The controversy with the mural at the Maine Department of Labor continues to share the national spotlight with a mention on the Colbert Report last night:
Paul LePage
LePage’s sudden removal of mural spurs outrage
AUGUSTA — It’s not clear if Gov. Paul LePage’s decision to suddenly remove a disputed worker mural from the Department of Labor was designed to pre-empt additional protests and force the Portland City Council to accept the piece. But if that was indeed the governor’s plan, the effort appears to be failing on both fronts. […]
Man faces charges for alleged threats against Gov. LePage
PORTLAND — A 50-year-old Portland man is facing federal charges for allegedly sending anonymous letters threatening to kill Gov. Paul LePage. Michael Thomas is scheduled to have a bail hearing Wednesday on charges of mailing threatening communications. Citing court documents, the Portland Press Herald said Thomas allegedly wrote that LePage was the “devil” and that […]
LePage removes labor mural over the weekend
Editor’s note: Story updated at 1:20 p.m. New material in bold. AUGUSTA — Last week a spokesman for Gov. Paul LePage said the disputed mural at the state Department of Labor would remain there until the administration found a new home. Apparently the administration has had a change of heart. The 36-foot mural depicting historical […]
Labor mural may move to Portland City Hall
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A mural depicting the history of the labor movement that was ordered removed from a Maine state office building is going to take up residence at Portland City Hall. Gov. Paul LePage incensed union officials when he ordered the removal of the 36-foot mural from the lobby of the building that […]
Gov. LePage delays creation of business advisory councils after criticism
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine Gov. Paul LePage is delaying his plan to form a business advisory council following criticism of his decision to exempt the panel from the state’s open meetings law. By executive order, LePage exempted the council from the state’s Freedom of Access law. He also planned to create additional panels to […]
Maine Dept. of Labor mural controversy mentioned on Daily Show
Gov. Paul LePage again made the national spotlight in Comedy Central’s The Daily Show as part of a segment about how “the relationship between Republican governors and their states goes from cool new boyfriend to psychotic stepdad.” LePage made the middle of the segment, called Gov Hurts, where Stewart said he “earned the world’s worst […]
Maine again in national spotlight following LePage’s order to remove labor mural
Maine Gov. Paul LePage is again attracting national and international attention after his order to remove a mural depicting the history of the state’s labor movement. National news outlets such as The New York Times, NPR, CNN, USA Today and Politico ran news stories about the controversy on Wednesday and Thursday, and the move was […]
LePage orders removal of labor mural, sparking outcry
AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage has ordered the removal of a 36-foot mural depicting Maine’s labor history from the lobby of the Department of Labor. Worker advocates described the move as a “mean-spirited” provocation amid the administration’s high-tension standoff with unions. Acting labor chief Laura Boyett emailed staff Tuesday about the mural’s pending removal, as […]
Gov. Paul LePage brings TV cameras into Blaine House
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Known for speaking his mind, Gov. Paul LePage is launching a TV show to help get his message across to Mainers without any interference from the State House press corps. “Inside the Blaine House,” to be posted online and aired on Time Warner Cable, will represent an opportunity for the governor […]