McGowan, Abbott best choices for Maine primary
By York County Coast Star, Portsmouth Herald and The York Weekly Staff
Seacoast Online
June 2, 2010
Maine Democrats and Republicans have an opportunity on Tuesday, June 8 to make a significant choice at the polls, that of choosing the best candidate to represent their party for governor in the November election.
We have been impressed by the caliber of the seven Republicans and four Democrats running in the primary. They are articulate and care deeply about Maine. But two stand out as worthy of the votes of residents of southern York County. They are Republican Steve Abbott and Democrat Pat McGowan.
The choice of Pat McGowan was not easily reached. His competitors, Senate President Libby Mitchell, former Attorney General Steve Rowe and businesswoman Rosa Scarcelli all have fine attributes. But we were swayed by McGowan's experience.
There is no doubt the next governor must work to attract and retain business. Maine needs to bring more jobs to the state, and who better to do that than the former regional administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration? McGowan, who also ran his family's business in Canaan, will be an advocate for the business community — a refreshing change from the anti-business label pasted on the Democratic Party in recent years.
As conservation commissioner, McGowan, 53, has been in on the ground floor of discussions molding Maine's energy policy. He understands the possibilities and limits of biomass, wind and solar, and thinks Maine is in perfect position to chart a renewable and cost-effective energy course.
He sees the connection between healthy business and sustainability, saying paper mills can produce "green" material, coming from certified "green" forests, so that "old jobs become new, green jobs."
And while no candidate should be chosen purely for parochial reasons, we should point out McGowan lived in York for five years and his daughters still do.
That means he understands the importance of the Memorial Bridge because he has used it. He knows the York residents who oppose the toll plaza relocation, and he unequivocally agrees the plan should not move forward. With McGowan, there would be someone in the Blaine House who doesn't consider southern York County part of New Hampshire.
Abbott and McGowan represent the best of their parties, and we urge you to vote for these fine Mainers.
