Gov. Janet Mills campaigns for presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday at Meadowview Park in Lewiston. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal
Gov. Janet Mills is not weighing in on a statewide referendum to change the state flag, saying it’s a personal decision that every Mainer must make for themselves.
In her weekly radio address, Mills said she’s supporting all three of the bond proposals on the ballot. They include Question 2, a $25 million bond for research and development; Question 3, a $10 million bond to restore historic community buildings; and Question 4, a $30 million bond to design, develop and maintain multi-use trails across the state.
When it comes to the flag referendum, which is Question 5, Mills has consistently stayed out of the debate.
Advertisement
The current state flag features the state seal on a blue field. If approved by voters, it would be replaced with a modernized version of the Pine Tree flag that the state used from 1901 to 1909. The proposed flag would feature a pine tree with 16 boughs, representing each county, and blue star on a tan field.
The proposal was made to the ballot through a Democratic bill that was subject to emotional debate in both chambers.
Mills allowed the measure to go to voters without her signature.
“Finally,” Mills says in her radio address, “some folks have asked me how I’ll be voting on Question 5, which is the flag issue. I know that’s an issue on the top of everyone’s minds, but you know what? It’s up to you to decide that, and I’m not going to try to influence the vote.
“State flags are a source of great pride, and however the vote turns out, I hope we can all support the outcome as a symbol of the State of Maine.”
Advertisement
While she explained that she isn’t taking a position either way on the flag referendum, Mills did not address the only remaining ballot question.
Question 1 would set a $5,000 on contributions to political action committees that advocate for the election or defeat of a candidate. Contributions to PACs controlled by a political party and ballot question committees would not be included and could continue to receive unlimited contributions from individuals or groups.
Maine would be the first state to pass such a law, since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Citizens United vs. the FEC, which unleashed unfettered spending on political races as a form of free speech. Advocates for Question 1 expect it will be challenged in court if passed by voters.
When asked why Mills didn’t address Question 1 in her address, her aides pointed to Mills’ statement that she doesn’t “feel the need to speak to every question.”
WHAT’S ON THE BALLOT
Advertisement
• Question 1: Capping contributions to certain political action committees • Question 2: A $25 million research-and-development bond • Question 3: A $10 million bond for historic buildings • Question 4: A historic $30 million bond to repair and restore trails • Question 5: At long last, Mainers could vote for a new state flag
Find more election coverage at pressherald.com/election-2024
Max McClung scored 12 of his 33 points in the fourth quarter, and the Windy City Bulls went on a 15-2 run in the fourth quarter to pull away for a 121-106 win over the Maine Celtics in an NBA G League game Friday night at the Portland Expo.
Kevin Knox II added 30 points, 21 in the second half.
Amari Williams led the Celtics with 26 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Jalen Bridges made six 3-pointers and finished with 22 points, but the Celtics dropped to 2-8 in their last 10 games. Maine has lost four straight games at the Expo.
Press Herald sports writers nominate high school athletes from the prior week’s games.
Readers vote for their top choice and the winner will be announced in the newspapers the following Sunday all season long!
Advertisement
You are able to gift 5 more articles this month.
Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Learn more.
Article link sent!
An error has occurred. Please try again.
Advertisement
With a The Portland Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month.
It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. To get one, go to the subscriptions page.
Advertisement
With a The Portland Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month.
A collective of environmental, arts and Indigenous-led organizations is collaborating to produce We Are the Watershed, a two-day event aimed at reconnecting humans with nature and revitalizing the health of waterways, estuaries, and the bay in Peskotomuhkatikuk (traditional Passamaquoddy territory). Events, including theatrical performances, music, culinary experiences and an exhibition of submitted artwork, will be held on May 1 and 2 at Eastport Arts Center (EAC). A publication of written and visual works will also be released with proceeds to support conservation efforts and spreading awareness of their impacts.
Submissions sought: Written and visual works are currently sought from artists and creatives on both sides of the border across Peskotomuhkatikuk for the publication, which will be sold by donation at the May event. Proceeds from the sale will be dedicated to related community-building efforts, public engagement, and continued restoration efforts. The deadline for digital submission for the publication is April 1.
Physical works can be dropped off at EAC Sunday, April 26 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to be a part of the exhibition, which will run May 1 through 15. Artists under 18 will receive 100% of the proceeds if they opt to put their pieces up for sale during the exhibit, which will run May 1 through May 15. Artists over 18 will receive 70% of the proceeds with the remainder going toward promoting awareness of and supporting conservation efforts for the Passamaquoddy Bay.
The Eastport Arts Center
Advertisement
Every week through Apr 01, 2026. Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
