Randal Manning, Executive Director
Board of Lciensure in Medicine
137 State House Station
Phone: (207)287-3601. Fax: (207) 287-6590.
Randal.C.Manning@maine.gov

Stanley Rosenblatt, M.D., voluntarily surrendered his license to practice medicine in the State Of Maine, in lieu of proceeding to an Adjudicatory hearing. Dr. Rosenblatt was summarily suspended by the Board of Licensure in Medicine on April 15, 2003 for inappropriate prescribing of controlled substances for himself and a family member. Dr. Rosenblatt, an internist, lives in Lewiston.

At its April 15, 2003 meeting, the Board reviewed information regarding Dr. Rosenblatt’s prescribing practices. Based on the results of this review the Board determined that Dr. Rosenblatt’s continued practice and ability to prescribe poses immediate jeopardy to the health and safety of his patients. The Board ordered that an Adjudicatory Hearing regarding Dr. Rosenblatt’s summary suspension be held.

All Board disciplines are reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, the Health Improvement and Protection Data Bank, and the Federation of State Medical Boards Action Data Bank. Those reports are regularly reviewed by every state licensing board in the country.

The Board is made up of 6 physicians and 3 public members appointed by the Governor. Disciplinary actions taken by the Board are available to the public either by telephone at (207) 287-3601, or on the Board's website at www.docboard.org/me/me_home.htm.

The Board of Licensure in Medicine is the State of Maine agency charged to protect the health and welfare of the public by verifying the qualifications of physicians to practice, and disciplining physicians for unprofessional conduct and incompetence. Any citizen can request an investigation of a physician or physician assistant by contacting the Board office by telephone at (207) 287-3608, by letter, or by visiting the Board's web site.

Randal Manning, Executive Director
Board of Lciensure in Medicine
137 State House Station
Phone: (207)287-3601. Fax: (207) 287-6590.
Randal.C.Manning@maine.gov

E. Jeffrey Violette, M.D., was granted a conditioned license in a Consent Agreement signed June 30, 2003. As a condition of his licensure Dr. Violette must undergo substance abuse monitoring and counseling. Dr. Violette, a psychiatrist, had worked in the Augusta area.

In 1999 Dr. Violette signed a Consent Agreement related to his prescribing and billing practices. In 2001 the Board suspended Dr. Violette’s license for 360 days and ordered a complete psychological and physical evaluation. Dr. Violette was required to satisfy the Board that he was fit to practice before he could return. Dr. Violette tested positive for marijuana in 2002 and signed another Consent Agreement placing his license in Inactive Status. After several appearances before the Board, the Board ordered that Dr. Violette’s license be reinstated to Active Status with the conditions listed above.

All Board disciplines are reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, the Health Improvement and Protection Data Bank, and the Federation of State Medical Boards Action Data Bank. Those reports are regularly reviewed by every state licensing board in the country.

The Board is made up of 6 physicians and 3 public members appointed by the Governor. Disciplinary actions taken by the Board are available to the public either by telephone at (207) 287-3601, or on the Board's website at www.docboard.org/me/me_home.htm.

The Board of Licensure in Medicine is the State of Maine agency charged to protect the health and welfare of the public by verifying the qualifications of physicians to practice, and disciplining physicians for unprofessional conduct and incompetence. Any citizen can request an investigation of a physician or physician assistant by contacting the Board office by telephone at (207) 287-3608, by letter, or by visiting the Board's web site.

Randal Manning, Executive Director
Board of Lciensure in Medicine
137 State House Station
Phone: (207)287-3601. Fax: (207) 287-6590.
Randal.C.Manning@maine.gov

Alan F. Woodruff, M.D., was granted a conditioned license in a Consent Agreement signed June 30, 2003. As a condition of his licensure Dr. Woodruff may not prescribe to himself or family members. Dr. Woodruff, an internist, had worked in the Rockport area.

In 1998 Dr. Woodruff accepted a reprimand from the Board and agreed not to prescribe for family members as terms of a Consent Agreement. In July 2000 Dr. Woodruff entered into a second Consent Agreement with the Board for inappropriate prescribing practices with patients, which include probation with conditions for two years. Later that same month the Board suspended Dr. Woodruff’s license for violating the initial Consent Agreement. A hearing was held in August 2000 and the Board voted to suspend Dr. Woodruff’s license for 360 days and referred the matter to court for revocation. Dr. Woodruff entered into a consent judgment in August 2001 and voluntarily surrendered his license. Since that time Dr. Woodruff has completed an intensive controlled substance management course.

All Board disciplines are reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, the Health Improvement and Protection Data Bank, and the Federation of State Medical Boards Action Data Bank. Those reports are regularly reviewed by every state licensing board in the country.

The Board is made up of 6 physicians and 3 public members appointed by the Governor. Disciplinary actions taken by the Board are available to the public either by telephone at (207) 287-3601, or on the Board's website at www.docboard.org/me/me_home.htm.

The Board of Licensure in Medicine is the State of Maine agency charged to protect the health and welfare of the public by verifying the qualifications of physicians to practice, and disciplining physicians for unprofessional conduct and incompetence. Any citizen can request an investigation of a physician or physician assistant by contacting the Board office by telephone at (207) 287-3608, by letter, or by visiting the Board's web site.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
Phone: 207-626-8400

Renewing your vehicle registration is an annual event that generally requires getting in line at the town office to pay the municipal excise tax, and then for some getting in line again at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to pay the registration fee.

Have you ever wondered if there is an easier way?

Now, for the residents of York, there is--with Rapid Renewal, a new online service introduced by Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky and launched by York today. Instead of getting in line, you can get online to renew your vehicle registration. Just point and click, and in a few easy steps you can pay your municipal excise tax and registration fee from your home, office or any other convenient location with Internet access.

“Rapid Renewal is a groundbreaking Internet service that moves Maine closer to the concept of e-government. For the first time York citizens will be able to conduct business online with municipal and state government in one seamless transaction,” stated Secretary Gwadosky. “This is one of the first municipal and state government partnerships in the country to provide integrated e-commerce services online,” Secretary Gwadosky continued. “We know this will open the door for other agencies to provide more convenient online services to Maine citizens.”

Resident’s of York no longer need to worry about making it into the town office during business hours. With Rapid Renewal, they can perform their registration renewals online 24 hours a day. Once they complete the process, they will be provided with a receipt and confirmation number, and they will receive the new registration certificate and stickers in the mail within a few days.

The Rapid Renewal program is sponsored by Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky and was developed cooperatively by his department, ten pilot municipalities, and InforME, the Information Resource of Maine. While municipal participation in the program is voluntary, York was eager to launch Rapid Renewal to provide its citizens with this efficient and convenient service.

Rapid Renewal may be accessed through www.yorkmaine.org or www.sosonline.org, the Department of the Secretary of State’s site for online services. Rapid Renewal is currently available in Arundel, Bangor, Bowdoinham, Brewer, Brunswick, Buxton, Cape Elizabeth, Casco, Caswell, Chelsea, China, Corinna, Dover-Foxcroft, Fairfield, Falmouth, Farmington, Fort Fairfield, Fort Kent, Gorham, Hermon, Holden, Jay, Kennebunk, Lewiston, Limestone, Madison, Norway, North Yarmouth, Old Orchard Beach, Palermo, Patten, Phippsburg, Portland, Richmond, Saco, Sangerville, South Portland, Standish, Vassalboro, Waterville, Wells, Westbrook, Westport, Windham, Winterport, Winthrop, Wiscasset, Yarmouth, and York.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
Phone: 207-626-8400

As the Town of Scarborough launches Rapid Renewal, the Department of the Secretary of State’s online service for renewal of motor vehicle registrations, Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky, all participating municipalities and their citizens have much to celebrate. While municipal participation in Rapid Renewal is optional, the service has quickly grown to include 50 municipalities representing 36% of Maine’s population. Another 23 municipalities are scheduled to offer this innovative service. Even more impressive, Rapid Renewal has processed nearly 15,000 online registration renewals so far this year. These are transactions that typically would have taken place in municipal offices. Instead, many people are taking advantage of Rapid Renewal to renew their registrations at a time and in a place most convenient for their schedules.

“I am pleased that with the leadership of Scarborough’s Town Council and Town Manager, Rapid Renewal now has 50 participating municipalities,” said Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky. “As citizens are enthusiastically taking advantage of Rapid Renewal’s convenience, municipalities are eagerly embracing the program.”

Now residents of Scarborough will be able to enjoy the ease of renewing their vehicles online. Citizens may simply point and click, and in a few easy steps pay their municipal excise tax and registration fee from their homes, offices or any other convenient locations with Internet access.

“This is the Town’s first step in offering online services to our residents,” said Ron Owens, Town Manager. “We are proud to be the 50th community to offer this convenient way to renew vehicle registrations and we expect residents to take full advantage of this electronic service.”

Rapid Renewal is a groundbreaking e-commerce service that allows citizens to conduct business with municipal government and state government in one seamless online transaction. The service is being offered by municipalities from York County to Aroostook County, with populations ranging from Caswell’s 326 citizens to Portland’s 64,249 citizens. Through Rapid Renewal citizens are able to renew their vehicle registrations and pay their municipal excise taxes, from the comfort of their homes or convenience of their offices. It’s quick, easy, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As Internet access becomes increasingly common among citizens, government agencies are seeking to leverage this opportunity to provide enhanced services to citizens and create efficiencies in government. Rapid Renewal serves as a model of success.

Rapid Renewal Service has gained national attention and has been named to the Civic.com Civic 50 Awards list for its use of technology to provide government services in a more efficient manner.

For immediate release
Contact: Chip Gavin
Phone: 207-626-8408

AUGUSTA - Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky will conduct a public drawing at 2 p.m. Wednesday, August 27, 2003, to determine the order of the statewide ballot questions for the November 4, 2003 election.

"This is an important step in the election process," said Gwadosky. "Ordering and numbering the questions helps keep things clear during the ongoing public discussion on the issues. Everyone can at least agree that we're talking about the same question, even if the level of agreement ends there."

The drawing will be held in the Department's offices on the first floor of the Nash School building at the corner of Sewall and Capitol streets in Augusta.

"I suspect we will soon see the familiar slogans of 'Vote yes on this question' and 'Vote no on that one,'" said Gwadosky. "This drawing helps makes that debate and discussion possible."

"The ordering and numbering of the questions is a basic building block in Maine's system of democracy," said Gwadosky. "It is an easy step to take for granted, but it can't be overlooked."

The Secretary of State's responsibility for determining the order of the questions is set forth in Maine election law, 21-A M.R.S.A. The law first requires the questions to be organized on the ballot in order by category as follows: carry-over measures from a previous election; people's veto questions, citizen initiatives, bond questions, constitutional amendments, and other legislatively proposed referenda. The drawing set for Wednesday will determine the order of the questions within each category for which there are questions in the upcoming election.

A listing of the questions for the November ballot, in no particular order, is attached.

In no particular order, the questions scheduled to appear on the November 4, 2003, statewide ballot are:

Citizen initiatives:

Question_____ (Citizen Initiative) Do you want to allow slot machines at certain commercial horse racing tracks if part of the proceeds are used to lower prescription drug costs for the elderly and disabled, and for scholarships to the state universities and technical colleges?

Question_____ (Citizen Initiative) Do you want to allow a casino to be run by the Passamaquoddy Tribe and Penobscot Nation if part of the revenue is used for state education and municipal revenue sharing?

Question_____ (Citizen Initiative and Competing Measure) (Citizen Initiative) A. Do you want the State to pay 55% of the cost of public education, which includes all special education costs, for the purpose of shifting costs from the property tax to state resources? (Competing measure) B. Do you want to lower property taxes and avoid the need for a significant increase in state taxes by phasing in a 55% state contribution to the cost of public education and by providing expanded property tax relief? (Against A and B) C. Against both the Citizen Initiative and the Competing Measure

Bond questions:

Question_____ (Bond issue) Do you favor a $63,450,000 bond issue for improvements to highways and bridges, airports, state-owned ferry vessels and ferry and port facilities and port and harbor structures; development of rail corridors and improvements to railroad structures and intermodal facilities; investment in the statewide public transportation fleet and public park and ride and service facilities; statewide trail and pedestrian improvements; and expansion of the statewide air-medical response system through construction of hospital helipads, building additional refueling facilities, upgrading navigational systems and acquiring training equipment to improve access to health care that makes the State eligible for $217,000,000 in matching federal funds?

Question_____ (Bond issue) Do you favor a $6,950,000 bond issue for the following for the following purposes: (1) The sum of $2,000,000 to construct and upgrade water pollution control facilities; providing the state match for $10,000,000 in federal funds; (2) The sum of $1,500,000 to provide grants to construct water pollution control facilities; (3) The sum of $500,000 to clean up uncontrolled hazardous substance sites; (4) The sum of $500,000 for the small community grant program to provide grants for rural communities to solve local pollution problems; (5) The sum of $500,000 for the overboard discharge removal program to provide grants to municipalities and individuals to eliminate licensed overboard discharges to shellfish areas, great ponds and drainage areas of less than 10 square miles; (6) The sum of $1,200,000 to support drinking water system improvements that address public health threats, providing the stat match for $4,140,000 in federal funds; and (7) The sum of $750,000 to construct environmentally sound water sources that help avoid drought damage to crops?

Question_____ (Bond issue) Do you favor a $19,000,000 bond issue to make repairs, upgrades and other facility improvements and enhance access for students with disabilities and upgrade classroom equipment at various campuses of the University of Maine System; the Maine Maritime Academy; and the Maine Community College System, which was formerly the Maine Technical College System, and to provide grants to construct and renovate public libraries and to improve community access to electronic resources?

For immediate release
Contact: Chip Gavin
Phone: 207-626-8408

AUGUSTA - Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky in a public drawing today determined the order of the statewide ballot questions for the November 4, 2003 election.

“This is an important step in the election process,” said Gwadosky when announcing the drawing. “Ordering and numbering the questions helps keep things clear during the ongoing public discussion on the issues. Everyone can at least agree that we’re talking about the same question, even if the level of agreement ends there.”

The drawing was held in the Department’s offices on the first floor of the Nash School building at the corner of Sewall and Capitol streets in Augusta.

“Voters will soon see the beginning of the debate on these issues with specific question numbers attached to each,” said Gwadosky. “We’ll begin hearing ‘Vote yes on this question’ or ‘Vote no on that question.’ Today’s drawing makes simple but important step possible.”

The Secretary of State’s responsibility for determining the order of the questions is set forth in Maine election law, 21-A M.R.S.A. The law first requires the questions to be organized on the ballot in order by category as follows: carry-over measures from a previous election; people's veto questions, citizen initiatives, bond questions, constitutional amendments, and other legislatively proposed referenda. The drawing set for Wednesday will determine the order of the questions within each category for which there are questions in the upcoming election.

A listing of the questions for the November ballot, in order, is attached.

In their correct order, the questions scheduled to appear on the November 4, 2003, statewide ballot are:

Citizen initiatives:

Question 1 (Citizen Initiative and Competing Measure) (Citizen Initiative) A. Do you want the State to pay 55% of the cost of public education, which includes all special education costs, for the purpose of shifting costs from the property tax to state resources? (Competing measure) B. Do you want to lower property taxes and avoid the need for a significant increase in state taxes by phasing in a 55% state contribution to the cost of public education and by providing expanded property tax relief? (Against A and B) C. Against both the Citizen Initiative and the Competing Measure

Question 2 (Citizen Initiative) Do you want to allow slot machines at certain commercial horse racing tracks if part of the proceeds are used to lower prescription drug costs for the elderly and disabled, and for scholarships to the state universities and technical colleges?

Question 3 (Citizen Initiative) Do you want to allow a casino to be run by the Passamaquoddy Tribe and Penobscot Nation if part of the revenue is used for state education and municipal revenue sharing?

Bond questions:

Question 4 (Bond issue) Do you favor a $6,950,000 bond issue for the following for the following purposes: (1) The sum of $2,000,000 to construct and upgrade water pollution control facilities; providing the state match for $10,000,000 in federal funds; (2) The sum of $1,500,000 to provide grants to construct water pollution control facilities; (3) The sum of $500,000 to clean up uncontrolled hazardous substance sites; (4) The sum of $500,000 for the small community grant program to provide grants for rural communities to solve local pollution problems; (5) The sum of $500,000 for the overboard discharge removal program to provide grants to municipalities and individuals to eliminate licensed overboard discharges to shellfish areas, great ponds and drainage areas of less than 10 square miles; (6) The sum of $1,200,000 to support drinking water system improvements that address public health threats, providing the stat match for $4,140,000 in federal funds; and (7) The sum of $750,000 to construct environmentally sound water sources that help avoid drought damage to crops?

Question 5 (Bond issue) Do you favor a $19,000,000 bond issue to make repairs, upgrades and other facility improvements and enhance access for students with disabilities and upgrade classroom equipment at various campuses of the University of Maine System; the Maine Maritime Academy; and the Maine Community College System, which was formerly the Maine Technical College System, and to provide grants to construct and renovate public libraries and to improve community access to electronic resources?

Question 6 (Bond issue) Do you favor a $63,450,000 bond issue for improvements to highways and bridges, airports, state-owned ferry vessels and ferry and port facilities and port and harbor structures; development of rail corridors and improvements to railroad structures and intermodal facilities; investment in the statewide public transportation fleet and public park and ride and service facilities; statewide trail and pedestrian improvements; and expansion of the statewide air-medical response system through construction of hospital helipads, building additional refueling facilities, upgrading navigational systems and acquiring training equipment to improve access to health care that makes the State eligible for $217,000,000 in matching federal funds?

Randal Manning, Executive Director
Board of Lciensure in Medicine
137 State House Station
Phone: (207)287-3601. Fax: (207) 287-6590.
Randal.C.Manning@maine.gov

Manuel Rodriguez, M.D., voluntarily surrendered his medical license in a Consent Agreement signed September 9, 2003. In addition, Dr. Rodriguez agreed not to seek reinstatement of his license to practice medicine in Maine. Dr. Rodriguez had worked in the Sanford area until December 2002.

The Board received a complaint against Dr. Rodriguez and ordered a random record review which raised concerns about medical documentation and clinical competency in cardiology. Dr. Rodriguez agreed to surrender his license in lieu of proceeding to an adjudicatory hearing.

All Board disciplines are reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, the Health Improvement and Protection Data Bank, and the Federation of State Medical Boards Action Data Bank. Those reports are regularly reviewed by every state licensing board in the country.

The Board is made up of 6 physicians and 3 public members appointed by the Governor. Disciplinary actions taken by the Board are available to the public either by telephone at (207) 287-3601, or on the Board's website at www.docboard.org/me/me_home.htm.

The Board of Licensure in Medicine is the State of Maine agency charged to protect the health and welfare of the public by verifying the qualifications of physicians to practice, and disciplining physicians for unprofessional conduct and incompetence. Any citizen can request an investigation of a physician or physician assistant by contacting the Board office by telephone at (207) 287-3608, by letter, or by visiting the Board's web site.

Randal Manning, Executive Director
Board of Lciensure in Medicine
137 State House Station
Phone: (207)287-3601. Fax: (207) 287-6590.
Randal.C.Manning@maine.gov

David F Sturdevant, M.D., agreed to engage a professional office management company in a Consent Agreement signed September 9, 2003. In addition, Dr. Sturdevant agreed to document ongoing education in the areas of chronic pain management, proper prescribing of controlled substances, characteristics of drug seekers, and the recognition of drug diversion. Dr. Sturdevant works in Gorham.

The Board received a report in 2002 alleging that Dr. Sturdevant had inappropriately prescribed opioid analgesics. The Board then ordered a random chart review which raised concerns regarding Dr. Sturdevant’s management of chronic pain patients, documentation and office practices. Dr. Sturdevant agreed to the terms stated above in lieu of proceeding to an adjudicatory hearing.

All Board disciplines are reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, the Health Improvement and Protection Data Bank, and the Federation of State Medical Boards Action Data Bank. Those reports are regularly reviewed by every state licensing board in the country.

The Board is made up of 6 physicians and 3 public members appointed by the Governor. Disciplinary actions taken by the Board are available to the public either by telephone at (207) 287-3601, or on the Board's website at www.docboard.org/me/me_home.htm.

The Board of Licensure in Medicine is the State of Maine agency charged to protect the health and welfare of the public by verifying the qualifications of physicians to practice, and disciplining physicians for unprofessional conduct and incompetence. Any citizen can request an investigation of a physician or physician assistant by contacting the Board office by telephone at (207) 287-3608, by letter, or by visiting the Board's web site.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Chip Gavin
Phone: 207-626-8408

NEWRY – More than 250 municipal election officials from more than 150 cities and towns representing every county in the state will be preparing to conduct Maine’s upcoming statewide elections in 2003 and 2004 when they gather for the Secretary of State’s 10th Annual Elections Conference on September 11-12 at Sunday River in Newry.

“Maine’s municipal election officials are heroes and heroines in our democracy, too often unsung ones,” said Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky. “We have a remarkable record of voter participation, in part because people in Maine know their vote counts. Municipal election administrators make sure of it. They make Maine’s elections happen.”

The conference will focus on the new Help America Vote Act and companion changes in Maine law required to implement the federal act. The new law requires a range of changes in Maine, from establishing the state’s first-ever computerized statewide voter registration system to implementing new identification requirements for voter registration applicants. The two-day training also will cover the details of voter registration laws and election day duties.

“This kind of training is an important opportunity for municipal election administrators to stay current with election laws and practices,” said Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky. “Their knowledge and ability to conduct free and fair elections is crucial to our democratic process.”

Biennial election training is mandatory for municipal clerks and registrars in Maine, and the conference is a major focus of those educational efforts. The Divisions of Elections in the Department of the Secretary of State and other organizations also provide additional training and educational opportunities for municipal officials.

The Secretary of State at the conference also will honor an individual with the 10th annual Lorraine M. Fleury award, named for the former state election director. Ms. Fleury and all but one of the past winners of the award are expected to attend the presentation Thursday evening. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to the election process.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Chip Gavin
Phone: 626-8408

NEWRY – Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky has named Gilles Auger of Sanford as the 2003 recipient of the 10th annual Lorraine M. Fleury award for an outstanding contribution to the election process in Maine.

“Gil Auger is simply a terrific recipient,” said Secretary Gwadosky. “He has been the public face of the election process in many ways in Sanford. He also has worked tirelessly behind the scenes on election administration and, importantly, he has encouraged young people to participate in their democracy, personally registering more than 2,000 young people to vote.”

Auger received the surprise award before more than 250 municipal and state elections officials on Thursday evening at the Secretary of State’s annual Elections Conference, a two-day training for municipal election administrators being held this September 11-12 in Newry.

Auger is the Registrar of Voters in Sanford and was nominated for the award by Claire E. Morrison, the community’s Clerk, and by Susan H. Cote, Deputy Clerk. “We have not known a man so dedicated to the election process as Gilles E. Auger of Sanford, Maine,” said Morrison and Cote in their nomination. “Mr. Auger has done so much both as a municipal official and a citizen.”

Auger was appointed to Sanford’s former Board of Registration in 1974 and made chair in 1978. He became Registrar of Voters in 1981, a position he still holds. He has served as Town Meeting Moderator for 20 years (1970-1979, 1994-2003) and will be the last elected to that post in Sanford, as the town will have a new charter January 1.

Voter education and outreach with young people also has been important to Auger’s work. So far, he personally has registered more than 2,000 high school students to vote during his career and has volunteered as an instructor at Dirigo Boys State with his sons Paul and Peter.

Behind the scenes, Auger worked countless hours integrating Sanford’s voting list with the town’s new E-911 system and has helped implement three different reapportionment projects.

The Lorraine M. Fleury award, awarded annually since 1994, is named for Maine’s former state director of elections. The previous winners of the award are Gerry Berube, Brenda Caldwell, Linda Cohen, Ethelyn Marthia, Deborah Cabana, Kathleen Montejo, Debra Lane, Sally Bryant and Rhonda Stark.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Chip Gavin
Phone: 207-626-8407

AUGUSTA – Governor John E. Baldacci and Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky today unveiled a new license plate for state vehicles that features Maine’s award-winning web portal: www.Maine.gov.

“Maine is helping to lead the way with its award-winning eGovernment portal and services,” said Governor Baldacci outside the State House at a 2 p.m. event at which the first of the new license plates was attached to a state vehicle.

Maine.gov is the official portal of the State of Maine and is the internet gateway for businesses, citizens, visitors and others to interact electronically with state government. All official Maine state government web pages and services can be accessed from www.Maine.gov.

“Growing numbers of Maine residents are getting on-line instead of in line,” said Secretary of State Gwadosky, who oversees the Bureau of Motor Vehicles in Maine and is chair of the InforME Board of Directors, which helps to oversee the Maine.gov portal. The members of the InforME board met today, approved the state’s newest online service – a new permit service through Inland Fisheries and Wildlife - and concluded their meeting with the license plate event.

The Maine.gov portal attracts approximately 4.5 million page hits per month, up from just 1 million per month in the year 2000. Online services include consumer products such as renewing a vehicle registration or checking the availability of a vanity license plate, business services such as annual report filings, recreational products such as fishing licenses, and much more. A list of services is available at: www.maine.gov/portal/online_services/index.html.

“This license plate is a low-tech, commonsense initiative for a high-tech purpose,” said Governor Baldacci.

“Citizens and businesses now can access hundreds of services on-line,” said Secretary Gwadosky. “More and more people are using these services and I expect that number will keep growing.”

The www.Maine.gov plate will gradually replace existing state vehicle plates in the coming years. The older plates – which say “Maine” across the top and “State” across the bottom - will be phased out as vehicles are retired from state service.

Contact: John Holden, GeoLibrary Board Chair Phone: 207-624-8800 | Fax: 207-287-4563 | TTY: 207-624-8853

The GeoLibrary was created in April 2002 as a library of Maine digital geographic information and to facilitate public access to the contents of the GeoLibrary. The GeoLibrary is governed by a 15-member Board of Directors representing various groups with an interest in digital geographic information in Maine. Use this link (http://janus.state.me.us/legis/ros/lom/LOM120th/4Pub601-650/P3823_742199) to view the legislation establishing the Maine Library of Geographic Information.

Since its inception, the GeoLibrary has been working to establish a system to provide better access to digital geographic information developed with state funds and to guide the development of geographic information systems in government. We have drafted a set of standards for the digitization of parcel maps, initiated a statewide high resolution orthoimagery project and are in the process of developing a local grant program to encourage the development of parcel level data. Over the next six months we intend to advertise the proposed standards in order to solicit comments and to announce the parcel data grant program.

Very soon, we will also be announcing the birth of the GeoLibrary web site. For more in depth information, visit http://megis.maine.gov/geolib/ (our temporary Internet home). All Board meetings are open to the public and agendas and meeting minutes are available at this site. Please contact a Board member if you would like more information.

In the meantime, we will be building our stakeholder list. If you want your name to be added to the list, go to the GeoLibrary web site (http://megis.maine.gov/geolib/) and click on “Join Stakeholders List.”

For immediate release
Contact: Dan Gwadosky
Phone: 207-626-8400

Maine’s Top Election Official Encourages Maximum Participation and Reminds Voters of Same Day Registration and Absentee Balloting Opportunities

AUGUSTA, MAINE -- Maine’s top election official announced on Wednesday that detailed information about the November 4, 2003 referendum election is available online. Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky explained that the Maine Citizen’s Guide to the Referendum Election, which includes complete ballot question language, along with summaries and explanations of each measure, is just a click away at www.Maine.gov.

In addition to the six ballot questions and related information, the Secretary of State’s website also offers the Maine Voter Guide and the Guide to Absentee Voting in Maine. Secretary Gwadosky noted that these resources provide instructions about the voting process – from voter registration to casting a ballot. He encouraged Maine voters to take advantage of these online services available through Maine.gov.

“Maine citizens have historically taken their voting responsibilities seriously, and have often been among our nation’s leaders in voter turnout at election time. Our state also enjoys a long tradition of providing its citizens with exceptional ballot access and abundant information necessary for making informed decisions, Secretary Gwadosky commented.

In announcing the availability of online election information, Secretary Gwadosky reminded voters that Maine law permits same day voter registration – enabling citizens to register and cast a ballot on election day. Additionally, he highlighted the fact that voters can request an absentee ballot from their municipal clerk, if this is a more convenient way for them to participate prior to election day.

Voter registration must be completed in person, when it takes place nine business days before an election. During that period, anyone wishing to register should visit their municipal clerk or registrar. Anyone requesting and returning an absentee ballot by mail should do so as soon as possible to ensure sufficient time for delivery. To be counted, a voted absentee ballot must be received by the clerk by 8:00 p.m. on election day. Any absentee ballots received after this time are not counted.

Secretary Gwadosky thanked Maine’s Attorney General Steven Rowe and State Treasurer Dale McCormick for their assistance in developing the Maine Citizen’s Guide to the Referendum Election, which will be available in paper form through the State’s Division of Elections and at municipal offices later this month. Voters can also obtain information on voter registration and absentee balloting by contacting their municipal clerk or the Elections Division at 624-7650.

Randal Manning, Executive Director
Board of Lciensure in Medicine
137 State House Station
Phone: (207)287-3601. Fax: (207) 287-6590.
Randal.C.Manning@maine.gov

Nathaniel W. Hyde, M.D., accepted a reprimand in a Consent Agreement signed October 14, 2003. In addition, Dr. Hyde must arrange a retroactive review of all emergency hospital admissions over the past six months, arrange an ongoing review of all acute abdominal cases with a report to the Board in one year, and document ongoing education in the areas of critical and emergency care. Dr. Hyde is a surgeon located in Brunswick.

The Board received a complaint against Dr. Hyde in 2002. The complaint revolved around the care provided to a 75 year old patient with a large bowel obstruction. At an informal conference held by the Board concerns were raised regarding the delay in scheduling surgery, the failure to diagnose pneumonia and Dr. Hyde’s surgical judgment. Dr. Hyde agreed to the terms of the Consent Agreement in lieu of proceeding to an adjudicatory hearing.

All Board disciplines are reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, the Health Improvement and Protection Data Bank, and the Federation of State Medical Boards Action Data Bank. Those reports are regularly reviewed by every state licensing board in the country.

The Board is made up of 6 physicians and 3 public members appointed by the Governor. Disciplinary actions taken by the Board are available to the public either by telephone at (207) 287-3601, or on the Board's website at www.docboard.org/me/me_home.htm.

The Board of Licensure in Medicine is the State of Maine agency charged to protect the health and welfare of the public by verifying the qualifications of physicians to practice, and disciplining physicians for unprofessional conduct and incompetence. Any citizen can request an investigation of a physician or physician assistant by contacting the Board office by telephone at (207) 287-3608, by letter, or by visiting the Board's web site.

Randal Manning, Executive Director
Board of Lciensure in Medicine
137 State House Station
Phone: (207)287-3601. Fax: (207) 287-6590.
Randal.C.Manning@maine.gov

Marcos B. Manning, M.D.’s, application for renewal of his medical license was denied at an adjudicatory hearing held on October 15, 2003. Dr. Manning’s request for license renewal had been preliminarily denied by the Board in July 2003. Dr. Manning appealed that decision and the Board ordered an adjudicatory hearing. During the hearing the Board voted to affirm the denial of license renewal. Dr. Manning lives in Dover, New Hampshire.

During the hearing the state introduced evidence that Dr. Manning failed to inform the Board he had been arrested in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts for operating under the influence. In addition, the evidence showed that Dr. Manning failed to notify the Board that he had voluntarily agreed not to practice medicine in Massachusetts following these arrests. Dr. Manning did not appear at the hearing.

All Board disciplines are reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, the Health Improvement and Protection Data Bank, and the Federation of State Medical Boards Action Data Bank. Those reports are regularly reviewed by every state licensing board in the country.

The Board is made up of 6 physicians and 3 public members appointed by the Governor. Disciplinary actions taken by the Board are available to the public either by telephone at (207) 287-3601, or on the Board's website at www.docboard.org/me/me_home.htm.

The Board of Licensure in Medicine is the State of Maine agency charged to protect the health and welfare of the public by verifying the qualifications of physicians to practice, and disciplining physicians for unprofessional conduct and incompetence. Any citizen can request an investigation of a physician or physician assistant by contacting the Board office by telephone at (207) 287-3608, by letter, or by visiting the Board's web site.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Chip Gavin
Phone: 207-626-8406

AUGUSTA - Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky on Tuesday, Nov. 4, will continue the Election Day tradition of visiting polling places across the state to help focus public attention on the election, to encourage voter participation and to thank municipal election workers.

Secretary Gwadosky will greet voters and election workers in seven municipalities in seven counties: Androscoggin, Cumberland, Kennebec, Oxford, Penobscot, Piscataquis and York.

“Maine voters know this is an important responsibility. The people of Maine know that voting matters,” said Gwadosky. “I’m urging all eligible voters to cast a ballot November 4.”

Secretary Gwadosky currently is scheduled to visit the following municipalities on Election Day:

Sanford, 8 a.m., Ward 1, Springvale Public Library; Portland, 9:15 a.m., Ward 2-3, Portland Exposition Building; Lewiston,10:30 a.m., Ward 5, Multi-purpose center, Birch Street; Norway, 11:45 a.m., Fire Station/Town Hall; Augusta, 2 p.m., Ward 2, City Center; Dover-Foxcroft, 4:15 p.m., YMCA, Park Street; Bangor, 5:45 p.m., Ward 4, Bangor Civic Center.

Maine’s remarkable democracy ranked tops in the nation for voter turnout in the 1992 and 1996 Presidential elections, and ranked second for turnout in 2000.

Eligible individuals still may register and vote in the November 4 referendum election thanks to Maine’s election-day registration law. Voters with questions about how and where to register and vote should contact their local election officials. More election information - such as listings of local officials, a Citizen’s Guide to the referendum and a sample ballot - is available from the Secretary of State’s Division of Elections by clicking “How do I learn about the Nov. 2003 Election” at www.maine.gov or by calling 207.624.7650.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Chip Gavin
Telephone: 207-626-8406

Preparations culminating for election
Secretary of State distributes more than 700,000 ballots

AUGUSTA – With the November 4 election just days away, Maine election officials now have prepared and printed more than 700,000 ballots and distributed them to 503 municipalities for use by voters in the state’s 627 precincts in Tuesday’s election.

“Thousands of people work very hard at the state and local level to make an election happen,” said Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky. “Now we need the voters of Maine to turn out, which is what elections are all about. When people participate, it’s all worthwhile.”

State officials have provided training for more than 500 local election officials since September. Those local officials have in turn trained thousands more election workers and they are continuing to make final preparations in the last days before the election.

The Citizen’s Guide to the Referendum Election has been visited on the web more than 21,000 times in just the past three weeks. Thousands more paper copies of the Citizen’s Guide also have been distributed, including to every municipality and public library in Maine. The Intent and Content portion of the Citizen’s Guide also was published in every daily newspaper in the state. The Secretary of State’s main web page for the election has been visited more than 12,000 times.

On Election Day, the Secretary of State will visit communities in seven different counties to thank both voters and dedicated municipal election officials for keeping Maine’s democracy strong. He also discussed the election with middle school and college students this week.

“Freedom and democracy are more than ideas,’” said Gwadosky. “Freedom and democracy are elections. Free, fair and real elections. That fact is never more obvious to me than when America has men and women serving in harm’s way.”

Eligible individuals still may register and then vote in the November 4 referendum election thanks to Maine’s election-day registration law. Voters with questions about voting may contact their local election officials, call the State Division of Elections at 207.624.7650, or click “How do I learn about the Nov. 2003 Election” at www.maine.gov.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Chip Gavin
Telephone: 207-626-8406

Secretary Gwadosky: "You can still register and vote."

AUGUSTA - Heading into the final weekend before the November 4 election, Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky is reminding Maine residents that they may still register and vote in Maine, thanks to the state's strong voter registration laws, which include election-day registration.

"If you are a first-time voter because you've just turned 18 or if you've simply never participated for whatever reason, I encourage you to register and vote," said Gwadosky. "Every vote counts."

To register and vote in Maine, you must be 18 years old or older, be a resident of Maine and be a citizen of the United States. Maine has worked hard to remove barriers to participation in the democratic process. The state has no cut-off date for in-person voter registration and no length of residency requirement.

"We're fortunate to have a high percentage of the eligible population already registered to vote," said Secretary Gwadosky. "It's important for everyone else to know they can still register and exercise the right to vote. Individuals can register until and on election day."

Secretary Gwadosky also is reminding voters of the availability of information about the election and about registering to vote. Materials are available on-line at www.Maine.gov by clicking on "How do I learn about the November 2003 election?" Information also is available from municipal election officials or by calling the State Division of Elections at 207-624-7650.

Among the available information is the Citizen's Guide to the Referendum Election. That document includes the ballot questions and information about each of them. It also includes an explanation of the process for deciding the outcome of the vote on Question #1 on the ballot, which features three different choices, including a citizen initiative and a competing measure. The process itself is set forth in the Maine Constitution.

In brief, the process works like this: If Question 1A or 1B receives more than 50 percent of the votes cast for question 1, that option wins. If neither 1A nor 1B receives a majority of the votes cast, but one or both receives more than 33 percent of the votes, the one with the most votes will appear on the ballot by itself at the next statewide election for an up or down vote. If 1A and 1B each fails to receive more than 33 percent of the vote, then both options fail.

Media Contact: Chip Gavin
Telephone: 207-626-8406

On-line vehicle registration service keeps growing

BANGOR - A Bangor man has become the 50,000th person in the history of Maine’s Rapid Renewal service to renew his Maine vehicle registration online.

“It took me about four minutes,” said David Dauteuil of Bangor. “It saves time. It saves money. It’s great.”

Rapid Renewal processed more than 17,000 transactions in 2002 and is expected to grow as much as 30-45 percent this year as measured by volume of transactions. More than 50 municipalities participate in the voluntary program, representing nearly 40 percent of Maine’s population.

“Vehicle owners are telling us they love this service by using it,” said Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky, who launched the online service as a pilot project with 10 municipalities in the fall of 2000. “Mr. Dauteuil says he plans to encourage everyone he knows to use this service. That’s the best kind of recommendation to receive.”

Secretary Gwadosky is encouraging additional municipalities to participate so that more individual car owners will have access to the service. Secretary Gwadosky is seeking to make Rapid Renewal available to 50 percent of Maine’s population by the end of 2004.

Secretary of State Gwadosky will recognize and thank Mr. Dauteuil as Rapid Renewal’s 50,000th customer by sending him a Rapid Renewal T-shirt and State of Maine coffee mug. Mr. Dauteuil completed transaction number 50,000 earlier this month.

Rapid Renewal is a service of the Department of the Secretary of State. It is one of more than a dozen online services offered by the Department in cooperation with InforME, the State of Maine’s private-sector partner and official web portal provider. All online services and official State of Maine web pages can be accessed from the state portal: www.Maine.gov.

Municipal officials who would like more information about participating in Rapid Renewal and offering this service to residents in their community may contact John Smith in the Department of the Secretary of State at 626-8400 or by email at sos.office@maine.gov.

Randal Manning, Executive Director
Board of Lciensure in Medicine
137 State House Station
Phone: (207)287-3601. Fax: (207) 287-6590.
Randal.C.Manning@maine.gov

AUGUSTA, ME- Walter N. Hearn, P.A.-C’s license to practice medicine was automatically suspended by the Board of Licensure in Medicine effective November 12, 2003. The suspension was based on laboratory reports indicating the use of a prohibited substance. The Board has scheduled an adjudicatory hearing regarding this matter on December 9, 2003 at 3:00 P.M.

Mr. Hearn was reprimanded by the Board of Licensure in Medicine in a Consent Agreement signed on May 13, 2003. In addition to the reprimand, Mr. Hearn has agreed to undergo substance abuse monitoring for five years. In the Consent Agreement Mr. Hearn admitted he had been arrested three times for operating under the influence of alcohol between October 2001 and December 2002. Mr. Hearn entered an inpatient rehabilitation program in December 2002 and successfully completed the program on April 3, 2003. Mr. Hearn has been licensed as a physician assistant since 1978 and currently practices in Kennebunk.

All Board disciplines are reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, the Health Improvement and Protection Data Bank, and the Federation of State Medical Boards Action Data Bank. Those reports are regularly reviewed by every state licensing board in the country.

The Board is made up of 6 physicians and 3 public members appointed by the Governor. Disciplinary actions taken by the Board are available to the public either by telephone at (207) 287-3601, or on the Board's website at www.docboard.org/me/me_home.htm.

The Board of Licensure in Medicine is the State of Maine agency charged to protect the health and welfare of the public by verifying the qualifications of physicians to practice, and disciplining physicians for unprofessional conduct and incompetence. Any citizen can request an investigation of a physician or physician assistant by contacting the Board office by telephone at (207) 287-3608, by letter, or by visiting the Board's web site.

Randal Manning, Executive Director
Board of Lciensure in Medicine
137 State House Station
Phone: (207)287-3601. Fax: (207) 287-6590.
Randal.C.Manning@maine.gov

AUGUSTA, ME- James E. Wilson, P.A.-C.’s license to practice medicine was automatically suspended by the Board of Licensure in Medicine effective November 12, 2003. The suspension was based on multiple violations of a Consent Agreement. Mr. Wilson moved out of state without notifying the Board and has failed to provide weekly laboratory reports since June 2003. In addition, once information was provided to the Board there was a positive result indicating the use of a prohibited substance. The Board has scheduled an adjudicatory hearing regarding this matter on February 10, 2004 at 1:30 P.M.

Mr. Wilson had been granted a restricted license by the Board of Licensure in Medicine at its July 9, 2002 meeting. He had previously been suspended from the practice as a physician’s assistant for six (6) months effective February 12, 2002 and was ordered to undergo substance abuse and psychiatric counseling. Mr. Wilson’s progress in counseling and his proposed monitoring program were presented to the Board at the meeting. The Board accepted Mr. Wilson’s proposed monitoring and treatment program with the added stipulation that creatinine strips, used to ensure that urine samples are acceptable, be used in his monitoring program. In addition the Board allowed Mr. Wilson to receive his license without further suspension.

Mr. Wilson, who had been practicing in Aroostook County, was originally accused of unprofessional conduct and inappropriate prescribing practices in a complaint issued by the Board in July 2001. As a resolution of that accusation, Mr. Wilson signed a Consent Agreement in which he agreed, among other conditions, to undergo substance abuse monitoring. After the Board received information that Mr. Wilson was not in compliance with the terms of his substance abuse monitoring, Mr. Wilson was summarily suspended on January 7, 2002 as required by the Consent Agreement, and a hearing was held in February resulting in Mr. Wilson’s six month suspension.

All Board disciplines are reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, the Health Improvement and Protection Data Bank, and the Federation of State Medical Boards Action Data Bank. Those reports are regularly reviewed by every state licensing board in the country.

Additional information about this practitioner and other disciplinary actions taken by the Board are available to the public either by telephone (207) 287-3601 or on the Board's website at www.docboard.org.

The Board is made up of 6 physicians and 3 public members and is the State of Maine agency charged to protect the health and welfare of the public by verifying the qualifications of physicians to practice, and disciplining physicians for unprofessional conduct and incompetence.

Any citizen can request an investigation of a physician or physician assistant by contacting the Board office by telephone at (207) 287-3608, by letter, or by visiting the Board web site.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
Phone: 207-626-8400

The Town of Raymond has launched Rapid Renewal, the Department of the Secretary of State’s online service for the renewal of motor vehicle registrations. Residents of Raymond now join the hundreds of thousands of Maine citizens who can renew their vehicles registrations online, at anytime of the day, from the comfort and convenience of their homes or offices. Rapid Renewal is a groundbreaking e-commerce service that allows citizens to conduct business with municipal government and state government in one seamless online transaction. The service has gained national acclaim and has been enthusiastically embraced by Mainers. While municipal participation in Rapid Renewal is optional, the service has quickly grown to include 52 municipalities, and more than 50,000 transactions have been processed. The Secretary of State, encouraged by this success has set a new goal for the program.

“This past year the success of the Rapid Renewal program has exceeded expectations, marking the launching of its 50th municipality and it’s 50,000th transaction,” stated Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky. “By the end of next year, I would like to see Rapid Renewal Service made available to at least 50% of all Maine citizens. That will require more municipalities to follow the leadership of towns like Raymond.”

The 52 municipalities currently offering Rapid Renewal comprise 37% of the Maine’s population. The service is being offered by municipalities from York County to Aroostook County, with populations ranging from Caswell’s 326 citizens to Portland’s 64,249 citizens. Through Rapid Renewal citizens are able to renew their vehicle registrations and pay their municipal excise taxes online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s quick, and it’s easy.

“Offering Rapid Renewal makes sense for large and small municipalities alike. While we have set a target of reaching 50% of Mainers by the end of next year, we ultimately hope every municipality will decide to offer Rapid Renewal and every citizen will be able to enjoy the benefits of this convenient service,” stated Gwadosky. “I am confident that as more and more towns and cities see the positive experiences their neighboring municipalities and residents are having with Rapid Renewal, they too will opt to offer this service.”

Rapid Renewal may be accessed through http://www.raymondmaine.org or http://www.sosonline.org the Department of the Secretary of State’s site for online services. Rapid Renewal is currently available in Arundel, Bangor, Bowdoinham, Brewer, Brunswick, Buxton, Cape Elizabeth, Casco, Caswell, Chelsea, China, Corinna, Dover-Foxcroft, Fairfield, Falmouth, Farmington, Fort Fairfield, Fort Kent, Gorham, Hermon, Holden, Jay, Kennebunk, Lewiston, Limestone, Madison, Norway, North Yarmouth, Old Orchard Beach, Palermo, Patten, Phippsburg, Portland, Raymond, Richmond, Saco, Sangerville, South Portland, Standish, Vassalboro, Waterville, Wells, Westbrook, Westport, Windham, Winterport, Winthrop, Wiscasset, Yarmouth, and York.

Municipal officials who would like more information about participating in Rapid Renewal and offering this service to residents in their community may contact John Smith in the Department of the Secretary of State at 626-8400 or by email at sos.office@maine.gov.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Chip Gavin
Phone: 207-626-8406

AUGUSTA, MAINE -- Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky and representatives from highway safety organizations will launch the seventh annual Holiday Highway Safety Awareness Event at a news conference on Friday, December 19th, at 10:00 a.m. next to Exit 14 A (West Gardiner) of the Maine Turnpike.

As part of the annual Holiday Highway Safety Awareness Event, information cards will be distributed at all tollbooths on the Maine Turnpike reminding travelers of the dangers of drinking and driving, as well as encouraging travelers to take a break from the road when feeling drowsy or tired.

“Highway safety is a concern to all travelers in our state. It is especially important this time of year to remind motorists that safety is paramount. We must be vigilant about the message that drinking and driving is unacceptable, and that tried drivers pose a real danger to those on our highways,” Secretary of State Gwadosky commented. “This reminder event raises awareness during the holiday season, and encourages responsible driving throughout the new year.”

Participating in this project:

Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky Maine Sheriff’s Association Maine Turnpike Authority Mothers Against Drunk Driving Maine State Police Maine Transportation Safety Coalition Maine Chiefs of Police Parents Against Tired Truckers

Approximately 30,000 cards encouraging highway safety will be distributed to motorists at tollbooths across the length of the Maine Turnpike during the holiday season. Similar highway safety messages will also be displayed on the variable message boards located throughout the turnpike system, courtesy of the Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA).

The MTA, HMSHost and New England Coffee will also be providing an additional benefit to motorists who redeem the reminder cards at rest areas along the turnpike. Information on this benefit will be available on the date of the event and there will be an opportunity for interviews.

December has been designated by Presidential proclamation as “National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month.” Last year more than 17,000 people were killed nationwide in crashes involving alcohol.

Note: Exit 14A is the toll plaza located on the main part of the turnpike (leading to Lewiston), not the exit from the route 95 connector.

Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287-8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

Some Maine businesses have been receiving official looking notices soliciting employers to purchase labor posters that are otherwise available for free from State Government. One such notice warns companies that in order to avoid significant fines, they should return a 'compliance voucher' and pay $39.95 for required labor posters.

Although the misleading notices are not illegal, Maine Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman wants Maine employers to know that they can obtain the same labor posters for free through the Business Answers program of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development.

“State and federal laws do require all employers to post certain labor law notices, but employers are not required to pay for them,” said Commissioner Fortman. "Some of the posters required by the Maine Department of Labor have been revised and redesigned recently. Instead of three legal size posters the general labor laws are now covered on four letter size posters. These posters are now in color to make them easier to locate and read."

To request a package free labor posters, employers are encouraged to call the Business Answers program at 1-800-872-3838 or 624-9818 (in-state), 1 800-541-5872 (out-of-state), TTY: 287-2656.

Employers may also download many of these posters from the internet. Posters obtained in this fashion will fulfill the posting requirements of the law. Further information is available on the web at: http://www.state.me.us/labor/bls/reqpstr.htm .

For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan Gwadosky
Telephone: 207-626-8400

30,000 Highway Safety Awareness Cards to be Distributed

WEST GARDINER, MAINE -- Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky and representatives from highway safety organizations launched the seventh annual Holiday Highway Safety Awareness Program on Friday at Exit 14 A of the Maine Turnpike in West Gardiner. The annual effort is aimed at encouraging responsible driving during the holiday season and New Year.

As part of the annual Holiday Highway Safety Awareness Event, information cards will be distributed at all tollbooths on the Maine Turnpike. The cards remind travelers of the dangers of drinking and driving, and encourage drivers to take a break from the road when feeling drowsy or tired.

“Highway safety is a concern to all travelers in our state. It is especially important this time of year to remind motorists that safety is paramount. We must be vigilant about the message that drinking and driving is unacceptable, and that tired drivers pose a real danger to those on our highways,” Secretary of State Gwadosky commented. “This reminder event raises awareness during the holiday season, and encourages responsible driving throughout the New Year.”

Participating in this project:

Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky Maine Sheriff’s Association Maine Turnpike Authority Mothers Against Drunk Driving Maine State Police Maine Transportation Safety Coalition Maine Chiefs of Police
Parents Against Tired Truckers

Approximately 30,000 cards encouraging highway safety will be distributed to motorists at tollbooths across the length of the Maine Turnpike during the holiday season. Similar highway safety messages will also be displayed on the variable message boards located throughout the turnpike system, courtesy of the Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA).

Additionally, the MTA, HMSHost and New England Coffee will be providing free cups of coffee to motorists who redeem the reminder cards at visitor information centers and rest areas along the turnpike.

December has been designated by Presidential proclamation as “National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month.” Last year more than 17,000 people were killed nationwide in crashes involving alcohol.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
Telephone: 207-626-8400

The Town of Gray has launched Rapid Renewal, the Department of the Secretary of State’s online service for the renewal of motor vehicle registrations. Residents of Gray now join the hundreds of thousands of Maine citizens who can renew their vehicles registrations online, at anytime of the day, from the comfort and convenience of their homes or offices. Rapid Renewal is a groundbreaking e-commerce service that allows citizens to conduct business with municipal government and state government in one seamless online transaction. The service has gained national acclaim and has been enthusiastically embraced by Mainers. While municipal participation in Rapid Renewal is optional, the service has quickly grown to include 53 municipalities, and more than 50,000 transactions have been processed. The Secretary of State, encouraged by this success has set a new goal for the program.

“This past year the success of the Rapid Renewal program has exceeded expectations, marking the launching of its 50th municipality and it’s 50,000th transaction,” stated Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky. “By the end of next year, I would like to see Rapid Renewal Service made available to at least 50% of all Maine citizens. That will require more municipalities to follow the leadership of towns like Gray.”

The 53 municipalities currently offering Rapid Renewal comprise 37% of the Maine’s population. The service is being offered by municipalities from York County to Aroostook County, with populations ranging from Caswell’s 326 citizens to Portland’s 64,249 citizens. Through Rapid Renewal citizens are able to renew their vehicle registrations and pay their municipal excise taxes online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s quick, and it’s easy.

“Offering Rapid Renewal makes sense for large and small municipalities alike. While we have set a target of reaching 50% of Mainers by the end of next year, we ultimately hope every municipality will decide to offer Rapid Renewal and every citizen will be able to enjoy the benefits of this convenient service,” stated Gwadosky. “I am confident that as more and more towns and cities see the positive experiences their neighboring municipalities and residents are having with Rapid Renewal, they too will opt to offer this service.”

Rapid Renewal may be accessed through http://www.graymaine.org or http://www.maine.gov/sos/sosonline/ , the Department of the Secretary of State’s site for online services. Rapid Renewal is currently available in Arundel, Bangor, Bowdoinham, Brewer, Brunswick, Buxton, Cape Elizabeth, Casco, Caswell, Chelsea, China, Corinna, Dover-Foxcroft, Fairfield, Falmouth, Farmington, Fort Fairfield, Fort Kent, Gorham, Gray, Hermon, Holden, Jay, Jefferson, Kennebunk, Lewiston, Limestone, Madison, Norway, North Yarmouth, Old Orchard Beach, Palermo, Patten, Phippsburg, Portland, Raymond, Richmond, Saco, Sangerville, Scarborough, South Portland, Standish, Vassalboro, Waterville, Wells, Westbrook, Westport, Windham, Winterport, Winthrop, Wiscasset, Yarmouth, and York.

Municipal officials who would like more information about participating in Rapid Renewal and offering this service to residents in their community may contact John Smith in the Department of the Secretary of State at 626-8400 or by email at sos.office@maine.gov.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
Telephone: 207-626-8400

The Town of Topsham has launched Rapid Renewal, the Department of the Secretary of State’s online service for the renewal of motor vehicle registrations. Residents of Topsham now join the hundreds of thousands of Maine citizens who can renew their vehicles registrations online, at anytime of the day, from the comfort and convenience of their homes or offices. Rapid Renewal is a groundbreaking e-commerce service that allows citizens to conduct business with municipal government and state government in one seamless online transaction. The service has gained national acclaim and has been enthusiastically embraced by Mainers. While municipal participation in Rapid Renewal is optional, the service has quickly grown to include 54 municipalities, and more than 50,000 transactions have been processed. The Secretary of State, encouraged by this success has set a new goal for the program.

“This past year the success of the Rapid Renewal program has exceeded expectations, marking the launching of its 50th municipality and it’s 50,000th transaction,” stated Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky. “By the end of next year, I would like to see Rapid Renewal Service made available to at least 50% of all Maine citizens. That will require more municipalities to follow the leadership of towns like Topsham.”

The 54 municipalities currently offering Rapid Renewal comprise 38% of the Maine’s population. The service is being offered by municipalities from York County to Aroostook County, with populations ranging from Caswell’s 326 citizens to Portland’s 64,249 citizens. Through Rapid Renewal citizens are able to renew their vehicle registrations and pay their municipal excise taxes online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s quick, and it’s easy.

“Offering Rapid Renewal makes sense for large and small municipalities alike. While we have set a target of reaching 50% of Mainers by the end of next year, we ultimately hope every municipality will decide to offer Rapid Renewal and every citizen will be able to enjoy the benefits of this convenient service,” stated Gwadosky. “I am confident that as more and more towns and cities see the positive experiences their neighboring municipalities and residents are having with Rapid Renewal, they too will opt to offer this service.”

Rapid Renewal may be accessed through http://www.topshammaine.com or http://www.maine.gov/sos/sosonline/, the Department of the Secretary of State’s site for online services. Rapid Renewal is currently available in Arundel, Bangor, Bowdoinham, Brewer, Brunswick, Buxton, Cape Elizabeth, Casco, Caswell, Chelsea, China, Corinna, Dover-Foxcroft, Fairfield, Falmouth, Farmington, Fort Fairfield, Fort Kent, Gorham, Gray, Hermon, Holden, Jay, Jefferson, Kennebunk, Lewiston, Limestone, Madison, North Yarmouth, Norway, Old Orchard Beach, Palermo, Patten, Phippsburg, Portland, Raymond, Richmond, Saco, Sangerville, Scarborough, South Portland, Standish, Topsham, Vassalboro, Waterville, Wells, Westbrook, Westport, Windham, Winterport, Winthrop, Wiscasset, Yarmouth, and York.

Municipal officials who would like more information about participating in Rapid Renewal and offering this service to residents in their community may contact John Smith in the Department of the Secretary of State at 626-8400 or by email at sos.office@maine.gov.

Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287-8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

State Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman announced that the seasonally-adjusted November unemployment rate for Maine was 4.9 percent, down slightly from 5.1 percent in October and up from 4.7 percent a year ago. The Maine unemployment rate remained well below the national November rate of 5.9 percent.

“There was little change in overall labor market conditions between October and November,” said Commissioner Fortman. “The seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate, which dropped slightly from 5.1 percent in October to 4.9 percent in November, has ranged between 4.9 and 5.1 percent since July of this year.”

Between November 2002 and November 2003, seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs were nearly unchanged, falling by 200 to 603,600. The manufacturing sector recorded the largest job loss, with declines in paper, computers and electronic equipment, and textile and apparel manufacturing. Mostly offsetting the job losses, gains were recorded primarily in educational and health services and retail trade.

Other New England states reporting their seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate for November include Vermont, 4.0 percent; New Hampshire, 4.3 percent; Rhode Island, 4.9 percent; and Connecticut, 5.0 percent . The adjusted national rate for November was 5.9 percent, down from 6.0 percent for October and unchanged from November 2002. The not-seasonally-adjusted Maine unemployment rate for November was 4.9 percent, up from 4.7 percent for October and 4.6 percent for November 2002. The unadjusted national rate was 5.6 percent for November, unchanged from 5.6 percent in October and 5.6 percent in November 2002. Not-seasonally-adjusted November unemployment rates for Maine counties ranged from 3.0 percent in Cumberland to 9.3 percent in Somerset.

Not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs in Maine declined by 2,500 between October and November to 610,800. There were seasonal losses in the leisure and hospitality industries as tourist-related activities slowed. Construction jobs also fell seasonally over the month. These losses were partially offset by a seasonal increase in retail trade as the holiday season approached, and in local government due to elections.

Between November 2002 and November 2003, not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs declined by 400. Losses were registered primarily in manufacturing, with the largest declines in paper, computers and electronic equipment, and textile and apparel manufacturing. Mostly offsetting the job losses, gains were recorded primarily in education and health services and general merchandise stores.

Randal Manning, Executive Director
Board of Lciensure in Medicine
137 State House Station
Phone: (207)287-3601. Fax: (207) 287-6590.
Randal.C.Manning@maine.gov

AUGUSTA, ME- Walter N. Hearn, P.A.-C’s was reprimanded by the Board of Licensure in Medicine at an Adjudicatory Hearing on December 9, 2003. The reprimand was based on Mr. Hearn’s failure to report the use of a prescription medication to the Board in accordance with his May 13, 2003 Consent Agreement. In addition, Mr. Hearn must restart the initial terms of the Consent Agreement. The Board also issued a suspension of Mr. Hearn’s license and allowed credit for time served since the summary suspension of November 12, 2003. Mr. Hearn may resume practice as of December 10, 2003.

Mr. Hearn was originally reprimanded by the Board of Licensure in Medicine in a Consent Agreement signed on May 13, 2003. In addition to the reprimand, Mr. Hearn agreed to undergo substance abuse monitoring for five years. In the Consent Agreement Mr. Hearn admitted he had been arrested three times for operating under the influence of alcohol between October 2001 and December 2002. Mr. Hearn entered an inpatient rehabilitation program in December 2002 and successfully completed the program on April 3, 2003. Mr. Hearn has been licensed as a physician assistant since 1978 and currently practices in Kennebunk.

All Board disciplines are reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, the Health Improvement and Protection Data Bank, and the Federation of State Medical Boards Action Data Bank. Those reports are regularly reviewed by every state licensing board in the country.

The Board is made up of 6 physicians and 3 public members appointed by the Governor. Disciplinary actions taken by the Board are available to the public either by telephone at (207) 287-3601, or on the Board's website at www.docboard.org/me/me_home.htm.

The Board of Licensure in Medicine is the State of Maine agency charged to protect the health and welfare of the public by verifying the qualifications of physicians to practice, and disciplining physicians for unprofessional conduct and incompetence. Any citizen can request an investigation of a physician or physician assistant by contacting the Board office by telephone at (207) 287-3608, by letter, or by visiting the Board's web site.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Chip Gavin
Telephone: 207-626-8400

AUGUSTA, MAINE – Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky announced on Thursday that a special election in Maine House of Representatives District 18 will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2004. The election is needed to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Marie Laverriere-Boucher last month.

In accordance with Maine’s election laws (Title 21-A), Governor John E. Baldacci issued a proclamation on Wednesday declaring the vacancy and ordering the appropriate political committees to meet.

The Democratic, Green Independent and Republican committees in Biddeford have until 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2004 to file a Certificate of Nomination with the Office of the Secretary of State to place the name of a candidate on the February 3rd ballot. Nomination petitions for candidates who are not enrolled in a party are available through the Elections Division and must be filed by the January 15th deadline.

Voters in House District 18 may now request an absentee ballot from the municipality. Blank (write-in) absentee ballots are being provided to Biddeford, and printed absentee ballots with the candidates’ names will be made available once those names are reported to the Secretary of State by the respective political parties, or once any non-party candidates file the required petitions.

The Department of the Secretary of State is responsible for accepting and reviewing the Certificates of Nomination, printing the ballots, providing information and assistance to municipal officials as needed, and confirming the election results.

“Voters in House District 18 are encouraged to participate in the upcoming special election. Maine has a long-standing tradition of strong voter turnout, and set a record last November for turnout in an off-year referendum election,” Secretary Gwadosky commented. “This election offers the voters of District 18 another opportunity to carry on that tradition by participating in our democratic process.”

For Immediate Release
Contact: Chip Gavin
Phone: 207-626-8406

AUGUSTA – Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky is reminding Biddeford voters in House District 18 that a special election will be held Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2004, to fill that vacant seat.

The candidates for the seat in the Maine House of Representatives are: Stephen Raymond Beaudette, nominated by the Democratic Party; Dorothy Lafortune, nominated by the Green Independent Party; Brian C. Pooler, nominated by the Republican Party

Maine allows voters to register until and on Election Day, so it’s never too late to register and participate. Voters in House District 18 also may vote by absentee ballot. Those absentee ballots are available at City Hall in Biddeford.

In accordance with Maine’s election laws (Title 21-A), Governor John E. Baldacci issued a proclamation on Wednesday, January 7, declaring the vacancy and ordering the appropriate political committees to meet.

Under the law, the Secretary of State is responsible for accepting and reviewing the Certificates of Nomination, printing the ballots, providing information and assistance to municipal officials as needed, and confirming the election results, among other duties.

“Any election is a chance to participate and to make your voice heard,” said Secretary Gwadosky. “I encourage the voters in House District 18 to make their voices heard Tuesday.”

Maine has a long-standing tradition of strong voter turnout, and set a record last November for turnout in an off-year referendum election. Maine was first in the nation for voter turnout in two of the last three Presidential elections.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Chip Gavin
Phone: 207-626-8406

AUGUSTA, MAINE – Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky announced on Friday that candidate petition forms are currently available through the Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions in Augusta for individuals interested in seeking elected office in the State of Maine this year.

As part of an ongoing effort to expand and enhance access to election-related information, Secretary Gwadosky also announced that a Candidate’s Guide to Running for Office in Maine, along with related forms and materials, is now available online at http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/2004elec.htm . Additionally, a listing of candidates who have filed to run for office can also be accessed through the Secretary of State’s website at http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/cand.htm . This information can also be obtained by contacting the Elections Division at (207) 624-7650.

Candidates running for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, Maine House of Representatives or State Senate within the Democratic, Green Independent or Republican parties must submit petitions to the Secretary of State in order to appear on the appropriate primary ballot. Those seeking certain county offices, such as County Commissioner, Treasurer, Judge of Probate, Register of Probate, District Attorney, Register of Deeds and Sheriff, must also complete petition forms.

Depending on the office sought, candidates must obtain a certain number of signatures from registered Maine voters, who are of the same political party. All party candidates must file their petitions with the Secretary of State by 5:00 p.m. on March 15, 2004. The Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, June 8, 2004.

Non-party candidates--individuals who are not enrolled in a qualified party--may also circulate petitions to appear on the November 2, 2004 general election ballot. Non-party candidates must collect a designated number of signatures based upon the office sought.

Unlike party candidate petitions, any registered voter may sign the petition of non-party candidates. Non-party petitions must be filed with the Secretary of State by 5:00 p.m. on June 1, 2004.

Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287-8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

State Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman announced that the seasonally-adjusted December unemployment rate for Maine was 5.0 percent, up slightly from 4.9 percent in November and 4.8 percent a year ago. The Maine unemployment rate remained well below the national December rate of 5.7 percent.

"There was little change in overall labor market conditions between November and December," said Commissioner Fortman. "The seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate, which rose slightly from 4.9 percent in November to 5.0 percent in December, has ranged between 4.9 and 5.1 percent since July of this year."

Between December 2002 and December 2003, seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs edged up by 600 to 604,800. Job gains were recorded in educational and health services and retail trade. Mostly offsetting the job gains, losses were recorded primarily in the manufacturing sector, with the largest declines in paper manufacturing and computers and electronic equipment manufacturing.

Other New England states reporting their seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate for December include Vermont, 4.0 percent; New Hampshire, 4.1 percent; Rhode Island, 5.0 percent; and Massachusetts, 5.7 percent. The adjusted national rate for December was 5.7 percent, down from 5.9 percent in November and 6.0 percent in December 2002.

The not-seasonally-adjusted Maine unemployment rate for December was 4.9 percent, unchanged from November and up from 4.6 percent for December 2002. The unadjusted national rate was 5.4 percent for December, down from 5.6 percent in November and 5.7 percent in December 2002. Not-seasonally-adjusted December unemployment rates for Maine counties ranged from 2.8 percent in Cumberland to 9.5 percent in Somerset.

Not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs in Maine declined by 3,000 between November and December to 607,800. There were seasonal losses in accommodations and food services as tourist-related activities slowed. Construction jobs also fell seasonally over the month.

Between December 2002 and December 2003, not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs rose by 200. Job gains were recorded in education and health services and general merchandise stores. Mostly offsetting the job gains, losses were registered primarily in manufacturing, with the largest declines in paper and computers and electronic equipment.

Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287-8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

The Maine Conservation Corps and the Town of Stockton Springs were recently awarded a grant in the amount of $53,136 from the Land for Maine’s Future Board and MBNA for completion of a 1850 foot accessible trail loop, and a 1.5 mile hiking trail loop on preserved lands in the Sandy Point area of Stockton Springs.

The grant will pay 12 weeks of labor costs for a Maine Conservation Corps Field Team as well as equipment, materials, and supplies for the project.

The Sandy Point preserve was purchased with Land for Maine’s Future funds in order to preserve public access to the coast. The 100-acre parcel is accessible to the public for a variety of recreational uses, including swimming, sunbathing, windsurfing, picnicking, and other water-related activities. Nearby Fort Point Cove and adjacent shoreline areas are considered to be Class A wildlife habitat, according to the Penobscot Bay Conservation Plan, as areas of national and/or state significance for coastal wildlife.

The Maine Conservation Corps was established by the Maine Legislature in 1983. In the past twenty years the Corps has partnered with local, state, federal and nonprofit organizations to build and maintain miles of trails, teach children about the environment and conservation, promote community service and volunteerism, train and organize volunteers for innumerable projects and events, and monitor water quality in Maine lakes, streams, and the ocean.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Doug Dunbar
Phone: 207-626-8400

AUGUSTA, MAINE -- Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky ruled on Monday that enough valid signatures have been submitted to advance a citizen initiative seeking to limit real and personal property taxes in Maine.

“The petitions have been reviewed carefully and thoroughly,” said Secretary Gwadosky. “The proposal has enough valid signatures to move forward in the process.”

Under guidelines established in the Maine Constitution, 50,519 valid signatures were required. The Secretary of State has determined that 51,255 valid signatures were submitted, or 736 signatures more than required.

Unless the Legislature adopts the initiated legislation, the following question will be put before the voters statewide no later than November, 2004: “Do you want to limit property taxes to 1% of the assessed value of the property?"

The full text of the citizen initiative petition proposal approved today is available by clicking on the “Citizen Initiative” link at www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/.

A detailed determination is attached which lists the various categories and numbers of valid and invalid signatures for this petition. The summary of the signature determination is:

64,401 Initially submitted signatures
13,146 Excluded by local officials or by the Secretary of State
51,255 Total valid signatures (Total needed to advance: 50,519)

“The staff in our Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions has been working extremely hard to review these petitions,” said Secretary Gwadosky. “They are a small staff and, on top of everything else they do – like the preparation and follow-up for Maine 's record-setting referendum election last November – they've done a great job getting these petitions processed ahead of the deadline. Local election officials also play a key role in this process and have done great work.”

Decisions on the current cycle of petitions are required by the Constitution to be issued by March 3, 2004 . Two petitions were submitted for certification in the current cycle. They are: “An Act to Impose Limits on Real and Personal Property Taxes, ” which filed for certification with the Secretary of State on June 3, 2003 , and “ An Act Prohibiting Certain Bear Hunting Practices,” which was filed for certification with the Secretary of State on January 28, 2004 .

“Next up is the bear petition,” said Secretary Gwadosky, “and that work already has started.”

The tax petition that advanced today is separate from the pending tax question carried over from the November 2003 election. That carry-over question is: “Do you want the State to pay 55% of the cost of public education, which includes all special education costs, for the purpose of shifting costs from the property tax to state resources?” The carry-over question is scheduled for a statewide vote in June 2004.

STATE OF MAINE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE DETERMINATION OF THE VALIDITY OF A PETITION FOR INITIATED LEGISLATION ENTITLED:

“An Act to Impose Limits on Real and Personal Property Taxes ”

1. On June 3, 2003 , petitions containing 64,401 signatures were submitted to the Secretary of State pursuant to the Constitution of Maine, Article IV, Part Third, Section 18 on behalf of the initiated legislation entitled, “An Act to Impose Limits on Real and Personal Property Taxes”.

2. Following a review of the petitions I find the following signatures to be invalid for the following reasons:
   

A. 8,353 signatures are invalid because they were not certified by the registrar as belonging to a registered voter in that municipality.

B. 2,825 signatures are invalid because they are duplicates of signatures already counted.
C. 1,367 signatures are invalid because the circulator's oath was not complete.

D. 167 signatures are invalid because the petitioner dated his or her signature after the date of the circulator's oath before the notary.

E. 123 signatures are invalid because the petitioner failed to provide a signature.

F. 103 signatures are invalid because the registered voter's signature was made by another.
G. 88 signatures are invalid because of material alterations to the petition.

H. 76 signatures are invalid because the petition was not on the approved form.

I. 42 signatures are invalid because the certification of the registrar was not completed.

J. 2 signatures are invalid because the circulators collected signatures prior to becoming registered to vote in the State of Maine.

3. For the reasons set forth above, I find that 13,146 signatures are invalid. Petitioners have therefore submitted 51,255 valid signatures. The number of signatures required to determine the petition to be valid is 50,519. Because the number of valid signatures exceeds the required number by 736 signatures, I find the petition to be valid.

Dated: February 9, 2004

___________________
Dan A. Gwadosky
Secretary of State

Randal Manning, Executive Director
Board of Lciensure in Medicine
137 State House Station
Phone: (207)287-3601. Fax: (207) 287-6590.
Randal.C.Manning@maine.gov

AUGUSTA, ME - John J. Walsh, Jr., M.D., accepted a reprimand and a 60-day license suspension in a Consent Agreement signed February 3, 2004. In addition, Dr. Walsh was fined $2250.00 and must attend a multi-day ethics course sponsored by a major medical university. The suspension is effective from January 26, 2004 through March 25, 2004. Dr. Walsh is an orthopaedic surgeon at Togus.

The Board received information indicating that Dr. Walsh was engaged in a sexual relationship with a person he was privately treating as a patient. The patient overdosed on medications prescribed by Dr. Walsh in November 2002 and this information was reported to the Board. In his response, Dr. Walsh denied having a sexual relationship with the patient, but later admitted that the relationship had taken place. Dr. Walsh agreed to the terms of the Consent Agreement in lieu of proceeding to an adjudicatory hearing.

All Board disciplines are reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, the Health Improvement and Protection Data Bank, and the Federation of State Medical Boards Action Data Bank. Those reports are regularly reviewed by every state licensing board in the country.

The Board is made up of 6 physicians and 3 public members appointed by the Governor. Disciplinary actions taken by the Board are available to the public either by telephone at (207) 287-3601, or on the Board's website at www.docboard.org/me/me_home.htm.

The Board of Licensure in Medicine is the State of Maine agency charged to protect the health and welfare of the public by verifying the qualifications of physicians to practice, and disciplining physicians for unprofessional conduct and incompetence. Any citizen can request an investigation of a physician or physician assistant by contacting the Board office by telephone at (207) 287-3608, by letter, or by visiting the Board's web site.

Randal Manning, Executive Director
Board of Lciensure in Medicine
137 State House Station
Phone: (207)287-3601. Fax: (207) 287-6590.
Randal.C.Manning@maine.gov

AUGUSTA, ME- John G. Gregory, M.D., accepted a warning in a Consent Agreement signed February 10, 2004. The warning was based on inappropriate and offensive remarks made to a patient. Dr. Gregory is an urological surgeon in Belfast.

The Board received a complaint in 2002 alleging that Dr. Gregory had made inappropriate remarks during a consultation. During an Informal Conference, Dr. Gregory admitted that he exercised very poor judgment in his conversation with the patient. Dr. Gregory agreed to the terms of the Consent Agreement in lieu of proceeding to an adjudicatory hearing.

All Board disciplines are reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, the Health Improvement and Protection Data Bank, and the Federation of State Medical Boards Action Data Bank. Those reports are regularly reviewed by every state licensing board in the country.

The Board is made up of 6 physicians and 3 public members appointed by the Governor. Disciplinary actions taken by the Board are available to the public either by telephone at (207) 287-3601, or on the Board's website at www.docboard.org/me/me_home.htm.

The Board of Licensure in Medicine is the State of Maine agency charged to protect the health and welfare of the public by verifying the qualifications of physicians to practice, and disciplining physicians for unprofessional conduct and incompetence. Any citizen can request an investigation of a physician or physician assistant by contacting the Board office by telephone at (207) 287-3608, by letter, or by visiting the Board's web site.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Chip Gavin
Phone: 207-626-8400

AUGUSTA – The Department of the Secretary of State has approved the circulation of petitions for an effort to establish a new political party in Maine to be called the Veterans Party.

“The law sets the rules for forming a political party and these voters have done what is necessary to start the process,” said Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky. “The earliest this proposed party could qualify for official status is 2006.”

The group has until December 15, 2005, to submit at least 25,260 valid signatures to the Secretary of State in order to qualify to participate in the primary election on June 13, 2006, and in the remaining 2006 election cycle as a qualified political party in Maine.

The number of signatures required in this process is equal to 5 percent of the votes cast in the most recent gubernatorial election on November 5, 2002. By law, the organizers must submit their signature petitions to municipal officials for certification before submitting them to the Secretary of State.

The signatures must be collected from registered voters who do not belong to any political party, or from voters who formally choose to enroll in the proposed Veterans Party. Voters who do not belong to any political party comprise approximately 37 percent of all registered Maine voters.

The Division of Elections formally approved and provided a signature petition to the organizers of the effort on February 20, 2004. The Division also has alerted municipal clerks and registrars throughout the state that they may now accept enrollment applications from voters seeking to enroll in the proposed political party.

Once qualified, all political parties must meet certain requirements to remain a qualified political party. For example, a party’s candidate for either Governor or President must receive at least 5 percent of the votes cast in those elections, the party must conduct biennial municipal caucuses in every county, and the party must hold a state convention during general election years.

The three political parties currently recognized under Maine law are the Democratic, the Green Independent, and the Republican parties.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
Phone: 207-626-8400

The City of Augusta has launched Rapid Renewal, the Department of the Secretary of State’s online service for the renewal of motor vehicle registrations. Residents of Augusta now join the hundreds of thousands of Maine citizens who can renew their vehicles registrations online, at anytime of the day, from the comfort and convenience of their homes or offices. Rapid Renewal is a groundbreaking e-commerce service that allows citizens to conduct business with municipal government and state government in one seamless online transaction. The service has gained national acclaim and has been enthusiastically embraced by Mainers. While municipal participation in Rapid Renewal is optional, the service has quickly grown to include 56 municipalities, and more than 55,000 transactions have been processed. The Secretary of State, encouraged by this success has set a new goal for the program.

“Last year the success of the Rapid Renewal program exceeded expectations, marking the launching of its 50th municipality and it’s 50,000th transaction,” stated Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky. “By the end of this year, I would like to see Rapid Renewal Service made available to at least 50% of all Maine citizens. That will require more municipalities to follow the leadership of cities like Augusta.”

The 56 municipalities currently offering Rapid Renewal comprise 40% of the Maine’s population. The service is being offered by municipalities from York County to Aroostook County, with populations ranging from Caswell’s 326 citizens to Portland’s 64,249 citizens. Through Rapid Renewal citizens are able to renew their vehicle registrations and pay their municipal excise taxes online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s quick, and it’s easy.

“Offering Rapid Renewal makes sense for large and small municipalities alike. While we have set a target of reaching 50% of Mainers by the end of next year, we ultimately hope every municipality will decide to offer Rapid Renewal and every citizen will be able to enjoy the benefits of this convenient service,” stated Gwadosky. “I am confident that as more and more towns and cities see the positive experiences their neighboring municipalities and residents are having with Rapid Renewal, they too will opt to offer this service.”

Rapid Renewal may be accessed through http://www.ci.augusta.me.us or http://www.sosonline.org, the Department of the Secretary of State’s site for online services. Rapid Renewal is currently available in Arundel, Augusta, Bangor, Bowdoinham, Brewer, Brunswick, Buxton, Cape Elizabeth, Casco, Caswell, Chelsea, China, Corinna, Dover-Foxcroft, Fairfield, Falmouth, Farmington, Fort Fairfield, Fort Kent, Gorham, Gray, Hermon, Holden, Jay, Jefferson, Kennebunk, Lewiston, Limestone, Madison, North Yarmouth, Norway, Old Orchard Beach, Palermo, Patten, Phippsburg, Portland, Raymond, Richmond, Saco, Sangerville, Scarborough, South Portland, Standish, Topsham, Vassalboro, Waterville, Wells, Westbrook, Westport, Windham, Winslow, Winterport, Winthrop, Wiscasset, Yarmouth, and York.

Municipal officials who would like more information about participating in Rapid Renewal and offering this service to residents in their community may contact John Smith in the Department of the Secretary of State at 626-8400 or by email at sos.office@maine.gov.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Chip Gavin
Telephone: 207-626-8400

AUGUSTA - Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky determined today that a citizen initiative on bear hunting practices has enough valid signatures to advance in the citizen initiative process.

“The petition has enough valid signatures to move forward,” said Secretary Gwadosky. “Voters will see the question on the ballot in November, unless the Legislature takes some other action on the proposal.”

As with all citizen initiatives, the Legislature could order a vote on the proposal sooner than November or the measure could be passed into law without going to a statewide vote. Otherwise, the initiative will be scheduled for the statewide ballot on November 2, 2004.

Unless the Legislature adopts the initiated legislation, the following question will be put before Maine voters: "Do you want to make it a crime to hunt bears with bait, traps or dogs, except to protect property, public safety or for research?"

The full text of the legislation for An Act Prohibiting Certain Bear Hunting Practices is available by clicking on the “Citizen Initiative” link at http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/. Information for contacting the citizen initiators also is available at that site.

Under a formula established in the Maine Constitution, 50,519 valid signatures were required for the proposal to advance. Secretary Gwadosky certified that 97,622 valid signatures were submitted, or 47,103 signatures more than required. Secretary Gwadosky formally notified the petition organizers of the decision today.

A detailed determination is attached which lists the various categories and the numbers of valid and invalid signatures for this petition. The summary of the signature determination is: Initially submitted signatures 102,785; Excluded by local officials or by the Secretary of State 5,163; Total valid signatures 97,622; (Total needed to advance: 50,519)

“This wraps up the citizen initiative review process for the current election cycle,” said Secretary Gwadosky. “It’s a challenge whenever tens of thousands of signatures need to be reviewed. Election officials at both the local and state level did another great service for democracy in getting the job done well and on time.”

STATE OF MAINE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE

DETERMINATION OF THE VALIDITY OF A PETITION FOR INITIATED LEGISLATION ENTITLED:

“An Act Prohibiting Certain Bear Hunting Practices”

1. On January 28, 2004, petitions containing 102,785 signatures were submitted to the Secretary of State pursuant to the Constitution of Maine, Article IV, Part Third, Section 18 on behalf of the initiated legislation entitled, “An Act Prohibiting Certain Bear Hunting Practices”.

2. Following a review of the petitions I find the following signatures to be invalid for the following reasons:

A. 2,449 signatures are invalid because they were not certified by the registrar as belonging to a registered voter in that municipality.

B. 1,015 signatures are invalid because they are duplicates of signatures already counted.

C. 1,006 signatures are invalid because the circulator’s oath was not complete.

D. 275 signatures are invalid because the circulator’s status as a resident of the State of Maine could not be confirmed.

E. 191 signatures are invalid because the petitioner dated his or her signature after the date of the circulator’s oath before the notary.

F. 101 signatures are invalid because the petitioner failed to provide a signature.

G. 50 signatures are invalid because the notary was related to the circulator.

H. 33 signatures are invalid because the registered voter’s signature was made by another.

I. 21 signatures are invalid because the certification of the registrar was not completed.

J. 12 signatures are invalid because of material alterations to the petition.

K. 10 signatures are invalid because the circulators collected signatures prior to becoming registered to vote in the State of Maine.

1. For the reasons set forth above, I find that 5,163 signatures are invalid. Petitioners have therefore submitted 97,622 valid signatures. The number of signatures required to determine the petition to be valid is 50,519. Because the number of valid signatures exceeds the required number by 47,103 signatures, I find the petition to be valid.

Dated: March 2, 2004

Randal Manning, Executive Director
Board of Lciensure in Medicine
137 State House Station
Phone: (207)287-3601. Fax: (207) 287-6590.
Randal.C.Manning@maine.gov

AUGUSTA, ME- E. Jeffrey Violette, M.D., was summarily suspended by the Board of Licensure in Medcine on March 5, 2004 for violating his June 2003 consent agreement regarding substance abuse. This action means that Dr. Violette may not practice medicine in the State of Maine.

As a condition of his licensure in 2003 Dr. Violette agreed to undergo substance abuse monitoring and counseling. The terms of agreement included immediate indefinite automatic suspension for any report to the Board of prohibited substance usage by Dr. Violette. A hearing has not yet been scheduled. Dr. Violette has been practicing at the Bio-Psychosocial Institute in Winslow.

In 1999 Dr. Violette signed a Consent Agreement related to his prescribing and billing practices. In 2001 the Board suspended Dr. Violette’s license for 360 days and ordered a complete psychological and physical evaluation. Dr. Violette was required to satisfy the Board that he was fit to practice before he could return. Dr. Violette tested positive for marijuana in 2002 and signed another Consent Agreement placing his license in Inactive Status. After several appearances before the Board, the Board ordered that Dr. Violette’s license be reinstated to Active Status in June 2003 with the conditions listed above.

All Board disciplines are reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, the Health Improvement and Protection Data Bank, and the Federation of State Medical Boards Action Data Bank. Those reports are regularly reviewed by every state licensing board in the country.

The Board is made up of 6 physicians and 3 public members appointed by the Governor. Disciplinary actions taken by the Board are available to the public either by telephone at (207) 287-3601, or on the Board's website at www.docboard.org/me/me_home.htm.

The Board of Licensure in Medicine is the State of Maine agency charged to protect the health and welfare of the public by verifying the qualifications of physicians to practice, and disciplining physicians for unprofessional conduct and incompetence. Any citizen can request an investigation of a physician or physician assistant by contacting the Board office by telephone at (207) 287-3608, by letter, or by visiting the Board's web site.

Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400

Secretary of State Encourages More Municipalities to Get Online

The Town of Whitefield has launched Rapid Renewal, the Department of the Secretary of State’s online service for the renewal of motor vehicle registrations. Residents of Whitefield now join the hundreds of thousands of Maine citizens who can renew their vehicles registrations online, at anytime of the day, from the comfort and convenience of their homes or offices. Rapid Renewal is a groundbreaking e-commerce service that allows citizens to conduct business with municipal government and state government in one seamless online transaction. The service has gained national acclaim and has been enthusiastically embraced by Mainers. While municipal participation in Rapid Renewal is optional, the service has quickly grown to include 57 municipalities, and more than 55,000 transactions have been processed. The Secretary of State, encouraged by this success has set a new goal for the program.

“Last year the success of the Rapid Renewal program exceeded expectations, marking the launching of its 50th municipality and it’s 50,000th transaction,” stated Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky. “By the end of this year, I would like to see Rapid Renewal Service made available to at least 50% of all Maine citizens. That will require more municipalities to follow the leadership of towns like Whitefield.”

The 57 municipalities currently offering Rapid Renewal comprise 40% of the Maine’s population. The service is being offered by municipalities from York County to Aroostook County, with populations ranging from Caswell’s 326 citizens to Portland’s 64,249 citizens. Through Rapid Renewal citizens are able to renew their vehicle registrations and pay their municipal excise taxes online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s quick, and it’s easy.

“Offering Rapid Renewal makes sense for large and small municipalities alike. While we have set a target of reaching 50% of Mainers by the end of next year, we ultimately hope every municipality will decide to offer Rapid Renewal and every citizen will be able to enjoy the benefits of this convenient service,” stated Gwadosky. “I am confident that as more and more towns and cities see the positive experiences their neighboring municipalities and residents are having with Rapid Renewal, they too will opt to offer this service.”

Rapid Renewal may be accessed through www.sosonline.org, the Department of the Secretary of State’s site for online services. Rapid Renewal is currently available in Arundel, Augusta, Bangor, Bowdoinham, Brewer, Brunswick, Buxton, Cape Elizabeth, Casco, Caswell, Chelsea, China, Corinna, Dover-Foxcroft, Fairfield, Falmouth, Farmington, Fort Fairfield, Fort Kent, Gorham, Gray, Hermon, Holden, Jay, Jefferson, Kennebunk, Lewiston, Limestone, Madison, North Yarmouth, Norway, Old Orchard Beach, Palermo, Patten, Phippsburg, Portland, Raymond, Richmond, Saco, Sangerville, Scarborough, South Portland, Standish, Topsham, Vassalboro, Waterville, Wells, Westbrook, Westport, Whitefield, Windham, Winslow, Winterport, Winthrop, Wiscasset, Yarmouth, and York.

Municipal officials who would like more information about participating in Rapid Renewal and offering this service to residents in their community may contact John Smith in the Department of the Secretary of State at 626-8400 or by email at sos.office@maine.gov.

Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287-8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

State Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman announced that the seasonally-adjusted January unemployment rate for Maine was 4.9 percent, down from 5.2 percent in December. The Maine unemployment rate remained well below the national January rate of 5.6 percent.

“During 2003, the seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate slowly rose, from 4.8 percent in January to 5.2 percent in December. It is encouraging to see the unemployment rate edge downward to 4.9 percent in January 2004,” said Commissioner Fortman. “However, it will take more than one month’s data to indicate a trend in labor market conditions.”

Between January 2003 and January 2004, seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs rose by 1,900 to 607,400. Job gains were recorded in health care and social assistance, leisure and hospitality services, other services, construction, and retail trade. Partly offsetting the job gains, losses were recorded primarily in the manufacturing sector, with the largest declines in computers and electronic equipment and paper.

Other New England states reporting their seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate for January include Vermont, 3.8 percent; New Hampshire, 4.1 percent; Rhode Island, 5.2 percent; and Massachusetts, 5.6 percent. The adjusted national rate for January was 5.6 percent, down from 5.7 percent in December and 5.8 percent in January 2003.

The not-seasonally-adjusted Maine unemployment rate for January was 5.8 percent, up from 5.0 percent for December and 5.7 percent for January 2003. The unadjusted national rate was 6.3 percent for January, up from 5.4 percent in December and down from 6.5 percent in January 2003. Not-seasonally-adjusted January unemployment rates for Maine counties ranged from 3.3 percent in Cumberland to 12.7 percent in Washington.

Not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs in Maine declined seasonally by 25,700 between December and January to 586,900. There were seasonal losses in retail trade and accommodations and food services as holiday season employment dropped off. State and local government fell due to seasonal reductions in nonprofessional school staff and college work-study students. Construction jobs also declined seasonally over the month.

Between January 2002 and January 2003, not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs rose by 2,900. Job gains were recorded in health care and social assistance, retail trade, other services, construction, and food services and drinking places. Losses were registered primarily in manufacturing, with the largest declines in computers and electronic equipment and paper.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Chip Gavin

AUGUSTA – A total of 526 individuals met today’s deadline to file as candidates in the primary elections for various federal, state and county offices scheduled for Tuesday, June 8, 2004.

The filers included 436 candidates for the 186 seats in the Maine Legislature. Of those 436 filings by Legislative candidates, 82 filed for the 35-member Senate and 354 filed for the 151-member House. The complete list of all 526 candidates who filed by today’s deadline and the various offices for which they filed is available at: www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/cand.htm.

“This is a key day in the 2004 election cycle in Maine,” said Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky. “This establishes the pool of candidates for the June primary election. Now voters can start to consider their specific choices for that election.”

The filing deadline of 5 p.m. today is set by Maine law. Depending on the office sought, these candidates were required to obtain a certain number of signatures from registered Maine voters, who are of the same political party.

Candidates running for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, Maine House of Representatives or State Senate within the Democratic, Green Independent or Republican parties were required by law to submit these petitions to the Secretary of State in order to appear on the appropriate primary ballot.

Those seeking certain county offices, such as County Commissioner, Treasurer, Judge of Probate, Register of Probate, District Attorney, Register of Deeds and Sheriff, also were required by law to complete petition forms.

Non-party candidates - individuals who are not enrolled in a qualified political party - may also circulate petitions to run for office. These candidates do not appear on the primary election ballot because they are not seeking a party’s nomination. Rather, these candidates will appear on the November 2, 2004 general election ballot. Non-party candidates must collect a designated number of signatures based upon the office sought. Unlike party candidate petitions, any registered voter may sign the petition of non-party candidates. Non-party petitions must be filed by 5 p.m. on June 1, 2004.

Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287-8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

State Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman announced that the seasonally-adjusted February unemployment rate for Maine was 5.0 percent, up slightly from 4.8 percent in January and 4.9 percent in February 2003. The Maine unemployment rate remained below the national February rate of 5.6 percent.

“Labor market conditions remained nearly unchanged in February,” said Commissioner Fortman. “Between January and February, the seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate edged up to 5.0 percent and the number of nonfarm wage and salary jobs held steady.”

Between February 2003 and February 2004, seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs rose by 2,200 to 607,300. Job gains were recorded in health care and social assistance, retail trade, other services, construction, and food services and drinking places. Partly offsetting the job gains, losses were recorded primarily in the manufacturing sector, with the largest declines in paper, textiles, and computers and electronic equipment.

Other New England states reporting their seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate for February include Vermont, 3.7 percent; New Hampshire, 4.2 percent; Rhode Island, 5.2 percent; and Massachusetts, 5.3 percent. The adjusted national rate for February was 5.6 percent, unchanged from January and down from 5.9 percent for February 2003.

The not-seasonally-adjusted Maine unemployment rate for February was 5.9 percent, up from 5.7 percent for January and 5.8 percent for February 2003. The unadjusted national rate was 6.0 percent for February, down from 6.3 percent in January and 6.4 percent in February 2003. Not-seasonally-adjusted February unemployment rates for Maine counties ranged from 3.4 percent in Cumberland County to 12.3 percent in Washington County.

Not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs in Maine rose by 1,600 between January and February to 588,800. There were seasonal gains in educational services (+1,900) and state and local government (+3,800) as nonprofessional school staff and college work-study students returned to work after the winter break. Partially offsetting these gains, retail trade fell seasonally by 2,000 after the holiday season, manufacturing jobs dropped by 1,100, and construction recorded a seasonal decline of 900.

Between February 2003 and February 2004, not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs rose by 3,700. Job gains were recorded in health care and social assistance, retail trade, other services, construction, and food services and drinking places. Losses were registered primarily in manufacturing, with the largest declines in paper, textiles, and computers and electronic equipment.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Doug Dunbar, Secretary of State's Office
Phone: 207-626-8400
Shoshana Hoose, TV3, Portland School System
Phone: (207)874-8173

AUGUSTA, MAINE – Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky announced on Friday that his office has joined with schools and community television stations across Maine to launch the first-ever Youth Voting Media Project.

This initiative, which is part of the Secretary of State’s comprehensive Promote the Vote effort, will encourage students in middle and high schools to develop, film and present 30 second public service announcements (PSA) about the importance of voting and civic participation. A second part of the project will assist students in preparing and televising longer-format programming focused on issues, candidates, and the election process.

Importantly, the project will also encourage learning in key areas of curriculum, including social studies, technology, language arts and journalism, as well as visual and performing arts. This initiative is designed to be consistent with the goals and objectives of Maine’s Learning Results.

Each student participant will be recognized for taking part in this unique project. A showcase of PSAs will be held in Augusta next October. Selected PSAs will be made available to television stations throughout the state for broadcast prior to the November general election.

“The election of 2004 presents an opportunity to chart a new course for voter turnout among young adults. Although Maine is a national leader in turnout, additional steps can and should be taken to encourage more young people to get involved in the democratic process. This Youth Voting Media Project will give students a chance to speak their minds, to explore the issue of civic participation, and ultimately to urge more of their peers to register and vote,” Secretary Gwadosky commented.

The Youth Voting Media Project is being developed in cooperation with TV3 in Portland. The station, which is part of the Portland Public School System, sought and received a grant for the project from the national Youth Vote Coalition and Carnegie Corporation. TV3 is making its facilities available for planning and development of this initiative.

"The Portland Public School system is pleased to play a lead role in this first-of-its-kind effort in Maine," said Portland Superintendent Mary Jo O'Connor. "The Youth Voting Media Project offers a unique opportunity for young people to connect with the electoral process, to become involved citizens and to have their voices heard."

Additional information about the project, along with curriculum and registration materials, is available online at http://www.maine.gov/sos , or by calling the Secretary of State’s Office in Augusta at 626-8406.

Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287-8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

Augusta- The Maine Department of Labor SafetyWorks! program and Maine Aggregate Association recently partnered to produce a safety training packet for gravel pits in Maine. The free packet includes a video, quizzes and answer sheets, a training procedure, and registration forms.

Each surface mine or gravel pit business in Maine must provide eight hours of safety training to employees each year. While some of the training must be site specific, much of the required information is general and can be presented in video format. This video training program is designed to enable mines to provide the training all at once or during down times, such as inclement weather.

While there are no active underground mines in Maine, workers on the job at gravel pits face serious safety hazards every day.

"Training on the dangers and safety procedures for working in gravel pits can protect workers,” said Maine Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman. "This video is an excellent training tool that gives employers flexibility to train workers at convenient times."

SafetyWorks! is an outreach program of the Maine Department of Labor designed to reduce job-related injuries, illnesses and deaths. The program provides free services and materials to public and private employers, workers, educators, and the general public. More information about SafetyWorks! can be found on their website at www.safetyworksmaine.com.

The training packet is available free to mining businesses in Maine; please have your Mine ID number available when you call. To obtain a copy of the packet, please call SafetyWorks! toll free: 1-877-723-3345 or TTY: 1-800-794-1110.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jim Henderson, Maine State Archivist
207-287-5793

Forty-five Students Eligible for National Finals

AUGUSTA, MAINE -- Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky announced on Monday that forty-five students from schools throughout Maine have become eligible to participate in the National History Day academic competition, as a result of their participation at Maine History Day on April 8th in Augusta.

“Maine History Day is a unique academic competition. It allows students to showcase their knowledge and gain recognition for going above and beyond traditional classroom studies. Each year, this program brings out the best in Maine students, and I’m pleased that more than 40 are now eligible to represent our state at the National Finals,” Secretary Gwadosky commented.

Approximately 175 students in grades 6-12 took part in the state finals. Guest speakers included Governor John E. Baldacci and Maine State Archivist Jim Henderson, who each congratulated participants for their creativity, initiative and scholarship.

Prior to the state finals, participants selected and explored a broad historical theme. They prepared papers, projects or presentations for the statewide competition. Those entries were then reviewed by panels of expert judges, with awards presented to the top three selections in 12 separate categories.

The first and second finishers in each category become eligible for the National Finals to be held in Maryland in June. Visit http://www.maine.gov/sos/news/2004/HistoryDayWinners.htm for a complete list of winners.

Maine History Day is organized by the Maine State Archives and Office of the Secretary of State, and conducted in cooperation with the National History Day program. Additional information is available online at http://www.maine.gov/sos/arc/historyday/histhome.htm

Randal Manning, Executive Director
Board of Lciensure in Medicine
137 State House Station
Phone: (207)287-3601. Fax: (207) 287-6590.
Randal.C.Manning@maine.gov

AUGUSTA, ME- E. Jeffrey Violette, M.D., had his license revoked by the Board of Licensure in Medicine at the conclusion of an Adjudicatory Hearing on April 13, 2004. Dr. Violette violated his June 2003 consent agreement regarding substance abuse and had previously been suspended on March 5, 2004. Dr. Violette may not reapply for licensure for five years. This action means that Dr. Violette may not practice medicine in the State of Maine.

As a condition of his licensure in 2003 Dr. Violette agreed to undergo substance abuse monitoring and counseling. The terms of agreement included immediate indefinite automatic suspension for any report to the Board of prohibited substance usage by Dr. Violette. Dr. Violette admitted using a prohibited substance during the Adjudicatory Hearing. Dr. Violette has been practicing at the Bio-Psychosocial Institute in Winslow.

In 1999 Dr. Violette signed a Consent Agreement related to his prescribing and billing practices. In 2001 the Board suspended Dr. Violette’s license for 360 days and ordered a complete psychological and physical evaluation. Dr. Violette was required to satisfy the Board that he was fit to practice before he could return. Dr. Violette tested positive for marijuana in 2002 and signed another Consent Agreement placing his license in Inactive Status. After several appearances before the Board, the Board ordered that Dr. Violette’s license be reinstated to Active Status in June 2003 with the conditions listed above.

All Board disciplines are reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, the Health Improvement and Protection Data Bank, and the Federation of State Medical Boards Action Data Bank. Those reports are regularly reviewed by every state licensing board in the country.

The Board is made up of 6 physicians and 3 public members appointed by the Governor. Disciplinary actions taken by the Board are available to the public either by telephone at (207) 287-3601, or on the Board's website at www.docboard.org/me/me_home.htm.

The Board of Licensure in Medicine is the State of Maine agency charged to protect the health and welfare of the public by verifying the qualifications of physicians to practice, and disciplining physicians for unprofessional conduct and incompetence. Any citizen can request an investigation of a physician or physician assistant by contacting the Board office by telephone at (207) 287-3608, by letter, or by visiting the Board's web site.

Randal Manning, Executive Director
Board of Lciensure in Medicine
137 State House Station
Phone: (207)287-3601. Fax: (207) 287-6590.
Randal.C.Manning@maine.gov

AUGUSTA, ME- James E. Wilson, P.A.-C. voluntarily surrendered his license to practice medicine in the State Of Maine effective April 13, 2004 in lieu of proceeding to an Adjudicatory Hearing. The Board of Licensure in Medicine had previously suspended Mr. Wilson on November 12, 2003 for violations of his Consent Agreement. The violations included Mr. Wilson’s moving out of state without notifying the Board and failing to provide weekly laboratory reports since June 2003. In addition, once information was provided to the Board, there was a positive result indicating the use of a prohibited substance. Mr. Wilson currently practices in Florida.

Mr. Wilson had been granted a restricted license by the Board of Licensure in Medicine at its July 9, 2002 meeting. He had previously been suspended from the practice as a physician’s assistant for six (6) months effective February 12, 2002 and was ordered to undergo substance abuse and psychiatric counseling. Mr. Wilson’s progress in counseling and his proposed monitoring program were presented to the Board at the meeting. The Board accepted Mr. Wilson’s proposed monitoring and treatment program with the added stipulation that creatinine strips, used to ensure that urine samples are acceptable, be used in his monitoring program. In addition the Board allowed Mr. Wilson to receive his license without further suspension.

Mr. Wilson, who had been practicing in Aroostook County, was originally accused of unprofessional conduct and inappropriate prescribing practices in a complaint issued by the Board in July 2001. As a resolution of that accusation, Mr. Wilson signed a Consent Agreement in which he agreed, among other conditions, to undergo substance abuse monitoring. After the Board received information that Mr. Wilson was not in compliance with the terms of his substance abuse monitoring, Mr. Wilson was summarily suspended on January 7, 2002 as required by the Consent Agreement, and a hearing was held in February resulting in Mr. Wilson’s six month suspension.

All Board disciplines are reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, the Health Improvement and Protection Data Bank, and the Federation of State Medical Boards Action Data Bank. Those reports are regularly reviewed by every state licensing board in the country.

Additional information about this practitioner and other disciplinary actions taken by the Board are available to the public either by telephone (207) 287-3601 or on the Board's website at www.docboard.org.

The Board is made up of 6 physicians and 3 public members and is the State of Maine agency charged to protect the health and welfare of the public by verifying the qualifications of physicians to practice, and disciplining physicians for unprofessional conduct and incompetence.

Any citizen can request an investigation of a physician or physician assistant by contacting the Board office by telephone at (207) 287-3608, by letter, or by visiting the Board web site.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Chip Gavin
Telephone: 207-626-8406

AUGUSTA, MAINE – The Convention & Visitors Bureau of Greater Portland has selected the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) as the recipient of its annual Phoenix Award, which recognizes the organization whose conference had the greatest economic impact on the region during the previous year.

Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky, who served as President of NASS and organizer of the association’s summer conference in Portland, praised the Convention & Visitors Bureau and the many individuals who contributed to the success of last July’s gathering of the nation’s top election officials.

“Last summer’s NASS conference brought more than 400 people from around the nation to Portland for education, training, professional development and recreational opportunities,” Secretary Gwadosky commented. “I was pleased by the support offered through the Convention & Visitors Bureau, and am delighted by this award. It’s a tribute to dozens of individuals who worked hard to make the conference a great success.”

The Convention & Visitors Bureau estimates that the NASS Summer Conference generated approximately $500,000 for shops, restaurants, hotels and many other Maine businesses. In addition to work sessions, educational programs and lectures, the conference included events at the Portland Museum of Art, Bowdoin College, Great Diamond Island and the Maine Maritime Museum.

“By selecting Maine for its 2003 summer conference, the National Association of Secretaries of State recognized the many unique and special qualities our state has to offer, as well as the ability of Maine people to organize and host a major event of this kind. It’s gratifying to know that as a result of our efforts Maine businesses realized a half million dollars in additional revenue,” Gwadosky added.

The Phoenix Award was announced during the Convention & Visitors Bureau’s 22nd annual Meeting, held in Scarborough on Wednesday. Previous honorees include the Rural Letter Carriers Association and the Family Motorcoach Association.

Randal Manning, Executive Director
Board of Lciensure in Medicine
137 State House Station
Phone: (207)287-3601. Fax: (207) 287-6590.
Randal.C.Manning@maine.gov

AUGUSTA, ME- Timothy P. Toto, P.A.-C., agreed to voluntarily surrender his medical license to the Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine in a Consent Agreement signed on May 11, 2004. Mr. Toto agreed to surrender his license in lieu of proceeding to an Adjudicatory Hearing.

Mr. Toto, a physician’s assistant, was accused of unprofessional conduct in a complaint issued by the Board in September 2001 as the result of information obtained by the Board that Mr. Toto had been inappropriately prescribing. At the conclusion of that investigation, Mr. Toto was suspended for thirty days and placed on probation for seven months. Mr. Toto also agreed to have a substance abuse evaluation. Mr. Toto failed to have the substance abuse evaluation performed within the agreed upon time period and was incarcerated in 2002 and 2003 for reasons pertaining to alcohol consumption. After being released from incarceration Mr. Toto began a relationship with a woman who alleged he was inappropriately administering medication to her. Mr. Toto also underwent the substance abuse evaluation and was diagnosed with alcohol abuse and dependency.

All Board disciplines are reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, the Health Improvement and Protection Data Bank, and the Federation of State Medical Boards Action Data Bank. Those reports are regularly reviewed by every state licensing board in the country.

The Board is made up of 6 physicians and 3 public members. Disciplinary actions taken by the Board are available to the public either by telephone (207) 287-3601 or on the Board's website at www.docboard.org.

The Board of Licensure in Medicine is the State of Maine agency charged to protect the health and welfare of the public by verifying the qualifications of physicians to practice, and disciplining physicians for unprofessional conduct and incompetence. Any citizen can request an investigation of a physician or physician assistant by contacting the Board office by telephone at (207) 287-3608, by letter, or by visiting the Board web site.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
Phone: 207-626-8400

Address Confidentiality Program to Protect Victims of Domestic Abuse

AUGUSTA, MAINE – Advocates for victims of domestic abuse joined Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky and Legislators on Thursday to promote the state’s Address Confidentiality Program (ACP). Former House Speaker Mike Saxl, who sponsored the bill to create the Address Confidentiality Program, also took part in Thursday’s effort to highlight this important initiative.

The Address Confidentiality Program provides a designated address to individuals who have relocated or plan to move to a location unknown to their abuser. It also provides participants with a first-class mail forwarding service. The designated address has no relationship to the participant’s actual address. As a result of the program, victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking are able to interact with businesses, government agencies and other organizations without disclosing their actual address.

Program participants receive a laminated ACP Participant card which they present when obtaining state and local government services (applying for a driver's license, for food stamps, Medicaid, car registration, etc.). The law requires state and local governments to accept and use this address whenever a participant’s residence, school or work address is required. A program participant cannot be required to disclose their actual address.

Acceptance into the ACP program is made through trained Application Assistants at domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking advocate programs throughout Maine. More than 50 Application Assistants have been trained. They are located in all 16 counties. A complete listing of trained assistants and additional information about the program can be found on the Secretary of State’s website at: http://www.maine.gov/sos/acp .

Statistics released by the Maine Department of Public Safety on Tuesday indicate that reported cases of domestic violence increased 11.4 percent in 2003. There were 5,364 cases in 2003; up from 4,813 in 2002. Reported cases of domestic violence decreased slightly (2.2 percent) in 2002, following substantial increases of 9.7 percent in 2001 and 12.5 percent in 2000.

“This service provides a measure of protection that can make a meaningful difference for victims of domestic abuse. It’s an important tool for advocates to use as they help individuals plan a safe and secure future for themselves and their children,” Secretary Gwadosky commented.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Jim Henderson, State Archivist
Phone: 207-287-5793

Maine State Archives Launches Online Service
Historic Documents Meet Today’s Technology

AUGUSTA, MAINE - Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky and Maine State Archivist Jim Henderson announced on Tuesday that the Maine State Archives now makes locating historic documents and purchasing copies easier than ever before.

A new interactive online service has been developed in cooperation with InforME (the State's eGovernment portal), bringing the total number of online services offered by the Department of the Secretary of State to more than fifteen. The Maine Archives Interactive site can be visited at http://www.informe.org/sos_archives/.

State Archivist Jim Henderson noted that customers are able to query several databases in real time using a web browser and entering simple keywords. Once a record is identified and located, the Archives staff provides a price quote to the customer for copying the record and delivering it. Payment may be made by check or credit card.

Customers will now be able to search for descriptions of historical records dating back to 1639, from the convenience of their home, office, library or other location.

The Maine State Archives maintains approximately 93 million State government records, as well as some county and local government records. These records are useful for tracing genealogy, researching legislative history, studying the Civil War, acquiring information about military service, and learning more about public policy.

In addition to the new online service, the Archives will continue to assist customers through its Research Room in Augusta. Currently, that facility serves over 5,000 people and processes 12,000 requests annually. The Research Room is open Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., except legal holidays.

“The Secretary of State’s office takes pride in offering an increasing number of online services, and a wealth of information for Maine residents and visitors. This newest service will provide unprecedented access to historic documents, photographs and artifacts that are preserved and maintained by the Maine State Archives,” Secretary Gwadosky commented.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan Gwadosky
Phone: 207-626-8400

AUGUSTA, MAINE -- Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky reminded Maine voters on Wednesday that deadlines related to the upcoming primary election are approaching. On June 8th, voters who are enrolled in a political party will have an opportunity to cast ballots for their party’s candidates. All Maine voters will be able to cast a ballot on Question 1, a carry-over measure from the November, 2003 general election pertaining to school funding.

Although individuals may register to vote in-person before their municipal registrar of voters until June 8th and on Election Day itself, the deadline for registering to vote using a mail-in registration form is the close of business on Monday, May 24th. Forms completed at voter registration drives must also be submitted to the municipal registrar by this deadline. Under Maine law, municipal registrars are not permitted to accept mail-in registration applications during the 9 business days prior to a state election.

Contact information for Maine’s municipal registrars of voters and clerks is available through Maine’s Division of Elections by calling 624-7650 or e-mailing CEC.Elections@maine.gov. It is also available online at http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/munic.htm.

Additionally, voters currently enrolled in one of Maine’s officially recognized political parties (Democratic, Green Independent and Republican) who wish to switch their enrollment to another party to cast a ballot for candidates in the June 8th primary election must do so by the close of business on May 24th. Voters who are not currently enrolled in a party may enroll until, and including, Election Day.

In issuing these deadline reminders, Secretary Gwadosky highlighted the availability of voting information and services. He noted that Maine Voting Guides and Absentee Balloting brochures can be found online at http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/. Copies can also be obtained by contacting Maine’s Division of Elections at 624-7650 or CEC.Elections@maine.gov, or by visiting a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office.

“The June primary election will feature a ballot measure and candidate races. It’s an opportunity for Maine voters to continue their long-standing tradition of strong participation and high turnout levels,” Secretary Gwadosky commented. “Voting guides and other election materials are available through the Department of the Secretary of State. I encourage Maine citizens to take advantage of these excellent resources.”

Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287-8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

State Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman announced that the seasonally-adjusted April unemployment rate for Maine was 4.3 percent, down from 4.9 percent in March. The Maine unemployment rate remained well below the national April rate of 5.6 percent.

“The seasonally-adjusted Maine unemployment rate fell between March and April due in large part to an increase in the number of self employed. There were also slight wage and salary job gains in professional and business services and manufacturing,” said Commissioner Fortman. “It is encouraging to see the unemployment rate fall to 4.3 percent in April. However, it will take more than one month’s data to indicate a significant trend in labor market conditions.”

Over the past year the seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate also dropped, from 5.0 percent in April 2003 to 4.3 percent in April 2004. Seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs rose by 3,700. Job gains were recorded in health care and social assistance, other services, construction, leisure and hospitality services, and trade. Partly offsetting the job gains, losses were recorded primarily in the manufacturing sector, with the largest declines in textiles, paper, wood products, and computers and electronic products.

Other New England states reporting their seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate for April include Vermont, 3.6 percent; New Hampshire, 3.9 percent; Connecticut, 4.5 percent; and Massachusetts, 4.8 percent. The adjusted national rate for April was 5.6 percent, down from 5.7 percent in March and 6.0 percent in April 2003.

The not-seasonally-adjusted Maine unemployment rate for April was 4.8 percent, down from 5.6 percent for March and 5.5 percent for April 2003. The unadjusted national rate was 5.4 percent for April, down from 6.0 percent in March and 5.8 percent in April 2003. Not-seasonally-adjusted April unemployment rates for Maine counties ranged from 2.6 percent in Cumberland County to 10.1 percent in Washington County.

Not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs in Maine rose by 7,600 between March and April to 599,100, as employers started gearing up for the busy summer season. Job gains were recorded in accommodation and food services, construction, retail trade, and professional and business services.

Between April 2003 and April 2004, not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs rose by 4,200. Job gains were recorded in health care and social assistance, construction, retail trade, other services, and food services and drinking places Losses were registered primarily in manufacturing, with the largest declines in textiles, paper, wood products, and computers and electronic products.

Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287-8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

Maine Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman today reminded teenagers, parents, and employers that teens under 16 years old must get a Work Permit before they start a job. In Maine all minors under 16 must have a Work Permit in order to work, whether or not they attend school. They must have a job offer before applying for a Work Permit.

Teens can request Work Permits at the office of the superintendent of the school district in which they live. The school district sends the completed application to the Maine Department of Labor for approval.

Commissioner Fortman said, "We want young workers to have positive work experiences and to be safe on the job. The Department reviews the work permit applications to ensure that teens will be doing work that is appropriate and legal for their ages.”

Parents and employers can help expedite the approval process by making sure each request includes proof of age and parental approval. The application must contain the specific job title (e.g. "dishwasher" and "desk clerk" are acceptable, but "laborer" is too general). The name of the business on the permit must be the actual business name, which may be different than what people commonly call it.

Teens under 16 must get a new work permit for each new job. Teens can have two work permits (for two different jobs) in summer, but only one permit during the school year.

Child labor laws limit the number of hours teens may work. Hours are restricted for all workers under 18, but only teens under 16 years old need work permits. (See below for legal work hours for teens.)

Child labor laws also prohibit minors from working at many of the more dangerous jobs. Some of the jobs Maine teens under 18 years old cannot do include operating most mechanical equipment, driving for work, and working alone in a cash-based business.

For a free copy of the A Guide to Maine Laws Governing the Employment of Minors or a SAFETEEN kit for Employers of Teens or for more information on work hours for teens, Work Permits, or prohibited occupations, call the Maine Department of Labor at 624-6400 (TTY: 624-6003) or visit the SafetyWorks! website at www.safetyworksmaine.org -end-

For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
Phone: 207-626-8400

AUGUSTA, ME – Governor John E. Baldacci and Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky unveiled Maine’s newest online customer service at a press conference in the Governor’s office on Wednesday, June 2nd. Representatives of InforME, the e-Government website portal for the State of Maine, worked with state officials to develop the new service and participated in the announcement.

Secretary Gwadosky demonstrated the state’s new Online Driver License and Identification Card Renewal and Duplicate Service, and commented on the access and convenience it will offer Maine people. This service is now available to eligible individuals from the convenience of their home, office or any other location with internet access--24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

“The Department of the Secretary of State is pleased to offer online driver license and identification card services. We are now providing more than 20 online services to the people of Maine. In doing so, we are working to use technology in ways that improve efficiency and enhance customer service,” Secretary Gwadosky commented.

The new service, as well as information about eligibility requirements and exemptions, is available online at http://www.informe.org/bmv/dlr/. Generally, anyone purchasing a replacement digital license is eligible for this new service. Anyone renewing their license between the ages of 23 and 40, 46 and 51, 58 and 61, and who processed their last digital renewal at a motor vehicle office is eligible to use the service. With regard to state Identification Cards, generally anyone who was at least 23 years of age or older when their last state ID card was purchased may use the new service.

Secretary Gwadosky noted that Maine is one of only three states that now provide both online driver license renewals and replacements. “We are convinced this will become a very popular service and are excited to offer it. The Internet is fundamentally changing the relationship that people can enjoy with government and this new online service is one of those applications that can help lead the way.”

According to a May 24th report from the Pew Internet & American Life Project, approximately 80 percent of Internet users in the United States (97 million individuals) visited a government website to seek information or services during 2003—a 50 percent increase from 2002.

Randal Manning, Executive Director
Board of Lciensure in Medicine
137 State House Station
Phone: (207)287-3601. Fax: (207) 287-6590.
Randal.C.Manning@maine.gov

AUGUSTA, ME- Paul S. Strait, M.D., voluntarily agreed to seek education on pain management and physician/patient communication skills in a Consent Agreement signed June 8, 2004. Dr. Strait also agreed that the Board may conduct random chart reviews to monitor his record keeping. Dr. Strait works in Presque Isle.

The Board received a patient complaint in 2003 and determined that Dr. Strait did not visually examine an injury because he did not see a fracture on the x-ray. However, Dr. Strait documented that there was no ecchymosis. The Board also determined that the discharge instructions given to the patient were inadequate. Dr. Strait agreed to obtain the additional education in lieu of proceeding to an adjudicatory hearing.

All Board disciplines are reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, the Health Improvement and Protection Data Bank, and the Federation of State Medical Boards Action Data Bank. Those reports are regularly reviewed by every state licensing board in the country.

The Board is made up of 6 physicians and 3 public members appointed by the Governor. Disciplinary actions taken by the Board are available to the public either by telephone at (207) 287-3601, or on the Board's website at www.docboard.org/me/me_home.htm.

The Board of Licensure in Medicine is the State of Maine agency charged to protect the health and welfare of the public by verifying the qualifications of physicians to practice, and disciplining physicians for unprofessional conduct and incompetence. Any citizen can request an investigation of a physician or physician assistant by contacting the Board office by telephone at (207) 287-3608, by letter, or by visiting the Board's web site.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
Phone: 207-626-8400

AUGUSTA, MAINE – Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky outlined the initial schedule of June 8th Primary Election recounts on Wednesday. He explained that candidates had until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 15, 2004 to formally request a recount. Six legislative primary elections will be recounted—three House and three Senate races. All recounts will be held at the Maine State Police Crime Lab in Augusta.

A complete list of recounts, with currently available scheduling information, is printed below. The first recount will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, June 18, 2004. It will involve Senate District 23 Democratic primary candidates Peter P. Misluk Jr. and Wesley J. Rothermel. Unofficial election totals indicated that Mr. Misluk received 987 votes and Mr. Rothermel received 953 votes.

As required by Maine law, the ballots were sealed in special security containers in each community on election night. The State Police are collecting all ballot boxes from each community involved in the six upcoming recounts. They will be kept in a secure State Police facility until the recounts. Recounts are a public proceeding, but the number of observers is limited by the size of the recount site.

During a recount, representatives for each candidate and staff members of the state’s Elections Division manually review each ballot to determine if the initial tabulation in the election is correct. The candidates may revise the election results based on the recount and by their mutual agreement.

A candidate who requests and receives a recount may withdraw from the recount, thus ending the process, at any time while the recount shows that candidate did not win the election. If, however, the candidate requesting the recount overtakes and passes the candidate who initially appeared to win the election, the candidate requesting the recount may not withdraw the request.

If a recount produces enough disputed ballots to affect the outcome of the election, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court shall review the disputed ballots and will determine the outcome of the election.

Recount schedule http://www.maine.gov/sos/news/2004/PrimaryRecount.htm

For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
Phone: 207-626-8400

AUGUSTA, MAINE – Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky has announced the results of Friday’s recount in the Senate District 23 Democratic Primary Election, and released an updated schedule for the remaining five recounts resulting from the June 8, 2004 Primary Election.

Following a recount of voted ballots under the supervision of staff from the Secretary of State’s office, Peter P. Misluk Jr. remained the winner in the Senate District 23 Democratic Primary. During the recount, his vote total increased by one (from 987 on Election Day to 988). His opponent, Wesley J. Rothermel, received one fewer vote as a result of the recount (from 953 on Election Day to 952). Both sides agreed to the outcome of Friday’s recount.

“Recounts are an important part of our system of checks and balances. They enable candidates and the public to view voted ballots, and play a role in ensuring fair and open elections in the State of Maine. Although recounts can be time-consuming, they serve a vital function in our democracy,” Secretary Gwadosky commented.

As required by Maine law, all ballots are sealed in special security containers in each community on election night. The State Police then collects all ballot boxes from each community involved in a recount. They are stored in a secure State Police facility until the time of the recount, which is conducted at the Maine State Police Crime Lab in Augusta.

During a recount, representatives for each candidate and staff members of the state’s Elections Division manually review each ballot to determine if the initial tabulation in the election was correct. The candidates may revise the election results based on the recount and by their mutual agreement.

A candidate who requests and receives a recount may withdraw from the recount, thus ending the process, at any time while the recount shows that candidate did not win the election. If, however, the candidate requesting the recount overtakes and passes the candidate who initially appeared to win the election, the candidate requesting the recount may not withdraw the request.

If a recount produces enough disputed ballots to affect the outcome of the election, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court shall review the disputed ballots and will determine the outcome of the election.

An updated schedule for the remaining five (5) recounts follows this press release http://www.maine.gov/sos/news/2004/PrimaryRecount6-18.htm

For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan Gwadosky
207-626-8400

AUGUSTA, MAINE – Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky announced on Monday that the recount in Senate District 20’s Republican Primary Election between Dana L. Dow of Waldoboro and Leslie T. Fossel of Alna resulted in each candidate receiving 1834 votes. Four additional ballots remain in dispute. They will be forwarded to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court for a determination. Mr. Dow’s vote total on election night was 1871, while Mr. Fossel’s total was 1853. Both candidates signed off on the outcome of Monday’s recount, and will await the Court’s ruling.

“Recounts are a vital part of our electoral system. I want to thank the candidates and their representatives, as well state and local election officials and personnel at the Maine State Police, for their involvement and efforts. The final unresolved ballots in this recount will be sent to the state’s Supreme Judicial Court for a determination,” Secretary Gwadosky commented.

As required by Maine law, all ballots are sealed in special security containers in each community on election night. The State Police then collects all ballot boxes from each community involved in a recount. They are stored in a secure State Police facility until the time of the recount, which is conducted at the Maine State Police Crime Lab in Augusta.

During a recount, representatives for each candidate and staff members of the state’s Elections Division manually review each ballot to determine if the initial tabulation in the election was correct. The candidates may revise the election results based on the recount and by their mutual agreement.

A candidate who requests and receives a recount may withdraw from the recount, thus ending the process, at any time while the recount shows that candidate did not win the election. If, however, the candidate requesting the recount overtakes and passes the candidate who initially appeared to win the election, the candidate requesting the recount may not withdraw the request.

If a recount produces enough disputed ballots to affect the outcome of the election, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court shall review the disputed ballots and will determine the outcome of the election.

Two of four remaining recounts are scheduled for Tuesday, June 22nd. House District 81’s Democratic Primary Election between Rodney C. Jennings and John D. Wakefield will be recounted at 9:00 a.m., while the Democratic Primary Election in House District 137 between Richard E. Rhames and Alan M. Casavant will follow at approximately 1:30 p.m. in the Maine State Police Crime Lab in Augusta.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400

AUGUSTA, MAINE – Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky announced on Monday that five students from Maine have been recognized for their outstanding entries in the National History Day (NHD) finals, held from June 13-17, 2004 at the University of Maryland in College Park. The individuals selected for recognition were among more than 40 Maine students who qualified to participate in the national finals as a result of their success in the Maine National History Day state contest, which took place April 8th at the Buker School in Augusta .

“ Maine can be proud of its participants in this year's National History Day educational program. Entries in the state finals last April were of excellent quality, and those selected for the national finals were outstanding. I want to congratulate all students and teachers who participated, and recognize the five individuals selected as having presented the best material from the State of Maine ,” Secretary of State Dan Gwadosky commented.

Two projects were selected as the best entries from Maine at the National History Day competition. The first was created by Luke Boucher, Kayle Hamilton and Casey McKague of Bonny Eagle Middle School in Buxton. Working with teacher Michael Morong, these students' Junior Group Exhibit was titled “ From Negro Leagues to Cooperstown : Jackie Robinson and his Encounters in Baseball”.

The second selection was produced by Nina Pinette and Kim Simonsen of Bonny Eagle High School in Standish. Their Senior Group Exhibit, also overseen by teacher M ichael Morong, was titled “Rockefeller's Roads: Exploring Acadia 's Unique Landscape”.

National History Day is a year-long educational program that culminates in a national final competition each June. Open to students in grades 6-12, NHD invites young people to explore a topic of historical importance. Students then develop exhibits, research papers, performances, or multimedia documentaries. These projects are evaluated at local, state, and national competitions.

The program adds a new dimension to teaching and learning history, and rewards students for initiative, creativity and scholarship. The program seeks to change the way history is taught and learned by challenging students to conduct historical inquiry and by providing a positive learning environment in which students' work is evaluated outside the classroom.

Maine National History Day is coordinated by the Maine State Archives, a bureau in the Department of the Secretary of State. The Archives is the official repository of records deemed to have permanent value to the state, such as the original Maine constitution. More information about National History Day and the Maine State Archives is available online at www.maine.gov/sos/arc .

For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
Phone: 207-626-8400

AUGUSTA, MAINE – Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky announced on Tuesday that the recount in House District 81’s Democratic Primary Election between Rodney C. Jennings and John D. Wakefield has been concluded. As a result of the recount, which was conducted under the supervision of staff from the Department of the Secretary of State, Mr. Jennings remained the winner. During the recount, his vote total increased by one vote (from 327 on Election Day to 328). Mr. Wakefield’s vote total of 324 remained the same as on Election Day. Both candidates agreed to the outcome of Tuesday’s recount.

A recount in House District 137’s Democratic Primary Election between Richard E. Rhames and Alan M. Casavant was conducted Tuesday afternoon. Mr. Rhames’ vote total was 440 on Election Day and 437 as a result of the recount. Mr. Casavant’s vote total was 435 on Election Day and remained the same as a result of the recount. Three (3) disputed ballots remain. They will be sent to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court for a determination. The candidates will await the Court’s ruling.

As required by Maine law, all ballots are sealed in special security containers in each community on election night. The State Police then collects all ballot boxes from each community involved in a recount. They are stored in a secure State Police facility until the time of the recount, which is conducted at the Maine State Police Crime Lab in Augusta.

During a recount, representatives for each candidate and staff members of the state’s Elections Division manually review each ballot to determine if the initial tabulation in the election was correct. The candidates may revise the election results based on the recount and by their mutual agreement.

A candidate who requests and receives a recount may withdraw from the recount, thus ending the process, at any time while the recount shows that candidate did not win the election. If, however, the candidate requesting the recount overtakes and passes the candidate who initially appeared to win the election, the candidate requesting the recount may not withdraw the request.

If a recount produces enough disputed ballots to affect the outcome of the election, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court shall review the disputed ballots. The fifth of six scheduled recounts will take place Wednesday, June 23rd. House District 53’s Republican Primary Election between Billie G. Willard and Heather B. Beasley will be recounted beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the Maine State Police Crime Lab in Augusta.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400

AUGUSTA, MAINE – Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky has announced that the recount of House District 53’s Republican Primary Election between Billie G. Willard and Heather B. Beasley was completed Wednesday afternoon at the Maine State Police Crime Lab in Augusta.

As a result of the recount, which was conducted under the supervision of staff from the Department of the Secretary of State, Billie Willard remained the winner. Her recount vote total was 410. Her vote total on Election Day was 413. Heather Beasley’s recount vote total was 370. Her Election Day vote total was 382. Both candidates signed off on the outcome of Wednesday’s recount.

“Recounts are vital to the health and vitality of our democracy. They depend on the involvement and effort of many individuals. I want to thank the candidates and their representatives, as well as election officials and the Maine State Police, for the role they play in conducting thorough and professional recounts,” Secretary Gwadosky commented.

As required by Maine law, all ballots are sealed in special security containers in each community on election night. The State Police then collects all ballot boxes from each community involved in a recount. They are stored in a secure State Police facility until the time of the recount, which is conducted at the Maine State Police Crime Lab in Augusta.

During a recount, representatives for each candidate and staff members of the state’s Elections Division manually review each ballot to determine if the initial tabulation in the election was correct. The candidates may revise the election results based on the recount and by their mutual agreement.

A candidate who requests and receives a recount may withdraw from the recount, thus ending the process, at any time while the recount shows that candidate did not win the election. If, however, the candidate requesting the recount overtakes and passes the candidate who initially appeared to win the election, the candidate requesting the recount may not withdraw the request.

If a recount produces enough disputed ballots to affect the outcome of the election, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court shall review the disputed ballots.

The last of six scheduled recounts will take place Thursday, June 24th, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Maine State Police Crime Lab in Augusta. Uncontested Democratic Primary write-in candidate Kim M. Bagley requested a recount of ballots in Senate District 29. Her vote total on Election Day was 173; a minimum of 200 votes was required for placement on the General Election ballot in November.

Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky Secretary of State
207-626-8400

AUGUSTA, MAINE – Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky has announced that the recount in Senate District 29’s uncontested Democratic Primary Election involving write-in candidate Kim Bagley was completed Thursday afternoon at the Maine State Police Crime Lab in Augusta. On Election Day, the write-in vote total for Kim Bagley was 173. A minimum of 200 votes were needed for placement on the November 2, 2004 General Election ballot. During the recount of 279 Democratic Primary Election ballots in Senate District 29 that were marked in some way, Kim Bagley and her representative identified 211 as having votes for her. Those 211 ballots, along with the remaining 68 that were not identified as having potential votes for Kim Bagley, will now be sent to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court for a review and determination. Kim Bagley signed off on the recount, and will await the Court’s ruling. “With all six Primary Election recounts having now been completed, I want to express my appreciation to everyone who played a role in this important process. The Maine State Police deserve recognition for their involvement, as well as state and local election officials, and the candidates themselves. These recounts have been conducted in a thorough and professional manner thanks to the efforts and cooperation of all involved,” Secretary Gwadosky commented. As required by Maine law, all ballots are sealed in special security containers in each community on election night. The State Police then collects all ballot boxes from each community involved in a recount. They are stored in a secure State Police facility until the time of the recount, which is conducted at the Maine State Police Crime Lab in Augusta.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
Phone: 207-626-8400

The Town of Waterboro has launched Rapid Renewal, the Department of the Secretary of State’s online service for the renewal of motor vehicle registrations. Residents of Waterboro now join the hundreds of thousands of Maine citizens who can renew their vehicle registrations online, at anytime of the day, from the comfort and convenience of their homes or offices. Rapid Renewal is a groundbreaking e-commerce service that allows citizens to conduct business with municipal government and state government in one seamless online transaction. The service has gained national acclaim and has been enthusiastically embraced by Mainers. While municipal participation in Rapid Renewal is optional, the service has quickly grown to include 60 municipalities, and more than 70,000 transactions have been processed. The Secretary of State, encouraged by this success has set a new goal for the program.

“Last year the success of the Rapid Renewal program exceeded expectations, marking the launching of its 50th municipality and it’s 50,000th transaction,” stated Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky. “By the end of this year, I would like to see Rapid Renewal Service made available to at least 50% of all Maine citizens. That will require more municipalities to follow the leadership of towns like Waterboro.”

The 60 municipalities currently offering Rapid Renewal comprise 41.5% of the Maine’s population. The service is being offered by municipalities from York County to Aroostook County, with populations ranging from Caswell’s 326 citizens to Portland’s 64,249 citizens. Through Rapid Renewal citizens are able to renew their vehicle registrations and pay their municipal excise taxes online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s quick, and it’s easy.

“Offering Rapid Renewal makes sense for large and small municipalities alike. While we have set a target of reaching 50% of Mainers by the end of next year, we ultimately hope every municipality will decide to offer Rapid Renewal and every citizen will be able to enjoy the benefits of this convenient service,” stated Gwadosky. “I am confident that as more and more towns and cities see the positive experiences their neighboring municipalities and residents are having with Rapid Renewal, they too will opt to offer this service.”

Rapid Renewal may be accessed through http://www.sosonline.org , the Department of the Secretary of State’s site for online services. Rapid Renewal is currently available in Arundel, Augusta, Bangor, Bowdoinham, Brewer, Brunswick, Buxton, Cape Elizabeth, Casco, Caswell, Chelsea, China, Corinna, Dover-Foxcroft, Fairfield, Falmouth, Farmington, Fort Fairfield, Fort Kent, Gorham, Gray, Greene, Hermon, Holden, Jay, Jefferson, Kennebunk, Lewiston, Limestone, Madison, North Yarmouth, Norway, Old Orchard Beach, Palermo, Patten, Phippsburg, Portland, Raymond, Richmond, Saco, Sangerville, Scarborough, South Portland, Standish, Topsham, Vassalboro, Veazie, Waterboro, Waterville, Wells, Westbrook, Westport, Whitefield, Windham, Winslow, Winterport, Winthrop, Wiscasset, Yarmouth, and York.

Municipal officials who would like more information about participating in Rapid Renewal and offering this service to residents in their community may contact John Smith in the Department of the Secretary of State at 626-8400 or by email at sos.office@maine.gov.

Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287-8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

Augusta- As summer approaches, more teenagers will be mowing lawns and doing other yard work. Whether doing chores at their own homes, earning a few dollars from the neighbors, or working as employees of landscaping companies, young yard-care workers face the same risks. Sharp blades can cause cuts and even amputations. Rocks and sticks thrown from the equipment can cut or bruise exposed skin or even damage an eye. Machine noise can, over time, cause hearing loss.

Maine Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman cautions, “Teenagers face serious hazards when they use powered lawn care equipment. While our laws only govern employment situations, we strongly recommend that teenagers be trained and closely supervised whenever they use power equipment.”

Employees in Maine under 16 years old cannot legally operate power lawn mowers, weedwhackers, or any type of power-driven mower or cutter in nonagricultural jobs. They are also not permitted to operate any motor vehicle for work, including golf carts.

Maine law permits teenagers who are 16 years old or older to operate powered lawn care equipment. To avoid serious injury, they should use caution and follow these safety practices:

· Before using any power equipment, learn how to operate it properly, including stopping it quickly.

· Never operate equipment that is damaged or not working right.

· Never remove mower guards.

· No horseplay.

· Watch for rocks and other objects in the mower path.

· Do not operate mower or other power equipment when people are nearby.

· Push a power mower; do not pull it.

· Fill gasoline-powered mowers outdoors and only when the engine is cool;

· If gas spills during filling, let the vapors evaporate before starting the engine.

· Make sure the mower is out of gear before starting. Stand with feet away from the blade. Stay clear of the front of self-propelling mowers during and after starting.

· When using a self-propelled mower, keep in step with it. Do not lag behind or let it pull you, because you will not be in full control of the mower.

· When operating over uneven terrain and slopes, make sure to have a firm footing at all times.

· Wear boots, safety shoes or cleated rubber-soled shoes with good traction when mowing. Never mow barefoot or wearing open-toed shoes.

· Use safety glasses when operating powered lawn equipment.

· Wear hearing protection (ear plugs or muffs) when using any noisy equipment. Hearing protection is required above certain noise levels.

Child labor laws prohibit youth from working at many dangerous jobs. For more information about child labor laws and safety requirements, contact the Maine Department of Labor at 207-624-6400 (TTY: 207-624-6003) or at www.maine.gov/labor/bls/blsmain.htm.

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Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287-8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

Augusta- State Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman announced that the seasonally-adjusted April unemployment rate for Maine was 4.3 percent, down from 4.9 percent in March. The Maine unemployment rate remained well below the national April rate of 5.6 percent.

“The seasonally-adjusted Maine unemployment rate fell between March and April due in large part to an increase in the number of self employed. There were also slight wage and salary job gains in professional and business services and manufacturing,” said Commissioner Fortman. “It is encouraging to see the unemployment rate fall to 4.3 percent in April. However, it will take more than one month’s data to indicate a significant trend in labor market conditions.”

Over the past year the seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate also dropped, from 5.0 percent in April 2003 to 4.3 percent in April 2004. Seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs rose by 3,700. Job gains were recorded in health care and social assistance, other services, construction, leisure and hospitality services, and trade. Partly offsetting the job gains, losses were recorded primarily in the manufacturing sector, with the largest declines in textiles, paper, wood products, and computers and electronic products.

Other New England states reporting their seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate for April include Vermont, 3.6 percent; New Hampshire, 3.9 percent; Connecticut, 4.5 percent; and Massachusetts, 4.8 percent. The adjusted national rate for April was 5.6 percent, down from 5.7 percent in March and 6.0 percent in April 2003.

The not-seasonally-adjusted Maine unemployment rate for April was 4.8 percent, down from 5.6 percent for March and 5.5 percent for April 2003. The unadjusted national rate was 5.4 percent for April, down from 6.0 percent in March and 5.8 percent in April 2003. Not-seasonally-adjusted April unemployment rates for Maine counties ranged from 2.6 percent in Cumberland County to 10.1 percent in Washington County.

Not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs in Maine rose by 7,600 between March and April to 599,100, as employers started gearing up for the busy summer season. Job gains were recorded in accommodation and food services, construction, retail trade, and professional and business services.

Between April 2003 and April 2004, not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs rose by 4,200. Job gains were recorded in health care and social assistance, construction, retail trade, other services, and food services and drinking places Losses were registered primarily in manufacturing, with the largest declines in textiles, paper, wood products, and computers and electronic products.

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Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287-8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

State Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman announced that the seasonally-adjusted March unemployment rate for Maine was 4.9 percent, unchanged from last month and March 2003. The Maine unemployment rate remained below the national March rate of 5.7 percent.

“Labor market conditions in Maine were unchanged between February and March,” said Commissioner Fortman. “The seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 4.9 percent and the number of nonfarm wage and salary jobs remained at 607,300.”

Between March 2003 and March 2004, seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs rose by 2,400 to 607,300. Job gains were recorded in health care and social assistance, retail trade, other services, construction, and leisure and hospitality services. Partly offsetting the job gains, losses were recorded primarily in the manufacturing sector, with the largest declines in paper, textiles, and computers and electronic equipment.

Other New England states reporting their seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate for March include Vermont, 3.6 percent; New Hampshire, 4.0 percent; Massachusetts, 5.1 percent; and Rhode Island, 5.6 percent. The adjusted national rate for March was 5.7 percent, up from 5.6 percent in February and down from 5.8 percent for March 2003.

The not-seasonally-adjusted Maine unemployment rate for March was 5.6 percent, down from 5.8 percent for February and 5.7 percent for March 2003. The unadjusted national rate was 6.0 percent for March, unchanged from February and down from 6.2 percent in March 2003. Not-seasonally-adjusted March unemployment rates for Maine counties ranged from 3.3 percent in Cumberland County to 11.7 percent in Washington County.

Not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs in Maine rose by 2,500 between February and March to 591,300. Gains were recorded in food services and drinking places, local government, construction, health care and social assistance, and educational services.

Between March 2003 and March 2004, not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs rose by 3,500. Job gains were recorded in health care and social assistance, retail trade, other services, construction, and food services and drinking places. Losses were registered primarily in manufacturing, with the largest declines in paper, textiles, and computers and electronic equipment.

Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287-8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

State Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman announced that the seasonally-adjusted May unemployment rate for Maine was 4.1 percent, down from 4.2 percent in April. The Maine unemployment rate remained well below the national May rate of 5.6 percent.

“The Maine labor market continued to improve in May,” said Commissioner Fortman. “The seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate edged downward from 4.2 percent in April to 4.1 percent in May, and the number of nonfarm wage and salary jobs increased by 2,100.”

Between April and May, seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs rose by 2,100. There were widespread gains in the private sector, with the largest increases recorded by leisure and hospitality services and construction. Government jobs declined slightly.

Over the past year the seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate also dropped, from 5.0 percent in May 2003 to 4.1 percent in May 2004. Seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs rose by 5,200. The largest job gains were recorded in health care and social assistance, other services, construction, leisure and hospitality services, and retail trade.

Other New England states reporting their seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate for May include Vermont, 3.5 percent; New Hampshire, 4.0 percent; and Connecticut, 4.6 percent The adjusted national rate for May was 5.6 percent, unchanged from April and down from 6.1 percent in May 2003.

The not-seasonally-adjusted Maine unemployment rate for May was 3.9 percent, down from 4.8 percent for March and 4.8 percent for May 2003. The unadjusted national rate was 5.3 percent for May, down from 5.4 percent in April and 5.8 percent in May 2003. Not-seasonally-adjusted May unemployment rates for Maine counties ranged from 2.4 percent in Cumberland County to 7.7 percent in Somerset County.

Not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs in Maine rose by 13,400 between April and May to 612,600, as employers geared up for the busy summer season. Job gains were recorded in leisure and hospitality services, construction, retail trade, and professional and business services.

Between May 2003 and May 2004, not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs rose by 4,500. Job gains were recorded in health care and social assistance, retail trade, other services, construction, and leisure and hospitality services.

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Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287-8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

Augusta- In an effort to link Maine jobseekers with employment opportunities in the forestry industry, the Maine Department of Labor is working with the Maine Forest Products Council and the Maine Pulp and Paper Association to advertise logging jobs in northern Maine.

“The Governor is committed to the health of the industry and connecting Maine citizens to good paying jobs,” said Maine Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman. “Governor Baldacci has demonstrated through the creation of the Advisory Council on the Sustainability of the Forest Products Industry that long-term strategies to support the workforce infrastructure are needed to maintain a vibrant forest products industry. He has directed the Department of Labor to take immediate action to aid the industry and Maine workers.”

“Hundreds of logging jobs are currently listed with the CareerCenters,” noted Commissioner Fortman. “In the coming week, we will be mailing an insert with unemployment checks. We are trying to ensure that every qualified Mainer knows about these jobs.”

Many of the positions are for experienced loggers who can operate mechanical harvesting equipment. However, not all of the jobs require an extensive background in forestry. Other opportunities include truck drivers, camp cooks and helpers.

The logging industry has been hit hard by a labor shortage this season. In past years, Canadian loggers holding certain temporary work visas provided much of the harvesting, processing and trucking services. This year, however, the federal government halted the processing of applications in March when a set annual limit of visas issued under the program was reached.

Efforts are also underway to assist the tourism industry, which was similarly impacted by the annual cap on seasonal work visas.

Individuals interested in learning more are encouraged to visit one of Maine’s 23 CareerCenter locations. Directions to the nearest CareerCenter can be obtained by calling 1-888-457-8883, (TTY: 1-888-313-9400) or by visiting the CareerCenter website at www.mainecareercenter.com.

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Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287-8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

Augusta- Recognizing the need for more study into the affect family violence has on the greater community, the Maine Department of Labor and Family Crisis Services, a nonprofit provider of services to domestic abuse victims, are seeking domestic violence victims/survivors for a research initiative aimed at measuring the effect of family violence on the workplace.

The research will gauge lost work time, productivity and concentration issues, the abuser’s access to the victim in the workplace, and employer responses to these events. Identities of the research participants and their employers will be kept confidential.

“This is a complex and emotional issue,” said Maine Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman. “We know it is not easy for victims to come forward and talk about their experience, but it is important that we hear from them as we seek answers to this problem.”

A total of 125 participants are sought statewide, who have experienced domestic abuse within the last three years, were employed at the time they were experiencing domestic abuse, and were affected at their employment by the domestic abuse they were experiencing. At the conclusion of the interview each participant will receive a $25 certificate to a local grocery store.

Interviews will be conducted in June, July, and August. The format will be one-on-one, either in person or over the phone, and will take between 30 to 45 minutes to complete. A written report will follow the conclusion of the study and will not contain any information that will identify the participant or the participant’s employer.

Individuals who have additional questions or are interested in participating in the research can contact Ellen Ridley at (207) 767-4952 ext. 105.

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Randal Manning, Executive Director
Board of Lciensure in Medicine
137 State House Station
Phone: (207)287-3601. Fax: (207) 287-6590.
Randal.C.Manning@maine.gov

AUGUSTA, ME- Bader M. Zaidan, M.D. surrendered his medical license to the Board of Licensure in Medicine in a consent agreement signed on July 13, 2004. In addition, Dr. Zaidan agreed that he will not seek to reinstate his license to practice medicine in Maine. Dr. Zaidan worked in Augusta and is currently in Lybia.

The Board issued a complaint against Dr. Zaidan in 2003 after learning that he had voluntarily ceased his surgical practice and then had his surgical privileges suspended by the hospital. Dr. Zaidan resigned from the hospital staff after peer review raised concerns about his high morbidity rates. Dr. Zaidan agreed to sign the consent agreement in lieu of proceeding to an adjudicatory hearing.

All Board disciplines are reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, the Health Improvement and Protection Data Bank, and the Federation of State Medical Boards Action Data Bank. Those reports are regularly reviewed by every state licensing board in the country.

The Board is made up of 6 physicians and 3 public members appointed by the Governor. Disciplinary actions taken by the Board are available to the public either by telephone at (207) 287-3601, or on the Board's Web site at www.docboard.org/me/me_home.htm.

The Board of Licensure in Medicine is the State of Maine agency charged to protect the health and welfare of the public by verifying the qualifications of physicians to practice, and disciplining physicians for unprofessional conduct and incompetence. Any citizen can request an investigation of a physician or physician assistant by contacting the Board office by telephone at (207) 287-3608, by letter, or by visiting the Board's Web site.

Randal Manning, Executive Director
Board of Lciensure in Medicine
137 State House Station
Phone: (207)287-3601. Fax: (207) 287-6590.
Randal.C.Manning@maine.gov

AUGUSTA, ME - Josephine M. Meador, M.D. accepted a reprimand from the Board of Licensure in Medicine in a consent agreement signed on July 13, 2004. In addition, Dr. Meador must undergo substance abuse monitoring for 10 years from December 9, 2003. Dr. Meador is currently living in Harpswell.

Dr. Meador began abusing oxycodone in 2001, eventually writing prescriptions for fictitious patients and using the medication for herself. The Board received a report from a pharmacist and issued a complaint in 2003. In her response to the Board Dr. Meador intentionally misrepresented the facts but later amended her response and admitted the full extent of her involvement with oxycodone and her inappropriate prescribing practices. Dr. Meador has been substance free and actively involved in treatment since May 2003. Dr. Meador agreed to sign the consent agreement in lieu of proceeding to an adjudicatory hearing.

All Board disciplines are reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, the Health Improvement and Protection Data Bank, and the Federation of State Medical Boards Action Data Bank. Those reports are regularly reviewed by every state licensing board in the country.

The Board is made up of 6 physicians and 3 public members appointed by the Governor. Disciplinary actions taken by the Board are available to the public either by telephone at (207) 287-3601, or on the Board's Web site at www.docboard.org/me/me_home.htm.

The Board of Licensure in Medicine is the State of Maine agency charged to protect the health and welfare of the public by verifying the qualifications of physicians to practice, and disciplining physicians for unprofessional conduct and incompetence. Any citizen can request an investigation of a physician or physician assistant by contacting the Board office by telephone at (207) 287-3608, by letter, or by visiting the Board's Web site.

Contact: Doug Dunbar
207-626-8408

AUGUSTA, MAINE -- Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky was joined by local election officials, members of the business community and service organizations at a press conference on Friday at the State House to highlight Maine’s Promote the Vote initiatives for 2004 and to kick-off a ‘100 Day Countdown to the General Election’. The comprehensive effort is designed to encourage participation in the electoral process.

“Maine has a tradition of strong voter turnout. We led the nation in two of the last three Presidential elections, and intend to be number one this November,” Secretary of State Gwadosky commented.

Secretary Gwadosky called on individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the state to help ensure maximum participation. To reach that goal, Maine’s Promote the Vote coalition has developed projects and programs designed to increase citizen involvement. These efforts will enhance voter education, registration and turnout.

A number of projects that have proven successful in the past will be implemented again this year. They include Maine’s Student Mock Election, the Vote in Honor of a Veteran Program and Maine Remembers Book (online version also available), Voter Information Brochures and Guides, and “I Voted Today” Stickers – with support of Maine Rotary organizations. Information about these projects is available online at www.maine.gov/sos.

Secretary Gwadosky explained that new initiatives are also underway to enhance awareness and to utilize technology. He unveiled Maine’s Election Countdown Logo. The logo is intended to send a clear, consistent and frequent reminder to Maine voters about the upcoming election and importance of voting.

“We’re pleased to announce that the Bangor Daily News, the Kennebec Journal, the Waterville Morning Sentinel, the Lewiston Sun Journal and The Times Record in Brunswick will be making use of Countdown materials. Some will use it regularly during the next 100 days; others will use portions in conjunction with news stories or editorials,” Gwadosky noted.

Additionally, many organizations, associations and businesses will utilize the Countdown or other Promote the Vote materials either directly or by sharing with their members. They include the Maine Association of Broadcasters, the Maine Credit Union League, Hannaford, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, and the Maine Bankers Association. The Countdown Logo, developed through the Information Resource of Maine (InforME), is available online at http://www.maine.gov/portal/government/edemocracy/promotethevote.html

Working with schools throughout Maine, the Secretary of State’s office has also launched a Youth Vote Media Project to encourage students to develop 30 second Public Service Announcements about the significance of elections and voting. A showcase of submitted PSAs is scheduled for early October at the State House, with selected PSAs distributed to television stations and other organizations for possible use prior to the election.

Continuing with the theme of technology, Secretary Gwadosky highlighted Maine’s new eDemocracy website, which can be accessed at www.maine.gov. It’s a comprehensive collection of information and services that he hopes will not only educate, but also provide an avenue for greater citizen participation in civic life. It was developed through InforME.

Secretary Gwadosky also announced that his office will be joining with college and university officials, as well as the New Voters Project and other organizations, to conduct the most coordinated and comprehensive voter registration campaign ever targeted at Maine’s campuses. A ceremony with the presidents of Maine colleges and universities to formalize the effort is planned for September.

Additionally, he noted that his office is working to support outreach efforts to individuals with disabilities, to first time voters, and to people who once voted but have stopped. Working with the Disabilities Rights Center, the League of Women Voters and many other organizations, the Secretary of State’s office has launched an ambitious voter education and registration effort.

“The people of Maine can be proud of their past accomplishments when it comes to voter turnout and civic participation. On November 2nd, they will have an opportunity to make history once again by leading the nation,” Gwadosky concluded.

Contact: Dan Gwadosky
207-626-8400

Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky announced on Friday that a new registration plate is now available for veterans who have a disability. Qualified individuals may now obtain the Disability Special Veteran Plate at Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) offices throughout Maine.

The new plate, which features both the veteran and disability symbols, authorizes access to designated disability parking spaces. Before today, veterans with a disability needed to obtain a disability placard in addition to their veteran plates. The new plate was proposed by the Secretary of State last year, in conjunction with interested veterans. Senator Pam Hatch and Representative Ron Usher introduced the necessary legislation and the 121st Maine Legislature approved the plate.

“We are pleased to make this new plate available to individuals with disabilities who have served our country in the Armed Forces. It will recognize their contributions and provide access to designated parking areas,” Secretary Gwadosky commented.

To obtain the plate, interested veterans must submit an Application for Disability Plate/Placard, or have one currently on file with BMV. The application is available at BMV offices or online at http://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/. Additionally, if the applicant is not already in possession of standard veteran registration plates, evidence of honorable discharge from the United States military is required by submitting a copy of the DD 214 (report of separation or discharge from active duty).

Veterans Commemorative Decals, which highlight particular military awards and all branches of the Armed Forces, can be displayed on the Disability Special Veteran Plate. There is also an opportunity to personalize it through the vanity plate program. One to four characters (numbers and/or letters) can be featured on this new plate.

“Veterans with disabilities are encouraged to review information about this registration option. Many will benefit from the convenience and access offered by the new plate. We look forward to serving veterans in this additional way,” Gwadosky added.

More information about the Disability Special Veteran Plate can be obtained by visiting a BMV office or calling the BMV Registration Section at 624-9000, extension 52149.

Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
Tel: 207-626-8400

Augusta--Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky will conduct a public drawing on Tuesday, August 3, 2004 to determine the order of two citizen initiatives scheduled to appear on the November 2, 2004 ballot. The drawing will be held 11:00 a.m. in his office in the Nash School building at the corner of Sewall and Capital Streets in Augusta.

Maine law requires the drawing process for ballot position. Maine law also requires the questions to be organized on the ballot by category as follows: people's veto questions are first, then citizen initiatives, followed by bond questions, then constitutional amendments and finally referendum questions.

The questions that will appear on the November 2, 2004 ballot are as follows, in no particular order:

Do you want to limit property taxes to 1% of the assessed value of the property?

Do you want to make it a crime to hunt bears with bait, traps or dogs, except to protect property, public safety or for research?

Contact: Doug Dunbar
207-626-8404

AUGUSTA, MAINE -- Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky conducted a public drawing on Tuesday to determine the order of two citizen initiatives that are scheduled to appear on the November 2, 2004 General Election ballot. The drawing was held in the Secretary of State’s office in Augusta. As a result, the questions will appear on the ballot in the following order:

Question 1: Do you want to limit property taxes to 1% of the assessed value of the property?

Question 2: Do you want to make it a crime to hunt bears with bait, traps or dogs, except to protect property, public safety or for research?

“This drawing is part of Maine’s electoral process. It helps the public to focus on the issues that will appear on the ballot, and assists organizers—both for and against these questions—to develop their educational materials,” Secretary of State Gwadosky commented.

Maine law requires the drawing process for ballot position. State law also requires the questions to be organized on the ballot by category as follows: people's veto questions are first, then citizen initiatives, followed by bond questions, then constitutional amendments and finally referendum questions.

For this November’s ballot, there are two citizen initiatives. One or more bond issues may still be proposed by the Legislature, if a special session is held. If that occurs, and one bond issue is proposed, it will be Question 3 on the ballot. Should more than one bond issue be proposed, there will be a second drawing to determine the order.

Information about the ballot questions, as well as the electoral process in general, is available online at Maine’s new eDemocracy website. It can be easily accessed through the state’s homepage (www.Maine.gov).

Contact: Dan Gwadosky
Tel: 207-626-8400

AUGUSTA, MAINE – Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky announced on Thursday that his Department has launched a consumer education campaign regarding the safe and lawful operation of motorized scooters and mopeds, as well as motorized bicycles and similar small vehicles, that have become increasingly present on Maine’s roadways. As part of this effort, educational materials have been mailed to businesses that sell these vehicles, and to law enforcement and public safety agencies.

“This outreach initiative is intended to enhance public safety and to ensure that businesses, consumers and law enforcement officials have accurate and thorough information about the safe and lawful use of these small vehicles,” Secretary Gwadosky commented.

The mailing includes a handout which provides details about relevant provisions in Maine law. Companies and agencies receiving the mailing have been encouraged to share its information with those who purchase and operate these types of motor vehicles. Additionally, materials will be prominently displayed in all Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) offices throughout Maine.

“It’s important for people to understand that current law requires an appropriate license to operate virtually all of these vehicles, including motorized scooters and mopeds, on any public way or in a public parking area. Additionally, owners of mopeds and many motorized scooters need to know that these vehicles must be registered,” Secretary Gwadosky added.

Beyond this summer’s educational outreach to the business and law enforcement communities, Secretary Gwadosky is reviewing current laws and rules to determine if the requirements governing operation and registration of these vehicles should be changed or clarified in any way. That review began in July and is being conducted in cooperation with state and local public safety officials, as well as business operators and consumers. As part of this process, the Secretary indicated that public input about small motorized scooters and similar vehicles is welcomed.

“Our efforts are designed to ensure that consumers have adequate information, that businesses have the necessary support and assistance, and that public safety is enhanced,” Secretary Gwadosky concluded.

To obtain a copy of the BMV motorized scooter handout, to ask questions, or to offer comments, the public is encouraged to call (207) 624-9000, extension 52145.

Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287-8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

State Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman announced that the seasonally-adjusted June unemployment rate for Maine was 4.1 percent, unchanged from 4.1 percent for May, and well below the national June rate of 5.6 percent. The Maine unemployment rate has dropped by almost a full percentage point over the past year, from 5.0 percent in June 2003 to the current rate of 4.1 percent, representing a decline of 6,100 in the number of unemployed to 28,500 in June 2004.

Concurrent with the drop in unemployment, seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs rose by 6,300 between June 2003 and June 2004 to 610,200. Job gains were recorded in health care and social assistance, retail trade, leisure and hospitality services, other services, government, and construction.

“Maine has recovered the number of nonfarm wage and salary jobs lost since the national economy went into recession, with the total number of seasonally-adjusted nonfarm jobs in June equaling the previous peak of 610,200 recorded for June 2001,” said Commissioner Fortman. “Gains in nonfarm wage and salary jobs, combined with an increase in self employment, have resulted in the total number of Maine residents employed reaching an all-time high in May and June, surpassing 670,000.”

Other New England states reporting their seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate for June include Vermont, 3.5 percent; New Hampshire, 3.9 percent; and Rhode Island, 5.8 percent. The adjusted national rate for June was 5.6 percent, unchanged from May and down from 6.3 percent for June 2003.

The not-seasonally-adjusted Maine unemployment rate for June was 4.0 percent, up from 3.9 percent for May and down from 4.9 percent for June 2003. The unadjusted national rate was 5.8 percent for June, up from 5.3 percent in May and down from 6.5 percent in June 2003. Maine counties with not-seasonally-adjusted June unemployment rates below the statewide average of 4.0 percent include Lincoln, Knox, Cumberland, Sagadahoc, York, Waldo, Hancock, and Androscoggin. Maine counties with rates above the statewide average include Kennebec, Penobscot, Aroostook, Piscataquis, Franklin, Oxford, Washington, and Somerset.

Not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs in Maine rose by 10,900 between May and June to 623,700, as employers geared up for the summer season, with the largest increases in accommodation and food services, retail trade, professional and business services, and construction. Partially offsetting the gains, private educational services and state government jobs fell as nonprofessional staff and work study students left post-secondary institutions at the end of the school year.

Between June 2003 and June 2004, not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs rose by 5,500. Job gains were recorded in health care and social assistance, retail trade, leisure and hospitality services, other services, construction, and government. Losses were registered primarily in manufacturing, with job declines in textiles, paper, and leather and allied products.

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For Immediate Release
Contact: Doug Dunbar, Deputy Secretary of State
207-626-8400

AUGUSTA, MAINE – Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky has announced that petitions were submitted to Maine’s Division of Elections on behalf of three presidential candidates before the 5:00 p.m. Monday filing deadline. A minimum of 4,000 valid signatures of Maine voters was required by the close of business on August 16, 2004 for placement of a non-party candidate’s name on the November 2nd General Election ballot.

Petitions on behalf of Constitution Party candidate Michael A. Peroutka were submitted last week. The petitions have been reviewed and certified. Enough valid signatures were submitted. Petitions for The Better Life Party candidate Ralph Nader and Libertarian Party candidate Michael Badnarik were submitted late Monday afternoon. Elections Division staff have certified 4,128 signatures for Ralph Nader and 4,282 for Michael Badnarik.

“The filing of presidential candidate petitions is an important part of Maine’s electoral process. It is one of many significant features of our state’s democratic system of government,” Secretary Gwadosky commented.

The presidential candidates representing Maine’s three officially recognized parties—Democratic, Green Independent and Republican—are not required to submit petitions. Party officials confirm their nominee for the General Election ballot by submitting documentation to the Secretary of State following their nominating conventions.

Documentation has been received from the Green Independent Party on behalf of nominee David Cobb. Democratic Party officials have submitted the required documentation on behalf of John Kerry. A filing on behalf of George W. Bush will be made following the Republican Party convention.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
Phone: 207-626-8400

The Town of Cumberland has launched Rapid Renewal, the Department of the Secretary of State’s online service for the renewal of motor vehicle registrations. Residents of Cumberland now join the hundreds of thousands of Maine citizens who can renew their vehicle registrations online, at anytime of the day, from the comfort and convenience of their homes or offices. Rapid Renewal is a groundbreaking e-commerce service that allows citizens to conduct business with municipal government and state government in one seamless online transaction. The service has gained national acclaim and has been enthusiastically embraced by Mainers. While municipal participation in Rapid Renewal is optional, the service has quickly grown to include 61 municipalities, and more than 75,000 transactions have been processed. The Secretary of State, encouraged by this success has set a new goal for the program.

“Last year the success of the Rapid Renewal program exceeded expectations, marking the launching of its 50th municipality and it’s 50,000th transaction,” stated Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky. “By the end of this year, I would like to see Rapid Renewal Service made available to at least 50% of all Maine citizens. That will require more municipalities to follow the leadership of towns like Cumberland.”

The 61 municipalities currently offering Rapid Renewal comprise 42% of the Maine’s population. The service is being offered by municipalities from York County to Aroostook County, with populations ranging from Caswell’s 326 citizens to Portland’s 64,249 citizens. Through Rapid Renewal citizens are able to renew their vehicle registrations and pay their municipal excise taxes online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s quick, and it’s easy.

“Offering Rapid Renewal makes sense for large and small municipalities alike. While we have set a target of reaching 50% of Mainers by the end of next year, we ultimately hope every municipality will decide to offer Rapid Renewal and every citizen will be able to enjoy the benefits of this convenient service,” stated Gwadosky. “I am confident that as more and more towns and cities see the positive experiences their neighboring municipalities and residents are having with Rapid Renewal, they too will opt to offer this service.”

Rapid Renewal may be accessed through www.sosonline.org, the Department of the Secretary of State’s site for online services. Rapid Renewal is currently available in Arundel, Augusta, Bangor, Bowdoinham, Brewer, Brunswick, Buxton, Cape Elizabeth, Casco, Caswell, Chelsea, China, Corinna, Cumberland, Dover-Foxcroft, Fairfield, Falmouth, Farmington, Fort Fairfield, Fort Kent, Gorham, Gray, Greene, Hermon, Holden, Jay, Jefferson, Kennebunk, Lewiston, Limestone, Madison, North Yarmouth, Norway, Old Orchard Beach, Palermo, Patten, Phippsburg, Portland, Raymond, Richmond, Saco, Sangerville, Scarborough, South Portland, Standish, Topsham, Vassalboro, Veazie, Waterboro, Waterville, Wells, Westbrook, Westport, Whitefield, Windham, Winslow, Winterport, Winthrop, Wiscasset, Yarmouth, and York.

Municipal officials who would like more information about participating in Rapid Renewal and offering this service to residents in their community may contact John Smith in the Department of the Secretary of State at 626-8400 or by email at sos.office@maine.gov.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
Telephone: 207-626-8400

The Town of Manchester has launched Rapid Renewal, the Department of the Secretary of State’s online service for the renewal of motor vehicle registrations. Residents of Manchester now join the hundreds of thousands of Maine citizens who can renew their vehicle registrations online, at anytime of the day, from the comfort and convenience of their homes or offices. Rapid Renewal is a groundbreaking e-commerce service that allows citizens to conduct business with municipal government and state government in one seamless online transaction. The service has gained national acclaim and has been enthusiastically embraced by Mainers. While municipal participation in Rapid Renewal is optional, the service has quickly grown to include 61 municipalities, and more than 75,000 transactions have been processed. The Secretary of State, encouraged by this success has set a new goal for the program.

“Last year the success of the Rapid Renewal program exceeded expectations, marking the launching of its 50th municipality and it’s 50,000th transaction,” stated Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky. “By the end of this year, I would like to see Rapid Renewal Service made available to at least 50% of all Maine citizens. That will require more municipalities to follow the leadership of towns like Manchester.”

The 61 municipalities currently offering Rapid Renewal comprise 42% of the Maine’s population. The service is being offered by municipalities from York County to Aroostook County, with populations ranging from Caswell’s 326 citizens to Portland’s 64,249 citizens. Through Rapid Renewal citizens are able to renew their vehicle registrations and pay their municipal excise taxes online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s quick, and it’s easy.

“Offering Rapid Renewal makes sense for large and small municipalities alike. While we have set a target of reaching 50% of Mainers by the end of next year, we ultimately hope every municipality will decide to offer Rapid Renewal and every citizen will be able to enjoy the benefits of this convenient service,” stated Gwadosky. “I am confident that as more and more towns and cities see the positive experiences their neighboring municipalities and residents are having with Rapid Renewal, they too will opt to offer this service.”

Rapid Renewal may be accessed through http://www.sosonline.org , the Department of the Secretary of State’s site for online services. Rapid Renewal is currently available in Arundel, Augusta, Bangor, Bowdoinham, Brewer, Brunswick, Buxton, Cape Elizabeth, Casco, Caswell, Chelsea, China, Corinna, Cumberland, Dover-Foxcroft, Fairfield, Falmouth, Farmington, Fort Fairfield, Fort Kent, Gorham, Gray, Greene, Hermon, Holden, Jay, Jefferson, Kennebunk, Lewiston, Limestone, Madison, Manchester, North Yarmouth, Norway, Old Orchard Beach, Palermo, Patten, Phippsburg, Portland, Raymond, Richmond, Saco, Sangerville, Scarborough, South Portland, Standish, Topsham, Vassalboro, Veazie, Waterboro, Waterville, Wells, Westbrook, Westport, Whitefield, Windham, Winslow, Winterport, Winthrop, Wiscasset, Yarmouth, and York.

Municipal officials who would like more information about participating in Rapid Renewal and offering this service to residents in their community may contact John Smith in the Department of the Secretary of State at 626-8400 or by email at sos.office@maine.gov.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
Phone: 207-626-8400

The Town of Lincolnville has launched Rapid Renewal, the Department of the Secretary of State’s online service for the renewal of motor vehicle registrations. Residents of Lincolnville now join the hundreds of thousands of Maine citizens who can renew their vehicle registrations online, at anytime of the day, from the comfort and convenience of their homes or offices. Rapid Renewal is a groundbreaking e-commerce service that allows citizens to conduct business with municipal government and state government in one seamless online transaction. The service has gained national acclaim and has been enthusiastically embraced by Mainers. While municipal participation in Rapid Renewal is optional, the service has quickly grown to include 63 municipalities, and more than 75,000 transactions have been processed. The Secretary of State, encouraged by this success has set a new goal for the program.

“Last year the success of the Rapid Renewal program exceeded expectations, marking the launching of its 50th municipality and it’s 50,000th transaction,” stated Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky. “By the end of this year, I would like to see Rapid Renewal Service made available to at least 50% of all Maine citizens. That will require more municipalities to follow the leadership of towns like Lincolnville.”

The 63 municipalities currently offering Rapid Renewal comprise 42% of the Maine’s population. The service is being offered by municipalities from York County to Aroostook County, with populations ranging from Caswell’s 326 citizens to Portland’s 64,249 citizens. Through Rapid Renewal citizens are able to renew their vehicle registrations and pay their municipal excise taxes online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s quick, and it’s easy.

“Offering Rapid Renewal makes sense for large and small municipalities alike. While we have set a target of reaching 50% of Mainers by the end of next year, we ultimately hope every municipality will decide to offer Rapid Renewal and every citizen will be able to enjoy the benefits of this convenient service,” stated Gwadosky. “I am confident that as more and more towns and cities see the positive experiences their neighboring municipalities and residents are having with Rapid Renewal, they too will opt to offer this service.”

Rapid Renewal may be accessed through http://www.town.lincolnville.me.us or http://www.sosonline.org , the Department of the Secretary of State’s site for online services. Rapid Renewal is currently available in Arundel, Augusta, Bangor, Bowdoinham, Brewer, Brunswick, Buxton, Cape Elizabeth, Casco, Caswell, Chelsea, China, Corinna, Cumberland, Dover-Foxcroft, Fairfield, Falmouth, Farmington, Fort Fairfield, Fort Kent, Gorham, Gray, Greene, Hermon, Holden, Jay, Jefferson, Kennebunk, Lewiston, Limestone, Lincolnville, Madison, Manchester, North Yarmouth, Norway, Old Orchard Beach, Palermo, Patten, Phippsburg, Portland, Raymond, Richmond, Saco, Sangerville, Scarborough, South Portland, Standish, Topsham, Vassalboro, Veazie, Waterboro, Waterville, Wells, Westbrook, Westport, Whitefield, Windham, Winslow, Winterport, Winthrop, Wiscasset, Yarmouth, and York.

Municipal officials who would like more information about participating in Rapid Renewal and offering this service to residents in their community may contact John Smith in the Department of the Secretary of State at 626-8400 or by email at sos.office@maine.gov.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Doug Dunbar
Phone: 207-626-8406

BANGOR, MAINE – Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky was joined by University of Maine System Chancellor Joseph W. Westphal and higher education officials from throughout Maine for a special signing ceremony on Thursday to pledge their support for voter education and registration initiatives, and to highlight efforts being made this fall to encourage student civic participation. The ceremony, which was the first of its kind in Maine, was organized by the Secretary of State and hosted by Chancellor Westphal at the University of Maine System offices in Bangor.

Participants included University of Maine President Robert Kennedy, University of Southern Maine President Richard Pattenaude, University of Maine at Augusta President Charles Lyons, University of Maine at Farmington President Theodora Kalikow, University of Maine at Fort Kent President Richard Cost, University of Maine at Machias President Sue Huseman, University of Maine at Presque Isle President William Shields, Eastern Maine Community College President Joyce Hedlund, Northern Maine Community College Dean of Students William Egeler, and Maine Maritime Academy Commandant of Midshipmen Captain Jeff Loustaunau.

“The Secretary of State’s office is pleased to partner with the New Voters Project, Maine Campus Compact and higher education institutions across the state to implement the most comprehensive voter outreach initiative in Maine’s history,” Secretary Gwadosky commented.

In July, the Secretary of State’s office launched Maine’s Promote the Vote initiative and kicked-off a 100-Day Countdown to the November General Election. An important part of Promote the Vote is a coordinated effort to energize, inform and involve more young people (ages 18-24) than ever before.

“We want Maine to be number one in the nation for overall voter participation and turnout among our youngest voters—not simply for the sake of bragging rights, but because voting is fundamentally important. When people become informed and engaged, and ultimately vote, our system of government is strengthened. When individuals care enough to learn about issues and to take part in the electoral process, our communities, state and nation benefit,” Gwadosky added.

The higher education officials participating in Thursday’s ceremony emphasized the importance of civic participation and noted that education plays a key role in helping people to become informed and engaged. They highlighted projects being planned on their campuses--including debates, speeches and a variety of voter registration drives--to enhance awareness and encourage involvement.

As part of this Promote the Vote initiative, the Secretary of State’s office—in cooperation with the New Voters Project and Maine Campus Compact—is providing voter registration applications, Voting Guides and Absentee Balloting Brochures, as well as best practices information and other resources to all Maine colleges and universities.

A copy of the pledge signed today follows on the next page. It was previously signed by officials at Bowdoin College, Central Maine Community College, Kennebec Valley Community College, the University of New England, Andover College, New England School of Communications, and the University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn College.

State of Maine College and University Voter Registration Pledge

We, the college and university officials listed below, recognize the responsibility our administrations have in encouraging civic participation and leadership among students at Maine’s higher education institutions.

We pledge to take an active role in developing institutional strategies to engage young people in the political process, and will do our part to provide voter education and registration services to students.

Signed this Ninth Day of September, 2004

Randal Manning, Executive Director
Board of Lciensure in Medicine
137 State House Station
Phone: (207)287-3601. Fax: (207) 287-6590.
Randal.C.Manning@maine.gov

AUGUSTA, ME- Juan C. Lazaro, M.D., was summarily suspended by the Board of Licensure in Medicine on September 14, 2004. The action means that Dr. Lazaro cannot practice medicine in the State of Maine at the present time. Dr. Lazaro currently has a practice in Westbrook.

At its September 14, 2004 meeting, the Board reviewed information regarding Dr. Lazaro’s practice of medicine and professional conduct. After review, the Board determined that there was sufficient possibility of danger to patients to necessitate immediate suspension of Dr. Lazaro’s license pending an Adjudicatory Hearing. The Adjudicatory Hearing will address issues regarding inappropriate prescribing, incompetence, and unprofessional conduct including violation of Board Rules on Sexual Misconduct. The Hearing will be held within 30 days unless the physician requests a postponement.

Patients of Dr. Lazaro should contact their primary care physician, their health insurance provider, or if an emergency situation, their local emergency room for alternative treatment options.

All Board disciplines are reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, the Health Improvement and Protection Data Bank, and the Federation of State Medical Boards Action Data Bank. Those reports are regularly reviewed by every state licensing board in the country.

The Board is made up of 6 physicians and 3 public members appointed by the Governor. Disciplinary actions taken by the Board are available to the public either by telephone at (207) 287-3601, or on the Board's website at www.docboard.org/me/me_home.htm.

The Board of Licensure in Medicine is the State of Maine agency charged to protect the health and welfare of the public by verifying the qualifications of physicians to practice, and disciplining physicians for unprofessional conduct and incompetence. Any citizen can request an investigation of a physician or physician assistant by contacting the Board office by telephone at (207) 287-3608, by letter, or by visiting the Board's web site.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Doug Dunbar, Secretary of State's Office
Phone: 626-8406
Shoshana Hoose, TV3, Portland School System
Phone: 874-8173

October 1st Deadline Approaches

AUGUSTA– Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky called attention this week to the upcoming October 1st deadline for students and teachers to submit Public Service Announcements (PSAs) for Maine’s first-ever Youth Voting Media Project.

This initiative, which is part of the Secretary of State’s comprehensive Promote the Vote effort, encourages students in middle and high schools to develop, film and present 30-second PSAs about the importance of voting and civic participation.

Importantly, the project also encourages learning in key areas of curriculum, including social studies, technology, language arts and journalism, as well as visual and performing arts. It is designed to be consistent with the goals and objectives of Maine’s Learning Results.

Each student participant will be recognized for taking part in the Youth Voting Media Project. A showcase of PSAs will be held in Augusta on October 8th. Selected PSAs will be made available to television stations for possible broadcast prior to the November general election.

“Maine’s Youth Voting Media Project presents a unique opportunity for students to think about our democracy and play a meaningful role in the electoral process. This initiative gives students a chance to speak their minds, to explore the issue of civic participation, and ultimately to urge more of their peers to register and vote,” Secretary Gwadosky commented.

The Youth Voting Media Project has been developed in cooperation with TV3 in Portland. The station, which is part of the Portland Public School System, sought and received a grant for the project from the national Youth Vote Coalition and Carnegie Corporation. TV3 has made its facilities available for planning and development of this initiative.

Additional information about the project, along with curriculum and registration materials, is available online at http://www.maine.gov/sos/youth , or by calling the Secretary of State’s Office in Augusta at 626-8406.

Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287-8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

State Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman announced that the seasonally-adjusted August unemployment rate for Maine was 4.5 percent, well below the national August rate of 5.4 percent.

“Maine’s seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate rose from 4.2 percent in July to 4.5 percent in August as the number of employed and unemployed Maine residents both increased. This phenomenon is fairly typical during times of economic recovery as improving employment prospects draw people into the labor force,” said Commissioner Fortman.

For six consecutive months seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary job gains have been recorded, capped off by the latest increase of 3,500 between July and August. Over the past month, the number of jobs rose in trade, transportation, and utilities; government; construction; professional and business services; manufacturing; and leisure and hospitality services.

Between August 2003 and August 2004, the seasonally-adjusted Maine unemployment rate fell from 5.1 percent to 4.5 percent. Concurrently, nonfarm wage and salary jobs rose by 7,900 to 614,900. Job gains were recorded in retail trade, health care and social assistance, government, construction, leisure and hospitality services, and professional and business services. Partly offsetting the job gains, losses were recorded in manufacturing.

Other New England states reporting their seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate for August include Vermont, 3.4 percent; New Hampshire, 3.7 percent; and Connecticut, 4.6 percent. The adjusted national rate for August was 5.4 percent, down from 5.5 percent in July and 6.1 percent in August 2003.

The not-seasonally-adjusted Maine unemployment rate for August was 3.7 percent, up from 3.5 percent for July and down from 4.2 percent for August 2003. The unadjusted national rate was 5.4 percent for August, down from 5.7 percent in July and 6.0 percent in August 2003. Not-seasonally-adjusted August unemployment rates for Maine counties ranged from 2.3 percent in Knox and Lincoln counties to 7.1 percent in Somerset County.

Not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs in Maine rose by 2,200 between July and August to 623,400, with gains recorded in manufacturing as July seasonal temporary plant shutdowns ended, retail trade, professional and business services, and construction. Losses were recorded in private educational services and state and local government.

Between August 2003 and August 2004, not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs rose by 4,500. The largest job gains were recorded in retail trade, health care and social assistance, construction, leisure and hospitality services, and professional and business services. Losses were registered primarily in manufacturing, with the largest job decline in paper manufacturing.

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Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287-8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

(Augusta) – Governor John E. Baldacci has issued a proclamation designating September 19 through 25 as Deaf Culture Week. This week is filled with activities that reflect the deaf culture and the wonderful heritage of American Sign Language, literature, art and folklore.

Again this year, people who have contributed to Deaf Culture in Maine will be honored at a reception hosted by the Governor and the Division of Deafness Advisory Council. The Blaine House will be the site of the annual Deaf Culture Tea on September 15. The keynote speaker will be Roxanne Baker who is an ASL instructor, actress and activist. Her presentation topic is “Our Challenge? Building Bridges to All.”

This year’s awards and award recipients are:

Outstanding Media on American Sign Language, Deaf Culture and Deaf People Award

• Former Congressman Tom Andrews of South Portland and Lance Tapley of Augusta for their article in Coping Magazine in 1982 regarding the abuse at the Governor Baxter School for the Deaf.

  Promoting American Sign Language, Deaf Culture and Deaf People Award

• Elinor Brown, Sunrise House in Augusta, for her work with Maine’s deaf people dealing with mental illness.

  Outstanding Advocate for the Needs of the Deaf Community Award

• Kathy Cooper, Mobius, Inc., Damariscotta, for her work with Maine’s deaf people who also have mental retardation/developmental delays.

  Special Commendation Award

• Stephen Greene, Vassalboro, for his excellent work in providing therapy for many of Maine’s deaf citizens.

• Carrie Pierce, Hampton, for her establishing a summer camp ‘Sign-N-Kids” in Kenduskeag, Maine.

  Clifton F. Rodgers Award

• Judy Segal, Freeport, for over twenty years of excellent teaching and administration at the Governor Baxter School for the Deaf

In addition to the Blaine House Tea, numerous events are scheduled to celebrate Deaf Culture week.

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Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287-8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

Augusta- In commemoration of Women’s Equality Day, Maine Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman provided Governor Baldacci with a report on progress made toward wage equity for men and women. The publication highlighted the gender pay gap and explained some of the theories on why women’s and men’s wages differ. It also outlined state and national pay equity laws, and provided an overview of the role of women in the Maine labor force.

The report noted that Maine women employed full time earned 76 cents for every dollar earned by their male counterparts. The national average is 78 cents. Although significant gains have been made since the late 1970’s, when working women earned nearly 60 percent of men’s wages, progress has slowed in recent years and significant wage disparities still exist for women regardless of race, education or occupation.

"We must remain vigilant in pursuing equal pay for all Maine citizens,” said Governor Baldacci. “More than ever in our history, families rely on the wages earned by women, and this Report acknowledges that trend. Commissioner Fortman has demonstrated tremendous leadership in bringing this Report to the forefront and I am confident that her tireless efforts in helping women find opportunity and access to good paying jobs with benefits will remain a top priority."

“This Report doesn’t just affect women, it impacts society as a whole,” Fortman said. “When women earn more, their added spending power is felt by the whole family, and they are much less likely to need to rely on government services in order to make ends meet.”

A copy of the Report is available online at the following address: www.maine.gov/labor/payequity2004.pdf . Copies may also be obtained by calling 287-8634 or TTY: 1-800-794-1110.

Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287-8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

State Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman announced that the seasonally-adjusted July unemployment rate for Maine was 4.2 percent, well below the national July rate of 5.5 percent.

While the July rate for Maine of 4.2 percent was nearly unchanged from 4.1 percent for June, it has dropped by almost a full percentage point from the July 2003 rate of 5.1 percent, representing a decline of 6,200 in the number of unemployed to 29,300 in July 2004.

“Recent job gains continued in July, with an over-the-month increase of 1,400 seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs,” said Commissioner Fortman. “The largest job gains were recorded in education and health services and leisure and hospitality services.”

Between July 2003 and July 2004, seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs rose by 5,600 to 611,500. Job gains were recorded in retail trade, health care and social assistance, accommodation and food services, other services, construction, and professional and business services. Partly offsetting the job gains, there was a loss of 3,000 manufacturing jobs.

The July seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate for New Hampshire was 3.9 percent. The adjusted national rate for July was 5.5 percent, down from 5.6 percent in June and 6.2 percent in July 2003.

The not-seasonally-adjusted Maine unemployment rate for July was 3.5 percent, down from 4.0 percent for June and 4.4 percent for July 2003. The unadjusted national rate was 5.7 percent for July, down from 5.8 percent in June and 6.3 percent in July 2003. Not-seasonally-adjusted July unemployment rates for Maine counties ranged from 2.0 percent in Lincoln County to 7.4 percent in Somerset County. Maine counties with rates at or below the statewide average of 3.5 percent include Lincoln, Knox, Cumberland, Sagadahoc, York, Hancock, Waldo, and Androscoggin. Maine counties with rates above the statewide average include Kennebec, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Aroostook, Franklin, Oxford, Washington, and Somerset.

Not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs in Maine fell by 2,300 between June and July to 621,300. Local government jobs declined by 13,400 due to seasonal reductions of nonprofessional employees in local schools. These declines were largely offset by seasonal gains in accommodation and food services, retail trade, and construction.

Between July 2003 and July 2004, not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs rose by 4,200. Job gains were recorded in retail trade, health care and social assistance, accommodation and food services, construction, and professional and business services. Losses were registered primarily in manufacturing, with the largest decline in paper manufacturing.

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Augusta- With the blueberry harvest underway, Maine Department of Labor staff are again partnering with other governmental and community service organizations to host the Rakers’ Center in Washington County.

The facility provides migrant farm workers and their families with access to a variety of resources including:

• legal and employment advice;
• access to medical care;
• information on educational resources for children of migrant workers; and
• guidance in applying for General Assistance, Food Stamps, Social Security and Medicaid.

A food pantry is also located on site.

The Rakers’ Center opens annually during the peak of the blueberry picking season to serve the nearly 8,000 migrant and seasonal farm workers who are employed in the blueberry harvest each year. It has been recognized nationwide as a model program because of the centralized services offered.

This year the Rakers’ Center is located on the Epping Road in Columbia, next to Columbia Town Hall. For more information, workers are encouraged to call the Rakers’ Center at 483-6587 or the Maine Department of Labor at 623-7900.

Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287-8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

Augusta- Maine Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman reminds employers the state minimum wage is increasing from $6.25 to $6.35 per hour effective October 1, 2004. This is the first step in a two stage increase approved by legislature and signed by the Governor. Next October the minimum wage will edge up to $6.50 per hour.

“Maine cannot leave its lowest paid workers behind as the cost of living increases,” said Fortman. “As housing, gas, and food prices continue to rise, this measure adds spending power to those workers most in need.”

Certain Maine employees are exempt from the minimum wage. Employers can pay tipped employees one-half the regular minimum wage providing the employer makes up the difference if tips plus the hourly wage do not average at least the minimum wage. The Minimum Wage Poster, which employers must display, lists additional exemptions.

For more information about wage laws or to obtain a copy of the new minimum wage poster, please contact the Maine Department of Labor at (207) 624-6400 or TTY: (207) 624-6003. The minimum wage poster can also be downloaded from the Maine Department of Labor website at: http://www.maine.gov/labor/bls/posters

Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287-8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

Augusta- Hundreds of people lose their lives on America’s roadways every week. Many of these incidents involve employees who drive for work, and even more involve employees who drive to and from work. In an effort to improve the statistics, the SafetyWorks! program of the Maine Department of Labor is encouraging Maine employers to promote traffic safety within their organization during Drive Safely Work Week, October 4-8, 2004.

Sponsored by the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS), Drive Safely Work Week is a national campaign designed to help employers emphasize the importance of driving safely both on and off the job to reduce preventable crashes. The theme for this year’s campaign is “safe drivers make good company. Make safe driving your business.” This campaign stresses five positive driving behaviors including:

Add another second. Keep a safe following distance. Steer clear of trouble. Expect bad decisions by other drivers. Use good judgment…Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Look ahead…Be alert to changing traffic conditions. Stay alert and focused…No one is crash proof. “In 2002 in Maine, 25 of the 30 workplace fatalities were transportation-related,” stated Maine Department of Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman. “One of the best ways to keep employees safe on the road and reduce their risk is to educate them about safety and promote safe driving practices.”

Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death and injury in the nation’s workforce and the average crash costs an employer $16,500. Last year 43,220 people were killed in traffic crashes and approximately three million were injured, costing employers nationally $60 billion.

Human error is a contributing factor in over 90 percent of crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers’ decisions to tailgate, change lanes abruptly, use excessive speed, and pass on the shoulder are factors in three out of five highway crashes. These and other hazardous driving behaviors coupled with unsafe driver attitudes make the time employees spend in the car the most dangerous part of the work day.

“The Maine Department of Labor proudly supports this year’s Drive Safely Work Week,” said David Wacker, SafetyWorks! Director. “We recognize that it is important for all employees, our own included, to take a few minutes each day to hear this message and to be reminded how and why it’s important to practice safe driving behaviors every trip, every time.”

For more information about Drive Safely Work Week, employers are encouraged to call SafetyWorks! at (207) 624-6400 or TTY: (207) 624-6003.

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Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287-8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

Augusta- In an effort to make the October 6 public hearing on proposed overtime rules more accessible to concerned parties, the Maine Department of Labor will be broadcasting proceedings live over the internet through a link on the Maine Department of Labor homepage.

“Many workers and employers have expressed an interest in this proposal, but were unable to attend the public hearing,” said Maine Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman. “This is an attempt to make the proceedings more accessible to those who have an interest in the outcome.”

The Maine Department of Labor recently proposed rules clarifying the state overtime law in order to ensure Maine workers continue to receive overtime pay. The public hearing scheduled on the proposal is part of the formal rulemaking process and allows the public to provide feedback on the rules. A copy of the rules may be obtained on the Maine Department of Labor website at: http://www.maine.gov/labor/bls/overtime.htm or by calling (207) 624-6400 or TTY: (207) 624-6003.

The public hearing will be held on Wednesday, October 6, 2004 at 9:15 A.M. in Room 208 of the Cross State Office Building in Augusta. Live internet audio will be made available at that time through a link on the Maine Department of Labor homepage at http://www.maine.gov/labor .

Individuals unable to attend the public hearing will have up to ten days from the close of the proceedings to submit written testimony on the proposed rule change. Written comment may be faxed to the Department of Labor at (207) 624-6449 or mailed to the following address: Maine Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Standards, Attn: William Peabody, 45 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333.

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Contact: Doug Dunbar
626-8406

BANGOR, MAINE – Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky was joined by veterans and their family members on Monday to unveil Maine's newly enhanced Vote in Honor of a Veteran program. The event took place at the Cole Land Transportation Museum, which is home to WWII, Vietnam and Purple Heart memorials.

Maine's Vote in Honor of a Veteran program provides opportunities for individuals to recognize those who have served—or continue to serve--in the United States Armed Forces. It was created by Secretary of State Gwadosky for the 2000 General Election. Because of its popularity, as well as the events of September 11th and their aftermath, the program continues.

“This effort offers a unique way for voters to express their appreciation to the thousands of Maine people who have served our nation and defended freedom, including the right to vote, throughout the generations. It also sends a timely reminder to each of us about the fundamental importance of democracy and voting,” Secretary Gwadosky commented.

The program features “I'm voting in Honor of a Veteran” buttons, which can now be ordered through the Secretary of State's office. Each button includes the name of the veteran being recognized by the voter. In 2000, more than 10,000 buttons were distributed. Maine people honored grandfathers and grandmothers, fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, husbands and wives, as well as neighbors, friends or fellow veterans.


Additionally, copies of the book Maine Remembers Those Who Served are also available. Developed by the Secretary of State's office, this book is a collection of moving tributes to veterans. It chronicles the contributions of men and women from Maine in all branches of the military for over 250 years. The book celebrates their selfless dedication and commitment to service, and honors their legacy of defending democracy.

New for 2004, Secretary Gwadosky announced that Maine Remembers Those Who Served has been posted online, with a special feature allowing individuals to submit additional tributes. He expressed hope that the book would continue to expand, and serve as a permanent tribute to our state's veterans.


More information about the program, including details for submitting a tribute, is available by calling the Secretary of State's office in Augusta at (207) 626-8406 or online by visiting www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/voter_info/veteran/.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
Phone: 207-626-8400

The Town of New Gloucester has launched Rapid Renewal, the Department of the Secretary of State’s online service for the renewal of motor vehicle registrations. Residents of New Gloucester now join the hundreds of thousands of Maine citizens who can renew their vehicle registrations online, at anytime of the day, from the comfort and convenience of their homes or offices. Rapid Renewal is a groundbreaking e-commerce service that allows citizens to conduct business with municipal government and state government in one seamless online transaction. The service has gained national acclaim and has been enthusiastically embraced by Mainers. While municipal participation in Rapid Renewal is optional, the service has quickly grown to include 64 municipalities, and more than 80,000 transactions have been processed. The Secretary of State, encouraged by this success has established and is pursuing a new goal for the program.

“Last year the success of the Rapid Renewal program exceeded expectations, marking the launching of its 50th municipality and it’s 50,000th transaction,” stated Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky. “By the end of this year, I would like to see Rapid Renewal Service made available to at least 50% of all Maine citizens. That will require more municipalities to follow the leadership of towns like New Gloucester.”

The 64 municipalities currently offering Rapid Renewal comprise 43% of the Maine’s population. The service is being offered by municipalities from York County to Aroostook County, with populations ranging from Caswell’s 326 citizens to Portland’s 64,249 citizens. Through Rapid Renewal citizens are able to renew their vehicle registrations and pay their municipal excise taxes online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s quick, and it’s easy.

“Offering Rapid Renewal makes sense for large and small municipalities alike. While we have set a target of reaching 50% of Mainers by the end of next year, we ultimately hope every municipality will decide to offer Rapid Renewal and every citizen will be able to enjoy the benefits of this convenient service,” stated Gwadosky. “I am confident that as more and more towns and cities see the positive experiences their neighboring municipalities and residents are having with Rapid Renewal, they too will opt to offer this service.”

Rapid Renewal may be accessed through http://www.newgloucester.com or http://www.sosonline.org, the Department of the Secretary of State’s site for online services. Rapid Renewal is currently available in Arundel, Augusta, Bangor, Bowdoinham, Brewer, Brunswick, Buxton, Cape Elizabeth, Casco, Caswell, Chelsea, China, Corinna, Cumberland, Dover-Foxcroft, Fairfield, Falmouth, Farmington, Fort Fairfield, Fort Kent, Gorham, Gray, Greene, Hermon, Holden, Jay, Jefferson, Kennebunk, Lewiston, Limestone, Lincolnville, Madison, Manchester, New Gloucester, North Yarmouth, Norway, Old Orchard Beach, Palermo, Patten, Phippsburg, Portland, Raymond, Richmond, Saco, Sangerville, Scarborough, South Portland, Standish, Topsham, Vassalboro, Veazie, Waterboro, Waterville, Wells, Westbrook, Westport, Whitefield, Windham, Winslow, Winterport, Winthrop, Wiscasset, Yarmouth, and York.

Municipal officials who would like more information about participating in Rapid Renewal and offering this service to residents in their community may contact John Smith in the Department of the Secretary of State at 626-8400 or by email at sos.office@maine.gov.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Doug Dunbar
Phone: 207-626-8404

AUGUSTA, MAINE – Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky was joined by Governor John E. Baldacci at a State House press conference and award ceremony on Friday to announce statewide winners in Maine’s first-ever Youth Voting Media Project. Participating students and teachers were on hand for the announcement.

The Youth Voting Media Project is part of Maine’s Promote the Vote initiative. It was created and implemented through a collaborative effort involving the Secretary of State’s office and the Portland Public School System, with support and funding from the national Youth Vote Coalition and Carnegie Corporation.

The project has encouraged students in middle and high schools to develop 30-second Public Service Announcement (PSAs) focusing on the meaning and importance of voting. More than 100 students produced and submitted 65 PSAs.

First and second place selections from high school entries, as well as first and second place selections from middle school entries, have been made. The selected entries were shown publicly for the first time during Friday’s press conference. Copies of the PSAs will now be made available to Maine television stations.

The first place selection in the Middle School category was a tie between entries from Boothbay Region Elementary School and King Middle School in Portland. The Boothbay PSA, which focused on the women’s suffrage movement was created by Hillary L’Heureux and Rachel Cushing. The PSA from King Middle School, featuring students discussing the election in a classroom, was created by Caitlin Lowell, Emma Robinson, Sheldon Rembert, Holly Bauer, Max Bowe, Barbara VanDerbergh, Jordan Voisine and Haily Googins.

First place for High School entries was awarded to Mike Flaherty, Caitlin Gillies and Emma Verrill of Yarmouth High School, whose PSA compared the high number of people who voted on American Idol with the low number of young people who voted in the last Presidential election. Second place was awarded to TJ Couture and Nolan Moon from Portland Area Arts & Technology High School, whose PSA featured individual students saying that they vote and ended with a student signing the words "I vote".

“This project has tapped the imagination and creativity of many Maine students. It’s helped them to think more deeply about democracy and the voting process. I congratulate everyone who took part. Their efforts are important, and they will make a difference,” Secretary Gwadosky commented.

Additional information about the Maine Youth Voting Media Project is available through the Secretary of State’s website at http://www.Maine.gov/sos/youth .

For Immediate Release
Contact: Doug Dunbar
Phone: 207-626-8406

AUGUSTA, MAINE – As part of Maine’s ongoing Promote the Vote initiative, Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky is encouraging citizens to utilize the state’s newly created eDemocracy website ( http://www.maine.gov/edemocracy ). In urging citizens to visit the site, Maine’s chief elections official also highlighted its usefulness for voters, students and educators.

“Maine’s democratic tradition is well-known. Our sense of civic duty is nationally recognized. This eDemocracy initiative enhances the ability of Maine citizens to learn about the electoral process, and it provides meaningful avenues for civic participation,” Secretary Gwadosky commented.

The eDemocracy site features information and services related to voter registration, absentee balloting, polling place locations and other aspects of the voting process in Maine. It also contains substantial data and contact information for federal, state and local government agencies.

Additionally, eDemocracy offers resources and activities for students and teachers, under the “Democracy for Kids and Young Voters” heading. This section of the website includes a voter registration guide focusing on young adults and other first-time voters. It also features information about Maine’s Student Mock Election.

Businesses and community organizations can also access Maine’s Election Countdown Logo through the eDemocracy site, and use it in company newsletters and payroll materials or post on other websites. The logo is currently being used by a number of newspapers, radio and television stations, as well as other businesses and civic organizations.

“Maine’s new eDemocracy website is a valuable tool for reaching out to voters. It’s another way we’re seeking to Promote the Vote, and encourage even greater levels of participation by Maine people,” Gwadosky added.

Maine’s eDemocracy Initiative is a service of the Department of the Secretary of State, in partnership with InforME -- the State of Maine’s private-sector partner and official web portal provider. All online services and official State of Maine web pages can be accessed from the state portal: www.Maine.gov ( http://www.maine.gov/ ).

Randal Manning, Executive Director
Board of Lciensure in Medicine
137 State House Station
Phone: (207)287-3601. Fax: (207) 287-6590.
Randal.C.Manning@maine.gov

AUGUSTA, ME- Robert J. Struba, M.D., agreed to a retroactive suspension by the Board of Licensure in Medicine in a Consent Agreement signed on October 12, 2004. The suspension runs concurrently with Dr. Struba’s imprisonment from February 12, 2004, to June 15, 2004. In addition, Dr. Struba must undergo substance abuse monitoring until December 31, 2007. Dr. Struba currently lives in Belfast.

Dr. Struba was arrested on November 20, 2002, for assault, resulting in personal injuries to his domestic partner and multiple criminal charges. Dr. Struba pled guilty to aggravated assault on February 12, 2004. The Board issued the Consent Agreement based on Dr. Struba’s acceptance of responsibility for his actions, his continuing treatment of alcohol abuse and anger management problems, and the understanding that the use of any illicit substance will result in revocation of his license.

All Board disciplines are reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, the Health Improvement and Protection Data Bank, and the Federation of State Medical Boards Action Data Bank. Those reports are regularly reviewed by every state licensing board in the country.

The Board is made up of 6 physicians and 3 public members appointed by the Governor. Disciplinary actions taken by the Board are available to the public either by telephone at (207) 287-3601, or on the Board's Web site at www.docboard.org/me/me_home.htm.

The Board of Licensure in Medicine is the State of Maine agency charged to protect the health and welfare of the public by verifying the qualifications of physicians to practice, and disciplining physicians for unprofessional conduct and incompetence. Any citizen can request an investigation of a physician or physician assistant by contacting the Board office by telephone at (207) 287-3608, by letter, or by visiting the Board's Web site.

Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287-8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

State Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman announced that the seasonally-adjusted September unemployment rate for Maine was 4.7 percent, well below the national September rate of 5.4 percent.

“Between September 2003 and September 2004, the seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate declined from 5.2 percent to 4.7 percent and the number of nonfarm wage and salary jobs rose by 5,300,” said Commissioner Fortman. “Providing further evidence of slowly improving labor market conditions, the number of residents drawing unemployment insurance for a full week of unemployment fell 26 percent, while the average duration of an unemployment insurance claim dropped from 17.8 weeks to 16.3 weeks.”

Seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs rose by 5,300 between September 2003 and September 2004 to 612,300. Job gains were recorded in retail trade, construction, health care and social assistance, leisure and hospitality services, and professional and business services. Partly offsetting the job gains, losses were recorded in manufacturing.

For six of the last seven months, seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary job gains have been recorded. After an increase of 3,400 jobs between July and August, there was a decline of 2,500 jobs between August and September. Coincident with the drop in the number of jobs between August and September, the unemployment rate increased from 4.5 percent to 4.7 percent. While the number of jobs and the unemployment rate have been fluctuating recently, the long-term trend is one of slow job growth and lower unemployment.

Other New England states reporting their seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate for September include Vermont, 3.3 percent; New Hampshire, 3.5 percent; Massachusetts, 4.6 percent; Connecticut, 4.7 percent; and Rhode Island, 5.0 percent. The adjusted national rate for September was 5.4 percent, unchanged from 5.4 percent in August, and down from 6.1 percent in September 2003.

The not-seasonally-adjusted Maine unemployment rate for September was 4.1 percent, up from 3.7 percent for August and down from 4.6 percent for September 2003. The unadjusted national rate was 5.1 percent for September, down from 5.4 percent in August and 5.8 percent in September 2003. Not-seasonally-adjusted September unemployment rates for Maine counties ranged from 2.4 percent in Lincoln County to 8.0 percent in Somerset County.

Not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs in Maine rose by 700 between August and September to 624,000. Local government education jobs increased by 9,500 as nonprofessional school employees returned to work after the summer break. State government education jobs rose by 3,200 as nonprofessional staff and work-study students returned to college and university payrolls. These gains were mostly offset by several seasonal declines, with the largest job loss in accommodation and food services as tourist-related activities slowed.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Doug Dunbar
Phone: 207-626-8406

AUGUSTA, MAINE -- Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky announced on Friday that more than 400 schools will take part in Maine’s Student Mock Election on Tuesday, October 26, 2004. This event is part of the National Student/Parent Mock Election, a nonpartisan democracy education project that provides students in all 50 states an opportunity to cast ballots prior to this year’s November 2nd General Election.

Schools throughout Maine have been preparing for Student Mock Election Day since September. On October 26th, students will cast ballots at their school during the day and the results will be reported to the Student Mock Election Headquarters in Bangor and Augusta from 4:00-8:00 in the evening. More than 500 students are expected to visit the Student Headquarters. Many will actively participate by taking results from schools, introducing candidates and guest speakers, tabulating election returns and making presentations.

“The Student Mock Election gives young people a chance to learn a great deal about democracy, and starts a conversation about voting in the classroom,” Secretary Gwadosky commented. “Those discussions often continue at the dinner table when the student goes home. Some parents, who otherwise might not vote, become engaged in the electoral process because of the interest developed by their son or daughter, while those parents who already vote reinforce the lessons learned in the classroom.”

The Secretary of State’s office has provided Student Mock Election materials to participating schools. Voting will be conducted for President, U.S. House of Representatives and citizen initiative ballot questions. Although results will be made available, the emphasis of the Student Mock Election is civics education.

Several guests have been invited to address the students during the afternoon and evening festivities. Governor John Baldacci is expected to attend, as well as members of Maine’s Congressional delegation. Candidates for U.S. House of Representatives have also been invited.

The Maine Student Mock Election is coordinated by Secretary Gwadosky in partnership with the Bangor Daily News and the Kennebec Journal, along with the assistance of a steering committee of educators and democracy advocates. The type of activities conducted at each school prior to the election is left to the creativity and judgment of the local organizers.

Schools may still register to participate. For additional information about the Student Mock Election or the October 26th Headquarters Event, please contact the Secretary of State’s office in Augusta at 626-8406, or visit http://www.maine.gov/sos/kids/mockelection .

For Immediate Release
Contact: Doug Dunbar
Phone: 207-626-8400

Responding to questions from candidates and political organizations, Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky issued a reminder on Wednesday that the unauthorized removal or destruction of political signs is a civil violation under Maine law (Title 23, Section 1917-A), and may carry a fine of up to $250.

Specifically, the law states that “a person who takes, defaces or disturbs a lawfully placed sign bearing political messages relating to a general election, primary election or referendum commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture of up to $250 may be adjudged.”

The law does not apply to a person authorized by a candidate or political committee to remove signs placed by or at the direction of that candidate or political committee. It also does not apply to the landowner, or agent of the landowner, on whose property a sign has been placed.

Secretary Gwadosky is urging the public to be mindful of laws pertaining to sign placement and removal. Additional information is available online at http://www.maine.gov/mdot/traffic-counts/public-signs.php or by calling the Maine Department of Transportation, Right of Way Maintenance Control at 207-624-3611.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Doug Dunbar
Phone: 207-626-8404

AUGUSTA, MAINE – More than 65,000 ballots were cast this week in what is believed to be the largest Student Mock Election in Maine history. Over 400 schools registered for the Student Mock Election, and more than 600 students participated in events at the Bangor Auditorium and Augusta Civic Center on October 26th to receive and tabulate results from participating schools. The events also featured speeches by students and candidates for public office. All of Maine’s Congressional candidates took part, and Governor John Baldacci addressed students in Augusta.

Maine’s Student Mock Election is coordinated by Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky. It is part of the National Student/Parent Mock Election, a nonpartisan democracy education project which provided students in all 50 states an opportunity to cast ballots for the 2004 General Election.

“Maine’s Student Mock Election not only educates young people about our democracy and voting process, but it also creates excitement and motivates many students to encourage the adults in their lives to cast a ballot in the actual election. The benefits of this project are both immediate and long-term,” Secretary Gwadosky commented.

The final results reported from more than 275 of the participating schools were released on Thursday. They favored Senator John Kerry for President, as well as Representatives Tom Allen and Mike Michaud for re-election. Maine students voted against Question 1 regarding property taxes, but favored Question 2, which would bar certain bear hunting practices. Complete results are available online at http://www.maine.gov/mockelection/.

The Student Mock Election events in Bangor and Augusta were generously supported by the Bangor Daily News, Kennebec Journal, Morning Sentinel, Augusta Civic Center, Bangor Auditorium, Hannaford, Spanky’s Pizza, North Center Foodservice, Seltzer & Rydholm, Pepsi Bottling Group of Hampden, Are You Ready to Party, Rollins Furniture and InforME.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
Phone: 207-626-8400

AUGUSTA, MAINE — Secretary of State Dan Gwadosky reported on Wednesday afternoon that Maine’s all-time record for voter turnout—73% of the state’s voting age population in 1992—may be in jeopardy. He announced that partial and unofficial election results indicate that yesterday’s General Election turnout in Maine will exceed 70% of the voting age population (VAP). If so, it would be only the third time in Maine history that the 70% turnout figure has been surpassed. In addition to the 73% turnout in 1992, more than 71% of eligible adults cast a ballot in the General Election of 1960.

“The initial numbers we’ve reviewed are very encouraging. Whether we surpass the current record of 73% or not, Maine people should be congratulated for taking great interest in this election and for supporting our democracy,” Secretary Gwadosky commented. “Maine has a long tradition of strong civic participation. Yesterday’s election will not only continue that tradition, but it may also set a new standard.”

Secretary Gwadosky also commented on the smooth handling of the election process throughout Maine. Having traveled from Presque Isle to Portland on Election Day, with about a dozen stops at voting locations along the way, Secretary Gwadosky praised local election officials for being organized and well-prepared.

“For an election of this size and magnitude, we experienced very few problems or incidents. Credit goes to local election officials throughout the state, as well as the staff at Maine’s Elections Division in Augusta. While elections will never be flawless, we can all take pride in how well the General Election of 2004 was conducted in Maine,” Gwadosky added.

Municipalities now have up to three business days to report their election results to the Secretary of State. The Elections Division will review and process those results in the coming days and prepare for any recounts that may be requested by candidates.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
Phone: 207-626-8400

Maine Remembers available for Veterans Day

AUGUSTA, MAINE — In recognition of Veterans Day, Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky announced on Tuesday that a special publication honoring Maine veterans is available through his office. The book, Maine Remembers Those Who Served, is a collection of moving tributes to veterans from their friends and relatives. It chronicles the contributions of men and women from Maine in all branches of the military for over 250 years. The book celebrates their selfless dedication and commitment to service, and honors their legacy of defending democracy.

Originally published in 2001, Maine Remembers has now been posted on the Secretary of State’s website http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/voter_info/veteran/toc.htm . It includes a unique feature allowing individuals to submit additional tributes. Secretary Gwadosky expressed hope that the online version of the book would continue to expand and serve as a permanent tribute to our state’s veterans.

“This book serves as a way of saying thank you to the thousands of brave men and women who have sacrificed so much to defend our nation and safeguard democracy. My staff and I have been touched by the moving tributes that have been submitted to our office,” Secretary Gwadosky commented. “We hope many families will request a copy of Maine Remembers, and choose to keep it growing by submitting tributes through our website.”

The online comments contributed thus far include this entry from an individual in Danville, Maine: “My father served over 20 years in the Army and I understood early what dedication and loyalty was. My father was in the Korean War and Vietnam Conflict. He gave of himself to serve what he believed in and to also protect his beloved United States and his family.”

A tribute from Dixfield demonstrates how the ties to our veterans remain strong through the years: “Chester graduated with 26 of us from Woodstock High School in 1965. He joined the U.S. Marines shortly after graduation and was killed in Vietnam in the early part of 1967. He is sadly missed at every class reunion.”

Maine Remembers is available at no cost through the Secretary of State’s office. In addition to ordering the book online http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/voter_info/veteran/ , copies can be obtained by calling (207) 626-8406.

Randal Manning, Executive Director
Board of Lciensure in Medicine
137 State House Station
Phone: (207)287-3601. Fax: (207) 287-6590.
Randal.C.Manning@maine.gov

AUGUSTA, ME- The Board of Licensure in Medicine voted to non-renew the license of Carl D. Metzger, M.D at the end of an Adjudicatory Hearing on November 9, 2004. This action means that Dr. Metzger will no longer be able to practice medicine in the State Of Maine as of December 9, 2004. The Board allowed Dr. Metzger 30 days of continued practice to assure the orderly transfer of his patients. In addition to the non-renewal of his license, Dr. Metzger was also reprimanded and ordered to pay the cost of the hearing.

The Board determined that Dr. Metzger acted in an unprofessional and incompetent manner while treating a patient. After listening to the evidence the Board determined that Dr. Metzger unnecessarily compromised the physician-patient relationship, continued scheduling and charging for appointments after the patient advised he was terminating the relationship, and that Dr. Metzger charged excessive fees, encouraged dependency, and made unorthodox payment arrangements.

Patients of Dr. Metzger should contact his office to request transfer of care. Patients can contact their primary care physician and/or their health insurance provider for alternative treatment options. In addition, patients can contact the Department of Behavioral and Developmental Services at (207) 287-4251 for information regarding other child psychiatrists in Maine. Patients can also contact a statewide crisis contact line that is open 24 hours a day at (888) 568-1112, or go to a local Emergency Room if they are in need of emergency services.

All Board disciplines are reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, the Health Improvement and Protection Data Bank, and the Federation of State Medical Boards Action Data Bank. Those reports are regularly reviewed by every state licensing board in the country.

The Board is made up of 6 physicians and 3 public members appointed by the Governor. Disciplinary actions taken by the Board are available to the public either by telephone at (207) 287-3601, or on the Board's website at www.docboard.org/me/me_home.htm.

The Board of Licensure in Medicine is the State of Maine agency charged to protect the health and welfare of the public by verifying the qualifications of physicians to practice, and disciplining physicians for unprofessional conduct and incompetence. Any citizen can request an investigation of a physician or physician assistant by contacting the Board office by telephone at (207) 287-3608, by letter, or by visiting the Board's web site.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
Phone: 207-626-8400

Recounts Completed in House Districts 41 and 56

AUGUSTA, MAINE – Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky announced on Wednesday that recounts resulting from the November General Election for House Districts 41 and 56 were conducted today under the supervision of the Secretary of State's Office. After a recount held this morning for House District 56, Kimberly Davis (R) of Augusta remained the winner by a margin of 13 votes after the ballots were recounted. Darek Grant (D) of Augusta requested the recount after the preliminary results from Election Day showed him to have lost the election. The recount determined that 2,261 votes were cast for Davis, while 2,248 were cast for Grant.

In the recount completed this afternoon for House District 41, Kenneth Lindell (R) of Frankfort remained the winner by a margin of 52 votes after the ballots were recounted. Kent Price (D) of Orland requested the recount after the preliminary results from Election Day showed him to have lost the election. The recount determined that 2,501 votes were cast for Lindell, 2,449 were cast for Price.

All recounts are conducted in a secure State Police building on Hospital Street in Augusta. Recounts are a public proceeding and members of the media may attend to observe. State law requires the State Police to collect the ballots for the recounts and keep them in the secured State Police facility until the recounts have been completed. The ballots are stored in tamperproof metal containers and are closed with specially numbered security seals and locks.

In a recount, the representatives of each candidate and staff members from the Department of the Secretary of State manually review each ballot to determine the official vote tally. Recounts are requested based upon the unofficial initial results.

A candidate who requests and receives a recount may withdraw from the recount, thus ending the process, at any time while the recount shows that candidate trailing. If, during the recount, the candidate requesting the recount overtakes the candidate who initially appeared to win the election, the candidate requesting the recount may not withdraw the request.

If a recount produces enough disputed ballots to affect the outcome of the election, the Maine House of Representatives would determine which candidate to seat in House races. The Maine State Senate would determine which candidate to seat in State Senate races. The Supreme Judicial Court would make a determination in County races.

A listing of all recounts and scheduling information accompanies this press release. Recounts will not occur on Thursday, Veterans Day. They will continue on Friday, November 12, with a recount of House District 43 at 9:00 a.m., followed by House District 42 at approximately 1:00 p.m.

AUGUSTA, Maine – The Maine Secretary of State has been recognized nationally as an eGovernment leader by providing individuals and businesses with a substantial number of electronic services through www.sosonline.org. In the past month, SOSonline.org has been honored for eGovernment excellence in two prestigious competitions.

The Secretary of State's website received honors in Washington on October 27th as a winner of Post Newsweek Tech Media's 2004 Government Computer News (GCN) Awards. From a field of 116 nominations, the Secretary of State's SOSonline.org was chosen as one of 10 winners by a panel of editors from GCN and Washington Technology for innovative IT accomplishments. GCN and Washington Technology are leading sources of news and information about technology in government.

Additionally, the Center for Digital Government--an international research and advisory institute on the use of information technology in government-recently awarded Maine's Secretary of State 5th place out of more than 200 government entries in the 2004 'Best of Web' Digital Achievement Award. SOSonline.org was named one of the best G2B (Government to Business) websites in the nation.

"Enhancing access to government information and services has been a top priority of my Department. We have sought to strengthen and transform the kind of relationship individuals and businesses can enjoy with state government," Secretary Gwadosky commented. "One way this can be accomplished is through the use of technology, and I am proud that the Center for Digital Government and GCN have recognized our eGovernment initiatives."

"Get Online, Not in Line" is the mantra of SOSonline.org. The award-winning website allows individuals and businesses to get things done in a way that is not only easy, but also convenient and cost-effective. SOSonline.org is a service of the Department of the Secretary of State, in partnership with InforME, the State of Maine's private-sector partner and official web portal provider. All online services and official State of Maine web pages can be accessed from the state portal: www.Maine.gov (http://www.maine.gov/).

For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
Phone: 207-626-8400

AUGUSTA, MAINE – Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky announced on Tuesday that a recount of results from the November General Election in House District 142 was conducted and completed today under the supervision of the Secretary of State's Office.

At the conclusion of the recount in House District 142, David Bowles (R) of Sanford remained the winner by a margin of 78 votes after the ballots were recounted. Andrea Boland (D) of Sanford requested the recount after preliminary results from Election Day indicated that she lost the election. The recount determined that 2,267 votes were cast for Bowles, while 2,189 were cast for Boland.

All recounts are conducted in a secure State Police building on Hospital Street in Augusta. Recounts are a public proceeding and members of the media may attend to observe. State law requires the State Police to collect the ballots for the recounts and keep them in the secured State Police facility until the recounts have been completed. The ballots are stored in tamperproof metal containers and are closed with specially numbered security seals and locks.

In a recount, the representatives of each candidate and staff members from the Department of the Secretary of State manually review each ballot to determine the official vote tally. Recounts are requested based upon the unofficial initial results.

If a recount produces enough disputed ballots to affect the outcome of the election, the Maine House of Representatives would determine which candidate to seat in House races. The Maine State Senate would determine which candidate to seat in State Senate races. The Supreme Judicial Court would make a determination in County races.

A second recount, House District 113, began Tuesday afternoon. An outcome in that recount may be determined this evening. A list of all recounts and scheduling information may be seen at http://www.maine.gov/sos/news/2004/recount_h142.html . Recounts in House Districts 42 and 43, which began on Friday, have been continued until later this week. The same is true for the recount of House District 139, which started on Monday.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
Phone: 207-626-8400

AUGUSTA, MAINE – Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky announced on Wednesday that recounts of results from the November General Election in House District 113 and Senate District 32 have been conducted and completed under the supervision of the Secretary of State's Office.

At the conclusion of the recount in House District 113, which took place Tuesday afternoon and evening, John Brautigam (D) of Falmouth remained the winner by a margin of 55 votes. David Elowitch (R) of Portland requested the recount after preliminary results from Election Day indicated he lost the election. The recount determined that 2,634 votes were cast for Brautigam, while 2,579 were cast for Elowitch.

In the Senate District 32 recount, Joe Perry (D) of Bangor remained the winner by a margin of 280 votes. Tom Sawyer (R) of Bangor requested the recount after preliminary results from Election Day indicated he lost the election. The recount determined that 9,636 votes were cast for Perry, while 9,356 were cast for Sawyer.

All seventeen General Election recounts are being conducted in a secure State Police building on Hospital Street in Augusta. Recounts are a public proceeding and members of the media may attend to observe. State law requires the State Police to collect the ballots for the recounts and keep them in the secured State Police facility until the recounts have been completed. The ballots are stored in tamperproof metal containers and are closed with specially numbered security seals and locks.

In a recount, the representatives of each candidate and staff members from the Department of the Secretary of State manually review each ballot to determine the official vote tally. Recounts are requested based upon the unofficial initial results.

If a recount produces enough disputed ballots to affect the outcome of the election, the Maine House of Representatives would determine which candidate to seat in House races. The Maine State Senate would determine which candidate to seat in State Senate races. The Supreme Judicial Court would make a determination in County races.

A list of all recounts and scheduling information may be seen at http://www.maine.gov/sos/news/2004/recounth113s32.html . Recounts in House Districts 42 and 43, which began Friday, have been continued unthil later this week. The same is true for the recount of House District 139, which started on Monday.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
Phone: 207-626-8400

AUGUSTA, MAINE – Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky announced on Thursday that recounts of results from the November General Election in House Districts 82, 89 and 146 have been conducted and completed under the supervision of the Secretary of State's Office.

At the conclusion of the recount in House District 82, Patrick Flood (R) of Winthrop remained the winner by a margin of 134 votes. William MacDonald (D) of Winthrop requested the recount after preliminary results from Election Day indicated he lost the election. The recount determined that 2,744 votes were cast for Flood, while 2,610 were cast for MacDonald.

In the House District 89 recount, Janet Mills (D) of Farmington remained the winner by a margin of 65 votes. Lance Harvell (R) of Farmington requested the recount after preliminary results from Election Day indicated he lost the election. The recount determined that 2,329 votes were cast for Mills, while 2,264 were cast for Harvell.

In the House District 146 recount, Richard Brown (R) of South Berwick remained the winner by a margin of 93 votes. Adam Scharff (D) of South Berwick requested the recount after preliminary results from Election Day indicated he lost the election. The recount determined that 2,542 votes were cast for Brown, while 2,449 were cast for Scharff.

All seventeen General Election recounts are being conducted in a secure State Police building on Hospital Street in Augusta. Recounts are a public proceeding and members of the media may attend to observe. State law requires the State Police to collect the ballots for the recounts and keep them in the secured State Police facility until the recounts have been completed. The ballots are stored in tamperproof metal containers and are closed with specially numbered security seals and locks.

In a recount, the representatives of each candidate and staff members from the Department of the Secretary of State manually review each ballot to determine the official vote tally. Recounts are requested based upon the unofficial initial results.

If a recount produces enough disputed ballots to affect the outcome of the election, the Maine House of Representatives would determine which candidate to seat in House races. The Maine State Senate would determine which candidate to seat in State Senate races. The Supreme Judicial Court would make a determination in County races.

A list of all recounts and scheduling information may be seen at http://www.maine.gov/sos/news/2004/recounth82h82_h146.html . Recounts in House Districts 42 and 43, which began on Friday, have been continued until later this week. The same is true for the recount of House District 139, which started on Monday.

Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287-8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

State Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman announced that the seasonally-adjusted October unemployment rate for Maine was 4.6 percent, down slightly from 4.7 percent in September. The Maine unemployment rate remained well below the national October rate of 5.5 percent.

“Between September and October, the number of seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs increased by 900,” said Commissioner Fortman. “For seven of the last eight months nonfarm wage and salary job gains have been recorded.”

Between October 2003 and October 2004, the seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate fell from 5.2 percent to 4.6 percent. Concurrently, nonfarm wage and salary jobs rose by 6,000, with the largest gains recorded in retail trade, health care and social assistance, construction, professional and business services, and leisure and hospitality services. Partly offsetting the job gains, losses were recorded in manufacturing.

Other New England states reporting their seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate for October include Vermont, 3.1 percent; New Hampshire, 3.4 percent; and Connecticut, 4.6 percent. The adjusted national rate for October was 5.5 percent, up from 5.4 percent for September and down from 6.0 percent for October 2003.

The not-seasonally-adjusted Maine unemployment rate for October was 4.2 percent, up from 4.1 percent for September and down from 4.8 percent for October 2003. The unadjusted national rate was 5.1 percent for October, unchanged from September and down from 5.6 percent for October 2003. Not-seasonally-adjusted October unemployment rates for Maine counties ranged from 2.8 percent for Lincoln County to 8.4 percent for Somerset County.

Not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs in Maine fell by 2,200 between September and October to 621,800. The largest job loss was in leisure and hospitality services as the tourist season wound down from its summer peak. Seasonal gains in local government education, educational services, and retail trade partially offset these losses.

Between October 2003 and October 2004, not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs rose by 5,900, with gains in retail trade, health care and social assistance, construction, professional and business services, and leisure and hospitality services. Partly offsetting the job gains, losses were recorded in manufacturing.

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Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287-8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

Augusta- Maine Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman today encouraged employers to show support for women and men who served in the military by hiring veterans for jobs in their organization.

“Employers who hire veterans get dedicated employees who bring a wide range of experience to the workplace,” said Fortman. “Military service trains an individual in basic leadership and teamwork skills. Veterans are disciplined, efficient, and often have a strong background in using technology on the job.”

Nearly 150,000 veterans live in Maine, comprising approximately 16 percent of the population.

“For employers, hiring a veteran is not just the right thing to do, it makes good business sense,” Fortman said.

A website, www.hirevetsfirst.gov, has been developed in order to link employers with veterans who are seeking jobs. The site provides employers with tools to help match their employment needs with skill sets of veteran workers.

Veterans seeking employment are encouraged to visit a veteran’s employment representative at one of Maine’s CareerCenters. All veterans are eligible for customized employment services through the CareerCenter. For more information or directions to the nearest CareerCenter, call 1-888-457-8883 or TTY: 1-888-313-9400.

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Bridgton- The Maine Department of Labor, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, has recognized the Chalmers Agency in Bridgton for their efforts in making employment opportunities available to Maine citizens with disabilities.

In a recent ceremony, Jessica Callahan, operations manager at the Chalmers Agency in Bridgton, was presented with a business recognition award by representatives of the Maine Department of Labor and partner agencies. On hand were Chalmers Agency owners, Bruce and Bill Chalmers, Louise Sidelinger and Elaine Doble-Verrill from the Maine Department of Labor, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and Claudette Moore, an employment specialist with Creative Work Systems, who provides support to Chalmers and the employees with disabilities to ensure successful job retention.

The Chalmers Agency is an independent insurance agency located in Bridgton.

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Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400

AUGUSTA, MAINE – Secretary of State Dan Gwadosky was joined by Governor John Baldacci on Tuesday in announcing a new record for voter turnout in Maine elections. With all municipalities reporting, the official turnout for the November 2, 2004 General Election was 73.75 percent of the state’s voting age population.

“Maine voters should be congratulated for exercising their right to vote in record-setting numbers. They have once again demonstrated that civic participation and civic responsibility matter to Maine people,” Secretary Gwadosky stated. “Credit also goes to the hundreds of local election officials who worked exceptionally hard to carry out their substantial responsibilities. Given the number of voters who participated, Maine’s clerks, registrars and other local officials did a remarkable job.”

“Our state has a long and proud tradition of civic involvement, and we now have a new standard by which to be measured. The citizens of this state understand that we all have a stake in the decisions that are made by government, and they recognize the importance of getting involved in that process,” Governor John Baldacci commented.

“When people from other parts of the nation look to Maine, they see a people who care about one another and about the issues that confront us. One of the significant ways they demonstrate their concern is by continually voting in numbers that are the envy of most other states. We can all be proud of this tradition,” Governor Baldacci added.

The turnout percentage is based on the ‘total ballots cast’ figure, which is slightly higher than the number of votes for President. It is also determined by using data on the voting age population provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. The total number of ballots cast was 751,519 and the voting age population is 1,018,982.

Maine’s previous record was 73.08 percent in the General Election of November, 1992. The only other time voter turnout in Maine exceeded 70 percent was in the General Election of November, 1960. In that Presidential election year, turnout was approximately 71 percent.

Secretary Gwadosky also commented on the smooth handling of the election process throughout Maine. Having traveled from Presque Isle to Portland on Election Day, with a dozen stops at voting locations along the way, Secretary Gwadosky noted that local election officials were organized and well-prepared.

“For an election of this size and magnitude, we experienced very few problems. That speaks well of local election officials throughout the state, as well as the staff at Maine’s Elections Division in Augusta. They should be very pleased by how well the General Election of 2004 was conducted in Maine,” Gwadosky added.

Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400

AUGUSTA, MAINE – With the holiday shopping season underway, Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky encouraged Maine residents to familiarize themselves with state law and be mindful of all safety considerations when purchasing so-called “pocket bikes” or other small motorized vehicles.

Today’s message of caution is part of the Secretary of State’s ongoing public awareness campaign about pocket bikes and motorized scooters. A consumer education initiative was launched in August to highlight the safe and lawful operation of motorized scooters and mopeds, as well as motorized bicycles and similar vehicles.

As part of that effort to raise awareness about laws pertaining to these increasingly popular vehicles, educational materials were mailed to businesses that sell them, and to law enforcement and public safety agencies. The mailing included a handout which provides details about relevant provisions in Maine law.

Companies and agencies receiving the mailing were encouraged to share the information with those who purchase and operate these types of motor vehicles. Additionally, materials have been displayed in all Bureau of Motor Vehicles offices throughout Maine .

“As parents and other adults consider the purchase of small motorized vehicles this holiday season, they should remember that current law requires a license to operate virtually all of them, including motorized scooters and mopeds, on any public way or in a public parking area. Additionally, owners of mopeds and many motorized scooters need to know that these vehicles must be registered,” Secretary Gwadosky added.

In addition to ongoing public awareness efforts, Secretary Gwadosky has reviewed current laws and rules in order to determine if the requirements governing operation and registration of these vehicles should be changed or clarified in any way. The review began in July and was conducted in cooperation with state and local public safety officials, as well as business operators and consumers. Legislation is being submitted to further clarify which vehicles are permitted on Maine roads, and which are intended for off-road use only.

“Our efforts are designed to ensure that consumers have adequate information, that businesses have the necessary support and assistance, and that public safety is enhanced. During this holiday season, we want to help Maine residents make well-informed choices based on knowledge of state law and common sense. They are urged to read and strictly follow all safety warnings and guidelines associated with these vehicles,” Secretary Gwadosky concluded.

According to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA), certain models of pocket bikes lack basic safety features such as rearview mirrors, lights and turn signals. AAMVA notes that the consumer safety group WATCH (World Against Toys Causing Harm--http://www.toysafety.org) has ranked Pocket Rocket Miniature Motorcycles as one of the worst toys for 2004. The Consumer Product Safety Council estimates that 2,345 people were seen in hospital emergency rooms for injuries relating to motorized mini-bikes in 2003.

Secretary Gwadosky outlined several final safety tips and reminders (printed below) and encouraged anyone with questions or comments to call the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at (207) 624-9000 extension 52145 or send them by e-mail to SOS.Office@maine.gov.

• Pocket bikes should never be driven in traffic;

• Because many of these vehicle types are very low to the ground, it is extremely difficult for motorists to see them;

• Insurance policies may not cover accidents involving pocket bikes or similar vehicles that are often categorized as toys;

• Adult supervision is strongly advised when children are operating pocket bikes;

• Helmets should always be worn--AAMVA cites a study by the National Safe Kids Campaign, which indicates that less than half of children observed on wheeled vehicles wear a helmet.

Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400

AUGUSTA, MAINE – Secretary of State Dan Gwadosky announced this week that public motor vehicle driving records in Maine are now available through a new online service offered by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles in cooperation with the Information Resource of Maine (InforME).

Public driving records requested through this new online service ( http://www.informe.org/bmv/drc/ ) contain three years of driver history. The federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act of 1994 (DPPA) provides an important safeguard to ensure that only public information, and not private information, is released on a driving record. An individual’s address and social security number are not public and are not released, for example. The online service follows the same standards as the existing mail and fax services for driver records. All services adhere to the rules of DPPA to protect the privacy of Maine’s drivers while simultaneously providing access to public information.

“With this new system for checking driving records, the Department of the Secretary of State is once again expanding its substantial offering of online services available to the people of Maine,” Secretary Gwadosky commented. “The Bureau of Motor Vehicles now offers an online driver license renewal and replacement service, online vehicle registration renewals, and many other online services.”

The cost to purchase driver history records online is $7 per report. The online service costs the same or, in some cases, even less than a faxed report. To access any report, requestors will need to provide either the driver license number or the name and date of birth of the individual for whom the record is being requested. Payment may be made with a credit card.

Maine’s Driver Record Check System is a service of the Department of the Secretary of State in partnership with InforME, the State of Maine’s private-sector partner and official web portal provider. All online services and official State of Maine web pages can be accessed from the state portal: http://www.Maine.gov. The portal was named the No. 1 state web site in the nation in October, 2004.

Maine.gov is the official Web site of the state of Maine and a service of the Information Resource of Maine (InforME). InforME is a collaborative effort between the state of Maine and New England Interactive, LLC. that helps Maine government entities Web-enable their information services.

Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
Phone: 207-626-8400

AUGUSTA, MAINE – Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky issued a reminder this week about the upcoming implementation of the state’s new electronic Notification of Insurance Cancellation Program (Title 29-A, §1601-A). The law was passed by the 121st Legislature and signed into law by Governor John Baldacci earlier this year.

Designed to address the problem of uninsured motorists, this new law requires insurers to report the cancellation or termination of mandatory liability insurance coverage on vehicles. The law requires the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to issue a notice to the owners of those vehicles—indicating that their registration will be suspended if they do not provide evidence that new insurance coverage has been obtained.

Registrations will then be suspended if evidence of insurance is not provided within 30 days of the date BMV was notified by the insurance company. The notice to vehicle owners will explain that proof of insurance can be submitted online at www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/poi or by visiting any BMV branch office around the state. It can also be mailed or faxed to the BMV main office in Augusta.

“The new law is intended to protect the public from motorists who violate Maine law by operating a vehicle without appropriate insurance coverage. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles is seeking to make it as convenient as possible for consumers to provide evidence of active insurance and to avoid the suspension of their registration. We look forward to working with insurance companies and the public to effectively implement the requirements of this new law,” Secretary Gwadosky commented.

More than 210 insurers, representing approximately 93 percent of the Maine automobile liability insurance market, have registered in compliance with the law. Successful pilot testing has been conducted by BMV and full implementation will begin January 1st.

Secretary Gwadosky emphasized that the law requires a registration to be suspended whenever a vehicle’s insurance coverage ends. He noted that the law makes no distinction regarding the reason for the insurance cancellation. Rather, it requires the motorist to demonstrate new active insurance coverage to avoid suspension whenever a policy is terminated. Although insurance companies that cancel policies are not required to notify BMV if they know that new insurance has been obtained elsewhere, they’re permitted to provide that kind of notification, and many are expected to do so.

It is likely that some people will receive a notice when they switch insurance companies, since their former insurer will notify BMV that the company has terminated the old policy. The law seeks, in part, to make sure that individuals changing insurers report evidence of new coverage as quickly as possible. More information is available online at http://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/poi or by calling BMV’s Financial Responsibility Unit at (207) 624-9000 extension 52108.

Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400

AUGUSTA, MAINE – Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky showcased online civics education tools during a press conference Thursday at Benton Elementary School. The online tools have been developed by the Secretary of State for use by students and educators. Superintendent of Schools for SAD 49 Dean Baker and Benton Elementary School Principal Suanne Giorgetti joined Secretary Gwadosky and fifth grade students for a demonstration of the new services.

Known as The Path to Maine Lawmaking (www.maine.gov/sos/path/index.html), these educational tools are designed to enhance classroom instruction about the Legislative process and Maine State Government. Specifically, they include an animated cartoon titled “The Road to Maine Laws” and a video about the Maine State Legislature, as well as student activities and resources for teachers.

Additionally, the tools provide instruction about contacting members of the Legislature and information about drafting testimony for public hearings. With members of the 122nd Legislature taking office within the past week, Secretary Gwadosky is encouraging educators and students to explore and utilize these online services.

“The Path to Maine Lawmaking serves as a resource for children and adults alike. These tools are meant to be informative and entertaining. As teachers seek new ways to think about civics education, I know they’ll find value in these online services,” Secretary Gwadosky commented.

Secretary Gwadosky pointed out that this new offering targets grades 5th-8th, but is available to everyone. He noted that it was developed to be consistent with the state’s learning results. These new online tools and services complement the Secretary of State’s Kids Page website (www.state.me.us/sos/kids/), which was launched in 1998.

“We hope the online resources provided by the Secretary of State’s office will help to connect teachers, students and parents with the legislative process and with the individuals who serve them in government. We want to make the path to Maine lawmaking easier to understand and travel,” Secretary Gwadosky added.

Before being elected Maine’s 46th Secretary of State in 1996, Dan Gwadosky served as a member of the Maine House of Representatives for 18 years. During that time, he was elected Assistant Majority Floor Leader, House Majority Leader and then became the 92nd Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives.

Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky 207-626-8400

AUGUSTA, MAINE – Maine’s Electoral College convened Monday afternoon in the Maine House of Representatives to conduct the official balloting for President and Vice President of the United States. A number of students, educators and other citizens joined state officials to witness the proceedings. Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky oversaw the ceremony and called the Electoral College to order.

“The Electoral College brings citizens together for the formal casting of ballots for President and Vice President—based on the November election results. It’s a process that is often discussed and debated, and one that continues to fascinate voters and election experts alike,” Secretary Gwadosky commented. “I want to thank Maine’s four electors for serving in this special capacity, and acknowledge the many other individuals who helped to organize and carry out the Electoral College ceremony.”

The electors are required to convene on the first Monday after the second Wednesday of December following the election and vote for the President and Vice President. Two separate ballots were cast for President and Vice President during the ceremony. Electors in all 50 states convened on Monday to conduct this process. This year’s Presidential Electors for the State of Maine are:

First District - Jill Duson, Portland; Second District - Samuel Shapiro, Waterville; At-Large - David Garrity, Portland; At-Large - Lu Bauer, Standish

The popular vote on November 2, 2004 determined Maine’s four presidential electors. In the certified election results, John Kerry and John Edwards received the most votes statewide and the most votes in each of the Congressional Districts. An overview of Maine’s unique Electoral College process is available online on the Secretary of State’s website http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/2004/eleccoll.htm .

Randal Manning, Executive Director
Board of Lciensure in Medicine
137 State House Station
Phone: (207)287-3601. Fax: (207) 287-6590.
Randal.C.Manning@maine.gov

AUGUSTA, ME- Alan F. Woodruff, M.D., voluntarily surrendered his license to practice medicine at a meeting with the Board of Licensure in Medicine on December 14, 2004. Dr. Woodruff had been asked to appear before the Board to discuss questions of possible violations of his 2003 Consent Agreement. This action means that Dr. Woodruff may not practice medicine in the State of Maine as of December 14, 2004. Dr. Woodruff currently practices in Camden.

In 1998 Dr. Woodruff accepted a reprimand from the Board and agreed not to prescribe for family members as terms of a Consent Agreement. In July 2000 Dr. Woodruff entered into a second Consent Agreement with the Board for inappropriate prescribing practices with patients, which include probation with conditions for two years. Later that same month the Board suspended Dr. Woodruff’s license for violating the initial Consent Agreement. A hearing was held in August 2000 and the Board voted to suspend Dr. Woodruff’s license for 360 days and referred the matter to court for revocation. Dr. Woodruff entered into a consent judgment in August 2001 and voluntarily surrendered his license. Dr. Woodruff completed an intensive controlled substance management course and was granted a conditioned license in a Consent Agreement signed June 30, 2003. As a condition of his licensure Dr. Woodruff could not prescribe to himself or family members.

Patients of Dr. Woodruff should contact their primary care physician, their health insurance provider, or if an emergency situation, their local emergency room for alternative treatment options.

All Board disciplines are reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, the Health Improvement and Protection Data Bank, and the Federation of State Medical Boards Action Data Bank. Those reports are regularly reviewed by every state licensing board in the country.

The Board is made up of 6 physicians and 3 public members appointed by the Governor. Disciplinary actions taken by the Board are available to the public either by telephone at (207) 287-3601, or on the Board's Web site at www.docboard.org/me/me_home.htm.

The Board of Licensure in Medicine is the State of Maine agency charged to protect the health and welfare of the public by verifying the qualifications of physicians to practice, and disciplining physicians for unprofessional conduct and incompetence. Any citizen can request an investigation of a physician or physician assistant by contacting the Board office by telephone at (207) 287-3608, by letter, or by visiting the Board's Web site.

Contact: Dan Gwadosky (207) 626-8400

AUGUSTA , MAINE – Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky and Maine State Archivist Jim Henderson highlighted a new online source of information and depository of tributes and stories about residents who served in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The website offers CCC members and their relatives or friends an opportunity to contribute personal reflections, to connect with others who share this experience in common, and to learn more about the CCC's substantial work in Maine.

“The Civilian Conservation Corps impacted millions of lives and helped to sh ap e our landsc ap e. Many individuals in Maine have stories to tell about how the CCC influenced their family or community. We invite them to share those reflections, and to help us expand our body of knowledge about this important period in our history,” Secretary of State Dan Gwadosky and Maine Archivist Jim Henderson commented.

The Civilian Conservation Corps was a federal public works program that put more than three million young men and adults to work during the Great Depression of the 1930s and 1940s in the United States . The CCC was active in Maine from 1933 through 1942, with 28 camp locations throughout the state. CCC members were engaged in a range of activities, including forest preservation initiatives, the building and maintenance of roads, trails and recreational facilities, as well as efforts devoted to fish and wildlife management.

In 1999, the Maine Legislature passed a bill to establish a memorial to honor those who served in the CCC and recognize their contributions. The memorial is located outside the Cultural Building in Augusta , which houses the Maine State Archives, Library and Museum. The legislation also required the State Archives to maintain a listing of individuals who served with the CCC in Maine. The online service opens up a new avenue for people to provide input and exchange information.

In addition to tributes, the website features a list of CCC camps that were located in Maine with information about the type of projects members conducted from each of these locations and the agency that supervised the camps' work. The site also contains photogr ap hs of CCC projects, as well as links to the relevant state law and national resources. The site can be easily accessed from the Secretary of State's homepage— www.maine.gov/sos.

Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287-8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

State Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman announced that the seasonally-adjusted November unemployment rate for Maine was 4.5 percent, down slightly from 4.6 percent in October. The Maine unemployment rate remained well below the national November rate of 5.4 percent.

“Maine labor market conditions continued to slowly improve between October and November as the seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate edged down from 4.6 percent to 4.5 percent and nonfarm wage and salary jobs increased by 500,” said Commissioner Fortman. “With job gains in eight out of the last nine months, there were 6,000 more jobs in November than there were a year ago.”

Between November 2003 and November 2004, the seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate fell from 5.1 percent to 4.5 percent. Concurrently, nonfarm wage and salary jobs rose by 6,000, with the largest gains recorded in retail trade, health care and social assistance, construction, and professional and business services. Partly offsetting the job gains, losses were recorded in manufacturing.

Other New England states reporting their seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate for November include Vermont, 3.1 percent; New Hampshire, 3.1 percent; Rhode Island, 4.4 percent; Massachusetts, 4.6 percent; and Connecticut, 4.7 percent. The adjusted national rate for November was 5.4 percent, down from 5.5 percent for October and 5.9 percent for November 2003.

The not-seasonally-adjusted Maine unemployment rate for November was 4.5 percent, up from 4.2 percent for October and down from 5.1 percent for November 2003. The unadjusted national rate was 5.2 percent for November, down from 5.1 percent for October and 5.6 percent for November 2003. Not-seasonally-adjusted November unemployment rates for Maine counties ranged from 2.9 percent for Cumberland County to 8.3 percent for Somerset County.

Not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs in Maine fell by 3,000 between October and November to 619,100. The largest loss was in leisure and hospitality services as tourist-related jobs continued to decline from the summer peak. Construction jobs also recorded a normal seasonal decline. Partially offsetting these losses, local government added jobs due to temporary hiring for elections and retail trade establishments geared up for the holidays.

Between November 2003 and November 2004, not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs rose by 5,900, with gains in retail trade, health care and social assistance, construction, professional and business services, government, and leisure and hospitality services. Partly offsetting the job gains, losses were recorded in manufacturing.

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Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
Phone: 626-8400

PORTLAND, MAINE – Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky and Secretary-elect Matthew Dunlap were joined by representatives of law enforcement agencies and highway safety organizations on Wednesday to launch Maine’s eighth annual Holiday Highway Safety Awareness Program.

During a press conference at Exit 46 of the Maine Turnpike in Portland, state and local officials highlighted the annual campaign, which is aimed at encouraging responsible driving during the holiday season and New Year.

As part of this effort, information cards will be distributed at all tollbooths on the Maine Turnpike. The cards remind travelers of the dangers of drinking and driving, and encourage drivers to take a break from the road when feeling drowsy or tired.

“Highway safety is a concern to all travelers in our state. It is especially important this time of year to remind motorists that safety is paramount. We must constantly reinforce the message that drinking and driving is unacceptable, and that tired drivers pose a real danger,” Secretary of State Gwadosky commented. “This reminder event raises awareness during the holiday season, and encourages responsible driving throughout the New Year.”

Participating in this project:

Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky Maine Sheriff's Association Secretary-elect Matt Dunlap Maine Transportation Safety Coalition Maine Turnpike Authority Mothers Against Drunk Driving Maine State Police Parents Against Tired Truckers Maine Chiefs of Police American Automobile Association

Approximately 30,000 cards encouraging highway safety will be distributed to motorists at tollbooths across the length of the Maine Turnpike during the holiday season. Similar highway safety messages will also be displayed on the variable message boards located throughout the turnpike system, courtesy of the Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA).

Additionally, the MTA, HMSHost and New England Coffee will be providing free cups of coffee to motorists who redeem the reminder cards at visitor information centers and rest areas along the turnpike.

Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
Phone: 207-626-8400

AUGUSTA, MAINE – Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky encourages all Maine motorists to familiarize themselves with the state’s new electronic Notification of Insurance Cancellation Program (Title 29-A, §1601-A). It was created through legislation passed by the 121st Legislature and signed into law by Governor John Baldacci earlier this year. The new law takes effect January 1, 2005.

Designed to address the problem of uninsured motorists, the law requires insurers to report the cancellation or termination of mandatory liability insurance coverage on vehicles registered in Maine. The law requires the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to issue a notice to the owners of those vehicles—indicating that their registration will be suspended if they do not provide evidence that new insurance coverage has been obtained. Motorists are expected to receive the first notices under the program on or shortly after January 8, 2005.

Registrations will then be suspended if evidence of insurance is not provided within 30 days of the date BMV was notified by the insurance company. The notice to vehicle owners will explain that proof of insurance can be submitted online at http://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/poi , or by mail, fax or in person at a BMV branch office.

“The new law is intended to protect the public from motorists who violate Maine law by operating a vehicle without appropriate insurance coverage. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles is seeking to make it as convenient as possible for consumers to provide evidence of active insurance and to avoid the suspension of their registration. We look forward to working with insurance companies and the public to effectively implement the requirements of this new law,” Secretary Gwadosky commented.

More than 270 insurers, representing approximately 95 percent of the Maine automobile liability insurance market, have registered in compliance with the law. Successful pilot testing has been conducted by BMV and full implementation will begin January 1st.

Secretary Gwadosky emphasized that the law requires a registration to be suspended whenever a vehicle’s insurance coverage ends. He noted that the law makes no distinction regarding the reason for the insurance cancellation. Rather, it requires the motorist to demonstrate new active insurance coverage to avoid suspension whenever a policy is terminated. Although insurance companies that cancel policies are not required to notify BMV if they know that new insurance has been obtained elsewhere, they’re permitted to provide that kind of notification, and many are expected to do so.

It is likely that some people will receive a notice when they switch insurance companies, since their former insurer will notify BMV that the company has terminated the old policy. The law seeks, in part, to make sure individuals changing insurers report evidence of new coverage as quickly as possible. More details are available online at http://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/poi or by calling BMV’s Financial Responsibility Unit at (207) 624-9000, extension 52108.

Contact: Department of Marine Resources Licensing (207)624-6550

Department of Marine Resources Announces Expanded Online Licensing

AUGUSTA, Maine, January 3, 2005 – The Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) is pleased to extend their online renewal service, Maine Marine Licensing, to include 15 additional marine license types. DMR now offers a total of 21 license types available for renewal at www.mainemarinelicensing.com. Over 65% of marine harvesting licenses sold by DMR are now renewable instantly over the Internet.

In addition to lobster and crab harvesting license renewals, the following marine licenses can now be renewed online:

• Commercial Shellfish • Marine Worm Digging • Commercial Fishing w/Crew • Commercial Fishing Single Operator • Commercial Fishing Non Resident • Commercial Shrimp w/Crew • Commercial Shrimp Non Resident • Commercial Shrimp Single Operator • Quahog • Scallop Dragger • Scallop Diver • Mussel Dragger • Mussel Hand • Seaweed • Seaweed Non Resident

Along with its 8,000 lobster and crab harvesters, 4,300 more fishermen now have the convenience of renewing their licenses online. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week during the 2005 renewal period, which runs through December 31, 2005 for most licenses.

“Expanding our online license services is an important aspect of the customer service to Maine’s marine license holders,” said George Lapointe, Commissioner of the Department of Marine Resources. “Our goal is to provide this online convenience to the majority of our marine license holders within the next 2 years so to make license renewals as easy as possible.”

The online marine license renewal service is quick and easy. By inputting identifying information, such as name and social security number or date of birth, a license record is quickly retrieved, and a payment screen provided. Users may pay for the license with a credit card through a secure interface, ensuring security and protection of personal information and privacy.

Maine Marine Licensing is a service of the Department of Marine Resources, in partnership with InforME, the State of Maine’s private-sector partner and official web portal provider. All online services and official State of Maine web pages can be accessed from the state portal: www.Maine.gov (http://www.maine.gov/).

Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287.8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

Augusta– The Maine Department of Labor has launched a new online service for filing of initial claims for Unemployment Insurance Benefits.

Maine residents who have lost their jobs can now apply for unemployment 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the new internet based system. The site can be accessed from any computer connected to the internet at www.file4ui.com or by visiting the Maine Department of Labor website at www.maine.gov/labor.

“This service makes the unemployment system more accessible and efficient for workers needing to file a claim,” said Maine Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman. “Individuals can file from their home computers or by accessing public computers at the CareerCenter.

Nearly 2,000 online claims have been taken since December when the service was phased in.

The webpage adds to the list of interactive products available to job seekers and business on the Maine Department of Labor website. Other online services for job seekers include labor market information and access to a national database of job postings. Online services for employers include free job listings through the CareerCenter, labor market information, and free labor posters and publications.

In order to use the service, an individual must have worked in Maine, or served in the military within the past 18 months, and have not filed a claim for unemployment benefits against another state within the past 12 months.

Applicants will need to provide a Social Security number or Alien Registration number; the name, address and telephone number of each business they worked at during the past 18 months; and the jobs held and dates worked at each employers during that 18 month period.

Claimants who wish to file initial claims by phone may access the Unemployment Claims Center at 1-800-593-7660 or TTY: 1-888-457-8884.

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Contact: Matthew Dunlap
Phone: 207-626-8400

The Town of Freeport has launched Rapid Renewal, the Department of the Secretary of State’s online service for the renewal of motor vehicle registrations. Residents of Freeport now join the hundreds of thousands of Maine citizens who can renew their vehicle registrations online, at anytime of the day, from the comfort and convenience of their homes or offices. Rapid Renewal is a groundbreaking e-commerce service that allows citizens to conduct business with municipal government and state government in one seamless online transaction. The service has gained national acclaim and has been enthusiastically embraced by Mainers. While municipal participation in Rapid Renewal is optional, the service has quickly grown to include 67 municipalities, and more than 89,000 transactions have been processed.

“Freeport joins a long and growing list of Maine communities choosing to provide their residents with the convenience of Rapid Renewal,” stated Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap. “I encourage nonparticipating towns to follow the leadership of Freeport and nearly 70 other municipalities. As budget conscious municipal leaders seek new ways to provide efficient and convenient services, I’m confident Rapid Renewal will become available to an increasing number of Maine citizens.”

The 67 municipalities currently offering Rapid Renewal comprise 46% of the Maine’s population. The service is being offered by municipalities from York County to Aroostook County, with populations ranging from Caswell’s 326 citizens to Portland’s 64,249. Through Rapid Renewal citizens are able to renew their vehicle registrations and pay their municipal excise taxes online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s quick, and it’s easy.

Rapid Renewal may be accessed through http://www.freeportmaine.com or http://www.sosonline.org , the Department of the Secretary of State’s site for online services. Rapid Renewal is currently available in Arundel, Augusta, Bangor, Bowdoinham, Brewer, Brunswick, Buxton, Cape Elizabeth, Casco, Caswell, Chelsea, China, Corinna, Cumberland, Dover-Foxcroft, Fairfield, Falmouth, Farmington, Fort Fairfield, Fort Kent, Freeport, Gardiner, Gorham, Gray, Greene, Hermon, Holden, Jay, Jefferson, Kennebunk, Lewiston, Limestone, Lincolnville, Madison, Manchester, New Gloucester, North Yarmouth, Norway, Old Orchard Beach, Palermo, Patten, Phippsburg, Portland, Raymond, Richmond, Saco, Sanford, Sangerville, Scarborough, South Portland, Standish, Topsham, Vassalboro, Veazie, Waterboro, Waterville, Wells, Westbrook, Westport, Whitefield, Windham, Winslow, Winterport, Winthrop, Wiscasset, Yarmouth, and York.

Municipal officials who would like more information about participating in Rapid Renewal and offering this service to residents in their community may contact John Smith in the Department of the Secretary of State at 626-8400 or by email at sos.office@maine.gov.

Contact: Matthew Dunlap
Phone: 626-8400

The City of Gardiner has launched Rapid Renewal, the Department of the Secretary of State’s online service for the renewal of motor vehicle registrations. Residents of Gardiner now join the hundreds of thousands of Maine citizens who can renew their vehicle registrations online, at anytime of the day, from the comfort and convenience of their homes or offices. Rapid Renewal is a groundbreaking e-commerce service that allows citizens to conduct business with municipal government and state government in one seamless online transaction. The service has gained national acclaim and has been enthusiastically embraced by Mainers. While municipal participation in Rapid Renewal is optional, the service has quickly grown to include 67 municipalities, and more than 89,000 transactions have been processed.

“Gardiner joins a long and growing list of Maine communities choosing to provide their residents with the convenience of Rapid Renewal,” stated Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap. “I encourage nonparticipating towns to follow the leadership of Gardiner and nearly 70 other municipalities. As budget conscious municipal leaders seek new ways to provide efficient and convenient services, I’m confident Rapid Renewal will become available to an increasing number of Maine citizens.”

The 67 municipalities currently offering Rapid Renewal comprise 46% of the Maine’s population. The service is being offered by municipalities from York County to Aroostook County, with populations ranging from Caswell’s 326 citizens to Portland’s 64,249. Through Rapid Renewal citizens are able to renew their vehicle registrations and pay their municipal excise taxes online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s quick, and it’s easy.

Rapid Renewal may be accessed through http://www.gardinermaine.com or http://www.sosonline.org , the Department of the Secretary of State’s site for online services. Rapid Renewal is currently available in Arundel, Augusta, Bangor, Bowdoinham, Brewer, Brunswick, Buxton, Cape Elizabeth, Casco, Caswell, Chelsea, China, Corinna, Cumberland, Dover-Foxcroft, Fairfield, Falmouth, Farmington, Fort Fairfield, Fort Kent, Freeport, Gardiner, Gorham, Gray, Greene, Hermon, Holden, Jay, Jefferson, Kennebunk, Lewiston, Limestone, Lincolnville, Madison, Manchester, New Gloucester, North Yarmouth, Norway, Old Orchard Beach, Palermo, Patten, Phippsburg, Portland, Raymond, Richmond, Saco, Sanford, Sangerville, Scarborough, South Portland, Standish, Topsham, Vassalboro, Veazie, Waterboro, Waterville, Wells, Westbrook, Westport, Whitefield, Windham, Winslow, Winterport, Winthrop, Wiscasset, Yarmouth, and York.

Municipal officials who would like more information about participating in Rapid Renewal and offering this service to residents in their community may contact John Smith in the Department of the Secretary of State at 626-8400 or by e-mail at sos.office@maine.gov.

State Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman announced that the seasonally-adjusted December unemployment rate for Maine was 4.7 percent, up from 4.5 percent in November and down from 5.2 percent in December 2003. The Maine unemployment rate remained well below the national December 2004 rate of 5.4 percent.

“The unemployment rate rose slightly between November and December as more Maine residents entered the labor market looking for work, outweighing an increase in employment,” said Commissioner Fortman. “While the unemployment rate has fluctuated from month-to-month, the overall trend this year has been downward. The annual average unemployment rate fell from 5.1 percent in 2003 to 4.5 percent in 2004.”

There was an increase of 1,400 seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs between November and December – the ninth job gain in the last ten months. As a result of these gains, annual average nonfarm wage and salary jobs increased by 4,800 between 2003 and 2004. The largest job gains were recorded in health care and social assistance, retail trade, construction, and leisure and hospitality services. These gains more than offset the loss of manufacturing jobs.

Other New England states reporting their seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate for December include New Hampshire, 3.3 percent; Vermont, 3.4 percent; Connecticut, 4.3 percent; Rhode Island, 4.6 percent; and Massachusetts, 4.6 percent. The adjusted national rate for December was 5.4 percent, unchanged from 5.4 percent for November and down from 5.7 percent for December 2003.

The not-seasonally-adjusted Maine unemployment rate for December was 4.7 percent, up from 4.5 percent for November and down from 5.0 percent for December 2003. The unadjusted national rate was 5.1 percent for December, down from 5.2 percent for November and 5.4 percent for December 2003. Not-seasonally-adjusted December unemployment rates for Maine counties ranged from 2.7 percent for Cumberland County to 9.2 percent for Somerset County.

Not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs in Maine were little changed at 618,900 in December. Construction jobs recorded a normal seasonal decline. There were seasonal losses in accommodations and food services as tourist-related activities slowed. Offsetting these losses, retail trade establishments geared up for the holidays.

Between December 2003 and December 2004, not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs rose by 6,300, with gains in retail trade, health care and social assistance, construction, professional and business services, government, and leisure and hospitality services. Partly offsetting the job gains, losses were recorded in manufacturing.

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Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287.8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

Augusta- Maine Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman announced today that the State of Maine has filed a lawsuit against Tartan Textile Services, Inc. for failing to comply with the Maine Severance Pay Law.

Tartan Textile Services, Inc. is a Delaware corporation headquartered in Texas. The company operated a linen management service in Portland that closed in July 2004. The company did not provide workers affected by the closure with severance pay.

"Our investigation leads us to believe the company has an obligation under Maine law to pay severance to its former workers," said Fortman. "The Maine Attorney General's Office has filed a complaint in Cumberland County Superior Court in order to ensure the employees receive the severance pay they are owed."

Maine Severance law requires long-established, large employers to pay severance to laid-off workers employed three or more years based on a "one week’s pay per year employed" formula after the employer substantially ceases operation of a facility.

"Severance pay acts as a financial stabilizer for workers, their families, and local economies," said Fortman. "Most covered employers recognize the loyalty of long-time employees, and meet or exceed their obligations under the severance law. In instances like this when companies do not comply with the law, the Maine Department of Labor is committed to pursuing those wages on behalf of the workers. We applaud the Attorney General’s Office in moving expeditiously in this case.”

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Contact: Matthew Dunlap
Phone: 626-8400

The Town of Shapleigh has launched Rapid Renewal, the Department of the Secretary of State’s online service for the renewal of motor vehicle registrations. Residents of Shapleigh now join the hundreds of thousands of Maine citizens who can renew their vehicle registrations online, at anytime of the day, from the comfort and convenience of their homes or offices. Rapid Renewal is a groundbreaking e-commerce service that allows citizens to conduct business with municipal government and state government in one seamless online transaction. The service has gained national acclaim and has been enthusiastically embraced by Mainers. While municipal participation in Rapid Renewal is optional, the service has quickly grown to include 68 municipalities, and more than 90,000 transactions have been processed.

“Shapleigh joins a long and growing list of Maine communities choosing to provide their residents with the convenience of Rapid Renewal,” stated Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap. “I encourage nonparticipating towns to follow the leadership of Shapleigh and nearly 70 other municipalities. As budget conscious municipal leaders seek new ways to provide efficient and convenient services, I’m confident Rapid Renewal will become available to an increasing number of Maine citizens.”

The 68 municipalities currently offering Rapid Renewal comprise 46% of the Maine’s population. The service is being offered by municipalities from York County to Aroostook County, with populations ranging from Caswell’s 326 citizens to Portland’s 64,249. Through Rapid Renewal citizens are able to renew their vehicle registrations and pay their municipal excise taxes online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s quick, and it’s easy.

Rapid Renewal may be accessed through http://www.shapleigh.net or http://www.sosonline.org , the Department of the Secretary of State’s site for online services. Rapid Renewal is currently available in Arundel, Augusta, Bangor, Bowdoinham, Brewer, Brunswick, Buxton, Cape Elizabeth, Casco, Caswell, Chelsea, China, Corinna, Cumberland, Dover-Foxcroft, Fairfield, Falmouth, Farmington, Fort Fairfield, Fort Kent, Freeport, Gardiner, Gorham, Gray, Greene, Hermon, Holden, Jay, Jefferson, Kennebunk, Lewiston, Limestone, Lincolnville, Madison, Manchester, New Gloucester, North Yarmouth, Norway, Old Orchard Beach, Palermo, Patten, Phippsburg, Portland, Raymond, Richmond, Saco, Sanford, Sangerville, Scarborough, Shapleigh, South Portland, Standish, Topsham, Vassalboro, Veazie, Waterboro, Waterville, Wells, Westbrook, Westport, Whitefield, Windham, Winslow, Winterport, Winthrop, Wiscasset, Yarmouth, and York.

Municipal officials who would like more information about participating in Rapid Renewal and offering this service to residents in their community may contact John Smith in the Department of the Secretary of State at 626-8400 or by email at sos.office@maine.gov.

Contact: Matthew Dunlap
Phone: 626-8400

The City of Bath has launched Rapid Renewal, the Department of the Secretary of State’s online service for the renewal of motor vehicle registrations. Residents of Bath now join the hundreds of thousands of Maine citizens who can renew their vehicle registrations online, at anytime of the day, from the comfort and convenience of their homes or offices. Rapid Renewal is a groundbreaking e-commerce service that allows citizens to conduct business with municipal government and state government in one seamless online transaction. The service has gained national acclaim and has been enthusiastically embraced by Mainers. While municipal participation in Rapid Renewal is optional, the service has quickly grown to include 69 municipalities, and more than 90,000 transactions have been processed.

“Bath joins a long and growing list of Maine communities choosing to provide their residents with the convenience of Rapid Renewal,” stated Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap. “I encourage nonparticipating towns to follow the leadership of Bath and nearly 70 other municipalities. As budget conscious municipal leaders seek new ways to provide efficient and convenient services, I’m confident Rapid Renewal will become available to an increasing number of Maine citizens.”

The 69 municipalities currently offering Rapid Renewal comprise 47% of the Maine ’s population. The service is being offered by municipalities from York County to Aroostook County, with populations ranging from Caswell’s 326 citizens to Portland ’s 64,249. Through Rapid Renewal citizens are able to renew their vehicle registrations and pay their municipal excise taxes online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s quick, and it’s easy.

Rapid Renewal may be accessed through http://www.cityofbath.com or http://www.sosonline.org , the Department of the Secretary of State’s site for online services. Rapid Renewal is currently available in Arundel, Augusta, Bangor, Bath, Bowdoinham, Brewer, Brunswick, Buxton, Cape Elizabeth, Casco, Caswell, Chelsea, China, Corinna, Cumberland, Dover-Foxcroft, Fairfield, Falmouth, Farmington, Fort Fairfield, Fort Kent, Freeport, Gardiner, Gorham, Gray, Greene, Hermon, Holden, Jay, Jefferson, Kennebunk, Lewiston, Limestone, Lincolnville, Madison, Manchester, New Gloucester, North Yarmouth, Norway, Old Orchard Beach, Palermo, Patten, Phippsburg, Portland, Raymond, Richmond, Saco, Sanford, Sangerville, Scarborough, Shapleigh, South Portland, Standish, Topsham, Vassalboro, Veazie, Waterboro, Waterville, Wells, Westbrook, Westport, Whitefield, Windham, Winslow, Winterport, Winthrop, Wiscasset, Yarmouth, and York.

Municipal officials who would like more information about participating in Rapid Renewal and offering this service to residents in their community may contact John Smith in the Department of the Secretary of State at 626-8400 or by email at sos.office@maine.gov.

Randal Manning, Executive Director
Board of Lciensure in Medicine
137 State House Station
Phone: (207)287-3601. Fax: (207) 287-6590.
Randal.C.Manning@maine.gov

AUGUSTA, ME- John P. Driscoll, M.D., voluntarily agreed to undergo substance abuse monitoring for five years in a Consent Agreement with the Board of Licensure in Medicine signed on February 8, 2005. In addition, Dr. Driscoll must participate in psychotherapy with a Board approved therapist to address issues of substance abuse and bipolar disorder. Dr. Driscoll currently practices in Scarborough.

The Board filed a complaint against Dr. Driscoll in 2004 alleging unprofessional conduct and habitual substance abuse and ordered Dr. Driscoll to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. The evaluation identified longstanding problems with alcohol and bipolar disorder. The Consent Agreement closes that complaint.

All Board disciplines are reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, the Health Improvement and Protection Data Bank, and the Federation of State Medical Boards Action Data Bank. Those reports are regularly reviewed by every state licensing board in the country.

The Board is made up of six physicians and three public members appointed by the Governor. Disciplinary actions taken by the Board are available to the public either by telephone at (207) 287-3601, or on the Board's Web site at www.docboard.org/me/me_home.htm.

The Board of Licensure in Medicine is the State of Maine agency charged to protect the health and welfare of the public by verifying the qualifications of physicians to practice, and disciplining physicians for unprofessional conduct and incompetence. Any citizen can request an investigation of a physician or physician assistant by contacting the Board office by telephone at (207) 287-3608, by letter, or by visiting the Board's Web site.

Randal Manning, Executive Director
Board of Lciensure in Medicine
137 State House Station
Phone: (207)287-3601. Fax: (207) 287-6590.
Randal.C.Manning@maine.gov

AUGUSTA, ME- Bruce A Hansen, P.A.-C. voluntarily agreed to be placed on probation for two years in a Consent Agreement with the Board of Licensure in Medicine signed on February 8, 2005. In addition, Mr. Hansen must participate in professional counseling and therapy and may only work in a position with on-site supervision that does not require more than 40 hours a week with no overnight shift work. Mr. Hansen resides in Cape Elizabeth.

The Board filed a complaint against Mr. Hansen in 2004 based on information that Mr. Hansen had obtained medication inappropriately. Mr. Hansen requested medication from an inmate during medication pass and took that medication in front of the inmate and a corrections officer. The Consent Agreement closes that complaint.

All Board disciplines are reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, the Health Improvement and Protection Data Bank, and the Federation of State Medical Boards Action Data Bank. Those reports are regularly reviewed by every state licensing board in the country.

The Board is made up of six physicians and three public members appointed by the Governor. Disciplinary actions taken by the Board are available to the public either by telephone at (207) 287-3601, or on the Board's Web site at www.docboard.org/me/me_home.htm.

The Board of Licensure in Medicine is the State of Maine agency charged to protect the health and welfare of the public by verifying the qualifications of physicians to practice, and disciplining physicians for unprofessional conduct and incompetence. Any citizen can request an investigation of a physician or physician assistant by contacting the Board office by telephone at (207) 287-3608, by letter, or by visiting the Board's Web site.

Maine State Lottery Director Dan Gwadosky announced today that the Lottery web site has a new design that provides citizens with faster access and more complete information. In addition to listing winning numbers, the expanded site includes such features as the history of the Maine State Lottery, information about games for both players and retailers, a list of frequently asked questions, and a Winners’ Showcase. Gwadosky encourages citizens to visit the Lottery site at http://www.mainelottery.com

Maine residents and retailers already rely heavily on the Lottery site -- it currently receives an average of 436,000 “hits” a month. The improved site promises to be even more popular in helping Maine residents and retailers learn about Lottery activities. As a state agency that serves the State of Maine and all its residents, the Lottery will continue to expand its services, increase sales, and keep up with the latest technologies and innovations.

“These additions and improvements ultimately mean one thing: superior service and satisfaction for our citizens,” said Gwadosky, noting that the Maine State Lottery was established in 1974 in a statewide referendum and in 2004 joined 29 other jurisdictions to offer the increasingly popular Powerball game.

In its 30-year history, the Maine State Lottery has made significant contributions to the Maine economy. More than $1.4 billion has been awarded in prize money and $700 million provided to the State’s General Fund.

“March is proving to be a very lucky month for Mainers playing Megabucks, Powerball and Instant Scratch tickets,” added Gwadosky, “During this past week alone the Lottery paid out $223,446 in prizes $599 and over, including (3) $10,000 winners; (1) $24,000 winner and (1) $30,000 winner and lets not forget the one lucky person who cashed the winning 6.4 million dollar Megabucks ticket.”

To view the expanded website and learn more about the Maine State Lottery go to http://www.mainelottery.com

Contact: Doug Dunbar
Phone: 626-8404

Secretary of State Warns that Such Efforts are Threatened by Proposed Cuts in Federal Funding

AUGUSTA, MAINE -- Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap announced on Monday that the Maine Historical Records Advisory Board will meet Wednesday, March 2nd, at 9:30 a.m. in the Maine State Archives conference room in Augusta to consider grant applications from ten historical societies, libraries and museums. In making the announcement, Secretary Dunlap noted that this ongoing effort to secure and manage Maine's historical documents and artifacts is threatened by the budget recently released by President Bush.

Funded with support from the National Historical Publications Commission (NHPRC), an agency of the National Archives, these grants will help the custodians of historical records to assess, catalog, preserve and provide secure access to vital documents of state and local history. In addition to preserving links to Maine's heritage and way of life, the training and cataloging funded by these grants will help to protect documents from theft and destruction.

The grant requests to be considered cover a broad and diverse range of historical records, including photographs and oral histories of the St. John Valley, manuscripts at the Maine Military Museum in Augusta, records of a Grange in Fairfield, and materials documenting the life of Shakers in New Gloucester.

"As a result of this important preservation effort, we are providing a meaningful resource for students, educators and researchers while reducing the chance that these historic documents will be removed from the public domain. I’m concerned, however, that budget proposals at the federal level may put an end to this valuable work,” Secretary of State Matt Dunlap stated.

The Historical Records Board is an independent agency associated with the Maine State Archives. A substantial portion of its financial resources comes from the National Historical Publications Commission (NHPRC), whose funding was eliminated in the President’s budget proposal.

“Links to our past, once lost, are gone forever. That loss is more than a blow to our culture and traditions, it’s a diminishment of knowledge, information and insight that could prove vitally important to today’s society or future generations. It is shortsighted and unwise to abruptly eliminate this funding,” Secretary Dunlap added.

Contact: Doug Dunbar 207-626-8404

AUGUSTA , MAINE -- Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap announced on Friday that the deadline for submitting applications to participate in Maine History Day is March 14th. Application materials and complete program details are available to students and educators online at www.maine.gov/sos or by calling 287-5791.

Maine History Day is an annual academic competition open to students in grades 6-12. Participants explore a broad historical theme by preparing papers, projects or presentations. Those submissions are then judged by a panel of experts.

“The value of history is more than just intrinsic—the study of history, historiography and how we look at our past develops critical thinking skills that students will come to depend on for their entire lives. Maine History Day offers a unique avenue for teaching and learning history. It complements classroom instruction and rewards student initiative, creativity and scholarship,” Secretary of State Matt Dunlap commented.

The competition is organized through the Maine State Archives, and conducted in cooperation with National History Day. Maine's statewide competition will be held in Augusta on April 7th, with finalists receiving awards and moving on to the National Finals in June.

“As educators seek to make the study of history appealing to young people, this academic competition is a perfect tool. It not only enables students to learn valuable lessons, but it also demonstrates how beneficial and relevant history is to our lives in the 21st century,” Secretary Dunlap added.

Contact: Doug Dunbar 207-626-8404

AUGUSTA , MAINE – Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap and Maine State Archivist Jim Henderson are reminding Mainers that many historical records are lost from the public arena to private collections each year—in violation of Maine law. The Secretary of State and Archivist are working to make public sector officials and private sector dealers aware that while private records are fair game on the open market, government records are not.

“It’s important for Maine people to understand that state and local government records are the property of those governments and may not be sold or purchased except in very rare instances, and then according to statutory and regulatory procedures,” Dunlap and Henderson explained.

Periodically, staff members at the Maine State Archives become aware of government records (usually town records) which are for sale by dealers or private individuals, sometimes on Internet auction sites. Efforts are then made to inform the parties involved and recover the document or artifact. The Maine Legislature enacted Public Law Chapter 365 in 2003, sponsored by then-State Representative Matthew Dunlap, clarifying that unauthorized sale or transfer of a record is punishable as a Class D crime.

The items that have been recovered in the past include tax receipts; records of deorganized towns and plantations; and a Town Record Book with the act of the Legislature establishing the municipality and containing all original early records. Another item found on an Internet auction site was advertised as “miscellaneous town records. . . including indentured servant agreements, correspondence with other towns regarding the ‘poor’ and schools, and tax records.”

As part of this educational effort, a notice has been sent from the Maine State Archives to auctioneers and other interested parties to highlight the law and to help avoid embarrassing and costly problems.

The Archives Advisory Board establishes rules for the disposition of state and local records (excerpts enclosed) which outline the appropriate disposition for these records. 5 MRSA 95-A, Protection and Recovery of Public Records governs the recovery of public records in Maine.

More information about the sale or transfer of historic public documents or artifacts, as well as details about ongoing efforts to support the preservation of such records, can be obtained by calling the Maine State Archives at 207-287-5793. Questions can also be submitted by e-mail (SOS.Office@maine.gov).

Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287.8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

Augusta- Maine Labor Commissioner, Laura Fortman, announced today the implementation of a new workplace safety and health campaign that aims to help local governments in the prevention of workplace injuries and illnesses. The Safety and Health Award for Public Employers (SHAPE) program offers incentives to public sector employers that take a proactive approach to workplace safety.

“The Maine Department of Labor is committed to keeping Maine workers safe on the job,” said Fortman. “This initiative supports employers in fostering a culture of workplace safety in their organization, and participation in the program will ultimately lead to long-term prevention of work related injuries and illnesses.”

To qualify for SHAPE certification, public sector employers must demonstrate exemplary achievements in workplace safety and health by receiving a SafetyWorks! safety and health consultation visit, correcting all workplace safety and health hazards, adopting and implementing effective safety and health management systems, and agreeing to request further consultative visits if major changes in working conditions or processes occur that may introduce new hazards.

“We are trying to change the way people think about safety and health on the job,” said David Wacker, director of the Maine Department of Labor, Workplace Safety and Health Division. “SHAPE recognizes many public sector employers are already working hard to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses, and provides guidance and incentives for others to do the same.”

SHAPE certified worksites receive a one-year exemption from Maine Department of Labor safety inspections. Participation in the program is entirely voluntary. A similar program is already in place for private sector employers.

For more information on participating in the SHAPE program, please contact the Maine Department of Labor at (207) 624-6400, TTY: (207) 624-6003, or visit the SafetyWorks! website at www.safetyworksmaine.com.

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For Immediate Release Contact: Matthew Dunlap

The City of Auburn has launched Rapid Renewal, the Department of the Secretary of State’s online service for the renewal of motor vehicle registrations. Residents of Auburn now join the hundreds of thousands of Maine citizens who can renew their vehicle registrations online, at anytime of the day, from the comfort and convenience of their homes or offices. Rapid Renewal is a groundbreaking e-commerce service that allows citizens to conduct business with municipal government and state government in one seamless online transaction. The service has gained national acclaim and has been enthusiastically embraced by Mainers. While municipal participation in Rapid Renewal is optional, the service has quickly grown to include 71 municipalities, and more than 95,000 transactions have been processed.

“Auburn joins a long and growing list of Maine communities choosing to provide their residents with the convenience of Rapid Renewal,” stated Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap. “I encourage nonparticipating towns to follow the leadership of Auburn and the many other participating municipalities. As budget conscious municipal leaders seek new ways to provide efficient and convenient services, I’m confident Rapid Renewal will become available to an increasing number of Maine citizens.”

The 71 municipalities currently offering Rapid Renewal comprise 49% of the Maine ’s population. The service is being offered by municipalities from York County to Aroostook County, with populations ranging from Caswell’s 326 citizens to Portland’s 64,249. Through Rapid Renewal citizens are able to renew their vehicle registrations and pay their municipal excise taxes online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s quick, and it’s easy.

Rapid Renewal may be accessed through http://www.auburnmaine.org or http://www.sosonline.org , the Department of the Secretary of State’s site for online services. Rapid Renewal is currently available in Arundel, Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Bath, Bowdoinham, Brewer, Brunswick, Buxton, Cape Elizabeth, Casco, Caswell, Chelsea, China, Corinna, Cumberland, Dover-Foxcroft, Fairfield, Falmouth, Farmington, Fort Fairfield, Fort Kent, Freeport, Gardiner, Gorham, Gray, Greene, Hermon, Holden, Jay, Jefferson, Kennebunk, Lewiston, Limestone, Lincolnville, Madison, Manchester, New Gloucester, North Yarmouth, Norway, Old Orchard Beach, Palermo, Patten, Phippsburg, Portland, Raymond, Richmond, Saco, Sanford, Sangerville, Scarborough, Shapleigh, South Berwick, South Portland, Standish, Topsham, Vassalboro, Veazie, Waterboro, Waterville, Wells, Westbrook, Westport, Whitefield, Windham, Winslow, Winterport, Winthrop, Wiscasset, Yarmouth, and York.

Municipal officials who would like more information about participating in Rapid Renewal and offering this service to residents in their community may contact John Smith in the Department of the Secretary of State at 626-8400 or by e-mail at sos.office@maine.gov.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Matthew Dunlap 626-8400

Augusta, Maine – Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap called attention to Maine’s 185th anniversary of statehood on Tuesday, March 15th. He also highlighted 369 years of historical state records maintained by the Maine State Archives.

Maine entered the Union as a “free state” on March 15, 1820 through the Missouri Compromise. As part of that agreement, slavery was to be illegal in Maine and permitted in Missouri.

“Maine Statehood Day offers an opportunity to remember and celebrate our history and heritage. It also reminds us of the importance of preserving our links to the past. The Maine State Archives safeguards records dating back to 1636 and makes them available for research and educational enrichment,” Secretary Dunlap commented.

The Archives maintains the first act of the Maine Legislature, which is dated June 10, 1820. It is a law signed by Governor William King incorporating the Augusta Union Society – a literary organization dedicated to promoting morals and general knowledge. The legislation was passed by the Maine House of Representatives on June 9th and by the State Senate on June 10th in Portland. The State Capital was relocated to Augusta in 1832.

The oldest document at the Maine State Archives is a court record dated March 28, 1636, in which eleven pounds, seven shillings and six pence were awarded to one of the two parties involved in the court case.

“The Archives is a valuable resource for students, educators, historians and the general public. From tracing family genealogy to conducting Civil War research, the Archives contains a wealth of information. Statehood Day is the perfect time to focus attention on all the Archives has to offer,” Dunlap added.

To commemorate the occasion, Secretary Dunlap distributed Maine Statehood Day cards to the Governor, members of the Legislature and others at the Statehouse. The card contained the language from the 1636 court record, which is the oldest document at the Maine State Archives.

The Archives is located in the Cultural Building in Augusta, next to the Statehouse. Its research room is open to the public from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays. Many of the Archive’s holdings can now be identified online by visiting http://www.maine.gov/sos/arc.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Matthew Dunlap 626-8400

The Town of Lamoine has launched Rapid Renewal, the Department of the Secretary of State’s online service for the renewal of motor vehicle registrations. Residents of Lamoine now join the hundreds of thousands of Maine citizens who can renew their vehicle registrations online, at anytime of the day, from the comfort and convenience of their homes or offices. Rapid Renewal is a groundbreaking e-commerce service that allows citizens to conduct business with municipal government and state government in one seamless online transaction. The service has gained national acclaim and has been enthusiastically embraced by Mainers. While municipal participation in Rapid Renewal is optional, the service has quickly grown to include 72 municipalities, and more than 95,000 transactions have been processed.

“Lamoine joins a long and growing list of Maine communities choosing to provide their residents with the convenience of Rapid Renewal,” stated Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap. “I encourage nonparticipating towns to follow the leadership of Lamoine and the many other participating municipalities. As budget conscious municipal leaders seek new ways to provide efficient and convenient services, I’m confident Rapid Renewal will become available to an increasing number of Maine citizens.”

The 72 municipalities currently offering Rapid Renewal comprise 49% of the Maine’s population. The service is being offered by municipalities from York County to Aroostook County, with populations ranging from Caswell’s 326 citizens to Portland’s 64,249. Through Rapid Renewal citizens are able to renew their vehicle registrations and pay their municipal excise taxes online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s quick, and it’s easy.

Rapid Renewal may be accessed through http://www.lamoine-me.gov or http://www.sosonline.org , the Department of the Secretary of State’s site for online services. Rapid Renewal is currently available in Arundel, Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Bath, Bowdoinham, Brewer, Brunswick, Buxton, Cape Elizabeth, Casco, Caswell, Chelsea, China, Corinna, Cumberland, Dover-Foxcroft, Fairfield, Falmouth, Farmington, Fort Fairfield, Fort Kent, Freeport, Gardiner, Gorham, Gray, Greene, Hermon, Holden, Jay, Jefferson, Kennebunk, Lamoine, Lewiston, Limestone, Lincolnville, Madison, Manchester, New Gloucester, North Yarmouth, Norway, Old Orchard Beach, Palermo, Patten, Phippsburg, Portland, Raymond, Richmond, Saco, Sanford, Sangerville, Scarborough, Shapleigh, South Berwick, South Portland, Standish, Topsham, Vassalboro, Veazie, Waterboro, Waterville, Wells, Westbrook, Westport, Whitefield, Windham, Winslow, Winterport, Winthrop, Wiscasset, Yarmouth, and York.

Municipal officials who would like more information about participating in Rapid Renewal and offering this service to residents in their community may contact John Smith in the Department of the Secretary of State at 626-8400 or by email at sos.office@maine.gov.

Contact: Dan Gwadosky; Phone: 287-3721

Maine State Lottery Director Dan Gwadosky announced today that the Lottery is asking Mainers to “weigh in” with their comments on any changes to the State’s Powerball game by contacting the Maine Lottery in person or via the Internet.

Gwadosky said the Lottery outreach is based in part on the recent reports that the Iowa-based agency running Powerball may decrease the odds of winning the multimillion-dollar jackpot to stem a record-setting run of winners that is keeping jackpots small. Gwadosky noted, “Any discussion of changing the game at this time is premature because a change would require the approval of all 29 participating state jurisdictions and the association has yet to meet on this issue.” Gwadosky added, “Prior to any change it is important to understand what kind of games Mainer’s would like to see offered by the Lottery and what better way to find that out than by asking.”

While many states participate in Powerball, Gwadosky noted that “ Maine is somewhat unique in that it offers it citizen’s not one but two multimillion jackpot games.” In September of 1985 Maine joined with New Hampshire and Vermont to establish the Tri-State Megabucks game. Since that time 188 lucky Megabucks Jackpot winners in Maine have won a total of 368 million dollars. According to Lottery officials the Tri-State Megabucks game has changed four times since its inception and continues to have a strong following. “With the addition of Powerball as a second major game during the past year, one basic question for players is whether they prefer 10 million dollars jackpots or 100 million dollar jackpots” said Gwadosky.

Powerball is one of five electronic online games provided by the Lottery. The state also offers 38 instant ticket games. Gwadosky explained that “ Instant tickets games have been the backbone of the Lottery. This year the Lottery is expecting over $200 million dollars in sales and instant tickets sales will make up $150 million dollars of those sales alone.”

According to Lottery officials, this year the Lottery will return $130 million dollars back to Mainers in prize winnings. An additional $15 million dollars in commissions is paid annually to more than 1400 Lottery agents across the state.

The Maine Lottery was established in 1974 by Maine voters in a statewide referendum. Mainers can contact the Lottery with their views by calling 287 -6756 or via the internet at http://www.mainelottery.com

Contact: Dan Gwadosky; Phone: 287-3721

Maine State Lottery Director Dan Gwadosky announced today that March proved to be a very lucky month for Mainers playing Megabucks, Powerball and Instant Scratch tickets. According to Lottery officials during the past month the Lottery paid out over $9 million dollars in prize winnings to Mainers. Twenty four people won between $10,000 and $24,000 and five lucky individuals won between $30,000 and $75,000. Gwadosky invited citizens to check out some of the recent winners on the lottery’s newly expanded web site: http://www.mainelottery.com/playersinfo/winnersshowcase.html “ The site features photos and personal experiences that I think Mainers will find fascinating,” added Gwadosky.

While a great deal of attention is given to the Megabucks and Powerball online games provided by the Lottery, the state also offers 38 instant ticket games. Gwadosky explained that “Instant ticket games have been the backbone of the Lottery. This year the Lottery is expecting over $200 million dollars in sales and instant tickets sales will make up $150 million dollars of those sales alone.”

According to Lottery officials, this year the Lottery will return $130 million dollars back to Mainers in prize winnings. An additional $15 million dollars in commissions is paid out in annually to more than 1400 Lottery agents across the state.

The Maine Lottery was established in 1974 by Maine voters in a statewide referendum.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Matthew Dunlap

The Town of East Millinocket has launched Rapid Renewal, the Department of the Secretary of State’s online service for the renewal of motor vehicle registrations. Residents of East Millinocket now join the hundreds of thousands of Maine citizens who can renew their vehicle registrations online, at anytime of the day, from the comfort and convenience of their homes or offices. Rapid Renewal is a groundbreaking e-commerce service that allows citizens to conduct business with municipal government and state government in one seamless online transaction. The service has gained national acclaim and has been enthusiastically embraced by Mainers. While municipal participation in Rapid Renewal is optional, the service has quickly grown to include 74 municipalities, and more than 96,000 transactions have been processed.

“East Millinocket joins a long and growing list of Maine communities choosing to provide their residents with the convenience of Rapid Renewal,” stated Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap. “I encourage nonparticipating towns to follow the leadership of East Millinocket and the many other participating municipalities. As budget conscious municipal leaders seek new ways to provide efficient and convenient services, I’m confident Rapid Renewal will become available to an increasing number of Maine citizens.”

The 74 municipalities currently offering Rapid Renewal comprise 49% of the Maine’s population. The service is being offered by municipalities from York County to Aroostook County, with populations ranging from Caswell’s 326 citizens to Portland’s 64,249. Through Rapid Renewal citizens are able to renew their vehicle registrations and pay their municipal excise taxes online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s quick, and it’s easy.

Rapid Renewal may be accessed through http://www.eastmillinocket.org or http://www.sosonline.org, the Department of the Secretary of State’s site for online services. Rapid Renewal is currently available in Arundel, Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Bath, Bowdoinham, Brewer, Brunswick, Buxton, Cape Elizabeth, Casco, Caswell, Chelsea, China, Corinna, Cumberland, Dover-Foxcroft, East Milliocket, Fairfield, Falmouth, Farmington, Fort Fairfield, Fort Kent, Freeport, Gardiner, Gorham, Gray, Greene, Hermon, Holden, Jay, Jefferson, Kennebunk, Lamoine, Lewiston, Limestone, Lincolnville, Madison, Manchester, New Gloucester, North Yarmouth, Norway, Old Orchard Beach, Palermo, Patten, Phippsburg, Portland, Raymond, Richmond, Saco, Sanford, Sangerville, Scarborough, Shapleigh, South Berwick, South Portland, Standish, Topsham, Vassalboro, Veazie, Waterboro, Waterville, Wells, Westbrook, Westport, Whitefield, Windham, Winslow, Winterport, Winthrop, Wiscasset, Woolwich, Yarmouth, and York.

Municipal officials who would like more information about participating in Rapid Renewal and offering this service to residents in their community may contact John Smith in the Department of the Secretary of State at 626-8400 or by email at sos.office@maine.gov.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Matthew Dunlap

The Town of Woolwich has launched Rapid Renewal, the Department of the Secretary of State’s online service for the renewal of motor vehicle registrations. Residents of Woolwich now join the hundreds of thousands of Maine citizens who can renew their vehicle registrations online, at anytime of the day, from the comfort and convenience of their homes or offices. Rapid Renewal is a groundbreaking e-commerce service that allows citizens to conduct business with municipal government and state government in one seamless online transaction. The service has gained national acclaim and has been enthusiastically embraced by Mainers. While municipal participation in Rapid Renewal is optional, the service has quickly grown to include 74 municipalities, and more than 96,000 transactions have been processed.

“Woolwich joins a long and growing list of Maine communities choosing to provide their residents with the convenience of Rapid Renewal,” stated Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap. “I encourage nonparticipating towns to follow the leadership of Woolwich and the many other participating municipalities. As budget conscious municipal leaders seek new ways to provide efficient and convenient services, I’m confident Rapid Renewal will become available to an increasing number of Maine citizens.”

The 74 municipalities currently offering Rapid Renewal comprise 49% of the Maine’s population. The service is being offered by municipalities from York County to Aroostook County, with populations ranging from Caswell’s 326 citizens to Portland’s 64,249. Through Rapid Renewal citizens are able to renew their vehicle registrations and pay their municipal excise taxes online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s quick, and it’s easy.

Rapid Renewal may be accessed through http://www.woolwichme.comor http://www.sosonline.org, the Department of the Secretary of State’s site for online services. Rapid Renewal is currently available in Arundel, Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Bath, Bowdoinham, Brewer, Brunswick, Buxton, Cape Elizabeth, Casco, Caswell, Chelsea, China, Corinna, Cumberland, Dover-Foxcroft, East Millinocket, Fairfield, Falmouth, Farmington, Fort Fairfield, Fort Kent, Freeport, Gardiner, Gorham, Gray, Greene, Hermon, Holden, Jay, Jefferson, Kennebunk, Lamoine, Lewiston, Limestone, Lincolnville, Madison, Manchester, New Gloucester, North Yarmouth, Norway, Old Orchard Beach, Palermo, Patten, Phippsburg, Portland, Raymond, Richmond, Saco, Sanford, Sangerville, Scarborough, Shapleigh, South Berwick, South Portland, Standish, Topsham, Vassalboro, Veazie, Waterboro, Waterville, Wells, Westbrook, Westport, Whitefield, Windham, Winslow, Winterport, Winthrop, Wiscasset, Woolwich, Yarmouth, and York.

Municipal officials who would like more information about participating in Rapid Renewal and offering this service to residents in their community may contact John Smith in the Department of the Secretary of State at 626-8400 or by email at sos.office@maine.gov.

Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287.8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

State Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman announced that the seasonally-adjusted* February unemployment rate for Maine was 4.7 percent, up three-tenths of one percentage point from the January rate of 4.4 percent. The January rate was revised upward from 4.1 percent to 4.4 percent based on updated unemployment insurance claims counts. The February 2004 seasonally-adjusted Maine rate was 4.7 percent. The Maine unemployment rate remained well below the national February rate of 5.4 percent.

“The seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate for Maine has remained within the range of 4.4 percent to 4.7 percent for the past year,” said Commissioner Fortman. “During this time, job growth has kept pace with labor force growth, with little change in unemployment.”

Seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs increased by 1,600 between January and February, contributing to an increase of 5,700 jobs between February 2004 and February 2005. The largest over-the-year gains were recorded in health care and social assistance, retail trade, and leisure and hospitality services.

Other New England states reporting their seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate for February include Vermont, 3.6 percent; New Hampshire, 3.8 percent; Rhode Island, 4.4 percent; and Massachusetts, 4.9 percent. The adjusted national rate for February was 5.4 percent, up from 5.2 percent for January and down from 5.6 percent for February 2004.

The not-seasonally-adjusted Maine unemployment rate for February was 5.7 percent, up from 5.2 percent for January and 5.6 percent for February 2004. The unadjusted national rate was 5.8 percent for February, up from 5.7 percent for January and down from 6.0 percent for February 2004. Not-seasonally-adjusted February unemployment rates for Maine counties ranged from 3.9 percent for Cumberland County to 11.1 percent for Washington County.

Not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs in Maine rose by 3,200 between January and February to 597,500. State and local government and private educational services jobs increased due to the return of nonprofessional school staff and college work-study students after the holiday break. These gains were partially offset by losses in retail trade after the holiday shopping season wound down in January.

Between February 2004 and February 2005, not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs rose by 5,900, with gains in health care and social assistance, retail trade, and leisure and hospitality services jobs. Partly offsetting the job gains, losses were recorded in financial activities and professional and business services.

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Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287.8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

State Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman announced that the seasonally-adjusted January unemployment rate for Maine was 4.1 percent, down from 4.6 percent in December and 4.7 percent in January 2004. The Maine unemployment rate remained well below the national January rate of 5.2 percent.

While there was little change in seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs between December and January, the number of jobs is up 5,300 between January 2004 and January 2005. The largest over-the-year gains were recorded in retail trade, health care and social assistance, and leisure and hospitality services.

“The seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate fell from 4.6 percent in December to 4.1 percent in January as the number of Maine residents looking for work declined while the number of employed residents remained unchanged,” said Commissioner Fortman.

Other New England states reporting their seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate for January include Vermont, 3.5 percent; New Hampshire, 3.5 percent; Rhode Island, 4.4 percent; and Massachusetts, 4.8 percent. The adjusted national rate for January was 5.2 percent, down from 5.4 percent for December and 5.7 percent for January 2004. The not-seasonally-adjusted Maine unemployment rate for January was 5.0 percent, up from 4.4 percent for December and down from 5.6 percent for January 2004. The unadjusted national rate was 5.7 percent for January, up from 5.1 percent for December and down from 6.3 percent for January 2004. Not-seasonally-adjusted January unemployment rates for Maine counties ranged from 3.4 percent for Cumberland County to 8.5 percent for Washington County.

Not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs in Maine fell by 26,000 between December and January to 594,300. The largest loss was in retail trade as seasonal jobs declined after the holiday season. Accommodation and food services jobs also recorded a seasonal decline. State and local government and private educational services jobs declined due to seasonal reductions in nonprofessional school staff and college work-study students during the holiday break.

Between January 2004 and January 2005, not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs rose by 5,900, with gains in retail trade, health care and social assistance, and leisure and hospitality services jobs. Partly offsetting the job gains, losses were recorded in financial activities and manufacturing.

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Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287.8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

Augusta- Recognizing the service of Maine’s citizen soldiers who recently returned from active duty in the Middle East, Governor Baldacci declared April 2005 as “Hire a Veteran” month in Maine, and called on Maine employers to consider hiring veterans for jobs in their organizations.

“As we welcome Maine’s returning National Guard Soldiers and Reservists home, we must support their transition back into the Maine workforce,” said Governor Baldacci. “I am calling on all Maine employers to consider veterans when hiring.”

Throughout the month of April, Maine CareerCenters are encouraging veterans to stop-in and learn more about special employment services available to anyone who has served in the armed forces. Workshops and open-house events are planned at several CareerCenter locations where veterans’ representatives will be on hand to answer questions about programs and services for veterans.

“Employers who hire veterans get dedicated employees who bring a wide range of experience to the workplace,” said Maine Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman. “Military service trains an individual in basic leadership and teamwork skills. Veterans are disciplined, efficient, and often have a strong background in using technology on the job.”

Nearly 150,000 veterans live in Maine, comprising approximately 16 percent of the population. Approximately three-thousand of Maine’s citizen soldiers have been activated since 9-11.

Employers seeking to hire veterans should contact their local CareerCenter. A website, www.hirevetsfirst.gov, provides employers with tools to help match their employment needs with skill sets of veteran workers.

Employers and veterans can contact their nearest CareerCenter by calling 1-888-457-8883 or TTY: 1-888-313-9400.

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For Immediate Release
Contact: Jim Henderson, Maine State Archivist
Telephone: 287-5793

Maine History Day Winners Announced Forty Students Eligible for National Finals

AUGUSTA, MAINE -- Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap and Maine Archivist Jim Henderson announced on Monday that forty Maine students have qualified to participate in the National History Day academic competition this June in Maryland. Qualifying students were selected at the state finals of Maine History Day in Augusta on April 7th.

“Maine History Day is a unique event. It enables students to showcase their knowledge of history and gain recognition for going above and beyond traditional classroom assignments. This program brings out the best in Maine students, and I’m pleased that 40 are now eligible to represent our state at the National Finals,” Secretary Dunlap commented.

More than 100 students in grades 6-12 took part in the state finals. In addition to Dunlap and Henderson, students heard from Governor John E. Baldacci, who majored in history at the University of Maine. The speakers congratulated participants for their creativity, initiative and scholarship.

Prior to the state finals, participating students selected and explored a broad historical theme. They prepared papers, projects or presentations for the statewide competition. Those entries were then reviewed by panels of expert judges, with awards presented to the top three selections in 12 separate categories.

The first and second finishers in each category became eligible for the National Finals to be held June 12-16, 2005 at the University of Maryland. A complete list of winners accompanies this press release.

Maine National History Day is organized by the Maine State Archives and Office of the Secretary of State in cooperation with the National History Day program, which engages approximately 700,000 students nationwide each year. Additional information is available online at http://www.state.me.us/sos/arc/historyday/histhome.htm.

A list of Maine National History Day 2005 Winners can be seen at: http://www.maine.gov/sos/news/2005/HistoryWinners.html

Contact: Doug Dunbar 626-8408

SKOWHEGAN, MAINE -- Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap joined Skowhegan officials at a ceremony on Friday, April 15th, in the Skowhegan Municipal Building to announce significant milestones in Maine's Rapid Renewal online vehicle registration program.

Secretary Dunlap kicked off Skowhegan's participation in Rapid Renewal and announced that the number of participating communities has now reached 75. He also announced that with Skowhegan's involvement, more than 50 percent of Maine's population can now access this convenient service to renew their vehicle registration. Additionally, the Secretary noted that Rapid Renewal will reach 100,000 completed transactions later this month.

“Online services offer unprecedented access to government services and convenience for the people of Maine. The Secretary of State's office is pleased to partner with a growing number of municipalities to offer 24 hour access to vehicle registration services,” Dunlap commented.

“Providing services through our website not only benefits the public, but it also gives municipal employees more time to focus on individual problems that require more one-on-one attention. Everyone is better off because of the steps that have been taken to expand access to services. We encourage people to ‘Get Online' rather than in line,” Dunlap added.

The Secretary indicated that the Bureau of Motor Vehicles now offers more online applications than any other agency in State government. More information about Rapid Renewal is available at www.informe.org/bmv/rapid-renewal/. Details about other online services offered through the Department of the Secretary of State can be found at www.sosonline.org.

Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287.8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

State Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman announced that the seasonally-adjusted March unemployment rate for Maine was 4.7 percent, up slightly from 4.6 percent in February. The Maine unemployment rate remained well below the national March rate of 5.2 percent.

“The seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate of 4.7 percent for March 2005 differed little from the rate of 4.6 percent for March 2004,” said Commissioner Fortman. “During this time, job growth kept pace with labor force growth, resulting in little change in unemployment.”

Although seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs fell slightly between February and March, the number of jobs is up 4,800 between March 2004 and March 2005. The largest over-the-year gains were recorded in health care and social assistance, leisure and hospitality services, and retail trade.

Other New England states reporting their seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate for March include Vermont, 3.4 percent; New Hampshire, 3.7 percent; Rhode Island, 4.5 percent; and Massachusetts, 4.9 percent. The adjusted national rate for March was 5.2 percent, down from 5.4 percent for February and 5.7 percent for March 2004.

The not-seasonally-adjusted Maine unemployment rate for March was 5.5 percent, down from 5.6 percent for February and unchanged from March 2004. The unadjusted national rate was 5.4 percent for March, down from 5.8 percent for February and 6.0 percent for March 2004. Not-seasonally-adjusted March unemployment rates for Maine counties ranged from 3.9 percent in Cumberland County to 10.7 percent in Washington County.

Not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs in Maine rose by 1,700 between February and March to 599,300. The largest gains were in local government, construction, and accommodation and food services.

Between March 2004 and March 2005, not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs rose by 5,300, with the largest gains in health care and social assistance, leisure and hospitality services, and retail trade. Partly offsetting the job gains, losses were recorded in financial activities.

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Contact: Matthew Dunlap
207-626-8400

Levant Residents Can Now Renew Vehicle Registrations Onlie

The Town of Levant has launched Rapid Renewal, the Department of the Secretary of State's online service for the renewal of motor vehicle registrations. Residents of Levant now join the hundreds of thousands of Maine citizens who can renew their vehicle registrations online, at anytime of the day, from the comfort and convenience of their homes or offices. Rapid Renewal is a groundbreaking e-commerce service that allows citizens to conduct business with municipal government and state government in one seamless online transaction. The service has gained national acclaim and has been enthusiastically embraced by Mainers. While municipal participation in Rapid Renewal is optional, the service has quickly grown to include 78 municipalities.

“Levant joins a long and growing list of Maine communities choosing to provide their residents with the convenience of Rapid Renewal,” stated Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap. “I encourage nonparticipating towns to follow the leadership of Levant and the many other participating municipalities. As budget conscious municipal leaders seek new ways to provide efficient and convenient services, I'm confident Rapid Renewal will become available to an increasing number of Maine citizens.”

The 78 municipalities currently offering Rapid Renewal comprise more than half of the Maine's population. The service is being offered by municipalities from York County to Aroostook County, with populations ranging from Caswell's 326 citizens to Portland's 64,249. Through Rapid Renewal citizens are able to renew their vehicle registrations and pay their municipal excise taxes online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It's quick, and it's easy.

Rapid Renewal may be accessed through www.sosonline.org, the Department of the Secretary of State's site for online services. Rapid Renewal is currently available in Arundel, Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Bath, Bowdoinham, Brewer, Brunswick, Buxton, Cape Elizabeth, Casco, Caswell, Chelsea, China, Corinna, Cumberland, Dayton, Dover-Foxcroft, East Millinocket, Fairfield, Falmouth, Farmington, Fort Fairfield, Fort Kent, Freeport, Gardiner, Gorham, Gray, Greene, Greenwood, Hermon, Holden, Jay, Jefferson, Kennebunk, Lamoine, Lewiston, Limestone, Lincolnville, Madison, Manchester, New Gloucester, North Yarmouth, Norway, Old Orchard Beach, Palermo, Patten, Phippsburg, Portland, Raymond, Richmond, Saco, Sanford, Sangerville, Scarborough, Shapleigh, Skowhegan, South Berwick, South Portland, Standish, Topsham, Vassalboro, Veazie, Waterboro, Waterville, Wells, Westbrook, Westport, Whitefield, Windham, Winslow, Winterport, Winthrop, Wiscasset, Woolwich, Yarmouth, and York.

Municipal officials who would like more information about participating in Rapid Renewal and offering this service to residents in their community may contact John Smith in the Department of the Secretary of State at 626-8400 or by email at sos.office@maine.gov.

Contact: Matthew Dunlap
207-626-8400

Greenwood Residents Can Now Renew Vehicle Registrations Online

The Town of Greenwood has launched Rapid Renewal, the Department of the Secretary of State's online service for the renewal of motor vehicle registrations. Residents of Greenwood now join the hundreds of thousands of Maine citizens who can renew their vehicle registrations online, at anytime of the day, from the comfort and convenience of their homes or offices. Rapid Renewal is a groundbreaking e-commerce service that allows citizens to conduct business with municipal government and state government in one seamless online transaction. The service has gained national acclaim and has been enthusiastically embraced by Mainers. While municipal participation in Rapid Renewal is optional, the service has quickly grown to include 77 municipalities.

“Greenwood joins a long and growing list of Maine communities choosing to provide their residents with the convenience of Rapid Renewal,” stated Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap. “I encourage nonparticipating towns to follow the leadership of Greenwood and the many other participating municipalities. As budget conscious municipal leaders seek new ways to provide efficient and convenient services, I'm confident Rapid Renewal will become available to an increasing number of Maine citizens.”

The 77 municipalities currently offering Rapid Renewal comprise more than half of the Maine's population. The service is being offered by municipalities from York County to Aroostook County, with populations ranging from Caswell's 326 citizens to Portland's 64,249. Through Rapid Renewal citizens are able to renew their vehicle registrations and pay their municipal excise taxes online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It's quick, and it's easy.

Rapid Renewal may be accessed through www.sosonline.org, the Department of the Secretary of State's site for online services. Rapid Renewal is currently available in Arundel, Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Bath, Bowdoinham, Brewer, Brunswick, Buxton, Cape Elizabeth, Casco, Caswell, Chelsea, China, Corinna, Cumberland, Dayton, Dover-Foxcroft, East Millinocket, Fairfield, Falmouth, Farmington, Fort Fairfield, Fort Kent, Freeport, Gardiner, Gorham, Gray, Greene, Greenwood, Hermon, Holden, Jay, Jefferson, Kennebunk, Lamoine, Lewiston, Limestone, Lincolnville, Madison, Manchester, New Gloucester, North Yarmouth, Norway, Old Orchard Beach, Palermo, Patten, Phippsburg, Portland, Raymond, Richmond, Saco, Sanford, Sangerville, Scarborough, Shapleigh, Skowhegan, South Berwick, South Portland, Standish, Topsham, Vassalboro, Veazie, Waterboro, Waterville, Wells, Westbrook, Westport, Whitefield, Windham, Winslow, Winterport, Winthrop, Wiscasset, Woolwich, Yarmouth, and York.

Municipal officials who would like more information about participating in Rapid Renewal and offering this service to residents in their community may contact John Smith in the Department of the Secretary of State at 626-8400 or by email at sos.office@maine.gov.

Contact: Matthew Dunlap
207-626-8400

Dayton Residents Can Now Renew Vehicle Registrations Online

The Town of Dayton has launched Rapid Renewal, the Department of the Secretary of State's online service for the renewal of motor vehicle registrations. Residents of Dayton now join the hundreds of thousands of Maine citizens who can renew their vehicle registrations online, at anytime of the day, from the comfort and convenience of their homes or offices. Rapid Renewal is a groundbreaking e-commerce service that allows citizens to conduct business with municipal government and state government in one seamless online transaction. The service has gained national acclaim and has been enthusiastically embraced by Mainers. While municipal participation in Rapid Renewal is optional, the service has quickly grown to include 77 municipalities.

“Dayton joins a long and growing list of Maine communities choosing to provide their residents with the convenience of Rapid Renewal,” stated Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap. “I encourage nonparticipating towns to follow the leadership of Dayton and the many other participating municipalities. As budget conscious municipal leaders seek new ways to provide efficient and convenient services, I'm confident Rapid Renewal will become available to an increasing number of Maine citizens.”

The 77 municipalities currently offering Rapid Renewal comprise more than half of the Maine's population. The service is being offered by municipalities from York County to Aroostook County, with populations ranging from Caswell's 326 citizens to Portland's 64,249. Through Rapid Renewal citizens are able to renew their vehicle registrations and pay their municipal excise taxes online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It's quick, and it's easy.

Rapid Renewal may be accessed through www.dayton-me.gov or www.sosonline.org, the Department of the Secretary of State's site for online services. Rapid Renewal is currently available in Arundel, Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Bath, Bowdoinham, Brewer, Brunswick, Buxton, Cape Elizabeth, Casco, Caswell, Chelsea, China, Corinna, Cumberland, Dayton, Dover-Foxcroft, East Millinocket, Fairfield, Falmouth, Farmington, Fort Fairfield, Fort Kent, Freeport, Gardiner, Gorham, Gray, Greene, Greenwood, Hermon, Holden, Jay, Jefferson, Kennebunk, Lamoine, Lewiston, Limestone, Lincolnville, Madison, Manchester, New Gloucester, North Yarmouth, Norway, Old Orchard Beach, Palermo, Patten, Phippsburg, Portland, Raymond, Richmond, Saco, Sanford, Sangerville, Scarborough, Shapleigh, Skowhegan, South Berwick, South Portland, Standish, Topsham, Vassalboro, Veazie, Waterboro, Waterville, Wells, Westbrook, Westport, Whitefield, Windham, Winslow, Winterport, Winthrop, Wiscasset, Woolwich, Yarmouth, and York.

Municipal officials who would like more information about participating in Rapid Renewal and offering this service to residents in their community may contact John Smith in the Department of the Secretary of State at 626-8400 or by email at sos.office@maine.gov.

This week the Public Utilities Commission approved an agreement between all the major parties in a complaint case that examined the need for and the proper location of a new power line to serve several towns in southern York County. The Towns of York, Kittery and Eliot, along with a group of citizens led by Laurie Downs, the York Conservation Commission and the Town of Ogunquit all agreed that the final proposal put forth by CMP to resolve the case was acceptable.

The case began last fall when the Public Advocate filed a request for an investigation at the Commission into CMP’s approach to solving transmission capacity issues. That request was closely followed by a 10-person complaint initiated by Ms. Downs. In meetings beginning last summer, CMP had failed to convince the local townspeople that there was, in fact, a need for the line. Also, CMP’s proposed route for the line at that time crossed environmentally sensitive areas and would spoil several scenic views in the area, especially where the Maine Turnpike crosses the York River. These concerns led to the requests filed at the Commission. When the utility failed to justify its plans in response to those complaints, the Commission formally opened an investigation, consolidating the two complaints.

“Normally, a utility does not require Commission approval for a transmission line of this size (69kilovolts)” said Eric Bryant, Senior Counsel in the Office of the Public Advocate, “but CMP made two mistakes that caused us and the local citizens to complain, which in turn led to the investigation. One, it failed to convince local citizens that the line was needed. Second, its proposed route was designed mostly with the delivery of electricity in mind and not the desires of the locals. This may have been a public relations failure on their part, or maybe it was the result of skepticism in the town, or some combination. At any rate, the complaint process afforded to utility ratepayers by statute allows them to seek relief when they have a problem with their utility. In this matter, that process worked just as it should. The customers were not happy with CMP’s proposal and they sought, and got, relief.”

After the Commission opened its investigation, the Public Advocate hired a consulting firm to determine whether the southern York county area in fact needed the line. The consultant, Synapse Energy Economics out of Cambridge Mass, determined that the line was needed, but that there was a better place to put it. Synapse proposed that the new line be built in an existing transmission right of way that already contained one line, the line that in fact served York and was nearing its capacity. There was room within that right of way for second line so that CMP did not have to construct its proposed line through the sensitive areas, including over the turnpike bridge. In fact a CMP consultant had suggested this route. The PUC staff also submitted a report suggesting that either CMP’s original proposal or the alternative route would be acceptable electrically, but that other issues remained to be addressed. Importantly, the Staff then decided that it needed to notify the towns along the alternative route so that they could participate in the case if they so desired.

Also, along the way the Commission held a public hearing at York High School where 35 people spoke very coherently and compassionately about their town and the impact CMP’s original proposal would have. All this sent CMP back to the drawing board where it eventually designed the line that has now been approved by the Commission.

CMP’s redesigned proposal was not only better than CMP’s original plan, but it’s revised cost estimates revealed that the alternative solution proposed by the Public Advocate was more expensive. According to Bryant, “once the new plan, and the cost comparisons, came into focus, the townspeople realized they had a good deal, and agreement was quickly reached.”

“CMP was not happy that it had to jump through so many hoops, but I believe that the process worked,” said Bryant. “If customers cannot get good answers to legitimate questions about an essential service from a monopoly utility, they should be able to bring the utility in before the Commission and make them give the answers. The process allows the company the opportunity to convince the Commission that the complaint is without merit, but in this case, CMP failed to do so.”

A 10-person complaint, like the one at the heart of this matter, is where any 10 customers of a utility, meaning any 10 account holders, may join together in asking for relief from a rate, term, condition or practice of the utility. According to Bryant, “it is a useful tool that served well the folks in York, Kittery and neighboring towns.”

The Office of the Public Advocate is a state agency charged with representing the interests of ratepayers of electric, telephone, water and natural gas utilities regulated by the Maine Commission and certain federal agencies. Contact: Eric J. Bryant, Senior Counsel, Office of the Public Advocate 207 -287-2445

On May 8, 2001, the PUC approved a new regulatory plan for Verizon, which will result in higher local exchange rates for Maine’s consumers and which, according to the Public Advocate, is inconsistent with various provisions of Maine law. The PUC’s decision prematurely deregulated most services and allows Verizon to increase its residence and business local rates by $1.65 per month, without going through a full rate case analysis.

In the proceeding, the Public Advocate argued that the cost of providing telephone services will decline every year (by as much as 6.5%). While the PUC cites mandatory access charge reductions as the basis for the new local rate increases, the Public Advocate showed that those access charge losses are small compared to the efficiency gains that Verizon will achieve as a result of its recent merger with GTE and as a result of general productivity. “The PUC should permit local rates to come down,” said Steve Ward, Maine’s Public Advocate. The Public Advocate also demonstrated that Verizon itself was largely responsible for causing reductions in its access revenues, in exchange for line rate increases allowed by the FCC.

In its decision, the Public Utilities Commission disregarded key evidence provided by the Public Advocate. The Public Advocate introduced substantial evidence, including detailed testimony of three expert witnesses, demonstrating that:

Verizon’s losses in the competitive toll market and its decreasing access revenues are small compared to the productivity (efficiency) savings it achieves and will continue to achieve every year. Therefore, rates should be decreasing annually.

Verizon’s residential customers and most business customers have virtually no competitive choices for local telephone service

Without sufficient regulation, Verizon will raise prices well above reasonable rates for those services not subject to competitive forces.

“The Commission’s plan does nothing to lower rates for in-state long distance: those rates have decreased as a result of toll competition and action by the Maine Legislature. The Commission has merely allowed increases to local rates with no offsetting benefits for consumers,” said Steve Ward.

Finally, the Public Advocate asserts that the Commission has failed to live up to two promises it has made in recent cases: to consider requiring Verizon to share savings with consumers that were achieved through two major mergers during the last five years (NYNEX-Bell Atlantic and Bell Atlantic-GTE); and to return $4 million in school and library funds to ratepayers even though rates continue to reflect the costs of that project that Verizon no longer supports with those funds.

For further information contact, Stephen Ward at 287-2445 or at Stephen.G.Ward@state.me.us.

The Public Advocate has filed a formal motion before the PUC strongly requesting that the Commission begin a rate case for Bell Atlantic on or before May 1, 2000. Since 1995, Bell Atlantic has been regulated under a five-year price-cap plan, which expires on December 1, 2000. According to the Public Advocate, the Commission will not be able to ensure that Bell Atlantic’s rates will be just and reasonable or that they will meet various legal requirements, unless the PUC first conducts a rate investigation. The law governing “alternative” regulation for Bell Atlantic requires that customers pay no more than they would under traditional cost-based regulation. The Public Advocate believes that the PUC must conduct a rate case in order to make the rate comparison required by law. “The PUC really needs to make sure that today’s phone rates are at a fair starting point for all customers, before establishing any new alternative form of regulation for Bell Atlantic” said Public Advocate Stephen Ward.

The Public Advocate urged the Commission to act immediately because a rate case normally takes nine months to complete. Currently, the Commission is left with slightly more than eight months, unless it extends Bell Atlantic’s current price-cap plan beyond December 1, 2000.

The Pubic Advocate notes that, under the current rate plan for Bell Atlantic, monopoly local rates have been allowed to increase by over 30%, even though Bell Atlantic has been required to reduce its overall revenues in each of the last five years. In addition, the Bell Atlantic/NYNEX merger occurred in the middle of the current five-year rate plan. Experts estimated that this merger would save the combined company over $850 million per year. The Public Advocate suggested that these large savings must be shared with ratepayers by setting new rates after a full investigation of Bell Atlantic’s costs.

Bangornews. Staff - Monday, January 10, 2005 - Bangor Daily News — Twice a year, Maine's viligant public advocate, Steve Ward, and his Augusta staff put out the Ratewatcher Telecom to keep you up to date on telephone charge increases and advise you how to fight back.

The January guide, just out has some new helpful features. Shopping Shortcuts asks, "What type of customer are you?" For instance, if you make few toll calls (fewer than 800 minutes per month), live in Verizon territory and are not interested in any optional features, the advice is: "Consider switching long-distance to Touchtone or Pioneer. Keep Verizon for local service only."

Comparative rates and fees appear elsewhere in the guide. For a customer in Verizon territory who also uses fewer than 800 toll minutes a month but wants Caller ID, Call Waiting or Call Forwarding, the advice is: "Consider switching local and long-distance service to USA Telephone or Homefield."

The tables report rates and fees for the various companies, but this new page of of shortcuts is handy for people who may find the table confusing. Other features give information on different "wireless" or cellphone services and the pros and cons of phone cards and using the Internet phone scams." By thoughtlessly clicking on a pop-up and or contest or game, you may later get a phone bill for an expensive but fictional call to Tuvalu, Guinea-Bissau or Liechtenstein.

The free Ratewatcher Telecom Guide already has 40,000 subscribers. To get it, cell 1-207-287-2445. The Public Advocate's telecom team also conducts occasional free advice clinics. Consumers can take in their phone bills and learn how to improve their telephone, cellphone and Internet service. One of the clinics was held last September at the Bangor City Hall. The next one will be March 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Auburn Mall. The team suggests checking its Web site - www. maine.gov/meopa - for other future events. It invites groups to arrange for similar meetings in their own communities.

How does the Public Advocate Office get away with handing out such tough advice, which can mean loss of customers and income for communication companies? One of the attorneys there acknowledges that there are people at Verizon who are "not very happy about what we do." But he says the office realized from the start that it had to stick to facts and always be accurate. He says so far the office has had no trouble.

By TUX TURKEL, Portland Press Herald Writer

SOUTH PORTLAND — With a second home and four lines wired for phone service, fax, security alarm and computers, Maureen Cousins expected higher-than-average monthly phone bills. But the $132.59 Verizon bill Cousins received recently seemed unusually high, which is why she brought it to the Maine Mall on Wednesday to show to Wayne Jortner, a lawyer at the Maine Public Advocate's Office. Jortner and six other staff members had set up a table at the mall to help people like Cousins, who feel they pay too much for phone and Internet service. Jortner showed her how she could save almost $50 a month on long-distance calls and $13 on local calls, if she switched to a competing, Maine-based provider, USA Telephone.

"I found out that I'm being overcharged," Cousins said following her discussion.

That's not an unusual conclusion, according to Stephen Ward, the state's public advocate. His office set up similar free help desks last summer at the Maine Mall and earlier this year at the Auburn Mall. More than 100 people came to each session. In almost every instance, Ward said, the staff was able to show participants how to save on their bills - an average of $5 a month.

That people pay more than necessary for telecom services is understandable, according to the Public Advocate staff. Some people are nervous about reliability or service if they switch from widely known legacy carriers such as Verizon and AT&T. In other instances, it's just confusing and time consuming to gather all the information needed to compare the nuances of all the possible plans. Faced with that task, many residents and small-business owners don't do anything.

That's why the Public Advocate's Office decided to hold the mall sessions, which are modeled after meetings organized by consumer groups in Pennsylvania. The Maine office runs newspaper ads and tries to get television promotions to get the word out.

Long-distance toll rates have been declining for years, but individual bills may not follow suit. In addition to surcharges that can boost advertised rates by 50 percent, bills may be inflated by enhanced services that have additional charges, such as caller ID. Carriers also are bundling together long-distance and local-calling plans, which can make comparisons confusing.

One trend is for people to drop long-distance service at home and use their cell phones or prepaid calling cards. But these strategies can backfire, Jortner said.

Calling cards round charges to the next minute, while many low-cost long- distance providers round charges to the next six seconds. That saves 10 percent on an average bill. And keeping track of minutes can be a nuisance, he said.

Using cell phones at home to make long-distance calls may seem like a good idea, he said, but it can eat up so many minutes that you need a more expensive wireless plan.

Sometimes, the choices aren't so clear-cut.

Anna Hughes recently moved from South Portland to a new home in Lyman. That prompted her and her husband to get new phone service, with help from her brother-in-law. But when her $65.65 bill came from Verizon, Hughes noticed charges for options she didn't want or understand, such as call waiting. She brought her phone bill to the mall Wednesday to see if the public advocate could offer her some advice.

Bill Black, a lawyer with the office, walked her through the options to see which ones she actually wanted. Then he compared the estimated costs of both long-distance and local service from Verizon, compared to USA Telephone. Verizon's local service rate was roughly $7 less than USA Telephone's, Black determined, but Hughes could get the enhanced features she did want and cheaper toll rates with USA Telephone.

So Hughes will have to calculate how many minutes of toll calls she's likely to make, then see if the per minute savings with USA Telephone would make the switch worthwhile.

Maureen Cousins didn't have as difficult a choice. Her bill suggested that while it was worthwhile to keep Verizon's basic service for her computer and fax line, she could cut her overall bill dramatically by switching to USA Telephone. Cousins thanked Jortner before she got up to leave.

"If you ever get around to doing Medicare cards, let me know," she said.

Phone customers can save money by avoiding three common practices:

• Signing up for inside wire plans. These plans, which have a monthly charge, act as an insurance policy if something goes wrong with the wiring in your house. But these problems are so rare that the plans typically are a waste of money.
• Choosing premium local calling service. These services let you call additional towns, but it may be less expensive to have a basic service and just pay the extra charge when you call those communities.
• Picking expensive long-distance providers. Rates aside, many providers round their charges to the next minute. It's better to pick one that rounds to the next six seconds.

Maine Public Advocate's Office

Op Ed piece: Stephen G. Ward, Public Advocate

For many decades, Americans have been able to take entirely for granted the continual supply of electricity to their homes and businesses. Recently, however, Californians have seen this supply evaporate when it is most needed. With no earthquakes, ice storms or other physical causes, blackouts have occurred throughout the state. Knowledgeable commenters point to a variety of reasons, but to most people the culprit is man-made “deregulation”. What are the reasons for California’s problems, and, more importantly, could those problems be repeated here in Maine?

First, we must acknowledge that large price spikes are theoretically possible in Maine and New England. After all, here as in California, prices in the wholesale market for electricity are no longer subject to direct regulatory control. Having said that, however, there are enough major differences between the situation in California and Maine to give us a great deal of comfort. Here is a brief description of those major differences.

• Supply and Demand. California has seen large increases in demand for power over the last ten years with almost no new power plant construction. California’s load (demand for power) has increased 17% in the last 44 months. Its supply has not increased at all. Also, California has been less able than in the past to import power from neighboring states because the population in those states has increased dramatically in recent years, over 50% since 1990 in Nevada, for example. As a result, demand has recently outstripped supply and is the primary cause for the rolling blackouts. Remember that power must be generated at the same time it is consumed because storage of electricity, unlike other commodities, is not yet commercially feasible. It is thus impossible for an electric grid to work if there is more demand than supply. By contrast, during a time when load growth in New England has been around 2% many new power plants have either been built or are under construction. Maine alone has twice as much generation as it uses, making it an electricity exporting state. In fact, more than 1500 megawatts of new gas-fired units are either operating or about to operate here in Maine, at locations from Veazie to Westbrook.
• Deregulation. California was the first state to deregulate the generation of electricity and they made mistakes that we have not repeated. The current problem is occurring in the deregulated wholesale market. In California, bulk power is bought and sold almost exclusively in a power exchange or a spot market. Utilities that supply power through a standard offer are prohibited from securing that power under long-term contracts, and are required to turn to this spot market in order to met the needs of retail customers. As a result, they have little ability to “hedge” against the ups and downs of that market and the effects of, for example, worldwide increases in oil and natural gas prices. This, combined with a retail price cap imposed at the start of deregulation, has led to the prospect of utilities declaring bankruptcy. By contrast, though we also have a spot market, nearly 80% of New England’s power is bought and sold pursuant to long-term contracts. This includes Maine’s standard offer suppliers.
• Hydropower supply. California imports about 25% of its electricity from neighboring states, some coming from the large federal dams in the Northwest. There are reports that the combination of lower-than-normal rainfall and regulations on salmon runs has kept these large hydro power stations from producing as much electricity as usual. This, combined with the increased demand for power in those states, has limited the ability of those dams to contribute to California’s power needs.

There are two factors we share with California. One is that the transmission grid in each area is old and can be stressed at times of peak use. It is exceedingly difficult to build new transmission lines because of the needed land and the opposition from landowners. As indicated above, however, Maine is a supply-exporting state, and any crimps in transmission are more likely to affect our neighbors to the south than to hit consumers at home.

The second factor we share with California is the potential that generators will “game” the system, either legally or illegally, in order to increase profits. While nothing has been proven, the US Department of Justice is reportedly now investigating large price increases that occurred in New England last spring and summer to determine if antitrust or other laws were broken. The same suspicions have been voiced in California. With regard to forms of legal “gaming”, there are efforts underway in New England to amend the rules governing the wholesale markets in order to reduce the ability of generators to take advantage of customers during periods of tight supply.

All in all, California’s problems are unlikely to visit us here in the Northeast. There will be bumps in our road to effective retail competition for electricity, but the lights are going to be on when we hit them.

Contact: Doug Dunbar
Tel: 207-626-8404

Department of the Secretary of State Continues to Lead State Government In Making Online Services Available to Maine Residents

AUGUSTA, MAINE -- Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap announced on Tuesday that Maine’s online service for renewing motor vehicle registrations recently processed its 100,000th transaction. Since its inception in December 2000, Rapid Renewal has steadily grown. Today, residents of nearly 80 municipalities across the state have access to this innovative service.

Rapid Renewal is one of many online applications offered by the Department of the Secretary of State to expand access to government services. Rapid Renewal collects both municipal and state fees in one simple, secure online transaction and is available to residents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This service may be accessed through the Department of the Secretary of State's web site for online services (www.sosonline.org).

Currently, 78 municipalities partner with the Department to offer Rapid Renewal—making it available to just over half of Maine's population. It is offered by municipalities from York to Aroostook County, with populations ranging from Caswell's 326 residents to Portland's 64,249.

“This milestone of 100,000 transactions demonstrates that Rapid Renewal has been a very successful initiative. It also reflects the fact that residents of Maine desire ways to make interaction with government as convenient and simple as possible,” Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap commented. “We’re pleased to work with almost 80 communities in this Rapid Renewal effort, and we encourage all non-participating municipalities to join us in broadening the availability of this important service.”

Rapid Renewal is currently available to residents of Arundel, Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Bath, Bowdoinham, Brewer, Brunswick, Buxton, Cape Elizabeth, Casco, Caswell, Chelsea, China, Corinna, Cumberland, Dayton, Dover-Foxcroft, East Millinocket, Fairfield, Falmouth, Farmington, Fort Fairfield, Fort Kent, Freeport, Gardiner, Gorham, Gray, Greene, Greenwood, Hermon, Holden, Jay, Jefferson, Kennebunk, Lamoine, Lewiston, Limestone, Lincolnville, Madison, Manchester, New Gloucester, North Yarmouth, Norway, Old Orchard Beach, Palermo, Patten, Phippsburg, Portland, Raymond, Richmond, Saco, Sanford, Sangerville, Scarborough, Shapleigh, Skowhegan, South Berwick, South Portland, Standish, Topsham, Vassalboro, Veazie, Waterboro, Waterville, Wells, Westbrook, Westport, Whitefield, Windham, Winslow, Winterport, Winthrop, Wiscasset, Woolwich, Yarmouth, and York.

Rapid Renewal is a service offered by municipalities and the Secretary of State’s Office, in partnership with the Information Resource of Maine (InforME)--the State of Maine’s private-sector partner and official web portal provider. All online services and official State of Maine web pages can be accessed from the state portal: www.Maine.gov, which won the Center for Digital Government’s 2004 Best of the Web competition.

Contact: Dan Gwadosky
Phone: 287-3721

Maine State Lottery Director Dan Gwadosky announced today that April proved to be a successful month for Mainers playing Megabucks, Powerball and Instant Scratch tickets. According to Lottery officials, during the past month the Lottery paid close to $9 million dollars in prize winnings to Mainers. 443 players won between $1,000 and $50,000 dollars and two lucky winners won Harley Davidson motorcycles. Gwadosky invited citizens to check out some of the recent winners on the Lottery's newly expanded web site: http://www.mainelottery.com/playersinfo/winnersshowcase.html

“The site features photos and personal experiences that I think Mainers will find fascinating,” added Gwadosky.

While a great deal of attention is given to the Megabucks and Powerball online games provided by the Lottery, the state also offers 38 instant ticket games. Gwadosky explained that “Instant ticket games have been the backbone of the Lottery. This year the Lottery is expecting over $200 million dollars in sales and instant tickets sales will make up $150 million dollars of those sales alone.” The Lottery released 4 new instant games this week. They are $1.00 One Eyed Jacks - $2.00 Diamond Bingo - $2.00 Break the Bank - $5.00 Instant Monopoly with a top prize of $100,000.

According to Lottery officials, this year the Lottery will return $130 million dollars back to Mainers in prize winnings. Each two year budget cycle the Lottery generates $100 million dollars in net revenues to the state’s general fund which in turn supports more than 250 state agencies.

The Maine Lottery was established in 1974 by Maine voters in a statewide referendum.

by Stephen G. Ward, Public Advocate

Why do I tell people that Maine actually isn’t doing poorly with restructured electricity markets, even with a 2¢ per kilowatt-hour increase in March for Bangor Hydro and CMP’s supply prices? Those increases have pushed CMP’s total rate for delivery and supply to 13.4¢ and Bangor Hydro’s total rate to 15.5¢ per kWh. Surely, that isn’t good news. It’s not good news but ….

…Here are some reasons why I for one don’t think the sky is falling. First, the rising tide of high oil and natural gas prices that is behind the Standard Offer increases in March has affected virtually all utility customers in the Northeast since electric supply has been restructured/deregulated, from Maine to the District of Columbia. Out of 17 utilities in the Northeast, Maine’s utilities are doing well - ranking 17th for today’s supply prices in the case of Maine Public Service and 13th in the case of CMP. Bangor Hydro ranks 9th but that still is behind much larger utilities in Baltimore, Connecticut and Boston whose Standard Offer prices are well above BHE’s 7.1¢ price [See box on page 2].

At the same time that supply prices have gone up, delivery prices for CMP and Bangor Hydro continue to decline - in the case of BHE residential customers by more than 1.0¢/kWh in March. This is because we are paying off stranded costs at a rapid rate; the costs of pre-restructuring contract obligations have been reduced by 50%, going from $2 billion in 1998 to about $700 million today. Secondly the rate for actually delivering electricity has dropped for both CMP and Bangor Hydro since 2000 when restructuring began in Maine, going from approximately 9¢ to approximately 7¢. These decreases have offset the supply-side increases in the Standard Offer. [See box on page 3.]

Compared with heating oil and gasoline, electricity has actually been very stable: since 1999 CMP and Bangor Hydro’s total rates (supply, stranded cost and delivery) have only increased by 2.3% and 13.1% respectively; over the same six years heating oil prices have jumped 156% and gasoline has jumped fully 174%. There is reason to believe that we would have seen some substantial portion of those fossil-related increases reflected in electric rates if Maine’s utilities had never been restructured. After all, the major feature of traditional rate regulation was the notorious Fuel Adjustment Clause that permitted electric utilities to pass 100% of fuel-related increases on to customers.

Here’s some more good news: nearly 2000 residential customers in Maine have signed up for the 100% renewable alternative to the Standard Offer that is offered by Interfaith Light and Power/Maine Renewable Energy. These customers have benefited from the right to choose their electricity supplier.
Much larger shares of industrial load (at 90% or more) and large commercial load (at 40% or more) are now served by competing suppliers than is the case for residential load - but these things take time. Consider the break-up of AT&T’s telephone monopoly in 1984: it took fully 15 years before there was much local competition for the Baby Bells, even in major markets. It really doesn’t make sense to expect that a vibrant retail market would be in place in Maine (or elsewhere in the Northeast) only five years after the start-up of restructuring in March 2000. It takes a while for markets to mature and, with a fifth birthday, Maine’s market for retail electricity is still a youngster.

The last positive development to note concerns energy conservation. Prior to restructuring in 2000, energy conservation programs were managed by Maine’s utilities -- with considerable reluctance in many cases since lowering sales of electricity also lowered shareholder earnings. Now the T&D utilities are entirely out of the energy conservation business, due to thoughtful action by the Maine Legislature.

Efficiency Maine (a division of the PUC) now delivers efficiency measures across the State in a series of programs targeted at small businesses, low- income residential customers and the local market for efficient lighting products and efficient appliances. Efficiency Maine is well-managed, small enough to be nimble in its marketing and a national model for state-of-the- art energy conservation measures. It seems to me quite likely that the T&D utilities would have continued to keep conservation in their backyard (and on the back burner) in the absence of Maine’s comprehensive restructuring of the electric industry.

Is the glass half full or half empty? You get to decide. I continue to argue that the glass certainly is not entirely empty - there are a number of important success stories in Maine’s experience with electric restructuring, so far.

Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287.8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

The Maine Department of Labor today released a report on the changing Maine workforce.

The publication, Trends and Implications for the Maine Workforce, provides a broad overview of the population and demographic trends impacting the Maine workforce and includes employment forecasts by industry and occupation, an assessment of local labor market areas, and more.

The work was commissioned by Governor Baldacci’s Workforce Cabinet for the purposes of formulating a more comprehensive and integrated workforce development strategy for Maine.

An electronic copy of the report can be viewed online at: http://www.maine.gov/labor/lmis/pdf/MaineWorkforce.pdf . A hard copy version of the publication is available for $35.00 by calling (207) 287-2271.

The Maine Small Business Alliance will host Commissioner of Labor, Laura Fortman, across the state at nine forums to hear from small business owners on their experiences and challenges finding and training qualified employees for their small businesses.

“Small businesses employ half of the state’s labor force.” explained Commissioner Fortman, “We need to hear about their particular experiences and challenges as we plan for the future of Maine’s labor force. It is our goal to keep small business growing, vibrant and hiring new employees and to ensure that employees have the right skills and tools for the jobs they seek.”

“Workforce training and education is a top priority for the members of the Maine Small Business Alliance,” explained Deborah Cook, Executive Director of the Maine Small Business Alliance. “We appreciate Commissioner Fortman’s attention to the unique challenges of Maine’s small businesses and are honored to have the opportunity to convene these discussion groups for her. They will give small business a front row seat in the policy dialogue.”

Small Business Workforce discussions will be held at the following locations:

5/12 – Belfast, 9:30- 11:00 am, Belfast Library, 106 High St. 3rd Flr.

5/12 – Machias, 2:00 - 3:30 pm, Career Center, 15 Prescott Dr.

5/23 - South Paris 1:00 – 2:30 pm, South Paris Library, , 37 Market Sq.

6/9 – Portland, 9:30 - 11:00 am, USM InTown Learning Center, 68 High St. Rm 118

6/9 – Wells 1:00 – 2:30 pm, York Co. Comm. College - 112 College Drive

6/10 – Bangor, 9:30 -11:00 am, Bangor Savings Bank, Eames Learning Center, 203 Maine Ave

6/10 - Millinocket 1:00 - 2:30 pm, Millinocket Area Growth and Investment Council, 10 Katahdin Avenue

6/10 – Houlton, 30 – 6:00 pm, The Gentle Memorial Build. 4: 128 Main St.

To reserve a space or for more information, contact MSBA at 622-6500 or email dcook@msb-alliance.org.

The Maine Small Business Alliance is a non-partisan, non-profit statewide membership organization of small businesses advocating for sustainable solutions that support and strengthen a vibrant and entrepreneurial small business environment for Maine.

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Doug Dunbar, 626-8404
Deputy Secretary of State

AUGUSTA, MAINE – Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap announced on Monday that requesting a certified corporate record in Maine is now a simpler, more convenient process thanks to the expansion of the Secretary of State’s Interactive Corporate Records Service. Once a subscriber-only service, it is now available to the public at www.SOSonline.org. Beginning this month, customers may use a credit card to benefit from the delivery of electronic corporate documents.

“Enhancing customer service through innovative uses of technology is a priority for the Department of the Secretary of State. We believe it’s important to make services available to the people of Maine in convenient, accessible and cost-effective ways. This new enhancement is another example of how we’re making government information and services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” Secretary Dunlap commented.

Maine’s Interactive Corporate Records Service, launched in May of 2001, consists of a comprehensive set of online services that allows for electronic access to both free and for-a-fee corporate information. Users of the service can perform basic corporate name searches, retrieve copies of corporate filings and images, download Certificates of Existence and file annual reports.

Previously, as a subscriber-only service, customers needed a username and password to gain access to corporate records. The system is now more easily accessible to the public and accepts Visa and MasterCard payments. Customers can download corporate documents, in certified or uncertified format, by visiting www.SOSonline.org. Records can be printed immediately, with credit card payments processed through Maine.gov’s secure server.

Additionally, certified copies of corporate records and Certificates of Existence can be confirmed through the online service. There is no charge for the Authentication Service, which is designed to verify the authenticity of certified electronic documents. Users simply type in the unique authentication number of a certified document and the site returns verification of the precise date and time the document was delivered electronically.

“Our office has made customer service a priority and we are pleased to offer enhancements to our existing services” said Tim Poulin, Director of Corporations. “This upgrade of our Interactive Corporate Services offers even more convenience to businesses and citizens.”

Maine’s Interactive Corporate Records is one of many online services offered by the Department of the Secretary of State, in partnership with the Information Resource of Maine (InforME)--the State of Maine’s private-sector partner and official web portal provider. All online services and official State of Maine web pages can be accessed from the state portal: www.Maine.gov, which won the Center for Digital Government’s 2004 Best of the Web competition.

Doug Dunbar, Deputy Secretary of State
626-8404

Motor Carrier Industry and Public to Benefit from New Service

AUGUSTA, MAINE – With the busy season of moving large non-divisible loads within the state approaching, Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap has announced the launch of a new online Over Limit Permit Service. Companies and individuals requiring an over limit permit within the State of Maine will now have the option to obtain one online, at a lower cost than previously possible, by visiting www.maine.gov/overlimit.

“This new service is part of the Department of the Secretary of State’s overall goal to make information and services available to the public in convenient and cost-effective ways. We’re pleased to offer businesses and individuals a new method to apply for an over limit permit. It’s now among dozens of meaningful online services offered by the Department,” Secretary Dunlap commented.

This new service allows users to submit the required information for an over limit trip permit request to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles via the Internet. Once the permit has been reviewed, it is returned to the permittee for approval and purchase. The flexibility of the system allows users to purchase permits with a credit card or a subscription account, and the cost is lower using this online service than other available methods for obtaining an over limit trip permit. Additionally, subscribers may save information about themselves and their vehicles in templates to speed up the application process. Once an over limit permit has been purchased, the permit may be printed immediately.

“The online Over Limit Permit Service is yet another example of the commitment of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to bring services to the businesses and citizens of the state," commented Garry Hinkley, Motor Carrier Services Chief at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. "We are excited to provide this service for our large load haulers, who now can apply for permits 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, permits still must be reviewed and approved by a BMV permit specialist for safety and routing.”

Any vehicle transporting non-divisible loads in excess of legal dimension or weight limits must obtain an over limit permit. Permits issued by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles apply only to those highways or bridges under the jurisdiction of the Maine Department of Transportation. Permits are issued to protect public safety, to protect highways and bridges, and to minimize impacts on traffic.

Maine’s Over Limit Permit Application is a service of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, in partnership with InforME, the State of Maine’s private-sector partner and official web portal provider. More information about the Bureau of Motor Vehicles is available by visiting www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/. All online services and official State of Maine web pages can be accessed from the state portal: www.Maine.gov. ( http://www.maine.gov )

Contact: Dan Gwadosky
Phone: 287-3721

Maine State Lottery Director Dan Gwadosky announced today that the Powerball jackpot has reached its highest level for the year. “Because no one correctly matched all five numbers and the powerball number in Saturday's drawing the jackpot will grow to an estimated $129 million for the drawing this Wednesday,” said Gwadosky.

Gwadosky added, “Players should carefully check their tickets after every draw. Even if there are no jackpot winners there are always tens of thousands of winners at other prize levels. More than $50,000 was paid out to Mainers after Saturday’s drawing.”

Nationwide, two players correctly matched 5 white numbers and won $100,000. Their winning tickets were purchased in Colorado and Missouri. Two additional players in Indiana and South Carolina not only matched that prize level, but also played Power Play for a total win of $200,000.

More than 91,000 winning Powerball players multiplied their prize on Saturday when they chose the Power Play option for one dollar. “With Power Play you can multiply your Powerball winnings, except for the jackpot, from 2-5 times. At the beginning of each drawing a wheel is spun to select that night's multiplier,” explained Gwadosky.

Powerball is now played in 27 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The Maine Lottery was established in 1974 by Maine voters in a statewide referendum.

Randal Manning, Executive Director
Board of Licensure in Medicine
137 State House Station
Phone: (207)287-3601. Fax: (207) 287-6590.
Randal.C.Manning@maine.gov

AUGUSTA, ME- Ernest J. Steinhilber, M.D. agreed to accept a reprimand in a Consent Agreement with the Board of Licensure in Medicine signed on May 10, 2005. In addition, Dr. Steinhilber was fined $1500. Dr. Steinhilber currently resides in Georgia.

The Board issued a complaint against Dr. Steinhilber in 2005 for incorrectly answering no to a 2005 renewal application question regarding discipline in other states. Dr. Steinhilber failed to list all the disciplinary actions taken against his licenses in other states. Dr. Steinhilber had listed some of the disciplinary actions taken against him on two previous renewals. As a result of the Consent Agreement the Board also renewed Dr. Steinhilber’s license.

All Board disciplines are reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, the Health Improvement and Protection Data Bank, and the Federation of State Medical Boards Action Data Bank. Those reports are regularly reviewed by every state medical licensing board in the country.

The Board is made up of six physicians and three public members appointed by the Governor. Disciplinary actions taken by the Board are available to the public either by telephone at (207) 287-3601, or on the Board's Web site at www.docboard.org/me/me_home.htm.

The Board of Licensure in Medicine is the State of Maine agency charged to protect the health and welfare of the public by verifying the qualifications of physicians to practice, and disciplining physicians for unprofessional conduct and incompetence. Any citizen can request an investigation of a physician or physician assistant by contacting the Board office by telephone at (207) 287-3608, by letter, or by visiting the Board's Web site.

Randal Manning, Executive Director
Board of Licensure in Medicine
137 State House Station
Phone: (207)287-3601. Fax: (207) 287-6590.
Randal.C.Manning@maine.gov

AUGUSTA, ME- Jenie M. Smith, M.D. was ordered by the Board of Licensure in Medicine to undergo five years of substance abuse monitoring at the conclusion of an Adjudicatory Hearing on April 12, 2005. In addition, Dr. Smith must continue counseling and engage in group therapy. Dr. Smith works in Lewiston.

The Board issued a complaint against Dr. Smith in 2004 based on information that she had been arrested for operating under the influence in 2003. At the time the complaint was issued Dr. Smith had declined to participate in a Board sponsored substance abuse monitoring program. Dr. Smith started therapy on her own and following receipt of the complaint she also entered a monitoring program. Dr. Smith has been abstinent since that time. The Board found no evidence that Dr. Smith was ever intoxicated while working and determined that the care she provided to patients appears to be excellent.

All Board disciplines are reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, the Health Improvement and Protection Data Bank, and the Federation of State Medical Boards Action Data Bank. Those reports are regularly reviewed by every state medical licensing board in the country.

The Board is made up of six physicians and three public members appointed by the Governor. Disciplinary actions taken by the Board are available to the public either by telephone at (207) 287-3601, or on the Board's Web site at www.docboard.org/me/me_home.htm.

The Board of Licensure in Medicine is the State of Maine agency charged to protect the health and welfare of the public by verifying the qualifications of physicians to practice, and disciplining physicians for unprofessional conduct and incompetence. Any citizen can request an investigation of a physician or physician assistant by contacting the Board office by telephone at (207) 287-3608, by letter, or by visiting the Board's Web site.

Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 20 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287.8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

State Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman announced that the seasonally-adjusted April unemployment rate for Maine was 4.7 percent, unchanged from March and up slightly from 4.4 percent for April 2004. The Maine unemployment rate remained well below the national April rate of 5.2 percent.

“Employment growth kept pace with an increase in the number of Maine residents seeking work between March and April, resulting in an unchanged unemployment rate,” said Commissioner Fortman. “Between April 2004 and April 2005, the unemployment rate rose slightly from 4.4 percent to 4.7 percent as the increase in jobseekers surpassed an increase in employment.”

Seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs rose by 2,100 between March and April, contributing to a net gain of 5,100 jobs between April 2004 and April 2005. The largest over-the-year gains were recorded in health care and social assistance, leisure and hospitality services, and retail trade.

Other New England states reporting their seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate for April include Vermont, 3.3 percent; New Hampshire, 3.4 percent; and Connecticut, 4.9 percent. The adjusted national rate for April was 5.2 percent, unchanged from 5.2 percent for March and down from 5.5 percent for April 2004.

The not-seasonally-adjusted Maine unemployment rate for April was 5.2 percent, down from 5.5 percent for March and up from 4.8 percent in April 2004. The unadjusted national rate was 4.9 percent for April, down from 5.4 percent for March and 5.4 percent for April 2004. Not-seasonally-adjusted April unemployment rates for Maine counties ranged from 3.6 percent in Cumberland County to 10.0 percent in Washington County.

Not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs in Maine rose by 9,600 between March and April to 608,700 as employers started gearing up for the busy summer season. The largest gains were in accommodation and food services, construction, professional and business services, and retail trade.

Between April 2004 and April 2005, not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs rose by 4,300, with the largest gains in health care and social assistance, leisure and hospitality services, and retail trade. Partly offsetting the job gains, losses were recorded in financial activities and manufacturing.

Unemployment rates from prior months are available online at the following location: http://www.state.me.us/labor/lmis/data/laus/salf.html

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For Immediate Release
Contact: Matthew Dunlap

The Town of Berwick has launched Rapid Renewal, the Department of the Secretary of State’s online service for the renewal of motor vehicle registrations. Residents of Berwick now join the hundreds of thousands of Maine citizens who can renew their vehicle registrations online, at anytime of the day, from the comfort and convenience of their homes or offices. Rapid Renewal is a groundbreaking e-commerce service that allows citizens to conduct business with municipal government and state government in one seamless online transaction. The service has gained national acclaim and has been enthusiastically embraced by Mainers. While municipal participation in Rapid Renewal is optional, the service has quickly grown to include 79 municipalities, and more than 100,000 transactions have been processed.

“Berwick joins a long and growing list of Maine communities choosing to provide their residents with the convenience of Rapid Renewal,” stated Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap. “I encourage nonparticipating towns to follow the leadership of Berwick and the many other participating municipalities. As budget conscious municipal leaders seek new ways to provide efficient and convenient services, I’m confident Rapid Renewal will become available to an increasing number of Maine citizens.”

The 79 municipalities currently offering Rapid Renewal comprise more than half of the Maine’s population. The service is being offered by municipalities from York County to Aroostook County, with populations ranging from Caswell’s 326 citizens to Portland’s 64,249. Through Rapid Renewal citizens are able to renew their vehicle registrations and pay their municipal excise taxes online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s quick, and it’s easy.

Rapid Renewal may be accessed through http://www.sosonline.org , the Department of the Secretary of State’s site for online services. Rapid Renewal is currently available in Arundel, Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Bath, Berwick, Bowdoinham, Brewer, Brunswick, Buxton, Cape Elizabeth, Casco, Caswell, Chelsea, China, Corinna, Cumberland, Dayton, Dover-Foxcroft, East Millinocket, Fairfield, Falmouth, Farmington, Fort Fairfield, Fort Kent, Freeport, Gardiner, Gorham, Gray, Greene, Greenwood, Hermon, Holden, Jay, Jefferson, Kennebunk, Lamoine, Levant, Lewiston, Limestone, Lincolnville, Madison, Manchester, New Gloucester, North Yarmouth, Norway, Old Orchard Beach, Palermo, Patten, Phippsburg, Portland, Raymond, Richmond, Saco, Sanford, Sangerville, Scarborough, Shapleigh, Skowhegan, South Berwick, South Portland, Standish, Topsham, Vassalboro, Veazie, Waterboro, Waterville, Wells, Westbrook, Westport, Whitefield, Windham, Winslow, Winterport, Winthrop, Wiscasset, Woolwich, Yarmouth, and York.

Municipal officials who would like more information about participating in Rapid Renewal and offering this service to residents in their community may contact John Smith in the Department of the Secretary of State at 626-8400 or by email at sos.office@maine.gov.

Contact: Dan Gwadosky
Phone: 287-3721

Maine State Lottery Director Dan Gwadosky announced today that the Powerball jackpot has reached its highest level for the year. "Because no one correctly matched all five numbers and the Powerball number in Saturday's drawing the jackpot will grow to an astronomical $180 million making it the 17th largest jackpot ever in the world if hit on Wednesday" said Gwadosky.

"The current jackpot run which began during the first week of April has had a dramatic impact on sales" Gwadosky explained, "Weekly Powerball sales in Maine have increased from $369,000 during the first week of this run to $900,000 last week."

According to Lottery Officials, players should carefully check their tickets after every draw. Even if there are no jackpot winners there are always tens of thousands of winners at other prize levels.

Nationwide, Twenty-five players correctly matched the 5 white numbers and won $100,000. Their winning tickets were purchased in Arizona (2), Colorado (2), Connecticut, DC, Iowa, Idaho, Indiana (3), Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota (2), Missouri, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania (2), Rhode Island, South Carolina (2), Vermont, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. Six additional players in Pennsylvania (5), and South Carolina not only matched that prize level, but also played Power Play for a total win of $200,000. "With Power Play you can multiply your Powerball winnings, except for the jackpot, from 2-5 times. At the beginning of each drawing a wheel is spun to select that night's multiplier", explained Gwadosky.

Powerball is now played in 27 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The Maine Lottery was established in 1974 by Maine voters in a statewide referendum.

Lifelong Learning Accounts help workers upgrade skills

Augusta—Governor Baldacci today announced the launch of a new initiative that aims to increase access to lifelong learning for all adults by providing benefits employees can use for training and education.

Grants from the U.S. Department of Labor and the Ford Foundation will fund the Maine Department of Labor in the administration of the Lifelong Learning Accounts (LiLAs) program – which provides individual asset accounts to finance education and training designed to help workers upgrade their skills. Through LiLA accounts, employers match employee contributions in a program that is similar to a 401 (k) or health insurance program – but for education and training. LiLAs are being supported by a wide range of leaders throughout the state, which forms the Maine LiLA Partnership.

The Maine program would be the largest-scale effort of its kind in the country.

“An educated and well-trained workforce is key to the economic prosperity of Maine,” said Maine Labor Commissioner, Laura Fortman. “As technology and globalization continues to change the types of jobs in our economy and the way we do work, this initiative provides opportunities for adult workers upgrade and adapt their skills so that they can remain a competitive part of our workforce.”

“We are excited about the potential of this program in Maine, which we think can be another strong example of how Lifelong Learning Accounts can work around the country,” says Pamela Tate, President & CEO of the Council for Adult & Experiential Learning (CAEL), which organized a multi-site LiLA demonstration project with support from the Ford Foundation, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, and several other funders. “In most cases, public policy is more likely to address the needs of the unemployed for new jobs. Many workers, though, don’t qualify for these programs. The LiLA program will show how we can bring lifelong learning within the reach of people already in the workforce.”

The new grant will enable the state of Maine to position its public workforce system to scale up LiLAs on a statewide basis while meeting employer needs at the same time. The Maine program targets a group of people – lower-wage employees who are in the workforce and want to learn new skills – that often falls between the cracks when it comes to worker training and education.

A range of key stakeholders that form the Maine LiLA Partnership are working together to support and expand the program, including the Maine Finance Authority, the State Treasurer, Maine Centers for Women Work and Community, the Compact for Education, and representatives from trade associations, local workforce boards, community-based organizations, community colleges, and the university system.

A prominent feature of the Maine initiative will be the CareerCenter, a network of 23 centers across the state providing a range of employment services to employers, workers, and jobseekers. CareerCenter staff will be working with trade associations to engage in employer outreach activities. The initiative is designed to expand the services of the CareerCenter, which already offers career development and business service approaches, to better meet the needs of incumbent workers who need new skills and information to compete in the economy.

Targeted sectors The targeted sectors for this program will include Information Technology, Precision Manufacturing, and Hospitality, which have been identified by Governor Baldacci’s Economic Development Plan and the U.S. Department of Labor as high-growth sectors of the economy.
 Information Technology: Employment in this sector is projected to grow by 38.6% by 2010, adding over 3,300 jobs.  Hospitality: As the largest employment sector in the state, this sector is directly responsible for 77,000 jobs. The sector is expected to grow by 10.9% by 2010, adding nearly 5,400 jobs.  Precision Manufacturing: As the face of manufacturing changes in Maine, many of the new opportunities are in the areas of precision or niche manufacturing, where the frequent use of cutting edge technology necessitates a highly-skilled workforce.

Growing support for LiLAs around nation News about the Department of Labor and the Ford Foundation grants comes at a time when there is growing support for LiLAs on a national level. A new U.S. Senate bill expanding the program to 10 demonstration states could also be introduced in the current session.

The Maine LiLA Partnership is among a number of state-based efforts around the country that have laid the groundwork for LiLAs. LiLA policy initiatives are currently in place in Illinois, California, Oklahoma and Indiana. The LiLA demonstration programs have already enrolled more than 350 employees in specific sectors of the economy. Restaurant and catering, manufacturing, and municipal employees have benefited from the program in the ongoing demonstration.

The need for worker education figures will only grow in the coming years, research suggests. On a national level, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 15 million new jobs that require a college education will be created by 2020, but based on current attainment rates, projections show a new gain of perhaps only 3 million new workers with college credentials.

CAEL is a national non-profit organization that creates and manages effective learning strategies for working adults through partnerships with employees, higher education, government and labor. Over the last 30 years CAEL’s membership has grown to more than 600 institutions including corporations, unions and individuals, annually serving tens of thousands of learners and organizations. Headquartered in Chicago, CAEL maintains offices in Denver, Philadelphia, New York City and Connecticut. More information is available at www.cael.org

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Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 19 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287.8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

State Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman announced that the seasonally-adjusted May unemployment rate for Maine was 5.0 percent, up three-tenths of one percentage point from 4.7 percent for April, and up from 4.4 percent for May 2004.

“An increase in the number of Maine residents seeking work outweighed a slight gain in total employment, resulting in an increase of seasonally-adjusted unemployment between April and May,” said Commissioner Fortman. “Unemployment also increased over the year as an influx of jobseekers exceeded employment gains.”

While there was little change in seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs between April and May, there was a net gain of 4,800 nonfarm jobs between May 2004 and May 2005 to 618,100. The largest over-the-year gains were recorded in health care and social assistance, retail trade, leisure and hospitality services, and construction.

Other New England states reporting their seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate for May include Vermont, 3.1 percent; New Hampshire, 3.6 percent; Rhode Island, 4.5 percent; Massachusetts, 4.8 percent; and Connecticut, 5.3 percent. The adjusted national rate for May was 5.1 percent, down from 5.2 percent for April and 5.6 percent for May 2004.

The not-seasonally-adjusted Maine unemployment rate for May was 4.8 percent, down from 5.1 percent for April and up from 4.3 percent for May 2004. The unadjusted national rate was 4.9 percent for May, unchanged from April and down from 5.3 percent for May 2004. Not-seasonally-adjusted May unemployment rates for Maine counties ranged from 3.6 percent for Cumberland County to 8.7 percent for Washington County.

Not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs in Maine rose seasonally by 12,100 between April and May to 621,000 as employers started gearing up for the busy summer season. The largest gains were in accommodation and food services, construction, and retail trade.

Between May 2004 and May 2005, not-seasonally-adjusted nonfarm wage and salary jobs rose by 4,400, with the largest gains in health care and social assistance, retail trade, leisure and hospitality services, and construction. Partly offsetting the job gains, losses were recorded in manufacturing and financial activities.

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The Maine Office of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) is pleased to announce that members of Maine’s web accessibility sub-committee will be participating in a free online web conference. The web conference, titled The Collaborative Road to Maine State Web Accessibility, will cover topics ranging from the technical challenges associated with creating and maintaining accessible web pages to navigating the political landscape surrounding accessibility issues.

The Internet is one of the most important means by which Maine state government communicates with the public. As website usage continues to grow, it is critical that all websites be accessible to the broadest possible audience, including individuals with disabilities. Maine’s CIO, in conjunction with the web accessibility sub-committee, has been responsible for creating and implementing policies and standards that enhance accessibility for users of www.Maine.gov.

Richard B. Thompson, Chief Information Officer of the State of Maine said, “In Maine we view accessibility as much more than compliance with the law. Accessibility comprises a key component to website development in Maine, enhancing our design and usability. Maine’s web accessibility sub committee gives the state strong leadership and expertise as we continue our commitment to exceed accessibility standards on the web.”

The web conference will be held June 23 at 2:00 PM ET. Users may register for this free conference by visiting http://easi.cc/clinic.htm . The three members of the Maine State Web Accessibility Sub-Committee who will be presenting the conference are Ellen Wood from the Maine State Library and Chair of the Committee, Kathy Record from the Office of the CIO, and Kelly Hokkanen from InforME, the Information Resource of Maine.

InforME is the State of Maine’s private-sector partner and official web portal provider. All online services and official State of Maine web pages can be accessed from the state portal: www.Maine.gov (http://www.maine.gov/ ).

For Immediate Release
Contact: Doug Dunbar
Phone: 207-626-8404

AUGUSTA, MAINE – Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap announced on Monday that the winners of the Maine's Constitution Essay and Poster Contest for 2004-2005 are from schools in Augusta, Bangor, Waterboro and Westbrook. Winning students earned the opportunity for their class to tour the Capitol Complex and get a rare view of the state's original 1820 Constitution at the Maine State Archives in Augusta.

Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap sponsors the annual contest to promote Maine history and to emphasize the importance of democracy. Approximately 750 posters and 75 essays from schools throughout the state were submitted for consideration.

“The Maine Constitution Essay and Poster Contest encourages students to think about our state's rich history and to reflect on the significance of our democracy,” Secretary Dunlap commented. “Participating students did a terrific job. It's evident that a good deal of thought was given to the chosen topics. Everyone who submitted an entry deserves recognition and praise.”

In addition to visiting Augusta, touring state facilities and viewing Maine's rarely seen original State Constitution, winning students also received a $100 savings bond. The selected essays and posters for 2004-2005 can be seen at: http://www.maine.gov/sos/kids/fyigames/const_essay05.htm .

POSTERS, Grades K-5 Maine Symbols Category, Grades K-3 Lea Hopkins, Grade 2 Prides Corner School, Westbrook “Maine Symbols”

Maine History Category, Grades 4-5 Mitchell Wilson, Grade 5 All Saints Catholic School, Bangor "The History of Lumbering in Maine"

Essays, Grades 6-12 Maine Constitution Category, Grades 6-8 TIE: Kaila Bucklin, Grade 8 Massabesic Jr High School, Waterboro “You are a Special One!”

Colby Davis, Grade 8 Massabesic Jr High School, Waterboro “The Maine Plan”

Voting and Democracy Category, Grades 9-12 Nadia Liyanage-Don, Grade 9 Cony High School , Augusta “The Importance of Voting and Democracy”

Secretary Dunlap encourages educators in grades K-12 to take part in Maine's Constitution Essay and Poster Contest during the 2005-2006 academic year. Contest guidelines are available at http://www.maine.gov/sos/kids/fyigames/const_essay05.htm or by calling (207) 626-8400.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Doug Dunbar
Phone: 207-626-8404

AUGUSTA, MAINE – Maine’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will be closed at all locations on Monday, June 27th, to upgrade the agency’s computer system to better serve the public. BMV offices will reopen on Tuesday, June 28th.

Customers are encouraged to schedule their visits to BMV offices accordingly, and are reminded that many motor vehicle services can now be obtained online. A majority of Maine residents, for example, can now renew vehicle registrations online and many can also renew their driver’s license in this way.

Driving records, vanity plate availability searches, and duplicate licenses and ID cards can now be processed online as well. These motor vehicle services and many others are available at http://www.maine.gov/sos .

For Immediate Release
Contact: Matthew Dunlap

The City of Biddeford has launched Rapid Renewal, the Department of the Secretary of State’s online service for the renewal of motor vehicle registrations. Residents of Biddeford now join the hundreds of thousands of Maine citizens who can renew their vehicle registrations online, at anytime of the day, from the comfort and convenience of their homes or offices. Rapid Renewal is a groundbreaking e-commerce service that allows citizens to conduct business with municipal government and state government in one seamless online transaction. The service has gained national acclaim and has been enthusiastically embraced by Mainers. While municipal participation in Rapid Renewal is optional, the service has quickly grown to include 81 municipalities, and more than 100,000 transactions have been processed.

“Biddeford joins a long and growing list of Maine communities choosing to provide their residents with the convenience of Rapid Renewal,” stated Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap. “I encourage nonparticipating towns to follow the leadership of Biddeford and the many other participating municipalities. As budget conscious municipal leaders seek new ways to provide efficient and convenient services, I’m confident Rapid Renewal will become available to an increasing number of Maine citizens.”

The 81 municipalities currently offering Rapid Renewal comprise more than half of the Maine’s population. The service is being offered by municipalities from York County to Aroostook County, with populations ranging from Caswell’s 326 citizens to Portland’s 64,249. Through Rapid Renewal citizens are able to renew their vehicle registrations and pay their municipal excise taxes online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s quick, and it’s easy.

Rapid Renewal may be accessed through http://www.biddefordmaine.org or http://www.sosonline.org , the Department of the Secretary of State’s site for online services. Rapid Renewal is currently available in Arundel, Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Bath, Berwick, Biddeford, Bowdoinham, Brewer, Brownfield, Brunswick, Buxton, Cape Elizabeth, Casco, Caswell, Chelsea, China, Corinna, Cumberland, Dayton, Dover-Foxcroft, East Millinocket, Fairfield, Falmouth, Farmington, Fort Fairfield, Fort Kent, Freeport, Gardiner, Gorham, Gray, Greene, Greenwood, Hermon, Holden, Jay, Jefferson, Kennebunk, Lamoine, Levant, Lewiston, Limestone, Lincolnville, Madison, Manchester, New Gloucester, North Yarmouth, Norway, Old Orchard Beach, Palermo, Patten, Phippsburg, Portland, Raymond, Richmond, Saco, Sanford, Sangerville, Scarborough, Shapleigh, Skowhegan, South Berwick, South Portland, Standish, Topsham, Vassalboro, Veazie, Waterboro, Waterville, Wells, Westbrook, Westport, Whitefield, Windham, Winslow, Winterport, Winthrop, Wiscasset, Woolwich, Yarmouth, and York.

Municipal officials who would like more information about participating in Rapid Renewal and offering this service to residents in their community may contact John Smith in the Department of the Secretary of State at 626-8400 or by email at sos.office@maine.gov.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Matthew Dunlap

The Town of Brownfield has launched Rapid Renewal, the Department of the Secretary of State’s online service for the renewal of motor vehicle registrations. Residents of Brownfield now join the hundreds of thousands of Maine citizens who can renew their vehicle registrations online, at anytime of the day, from the comfort and convenience of their homes or offices. Rapid Renewal is a groundbreaking e-commerce service that allows citizens to conduct business with municipal government and state government in one seamless online transaction. The service has gained national acclaim and has been enthusiastically embraced by Mainers. While municipal participation in Rapid Renewal is optional, the service has quickly grown to include 81 municipalities, and more than 100,000 transactions have been processed.

“Brownfield joins a long and growing list of Maine communities choosing to provide their residents with the convenience of Rapid Renewal,” stated Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap. “I encourage nonparticipating towns to follow the leadership of Brownfield and the many other participating municipalities. As budget conscious municipal leaders seek new ways to provide efficient and convenient services, I’m confident Rapid Renewal will become available to an increasing number of Maine citizens.”

The 81 municipalities currently offering Rapid Renewal comprise more than half of the Maine’s population. The service is being offered by municipalities from York County to Aroostook County, with populations ranging from Caswell’s 326 citizens to Portland’s 64,249. Through Rapid Renewal citizens are able to renew their vehicle registrations and pay their municipal excise taxes online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s quick, and it’s easy.

Rapid Renewal may be accessed through http://www.sosonline.org , the Department of the Secretary of State’s site for online services. Rapid Renewal is currently available in Arundel, Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Bath, Berwick, Biddeford, Bowdoinham, Brewer, Brownfield, Brunswick, Buxton, Cape Elizabeth, Casco, Caswell, Chelsea, China, Corinna, Cumberland, Dayton, Dover-Foxcroft, East Millinocket, Fairfield, Falmouth, Farmington, Fort Fairfield, Fort Kent, Freeport, Gardiner, Gorham, Gray, Greene, Greenwood, Hermon, Holden, Jay, Jefferson, Kennebunk, Lamoine, Levant, Lewiston, Limestone, Lincolnville, Madison, Manchester, New Gloucester, North Yarmouth, Norway, Old Orchard Beach, Palermo, Patten, Phippsburg, Portland, Raymond, Richmond, Saco, Sanford, Sangerville, Scarborough, Shapleigh, Skowhegan, South Berwick, South Portland, Standish, Topsham, Vassalboro, Veazie, Waterboro, Waterville, Wells, Westbrook, Westport, Whitefield, Windham, Winslow, Winterport, Winthrop, Wiscasset, Woolwich, Yarmouth, and York.

Municipal officials who would like more information about participating in Rapid Renewal and offering this service to residents in their community may contact John Smith in the Department of the Secretary of State at 626-8400 or by email at sos.office@maine.gov.

Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 19 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287.8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

South Paris- In an effort to link regional logging employers with business resources at the state and local level, the Western Maine Forest Resource Training Consortium has partnered with the Maine Department of Labor to sponsor a Business Visitation Program (BVP) in Western Maine.

BVP is an economic development and expansion program aimed at strengthening existing businesses and helping them grow. The program will enlist volunteer visitors to interview employers in the logging industry about the individual needs of their business, and link them with a variety of no-cost programs and services that can help. Assistance can range from financial and technological planning, to locating appropriate labor training programs.

“Eighty percent of all jobs created in our economy are in businesses that are already here,” said Maine Labor Commissioner, Laura Fortman. “The Business Visitation Program helps existing employers remain competitive in the economy and helps foster a climate where jobs are created.”

“This is an exciting opportunity for the logging industry,” said Al Schaeffer, forestry and wood harvesting instructor at Oxford Hills Technical School. “By better understanding the challenges faced by businesses, and the resources available to help, we are ensuring sustained growth and prosperity in this profession for years to come.”

Participating businesses aren’t asked for proprietary information. Surveys concentrate on business or workforce issues faced by employers, and can be conducted in person, or by mail. Any and all participation is welcome.

The BVP task force kickoff was held June 7 at SAPPI and was well attended by logging business and industry leaders. The next meeting will be June 28th where survey questions will be developed based on the program goals.

For more information about the BVP, to have your business included, or to find out about being a volunteer visitor, please call Ed Upham at the Maine Department of Labor at 207-624-6388, (TTY: 1-888-313-9400) or email: ed.upham@maine.gov.

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Contact: Dan Gwadosky
Phone: 287-3721

Maine State Lottery Director Dan Gwadosky announced today that the Lottery has launched a new game called Tri-State Triple Play which will replace the Heads or Tails game. Triple Play tickets went on sale Sunday, June 26th and the first drawing will be held on Tuesday, June 28th.

Gwadosky explained that, “Tri-State Triple Play tickets cost $2 each. Players may pick 5 numbers from a field of 1 through 45 or may choose “Easy Pick”.
In addition to the five numbers picked, the player will automatically receive two additional sets of five numbers for a total of three sets of five numbers on one ticket. The all-cash rolling jackpot starts at $30,000 and keeps on growing until someone wins! There are two ways to play and nine ways to win with Triple Play. Draw days will be Tuesday and Friday. Draw time will be 6:50 p.m.” Gwadosky said, “Mainers can learn more about this exciting game by viewing a special online “Demo” that can be found on the Lottery’s web site: http://www.mainelottery.com/games/tripleplay-video.html

According to Lottery officials, this year the Lottery will return $130 million dollars back to Mainers in prize winnings. An additional $15 million dollars in commissions is paid annually to more than 1400 Lottery agents across the state.

The Maine Lottery was established in 1974 by Maine voters in a statewide referendum

For Immediate Release
Contact: Doug Dunbar
Phone: 624-8404

Maine Constitution Requires a Stay of Law

AUGUSTA, MAINE - Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap announced that petitions were filed with Maine’s Division of Elections at 3:40 p.m. on Tuesday to force a People’s Veto referendum on the recently passed anti-discrimination law. Supporters of the People’s Veto effort indicate that approximately 57,000 signatures have been submitted. Petitions containing the valid signatures of 50,519 registered Maine voters were required by 5:00 p.m. Tuesday in order to put this issue on the ballot in November.

The Constitution of Maine (Article IV. Part Third. Section 17. Subsection 2) requires a stay of the law in question pending determination of the petitions’ validity. Filing of signatures to force a People's Veto referendum has the effect of suspending the Act in question. The Secretary of State has 30 days after the filing deadline to determine the validity of the petitions.

If the signature requirement is not met, the Act in question takes effect the day following that determination. If the requirement is met, the Governor must issue a proclamation sending the measure to referendum. In that event, the effect of the Act is stayed pending the outcome of the referendum vote.

"Our next step is to review these petitions, page by page, to determine if there are sufficient signatures to send this issue to the voters," Secretary of State Dunlap commented. “We will work carefully, but expeditiously, to complete this process in the coming days.”

Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 19 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287.8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

Augusta- Some Maine businesses have been receiving official looking notices soliciting employers to purchase labor posters that are otherwise available for free from State Government. One such notice warns companies that in order to avoid significant fines, criminal liability, and civil penalties, they should order a new set of labor posters at a cost of $54.50.

Although the misleading notices are not illegal, Maine Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman wants Maine employers to know that they can obtain the same labor posters for free through the Business Answers program of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development.

“State and federal laws do require all employers to post certain labor law notices, but employers are not required to pay for them,” said Commissioner Fortman.

To request a package free labor posters, employers are encouraged to call the Business Answers program at 1-800-872-3838 or 624-9818 (in-state), 1-800-541-5872 (out-of-state), or TTY: 1-800-794-1110.

Employers may also download many of these posters from the internet. Posters obtained in this fashion will fulfill the posting requirements of the law. Further information is available on the web at: http://www.maine.gov/labor/bls/posters .

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Adam Fisher, Assistant to the Commissioner Maine Department of Labor 19 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333 TEL 207.287.8634 / FAX 207.287.5292

Augusta- The Portland and Lewiston CareerCenters are stepping up efforts this month to recruit, screen, and refer job seekers for job opportunities providing direct support services for people with disabilities.

Direct support professionals work with people with a wide range of special needs to help them be more independent in their homes and communities and have a better quality of life.

A nationwide shortage of direct support professionals has led to a gap between the number of service providers and customers in need of support services.

To help employers find and retain direct support staff the Maine Department of Labor and the Maine Association for Community Service Providers are working together to educate job seekers about careers as direct support professionals. A recruitment effort is currently underway at the Portland and Lewiston CareerCenters, and the initiative will be expanded to other CareerCenters in the future.

The project is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor and the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR).

Individuals interested in learning more about career opportunities and job qualifications for direct support professionals should visit the Portland or Lewiston CareerCenters, or contact the CareerCenter hotline at 1-888-457-8883 or TTY: 1-888-313-9400.

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For Immediate Release
Contact: Matthew Dunlap
Phone: 626-8400

The Town of Eliot has launched Rapid Renewal, the Department of the Secretary of State’s online service for the renewal of motor vehicle registrations. Residents of Eliot now join the hundreds of thousands of Maine citizens who can renew their vehicle registrations online, at anytime of the day, from the comfort and convenience of their homes or offices. Rapid Renewal is a groundbreaking e-commerce service that allows citizens to conduct business with municipal government and state government in one seamless online transaction. The service has gained