Trade panel to hold hearing in Presque Isle

The state Citizen Trade Policy Commission will hold a public hearing Thursday in Presque Isle to gather public opinion of international trade agreements.

The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Nov. 30 at Presque Isle City Hall.

The 22-member nonpartisan commission, co-chaired by state Sen. Margaret Rotundo, D-Lewiston, and state Rep. John Patrick, D-Rumford, is made up of elected officials, human rights activists and representatives from small businesses, farming, health care and manufacturing.

Since the commission was created by the Legislature in 2004, it has organized similar meetings in Lewiston, Bangor, Houlton and Portland. Apple and potato farmers, mill owners and steel fabrication workers have attended previous meetings to say they are having difficulty competing with lower-priced goods produced in other countries.

Rotundo said the commission welcomes positive and negative comments on how international trade agreements such as the North American Free Trade Agreement or the Central American Free Trade Agreement affect Maine’s economy.

“We’re trying to gauge the impact, and we’re trying to have a voice that will be heard by our congressional delegation and the U.S. trade [representative]. People can benefit from international trade without being hurt by it,” Rotundo said.

For information, visit the commission’s Web site: www.maine.gov/legis/opla/

citpol.htm.