Aroostook Day at the Legislature
|
APP President and CEO Bob Dorsey delivered the keynote address at the annual Aroostook Day at the Legislature.
|
AUGUSTA - It's a long trek down I-95 from Aroostook County to Augusta, but one business people, municipal leaders and economic development officials gladly make each winter for Aroostook Day at the Legislature, sponsored by LEADers Encouraging Aroostook Development (LEAD).
About 60 people, including the majority of the Aroostook County legislative delegation and other lawmakers from around the state, gathered at the Senator Inn Wednesday to discuss issues of importance to The County and Maine.
"It's an important day because it is an opportunity for the Aroostook delegation to meet with Aroostook business people in an informal setting," said Jon McLaughlin, LEAD president. "LEAD members get a chance to network and can bring concerns or ideas directly to lawmakers."
Senator Troy Jackson said the networking aspect of the event is especially important since Aroostook County is geographically so far removed from the state capital.
"You hear about projects and initiatives you as a lawmaker might be able to help with," said Jackson.
In addition to Senator Jackson, Representatives Joyce Fitzpatrick, Ken Theriault, Carol McElwee, Tyler Clark and Alex Willette were in attendance from the Aroostook delegation. Other lawmakers present were Representatives Jim Dill, Joyce Maker, Beth Turner, Lisa Villa, Paulette Beaudoin and Senators John Patrick, Emily Cain, David Dutrembal and Jim Boyle.
Aroostook Partnership for Progress (APP) President and CEO Bob Dorsey delivered the keynote address highlighting efforts to retain and attract 18- to 44-year-old workers in Aroostook County.
"It is a unique opportunity to get all the legislators, community, APP and LEAD members together and we have a chance to share thoughts and learn more than in just sound bites and news clips," said Dorsey.
Dorsey also said it is valuable to hear from lawmakers from outside of Aroostook.
"More than one downstate legislator said how impressed they were with how when there is an important issue Aroostook County comes together to speak in one voice," he said. "When we work collectively and collaborate we are much more powerful and effective."
| LEAD in Augusta Courtesy:WAGM-TV
|
Another unique aspect of Aroostook Day at the Le
gislature is at the end of any formal presentations attendees have the opportunity to bring up hot button issues. Presque Isle City Manager Jim Bennett urged the lawmakers to reject the Governor's plan to eliminate revenue sharing to municipalities for two years. He said lawmakers have many more tools than municipalities when it comes to balancing the budget. Senator Jackson said the biennial budget will be the biggest issue before the legislature.
|