Archive for 2011

Lepage insider resigns

Communications Director Dan Demeritt’s resignation today is not unexpected for the under fire, inner-circle member of the Lepage administration. Demeritt was listed as both communications director and legislative affairs staffer.  His resignation followed media reports yesterday in the Portland Press Herald that he faced, “possible foreclosure on five buildings he owns…” (source Portland Press Herald 4/15/11  http://bit.ly/e3751P )

Demeritt was becoming a liability for the Lepage administration  well before yesterday’s revelation. His emails caused concern in January.

“Once we take office, Paul will put 11,000 bureaucrats to work getting Republicans re-elected.” Dirigo Blue wrote: “ But reading through the entire document, it is apparent that the incoming administration was preparing to use – whenever possible – the apparatus of government as a promotional tool. ” (source, Dirigo Blue  1/30/11 http://bit.ly/hFIndu)

It appeared slipshod at best to make those comments in a written forum, brazenly arrogant at worst.  In the weeks leading up to and following, Demerit was prone to answering media questions in ways that befuddled the average Mainer.  When asked about closing state government for bad weather he said: ” “The rule of thumb is: if Marden’s is open, Maine is open,” Demeritt said. (Kennebec Journal  1/17/11   http://bit.ly/e9Nwjq )

As a former communications director for the previous administration, I can empathize with Demeritt  around the difficulties of the job. You are constantly under the microscope and in the public eye.  I am also wondering,  however,  why he chose to take huge risks in both what he said and as we recently learned  how he apparently chose to handle his personal affairs.  In my brief hallway conversations with him he would repeatedly ask why the media was treating him so badly. I believe he was really at a loss about why reporters were not asking the questions he wanted them to ask and why they asked the questions they did.   In my opinion, Dan never transitioned from the short term  rhetoric of  a campaign to the long term communications around governing.

Crystal Canney was a journalist for 20 years and was  communications director for Governor John Baldacci.  She is currently President of Canney Communications,  a Portland based political media and public relations firm.

Jobs and a Chance to Compete

NO RUBBER STAMP JUST JOBS AND A CHANCE TO COMPETE

How many times have we said in Maine, it’s a shame we can’t attract more business with good paying jobs.  LD 1203, the citizens’ initiative, would allow racinos in Biddeford and Calais.  The Biddeford project would create 800 construction jobs and 500 jobs to operate the facility, while preserving Maine’s proud harness racing industry and saving thousands of related jobs that support the equine industry.  The project, approved by statewide referendum in 2003, includes an integrated entertainment complex, resort hotel, harness racetrack and slot.  The tribal racino in Calais, previously approved by the legislature, the Calais City Council and by the residents of Washington County by a 70-30 margin, would create hundreds of additional jobs in construction and operations, while attracting tourists from the population centers of western New Brunswick. 

State government estimates Maine’s general fund would receive $33,000,000 annually, with an additional $5,000,000 going to Maine college scholarships.  The City of Biddeford would receive an estimated five million dollars annually and the City of Calais would receive millions as well. 

Although Mainers voted for two fully-integrated racinos in 2003, the law needs two  corrections to allow these projects.  This paper’s editorial board mistakenly suggests that the Legislature has always submitted such changes to statewide referendum.  Instead, the Legislature has taken the lead in improving Maine’s racino and other gaming laws, repealing and replacing the law in 2004 to enhance regulatory provisions, increase taxes and allow a temporary detached hybrid racino in Bangor.  In 2007, the law was amended to allow the permanent slot facility in Bangor to be detached to accommodate the City’s waterfront development plans, but making clear that future racinos should be fully integrated.  The 2007 Legislature also approved overwhelming the Washington County racino.  Only a gubernatorial veto sent the project to statewide referendum.  The current legislature is working to amend the casino law to facilitate the proposed Oxford County casino.    

Ocean Properties, the Downs’ partner, is a world-class destination resort company.  Founded by Bangor native Tom Walsh, the firm operates over 100 destinations worldwide, including some of Maine’s great landmarks such as the Samoset in Rockland and resorts in Bar Harbor. 

The Passamaquoddy Tribe, which would develop the Calais facility, is already Washington County’s largest employer and proposes a beautiful new racing venue immediately adjacent to the new $55 million border crossing.   At the same, Washington County has the highest unemployment rate at 12.7% and jobs is what the region of the state needs now.

The Legislature should pass LD 1203 and bring the projects forward promptly.  Forcing a referendum would mean delay; this week, Biddeford City Manager John Bubier estimated 40 million dollars in cash flow will be lost from that delay alone.