While visiting Orono during one his town hall-style meetings, Gov. Paul LePage told the audience Wednesday evening that Maine is on the verge of losing 900 more jobs — this time in the southern part of the state.
The governor’s meetings commonly touch on Maine’s energy and tax problems, which he says are forcing the collapse of the papermaking industry. And while discussing the pending closure of the Madison Paper Industries mill, he said there are more massive job losses on the horizon.
“There’s a big company that hasn’t come out yet. I happen to know about it, and I’m sworn to secrecy until they make a public announcement, but we’re talking 900 jobs in the most prosperous part of our state — down south,” LePage said.
The governor said energy costs were driving the unnamed company out.
“Again, it’s about energy costs for that company,” he said. “The biggest single issue is they’re competing against Chinese nuclear power, and they’re in Maine with the No. 12 energy costs in America.”
LePage told the audience that until Maine does more to lower energy costs, cut taxes and adopt a more business-friendly environment, manufacturing companies will have no choice but to go where they are appreciated.