Land for learning

The Maine Community College System last week formally took ownership of three former Navy buildings and associated land at Brunswick Landing

Following acquisition in July of two buildings at the former Brunswick Naval Air Station, the system now holds title to five buildings, with an estimated value of $78 million, and 22 acres, upon which to grow Southern Maine Community College’s Midcoast Campus.

The campus welcomed its first influx of students this fall. John Fitzsimmons, president of the community college system, projects that the new campus could eventually serve 2,500 students.

In concert with Southern New Hampshire College’s Cook’s Corner site and the University of Bath/Brunswick in Bath, the new SMCC campus at the former base enhances the Mid- coast region’s claim as the hub of 21st century workforce training in Maine.

As long as SMCC’s leaders display the intellectual agility to adapt instructional programs to a rapidly changing technological climate and job market, the new campus adds a key tool to expedite civilian redevelopment of the former Navy base.

At the very least, the influx of thousands of commuting students should inject a welcome burst of youthful enthusiasm — and a new pool of disposable income — to the Mid-coast region.

Government as commodity

Legislative debate over the future of Maine’s Clean Election Act, including last week’s party-line split of the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee, incorrectly frames the question.

When voters heartily endorsed the public campaign financing law that took effect in 1996, the clearly defined goal was to reduce the power of money in politics and free candidates to answer to voters rather than donors.

Clean elections isn’t about balancing Republican and Democratic special interests. It’s about buffering the state’s electoral process from the insidious effects that “pay to play” political campaign funding has had on governance.

Failure to update the matching funds component of the law to reflect modern realities would marginalize voters by making the Legislature for sale to the highest bidder.

Inns and outs

A new management team is in place at the Captain Daniel Stone Inn on Water Street in Brunswick.

We wish them well as they try to keep afloat the landmark hotel that has run through a series of owners in recent years. Lafayette Hotels’ general manager Brock Bradford’s assurance that the new ownership group retained most of the inn’s employees provides some comfort during a period of upheaval.

Less comforting is the departure of Kim and John Verreault, who invested well more than $1 million — and their hearts — into reviving the property after it fell into bankruptcy and disrepair. We wish them well in their future endeavors.

Meanwhile, those who value the inn’s place in downtown Brunswick’s heritage can help promote its survival by patronizing its restaurant and encouraging guests to consider a stay there.