by Gina Hamilton
photos by Tyler Drumm
Coastal Journal staff

PORTLAND — On April 1, President Barack Obama came to Maine to take the case for health care reform to the people. In a state where 90% of workers are employed by a small business, and where insurance costs are abnormally high, health care reform is serious business.
By 2:30 p.m., people who had stood in line for tickets for hours in the rain the day before were being admitted to standing room only space on the floor of the Portland Expo building on Park Street. Obama wasn't expected for another hour, but that provided time to chat with some of those waiting.
"I waited for 3 1/2 hours yesterday to get this ticket," said Denise Shames of Portland, an unemployed human resources professional. "All of this matters to me, both professionally and personally. A good society is one that takes care of its people. I am hoping that this is the beginning of a process toward taking more care of our people."
Jan and Charlie Vaganis of Gorham had waited for over three hours themselves. They were the target audience for the Obama speech – small business owners who were having trouble keeping up with large insurance premiums. "We're here to hear how this law will help small businesses," Charlie Vaganis said.

WASHINGTON D.C. -- In his State of the Union address, President Barack Obama called on Congress to pass a program of incentives for homeowners who make energy efficiency investments in their homes.  Obama recently outlined more details of a new “HOMESTAR” program that would help create jobs by encouraging American families to invest in energy saving home improvements.

APA singled out Front Street because of long-standing commitment of city leaders, merchants and residents to protect the street’s historic and maritime character as well as its economic vitality. In addition, the street stands out for its unique sense of place, framing views of the Kennebec River and the town’s place-defining trademark, the giant red-and-white Bath Iron Works crane.