How Ed got the job - one version...The first half of this older Opinion piece discusses said election:
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seacoastonline.comOpinionI'll serve with enthusiasm until Dec. 3By Christopher W. Babbidge
July 31, 2008 2:00 AMA very deliberate process led me to the difficult decision to decline the nomination of my party for a third term in the state legislature.
I have a long list of good reasons to both stay in the race and to withdraw, but, after looking at the numbers and considering consequences to me and my family of another term of service, personal considerations take priority. I can't express how appreciative I am to those who have offered their support these past four years, and I have always been cognizant of the honor and responsibility bestowed upon me by the good citizens of Kennebunk. I will serve with enthusiasm until the new legislature takes the oath of office on Dec. 3.
Meanwhile, a wonderful example of American democracy took place at the Kennebunk Town Hall on July 24. Kudos to Democratic Town Chair Dan McGarry and his executive committee for running an outstanding meeting to pick a new nominee to run as the Democratic candidate for House District 141.
State law provides that, if the deadline is met to get a replacement name on the ballot for the fall election, the local political committee, or committees if the district encompasses more than one municipality, may have a special meeting of district citizens to choose a new nominee. In less than 24 hours of my notifying the officers of my decision, we had three outstanding candidates throw their hats in the ring: John Burrows, Kaitlyn Cunningham, and Ed Legg.
I thoroughly enjoyed the event as the candidates included two excellent former students, each from a different generation, and the third candidate is a good friend. Each candidate spoke with poise, knowledge, and confidence. The evening of important discussion finally came to an end when a majority made their choice by written ballot. With 3 ½ months to go before the general election, we have an outstanding new Democratic nominee, Ed Legg.
Water proposal
The tabling of this matter permits a calm, deliberative educational process to assess proper use of the Branch Brook watershed and underlying aquifer for the future.
I have met, by invitation, with both representatives of Poland Spring and with the steering committee of Save Our H2O.
My column seemed to be answered, with the same Coleridge reference and all, by the esteemed former state geologist Walter Anderson, who wrote an op-ed piece to the Press Herald explaining that, as far as the science is concerned, there should be plenty of water in the aquifer to accommodate Poland Spring. My questions, however, were much more specific.
Since the mid-19th century, Poland Spring has been a good Maine company. But its purchase by Nestle Waters, and Nestle's uneven history, and its use of the Maine brand for worldwide distribution of increasing amounts of Maine groundwater, have brought new concerns. And its not mother nature's impact of the aquifer, but the long-term impact of human activity that has people concerned.
Meanwhile, the local citizens of the Save Our H2O organization are continuing to meet, gather facts, and network. Renown Canadian activist Maude Barlow was invited and appeared at York County Community College to discuss water issues around the country, and Nestle Waters North America in particular. At the steering Committee meeting I felt full disclosure was necessary, that during session at the State House, on my way to the Natural Resources Committee after a morning in the House chamber, a stop at the cafeteria to pick up a chicken salad wrap and a bottle of Poland Spring water was my daily regimen.
Despite Maine being a modified absolute dominion state, we do regulate water use, including in-stream flows, surface water levels, and groundwater withdrawal in organized areas. The existing law is the culmination of much work at the state level, and, regarding protection of the public interest, we are ahead of many states.
But Poland Spring's venture into a public/private partnership is breaking new ground here. During my meeting with Poland Spring, they expressed belief that many of my concerns would be addressed by the Department of Environmental Protection during the permitting stage after this deal was agreed upon.
But it doesn't appear to be that simple. According to my state sources, if Poland Spring extracts water from a well on KKWWD land, it's KKWWD water, and since KKWWD water is not solely being used for bottling, it's covered by chapter 587 of the DEP rules, but is not covered by the Natural Resources Protection Act. If a well is on Poland Spring land, the NRPA applies, but the bulk water transport law enforced by the Drinking Water Program at DHHS does not. All of this warrants another look at how Maine's rules, and/or law, should be updated.
Christopher W. Babbidge is a Kennebunk resident and represents House District 141.Copyright © 2010 Seacoast Media Group, a subsidiary of Dow Jones Local Media Group.