Governor visits Girls State, Boys State

BANGOR – Gov. John Baldacci traveled to Bangor and Waterville last week to address student delegates at Dirigo Girls State and Boys State.

At Husson College in Bangor, Baldacci spoke to more than 300 delegates of Girls State on June 19 about the connection between government and Girls State, lessons to take away and the consolidation of education administration.

The governor also spoke to the delegates about his experience at Boys State when he was in high school.

“I myself was in Boys State a few years ago,” Baldacci said. “That experience, along with the influence of my family and my father, gave me an active interest in politics and government.”

Baldacci told the delegates, who were gathered at Husson College for the weeklong event, that the operation of Girls State was a great representation of the way local, county and state governments operate.

“I think that you can go about working together on the issues, even if you have disagreements,” the governor said. “My father told me that life is like a glass – you get out of it whatever you put into it. What you are putting in here at Girls State is an invaluable experience that will last you a lifetime and you will learn to work together and work through your disagreements.”

The governor answered questions from the students on everything from Maine’s economy to the 2008 presidential election, though many of the questions were about the consolidation of administration in Maine’s schools.

“The reason this plan is necessary is because teachers are being cut, less money is being put into the classroom and property taxes are still going up,” Baldacci said. “We need to be putting more money into the classroom for the students’ benefit, and less money into the administration of education.”

He told the delegates that the end result of the plan was a compromise between legislators and the governor, and he is happy with the outcome.

“It is hard work coming together to find a compromise that works for everyone,” the governor said, “and you will likely experience that type of work here at Girls State.”

He closed by praising the students for their community-minded participation at an early age and called Girls State a model example of a way for young people to get involved.

“If you want to be successful, you have to be yourself,” the governor said. “Don’t try to impress the person next to you. You need to be honest with yourself and each other and work as hard as you can for the greater good. Girls State represents those values and I hope that you take them with you long after this week comes to a close.”

On June 20, Baldacci spoke to more than 250 delegates of Boys State about his time as governor of Maine and his experience running for governor of Boys State. It was the 60th anniversary of the weeklong program, held last week at Thomas College in Waterville.

“I ran for governor of Boys State many years ago,” Baldacci said. “I was running against about 19 other candidates and I did not win. However, I did make several friendships that lasted for years. When I ran for Congress and for governor, many of the friends I made at Boys State came back and helped me out on the campaigns. The friendships you make here are important and will be important to you for years to come.”

The governor told the delegates he intended to sign legislation for Opportunity Maine. Opportunity Maine creates a new tax credit to help pay off student loans for people who live and work in Maine following graduation.

“We are giving you an opportunity to live and work in Maine and not have to be burdened by debt to do so,” the governor said.

Baldacci answered questions on his plans after his term as governor expires, gas prices and the 2006 gubernatorial election. He also fielded questions about the consolidation of school administration.

“Education consolidation is not just about saving money, it’s about investing that money in scholarships and resources for the classroom,” the governor said. “You grow the economy by making wise investments and that’s what we are looking to do by investing in your education.”

Boys State and Girls State are sponsored by the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary, respectively.

Baldacci issued a proclamation celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Boys State.

He called Boys State “among the most respected and selective educational programs of civics instruction for high school students.” He added that the program “exposes students to the rights, privileges, duties and responsibilities of an American citizen.”