PRESS RELEASE
February 28, 2011
GrowSmart Maine
309 Cumberland Avenue
Suite 202
Portland, ME 04101
207-699-4330
CONTACT: Kimberly Ballard
Testimony of Nancy Smith, Executive Director of GrowSmart Maine
in favor of LD 344,
“An Act to Authorize Cumberland County to Offer Certain Educational Services”
February 28, 2011
Senator Thomas, Representative Cotta and members of the Joint Standing Committee on State and Local Government. My name is Nancy Smith and I am the Executive Director of GrowSmart Maine. As many of you know from our previous interactions with the committee, GrowSmart Maine is a statewide non-profit membership-based organization working to grow Maine's economy, protect its distinctive character, and enhance our state's quality places. I regret that previously scheduled commitments prevent me or other GrowSmart Maine representatives to present this testimony at today’s Public Hearing for LD 344.
As a part of our commitment to strengthening Maine’s economy, GrowSmart Maine is particularly enthusiastic about well grounded, thoughtful and creative proposals which seek to grow the economy in a sustainable manner while at the same time preserving our state’s unique character and quality of place.
Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of our government is a key component of this effort. GrowSmart Maine commissioned Charting Maine’s Future in 2006, and in 2010, sponsored Reinventing Maine Government as a companion report, expanding on the recommendation within Charting Maine’s Future to trim government.
We know that this bill is one of several proposals focused on improving government efficiency. I understand that an amendment will be proposed to create the opportunity for all counties to provide services to municipalities within its jurisdiction. LD 587 and LD 345 also hold promise, and we hope the committee will take the best from each proposal, and create legislation that will truly empower Maine’s county government to take on a more effective role throughout the state.
Thank you for the opportunity to present these remarks. Please feel free to contact me with any questions regarding GrowSmart Maine’s support for
LD 344.
Testimony of Nancy Smith, Executive Director of GrowSmart Maine
in favor of LD 345,
“An Act to Modernize the Functions of County Government”
February 28, 2011
Senator Thomas, Representative Cotta and members of the Joint Standing Committee on State and Local Government. My name is Nancy Smith and I am the Executive Director of GrowSmart Maine. As many of you know from our previous interactions with the committee, GrowSmart Maine is a statewide non-profit membership-based organization working to grow Maine's economy, protect its distinctive character, and enhance our state's quality places. I regret that previously scheduled commitments prevent me or other GrowSmart Maine representatives to present this testimony at today’s Public Hearing for LD 345.
As a part of our commitment to strengthening Maine’s economy, GrowSmart Maine is particularly enthusiastic about well grounded, thoughtful and creative proposals which seek to grow the economy in a sustainable manner while at the same time preserving our state’s unique character and quality of place.
Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of our government is a key component of this effort. GrowSmart Maine commissioned Charting Maine’s Future in 2006, and in 2010, sponsored Reinventing Maine Government as a companion report, expanding on the recommendation within Charting Maine’s Future to trim government.
We know that this bill is one of several proposals focused on improving government effectiveness by empowering Maine’s counties. LD 587 and LD 344 also hold promise, and we hope the committee will take the best from each proposal, and create legislation that will truly empower Maine’s county government to take on a more productive role throughout the state.
Thank you for the opportunity to present these remarks.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions regarding GrowSmart Maine’s support for LD 345.
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