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From: Mayor Michael Hurley [mayor@midcoast.com]
Sent: Monday, March 15, 2004 9:27 AM .
To: Cashman, Jack
Subject: from Mayor of Belfast
Greetings Jack;
I am not yet in the business of writing public letters regarding these two issues. Feel free to pass on my comments to the Governor. Just a few confidential words on 2 subjects:
LNG and Sears Island.
Promoting Sears Island as an LNG site is a huge loser for the Governor.
The area is now convulsed with growing opposition and no proponents of the Sears Island plan.
I was just down in Stonington Sunday and there were anti LNG petitions out in the two markets and restaurants we stopped at.
I don't know if it is completely clear in Augusta but 10 years ago we were recovering from the loss of chickens and shoes. We have left it behind. We have low unemployment and people are moving here from all over Maine and from out of state because they love it for the way it is. We are done with our dirty past and we will fight to defend our economy that is now based on good jobs, high property values, a fully employed work force, a great environment, and a strong tourism base. LNG will do nothing but harm us.
. The local Democrats are already being forced to choose which side are they on. It will be a major player in local elections this year.
. Supposedly "big fan of LNG... Searsport" already elected their first "anti" selectmen.
. While the Belfast City Council has not taken a stand publicly; it will eventually. No one in government or the public speaks in favor of this thing because it's the right idea in the wrong place.
I urge the Governor and your offices to find another welcome locale for this thing or forget it.
Sears lsland
You are right about moving Sears Island to the front. It should be developed as a State Park with all the tourism facilities known to man. _Boating/dockslcamping/skiing/snow sledding/ restaurants/ hotels/ B & B's-lodges ala Grand Canyon & Yosemite. It should be developed to positively reinforce the economy we already enjoy.
Taxes I urge the Governor to rethink his "no-new taxes" idea. Everyone talking down here says we need to broaden the sales tax and I say go for it.
. There is a vast and growing across party disappointment that the administration has not been able to take the lead in tax reform. The situation calls for bold action and we have not seen it to date.
My best wishes to the Governor and you. I realize how tough a job you have. Good luck.
Best/ Mike Hurley
Mayor, City of Belfast
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