Response to Don't stay too long
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8/10/2010
As a Mainer most of my life I'm 54, I have to agree and am taken by the accuracy of your observations of Portland,Maine. Yes, it has a beautiful harbor, and area coastline. But the natives aren't friendly, and even for us residents its hard to get to know your neighbor. Most people up here say "hi" then keep to themselves. Its the Maine way, independent. I moved two hours up the coast a few years back and even I was considered an "outsider." My accent didn't even help, nor that I was a third generation Mainer. As far as the diversity of color in Portland, you saw the newly arrived Somalian population.
Their presence has altered the streetscape of Portland dramatically. After many issues since their transplanted move from Georgia, I've come to the belief that too much diversity in a small city isn't successful, a balance needs to be made. With so many cultures now in this city of about 70,000 much gets lost in the translation. A larger city can handle the numbers. A local elementary school has 100 different dialects to address. The jobs are primarily seasonal low paying ones. Lots of waterfront Old Port waitress and kitchen help. Or retail work. None of it really pays the bills. Maine is a heavy tax state, and they are always looking for ways to add even more taxes. Now they want to tax our soda, and junk purchases. They have instituted a salt water fishing license, this use to be free and they are chasing every dog owner who hasn't registered their mutt. My vet warned of this at the recent visit for a rabies shot. The state now requires their office to submit names of owners so local enforcement will knock on your door with a sizable fine. he said "I'm not joking, clients have called me
sharing this." So remember there is a reason Maine is called, "Vacationland" thats the way they want it and of course the wealthy retiree's with deep pockets so they can continue to discourage any business
that would offer tax revenue from setting up shop here.
Trish | Westbrook, ME