Down East economy discussed on cable

This week’s “State of the State” show addresses the recent report and work on economic development for Washington County.

Hosted by Christopher St. John, executive director of the Maine Center for Economic Policy in Augusta, the show’s guests are David Flanagan, who produced the report for Gov. John Baldacci, and Dianne Tilton, the executive director of the Sunrise County Economic Council.

Flanagan and Tilton discuss Flanagan’s findings on Washington County and his recommended actions.

He suggests promoting more tourism and retirement, strengthening natural resource-based industries, better coordination of state and local development efforts, and developing new energy resources, including liquefied natural gas terminals.

Tilton has supported local efforts in community development for many years. She points out that little state money is directed at the agencies that work on the local level to support business and community development.

Tilton is a member of the Washington County Economic Development Task Force, which has reviewed Flanagan’s report and developing recommendations for its implementation.

The show will air on Channel 9 on the Adelphia cable system at 11:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 21 and 22.