Insight - Governor LePage - Make Maine Cool - By Robert Leonard

Governor LePage was in Windham Tuesday night speaking and almost sounding like he was giving a State of the State address.

Of course I don't agree with everything he says, but then again, it would be a boring world if I did.

We heard a lot of statistics from Governor LePage; statistics that were probably very accurate, but presented in such a way to embellish the benefit or the problem. Don’t get me wrong, I embellish, you embellish, and we all embellish to defend our beliefs. What Governor LePage is, is honest - to a fault - "Tell me what you really think Governor", said no one ever. We will have to work on some of those issues where we disagree.

I like Governor LePage because I know he reads his mail - he proved that to me last night.

But let’s expand on what I think will solve all our problems (after all, this is an editorial), problems that both political parties spout and I am pretty sure both parties will agree, keep the best and the brightest here in Maine. Do this by "Making Maine Cool".

Someone needs to market to big business and bring them to Maine. That’s a great thing for small business as big business creates a lot of supporting small business. Prime the pump - seed the farm – market Maine – Get to the executives before they make their decisions. That is your job, Mr. Governor. That means marketing and selling, yes selling, to them all the time. It is my belief that every CEO in this country will take your call and meet with you. I can’t imagine anyone not taking your call, not taking your meeting.

Our brightest are not flocking to Texas because of the better paying jobs, just the opposite. Jobs are lower paying. It is not about pay, there are just a lot of jobs. California, most notably is losing jobs to Austin - where the slogan is "Keep Austin Weird." Austin is an exciting vibrant city. It’s cool.

I heard someone say Tuesday night that “… greater Portland area Democrats are doing everything they can to turn Maine into San Francisco East …" - wouldn't it be a great thing if people, when referring to the High-Tech Bay Area were talking about Casco Bay?

Governor LePage, listen to us - Let's Make Maine Cool

Do you want to bring business to Maine? - Make Maine Cool.

Do you want to create jobs in Maine? - Make Maine Cool.

Do you want to lower taxes in Maine? - Make Maine Cool.

Do you want to reduce crime in Maine? - Make Maine Cool.

Do you want to keep our smart people in Maine? - Make Maine Cool.

Do you want to keep our young people in Maine? - Make Maine Cool.

Do you want to make Maine Cool? - Make Maine Fun.

When we are done Making Maine Cool, we can change this saying to Keep Maine Cool. Governor LePage, are you listening?