There were a lot of promises made by Gov. LePage during the campaign that legally just aren’t possible in state government. How will he keep his word?

Reality will hit home on several fronts for the new administration as they get into the budget, and many of the things proposed during the rhetoric of the campaign. Practically, there are things you are not allowed to do because of federal law.

The so-called welfare reform which is really looking at a public benefit structure and a safety net. There are certain things you can or cannot do with federal funds. There are certain programs you can’t change the eligibility for because it’s federal law. There are things in education that we have to do, so we do not loose our federal funding.

On a lot of fronts his administration will run into a reality check from the federal government on what is possible compared to what they think they can do.

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You’ve always looked at issues being interconnected. Why?

Our environment, energy, economic development, education, and all of healthcare policies are interconnected with each other. When you dig into these issues, you see how they all work together. They are not separate islands. Acknowledging them as being interconnected helps to form better policy because you are also looking at how issues affect each other.

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A recent Forbes article ranked Maine last on the list of states for business. Is this a fair assessment?

“We wanted to know what they based their rating on; they didn’t want to disclose their methodology. So, we contacted one of their sources — economy.com. We asked why did they rate New Jersey with a better quality of life? They said that they took the average temperature in Maine versus the average temperature in New Jersey.

“The same magazine last year named our largest city, Portland, as the most livable city in America. In their survey it outpaced Manchester, NH, and Boston, Massachusetts, both in the cost of starting up a business and in the cost of doing business.

“This is more of a subjective analysis by Forbes.

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Libby Mitchell’s strength is in her ability to work with people to achieve the greater good for all the people of Maine. When drastic cuts were looming in social services she found alternative solutions, at the same time she ensured Maine state spending declined. Maine’s budget is now at the same level as it was in 2001. When Maine’s downtown’s needed a boost to revitalize historic buildings she fought for incentives to restore them. As a result Maine’s creative economy is flourishing in many downtown communities. She’s succeeded in passing legislation to help business growth, research and development, healthcare and education. Modest, she doesn’t boast about her achievements. She’s a problem solver with a clear direction to move Maine forward in the emerging clean energy economy. Recently Mitchell, sat down for an exclusive interview:
Why are you running for Governor?

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Since you’ve been in office the state has developed and has begun to implement a comprehensive energy plan, which your director of the Office of Energy and Security, John Kerry, says will take the state 50 years into the future — to energy independence from fossil fuels. How is this connected with your work with the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers? Why is it important to work regionally on energy issues?

“Working regionally is one way that we have been able to progress the state’s energy goals.

“Maine is a part of the Northeast region of America, including Canadian provinces in Eastern Canada. When you look at it on the map, that’s access to 55 million people; it’s huge. It’s not a long extension line from the energy resources to the major population hubs on the East Coast. Maine by itself can’t supply all those needs, but Maine certainly can be a leader with our offshore and onshore wind technologies, our expertise, and other renewable energy resources. We can also lead by establishing interconnections to the Eastern Canadian provinces, collecting their electrical energy with ours to feed to the Northeastern markets.

“That’s why energy issues are important in the region. We are trying to make Maine the beachhead, with best practices established in these energy fields, with research conducted at the University of Maine and the Ocean Energy Institute.

“Others can talk about doing things; Maine is where it is happening.

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At the National Governors Association meeting held this summer was energy a topic of discussion?

“Energy was a focus of economic development at the conference. We discussed the importance of pursuing a clean-energy future, which will enhance the quality of life and place for our citizens, as it diminishes our carbon footprint. While clean energy is developed from our natural resources, we talked about the importance of keeping these resources sustainable for future generations. In Maine we want to grow ecotourism, expand value-added goods and energy opportunities, while protecting our natural resources.

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The temporary tariff on coated paper from China and Indonesia —

More than 4,000 jobs have been lost in the paper sector since 2002, according to the Maine Department of Labor. But the state managed better than other areas in the U.S. during that same time, as over 56,000 jobs were lost elsewhere in the U.S. according to the Alliance for American Manufacturing. So far, in 2010, Maine pulp exports are up 200 percent and paper exports — 72 percent. Is that partially due to the temporary tariff imposed by the U.S. Department of Commerce in March, 2010?

“I believe so. It’s something I’ve followed and worked for — for a very long time. It already has saved jobs in Maine, by giving our paper companies a level playing field. It will not only maintain their operations but also grow jobs, and the industry.

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Exclusive Interview with Governor John Baldacci

With the national focus on building manufacturing jobs in the alternative energy sector what makes Maine more attractive than other states to investors?

“Maine has three major ports, which recently received recovery act funds for improvements. Our three-port strategy connects our ports to railroads, as well as overseas markets by ship. We have a capable productive workforce. We are conducting ground-breaking research in composite wind technology with Dr. Habib Dagher, and his team, at the University of Maine. Bath Iron Works are looking to develop ships to carry the windmills for deployment at sea. Maine industries have built wind power expertise erecting land based wind farms, which generate the most wind power in New England. On top of all that, we have the most offshore wind potential in New England.

“Key to it all is location.

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Clean energy — the job-creation issue in campaigns across the state. Maine has great potential in the green-energy economy with wind, waves, and wood resources in our backyard.

Under the Baldacci administration incentives have jumpstarted green businesses, and the groundwork for energy transmission corridors has been established, enabling an avenue for clean energy to become a major supplier. State government was one of the first to transition its buildings to become energy efficient, using biofuels, energy-efficient lights, and a hybrid fleet of cars, showcasing the energy-saving potential. Now the State has the Energy Efficiency Trust, which helps consumers and businesses find avenues to save funds with energy efficiency.

These are known facts amongst Democratic gubernatorial candidates, who pledge to grow Maine’s clean-energy economy.

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Maine’s first Governor’s Job Summit brought together individuals representing over 70 businesses from across Maine. Multinational companies attended alongside longstanding Maine businesses like Kenway Corporation. The purpose of the summit, cohosted by the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, was to discuss effective ways to increase job creation.

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