LePage discusses education, energy
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WELLS ? Gov. Paul LePage, in his first public appearance since the election, outlined his priorities for the next two years Friday, Nov. 9, at a York County Community College breakfast.
Ever feisty, the Republican governor said he was going to come "all made up with a broken arm and a black eye" ? a reference to the state Legislature going from Republican to Democratic hands.
He said, however, "if the Democrats are serious, we can get a lot done."
LePage was speaking at the YCCC Eggs and Issues Breakfast at the Coastal House in Wells.
The governor said his two primary areas of focus for the next session will be energy and education.
LePage has long said the state has to reduce its electricity costs, which are among the highest in the nation.
"It's a job killer," he said.
He advocates the Hydro-Quebec plans to bring energy through Maine, as long as it pays for the privilege.
The governor specifically wants to eliminate the 100-megawatt cap on hydropower contributions to the renewable portfolio standard, saying the state could produce more hydropower and be an intermediary between Quebec and other New England states.
"If you buy under 100 megawatts, it's green; if you buy 101 megawatts, it's a polluter. It doesn't make any sense," he said.
LePage wants to encourage forms of energy that receive no subsidies from the federal government, such as wind and solar power.
The governor also spoke at length about education reform. He said recently passed legislation allowing charter schools "is a step in the right direction." But overall, he said, "If you want a good education in Maine, go to a private school. If you can't afford it, tough luck."
"Until the Legislature and the governor sit down and say what's best for students, we're not going to change our schools," he said.
At $15,000 per pupil, Maine's cost of education is too high, primarily because of small class sizes in rural parts of the state, LePage said. He also blames teachers unions for driving up costs, particularly in the area of health insurance, "and local communities pay for it."
He said more needs to be done to encourage online and distance learning so one teacher "may be teaching 100 students" instead of a handful of them.
He also blames the public high schools for not producing literate graduates, saying too many students have to take remedial courses in college.
"I put out a bill that says if you go to a community college or the University of Maine and you need to take remedial courses, the sending high school will pay your tuition," he said. "That might have had a chance last year. This year, it's never going to pass."
As for his relationship with the new Legislature, he said when he was mayor of Waterville, he worked entirely with a Democratic council.
"I think I work best with an honest opponent," he said. "If the Dems are really serious about sitting around the table, we'll get a lot done."
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Source: http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20121114-NEWS-211140316
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