Down East Notes

The Portland metro area posted the second-largest population increase in New England during the past year, the U.S. Census Bureau reported. The Portland metro area grew by 3,189 people  – an increase of 0.61 percent. Among the 14 New England metro areas, only Boston posted a bigger percentage increase, growing 0.73 percent.

Bangor Daily News -  In the last few years, New Yorkers from the city’s trendiest borough, Brooklyn, have migrated to Portland and Cumberland County in waves. They’re coming for jobs, for the connection to nature Maine affords and for better schools. And their arrival is changing the city’s creative community and upping its food scene... The welcoming committee known as 2 Degrees Portland is a city initiative designed to acclimate newcomers to Portland.

Gov. Paul LePage said this week that he plans to personally review and choose conservation and public easement projects before funding them with voter-approved bonds.
His announcement has been met with dismay by land trusts and private landowners uncertain what criteria LePage plans to use in judging projects that have already received approval by a state board.

Schools will have to hold lockdown drills under a new Maine law.

Reminder: Line 1 on your Maine income tax form is the Clean Election check-off. Check the box and send three dollars into the Maine Clean Election Fund. It won’t raise your tax bill or reduce your refund, but it will help fund the clean election system.