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For Immediate Release: December 3, 2008
Native of North Haven calls for inter-party cooperation and focus on renewable energy resources
AUGUSTA– Hannah Pingree of North Haven was sworn into office as Speaker of the House on Wednesday, becoming the 99th Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives and just the second woman ever to hold the office in the state. In her speech to the members of the House, Pingree called for bipartisan cooperation and for the creation of a legislative committee to focus on the creation of clean, Maine-based renewable energy resources.
Pingree, who is beginning her fourth term, was unanimously elected to the post by the entire membership of the House. She was nominated for the position by both the House Majority and House Minority party leaders. Rep. John Piotti, the House Majority Leader noted Pingree’s leadership abilities that she demonstrated over the last two years as the Democratic floor leader. Rep. Josh Tardy, the House Minority Leader seconded her nomination, relating efforts by Pingree last session to reach across the aisle to members of his party.
In a brief speech to the newly elected members of the House and an overflowing crowd of visitors, Pingree noted that in these uncertain economic times, members of the House need to put the campaigns behind them and focus on the work ahead.
“Our primary job is to find ways to invest in our state’s future while helping our citizens weather the economic storm we face today,” said Pingree. “Despite the huge economic challenges, I believe we have tremendous opportunities before us.”
Calling for greater attention to be focused on the 13 percent of Mainers who do not have consistent access to meals and the affects of unstable energy prices on Mainers of all stripes, Pingree cited statistics that show Maine citizens send as much as $5 billion for food and $6 billion for energy out of state.
“Imagine if we focus this session on diverting just 10 percent of our food and energy spending to Maine sources,” said Pingree. “With the right road map, by the time our freshman members are finishing their final term, Maine could be generating more power and energy than we need. Our farmers could be feeding Maine and New England.”
In cooperation with the newly elected Senate President, Libby Mitchell, Pingree will be naming a Joint Select Committee on Energy in the coming session. The new committee’s agenda will be to examine ways to create and attract jobs in the clean energy sector, to generate and save energy in their homes, business and communities, to reduce carbon emissions and to create smart energy policies that will benefit people far into the future.
Hannah Pingree, 32, is serving her fourth term in the Maine House of Representatives and her first as Speaker of the House. Pingree previously served as the House Majority Leader during the 123rd Legislature and was the House Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee during the 122nd Legislature. In her first term she was a member of the Legislature’s budget-writing Appropriations Committee.
Prior to serving in the Maine Legislature, she was a fundraiser for the U.S. Senate campaign of Chellie Pingree, her mother. She also worked for two years in New York City as the political director and “Election 2000” producer for iVillage.com, the largest political internet site for women. In addition to serving in the Legislature, professionally, Hannah runs a capital campaign to build a new public school facility on North Haven.
Hannah is an honors graduate of North Haven Community School, Brown University and was a 1998-99 Fellow for Leadership in Public Affairs for the Coro Foundation in New York City. In the Legislature she represents 11 islands and coastal towns. She grew up on the island of North Haven.
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