The commission formed by the Legislature will hold its first meeting Friday at UMaine’s Darling Marine Center in Walpole.
Kelley Bouchard
Staff Writer
Kelley writes about some of the most critical aspects of Maine’s economy and future growth, including transportation, immigration, retail and small business, commercial development and tourism, with emphasis on consumer issues, sustainability and minority ownership. Her wider experience includes municipal and state government, education, history, human rights, health and elder care, the environment and the housing crisis. A Maine native and University of Maine graduate, she was a college intern for two summers at the former Lewiston Evening Journal. She previously worked at the Ipswich Chronicle, Beverly Times and Salem Evening News in Massachusetts. Favorite pastimes include gardening, cooking for family and friends, streaming foreign TV series and kayaking at camp.
Maine seniors, low-income residents to get bigger tax credit
The increased Property Tax Fairness Credit, approved by lawmakers this year, takes effect Friday.
Maine nursing homes to receive Medicaid reimbursement increases after political battle
But for some, it comes too late, and others want to do more than just stop the bleeding.
South Portland approves law barring tar sands oil
The final vote is 6-1 in favor of the controversial ordinance, which may be challenged in court or at the polls in the fall.
Beef processors face new rule aimed at preventing illnesses
The plan would fix deficiencies in tracing the source of contamination, a problem identified by the Press Herald after a Hannaford recall in 2011.
South Portland planners endorse tar sands proposal
About 80 people turn out for the Planning Board’s hearing and vote on ordinance changes that would prevent tars sands oil from coming into the city.
South Portland council backs tar sands ban
A proposed ordinance to keep the oil from entering the city passes its first hurdle in a 6-1 vote after 500 people pack a meeting to listen to the debate.
South Portland tar sands issue raises specter of November referendum
If the City Council approves a tar sands proposal as written on Wednesday, opponents may launch a campaign to send the matter back to the voters.
Maine Board of Education elects new leadership
Peter Geiger of Lewiston is chairman and Martha Harris of Winterport is vice chairwoman for one year.
Gas service spreading in Cumberland, Falmouth and Yarmouth
Some residents will have the cheaper heating fuel by this winter, but others will have to wait at least a year more.