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Angus King on JobsIndependent Former ME Governor |
Brakey: No. Says, "Government doesn't create jobs, the free market creates jobs."
King: Yes. Says has protected "thousands of jobs" at Bath Iron Works & helped bolster & diversify ME forest economy.
Ringelstein: Yes. Lays out 7-point plan to "reignite Maine's economy," including spending for infrastructure & broadband.
Brakey: No. Will hurt the people it's intended to help.
King: Yes. Has long supported Federal increase. Not yet backing $15.
Ringelstein: Yes. Increase to $15/hour & tie to inflation.
King visited shoe factories in Madison and Skowhegan and called for continued trade protection for New Balance Athletic Shoe. "There are more than 900 jobs at stake in Maine, and it would be a terrible blow to the region and the state if these jobs are lost," said the former governor, who is running as an independent.
Cynthia Dill, the Democratic nominee, joined in afterward by issuing her own statement supporting fair trade protections for Maine workers. "There's no reason at this time to consider dropping tariffs against foreign products that compete unfairly against those produced in Maine," she said.
Summers also said New Balance and its jobs need to be protected, & that trade agreements that affect other industries need to be revisited as well. "I'm very much a supporter of free trade," Summers said. "But with companies like New Balance, you have to make sure they are able to compete."
But now we have to invite another player-Adult Ed-to the table and take the next step in a pilot project I call “Transition U.,” an initiative designed specifically for mid-career workers who are in transition and who are ready to trade the shuttle of the loom for the mouse of the computer. Transition U. [will be] light on the bricks and mortar, and no new bureaucracy, but a practical collaborative partnership with real results.