Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
Lawmaker Proposes Plan to Divide Maine into Two States
By
Greg Tulonen
Story Created:
Mar 10, 2010 at 11:55 AM EDT
Story Updated:
Mar 10, 2010 at 11:55 AM EDT
(News 13) Maine Representative Henry Joy (R) has submitted legislation to divide Maine into two states -- Maine and Northern Massachusetts.
Joy proposed his plan on Tuesday after seeing a report that the environmentalist group RESTORE has submitted a plan to preserve 3.2 million acres of forest in northern Maine.
Rep. Joy says environmentalists have a plan to take control of 10 million acres in northern Maine and hand it over to the government for preservation, kicking everyone out of their homes and not allowing any further development in the region.
But the group, which has offices in Hallowell, says their own plan to preserve 3.2 million acres of land wouldn't force current residents out of their homes or force them to give up their property. RESTORE wouldn't offer public comment on Rep. Joy's plan Tuesday night.
Rep. Joy says Maine needs to be split into two states "so the people of northern Maine can decide their own destiny. They don't like being used as pawns in some giant environmental chess game."
Under Rep. Joy's plan, Maine would include Aroostook, Piscataquis, Somerset, Franklin, Penobscot, and parts of Washington, Hancock and Oxford Counties. The newly created state of Northern Massachusetts would include York, Cumberland, Androscoggin, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Waldo, Knox and Kennebec Counties.
Before the plan can even be heard, it needs to clear a 10-member Legislative Council.
Joy represents the town of Crystal, which is 36 miles southwest of Houlton.
You have indicated this comment should be removed.
The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .
Anonymous said on Wednesday, Jun 9 at 1:15 PM
First Maine had to fight for 30 years to separate from Mass because Boston was calling the shots for us. Second, Maine was already approved for statehood by House of Reps before Senator from SC highjacked the legislation to piggyback Missouri in as an "original" state- it onlybecame the Missouri Compromise years later when textbook history revisonism took place. Why is Maine Historical Society in Portland, why is Second Congressional District office in Lewiston. why is there no Aroostook War memorial for the 12,ooo men who braved a Maine winter just so we could fight over who controls the land.
45030243Anonymous said on Friday, Apr 9 at 4:17 PM
Maine would then have 4 senators....why would Maine not want that?
40966457Anonymous said on Thursday, Apr 8 at 4:06 PM
THIS IS THE MOST RIDICULOUS IDEA EVER PROPOSED!! I have lived in Maine my entire life and this proposal would make my home town part of Mass, I don't think so! I am currently living in Fort Kent, Maine the furthest North you can get and I see no reason for this to happen. Be serious now people, we have more important things to think about. Conserve our land and leave politics out of it.
40895347fishlakebrookie said on Thursday, Apr 8 at 1:04 PM
new canada? rotf..
40881777fishlakebrookie said on Thursday, Apr 8 at 1:02 PM
why not move northern maine down to where northern mass will be and name it maine and call northern maine southern canada! lol.. jeese.. thats about a good idea as what this guy is planning.. wth!
40881572Andy said on Tuesday, Mar 30 at 9:35 PM
Maine shouldn't be divided. I remember hearing something like this years ago but it never took. just like this should never take. I mean, if it does, can we please be a lttle more original the "Northern Massachusetts." I would rather not be affiliated with MA in anyway.
40343289joel said on Tuesday, Mar 30 at 8:33 AM
Impeach Rep Joy now!
40291719Anonymous said on Friday, Mar 26 at 12:53 AM
Why do Republicans always seek to destroy that which is beautiful?
40048454Jay said on Thursday, Mar 25 at 7:26 PM
Sounds like Joy is a genius, he has gotten everyone to talk about the subject. Now southern Maine might stop thinking about themselves long enough to address a problem that has an impact on everyone in the state.
40035406T R said on Thursday, Mar 25 at 2:25 AM
Separating Maine is like trying to separate a bee colony. If you take out the workers, it will crumble, and if you separate the queen from the colony it will not function. All parts of Maine work together not alone. So congressmen and legislature... LEARN TO WORK TOGETHER!!!!! You were elected to represent Maine not to separate it!
39976784Norman said on Thursday, Mar 25 at 1:25 AM
Haha, lets just leave it at that. Not gonna happen, or atleast it better not!
39975364Peter said on Wednesday, Mar 24 at 9:48 PM
If you read your history, you will understand that Maine was indeed a territory of Massachusetts until 1820. Read the book "Lost States" for more on this and other "almost" states.
39966957West By God said on Tuesday, Mar 23 at 6:28 AM
This is typical of the ingorance that is in America today. Read the Consititution. After the Civil War , an admentment was added that no state could ever seperate into two states again. It was written because West Virginia was formed from the State of Virginia. It should be required reading of all law makers.
39802952Chris said on Saturday, Mar 20 at 5:34 AM
This guy also has to take into account that in order to become a new state, it would have to apply for statehood, which has to go through federal government? No way will this pass. Northern Maine is beautiful and what not, and there are great people up there, but sorry...there's just not enough money up there to be able to have it's own state.
39641042Carolyn KimbALL said on Friday, Mar 19 at 1:05 AM
I was born in No. ME.,worked in MA, and now retired on the coast of ME. NO WAY IS THE COAST OF ME EVER GOING TO BE NO. MA!!!! If anything, make it Northern ME, and Southern ME like N. Carolina and S. Carolina. If not that, make No. ME part of Canada!
39574152Cindy Wilson said on Thursday, Mar 18 at 3:46 PM
A letter I wrote to Mr. Joy regarding his 'legislation' to divide Maine into two states: I realize you have strong opinions regarding preserving land and I think you wasting time, paper, and publicity talking about dividing our beautiful state of Maine into Northern Massachusetts and Maine is ridiculous and obnoxious. Just as the citizens of 'northern Maine' want to be able to have a say in their destiny, we in 'southern Maine' deserve that same consideration. We are all members of the same state yet; your politics are attempting to divide us as if one section of the state is more valuable than the other section of the state. There have been conversations about dedicating the North Woods into National Park Land for quite a long time. The sane people in the conversation are talking about how to balance the land use issues; respecting the current and hereditary use of the land while preserving the land for future generations. Part of the reason for these discussions is to preserve
39549869The Mainiac said on Wednesday, Mar 17 at 7:04 PM
Change is disruptive. Does this appear to be a question of people no longer having unrestricted access to someone else's property for fishing, camping, and hunting? Mainers and others from across the nation are used to hunting and fishing on lumber company lands. That was great but new owners may have different ideas about how to use their property. If the people of "Maine" (however you define it) want to control how the land is used in the traditional wilderness areas, they need to buy it.
39484414Loni Ingalls said on Tuesday, Mar 16 at 5:21 PM
This "lawmaker" needs to concentrate on trying to multiply whatever little neuro-transmitter action may still be taking place in that narrow mind of his! This plan is a sad reflection of his so-called thought proccess.
39416096Wally said on Tuesday, Mar 16 at 4:04 PM
And we wonder why the United States is so quickly falling behind in the world. We have made it mandatory that only morons are elected as politicians. How about doing something do deal with Maine's pathetic economy? Rey Joy? Nice name moron
39411301Northern Mainer said on Tuesday, Mar 16 at 10:32 AM
I couldnt believe that the state of Maine needed to be sperated to Northern Mass? That is the dumbest plan i ever heard of. I personally think Rep lawmaker are nuts!
39314881Michael said on Monday, Mar 15 at 10:16 PM
Here's an idea.....Rep Joy wants to split the state of Maine into 2 new states?.....let's show him what a united Maine can do and ensure that he doesn't get re-elected when his term is finished...problem solved!
39293074I'm from york beach said on Monday, Mar 15 at 7:06 PM
Hahahahahahaha
39284414M.Carney said on Monday, Mar 15 at 7:04 PM
He does realize that what Rep. Joy wants to call Norther Massachusetts, doesn't even touch Massachusetts, right?
39284349Pam said on Monday, Mar 15 at 7:00 PM
Good point Katie. I understand where Rep. Joy is coming from is coming from and how he wants to preserve the ability to control what happens to the land in Northern Maine, but I have little tolerance for people who take the most drastic measure without trying other possibilities. Where are the negotiations instead of just saying, "That's it, let's separate so we get our own way"? I think that changes need to be made for the sake of Northern Mainers, however cutting ourselves off from Southern Maine would simply create a HUGE hole we would have to dig ourselves out of. It says in the article that he did it after seeing the report for land preservation. That means his intentions are misaligned. Rep. Joy, this isn't going to pass but if you are serious about wanting it, at least put some serious thought into it and how it affects everyone. And don't name the south "Northern Massachusettes" out of spite. Southern Maine would be just fine. -Pam, Northern Mainer
39284146max said on Monday, Mar 15 at 6:54 PM
i would never want to live in a state called "northern mass" thats the worst idea ever.
39283884Katie said on Monday, Mar 15 at 6:44 PM
Hey Northern Maine, you realize under this new plan UMO will be in the state of the new "Maine" and that YOU will be expected to provide the state funding for the university? That's a pretty big chunk of change... your sure you want to take that on? And then the majority of students would be coming from "out of state" (Northern Mass) and would have to pay $20000 for tuition as opposed to the $8000 now for in-state tuition. If you don't think that will decrease application numbers and enrollment you're crazy. Orono is the biggest campus, but you'd actually become responsible for 5 of the 7 University of Maine campuses. There are already funding issues while the WHOLE STATE is funding these universities. Good luck doing it without the help of the bigger city incomes in Maine.
39283486Roach said on Monday, Mar 15 at 4:24 PM
This is our government hard at work??? zoinks!!!
39276014Max said on Monday, Mar 15 at 3:50 PM
That is probably the dumbest plan I have heard of. Why would you want to divide us? United we stand and if this bill passes it will divide mainers.
39273789Ellie said on Monday, Mar 15 at 3:30 PM
Canada!
39272431Don said on Monday, Mar 15 at 8:52 AM
Typical politician. Treats the symptom and not the illness. Why not go after RESTORE and other folks who would try to makeover our great state. Rep Joy would rather let us be divided (and then conquered?). Maine broke off from Massachusetts a long time ago and hasn't looked back. Time for our state reps to be WHOLE state reps. Get out of your home towns once in awhile. What makes Maine great is ALL its people and places. Maine should decide what to do with it's resources and not anyone else.
39248581Samantha said on Sunday, Mar 14 at 4:56 PM
Lets be honest. Neither of those proposals will get approved. No need to worry about losing precious hunting land or skidoo trails or about Maine suddenly becoming Mass. It simply will NOT happen.
39225964R10m said on Sunday, Mar 14 at 3:27 PM
why doesn't he go NY city and kick everybody out of there and keep that land for preservation?
39222971David said on Sunday, Mar 14 at 9:51 AM
What an excellent idea... but wait a new state means we would have to change the flag and add a star... oh, great idea, let's have Texas secede from the United States to keep the flag the same. This is just silly
39211086Rick said on Sunday, Mar 14 at 7:52 AM
Being from the southern part of the state,I would be willing to bet that most of you refusing to understand Mr. Joys point have ever been north of Augusta not to mention Bangor.Southern part of the state has the voting power over the north because of the population.Their way of life is different not wrong and are sick of us controling their lives.I love visiting there and talking to them.Recreation is now their livelihood,and people living in the south on their half acre lots are trying to take it away.People need to respect and understand other parts of our state,one size does not fit all.Nothing worse than people moving to get away from where they were then try to change things to like where they came from.It's too late down here.Maybe we could reverse what Clinton has done with manufacturing jobs (nafta) and get jobs back into those counties that need them.Probably be a lot less animosity.
39208316JSinMA said on Sunday, Mar 14 at 7:06 AM
Maine didn't become independent of Massachusetts and Massachusetts didn't 'give away' Maine. NH WHINED about being landlocked so it was given coastline (i.e. Portsmouth, Greenland, Hampton, Exeter, and dare I say Seabrook). This left Massachusetts with non-contiguous land larger than the parent state. Thanks to Henry Clay "The Great Compromiser" Maine was admitted as a FREE state and Missouri was admitted as a ... See MoreSLAVE state. He effected delaying the Civil War for 40 /- years, however, in an effort to protect state rights and self-sovereinty, Massachusetts was deprived of it's state rights and Maine was deprived of self-determination (their states rights). The SLAVE states may have won that battle but 44 /- years later the with the final battle at Appomattox Court House the UNION was preserved and reunification of a FREE (at least in it's early stages) AMERICA was redefined.
39207726Ang said on Sunday, Mar 14 at 2:46 AM
I say all the new england states band together and become 1 state. Though re-designing the flag would be interesting..........but we could have pro sports teams........please dont yell at me Im just trying to get a laugh. None of you can honestly believe this is going to happen. There are many political and social reasons it wouldnt. And besides it would have to come down to a vote. Its not going to happen.
39205329Eric said on Saturday, Mar 13 at 10:51 PM
Northern Massachusetts? No way. I say that Southern Maine henceforth be known as "Good Maine."
39200641mainahforevah said on Saturday, Mar 13 at 10:06 PM
...Ellen...yes northern Maine is the least populated but is filled with the hardest working people around....if they cut off the disease (Portland/Lewiston etc) then they wouldn't need all the tax revenue to give to the lazy bums looking for handouts.....They would survive fine without the southern part of the state....So stop telling people that northern Maine needs the likes of Portland....we would be so better off without it!
39199581Anonymous said on Saturday, Mar 13 at 8:05 PM
Do this person have a mental problem? With this tough economic time, we want to waste the money that we have to do this? Also, if we did this Maine wouldn't be the only state to border only one other state. If I could vote, my answer would be NO! I can't wait another 9 months to put my input into making decisions for my town, state, and country.
39196496Nat said on Saturday, Mar 13 at 3:43 PM
Let's not panic here, folks. We became independent of Mass. for a reason - we were tired of not having a say in our own lives. We have the right to block the enviromentalists when it comes to our own propery rights. Hugging a tree is a good thing, just watch for the bugs.
39188829mark said on Saturday, Mar 13 at 1:04 PM
Great idea, I suspect the new State of Northern Maine will be a real viable entity. I suspect if you looked at the real numbers, you would find Southern ME subsidizing No ME and not the other way around, just like you would find that Maine as a state receives more in Federal benefits than the Federal taxes the state pays in. Maine has become a dependent state. What ME needs to do is develop a real economy and that would start with getting a new legislature that is in touch with some semblance of realty. ME tries to provide a Scandinavian social system based on a Third World economy. Take a trip through the Maine State Museum some time. There you will find evidence of a state that produced real goods and services that in the past enabled it to support its citizenry. That independent-minded, creative, and inventive mindset has long since left the state and moved elsewhere, mainly to New Hampshire. Only the ME state legislature would spend time and money on this ridiculous issue.
39183236Melissa said on Saturday, Mar 13 at 12:52 PM
Guess I have to move back to Maine with my WAR gear and defend our state from invasion like the old days when we separated from the MASS HOLES the first time 5 generations back.
39182729Tammy said on Saturday, Mar 13 at 12:27 PM
Why are we wasting taxpayers (mine) money on such a ridiculous proposal !!!! The southern part of the sate is paying for the northern half currently , what does he think will happen when that revenue is gone how will the sate manage to fund the government and programs the northern half is currently using.
39181619Frank said on Saturday, Mar 13 at 12:26 PM
I think it's a great idea ,let the northern Maine separate from the USA and become the NEW WEST BRUNSWICK and benefit from social medicine.
39181589hh said on Saturday, Mar 13 at 12:11 PM
hh
39180939Maureen Brochu said on Saturday, Mar 13 at 11:40 AM
OMG don't these guys have anything better to do than propose such outrageous ideas? As a native, my opinion is "if you don't like it here, go back to where you came from, run don't walk". We sure as heck won't miss you.
391795492Hotty said on Friday, Mar 12 at 11:55 PM
Wow, so many people seem to be taking this stunt seriously. I'm shocked there are so many comments against this which include facts, analyses, and passionate pleas. Besides, it's all moot. Southern NH owns the rights to the name Northern Massachusetts. I think Manchester will make a fine capital. Marc is right. You guys will make a fine addition to the Union as East New Hampshire.
39163186County Boy said on Friday, Mar 12 at 10:28 PM
Personally, I'm getting sick and tired of people in Bangor saying they are "Northern Maine". Another 2 hours north to Houlton, another 2 hours north to Fort Kent... yet from Bangor, I can be in New Hampshire in 4 hours. Bangor is CENTRAL Maine. And I like the REAL Northern Maine just like it is. Very few people means fewer @$$holes.
39159801discusted said on Friday, Mar 12 at 7:12 PM
why dont we just hand it over to england and let them have it..might as well, thats what this basically is i hope people wake up and see whats going to go on if this ever happens!!
39152234Heather said on Friday, Mar 12 at 5:22 PM
This is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. First of all, the people of northern Maine can "decide their own destiny" regardless of what the name of the state is. Not to mention the fact they need the support of the ENTIRE state, given the fact that it is so scarcely populated and they would have little funding to support their cause. That argument is just outrageous. Secondly, if you are going to divide it into two states, WHY would you name it Northern Massachusetts. It is not 1820 Joy... and Maine does not even touch Massachusetts. Did you take two seconds to consider what the majority of the population of Maine, which happens to be located in your "Northern Massachusetts" thinks about this? Just leave it alone.
39146634mainahforevah said on Friday, Mar 12 at 4:13 PM
Why should the majority of the state have to live like the people of Portland want? Maine is turning into a welfare state......people are actually moving to the state because of its wonderful hand outs! Look at Lewiston....already bringing in more Somalis when they don't have the resources for the current ones. Real smart and the people of the state had no voice in that matter!
39142771Kelly said on Friday, Mar 12 at 3:16 PM
This has got to be the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard! The man that came up with this idea should be embarrassed and should go live in Mass.
39138759lea said on Friday, Mar 12 at 3:07 PM
I am from caribou maine and i know that the good people in maine will not let this happen . It is a place to have a family and enjoy life the way it should be shame on the goverment People in maine stand and fight
39138111John said on Friday, Mar 12 at 10:52 AM
Totally stupid idea, he sits there and complains that only 22 people decide the fate of northern Maine. Well then if people cared so much about it they would be willing to stand up for northern Maine and have a say in what would happen, not come up with some hair brain idea like this. No sense at all, it takes a genius to come up with the idea that splitting the state would be the best solution. Just imagine the out come of this, Maine split into two states and why? All for the idea of one man who assumes it is the best answer. Northern Maine has nothing there for stability and annual income, it would just be a matter of time before they had their hand out wanting and needing help to survive. If you ask me the whole idea is BS.
39119216GettaClue said on Friday, Mar 12 at 9:11 AM
Wow! Chill - Joy is just trying to make a point about the eco-terrorist land-grab. Maybe a better ploy would be to require a one-for-one exchange. One acre of Southern Maine or, better yet, eastern Mass. for each acre of Northern Maine - want to make a real difference? Plow up some concrete in-town Boston, don't take away homes and livelihoods in Houlton.
39112869Anonymous said on Friday, Mar 12 at 12:21 AM
Northern Massachusetts? Everyone knows the proper name for that area is Mainachusetts.
39101639Renee, Mainah said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 10:44 PM
Dividing the state would be throwing the upper half to the dogs. Northern counties get low enough funding as it is. It would damage the educational infrastructure, such as USM's and UMA's satellite education system, which allows classrooms of students from all over the state to interact in one class, ensuring a quality education to everyone, no matter how rural an area they live in. Preserving forests would not be a bad idea, Maine forests are undervalued as sinks that absorb CO2 emissions and curb climate change. Ever wonder why Maine has such great air quality? Preserving the land would NOT remove people from their homes, it would not allow commercial logging and development in certain areas and precautions would be taken to allow for growth in towns. A little more order in the zoning of northern Maine might be what it takes to help small towns thrive. It's a scare tactic and a lie to say that preserving natural resources will drive people from their homes. Don't buy into it.
39097531Ben Dover said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 6:40 PM
Ummm...the current state of Maine was a part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1652. It didn't become it's own state until 1820...I think he is just trying to make a point. Chill out....hug a tree...
39086174Brittany said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 5:29 PM
Does no one care about Maine? Yeah lets just decide to split it because no one cares what happens to Maine...people actually might like living in this state and not be comfortable with turning part of it into "northern Massachusetts". If they want to live in Massachusetts they can just move there. Wow, i'm just so sick of people thinking that Mainers are stupid and will just go along with anything.
39081606Get a clue! said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 4:36 PM
SWEET IDEA, while we are cutting up the state can we make Downtown Lewiston and Portland their own states under the Fed?
39078116Bj said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 12:36 PM
I have lived in Maine for over 35 years and I have watched environmentalist put hundreds of people out of work! It will be great for them to all live in a beautiful state - and they can pay ALL the taxes to maintain that state - by themselves! Comeon people! Get real. There are a zillion trees! Land area mass is not reproducable. If the FEDERAL government owns as much as it is proposing to own (take over 13 Million! acres) then they will control every singal thing and every freedom that we hold dear! We need to see the elephant in the room, and understand - it is not gold or paper money that is the key to holding the power - it is LAND! The feds know that - that is why they are trying to take it! I say succeed! Not just Maine - lets divide this country in half, the folks who actually work, and strive for better can be on one half, and those who want to sit on their behinds and wait for handouts can be on the other....we will see who prospers!
39061714Greg said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 12:21 PM
This is the worst thing that happened since his election, which was also a mistake.
39060691Brian said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 10:12 AM
What is this going to prove, I mean maine is still going to remove acres of trees for their own personal use. It seems like a good idea but what is it going to do to the maine taxes is it going to raise them or lower them? And yes we should be called eastern-new hampshire not northern mass. And if this does happen the lower part of what is now maine should come up with their own state name.
39051399Bob from "Maine" said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 4:52 AM
If the northern part of the state wants to succeed from Maine, they should get their own state name, like maybe "Southern Quebec"
39041509Marc said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 1:13 AM
I would prefer to be part of "East New Hampshire".
39037939Rob said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 1:07 AM
With all the serious,pressing issues,facing our country,and state,right now,I am thinking that pehaps these people might focus their time and efforts on making this state and country,a truly better place to live,say perhaps,feeding some of the homeless people that sufferevery day or bringing our sons and daughters that are getting needlessly killed,home,instead of worrying about some forestland up in the middle of the allagash area that isnt soon to be threatend with a strip mall,or McDonalds anytime soon!!
39037809Ben said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 12:01 AM
"scenes" not seasons. my mistake
39035784Ben said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 12:01 AM
This idea is obviously not well thought out what so ever. A little common sense would be nice. Maine should remain one state. There is no real reason to break up the state except maybe for reasons behind the seasons that the government wouldn't like us to know about.
39035759Ellips said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 11:53 PM
I'm a "born-and-raised Northern Mainer" and I think this idea is absurd, Northern Maine would not be able to survive on its own as a state, and frankly I wouldn't want to live in it if it could (I am relatively liberal and don't really want to see what would happen if the rural areas were cut of without the urban balance, and vice versa). Also freaking out about making all of Northern Maine a "national park" is a bit absurd, do people realize how much of Northern Maine is unorganized territory with hardly any if any people living there? How much would really change if they decided to protect that land for future generations?
39035476Jessica said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 8:09 PM
While I'm necessarily for separating the state into two smaller states, it does seem as though Northern Mainers often get forgotten about in the legislation. And just because they may be the least populated doesn't mean they don't deserve to keep their homes and land that, in some cases, have been in their families for generations! It seems as though, from the point of view of a born-and-raised Northern Mainer (which the rest of you clearly are not!) that some Southern Mainers are trying to make our homes into one giant national park!
39025781not important-enough 2nd said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 5:59 PM
I wonder if Jashua Chamberlin at Gettysburg during the cival war, ya remember that from school? told his men, when they ran out of Ammo, lets split up men, and run home, where ever that is, no he din'nt, town of cristal must be proud...
39018109not important-enough the2nd said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 5:51 PM
With all do respect, Joy sounds pretty selfish, im retired, decided to live here becouse I thought Mainers were tough,stick together so we can work threw anything that came up on us, and beat it! I WAS proud to be a mainer,ya let throw another star on the flag call it good,
39017519Patrick said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 3:31 PM
All this stunt is a ploy to separate liberal southern Maine and conservative Northern Maine. Yes people who live in an area should decide how it is used because they are directly affected by it but splitting a state in two just so the voting goes your way is childish and disgusting
39007251Patrick said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 3:30 PM
All this stunt is a ploy to separate liberal southern Maine and conservative Northern Maine. Yes people who live in an area should decide how it is used because they are directly affected by it but splitting a state in two just so the voting goes your way is childish and disgusting
39007171Anonymous said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 2:48 PM
We should tackle the problems this country already has and fix those, before we start creating new ones. This representative should start by helping to create jobs, and bringing money into the state. How is allowing the part of Maine with the least income, left to fend for itself helping? Sounds like he's just trying to sweep issues under the carpet. Honestly, it's just disappointing.
39004166Claire said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 2:34 PM
Are you kidding me? It makes no sense to split the state whatsoever. Why can't he just grant the counties the power to decide what land is reserved and which is not? It's just another excuse to tie up the legislature with nonsense instead of tackling the real issues.
39003111Ellen said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 1:38 PM
Oh yeah, brilliant plan. Of course, he's forgetting that the northern counties are the least populated, have the least income, and will generate the least tax revenues..great start for a new state governmnet.
38998684Add a comment
Most Popular