SOUTH PORTLAND -- Five Democratic candidates for governor discussed their ideas for improving Maine's economy and creating more jobs Thursday night. The candidates' forum at South Portland City Hall attracted Donna J. Dion, a former mayor of Biddeford; state Senate President Libby Mitchell; former Maine Attorney General Steven Rowe; businesswoman Rosa Scarcelli; and John Richardson, a former state legislator and commissioner of Maine's Department of Economic and Community Development.
I'm now in my fourth year of working for a small nonprofit, focused on workforce development issues. Until I was hired by the Central/Western Maine Workforce Investment Board, I knew little about the complexity of Maine's workforce development system, and the strategic intersection it has to have with economic development, for Maine to have any kind of future in the 21st century. When I began this job in August, 2006, my position had a loosely defined job description, with my primary focus being coordination with the business community. I was tasked to build a bridge from the public, to the private side...
In his Dec. 1 column ("A pack - or is it a herd? - of candidates for governor crowd the stage"), Ron Bancroft made some sweeping statements about the gubernatorial field in general and about the leading Democratic candidate, John Richardson, in particular.
John Richardson, a former speaker of the House and economic development commissioner in the Baldacci administration, became the latest person to join the crowded field of candidates hoping to become Maine’s next governor.
John Richardson, who led the Maine House as speaker and more recently held the post of top economic development officer for the state, announced his candidacy for governor today."I’m running for governor because I know that together we can make the lives of Maine people better, and my record of accomplishment shows that I can get the job done,” said Richardson of his decision.The Brunswick Democrat was elected to the Maine House in 1998 and served for eight years, the last two as speaker. He then took on the job of commissioner of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development.
Iron Workers Local 7 endorses labor lawyer, legislative leader and economic development commissioner.
AUGUSTA, Maine - The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers Local 7 has become the fourth union to endorse John Richardson for governor of Maine. They join the Maine State Troopers Association, the Maine Association of Police and the Plumbers and Pipefitters UA Local 716 in supporting Richardson. Local 7 gave Richardson its endorsement citing his plan to restore economic prosperity in Maine.
The Maine State Troopers Association endorses firefighter turned labor lawyer, legislative leader and economic development commissioner.
AUGUSTA, Maine – The Maine State Troopers Association has joined the Maine Association of Police and the Plumbers and Pipefitters UA Local 716 in endorsing John Richardson for governor of Maine. The Association gave Richardson its endorsement citing his long service to first responders, both as a firefighter, and as a labor lawyer. Sergeant Michael T. Edes, President of the Association, said, "John is a great leader. He has the vision, drive and experience to turn Maine around. No one will work harder for the people of Maine."
Another union supports former House speaker and economic development commissioner.
Augusta, ME - The Maine Association of Police (MAP) today endorsed John G. Richardson for Governor. MAP, which represents over 1000 police officers and public safety dispatchers in 51 local municipal associations throughout the state, cited Richardson's long career as a labor lawyer, his experience as a legislator, and his own service as a first responder, in announcing their support.
Plumbers and Pipefitters UA Local 716 throws its support behind the former House speaker and economic development commissioner.
AUGUSTA, Maine - John Richardson received the endorsement of the trade union representing the state's plumbers and pipefitters. Richardson has garnered strong support from both business leaders and labor groups because of his emphasis on job creation in the campaign.
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