Maine news, sports, weather | Kennebec Journal, Augusta, Maine

GOVERNOR'S RACE

Mitchell outlines strategy for jobs

Democrat would form new state agency to spur job creation

By Susan M. Cover scover@mainetoday.com
MaineToday Media State House Writer

LEWISTON -- Democratic gubernatorial nominee Libby Mitchell proposed Friday to merge the state Department of Economic and Community Development and the State Planning Office to create a new agency with a singular focus on job creation.

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Mitchell, at a Democratic Party office in Lewiston, said her Governor's Office of Strategic Initiatives and Job Creation will employ "business advocates" who will help business owners navigate state regulations.

A system akin to the state's 2-1-1 information line -- residents of Maine can dial 211 to inquire about state social and emergency services -- would be employed for businesses to contact an advocate.

"Everything that I've been trying to talk about around the state has been about job creation," she said. "Part of that is to have a government that is ready for the 21st century."

The new office would report directly to the governor. She said the merger will save money and that she will be able to reduce the state workforce by getting rid of duplication.

Mitchell is one of five people who will be on the Nov. 2 ballot. She faces Republican Waterville Mayor Paul LePage and independents Eliot Cutler, Shawn Moody and Kevin Scott.

Former Democratic state Rep. Jeremy Fischer -- a Bernstein Shur attorney who has served as chairman of the Legislature's Appropriations Committee -- served as co-chairman, along with business consultant Elizabeth Reuthe of Vassalboro, of a Mitchell campaign subcommittee that examined how to make government more transparent, efficient, effective and responsive to citizens. Today's announcement was the product of its effort.

"There are people in this race who say we need to destroy government," Fischer said, noting that while it is necessary reform government, it does provide valuable services to those who need them. "We don't need to destroy government. We need to improve it and reform it."

Mitchell's chief opponents had varied responses to her proposals. Cutler released a statement calling her plans "cosmetic" and "frivolous."

"(They) will do nothing to improve the cost environment for Maine businesses," he said. The plan contains "nothing to make needed structural changes in Maine government."

From the LePage campaign, John Morris, the candidate's chief of staff, declined to comment late Friday because the campaign hadn't yet seen Mitchell's reform proposals.

Mitchell is also proposing to require all state contracts to have a "claw-back provision" that would allow the state to save money if a contractor doesn't meet certain requirements.

The candidate also wants to change management practices within all state agencies to streamline the process of government. In addition, Mitchell wants to require licensing and regulatory boards to broadcast proceedings over the Internet to increase transparency and require political appointees to file "more detailed financial disclosure forms."

Another reform would allow businesses to go to regulatory boards with suggestions of different ways to comply with state rules.

"We need government to do our roads and make sure everybody has an adequate education," she said. "What is it we can take away to make sure businesses do not have unnecessary barriers?"

Susan Cover -- 620-7015

scover@mainetoday.com