Raye, Soctomah Decry Governor’s Refusal to Meet with Washington County Delegation before Veto of Racino

For Immediate Release

April 26, 2007

AUGUSTA – Senator Kevin Raye, of Perry, and Passamaquoddy Representative Donald Soctomah have blasted Governor Baldacci for his refusal to meet with the bipartisan Washington County delegation to the Legislature. The lawmakers hoped to discuss the proposed Washington County Racino, which was recently approved by majorities in both the State Senate and House of Representatives.

Despite bipartisan support in the Legislature, the backing of the Passamaquoddy Tribe and the economic stimulation Washington County expects from the Racino, the Governor has vowed to veto the legislation. Raye, Soctomah, and other lawmakers had hoped the Governor would meet with them to explain the benefits of the measure before he follows through on his public declaration of opposition, an offer he has refused to consider. The Governor also refused meetings with leaders of the Passamaquoddy Tribe to discuss the issue.

The Governor’s refusal to meet with lawmakers has surprised and disappointed Sen. Raye, the sponsor of the proposed Racino. “Strong majorities of both chambers of the Legislature have now voted in support of the Washington County Racino,” the Senator explained. “With 23 members of the Senate, 84 members of the House of Representatives, and more than 50,000 Maine citizens on record in support of this citizen-initiated legislation, it is astonishing that the Governor refused requests by both the Washington County legislative delegation and the Passamaquoddy Tribal Leadership to meet with him before he issued a veto.”

The Governor has agreed to meet to discuss the Racino next week, after his expected veto; an offer recognized by the legislators and tribal representatives as a meaningless effort to pacify his critics. “Unfortunately, the offer to meet after the veto comes as scant comfort,” said Sen. Raye. “As the Bangor Daily News pointed out in its endorsement of the Racino, this action by the Governor [issuing a veto] threatens to open the wounds of the Two Maines fracture, and issue that has done more harm to Maine than gambling ever could. And, as the Portland Press Herald noted in its recent change of heart on the issue, it is very troubling to deny Maine’s Native Americans the same opportunity being afforded an out-of-state company at Hollywood Slots.”

With the Governor’s veto, Racino plans will remain in limbo until voters are forced to weigh in on the issue on a November ballot. “While the Governor’s action connoted an insensitivity and disrespect to both Washington County and the Passamaquoddy people, I believe Maine voters will be more sympathetic to the Passamaquoddys and a part of Maine that sorely needs an economic lift,” said Sen. Raye.

The Passamaquoddy Tribal Leadership also expressed their disappointment with the Governor because of his refusal. “The Tribal Leadership requested an audience with the Governor before his veto to explain our commitment to the passage of this legislation, and our commitment to bringing it to fruition,” Rep. Soctomah explained. “We also wanted to urge him to follow the actions of the committee of jurisdiction and the full House and Senate and allow the measure to become law. Far too often, a blind eye is turned towards Maine’s native people, especially on our efforts to promote economic development. Tribal Leadership is enormously disappointed that the Governor refused to honor our meeting request before the veto, but we trust that the people of Maine will show us fairness in the referendum to come.”

Sen. Raye represents Senate District 29, which includes all of Washington County and parts of Hancock and Penobscot counties. He can be reached in Augusta at 287-1505, in Perry at 853-9406, or by e-mail at senatorraye@downeast.net.

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