Moody to Continue Policies that Led to Weak Economic Growth

Westbrook, MAINE - According to a report by the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis, Maine is lagging in economic growth yet again for the first quarter of this year when compared to neighboring New England states and the nation as a whole. The Portland Press Herald reported that in addition to a sluggish start in 2018, last year the state’s gross domestic product grew by just 1.4 percent, below the national growth rate of 2.1 percent and the New England regional growth rate of 1.6 percent.

A related Press Herald report noted that “none of Maine’s four candidates for governor was surprised by the state’s slow economic growth…”. But if Shawn Moody is not surprised by the paltry economic growth, then why has he pledged to continue the same policies that haven’t improved it? Maine Democratic Party Chairman Phil Bartlett issued the following statement in response:

                “Since day one of his campaign, Shawn Moody has been praising the economic policies of the current Administration and pledging to carry them on as governor even though it’s abundantly clear they’re not effectively growing Maine’s economy. Maine can no longer afford to continue to do the same things we’ve been doing. We can no longer afford to have anemic economic growth that leaves Maine people behind.

       “It’s time for a new approach and a better direction – and Janet Mills is the leader who will deliver it. As governor, she will work to train and educate skilled workers, improve Maine’s infrastructure including broadband internet and cellphone coverage, lower health care costs, and attract new businesses and jobs to the state.

       “The choice is clear this election: continue to do the same old thing with Shawn Moody or move Maine in a new, better direction with Janet Mills.”

Shawn Moody has been adamant that he would continue the policies of Paul LePage, as he spoke glowingly of LePage. Last month, with his former primary competitors and Republican state legislators it his side, Moody made it clear that his intention is to continue the policies of Governor Lepage, pledging to “move Maine forward on the foundation Governor Lepage and Republicans have laid.”

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