We hear a lot of talk about “two Maines,” but I think our real problem is that there are 400 or 500 Maines! We spend a lot of time and precious energy and resources shooting at each other – instead of getting together to compete with the rest of the world.
We live in a small state with relatively limited financial resources, yet we must compete with the whole world – a new world, where there are 50 cities in China (soon to be 80) with larger populations than the entire State of Maine. And the Chinese all want the same things that we want, for ourselves and our kids.
If we realize that we are one great state, if we invest together in our extraordinary human and natural resources, if we all protect and nurture the civic culture that makes Maine unique, and if we cooperate with each other to bring change where change is needed – then we can turn old burdens, ancient assumptions and tired equations on their heads.
If I become governor, part of my job will be to bring all of Maine together as one Maine community, with shared confidence and optimism, with one set of common interests and with one strategy for success.