JUNE, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Power Line Snaps, Explodes, Cuts
Power in West End
West End residents in the area of Spring and Storer Street streamed
from their homes earlier this evening after a malfunctioning power line
caused a loud explosion and an early fireworks display in the normally
quiet neighborhood. A motorist who happened to be driving through the
area at precisely the time that the cable apparently snapped said that he
thought his rear tire had exploded, or that someone had tossed a cherry
bomb or other explosive at the rear of his vehicle. The smoking and still
sparking wire could be seen on the sidewalk, dangling from a nearby tree.
The motorist called 911 and firefighters from the Bramhall Station arrived
within minutes, sealing off the area from traffic and waiting for a Central
Maine Power crew to arrive.
Power was reported to be out in the immediate area, as well as in
buildings as far away as West Street and State Street . It is uncertain
whether those outages were related to the Spring Street incident.
Residential Parking Permits Expire
New stickers for 2011-2012 now available
The Residential Permit Parking stickers for 2011-2012 are now available
in the Parking Division. The 2010-2011 Residential Permit Parking stickers
will expire June 30, 2011. The Parking Division is located in City Hall in
Room 20. The hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Monday
through Friday.
To find out the requirements for obtaining a Residential Permit Parking
sticker visit the city's website. For further information please call 874-8498
or 874-8443.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Police Chief to Take Top Job in
Cincinnati
This afternoon, the Portland Police Chief James Craig will hold a press
conference at the Portland Police Department on Middle Street to discuss
today’s announcement that Cincinnati City Manager Milton Donohey has
selected Craig to lead the Cincinnati police department.
Craig took over the Portland Department in 2009, coming here from the
Los Angeles Police Department, where he was a captain, and had been in
the department for over 30 years. He is originally from Detroit.
Monday, June 27, 2011
BUY LOCAL MEMBERS CITY’S SECOND-
LARGEST EMPLOYER
Organization celebrates 5th anniversary by giving away Buy
Local Bucks in Monument Square on June 29th
Portland Buy Local members as a group are one of the largest employers
in the city, collectively employing approximately 4,000 people - second
only to Maine Medical Center - according to published information and
jobs data compiled by the Portland Independent Business and Community
Alliance, the non-profit organization behind the campaign.
Buy Local is celebrating the achievement during its fifth birthday party in
Monument Square on Wednesday, June 29th, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. In
addition to cake, bumper stickers, directories and custom-made tote bags,
500 “Buy Local Bucks” will be available at the event. Designed by local
artist Patrick Corrigan for the group's new Keep It In The Loop promotion,
the “Bucks” are redeemable this summer at participating member
businesses for $1.
Portland Buy Local has grown substantially over the past five years,
currently having about 400 members. The latest Portland Buy Local jobs
figures reflect the findings of studies conducted in other cities by the
research and consulting firm Civic Economics, which found that for every
$1 million in revenue, independent businesses created 20% to 70% more
jobs than chains in the same industry.
Friday, June 24, 2011
MHNO Elects Andrea Myhaver
New President
Andrea Myhaver was elected President, and Kristin Rapinac Graessle Vice-
President at the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization Annual Meeting &
Election on Wednesday, June 22nd at the East End Community School.
The event featured the Board of Directors Election, Councilor Kevin
Donoghue with a Walnut Street update, Munjoy Hill Lead Officer Steve
Black, and Community Services Sgt. Andrew Hutchings.
There was also update on the 'We Love Munjoy Hill' Festival, as well as a
Senior Program Proposal and a Youth Committee Announcement.
For more information about the MHNO, call:775-3050 or info@munjoyhill.
org
Love Munjoy Hill?
Get involved! We're looking for positive, energetic people who want to
make a difference on Munjoy Hill. Sound like you or someone you know?
Consider becoming a candidate for the MHNO Board of Directors! For
more information, email elaine.mullin@munjoyhill.org.
Joining a committee is another great way to improve your neighborhood
and meet other Munjoy Hillers. We're looking for members for the following
committees:Events, Fundraising, Communications, Observer, Walkable
Neighborhoods, Building Development & Usage, Finance. Interested?
Email info@munjoyhill.org.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Green Party Will Back People’s Veto
To Save Same-Day Registration
The Maine Green Party will be actively supporting the People’s Veto
campaign to overturn LD 1376, “An Act To Preserve the Integrity of the
Voter Registration and Election Process.”
“We believe the new law significantly weakens the ability of tens of
thousands of Maine voters to take part in the most basic element of
democracy, the right to vote,” said Nate Shea, the party’s Chair. “There is
overwhelming opposition to this bill in both public discourse and the Maine
Legislature, and rightly so. It must be overturned.”
"Maine Greens stand for openness and grassroots democracy, both of
which are severely harmed by this legislation," according to a statement
released by the party. "Grassroots Democracy is one of the party’s Ten
Key Values, and the party platform supports greater civic participation and
awareness. Same-day registration is one of the most powerful tools to
increase participation."
“In 2010, the two states with the highest voter turnout were Maine and
Minnesota. It is no coincidence that both states have a long history of
same-day registration,” said Shea.
Maine Greens will organize members to collect signatures for the People’s
Veto and raise awareness about the campaign.
Coalition Forms to Support
People’s Veto
AUGUSTA – A broad coalition has formed to support a People’s Veto
campaign against legislation that would create new barriers to voting.
At a State House press conference today, members of the coalition spoke
out against LD 1376, which eliminates Election Day voter registration, and
vowed to run an aggressive campaign to overturn the legislation.
“Voting is fundamental to democracy,” said Barbara McDade. President of
the League of Women Voters of Maine. “Government works best when it
represents all people. We should work to find ways to expand voter
participation, not reduce it. This bad legislation is unnecessary and will
mean eligible voters are turned away on Election Day.”
Seventeen organizations have joined the coalition so far, along with
hundreds of individuals who are committed to protecting voter rights.
“We are building a broad coalition, representing thousands of Mainers, to
collect signatures and run an aggressive campaign,” said Ben Dudley,
executive director of Engage Maine. “While the job of collecting signatures
so quickly is challenging, we are organized, energized and will be
successful.”
To place the People’s Veto on the ballot, the coalition will need to collect
more than 57,000 signatures in the 90 days after the Maine Legislature
adjourns.
A petition to begin the process was filed on Tuesday, June 21, the same
day that Governor Paul LePage signed the bill.
Along with the petition, organizers submitted the following suggested
wording of the question to the Office of the Secretary of State: “Do you
want to reject the new law that prevents voters from registering to vote on
Election Day?”
“Election day registration is part of Maine’s vibrant democratic tradition.”
said Charlotte Warren, Associate Director of the Maine Women’s Lobby.
“Why make it harder for these folks to register and vote now? What’s the
purpose? While our Country is 235 years old, and our great state of
Maine is 191 years old, women have only possessed the right the vote for
91 years. That’s why Maine women take voting rights seriously.”
“Voting is a one of our most cherished constitutional rights, fundamental to
our democracy.” Said Shenna Bellows, Executive Director of the Maine
Civil Liberties Union. “This strong motivated grassroots coalition is ready to
defend our right to vote at the ballot box.”
“Ending same-day registration will make it much harder for young people
to vote.” Said Nicola Wells, Co-Director, Maine League of Young Voters.
Jesse Graham, Executive Director of the Maine People’s Alliance said,
“When compared to election day 2008, if this law is allowed to stand it
would be like the entire population of Bangor and Brewer combined being
denied the right to vote. This is wrong!”
Coalition members include: Engage Maine, the Maine Civil Liberties Union,
Maine League of Conservation Voters, League of Women Voters of Maine,
Maine AFL-CIO, Maine League of Young Voters, Maine People’s Alliance,
Opportunity Maine, Maine Equal Justice Partners, EqualityMaine, Maine
Women’s Lobby, Maine Education Association, MSEA-SEIU, Speaking Up
for Us, Disability Rights Center, Preble Street Resource Center and
Homeless Voices for Justice
Lawmakers to Hold 'Veto Day' in
Augusta
On Tuesday, June 28th, the Maine State Legislature will reconvene for
what's informally known as 'Veto Day.' When the Governor vetoes a bill
passed by the Legislature, the bill returns to the House and Senate, where
the legislators are given the opportunity to override the veto, if the bill
receives a two-thirds vote in each legislative body. They will meet to
consider each bill the Governor has vetoed and determine whether or not
to override his vetoes.
These bills include LD 568, "An Act To Create a Unified Early Childhood
Education System in Maine" sponsored by Portland's Senator Justin
Alfond, as well as several other bills sponsored by Democrats, passed by
the legislature, and vetoed by the Governor. The Governor said the bills
were either unnecessary or too expensive.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Catholic Diocese to Sell
Western Prom Mansion
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland announced on June 21st that it
plans to sell the house on the Western Promenade that is currently the
residence of Bishop Richard Malone. In consultation with his advisors, the
bishop decided to sell the home in order to save on heating costs,
maintenance and taxes, according to the diocese. The residence has
been the property of the Portland Diocese for about 80 years. It was used
as the residence for the bishops, together with a number of priests in the
past, and more recently as the residence of Bishop Malone, and a location
for many diocesan functions.
In anticipation of the sale, another home has been purchased for the use
of the current bishop and his successors. The new residence in West
Falmouth is substantially smaller, of newer construction and more cost-
efficient. The proceeds from the future sale of the Western Promenade
property will pay for the purchase and ongoing maintenance of the new
residence.
The asking price on the older residence is still being determined through
appraisals. The move-in date to the new home has not been finalized.
Maine People's Alliance to Fight
for Same-Day Voter Registration
The Maine People's Alliance and a coalition of allied groups have filed
paperwork to begin a People's Veto of LD 1376, the new law that
eliminates same day voter registration in Maine. Same-day voter
registration has been part of Maine elections for 38 years.
The group has started recruiting volunteers to gather signatures to fight
the new legislation. The People’s Veto applies only to the portion of the
law that eliminates same-day or Election Day registration. It does not apply
to the other technical amendments to the law included in LD 1376. A
People's Veto referendum has 90 days from the end of the current
legislative session to collect about 57,000 signatures to place the People’s
Veto on the ballot.
MPA will not be pursuing a People's Veto of LD 1333, the health insurance
industry deregulation bill, but will instead work to overturn it through the
legislature. After weeks of consultation with their members, MPA found
that they didn't have the financial resources to match the millions of dollars
that would have been spent by the insurance companies to protect their
rate hikes.
Monday, June 20, 2011
PDD and Buy Local Win State Award
Portland's Downtown District (PDD) and Portland Buy Local (the Portland
Independent Business and Community Alliance) shared the award for
Outstanding Special or Retail Event, presented for the Downtown Worker
Appreciation Day. The awards were presented in downtown Skowhegan on
June 10th by the Maine Downtown Center.
PDD Executive Director Jan Beitzer accepted the award on behalf of both
organizations.
"We are thrilled that the Maine Downtown Center recognized our
collaborative work to thank all the employees and their employers who are
so critical to the economic revitalization of downtowns. Our program has
been so well-received by downtown workers that we now do two a year
(April and September)."
The day focused on downtown economic development within the context of
historic preservation.
The June Buy Local Member Mixer will be held on Wednesday, June 22nd
at Lucid Stage, a non-profit arts organization. Lucid Stage provides
performance and rehearsal space for artists of various genres, as well as
space for classes and community events, educational programs, and
visual art.
When: Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Where: Lucid Stage, 29 Baxter Boulevard
Time: 5:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Buy Local Member Mixers are informal networking and social events for
members, friends, and anyone who would like to know more about
Portland Buy Local. All of Buy Local's 2010/2011 mixers are sponsored by
Sebago Brewing Company
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Pingree, Sussman Married in
North Haven
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree and Donald Sussman were married in a
small private ceremony at the couple’s home in North Haven, Maine on
Saturday morning, June 18th. The Reverend Dave Macy, the island
minister, performed the wedding ceremony with Pingree’s and Sussman’s
children looking on.
The couple announced the marriage to friends who had gathered for a
barn party on North Haven Saturday night to celebrate Sussman’s 65th
birthday.
Pingree met Sussman in 2007 on Vinalhaven Island, Maine, and were
engaged in 2008.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Man Stabbed in West End
Portland police say that a man was stabbed Thursday night at about 11PM,
near the intersection of Brackett and Spring Streets, near the Reiche
School in the West End.
FOX 23 News reported that the man was walking with a girl he had just met
when another man, claiming to be the girl's boyfriend, stabbed the victim.
Police are investigating the incident, and the victim is reported to be
recovering from his wounds. There have been no arrests in the case.
MHNO to Hold Annual Election
The Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization Annual Meeting & Election will
be held on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at the East End Community School
from 5:30 to 8 pm.
The event will feature the Board of Directors Election, Councilor Kevin
Donoghue with a Walnut Street update, Munjoy Hill Lead Officer Steve
Black, and Community Services Sgt. Andrew Hutchings.
There will also be updates on the Avesta Housing Adams School Project
Shoreside, and the 'We Love Munjoy Hill' Festival, as well as a Senior
Program Proposal and a Youth Committee Announcement.
For more information:
775-3050 or info@munjoyhill.org
Love Munjoy Hill? Get involved!
We're looking for positive, energetic people who want to make a difference
on Munjoy Hill. Sound like you or someone you know? Consider becoming
a candidate for the MHNO Board of Directors! For more information, email
elaine.mullin@munjoyhill.org.
Joining a committee is another great way to improve your neighborhood
and meet other Munjoy Hillers. We're looking for members for the following
committees:
Events
Fundraising
Communications
Observer
Walkable Neighborhoods
Building Development & Usage
Finance
Interested? Email info@munjoyhill.org.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Portland School Board Member
to Meet with President Obama
President Obama has extended an invitation to Portland School Board
member Jenna Vendil to meet at the White House this Friday, June 17th.
Vendil, who was elected to the School Board in 2009 at the age of 24, is
Portland’s youngest elected official and currently chairs the Curriculum
and Education Planning Committee.
At the White House, Vendil will attend a small reception with the President,
and will meet with members of the Administration. The invitation was
extended to Vendil as part of a national program called the Young Elected
Officials Network, run by People for the American Way (PFAW). Young
elected officials from around the country were selected to attend the
meeting.
“I am honored by the invitation and look forward to sharing with President
Obama all the exciting initiatives Portland schools are undertaking,” said
Vendil. “I will also take this opportunity to share the challenges our schools
face, and what we need to successfully prepare the next generation.”
Vendil met with administrators, staff, and students earlier this week to
identify key issues to talk about with President Obama. She will present
the President and administration officials with copies of a policy book
developed by Deering High School students that would improve policies
and programs for Portland’s English Language learners.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Douglas Street Pool to Open Next Week
The Kiwanis Pool on Douglas Street will open on Monday, June 20th for
ten weeks during the summer. Swim classes are scheduled to begin June
27th. The pool’s open swim hours are seven days a week, 1:30 – 4:30 PM,
and Monday-Friday 6:00 – 7:30 PM. Adult lap swim times include Monday,
Wednesday, and Friday 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM and 6:00 – 8:00 AM, and
seven days a week, 4:30 – 6:00 PM. Pool access fees are $4.50 for adults
and $1 for children. Swim lessons offered by Portland’s Recreation and
Facilities Management Department are available for ages three and older.
People can register for classes at the pool beginning June 20th or earlier
at the Riverton Pool office. For more detailed information about the city’s
Aquatic Program visit www.portlandmaine.gov/rec/rec.asp or call 874-
8456.
Built in partnership with the Kiwanis Club in the early 1960s, the L-shaped
pool is 25 meters long and has six lanes. Recent upgrades to the facility
include a renovation of the pool house, and the addition of a children's
splash pad and picnic area.
Maine Settles Health Care Fraud
Allegations with Big Drug Company
Attorney General William J. Schneider announced on June 14th that
Maine will receive approximately $22,000 as a result of the settlement with
Danish pharmaceutical manufacturer Novo Nordisk Inc. involving
allegations of the company submitting false claims for its hemostasis
management drug NovoSeven to MaineCare, the Maine Medicaid program.
State Medicaid programs nationwide will receive approximately $3.5 million
of the $25 million settlement resolving civil liability arising out of Novo
Nordisk’s off-label promotion of its bleeding disorder drug.
NovoSeven was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to
treat certain bleeding disorders in hemophiliacs. Once approved by the
FDA, a manufacturer may not market or promote a drug for any use not
specified in the FDA-approved product label. These uses are also known
as unapproved or “off-label” uses.
The U.S. subsidiary of Novo Nordisk promoted NovoSeven to health care
professionals as a coagulator agent for trauma patients, general surgery,
cardiac surgery, liver surgery, liver transplants and intra-cerebral
hemorrhage. As a result of this unlawful promotion, Novo Nordisk caused
false claims to be submitted to government health care programs that were
not reimbursable by those programs. Medicare and Medicaid paid for off-
label prescriptions as a result of Novo Nordisk’s campaign to influence
doctors and hospitals.
“Health care patients should be able to trust that their prescription drugs
are safe, effective and prescribed only for FDA approved uses,” said
Attorney General Schneider. “These off-label promotions waste Maine
taxpayer dollars and we will seek recovery from pharmaceutical companies
for this kind of health care fraud.”
The settlement resolves a whistleblower lawsuit filed under the qui tam or
whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act that is pending in the
District of Maryland. Also as part of the settlement, Novo Nordisk has
agreed to enter into an expansive corporate integrity agreement that
provides for procedures and reviews meant to avoid and promptly detect
improper marketing practices.
The civil settlement was reached by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the
District of Maryland and the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Division.
Assistance was provided by the National Association of Medicaid Fraud
Control Units with Maine represented by Assistant Attorney General
Michael Miller, Director of the Healthcare Crimes Unit.
The Healthcare Crimes Unit is the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for the
State of Maine charged with investigating and prosecuting financial fraud
and other crimes committed by MaineCare providers or their employees,
and investigating and prosecuting abuse, neglect or exploitation of elderly
and dependent persons that occurs in health care facilities or by health
care providers.
To learn more about the Office of the Attorney General Healthcare Crimes
Unit, go to:
http://www.maine.
gov/ag/crime/crimesweprosecute/healthcare_crimes.shtml
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
President of Portland High’s
Gay-Straight-Trans Alliance to
be at White House Event
Kaleigh Colson, co-president of Portland High School's Gay-Straight-Trans
Alliance (GSTA), will represent the alliance at a White House reception
hosted by President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama on June 29th.
Kaleigh’s father will accompany her to the reception marking Lesbian Gay
Bisexual Transgender Pride Month.
Maine has 57 GSTAs working to improve the school climate for all
students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
The Portland High GSTA was one of three from Maine nominated by the
Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network to receive an invitation to the
White House reception. The Portland High student group was selected
because it hosted numerous efforts throughout the year, supported efforts
to combat bullying and worked toward Safe Schools for All.
Activities at Portland High have included:
● GSTA nights, held at least once a month at Portland High and
other schools across southern Maine. These events combine a pizza
dinner with speakers such as Bishop Gene Robinson, an openly gay
Episcopal leader from New Hampshire, and former State Senator Larry
Bliss, a leader of the effort to legalize gay marriage in Maine.
● Ally Week ( http://www.allyweek.org/ ), an effort to encourage
people to be allies against anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and
harassment in schools.
● No Name Calling Week, with educational activities aimed at
ending name-calling of all kinds and providing schools with the tools to
launch a dialogue about ways to eliminate bullying in their
communities.
● Day of Silence ( http://www.dayofsilence.org/index.cfm ), which
draws attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in
schools.
Colson was named the Southern Maine Jump Start Team Leader for the
2011-2012 school year during the GSTA Night held at Deering High School
last month. In that capacity, she will serve as the regional liaison
and leader for youth involvement in the Gay-Straight-Trans Alliance
movement in southern Maine. In August, she will attend a four-day
conference in New York to receive training for the position.
For more information on the Safe Schools movement, go to www.GLSEN.
org.
LePage to Speak at Maine Med
on Generational Poverty
Maine Governor Paul LePage will be the keynote speaker at an event on
July 6th at the Dana Health Education Center at Maine Medical Center in
the West End. LePage will share his personal story of breaking out of
generational poverty. Other guest panelists are yet to be announced.
The Governor grew up in an impoverished, dysfunctional family. He left
home at age eleven to escape domestic violence, and spent time on the
streets.
The event, which is being organized by LearningWorks, is free and open
to the public. To register, visit www.learningworks.me or call 775-0105.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Fake Maine Lender Scamming
Borrowers
A company claiming to be located in Maine that has offered loans by
telephone and over the internet is a scam, say state financial regulators at
the Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection.
The company, which uses the name North Lake Equity Group, has been
telephoning consumers in several states offering personal loans if the
consumers make several payments to the company in advance. The caller
knows a great deal of financial information about the consumers, perhaps
from unauthorized access to their credit reports.
The company representative, using the name William Gibson, claims that
the company is located on Sanford Road in Wells, Maine. However, the
Wells Police Department indicates that no company by the name of North
Lake Equity Group exists at that location. The company is not registered
with the Town of Wells as a business, nor with the Maine Secretary of
State’s Office as a corporation. The address is fictitious, and corresponds
to an undeveloped lot between Wells High School and the Wells Town
Office.
Consumers from Kentucky, Florida and Tennessee have called Maine’s
Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection to ask whether the company is real.
One consumer had already paid $887 to the fake company, while another
had provided bank account numbers and other personal information.
David Leach, Principal Examiner with the Bureau, is investigating the
cases. “All lenders must be licensed,” he said, “and when the first
complaint came in we determined that this company did not hold such a
license.”
“We next checked the supposed address,” Leach said. “The Wells Police
Department looked into the location, and found no such company in that
area. In fact, this company is not located anywhere in Maine.”
“The Kentucky consumer was told to make four monthly payments of $230
up front before the loan proceeds would be released; the Florida
consumer reported a request for five up-front payments of $177.50; and
the Tennessee resident made five such payments before realizing she’d
been scammed,” Leach said.
The company’s website has been taken down, but the phone calls have
continued. “Consumers should never pay in advance for a consumer
loan,” said Leach. “Consumers should not send money to a distant lender
through a money transmitter, and they should not reveal their bank
account numbers to anyone when the consumers did not initiate the call.
These companies can be located in Canada, or on an offshore island, or
even in Europe or Africa, and once the consumer sends the money or
permits it to be debited from their account it’s impossible to get that money
back.”
Leach explained that all states regulate consumer lenders. He warned
consumers that if they receive an offer for a loan from an unknown source,
they should never commit funds without first checking with authorities in
their home state to determine whether the company is licensed and
whether other consumers have filed complaints against the company.
“These are difficult economic times,” Leach said, “but consumers in need
of a loan must always verify that they are dealing with a legitimate,
licensed lender. If they ask for money up front, that’s the biggest indication
that it’s a fraudulent scheme.”
Thursday, June 9, 2011
New Diesel Buses Join METRO
Fleet
Over the past few weeks, Greater Portland Transit District, METRO, has
been phasing in new, clean diesel buses. Seven new buses officially joined
the METRO fleet on June 8th, replacing older vehicles.
The environmentally-friendly buses were purchased as part of President
Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, with
additional funds provided by the Maine Department of Transportation
(MDOT).
The seven new vehicles are equipped with clean diesel engines that meet
2010 federal emissions standards. Each new bus can seat 31 passengers
and is equipped with a wheelchair ramp and bike rack. Transit agencies in
Maine received a total of 13 new buses through the stimulus funding, and
five vehicles through MDOT funding.
For additional information about METRO service, visit www.gpmetrobus.
com or call 207-774-0351. Schedule planning is also available on Google
(google.com/transit).
METRO, with bus ridership averaging 1.4 million annually, is Maine’s
largest public transportation carrier, providing bus service to Portland,
Westbrook, Falmouth and the Maine Mall area of South Portland.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Local Group Wants Marijuana
De-Criminalized in City
Sensible Portland, a group dedicated to reforming Portland’s marijuana
laws, has begun a petition drive to put a question on the November ballot
to direct Portland police to make marijuana a lowest law enforcement
priority.
According to the group, volunteers are coming up against the objection
that the proposed ordinance is unnecessary because marijuana is
already “decriminalized” in Maine. Possession of up to 1.25 ounces of
marijuana is a civil offense and it is still punishable by a fine of $350-$600.
If the amount is between 1.25 ounces and 2.5 ounces, the fine is
$700-$1000. Possession of more than 2.5 ounces is punishable by a
definite jail term of up to 6 months, according to data from Maine
Marijuana Policy Center.
Sensible Portland is also concerned that, when college enrollment is
swelling in Maine, a current student who is fined for possession would not
be eligible to receive а federal grant, loan, or be eligible for a work study
program.
The proposed ordinance directs local police to divert all energies away
from prosecuting marijuana use and sale between adults over 21 years of
age, according to John Eder, a spokesman for the group. Marijuana
comprised 63.5% of the value of total drugs seized by the Maine Drug
Enforcement Agency.
"With the new patient caregiver law and the dispensaries opening in town,
we desperately need to codify just what our policy is, to avoid confusion
and abuses,” Eder said.
MCLU Blasts Legislature For Ending
Same Day Voter Registration
The Maine Civil Liberties Union expressed its extreme disappointment in
the Maine State Senate today for voting to end same day voter registration
by voting to approve LD 1376. The MCLU vowed to continue every
avenue possible to restore same day voter registration before the next
election.
“This is not over. We will do everything in our power to restore same day
voter registration for Mainers all across the state,” said Shenna Bellows,
Executive Director of the Maine Civil Liberties Union. “Shame on the
legislature for placing barriers on a fundamental constitutional right for no
good reason.”
Same day voter registration was passed into law unanimously by the
Maine State Legislature when it was last controlled by the Republicans in
1973. At the time, Senator Elden H. Shute (R-Farmington) was the chief
sponsor. The Maine Supreme Judicial Court issued an opinion in 1973
(303 A.2d 452), which appears to support same-day voter registration,
stating that any durational residency requirement would be constitutionally
permissible only as far as it was necessary for the actual process of
registration.
Proponents of LD 1376 have suggested that the measures would eliminate
voter fraud, but only two known cases of an individual voting twice have
been identified in the past thirty years in Maine.
“This was the wrong answer to the wrong question,” said Zachary Heiden,
Legal Director of the Maine Civil Liberties Union. “It is the wrong answer
because election-day registration has worked well for 38 years. It is the
wrong question because the legislature should be looking for ways to
make it easier, not harder, for people to exercise their constitutional right
to vote.”
In 1972, prior to adoption of same day voter registration, Maine ranked
21st in the country in voter turnout. In 2008, Maine had the third highest
voter turn-out in the country. The only states to surpass Maine in voter
turn-out in 2008, Minnesota and Wisconsin, also have Election Day voter
registration.
LD 1376 was opposed by the AARP, Disability Rights Center,
EqualityMaine, Homeless Voices for Justice, the League of Women Voters,
the League of Young Voters, the Maine Civil Liberties Union, the Maine
People’s Alliance, Maine Women’s Lobby, and Preble Street Resource
Center.
Four ‘Suspicious’ Fires hit West
End in One Hour
Four fires classified as 'suspicious' by Portland police were reported in the
West End and Parkside in a span of forty minutes in the early morning
hours of June 6th.
The fires were reported on Grant Street, Gilman Street, Valley Street and
Congress Street, between 12:14 and 12:52 AM..
The fires included recycling bins in the basement of 143 Grant Street, a
dumpster fire outside of 52 Gilman Street, a boat fire next to 242 Valley
Street, and a fire at 867 Congress Street. There was minimal damage in
the fires, except the boat fire, which caused $5,000 in damages.
In April, 2008, Portland man set fire to 15 cars on Portland's peninsula,
causing more than $500,000 in damage to the vehicles and nearby
buildings. He was convicted of arson and sentenced to eight years in
prison.
Anyone with information about the recent fires is asked to call police at
874-8533.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Fire Damages East End
Apartment Building
Portland firefighters responded to a fire just after 1AM this morning at an
apartment building at 52 Federal Street in Portland's East End. Some
damage was reported to the third floor and roof of the building, but all the
residents were evacuated safely. The building is located between India
and Hancock Street, at the foot of Munjoy Hill, several blocks from the
waterfront.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Texting While Driving Banned
Governor Paul LePage has signed LD 736, "An Act To Prohibit Texting
While Driving" into law. The new law, sponsored by Senator Bill Diamond
(D-Cumberland County) will impose a fine of at least $100 on anyone
caught texting while they are operating a motor vehicle. The bill will go into
effect 90 days after the current legislative session adjourns.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
'Bouquet Burglar' Caught
in the Act
A Munjoy Hill woman says that she arrived at her home at about 11 PM on
June 1st to discover another woman in her garden picking her flowers. The
alleged flower thief had a large pink sweater, which she was using to hold
dozens of flowers of all varieties (pictured above), which she presumably
picked from other neighborhood flower gardens.
The gardener, who says she lost some prize tulips a few weeks ago,
chatted with the woman, who she described as an older woman who is also
a resident of the Hill, and a former close neighbor, and then took several
pictures of her and her floral cache. The gardener said she planned to
talk to authorities to try to dissuade the woman from continuing her illegal
activity.
June 1, 2011
City Talking Big Changes for
Congress Street Traffic
Public meeting will discuss transit improvements and alternative
routing for downtown streets
The City of Portland will hold a public meeting on June 7th to discuss
changes that will hopefully speed up traffic on Congress Street, especially
during peak rush hours. The proposed changes would also improve
bicycle and pedestrian safety, and allow for additional street parking.
Presenters at the meeting will emphasize potential changes in downtown
traffic patterns that maintain or improve travel time for automobiles in the
corridor.
Officials have been evaluating alternatives to improve mobility on
Congress Street between State Street and Franklin Street, including the
feasibility of establishing a 'bus priority corridor' from High Street to Elm
Street, which would allow buses to remain in the traffic lane at stops.
Traffic flow and turn movements on Congress Street and adjacent streets
would also be modified.
For more information about the meeting and the Portland Mobility Project,
visit the city’s website at http://www.portlandmaine.
gov/planning/congressstreetbus.asp. To RSVP for the tour or public
meeting or to submit questions, email WBN@portlandmaine.
gov
June 7, 2011
4:30 PM Open House
5:30 PM Presentations
Portland Public Library, Rines Auditorium
Power Line Snaps, Explodes, Cuts
Power in West End
West End residents in the area of Spring and Storer Street streamed
from their homes earlier this evening after a malfunctioning power line
caused a loud explosion and an early fireworks display in the normally
quiet neighborhood. A motorist who happened to be driving through the
area at precisely the time that the cable apparently snapped said that he
thought his rear tire had exploded, or that someone had tossed a cherry
bomb or other explosive at the rear of his vehicle. The smoking and still
sparking wire could be seen on the sidewalk, dangling from a nearby tree.
The motorist called 911 and firefighters from the Bramhall Station arrived
within minutes, sealing off the area from traffic and waiting for a Central
Maine Power crew to arrive.
Power was reported to be out in the immediate area, as well as in
buildings as far away as West Street and State Street . It is uncertain
whether those outages were related to the Spring Street incident.
Residential Parking Permits Expire
New stickers for 2011-2012 now available
The Residential Permit Parking stickers for 2011-2012 are now available
in the Parking Division. The 2010-2011 Residential Permit Parking stickers
will expire June 30, 2011. The Parking Division is located in City Hall in
Room 20. The hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Monday
through Friday.
To find out the requirements for obtaining a Residential Permit Parking
sticker visit the city's website. For further information please call 874-8498
or 874-8443.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Police Chief to Take Top Job in
Cincinnati
This afternoon, the Portland Police Chief James Craig will hold a press
conference at the Portland Police Department on Middle Street to discuss
today’s announcement that Cincinnati City Manager Milton Donohey has
selected Craig to lead the Cincinnati police department.
Craig took over the Portland Department in 2009, coming here from the
Los Angeles Police Department, where he was a captain, and had been in
the department for over 30 years. He is originally from Detroit.
Monday, June 27, 2011
BUY LOCAL MEMBERS CITY’S SECOND-
LARGEST EMPLOYER
Organization celebrates 5th anniversary by giving away Buy
Local Bucks in Monument Square on June 29th
Portland Buy Local members as a group are one of the largest employers
in the city, collectively employing approximately 4,000 people - second
only to Maine Medical Center - according to published information and
jobs data compiled by the Portland Independent Business and Community
Alliance, the non-profit organization behind the campaign.
Buy Local is celebrating the achievement during its fifth birthday party in
Monument Square on Wednesday, June 29th, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. In
addition to cake, bumper stickers, directories and custom-made tote bags,
500 “Buy Local Bucks” will be available at the event. Designed by local
artist Patrick Corrigan for the group's new Keep It In The Loop promotion,
the “Bucks” are redeemable this summer at participating member
businesses for $1.
Portland Buy Local has grown substantially over the past five years,
currently having about 400 members. The latest Portland Buy Local jobs
figures reflect the findings of studies conducted in other cities by the
research and consulting firm Civic Economics, which found that for every
$1 million in revenue, independent businesses created 20% to 70% more
jobs than chains in the same industry.
Friday, June 24, 2011
MHNO Elects Andrea Myhaver
New President
Andrea Myhaver was elected President, and Kristin Rapinac Graessle Vice-
President at the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization Annual Meeting &
Election on Wednesday, June 22nd at the East End Community School.
The event featured the Board of Directors Election, Councilor Kevin
Donoghue with a Walnut Street update, Munjoy Hill Lead Officer Steve
Black, and Community Services Sgt. Andrew Hutchings.
There was also update on the 'We Love Munjoy Hill' Festival, as well as a
Senior Program Proposal and a Youth Committee Announcement.
For more information about the MHNO, call:775-3050 or info@munjoyhill.
org
Love Munjoy Hill?
Get involved! We're looking for positive, energetic people who want to
make a difference on Munjoy Hill. Sound like you or someone you know?
Consider becoming a candidate for the MHNO Board of Directors! For
more information, email elaine.mullin@munjoyhill.org.
Joining a committee is another great way to improve your neighborhood
and meet other Munjoy Hillers. We're looking for members for the following
committees:Events, Fundraising, Communications, Observer, Walkable
Neighborhoods, Building Development & Usage, Finance. Interested?
Email info@munjoyhill.org.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Green Party Will Back People’s Veto
To Save Same-Day Registration
The Maine Green Party will be actively supporting the People’s Veto
campaign to overturn LD 1376, “An Act To Preserve the Integrity of the
Voter Registration and Election Process.”
“We believe the new law significantly weakens the ability of tens of
thousands of Maine voters to take part in the most basic element of
democracy, the right to vote,” said Nate Shea, the party’s Chair. “There is
overwhelming opposition to this bill in both public discourse and the Maine
Legislature, and rightly so. It must be overturned.”
"Maine Greens stand for openness and grassroots democracy, both of
which are severely harmed by this legislation," according to a statement
released by the party. "Grassroots Democracy is one of the party’s Ten
Key Values, and the party platform supports greater civic participation and
awareness. Same-day registration is one of the most powerful tools to
increase participation."
“In 2010, the two states with the highest voter turnout were Maine and
Minnesota. It is no coincidence that both states have a long history of
same-day registration,” said Shea.
Maine Greens will organize members to collect signatures for the People’s
Veto and raise awareness about the campaign.
Coalition Forms to Support
People’s Veto
AUGUSTA – A broad coalition has formed to support a People’s Veto
campaign against legislation that would create new barriers to voting.
At a State House press conference today, members of the coalition spoke
out against LD 1376, which eliminates Election Day voter registration, and
vowed to run an aggressive campaign to overturn the legislation.
“Voting is fundamental to democracy,” said Barbara McDade. President of
the League of Women Voters of Maine. “Government works best when it
represents all people. We should work to find ways to expand voter
participation, not reduce it. This bad legislation is unnecessary and will
mean eligible voters are turned away on Election Day.”
Seventeen organizations have joined the coalition so far, along with
hundreds of individuals who are committed to protecting voter rights.
“We are building a broad coalition, representing thousands of Mainers, to
collect signatures and run an aggressive campaign,” said Ben Dudley,
executive director of Engage Maine. “While the job of collecting signatures
so quickly is challenging, we are organized, energized and will be
successful.”
To place the People’s Veto on the ballot, the coalition will need to collect
more than 57,000 signatures in the 90 days after the Maine Legislature
adjourns.
A petition to begin the process was filed on Tuesday, June 21, the same
day that Governor Paul LePage signed the bill.
Along with the petition, organizers submitted the following suggested
wording of the question to the Office of the Secretary of State: “Do you
want to reject the new law that prevents voters from registering to vote on
Election Day?”
“Election day registration is part of Maine’s vibrant democratic tradition.”
said Charlotte Warren, Associate Director of the Maine Women’s Lobby.
“Why make it harder for these folks to register and vote now? What’s the
purpose? While our Country is 235 years old, and our great state of
Maine is 191 years old, women have only possessed the right the vote for
91 years. That’s why Maine women take voting rights seriously.”
“Voting is a one of our most cherished constitutional rights, fundamental to
our democracy.” Said Shenna Bellows, Executive Director of the Maine
Civil Liberties Union. “This strong motivated grassroots coalition is ready to
defend our right to vote at the ballot box.”
“Ending same-day registration will make it much harder for young people
to vote.” Said Nicola Wells, Co-Director, Maine League of Young Voters.
Jesse Graham, Executive Director of the Maine People’s Alliance said,
“When compared to election day 2008, if this law is allowed to stand it
would be like the entire population of Bangor and Brewer combined being
denied the right to vote. This is wrong!”
Coalition members include: Engage Maine, the Maine Civil Liberties Union,
Maine League of Conservation Voters, League of Women Voters of Maine,
Maine AFL-CIO, Maine League of Young Voters, Maine People’s Alliance,
Opportunity Maine, Maine Equal Justice Partners, EqualityMaine, Maine
Women’s Lobby, Maine Education Association, MSEA-SEIU, Speaking Up
for Us, Disability Rights Center, Preble Street Resource Center and
Homeless Voices for Justice
Lawmakers to Hold 'Veto Day' in
Augusta
On Tuesday, June 28th, the Maine State Legislature will reconvene for
what's informally known as 'Veto Day.' When the Governor vetoes a bill
passed by the Legislature, the bill returns to the House and Senate, where
the legislators are given the opportunity to override the veto, if the bill
receives a two-thirds vote in each legislative body. They will meet to
consider each bill the Governor has vetoed and determine whether or not
to override his vetoes.
These bills include LD 568, "An Act To Create a Unified Early Childhood
Education System in Maine" sponsored by Portland's Senator Justin
Alfond, as well as several other bills sponsored by Democrats, passed by
the legislature, and vetoed by the Governor. The Governor said the bills
were either unnecessary or too expensive.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Catholic Diocese to Sell
Western Prom Mansion
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland announced on June 21st that it
plans to sell the house on the Western Promenade that is currently the
residence of Bishop Richard Malone. In consultation with his advisors, the
bishop decided to sell the home in order to save on heating costs,
maintenance and taxes, according to the diocese. The residence has
been the property of the Portland Diocese for about 80 years. It was used
as the residence for the bishops, together with a number of priests in the
past, and more recently as the residence of Bishop Malone, and a location
for many diocesan functions.
In anticipation of the sale, another home has been purchased for the use
of the current bishop and his successors. The new residence in West
Falmouth is substantially smaller, of newer construction and more cost-
efficient. The proceeds from the future sale of the Western Promenade
property will pay for the purchase and ongoing maintenance of the new
residence.
The asking price on the older residence is still being determined through
appraisals. The move-in date to the new home has not been finalized.
Maine People's Alliance to Fight
for Same-Day Voter Registration
The Maine People's Alliance and a coalition of allied groups have filed
paperwork to begin a People's Veto of LD 1376, the new law that
eliminates same day voter registration in Maine. Same-day voter
registration has been part of Maine elections for 38 years.
The group has started recruiting volunteers to gather signatures to fight
the new legislation. The People’s Veto applies only to the portion of the
law that eliminates same-day or Election Day registration. It does not apply
to the other technical amendments to the law included in LD 1376. A
People's Veto referendum has 90 days from the end of the current
legislative session to collect about 57,000 signatures to place the People’s
Veto on the ballot.
MPA will not be pursuing a People's Veto of LD 1333, the health insurance
industry deregulation bill, but will instead work to overturn it through the
legislature. After weeks of consultation with their members, MPA found
that they didn't have the financial resources to match the millions of dollars
that would have been spent by the insurance companies to protect their
rate hikes.
Monday, June 20, 2011
PDD and Buy Local Win State Award
Portland's Downtown District (PDD) and Portland Buy Local (the Portland
Independent Business and Community Alliance) shared the award for
Outstanding Special or Retail Event, presented for the Downtown Worker
Appreciation Day. The awards were presented in downtown Skowhegan on
June 10th by the Maine Downtown Center.
PDD Executive Director Jan Beitzer accepted the award on behalf of both
organizations.
"We are thrilled that the Maine Downtown Center recognized our
collaborative work to thank all the employees and their employers who are
so critical to the economic revitalization of downtowns. Our program has
been so well-received by downtown workers that we now do two a year
(April and September)."
The day focused on downtown economic development within the context of
historic preservation.
The June Buy Local Member Mixer will be held on Wednesday, June 22nd
at Lucid Stage, a non-profit arts organization. Lucid Stage provides
performance and rehearsal space for artists of various genres, as well as
space for classes and community events, educational programs, and
visual art.
When: Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Where: Lucid Stage, 29 Baxter Boulevard
Time: 5:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Buy Local Member Mixers are informal networking and social events for
members, friends, and anyone who would like to know more about
Portland Buy Local. All of Buy Local's 2010/2011 mixers are sponsored by
Sebago Brewing Company
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Pingree, Sussman Married in
North Haven
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree and Donald Sussman were married in a
small private ceremony at the couple’s home in North Haven, Maine on
Saturday morning, June 18th. The Reverend Dave Macy, the island
minister, performed the wedding ceremony with Pingree’s and Sussman’s
children looking on.
The couple announced the marriage to friends who had gathered for a
barn party on North Haven Saturday night to celebrate Sussman’s 65th
birthday.
Pingree met Sussman in 2007 on Vinalhaven Island, Maine, and were
engaged in 2008.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Man Stabbed in West End
Portland police say that a man was stabbed Thursday night at about 11PM,
near the intersection of Brackett and Spring Streets, near the Reiche
School in the West End.
FOX 23 News reported that the man was walking with a girl he had just met
when another man, claiming to be the girl's boyfriend, stabbed the victim.
Police are investigating the incident, and the victim is reported to be
recovering from his wounds. There have been no arrests in the case.
MHNO to Hold Annual Election
The Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization Annual Meeting & Election will
be held on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at the East End Community School
from 5:30 to 8 pm.
The event will feature the Board of Directors Election, Councilor Kevin
Donoghue with a Walnut Street update, Munjoy Hill Lead Officer Steve
Black, and Community Services Sgt. Andrew Hutchings.
There will also be updates on the Avesta Housing Adams School Project
Shoreside, and the 'We Love Munjoy Hill' Festival, as well as a Senior
Program Proposal and a Youth Committee Announcement.
For more information:
775-3050 or info@munjoyhill.org
Love Munjoy Hill? Get involved!
We're looking for positive, energetic people who want to make a difference
on Munjoy Hill. Sound like you or someone you know? Consider becoming
a candidate for the MHNO Board of Directors! For more information, email
elaine.mullin@munjoyhill.org.
Joining a committee is another great way to improve your neighborhood
and meet other Munjoy Hillers. We're looking for members for the following
committees:
Events
Fundraising
Communications
Observer
Walkable Neighborhoods
Building Development & Usage
Finance
Interested? Email info@munjoyhill.org.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Portland School Board Member
to Meet with President Obama
President Obama has extended an invitation to Portland School Board
member Jenna Vendil to meet at the White House this Friday, June 17th.
Vendil, who was elected to the School Board in 2009 at the age of 24, is
Portland’s youngest elected official and currently chairs the Curriculum
and Education Planning Committee.
At the White House, Vendil will attend a small reception with the President,
and will meet with members of the Administration. The invitation was
extended to Vendil as part of a national program called the Young Elected
Officials Network, run by People for the American Way (PFAW). Young
elected officials from around the country were selected to attend the
meeting.
“I am honored by the invitation and look forward to sharing with President
Obama all the exciting initiatives Portland schools are undertaking,” said
Vendil. “I will also take this opportunity to share the challenges our schools
face, and what we need to successfully prepare the next generation.”
Vendil met with administrators, staff, and students earlier this week to
identify key issues to talk about with President Obama. She will present
the President and administration officials with copies of a policy book
developed by Deering High School students that would improve policies
and programs for Portland’s English Language learners.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Douglas Street Pool to Open Next Week
The Kiwanis Pool on Douglas Street will open on Monday, June 20th for
ten weeks during the summer. Swim classes are scheduled to begin June
27th. The pool’s open swim hours are seven days a week, 1:30 – 4:30 PM,
and Monday-Friday 6:00 – 7:30 PM. Adult lap swim times include Monday,
Wednesday, and Friday 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM and 6:00 – 8:00 AM, and
seven days a week, 4:30 – 6:00 PM. Pool access fees are $4.50 for adults
and $1 for children. Swim lessons offered by Portland’s Recreation and
Facilities Management Department are available for ages three and older.
People can register for classes at the pool beginning June 20th or earlier
at the Riverton Pool office. For more detailed information about the city’s
Aquatic Program visit www.portlandmaine.gov/rec/rec.asp or call 874-
8456.
Built in partnership with the Kiwanis Club in the early 1960s, the L-shaped
pool is 25 meters long and has six lanes. Recent upgrades to the facility
include a renovation of the pool house, and the addition of a children's
splash pad and picnic area.
Maine Settles Health Care Fraud
Allegations with Big Drug Company
Attorney General William J. Schneider announced on June 14th that
Maine will receive approximately $22,000 as a result of the settlement with
Danish pharmaceutical manufacturer Novo Nordisk Inc. involving
allegations of the company submitting false claims for its hemostasis
management drug NovoSeven to MaineCare, the Maine Medicaid program.
State Medicaid programs nationwide will receive approximately $3.5 million
of the $25 million settlement resolving civil liability arising out of Novo
Nordisk’s off-label promotion of its bleeding disorder drug.
NovoSeven was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to
treat certain bleeding disorders in hemophiliacs. Once approved by the
FDA, a manufacturer may not market or promote a drug for any use not
specified in the FDA-approved product label. These uses are also known
as unapproved or “off-label” uses.
The U.S. subsidiary of Novo Nordisk promoted NovoSeven to health care
professionals as a coagulator agent for trauma patients, general surgery,
cardiac surgery, liver surgery, liver transplants and intra-cerebral
hemorrhage. As a result of this unlawful promotion, Novo Nordisk caused
false claims to be submitted to government health care programs that were
not reimbursable by those programs. Medicare and Medicaid paid for off-
label prescriptions as a result of Novo Nordisk’s campaign to influence
doctors and hospitals.
“Health care patients should be able to trust that their prescription drugs
are safe, effective and prescribed only for FDA approved uses,” said
Attorney General Schneider. “These off-label promotions waste Maine
taxpayer dollars and we will seek recovery from pharmaceutical companies
for this kind of health care fraud.”
The settlement resolves a whistleblower lawsuit filed under the qui tam or
whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act that is pending in the
District of Maryland. Also as part of the settlement, Novo Nordisk has
agreed to enter into an expansive corporate integrity agreement that
provides for procedures and reviews meant to avoid and promptly detect
improper marketing practices.
The civil settlement was reached by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the
District of Maryland and the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Division.
Assistance was provided by the National Association of Medicaid Fraud
Control Units with Maine represented by Assistant Attorney General
Michael Miller, Director of the Healthcare Crimes Unit.
The Healthcare Crimes Unit is the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for the
State of Maine charged with investigating and prosecuting financial fraud
and other crimes committed by MaineCare providers or their employees,
and investigating and prosecuting abuse, neglect or exploitation of elderly
and dependent persons that occurs in health care facilities or by health
care providers.
To learn more about the Office of the Attorney General Healthcare Crimes
Unit, go to:
http://www.maine.
gov/ag/crime/crimesweprosecute/healthcare_crimes.shtml
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
President of Portland High’s
Gay-Straight-Trans Alliance to
be at White House Event
Kaleigh Colson, co-president of Portland High School's Gay-Straight-Trans
Alliance (GSTA), will represent the alliance at a White House reception
hosted by President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama on June 29th.
Kaleigh’s father will accompany her to the reception marking Lesbian Gay
Bisexual Transgender Pride Month.
Maine has 57 GSTAs working to improve the school climate for all
students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
The Portland High GSTA was one of three from Maine nominated by the
Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network to receive an invitation to the
White House reception. The Portland High student group was selected
because it hosted numerous efforts throughout the year, supported efforts
to combat bullying and worked toward Safe Schools for All.
Activities at Portland High have included:
● GSTA nights, held at least once a month at Portland High and
other schools across southern Maine. These events combine a pizza
dinner with speakers such as Bishop Gene Robinson, an openly gay
Episcopal leader from New Hampshire, and former State Senator Larry
Bliss, a leader of the effort to legalize gay marriage in Maine.
● Ally Week ( http://www.allyweek.org/ ), an effort to encourage
people to be allies against anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and
harassment in schools.
● No Name Calling Week, with educational activities aimed at
ending name-calling of all kinds and providing schools with the tools to
launch a dialogue about ways to eliminate bullying in their
communities.
● Day of Silence ( http://www.dayofsilence.org/index.cfm ), which
draws attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in
schools.
Colson was named the Southern Maine Jump Start Team Leader for the
2011-2012 school year during the GSTA Night held at Deering High School
last month. In that capacity, she will serve as the regional liaison
and leader for youth involvement in the Gay-Straight-Trans Alliance
movement in southern Maine. In August, she will attend a four-day
conference in New York to receive training for the position.
For more information on the Safe Schools movement, go to www.GLSEN.
org.
LePage to Speak at Maine Med
on Generational Poverty
Maine Governor Paul LePage will be the keynote speaker at an event on
July 6th at the Dana Health Education Center at Maine Medical Center in
the West End. LePage will share his personal story of breaking out of
generational poverty. Other guest panelists are yet to be announced.
The Governor grew up in an impoverished, dysfunctional family. He left
home at age eleven to escape domestic violence, and spent time on the
streets.
The event, which is being organized by LearningWorks, is free and open
to the public. To register, visit www.learningworks.me or call 775-0105.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Fake Maine Lender Scamming
Borrowers
A company claiming to be located in Maine that has offered loans by
telephone and over the internet is a scam, say state financial regulators at
the Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection.
The company, which uses the name North Lake Equity Group, has been
telephoning consumers in several states offering personal loans if the
consumers make several payments to the company in advance. The caller
knows a great deal of financial information about the consumers, perhaps
from unauthorized access to their credit reports.
The company representative, using the name William Gibson, claims that
the company is located on Sanford Road in Wells, Maine. However, the
Wells Police Department indicates that no company by the name of North
Lake Equity Group exists at that location. The company is not registered
with the Town of Wells as a business, nor with the Maine Secretary of
State’s Office as a corporation. The address is fictitious, and corresponds
to an undeveloped lot between Wells High School and the Wells Town
Office.
Consumers from Kentucky, Florida and Tennessee have called Maine’s
Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection to ask whether the company is real.
One consumer had already paid $887 to the fake company, while another
had provided bank account numbers and other personal information.
David Leach, Principal Examiner with the Bureau, is investigating the
cases. “All lenders must be licensed,” he said, “and when the first
complaint came in we determined that this company did not hold such a
license.”
“We next checked the supposed address,” Leach said. “The Wells Police
Department looked into the location, and found no such company in that
area. In fact, this company is not located anywhere in Maine.”
“The Kentucky consumer was told to make four monthly payments of $230
up front before the loan proceeds would be released; the Florida
consumer reported a request for five up-front payments of $177.50; and
the Tennessee resident made five such payments before realizing she’d
been scammed,” Leach said.
The company’s website has been taken down, but the phone calls have
continued. “Consumers should never pay in advance for a consumer
loan,” said Leach. “Consumers should not send money to a distant lender
through a money transmitter, and they should not reveal their bank
account numbers to anyone when the consumers did not initiate the call.
These companies can be located in Canada, or on an offshore island, or
even in Europe or Africa, and once the consumer sends the money or
permits it to be debited from their account it’s impossible to get that money
back.”
Leach explained that all states regulate consumer lenders. He warned
consumers that if they receive an offer for a loan from an unknown source,
they should never commit funds without first checking with authorities in
their home state to determine whether the company is licensed and
whether other consumers have filed complaints against the company.
“These are difficult economic times,” Leach said, “but consumers in need
of a loan must always verify that they are dealing with a legitimate,
licensed lender. If they ask for money up front, that’s the biggest indication
that it’s a fraudulent scheme.”
Thursday, June 9, 2011
New Diesel Buses Join METRO
Fleet
Over the past few weeks, Greater Portland Transit District, METRO, has
been phasing in new, clean diesel buses. Seven new buses officially joined
the METRO fleet on June 8th, replacing older vehicles.
The environmentally-friendly buses were purchased as part of President
Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, with
additional funds provided by the Maine Department of Transportation
(MDOT).
The seven new vehicles are equipped with clean diesel engines that meet
2010 federal emissions standards. Each new bus can seat 31 passengers
and is equipped with a wheelchair ramp and bike rack. Transit agencies in
Maine received a total of 13 new buses through the stimulus funding, and
five vehicles through MDOT funding.
For additional information about METRO service, visit www.gpmetrobus.
com or call 207-774-0351. Schedule planning is also available on Google
(google.com/transit).
METRO, with bus ridership averaging 1.4 million annually, is Maine’s
largest public transportation carrier, providing bus service to Portland,
Westbrook, Falmouth and the Maine Mall area of South Portland.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Local Group Wants Marijuana
De-Criminalized in City
Sensible Portland, a group dedicated to reforming Portland’s marijuana
laws, has begun a petition drive to put a question on the November ballot
to direct Portland police to make marijuana a lowest law enforcement
priority.
According to the group, volunteers are coming up against the objection
that the proposed ordinance is unnecessary because marijuana is
already “decriminalized” in Maine. Possession of up to 1.25 ounces of
marijuana is a civil offense and it is still punishable by a fine of $350-$600.
If the amount is between 1.25 ounces and 2.5 ounces, the fine is
$700-$1000. Possession of more than 2.5 ounces is punishable by a
definite jail term of up to 6 months, according to data from Maine
Marijuana Policy Center.
Sensible Portland is also concerned that, when college enrollment is
swelling in Maine, a current student who is fined for possession would not
be eligible to receive а federal grant, loan, or be eligible for a work study
program.
The proposed ordinance directs local police to divert all energies away
from prosecuting marijuana use and sale between adults over 21 years of
age, according to John Eder, a spokesman for the group. Marijuana
comprised 63.5% of the value of total drugs seized by the Maine Drug
Enforcement Agency.
"With the new patient caregiver law and the dispensaries opening in town,
we desperately need to codify just what our policy is, to avoid confusion
and abuses,” Eder said.
MCLU Blasts Legislature For Ending
Same Day Voter Registration
The Maine Civil Liberties Union expressed its extreme disappointment in
the Maine State Senate today for voting to end same day voter registration
by voting to approve LD 1376. The MCLU vowed to continue every
avenue possible to restore same day voter registration before the next
election.
“This is not over. We will do everything in our power to restore same day
voter registration for Mainers all across the state,” said Shenna Bellows,
Executive Director of the Maine Civil Liberties Union. “Shame on the
legislature for placing barriers on a fundamental constitutional right for no
good reason.”
Same day voter registration was passed into law unanimously by the
Maine State Legislature when it was last controlled by the Republicans in
1973. At the time, Senator Elden H. Shute (R-Farmington) was the chief
sponsor. The Maine Supreme Judicial Court issued an opinion in 1973
(303 A.2d 452), which appears to support same-day voter registration,
stating that any durational residency requirement would be constitutionally
permissible only as far as it was necessary for the actual process of
registration.
Proponents of LD 1376 have suggested that the measures would eliminate
voter fraud, but only two known cases of an individual voting twice have
been identified in the past thirty years in Maine.
“This was the wrong answer to the wrong question,” said Zachary Heiden,
Legal Director of the Maine Civil Liberties Union. “It is the wrong answer
because election-day registration has worked well for 38 years. It is the
wrong question because the legislature should be looking for ways to
make it easier, not harder, for people to exercise their constitutional right
to vote.”
In 1972, prior to adoption of same day voter registration, Maine ranked
21st in the country in voter turnout. In 2008, Maine had the third highest
voter turn-out in the country. The only states to surpass Maine in voter
turn-out in 2008, Minnesota and Wisconsin, also have Election Day voter
registration.
LD 1376 was opposed by the AARP, Disability Rights Center,
EqualityMaine, Homeless Voices for Justice, the League of Women Voters,
the League of Young Voters, the Maine Civil Liberties Union, the Maine
People’s Alliance, Maine Women’s Lobby, and Preble Street Resource
Center.
Four ‘Suspicious’ Fires hit West
End in One Hour
Four fires classified as 'suspicious' by Portland police were reported in the
West End and Parkside in a span of forty minutes in the early morning
hours of June 6th.
The fires were reported on Grant Street, Gilman Street, Valley Street and
Congress Street, between 12:14 and 12:52 AM..
The fires included recycling bins in the basement of 143 Grant Street, a
dumpster fire outside of 52 Gilman Street, a boat fire next to 242 Valley
Street, and a fire at 867 Congress Street. There was minimal damage in
the fires, except the boat fire, which caused $5,000 in damages.
In April, 2008, Portland man set fire to 15 cars on Portland's peninsula,
causing more than $500,000 in damage to the vehicles and nearby
buildings. He was convicted of arson and sentenced to eight years in
prison.
Anyone with information about the recent fires is asked to call police at
874-8533.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Fire Damages East End
Apartment Building
Portland firefighters responded to a fire just after 1AM this morning at an
apartment building at 52 Federal Street in Portland's East End. Some
damage was reported to the third floor and roof of the building, but all the
residents were evacuated safely. The building is located between India
and Hancock Street, at the foot of Munjoy Hill, several blocks from the
waterfront.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Texting While Driving Banned
Governor Paul LePage has signed LD 736, "An Act To Prohibit Texting
While Driving" into law. The new law, sponsored by Senator Bill Diamond
(D-Cumberland County) will impose a fine of at least $100 on anyone
caught texting while they are operating a motor vehicle. The bill will go into
effect 90 days after the current legislative session adjourns.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
'Bouquet Burglar' Caught
in the Act
A Munjoy Hill woman says that she arrived at her home at about 11 PM on
June 1st to discover another woman in her garden picking her flowers. The
alleged flower thief had a large pink sweater, which she was using to hold
dozens of flowers of all varieties (pictured above), which she presumably
picked from other neighborhood flower gardens.
The gardener, who says she lost some prize tulips a few weeks ago,
chatted with the woman, who she described as an older woman who is also
a resident of the Hill, and a former close neighbor, and then took several
pictures of her and her floral cache. The gardener said she planned to
talk to authorities to try to dissuade the woman from continuing her illegal
activity.
June 1, 2011
City Talking Big Changes for
Congress Street Traffic
Public meeting will discuss transit improvements and alternative
routing for downtown streets
The City of Portland will hold a public meeting on June 7th to discuss
changes that will hopefully speed up traffic on Congress Street, especially
during peak rush hours. The proposed changes would also improve
bicycle and pedestrian safety, and allow for additional street parking.
Presenters at the meeting will emphasize potential changes in downtown
traffic patterns that maintain or improve travel time for automobiles in the
corridor.
Officials have been evaluating alternatives to improve mobility on
Congress Street between State Street and Franklin Street, including the
feasibility of establishing a 'bus priority corridor' from High Street to Elm
Street, which would allow buses to remain in the traffic lane at stops.
Traffic flow and turn movements on Congress Street and adjacent streets
would also be modified.
For more information about the meeting and the Portland Mobility Project,
visit the city’s website at http://www.portlandmaine.
gov/planning/congressstreetbus.asp. To RSVP for the tour or public
meeting or to submit questions, email WBN@portlandmaine.
gov
June 7, 2011
4:30 PM Open House
5:30 PM Presentations
Portland Public Library, Rines Auditorium
