NEW GLOUCESTER – Daryl Fort carried the governor’s economic message to a symposium on ethnic harmony Tuesday, with a little insight of his own.

Fort, Gov. John Baldacci’s Community Development director, told a group of 85 that it was up to them to connect themselves to their government, no matter what ethnic heritage they claim.

Fort recalled his experiences as one of the few black men in the Maine State House 10 years ago when he worked as a legislative aide. That hasn’t changed much.

“If you want change, the people in this room have to do it,” Fort said. “I would encourage you to make your presence known. The ideas you are discussing here need to be expressed in the rotunda.”

Fort filled in for Baldacci at the Forging Critical Connections symposium Tuesday at Pineland Farms. Baldacci was attending a funeral for prominent Bangor drugstore owner Abe Miller Tuesday afternoon.

The symposium, sponsored by the United States Conference of Religions for Peace, discussed ways to build ethnic coalitions and promote economic vitality in Maine. Attendees included city officials from Lewiston and Portland, recent immigrants and religious leaders.

Speaking on Baldacci’s behalf, Fort ticked off the governor’s economic revitalization plans: Pine tree zones to encourage financial growth around the state, Dirigo Health to expand health care to the poor and needy, tax relief of citizens and a bond issue to help provide jobs.

The Rev. Bud Heckman, executive director of the conference group, said the meeting was one of a dozen scheduled around the country. Previous symposiums have discussed racial profiling in New York City, housing in Chicago and the death penalty in Washington.

“We leave it up to local organizers to select the issues they see as relevant to their community,” Heckman said.

In Maine, that issue is making new immigrants feel welcome, Heckman said. Attendees Tuesday listed problems they see in the state and a smaller group will continue discussions Wednesday and suggest solutions, Heckman said.

staylor@sunjournal.com

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