‘Charting Maine’s Future’ discussed in Lucerne

LUCERNE – As the governor continues his efforts to administer recommendations put forth by the Brookings Institution report “Charting Maine’s Future,” the Economic Development Council of Maine hosted a series of discussions of the report Tuesday and today at the Lucerne Inn.

One speaker, David Flanagan, former CEO of Central Maine Power Co., on Tuesday told a crowd of about 50 people that the Brookings report revealed the most “fundamental changes” that must be addressed in Maine.

“The attention Governor Baldacci has given to this agenda, and the appointment of a special joint Legislative Committee to evaluate and respond to its recommendations gives hope that this will not be yet one more study relegated to the shelves, but at long last, a blueprint for progress that is actually adopted and implemented,” Flanagan said.

Flanagan was one of a dozen speakers slated to speak at the council’s annual seminar, along with Gov. John Baldacci and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner John Richardson. Tuesday’s topics were centered on the Brookings report, taxes and the state’s business climate. Today, speakers will address technology in economic development offices, the impact of fairs and festivals on local economies, and Penn National Gaming Inc., the company that brought Hollywood Slots to Bangor.

A one-time gubernatorial candidate, Flanagan has returned to Maine after serving as general counsel for the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs investigation into the federal response to Hurricane Katrina. He is now chairman of the Portland-based Maine Public Spending Research Group.

The heavily discussed Brookings report offers a plan of action for Maine’s economy, cost of government and patterns of development. The report was sponsored by GrowSmart Maine, a nonprofit organization based in Portland, and the study was performed by The Brookings Institution, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank.

The Economic Development Council of Maine is a Gardiner-based nonprofit organization that provides educational and networking events for its more than 200 private- and public-sector members. The council organizes professional development meetings and seminars and administers a certificate program on local and statewide economic development.

For more information on the Economic Development Council of Maine, visit www.edcm.org.