22 Oct Midcoast News 10-22

A hard rain is gonna fall

The National Weather Service tells us that we in Maine are in the bullseye of a Nor’easter expected to dump four inches of rain on the entire state before it leaves on Friday, and a flood watch is in effect on the Midcoast until midnight. And unlike the storm in mid-August that dumped several inches of rain over a few hours, this will linger off the coast for several days. A spokeswoman for the Maine Emergency Management Agency says the state is prepared to deal with whatever hazards the storm might bring.

A debate about the great outdoors

In Freeport, they are trying to figure out how to best manage and regulate open spaces. After recent town council approval of a so-called active living plan, including proposals for development of trails, bike paths and more, the town council has delayed the establishment of a proposed active living committee. That has some residents concerned–they are worried about the recommendations in the plan slipping away and being forgotten about.

Closing Arguments

In Auburn, closing pitches from the three candidates for governor in yet another televised debate–this one a little less heated than some of the others. But there were some notable moments, such as when Democrat Mike Michaud faulted Governor LePage for remarking in the last debate that people earning 100 thousand dollars a year are not all that rich. For his part, LePage said that 100 thousand dollars does not mean wealthy, but he also clarified his interpretation, applying that figure to a household with two adults raising two college students and paying for their education.