We've all seen it, it's really hard to miss. It is one of the first things we see as we climb up Interstate 95, just a short distance after we hit solid ground, this side of the big bridge from the Granite State. It is a giant blue sign that reads "MAINE The Way Life Should Be". Well, it's a new day, and with that comes a new sign. That's right, with the inauguration of Republican Governor, Paul LePage, yesterday, a new sign will now take the place of the once familiar, and welcoming site. "Open For Business" reads the new sign. It's meant to represent the new, business friendly environment that Governor LePage is hoping to get across during his tenure in office in Augusta. However, I'm not sure I like the idea of replacing the former sign.
First of all, I'm all for business. I want nothing more than to see new businesses come to this state and to see all businesses thrive here. Maine needs to be more business friendly in order to keep our children here. With so few options, many people are leaving the state, and it's really hard to blame them. The cost of running a business today is astronomical, with the high price of energy and health insurance, it's damn near impossible to open and maintain a small business. I work with a handful of small businesses, and the story is the same for all of them. While I didn't vote for LePage, and to be honest, I'm worried that he may have a negative affect on Maine, I'm hopeful that he stays true to his promise to lower many costs and do everything he can to give businesses in Maine, both new and old, a fighting chance to not only stay open, but thrive. That said, I'm totally against him putting this new sign up in Kittery.
Sure, from a business standpoint, Maine is not the way life should be, it's quite the opposite. However, with tourism such a vital part of the Maine economy, I just find it in bad taste to remove such a welcoming and familiar sign to those driving in from New Hampshire. From a tourism point of view, Maine is absolutely the way life should be. Whether you snowmobile, hike, ski, camp, fish, shop or just want to get away from it all, there is no better place in the world to go. I have lived in Maine for the better part of my 31 years on this earth, and there is no place I would rather be. Let's hope Governor LePage doesn't do anything to change that. I'm just saying...
About Me
- Mark
- I've always wondered if people actually read this stuff. I never do when I'm on other pages. Well, in case, for some strange reason, you find it necessary, I'll give you a little knowledge. I was born in The County. For those of you who don't konw better, that would be Aroostook County. For those of you who do, your jokes won't work on me, they are lame. I'm the son of an investment banker that squandered his every penny on tuna fish sandwiches in the late 80's, and my mother was the lead singer for the Bangles. Neither of those is true, but again, I'm convinced nobody is reading this anyways. I met my wife at a carnival, and we were married by the bearded lady in front of the entire clown brigade. I have a daughter who is training for the 2012 Olympics where she will compete in the Triple Jump and Javelin. We live in a nice little shanty in the woods and are hoping to one day have running water. Any questions?
