Did the governor really say that?

By Mike Lange
Staff Writer

    Few things are more irritating than being misquoted.
    I routinely bring a small digital recorder to public meetings so I can keep track of conversations easier and quote people verbatim instead of paraphrasing remarks.

    So I find it rather amusing that state government agencies consistently add quotes from Gov. Paul LePage to their press releases.
    Undoubtedly, the governor’s quotes are accurate when he’s signing a bill into law or presenting an award. However, the addition of LePage’s comments to a routine press release always begs the question: “Did the governor really say that?”
    During the past week, LePage quotes were added to press releases on ice conditions on the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, the New Year’s Day hikes at Maine state parks and the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s Outdoor Partners program.
    I don’t think the governor is an outdoors guy, but I could be wrong. Nevertheless, his quote on ice conditions was a head-scratcher.
    “Anglers should enjoy the excellent ice fishing season that begins Thursday, January 1, but exercise caution regarding ice conditions,” the governor reportedly said. “Please take precautions so that your Maine ice fishing experience is not only memorable for the fish you catch, but also for the positive memories you make with family and friends.”
    I’m not sure what he means by “memorable for the fish you catch.” They’re certainly not happy about being hauled out of the water.
    Then there’s the plug from the governor on enjoying a New Year’s Day hike. “Last year, nearly 5 and-a-half million people visited Maine during the winter season, many to enjoy the outdoors,” said LePage. “To ring in the New Year, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Bureau of Parks and Lands will host free, guided hikes in five state parks throughout Maine on New Year’s Day.”
    In order for me to believe that the governor really said that, I’d have to assume that DOC Commissioner Walt Whitcomb and LePage had a conversation something like this.
    “Governor, I need a favor.”
    “Name it — within reason.”
    “Most of our press releases are boring. No one cares about statistics anymore and convincing people to go outdoors on New Year’s Day is tough.”
    “So what’s the problem?”
    “Well, I’d like to quote you in the article. After all, you got more votes than any other governor in Maine history. So people must like you.”
    “OK, but don’t do anything to embarrass me. You already know I don’t get along with the press.”
    In addition to adding his spin on outdoor activities last month, the governor also warned residents about donating to questionable charities during the holiday season, encouraged businesses to connect with the Safety Works program, register with the Maine Job Bank if they were unemployed and approved funding for electronic monitoring of domestic violence offenders.
    I’m almost 100 percent sure his quotes on the electronic monitoring system were his own, since prevention of domestic violence is on the top of his priority list.
    But I’m not sure about ice fishing safety — and even less sure about walking off a hangover on New Year’s Day.
    So here’s a helpful hint to state agency PR folks: The addition of a quote from the governor isn’t going to make your press release more impressive. But it may add a layer of skepticism and a few laughs in the newsroom.
    Mike Lange is a staff writer with the Piscataquis Observer. His opinions are his own and don’t necessarily reflect those of this newspaper.