MILLINOCKET, Maine – Town Council members have delayed a decision to sue the state in search of $216,000 in state aid, but opted Thursday to retain an attorney in case they have to.
The council twice voted 6-1 to table until April 12 orders to sue the state for full $720,000 Sudden and Severe Impact funding Gov. Paul LePage denied the town earlier this month and to rescind a $50,000 one-time payment at the center of its dispute with the governor.
With the Legislative Council agreeing earlier Thursday to table until late April a bill by Rep. Herb Clark seeking legislators’ permission to file a lawsuit, which the law requires, councilors said they had little reason to escalate their fight. But that doesn’t mean they won’t sue or take another legal course, council Chairman John Davis said.
“One thing you have to remember: We didn’t jump off this cliff. We got pushed off,” Davis said Thursday.
The council’s actions didn’t produce much of a reaction from LePage spokeswoman Adrienne Bennett.
“The administration does not feel it is productive to play this out in the media any longer,” Bennett said, “but we look forward to continuing to work with officials from both towns.”
On March 7, LePage issued $504,000 in Sudden and Severe Impact funds to both East Millinocket and Millinocket. LePage claimed that Millinocket officials would have received more but they broke their pledge to pay $50,000 annually toward the operation of the East Millinocket-based Dolby landfill, Bennett has said.
State officials sought to allocate $150,000 to landfill operations annually, with East Millinocket and Millinocket contributing $50,000 each in cash or in-kind services annually. The state’s taking ownership of Dolby was crucial to Cate Street Capital’s fall purchase of the East Millinocket and Millinocket paper mills, which restored about 216 jobs to the region.
Town Manager Eugene Conlogue said he first learned of the governor’s decision during a March 6 telephone call in which LePage threatened to pull his support from a proposed natural gas line that would run to the Katahdin region paper mills if Millinocket failed to agree to multiyear payments.
And while East Millinocket hasn’t yet received its $504,000 — just an assurance from state education officials that it would come in monthly allotments starting next week, East Millinocket school Superintendent Quenten Clark said Thursday — Millinocket received a $504,000 check on March 8.
During Thursday’s meeting, councilors who had said LePage had lied maintained their belligerence while others struck conciliatory notes and praised him like they did when he announced the mills’ sale last fall.
Councilor Michael Madore challenged state officials to produce documents that show Millinocket having agreed to a multiyear deal. Millinocket has several proving otherwise, councilors have said, adding that the town attorney has told them that LePage’s actions might violate the state’s Sudden and Severe Impact law.
Councilor John Raymond thanked East Millinocket leaders for their statements Wednesday “coming out and backing us up with what we have been saying right along” — that no multiyear deal to fund Dolby was ever made.
“Governor LePage, if you want the $50,000, come and get it. That’s all we’re going to give you,” Raymond said.
Councilor Jimmy Busque said LePage’s actions regarding the Dolby landfill were wrong but he thanked the governor for helping engineer the mills’ sale and getting the previous mills’ owner to extend the mills’ decommissioning date. Everyone appreciates LePage’s efforts, Busque said.
“He brought us a very good company that is looking to invest in us and that believes in us,” Busque said.
“He worked tirelessly to make this deal happen,” Busque added, calling the mills’ sale period “a trying time, a stressful time, a time when the clock was ticking and we certainly applaud him.”
Councilors also praised Clark, D-Millinocket, and Sen. Doug Thomas, R-Ripley, for their work on the landfill and mills, though Conlogue reported that the Maine’s attorney general declined to offer much help to Clark on his lawsuit bill.
Conlogue said that town officials believe they can pursue other legal action against the state that does not require legislators’ permission. Research of those options is under way.
“It is important that the governor follow the law and release the money due to the town,” Conlogue said. “His opinions do not belong in [this process.] He must obey the law because he has sworn to uphold it.”
“The administration does not feel it is productive to play this out in the media any longer,” Bennett said, “but we look forward to continuing to work with officials from both towns.”
Miss Bennett, as a former member of the news media, you should know better than to say that. The news media serve as the eyes and ears of the public. The news media provide access to what’s going on in Augusta. We have a RIGHT to know what’s going on. We have a RIGHT to an explanation from the governor in light of recent evidence from East Millinocket officials. And you and your boss have an OBLIGATION to explain yourselves.
Isn’t she the one who put it out there in the first place?
Her so called media skills went further down the crapper as soon as she became LePages puppet. Her mind is foggy and she no longer has a clear direction or understanding of what she is programmed to say.
“Her mind is foggy and she no longer has a clear direction or understanding of what she is programmed to say.” I think that would happen to anyone trying to act as LePages spokesperson. He constantly changes his position on issues and lies daily. Maybe she should reboot to clear her mind and then quit. Anyone who publically defends the gov. and his lies and shady tactics can’t be very ethical or have much pride and self esteem.
“The council’s actions didn’t produce much of a reaction from LePage spokeswoman Adrienne Bennett. “The administration does not feel it is productive to play this out in the media any longer,” Bennett said,”
So much for transparency.
I was looking forward to seeing how two “no compromise” camps settle a conflict.
But the truth of it is that the Governah caved, really isn’t it ?
“And while East Millinocket hasn’t yet received its $504,000 — just an assurance from state education officials that it would come in monthly allotments starting next week, East Millinocket school Superintendent Quenten Clark said Thursday — Millinocket received a $504,000 check on March 8.”
Yeah, hang on East Mill. The check’s in the mail.
Received a check, it is still in the vault.
She’s too busy being the Governor right now……..not enough time to deal with the media Ms. Bennett?
They don’t want this to play out in the media because apparently Millinocket has documentation that LePage is lying, and he can’t provide anything to substantiate his position.
Then why isn’t that documentation printed in the paper ? That would certainly settle the argument on who’s right . Come on now BDN , no balls or no document ?
What makes you think Millinocket has them, or maybe it’s Millinocket that won’t provide them to the BDN.
http://www.millinocket.org/ to the right school funding controversy. It was stated in BDN last week if you wanted to read it.
Go to Millinocket’s website and judge the documentation for yourself. It does not say a lot either way, and depends on what particular letter you read. http://www.millinocket.org/
Then sue him! Don’t be scared….You better hurry too, the whole deal will become part of his “private papers” soon!!
BDN really does a bang up job picking photos of Gov. Lepage…
He is a Natural!
Everytime it is something that benefits him, it is always the happy or applauding picture, if it is something to make him tough or the article criticizes him more, it is that blue shirt sitting behind a desk one. Seem to have noticed that trend when it comes to the likes of the news here.
That’s the one I use for a dart board!
back room crooks
im running for governor
caught
I think it’s hilarious that these three small town selectmen think that they are operating from a position of power. It’s that same mindset that led to the permanent closure of the mill in that town. Will anything there ever change?
On this day of March 23rd, 2012, I agree with you. Just making a note of it.
I think for the first time ever I’m also in agreement with you, Bangorian. My thoughts right now are that instead of saving their mills and thereby their local economies, we should have left these two towns to dry up and blow away. To expect taxpayers from all across the state to foot the whole bill when two towns basically get all the benefits is insanity.
When the state stepped in to help the mill in Old town that was ok? When the state helped get Brunswick and Limestone that was ok?When the state helps keep a major business in the state it’s only ok if that industry supports your job or tax base? Any governor who wouldn’t have tried to save those mills shouldn’t have ever been elected. That attitude of only “if it helps me directly “ should the state do something is a big part of the reason we have areas of the state that have such poor economies.
Part of the reason we have such poor economies through out the state is that everyone is relying on someone esle to step in and solve the problem. These areas need to get off their duffs and become industrious and seek out the own economic growth. The state can only do so much. And if you think that Limestone is an example then you need to ask the LDA why they only have around a dozen people left working for them which is down from an initial 54. There are numerous buildings and two miles of runway just going to waste.
That’s not at all what I said. My point is that Mil and E. Mil should be willing to chip in on this and not expect the State to foot the whole expense. It does benefit them a heck of a lot more than any other communities in Maine.
Borrowed money is borrowed money. No town is self sufficient without some money from the state to my knowledge. The state gives them money for one reason then wants it back for another reason. How bout they deduct the money before they give it? Obviously if a town is getting money from elsewhere they cant afford what they have now and you want them to spend more? They offered 50k already, State didnt approve.
millinocket town officials are all corupted .there only out for themselves .
You better check with Bangorian, Millinocket does not have Selectmen.
Are you confused? East Milinocket has 3 Selectman, just making sure you know what you are talking about.
They have 5
East Millinocket have 5? my appologies. I think I have only ever heard 3 say anything.
You’d think they’d take the left over snow money send it to the gov. with an apology and move on.
Instead, they spend it on lawyers in a losing cause, further demonstrating that the current leadership of this town would rather be subsidized than work. Screw em.
I’M TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHICH PHOTO OF MR. LEPAGE I WANT FOR MY WALLPAPER ON MY NEW LAPTOP. HMMM.
The “Backstabber” is very popular for that.
It accompanies this article :
House passes operations bill for landfill at center of LePage, Millinocket dispute
http://bangor-launch.newspackstaging.com/2012/03/15/politics/house-passes-operations-bill-for-landfill-at-center-of-lepage-millinocket-dispute/?ref=relatedBox
And support a National Park, too.
Not likely.
Lepage “IS” Sudden and Severe Impact !
What is this state going to look like by the time LePage leaves office? We will proubably find it up for sale on Ebay.
More people covered on Dirigo; better roads; an E-W highway, cheap energy from Canada; a competitive school system; merit pay for teachers; a university system where the fat from the bureaucracy has been trimmed out; an expanded community college system producing people with licenses and credentials that will get them jobs anywhere in the world; a Maine State Housing Agency that is back producing low cost housing and out of the social activist business; a professionally run Maine Turnpike Authority with extra toll revenue that can be transferred over to more pressing social and health concerns instead of ‘gift cards’ and resort travel;….there’s more.
He’s going to be re-elected easily.
Dream on.
Wow, too bad he couldn’t do any of that for Waterville. Any of it. It’s funny that you think he’ll actually try to improve things. He’s far more concerned about redirecting cash to his cronies than on actually improving things. Improve Maine Housing? That’s laughable. He’ll gut the place and make sure that only his buds in the contracting business get the work that currently goes out to bid. And, since they’ll do a Mardens quality job, the taxpayers will be stuck with the resultant fines. Re-elected easily my butt. There were two votes against for every vote for last time, and he hasn’t increased his pool of voters since he’s been in office, that’s for sure.
So true Lepage is by far the best Governor Maine has had in a long time, Liberals are upset because hes fixing the mess that they created.
Alot better. Remember baldy sold everything(lottery,liquor etc) for instant revenue.
Well I wonder what the Country will look like by the time Obama gets out of office?
Not as good as Maine
No worse, with the trippling of the deficit.
Well, we’ll see come 2016, won’t we?
Hopefully Not.
Maine should win an Academy Award for all the drama that is going on in this state. The looooong cast of characters alone should make it a shoe-in.
To all the folks dissin’ Millinocket, let me please apologize. Yes, its’ true that for years we pumped our feces directly into the Penobscot River. An yes, its’ true that you folks downstream of Millinocket consumed it via your drinking water. But please, get over it!! We now treat our wastewater with 21st century technology. Today, there’s hardly any trace of our feces in your drinking water!! So, with this heartfelt apology, please let it go and get over this 50 year grudge!!!
And for years we took your paper companies tax payments and spent it elsewhere. Now there’s no more cash cow, and many other needs; so when the governor asks you to share the load you stick your hand out even further and demand full payment, and attempt to bully us with your local lawyers? LOL.
Mr. Busque appears to be the only councilor with a sense of decorum and self control. Hmmm he must be a republican?
No, Bryant Davis has some too. Hard to do much with a 5-2 vote. Chairpman has some too. The town has been through once suit, is involved in one before the State Spreme Cournt now, the School Board threatened to sue the town, and now yet another one.
Yes he is.
….is it just me or is that picture they put up of LaPage kind of a slap in the face to us ‘little’ people. Does he have that much fun watching us drown in new laws? When I look at his picture on this story I feel like I am laying naked on a cold cold damp ground and there are all these mini LaPages all around me with the same stupid look on their faces. Every time I try to move to cover up I am met with no more funds to keep warm; cuts,cuts but wait some good news. I found some shelter….an out house out behind the State Building. There isn’t any toilet paper but we have saved many political newspaper stories……. I myself can no longer live this way. I have always been a proud Mainer but now that fact is embrassing.
I’m thinking that someone in the BDN online editing department has a sense of humor, is all. Many of the pictures that go with various articles in this paper are apparently chosen just for the expressions on their faces. Lepage happens to have lots of pictures taken of him, so whoever adds them to the site can pick and choose, depending on the article. Kind of funny, to me.
Very interesting and vivid description of how his pic makes you feel, though. Nicely done! :-)
Trust your instincts! The description is very predictive and the (little LePages) are his supporters.
What people on here don’t realize who haven’t lived here for the past 20 years of corporate rape (laying naked on a cold cold damp ground). Obviously this happened pre-LePage but he and the little LePages seem to be masters at pillaging.
The subject of the landfill alone could fill volumes. Being thankful for Cate St’s ownership is totally separate from that issue, as is the Sudden & Severe Funding which the pillagers can’t seem to realize.
Sadly, the real responsibility lies with the corporate rapists who left you on the cold ground but took your wallet. What the “free market” has done is take your clothes in the form of the corporate hostile takeovers and land swaps. If you want your wallet, a lot of it is in Canada and you might get some of it back in the form of tax breaks to buy it back.
As for the State involvement, others have pointed out similar examples throughout the state and as CPPray said: Just to clarify, the land fill is not in Millinocket, it has never been owned or operated by either East Millinocket or Millinocket. While the operation of the mills benefit the communities by their locations – employees come from more than a dozen communities, and suppliers come from several dozens more communities across the state, thus benefits the State, as does any business the size of the paper industry, as well as others.
And, to those like Gary52–both towns have offered a good will payment and you have no idea what this region has already paid in blood, sweat, tears and their hides for many, many years.
One town lies, the other swears to it.
Nick, Council chairman John Davis was the only one to thank Senator Thomas.
As you don’t always have the space to attribute all statements to the individuals who make them, it is common in journalism and in most other forms of writing to attribute general sentiments to the group that makes them, provided, among other things, that the view is not contradicted. If memory serves, John Davis made his statement thanking Mr. Thomas after a resident pointed out that everyone had been praising Herb Clark and hadn’t mentioned Thomas. Other councilors seemed to agree and Davis went on to say that the council’s not mentioning Thomas was an omission, and unintended. I believe him.
Nick thanks, I had made the comment about Sen. Thomas.. I realize the paper has so much room. I think it may have to do with more political reasons seeing a few of them are very strong Democratically minded. I am not sure they could give another praise. Whether unintended or not, it is not the first time. A few may agree but others, I am nto so sure
Le Page’s interpreter Adrienne Bennett, believes information about her boss’s dispute with Millinocket should be blacked out. Sounds like Nixon.
LePage thinks he’s running a business, and not a state government. All these extreme governors in other states believe the same. First the extremists try to convince us that they are the protectors of the country, now they try to convince us they are the purveyors of good business decisions. In either case they prove to only be selfserving greedy fumblers.
They mirror “1984” and “Brave New World.” Government speak, as practiced by Le Page and enforced by a federal judge. What a rotten mess.
counsil nooos they lied and noes they cant win thats why they aren’t sueing yet ain’t got a case .Lapage you stick to your guns and teach millinocket a very important lesson thank you
If Millinocket had the goods on LePage they would file suit now.
The town can’t sue unless the Legislature allows it to sue.
Not suing just yet, and not suing ever is what is going to happen in regards to Millinocket.
millinocke councelers are as fony as a two dollar bill . and they all lie to get there way ive seen it time to time .