Maine, USA-based WGME TV this week reported on the three candidates running for Governor of Maine, detailing each one’s plan directly related to the recently announced closure of Verso’s paper mill in Bucksport. The coated paper mill will permanently close its doors this December. 

According to the station’s report, independent candidate for governor, Eliot Cutler, has released a plan to deal with the closure of Verso by proposing the state directly buy the mill’s energy assets, which he says would be used to provide cheaper power to businesses moving into the area. "If I am elected governor next month, and if it becomes apparent that there is no sound opportunity to continue the operation of the paper mill, I will want to discuss with you a Maine Energy Finance Authority purchase of the energy plant," Cutler wrote to Verso Paper president David Paterson, referring to a state financing agency that he has proposed creating. The purchase would be funded through a state revenue bond, taken out against future energy sales from the power generation assets. "MEFA would own and oversee the operation of the plant," Cutler said. 

Democratic candidate Mike Michaud has his own plan for the paper industry after accepting the closing of Verso. "As governor, I’ll be calling a summit within the first 30 days of my administration to meet with the paper industry, as well as labor leaders, municipal officials, and the forest products industry to really find out what the short term needs are and the long term needs of the industry." His campaign page outlines reducing energy costs through expanding natural gas as well as investing in long-term contracts for renewable energy projects that will make energy cheaper.

In a statement, incumbent Governor Paul LePage (R) reiterated his pledge to find a new buyer or investors from the private market for Verso’s facilities to possibly go back into full production at a later date. But LePage is calling for the state government to concentrate on helping with training and providing extra support needed for workers to transition into new job opportunities while also talking about cost struggles.

 

 

"As governor, I will have failed miserably if a company like Verso shuts down a facility like the Bucksport mill, and my only response is that I was surprised or that I plan to hold a summit," he said, adding that he would create a "watch list" of major employers to try and project when trouble might be afoot for a certain industry or company. Gov. LePage said Verso did not give him advance notice of the planned closure. He noted the company is publicly traded, which means it has to keep information such as closure and other "material corporate events" secret until it files formal and public notice with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. LePage’s administration immediately called an emergency meeting with his economic development staff and rearranged his travel schedule after hearing of Verso’s closure announcement.

Democrat Michaud’s plan, announced last week, said that in addition to an industrial summit, he would include proposals to work with other states to address regional energy issues. He has proposed establishing stronger laws enforcing economic development and job creation promises from companies getting tax breaks. He is also supporting the diversification of power generation resources in Maine by suggesting the state sign contracts, in this case long-term ones, which would allow them to get renewable energy for the best prices the market can offer.

Alex Willette, spokesman for Lepage’s re-election campaign, issued a statement on Monday saying the Maine Department of Labor has now been working with the mill’s employees to help them through the closure and that the governor and his economic team are working to find a new buyer.

One thing is for certain, Maine, and especially Bucksport, should know much more about their economic fate and the mill’s future after this November election that will determine their governor in this rare three-way race in American politics.