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News and Announcements

 

BIW's FUTURE: No Mention of Diversification

 

We thought this article was particularly interesting as it never mentions a BIW plan that does not involve war ships, while the General Dynamics company exhibits much consternation about its financial future.

 

BIW Focus on Cost Cuts Builds Friction With Unions

 

 

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CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE

 

We sent a questionnaire to 2014 Candidates on the topic. See their responses here.

 


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LETTER TO BIW SUPPORTERS OF SUSAN COLLINS

(Ran in the Times Record and Bangor Daily News)

 

August 24, 2014

 

Editor,

 

Letter writer Ryan Jones insists BIW unions support Senator Susan Collins because she “works hard for us and our shipyard.” Has there ever been a legislator from Maine that didn’t “support” BIW and work to get bills and budgets signed that favor the shipyard in military work? I think we’d all be hard pressed to name one. It comes with the job.

 

The real question – one so important to Maine’s future – is, where are the legislators that are willing to look at the issue of military job diversification in our state? Who is willing to prepare for future shifts in war technology and (one hopes) a move to a peace-time economy? What about when the Pentagon simply tightens its budget, as it is preparing to do once again?

 

Almost 10% of Maine's economy is dependent on defense contracts, much higher than most states. Defense spending is widely expected to suffer serious realignment in coming years, putting Maine's already fragile economy in harm's way. Midcoast Citizens for Sustainable Economies is greatly concerned with how such potential economic loss will affect the state, and in particular the midcoast, so heavily reliant on BIW employment. MCSE recently held a standing room-only public forum in Bath, and we have started to ask this question of key candidates in the fall.

 

Shenna Bellows has stated an interest in diversification beyond the military sector, with an emphasis on creating sustainable jobs and economic growth for people. We look forward to more detail from Bellows. Is Susan Collins willing to discuss job diversification, and how industry at BIW and other locations around the state might be diversified into non-military production, such as high-speed rail, or renewable energy?

 

Jerry Provencher for MCSE

www.mainemcse.com 

 

 

 

 

 

KUDOS TO THE TIMES RECORD:

 

The midcoast Maine newspaper The Times Record ran an editorial on August 12, 2014, regarding a proposed missile "defense" intallation in Maine, and they certainly appear to be on board with our own message. 

 

"Let’s be clear. If we as a state are seeking a federal boondoggle to create jobs, let’s ask for one that is life affirming and useful to the majority of our citizens. The missile defense system in the western mountains does not meet this criteria in any way."

 

Read more here.

 

MEETING WITH SENATOR ANGUS KING

 

We were pleased to hear from Senator King, who was unable to attend the forum. The senator requested a meeting with MCSE, and we met on Friday, July 18, 2014.

 

Senator King is very much interested in the topic, and it was an extremely fruitful discussion. We thank him for his time and attention, and for opening the door to his office for further communications.

 

 

 

 

 

DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED

 

The public forum, Ships, Shoes and Submarines, on June 27, entails travel costs, venue rental, printing and other expenses. Donations are gratefully accepted!

 

Please email us about making a donation: midcoastsustainable@gmail.

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