In opposing the creation of a national park on donated, private land in northern Maine, Gov. Paul LePage trots out his usual tactics: cast the issue as one of out-of-state interests versus the proud people of the region; northern Maine versus southern Maine (particularly that bastion of rich, liberals — Portland); loss of jobs by suppression of the poor folks of Maine by the rich elite.
In short, he makes it all up. Let’s take a look.
Out-of state interests? Both the Katahdin and Houlton Chambers of Commerce, Katahdin Rotary, Bangor City Council, Maine Innkeepers Association and dozens of businesses all support a park.
North versus south? Critical Insights’ 2015 survey show 72 percent southern Mainers and 52 percent of northern Mainers support a park. Overall, six-in-ten Mainers support a park.
Creation of jobs? Which is more likely to create new jobs — the struggling forest products industry that has seen steady decline and created exodus in mill towns, or creating new recreation and tourism opportunities?
In playing the out-of-state interests card, it will be interesting to see if LePage welcomes Utah Congressman Rob Bishop (part of the anti-park caucus), who says he will come to Maine to oppose the park. Maybe Bishop will stay at the Blaine House.
What is really behind those arch-conservative’s opposition to creating public lands? Then that land is for the use of everyone and can’t be purchased by moneyed interests.
Joining LePage on WVOM-FM: Limbaugh, Hannity and Beck — the voice of a few, not of Maine.
Jeff Christiansen, Gorham
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