she's making these decisions all on her own without any input from the state assembly or the business community.
The state assembly had to approve extending the State of Emergency by day 80, and they did. The Maine Chamber of Commerce backed her decision to Order non essential businesses closed (including eat-in restaurants) on March 24.
But that was March and April. The business community went along but now tourist season is approaching.
Tourism is a big industry in Maine and in some areas (like where I live) the population doubles in the summer, doubling sales in every business we've got. Some small motels and take out stands, plus all the summer cottage rentals, are summer only. In places like Bar Harbor, which is much more famous, I'm sure it is much more drastic than that.
The governor's plan says no visitors from out of state 'til August. That ain't gonna fly with the tourism industry or any business that gets a huge boost in revenue from tourists.
BUT speaking as someone in a very rural county that has only had two cases of Covid 19 total, and both have recovered, no active cases now, IF we do get hit with the Virus, it will be from tourists when they are allowed.
Republicans in the State Legislature are calling to convene to revoke the Governor's emergency powers. They are openly saying "Let the tourists come!!!" They are no doubt speaking for their constituents. This is killing them. But in Southern Maine, so is Covid. If we open up to tourists we will be flooded by folks from Massachusetts where the Virus is still highly active. We have visitors from every state in the country in summer, but Massachusetts the most. It's a short ride;
There were hundreds of protesters in Augusta yesterday showing their displeasure. I agree with you that Governor Mills has relied on the science/medical experts and discussions with the other governors in making her decisions, without a lot of input from the business community -- at least her pressers are always with the Maine CDC spokesman and not the Chamber of Commerce. But part of that is probably because she knows what they are going to say. Perhaps her reopening plan is too cautious, but I'm thinking she is not wanting the people "from away" here with the Germ and she is hoping by August the other states will have simmered down as well.
The Republicans are the minority in the State Legislature right now, but Democrats from areas relying on tourism may feel compelled to stop the Governor, as well.
She began with "recommendations." Maybe she'll need to go back to that. I don't know. I'd like my favorite diner reopened, not to have to wear a mask, but even more than that, I'd like to be able to go out without having to worry about the goddamned VIRUS. The Governor doesn't have that power. Only Mother Nature does.