidelines for schools as they consider whether or not to return to in-person instruction this Fall. Mills’ framework includes a three-tiered health advisory system, which will color code counties based on their perceived level of risk: A red county suggests a high risk of COVID spread and means in-person instruction should not be conducted. A yellow county suggests a moderate risk of COVID spread and means hybrid instruction models should be adopted. A green county suggests a relatively low risk of COVID spread and means that in-person instruction can be adopted, although a district…

Bath Iron Works (BIW) filed a charge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) last Friday against a striking labor union threatening members who choose to return to work.  In a message titled “Attention to All Scabs,” written in response to a form BIW reportedly sent to members on how to resign from the union, Local S6 leaders warned members that those who elect to cross the picket line would be fined after the strike is over. “Once we return to work, anyone who took the advice from management and resigned from the Union will still be required to pay…

Senate President Troy Jackson and Speaker of the House Sara Gideon began polling Maine lawmakers on Tuesday to gauge their interest in reconvening next month. Legislative Republicans denied their undefined offer to reconvene, stating they do not support an open-ended session that fails to focus on amending Governor Janet Mills’ emergency powers and addressing coronavirus-related legislation. The Maine Legislature has been out of session since March 17. Before abruptly adjourning, lawmakers granted Governor Mills additional emergency powers to manage the state’s response to COVID-19. Since then, legislators on both sides of the aisle have expressed frustration over being sidelined in the…

As the school year fast approaches, only one item in the curriculum seems guaranteed: change. Maine students will resume school in some capacity this fall, though the year promises to look different than any other before. A return to in-person instruction brings with it new COVID-adjusted learning environments, which may include reduced class sizes, spaced desks and staggered schedules. And if schools opt to move online, students and parents will have to adapt to distance learning, which most only dipped their toes into this spring. With so much uncertainty surrounding the upcoming school year and student safety, parents now more…

A survey conducted by Rep. Justin Fecteau and Rep. Heidi Sampson indicates that Maine students are eager to return to school in person, rather than online, this Fall. The Back-to-School Survey, which ran from July 5 to July 9, garnered 10,310 responses. Parents, grandparents, and guardians made up roughly 90 percent of respondents. Educators and administrators, school board members and K-12 and college students also weighed in, though in smaller numbers. Survey responses make the desire for a return to in-person instruction clear. Nearly 80 percent of respondents agree with the statement, “My student wants to resume in-person instruction beginning this…

In the past 13 years, Maine voters have approved 38 of 39 bond issues on the ballot, totaling $1.43 billion in value, according to data from Ballotpedia. On July 14, Maine voters will be asked to decide on two more bond issues related to Maine’s broadband connectivity and transportation infrastructure. If history tells us anything, Mainers are likely to approve Questions 1 and 2 on the ballot this year. But voters should think twice before throwing money at these issues, as they can be solved without borrowing. Question 1 concerns a $15 million general obligation bond to invest in high-speed…

A pending ballot initiative is quietly seeking to expand negotiable items for teachers’ unions to include class sizes and planning and preparation periods. The initiative, likely advanced by the Maine Education Association (MEA), borrows language from a collective bargaining bill that failed in the legislature last year. The bill, LD 240, which passed in the House and Senate but was vetoed by Governor Janet Mills, called for class sizes, planning and preparation periods and voluntary/involuntary transfers––in addition to wages and benefits––to be subject to collective bargaining. During the debates on LD 240, proponents, including the MEA and a handful of…

As the July 14th primary election nears, Maine voters have requested absentee ballots that far exceed numbers from previous years. Data from the department of the Secretary of State indicate that as of June 26th, 137,247  ballots have been requested. Maine’s June 2018 primary saw 35,982 requests total.  The nearly fourfold increase may in part be attributed to recommendations from city and town clerks and nonprofits. They are encouraging Mainers to vote by absentee ballot in order to prevent overcrowding at polls. “If you are registered to vote and able to receive mail, please vote absentee. That will reduce crowds…

On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court voted 5-4 to strike down a Montana provision prohibiting state aid to religious schools. The case, Espinosa v. Montana Department of Revenue, involved a state scholarship program that offered individuals and organizations tax credits to match donations to organizations helping students attend private schools. The state’s Department of Revenue said that the scholarships could not be used for religious schools, a ruling which was upheld in the Montana Supreme Court. Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court John Roberts, who joined conservative judges in the vote against Montana’s prohibition, said that the lower court…

On Monday, Governor Janet Mills announced that she will not allow bars to reopen for indoor service as originally scheduled on July 1st.  Mills attributes her decision to recent outbreaks of COVID-19 linked to bar reopenings in states such as Florida, Idaho, Texas, and Louisiana. Bars are currently open for indoor service in 27 states, according to data from the New York Times. The governor did not clarify the impact of bar reopenings in the 23 other states where these activities have been allowed to resume. “This was a difficult but necessary decision given the increased public health risk and the…

On Sunday evening, members of Local S6 voted to reject Bath Iron Works’ (BIW) final offer for a collective bargaining agreement and authorize a strike after nearly a month of negotiations. BIW’s proposed three-year contract included 3 percent guaranteed annual pay raises, a $1,200 ratification bonus, and pension increases. Copays and deductible for health care costs were also increased in the contract. The union committee condemned BIW’s failure to protect seniority rights and its plan to continue hiring subcontractors, which some fear will strip BIW employees of work and damage long-term job prospects for shipbuilders in Maine.  BIW says it…

On Monday, Governor Janet Mills announced that restaurants in Androscoggin, Cumberland, and York counties may offer dine-in services beginning Wednesday, June 17. They will join restaurants in Maine’s 13 other counties, which have been able to fully reopen under new health and safety guidelines since May 18th. Mills attributes her decision to a plateauting of new cases in recent weeks, as well as the stabilization of hospital rates in the three counties.  “Maine people and businesses have worked hard to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and the stabilization of cases and hospitalizations in York, Cumberland, and Androscoggin counties help demonstrate…

The Maine Republican Party says it has collected enough signatures to challenge a new law expanding the use of ranked-choice voting in Maine. On Monday, the Maine GOP announced that its Repeal RCV Campaign collected more than 72,000 signatures, surpassing the 63,067 signature requirement to advance a people’s veto. They seek to repeal a 2019 law (LD 1083) expanding the use of ranked-choice voting in Maine to presidential primary and general elections. If the Secretary of State’s office verifies the signatures within 30 days, the law will be officially stayed, meaning that voters will not use ranked-choice voting in the…

On Thursday, June 11, the Windham Town Council voted 5-2 to pass a resolution declaring all businesses essential. Last night, Auburn’s City Council approved a similar measure by a 4-3 vote. While businesses are still legally obligated to follow state guidelines, Windham’s Chairman Jarrod Maxfield says that the resolution aims to put pressure on Governor Janet Mills and the Maine Legislature. “NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDERED that the Town Council goes on the record imploring the Governor and our elected leaders to work together to put in place guidelines and practices as soon as possible that will let any business who…

The Maine Legislature may soon reconvene three months after lawmakers adjourned the 2020 session, giving Governor Janet Mills full authority to direct Maine’s emergency response to COVID-19. “I certainly feel like we are getting close to the point where we may reconvene…” Senate President Troy Jackson told the Press Herald last week. “At that time, [Gov. Mills’] emergency powers either won’t be the same or they won’t be there at all. She’ll have to work with us in a different way. We are getting close.” Since the legislature’s adjournment, lawmakers have had little say in Maine’s response to COVID-19. In…

Mark Walsh, Vice President of Ocean Properties, criticized Governor Janet Mills’ and her testing alternative for out-of-state visitors in a letter on June 9th, arguing that the recommendations and data presented by Maine’s tourism industry has been largely ignored. “After more than a month of trying to work together, it is clear that our thoughts, efforts and collective concerns from across our industry, and local chambers of commerce, were given no weight,” Walsh said. Gov. Mills’ new “Keep Maine Healthy” plan, effective July 1st, requires out-of-state visitors to either quarantine for two weeks or test negative for COVID-19 within 72…

Dominic Petrillo, owner of Petrillo’s restaurant in Freeport, got his license temporarily suspended on Monday for serving customers indoors despite state-mandated restrictions. Petrillo admitted that he had been offering dine-in services since June 4th, though the restaurant only advertised tableside patio service upon reopening. “Yes it is true. I have been serving our guests indoors that are comfortable doing so…Yes, I realize I am violating what I believe to be an UNJUST Executive Order,” Petrillo said in a widely-shared Facebook post Tuesday. Under Governor Mills’ current reopening plan, restaurants in Androscoggin, Cumberland and York counties are only permitted to serve…

Four restaurants in southern Maine are suing Governor Janet Mills over COVID-19 restrictions that prevent them from fully reopening. Mills’ current reopening plan bans restaurants in three counties––Androscoggin, Cumberland and York––from offering dine-in services until an undetermined date. Meanwhile, restaurants in Maine’s 13 other counties have been able to reopen since May 18th. The owners of the Campfire Grille in Bridgton, Morning Glory Diner in Bridgton, the Olde Mill Tavern in Harrison and the Shed Restaurant and Willy’s Market in Acton argue that Mills’ plan is unfair to restaurants near counties where restrictions are more relaxed. While the four restaurants…

On Monday, Governor Janet Mills announced an alternative to the 14 day quarantine for out-of- state visitors as part of a new “Keep Maine Healthy” plan. Beginning July 1st, out-of-state visitors who have tested negative for the virus within 72 hours of their arrival may forgo the two week quarantine. Hotels and other tourism businesses will not be required to ask visitors for proof of their test result. “We don’t want to make the hotel staff become a repository for HIPAA protected information,” Mills said in a press conference on Monday. “[Out of state visitors] may be asked for the…

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle voiced frustration last Thursday after Department of Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman failed to participate in a committee meeting to discuss issues surrounding unemployment in Maine. The meeting was intended as a follow-up to a heated four-hour briefing in early May. Lawmakers hoped to have new questions answered but were left with little information on how to help struggling constituents.  “It’s unconscionable for any administration to refuse to answer questions from constituents who have reached out to us, their representatives, for help,” Sen. Shenna Bellows, D-Manchester and co-chair of the labor panel, said. “This…

Four businesses in Portland––Novare Res, Sagamore Hill Lounge, Tomaso’s Canteen, and Rising Tide Brewing––have acquired restaurant licenses that will allow them to reopen earlier, according to the Portland Press Herald. Under Governor Janet Mills’ reopening plan, bars and tasting rooms in Androscoggin, York, and Cumberland counties are not allowed to open until July 1. Restaurants in these counties, however, were permitted to begin outdoor service on June 1. While the Portland businesses were all previously licensed as Class A lounges, they are now licensed as restaurants. Rising Tide Brewery was issued a Class III & IV license while the other…

More than 30 hotels in Maine are asking Governor Janet Mills to remove the 14 day quarantine for out-of-state visitors. “Our visitors, regardless of the state they live in, should not be discouraged from traveling by a quarantine or testing requirement…” a letter signed by hoteliers Mark Walsh and David Witham, said. They speak on behalf of a newly formed group of hospitality businesses: Work with ME. On Monday, hotels reopened as part of phase two of Gov. Mills’ plan to restart the economy. They are permitted to house only Maine residents or out-of-state visitors and essential workers who have…

On Friday, Governor Janet Mills released her response to requests from Speaker of the House Sara Gideon and Senate President Troy Jackson to form a task force to direct the state’s response to COVID-19. “I cannot agree to create a commission I believe would only divert from the critical and time-sensitive work we are doing and inject an unnecessary layer of political partisanship into these very sensitive decisions,” the governor said in a letter to the presiding officers. In letters sent to Mills on May 5, Gideon and Jackson called for a task force composed of cabinet members, legislators, public…

The Gorham town council voted 6-1 Tuesday evening to pass a resolution calling for the reopening of all Gorham businesses. The resolution, authored by Councilman Ben Hartwell, declares all Gorham businesses essential and supports their immediate reopening, so long as they follow “reasonable health and safety measures.” While businesses are still legally obligated to follow the state’s guidelines, the resolution puts pressure on Governor Janet Mills to reconsider her reopening plan. “The businesses are still essentially at the mercy of the state, but it is saying from this point forward, as far as we’re concerned, we’ve got your back, and…