Maine Democrat Gov. Janet Mills Caught Napping By Ohio GOP Governor In Coast Guard Competition

By Ted Cohen/Maine Wire

Maine’s moribund economy could certainly use a boost in the form of a new Coast Guard training center.

But the state's governor apparently couldn't care less.

To wit, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine just proposed his state be the headquarters of a soon-to-be-built Coast Guard training center.

The agency recently urged governors nationwide to pitch their respective states to host the new base.

If Maine Gov. Janet Mills has done so, she's keeping it a good secret, which strains logic on both economic and political fronts.

Not only could Maine use the economic infusion but Mills is a candidate for the U.S. Senate so one would think she would look for any excuse to try to blow her own horn.

DeWine trumped her big time, submitting a proposal that the Coast Guard site its training center at the vacant former Urbana University.

He believes the former university campus may have what the Coast Guard wants.

The Ohio GOP governor wrote a letter to U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem saying he thinks Ohio should be home to the next training facility.

DeWine released the letter on social media after Noem and the Coast Guard began soliciting proposals.

DeWine listed things like dorms, a cafeteria, and an indoor swimming pool as selling points for the former Urbana University.

The Coast Guard has six stations in Ohio, all on Lake Erie.

The agency also has a major presence in Maine, which has 3,478 miles of tidal shoreline.

Coast Guard stations include Jonesport, Southwest Harbor, Eastport, Rockland, West Boothbay and South Portland.

Maine also has two former military bases - one in Limestone and one in Brunswick, either of which could be perfect for the Coast Guard's needs.

Maybe someone could clue Janet Mills in - if it's not too late.