Senator Edmonds’ Remarks
Creative Economy Bond Package
Friday, February 18, 2005
We’re here today to talk about improving the quality of life in Maine with sensible investments. This combines a couple of my favorite subjects – Libraries and Legislation…
Libraries are a critical part of our communities’ information infrastructure and essential to a knowledge-based economy. They are our gateways to global research and life-long learning. However, the ability of local governments to fund public libraries, given the demands of today’s technological age, is increasingly difficult.
Many libraries are among the oldest buildings in our communities. There is no federal support for public library renovation or construction.
A current survey of libraries done in January 2005 indicates that 66 of our public libraries from all corners of the state have local construction/renovation needs. 21% of these could immediately move forward into construction if they had the necessary funding.
Clearly this shows the need for rebuilding our library infrastructure – our communities depend on strong libraries for knowledge, information, and they are essential to economic development. They are vital components of Maine’s creative economy and the quality of life that all Maine citizens deserve.
A footnote: When the New Century Community Grants Program was first funded in 2000:
· Thirty libraries applied for construction funding.
· Twenty-two of these libraries were funded for $500,000.
· This $500,000 in grant money was matched by over $10,000,000 in local funds!
Now – I’ll go forward to the bigger community picture:
In my “other” career as a librarian in Freeport, I have found that the library frequently serves as a metaphor for concerns I face as a Legislator.
The richness of the Library lies in the array of subjects people choose to read about. Many patrons head straight for the classics and often select books they have read on many previous occasions. Others, however, go to the “new books” shelf for a bestseller. That blend of the old and new keeps the Library fresh and vital.
I view Maine’s economy in much the same way. We have traditional industries that, though struggling, deserve our commitment. Maine also has superb growing opportunities for the 21st century. It is this mix that will keep Maine prosperous, while at the same time true to its heritage. For this reasons I have submitted a $25 million bond for Maine’s Creative economy.
While not a conventional investment, the lessons of North Adams, Massachusetts should open many eyes to this type of growth. After Sprague Electric closed in the 1980s, a cavernous factory stood empty, a bleak reminder of jobs lost and depression. Later, however, state funding was secured to help create the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (Mass MoCA). In the years that followed, North Adams entrepreneurs created new housing, accommodation, restaurants and a revitalized downtown for the community. While at the Blaine House Conference for the Creative Economy in Lewiston last year, North Adams Mayor John Barrett said, “Before Mass MoCA our unemployment rate was sixteen percent, now it’s five percent because of diversification and the arts. We’ve opened eight new restaurants downtown in the last 18 months.”
As we invest in Maine’s Creative Economy, we too will improve the quality of life and business climate. Investment in the creative economy is good for the Maine Economy as a whole. We enjoy an influx of new residents in part because of the ‘quality of life’ that Maine embodies. Not only our Forest and Seashores, but also our cultural assets bring and sustain growing businesses. From Historic Buildings – to Vacant Mills awaiting renovation – to local libraries, our “bricks and mortar” cultural assets abound but are in need of hard dollars to keep going as they have in the past.
There is already growth in the Creative Economy happening in the Bates Mill Complex in Lewiston, Fort Andross in Brunswick and at Johnson Hall in Gardiner – just to mention a few bright spots. With the assistance I hope to provide, this type of opportunity can be brought to the many corners of Maine.
From Libraries to Theaters, Galleries, and Community Cultural Centers, the Foundation Survey has identified over $300 million in “Bricks and Mortar” need. This $25 million dollar bond is a start.
This Bond issue and its responsible administration by the Maine Cultural Affairs Council will enrich our lives immensely in the next decade and provide infinite intangible benefits for us all!
