Excutive+State+of+Maine

The executive branch was first established at statehood in 1820. It was created by William King and he led a group of people who created a State Constitution. Also in 1820, Maine became the 23rd state to become apart of the Missouri Compromise. The executive branch is run by Paul Lepage and the branch is responsible of the laws created by the legislature and is headed by the governor.

The Governor is responsible for nominating all judicial, civil and military officers of the State. The governor is elected every four years and no individual can serve more than two consecutive terms. The departments of this branch are the most important part, some examples would be: corrections, inland fisheries and wildlife, administrative and financial services, education, and much more.

**Paul Lepage on abortion** - “As the eldest son of eighteen children, and a parent of five children, Paul knows how important it is to protect the traditional Maine values that have created strong communities and strong families across the state.While Paul is Governor, he will protect life in Maine. Paul believes that every life deserves an opportunity to grow, contribute to society, and leave their mark on the world.”

**Paul Lepage on Budget & Economy** - We all recognize that the political climate in Washington D.C. is toxic. With no solutions in sight, the Federal debt grows at such a pace that many of us question how the American Dream will ultimately survive for our children and grandchildren to experience.

Maine families are struggling. Maine families struggle to heat their homes, fill their cars with gasoline, put food on the table, and pay for health insurance.

Government has not strengthened Maine families with more income, opportunity, or reducing the cost of living. Instead government has taken more and more of our family's hard working income away to serve some people's political and/or financial self-interests. The path forward offers two choices. We continue to accept the status quo or we can make the tough decisions to create a better Maine for everyone. We can only do this if we work together. Every Mainer deserves the opportunity to pursue the American Dream.

**Paul Lepage on civil rights -** Governor Paul LePage made a point of publicly insulting the NAACP and ordering the removal of murals at the Maine Department of Labor that depicted scenes of working people in the state's past and honored figures such as Francis Perkins, the 1st female Secretary of Labor in America. Maine Governor LePage projects an in-your-face image that thrills his Tea Party backers. Similar pugnaciousness has been on display from many GOP Representatives and Senators in Washington DC.

**Paul Lepage on crime -** Last session, we put politics aside and worked together to address domestic violence in Maine. We amended Maine's bail code, ensuring that judges determine the bail for domestic violence offenses. We required abusers to pay into the Victim's Compensation Fund. This provides financial resources to the victims and families of domestic abuse.

A number of other bills dealing with stalking and risk assessment were passed, and executive orders signed. We sponsored a Governor's Bill supporting our Batterers' Intervention Programs.

Ending domestic violence requires abusers to change--batterers' intervention is an important step in that direction. As a youth, domestic violence hit close to home for me. I was not a spouse, I was a child. It is important that we broaden the discussion about these heinous crimes. Domestic violence is a crime that affects families. Family violence is domestic violence, and we need to focus on protecting all women and children.

**Paul Lepage on cooperations -** Eighteen Maine communities are now designated as business-friendly. There is so much work left to do. Once again, Forbes ranks Maine dead last in the nation when it comes to being business friendly. We can disagree with Forbes analysis; however, America's job creators listen to them. Denial or sticking our heads in the sand will not change the reality. We must put ideologies aside and get to work to make Maine a competitive and prosperous state.

AL, SC, IN, and TX are attracting huge investments by companies, providing higher paying jobs for their residents, without exorbitant taxpayer subsidies. Why shouldn't Maine people benefit from the same economic opportunity? Remember one simple truth: "Capital investment goes where it is welcomed--and stays where it is appreciated."