AUGUSTA
A mural depicting scenes from Maine’s labor history is back on display 22 months the governor removed it, setting off a political firestorm and leading to a federal lawsuit.
Republican Gov. Paul LePage caused an uproar in March 2011 when he ordered the mural removed from the Labor Department lobby. He has said it presented a one-sided view of history that bowed to organized labor and overlooked the contributions of entrepreneurs responsible for creating jobs.
Starting Monday, it was back on public view in an atrium that serves as the entryway to the Maine State Museum, Maine State Library and Maine State Archives.
The governor had said he was seeking an appropriate venue. Labor Commissioner Jeanne Paquette says more people than ever can now see the artwork.
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