LePage bars fire marshal from hearing on Maine fireworks bill

[Maine-ah]

Source: BDN

AUGUSTA, Maine — Lawmakers heard testimony Monday from supporters and opponents of legislation that would allow the sale and use of a wide range of fireworks in the state.

But perhaps the idea’s most vocal opponent was conspicuously silent.

That’s because Gov. Paul LePage — whose administration supports the sale and use of some consumer fireworks — did not allow anyone from the State Fire Marshal’s Office to testify before lawmakers Monday. The fire marshal’s office has consistently opposed similar legislation in the past.

“In his role as fire marshal, has offered testimony on similar bills in the past, and I don’t think it would be fair to him to ask him to express an opinion contrary — well, not exactly contrary — to what he has said in the past,” said Dan Billings, Gov. Paul LePage’s chief legal counsel, on the administration’s decision not to allow Dean to testify.

Read more: http://new.bangordailynews.com/2011/02/07/politics/473379/

[Ken Burch]

1. Christ! does Maine have a recall process for insane governors?

It's not as if fireworks even do that MUCH for a state economy.

[Maine-ah]

2. it's not much at all

400k in sales tax revenue is their estimate.

[geckosfeet]

3. 400k that will eaten up by increased emergency services due to accidents.

[Submariner]

11. Wait till some idiot lights up Arcadia National Park with firecrackers

and that 400K will go quick in fire fighting costs.

[eShirl]

15. Acadia... n/t

[Submariner]

19. Oops...My bad....I don't pronounce "R's" in my neck of the woods

but keep writing them where they don't belong.

[Maine-ah]

20. lol...

lot's of Maine-ahs will pronounce "Rs" where they don't belong...

like the word "idea"...will be changed in Maine to "idear" :hi:

[tanyev]

4. Yeah, what do fire marshals know about fireworks, anyway?

:crazy:

[eShirl]

5. The gag order also bans staff members from answering state legislators' Qs in private

without going through LePage's office. (at least, according to a commenter in the KJ: http://www.kjonline.com/news/no-testimony-from-fire-marshal-on-fireworks-bill_2011-02-07.html )

[Po_d Mainiac]

6. We know that Waterville is missing it's villiage fool n/t

[Maineman]

7. My question also. Does Maine have a recall process??

[Maine-ah]

8. I think we have to go through an impeachment process

I don't think we can go through a petition recall, but I'm still trying to find out.

on edit:

we do not have a recall process.

[Maineman]

9. Conflict of interest?

LePage is/was the general manager of a popular chain of Maine discount (borderline junk) stores named Mardens. No doubt, he would like to make it possible for Mardens to sell fireworks. Described as having been a street kid from Lewiston, he was probably the type who would have put cherry bombs in people's mail boxes as a kid.

[TheCowsCameHome]

10. How long before this guy is gone?

I can't believe the good people of Maine will put up with his crap for long.

[tularetom]

12. Can't the legislature subpoena him?

I don't think anybody can be "barred" from testifying if a legitimate subpoena is issued.

Actually, "illegal" fireworks is kind of an American tradition - if they aren't available in your state you can always go to a nearby state and buy them. I'm assuming that's the case in ME right now and this is an attempt to glom onto some sales tax that's currently lost to some neighboring state.

[Maine-ah]

14. many will travel down to New Hampshire to get their fireworks.

[denverbill]

13. In other words, if he speaks his mind, he'll be fired?

Because asking him to express an opinion contrary to everything he's said in the past sounds like political intimidation.

[Javaman]

18. More like, if he does his job, he will be fired. LOL

A fire commissioner talking on the topic of firework safety is more than just an opinion.

this is the ultimate in "deregulation".

[jpak]

16. LePage 38% Dictator

yup

[Javaman]

17. Pffft! Fire, completely over rated.

I wonder how long it will take the fire trucks to respond to governor halfwits house if it caught fire? LOL