AUGUSTA -- Senate President Libby Mitchell, the Democratic nominee for Maine governor, criticized independent candidate Eliot Cutler on Thursday for proposing to eliminate the Board of Environmental Protection if elected.

Mitchell held a press conference just before the board's hearing on a proposal to ban the sale of certain children's products that contain bisphenol-A, a chemical that some say is harmful to children.

The board is a 10-member citizen panel, appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Legislature, that interprets and enforces laws relating to environmental protection.

"I believe it's a very important piece of our democracy," Mitchell said. "Our Board of Environmental Protection gives everyday people the right to approach their government."

On Monday, Cutler released a plan to restructure government that included the elimination of the board. He argues that investors can spend "million of dollars and several years" trying to get approval from the Department of Environmental Protection and then must defend the proposal in front of the Board of Environmental Protection.

"The way it is set up now is something that sends up a red flag to anyone who wants to make a major investment in Maine," said Cutler Campaign Manager Ted O'Meara.

Instead, Cutler would create a three-judge appellate court to review decisions made by the department and other state rulemakers. O'Meara said citizens would have input as decisions are made by the department.

But Mitchell said that's not enough.

"I think a good corporation is not going to be discouraged about a public process where the issues can be discussed by ordinary citizens," she said. "To totally eliminate this opportunity for public input is unacceptable."

O'Meara said Cutler is putting out new ideas to make government work better for citizens and potential investors.

"She is the champion of the status quo in this race," he said of Mitchell. "Eliot is putting bold ideas on the table."

Mitchell and Cutler are joined by Republican Paul LePage, and independents Kevin Scott and Shawn Moody, in the Nov. 2 race for governor.

The best part about running for Governor is that you get to meet so many extraordinary Maine people. Their stories help tell us where we have been, and where we are going; in essence, the larger story of who we are as a state.

Every day I am lucky enough to have the opportunity to talk with working people, business owners, families and people from every other walk of life. By sharing their stories with you, I hope to give voters a better sense of what is happening around the state as well as what I am seeing and hearing on the campaign trail.

Matthea Daughtry

I was in downtown Brunswick on a balmy summer day recently – meeting residents, chatting with shop owners and listening to the concerns of people like 23-year old Matthea Daughtry.

Matthea is the curator for VSA arts of Maine, a non-profit organization in Brunswick that provides arts, educational and cultural opportunities for children and adults with disabilities.

While taking a break to walk her dog, Emma Lena, this Brunswick native told me that while she is happy to have found a good job with health benefits so quickly after graduating from college, she is not at all happy that the her insurance deductible is sky high. That’s worrisome for Matthea, who has an autoimmune disorder.

Not only is her inadequate health care coverage nerve-wracking; it is disheartening. I hear her concern loud and clear. I’ve met far too many Mainers who have inadequate coverage – or no health care coverage at all.

Matthea describes herself as an “old fashioned Mainer” who believes that the community must take care of its own – a core value that she says should be translated into government action. And that means affordable health care for all Mainers.

It’s a value I share, a value that will guide me if I am elected Governor.

Mainers like Matthea--young and old alike--shouldn’t have to worry about being able to afford health care. They should instead be able to focus on their families, their jobs and the simple joys of life – like taking a break to walk the dog on a gorgeous August afternoon.
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Lynn Archer

I recently toured Rockland’s Main Street and was impressed by the amount of activity in their downtown. It wasn’t just the hustle and bustle; the people who are making their businesses work in this tough economy really stood out.

One of those business owners was Lynn Archer. Lynn owns the Brass Compass, a restaurant famous for its seafood dishes and homemade pies. Like Lynn, the restaurant was brimming with of energy, diners filled the tables and servers flew back and forth from the dining room to the kitchen.

Lynn is making her restaurant succeed because she is an outside the box thinker. A few years ago when the price of lobster dropped unusually low, she launched a campaign to encourage everyone to eat lobster. Her efforts paid off and the local seafood and lobster industries were able to get by until prices rebounded.

She also had a brush with fame when she took on the Food Network’s Bobby Flay in an episode of his show “Throwdown.” Lynn says that attention from the “Throwdown” has helped boost business but that she must continue to be innovative if she is going to continue her success.

The world could use a few more Lynn Archers (but if you have had the pleasure of meeting her, you know that there is no one else like her!). And while we cannot clone Lynn, we can strengthen Maine’s economy by supporting entrepreneurs, attracting investment for businesses seeking to grow, and making sure our children receive a world-class education.

It was a pleasure spending time with Lynn and her crew. My one regret is that I did not get a chance to try one of those pies! You can bet I wont miss out next time I am in town!

Do you have an idea that will improve Maine’s future? I would like to hear your thoughts on how we can strengthen our economy, improve Maine schools ,and protect the qualities that make Maine unique. If you cannot make it to a campaign event, please share your ideas through my website.

I appreciate you taking the time to contact me and look forward to reading your suggestions.