In the News
Panel endorses pick for education commissioner
… Bowen lacks the management experience that’s needed for the job, said Sen. Justin Alfond, D-Portland. “There is nothing in his background that illustrates he has the leadership skills needed to pull off his very ambitious agenda,” Alfond said in an interview after the vote. … Read more at the Portland Press Herald.
Divided panel endorses LePage’s education pick
… Sen. Justin Alfond, D-Portland, the ranking Democrat on the Education Committee, posed the toughest questions for Bowen. Alfond said Bowen had spent four years writing more than 30 white papers that “ridiculed” the department he could soon be heading. “You’ve spent four years beating up on the fifth floor (DOE headquarters),” Alfond said. “Now...
Maine Committee Splits on State House Security Measure
… But Sen. Justin Alfond, a Portland Democrat, says nothing should be done until a study has been completed of both the State House and the adjoining office building. He says leaders should not require the installation of equipment they have no intention of staffing. The issue now goes to all 10 legislative leaders to...
Gov talks Maine pensions in weekend address
… In the Democratic response, Sen. Justin Alfond of Portland says the Governor’s proposal to cut $524 million from public employees’ and school teachers’ pensions is unfair. Alfond says thousands of working Maine families will suffer as a consequence of those cuts. … Read more at NECN.
LePage Taps Conservative Policy Analyst for State’s Top Education Post
… “I look forward to a close examination of Steve’s work, both here in the Legislature and also in his most recent job at the Maine Heritage Policy Center,” says state Sen. Justin Alfond. Alfond says he is interested in learning more about Bowen’s plans for the Edcuation Department. The Portland lawmaker serves on the...
Maine governor presents 2-year budget highlights
… Sen. Justin Alfond of Portland, the assistant Senate Democratic leader, dismissed much of LePage’s address as “a lot of sound bites” and a rehash of campaign rhetoric. … Read more at CNBC.com
