Baldacci to emphasize ‘one Maine’ Unity, budget shortfall key themes of governor-elect’s inaugural address

AUGUSTA – Gov.-elect John Baldacci’s inaugural address on Wednesday will stress themes of unity, the Democrat said Monday. State budget problems also will play prominently in the speech.

As the speech was being refined by a team of advisers and aides, Baldacci said it will emphasize his vision of “one Maine” and will take 15 or 20 minutes. Baldacci takes over as Maine’s chief executive Wednesday evening as independent Gov. Angus King’s two terms come to an end.

Much has been said in the past of “two Maines” – one composed of the richer southern portion of the state and the other covering poorer rural and northern areas.

Baldacci said he will elaborate on his view that Maine should be seen as a whole, even as it faces “a lot of challenges and a lot of opportunity.”

He also will touch on themes of bipartisanship and cooperation after a fall campaign season that some candidates described as the most negative in memory.

“The elections are over,” said Baldacci, a former 2nd District congressman from Bangor.

A state budget shortfall that could add up to $1 billion, identified by legislative leaders as the No. 1 issue facing lawmakers as the new session gets under way, also will figure prominently in the address, said transition team spokesman Lee Umphrey, who is assisting in its drafting.

Baldacci is no stranger to the state political scene, having served as a state senator for 12 consecutive years before his eight-year congressional stint began.

Baldacci’s inauguration, scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday before the newly elected 121st Legislature and other spectators at the Augusta Civic Center, will be broadcast statewide on Maine Public Radio and Maine PBS television stations.

Thousands of invitations have been sent for Baldacci’s gala on the following night, also at the civic center. The gala is not paid for out of public funds.

As plans for the inaugural events were being refined, Baldacci’s transition team on Monday released a list of 25 musical groups to perform at Wednesday’s formal swearing-in and celebration the next night.

The groups run the gamut from the Boneheads and Black Socks String Band to the Boy Singers of Maine and Portland Symphony Orchestra.