Kennebec Journal - Mitchell Critical of Plan to Eliminate Environmental Board

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Senate President Libby Mitchell, the Democratic nominee for Maine governor, criticized independent candidate Eliot Cutler on Thursday for proposing to eliminate the Board of Environmental Protection if elected.

Mitchell held a press conference just before the board's hearing on a proposal to ban the sale of certain children's products that contain bisphenol-A, a chemical that some say is harmful to children.

The board is a 10-member citizen panel, appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Legislature, that interprets and enforces laws relating to environmental protection.

"I believe it's a very important piece of our democracy," Mitchell said. "Our Board of Environmental Protection gives everyday people the right to approach their government."

On Monday, Cutler released a plan to restructure government that included the elimination of the board. He argues that investors can spend "million of dollars and several years" trying to get approval from the Department of Environmental Protection and then must defend the proposal in front of the Board of Environmental Protection.

"The way it is set up now is something that sends up a red flag to anyone who wants to make a major investment in Maine," said Cutler Campaign Manager Ted O'Meara.

Instead, Cutler would create a three-judge appellate court to review decisions made by the department and other state rulemakers. O'Meara said citizens would have input as decisions are made by the department.

But Mitchell said that's not enough.

"I think a good corporation is not going to be discouraged about a public process where the issues can be discussed by ordinary citizens," she said. "To totally eliminate this opportunity for public input is unacceptable."

O'Meara said Cutler is putting out new ideas to make government work better for citizens and potential investors.

"She is the champion of the status quo in this race," he said of Mitchell. "Eliot is putting bold ideas on the table."

Mitchell and Cutler are joined by Republican Paul LePage, and independents Kevin Scott and Shawn Moody, in the Nov. 2 race for governor.

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