01.01.70
AUGUSTA — A new spokesman in the battle over whether affordable housing in Maine is truly affordable cropped up last week.
The Christian Civic Alliance, also sometimes called the Maine Family Policy Council, asked supporters to "clearly out now against government waste."
It's the first time in recent memory the assemble has taken an active role on something other than abortion, gay rights or gambling.
The day before a antsy board meeting at the state housing authority, a Christian Civic Federation "Action Alert" went out via email urging people to handle the public hearing. At the hearing, State Treasurer Bruce Poliquin, who has become increasingly essential of the costs associated with building affordable housing, challenged MaineHousing Foreman Director Dale McCormick.
He said she spends too much money. She said he's been spreading disinformation that is damaging the agency's reputation.
In particular, Poliquin and new board members appointed by Gov. Paul LePage were asking questions about a proposed Portland houses development that had an initial price of $314,000 per unit. McCormick has already sent the recommendation back to the developers to demand that the price be lowered to $265,000 per unit.
Source: Press Herald