HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-02-09 04-78 RESOLVESUSPENSION OF THE RmJV
04-70
ABsiemed to Councilor Cashuell February 9, 2004
CITY OF BANGOR
(TITLE) Resolve, Calling Upon Eastem Fine Paper, Its Creditors, and State and Federal Officials to
Take Appropriate Actions to Insure the Continued Operation of Paper Mills in Lincoln and Brewer.
WHEREAS, Eastern Fine Paper has been placed in Chapter 7 bankruptcy prceedings by the United
States Bankruptcy Court; and
WHEREAS, Eastern Fine Paper directly employs approximately 730 individuals in Lincoln and Brewer
and indirectly supports thousands of other jobs throughout the state and the region in
such sectors as industrial supply, transportation, logging, and other service businesses;
and
WHEREAS, the loss of these jobs and the economic activity associated with them will have a negative
effect on the ewrmmy of Northern and Eastern Maine; and
WHEREAS, the current shutdown at these mills is creating a severe hardship for Eastern Fine's
employees, their families, and the communities in which they live; and
WHEREAS, the City of Bangor has long recognized that the economic health of Northern and Eastern
Maine has a direct Impart upon the immediate Bangor area and that the strength of the
Bangor economy both depends on and supports that of the larger region; and
WHEREAS, natural resource based industries throughout Maine remain an important element of the
statevdde economy and are under significant pressure due to economic factors and
competition from throughout the world; and
WHEREAS, the loss of any significant industry in Northern and Eastern Maine will further erode our
regional economy, worsen the already wide gap between these areas and other regions of
the state, and increase the level of state spending required to support individuals without
access to quality employment opportunities and communities with declining tax bases; and
WHEREAS, state and federal ofices are in the process of exploring financing and other Options that
may assist these mills in returning to operation on a sound financial footing.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE 7 RESOLVED BY THE Cl Y COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BANGOR, THAT:
We urge all active participants in the Eastern Fine Paper bankruptcy to work diligently and
cooperatively to insure that the mills in Lincoln and Brewer resume production as soon as possible and
to establish a firm basis for Weir long-term operation through fair and reasonable wittier to both the
immediate and longer term financial issues involved.
06-78
BE R FURTHER RESOLVED, THAT
We urge state and federal officials to work with the company and Its creditors to assist these mills In
quickly returning to production and in establishing a firm basis for their future. We further call upon
these officials to undertake a systematic review of the status of the state's natural resource based
industries and to implement policies to insure that this essential element of Maine's economy is
maintained and strengthened in the face of increasing international competition and a slow national
economy.
BE a FURTHER RESOLVED, THAT:
The City Clerk shall proWde copies of this resolve to Governor John E. Beldam, our Federal
Congressional Delegation, our State Legislative Delegation, the Penobscot County Commissioners, and
the Communities of Lincoln and Brewer.
IN CITZ COUNCIL
February 9. 2004
Hours Made end seconded to
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Passage
Passed
CI dHYH
(TITLE,) Celliv Opov gest¢[: Five Paper,
Its Ciedlcors, and $etc avd Peder¢
Officials to Tate Appropriate Action to
Insure the earoximmad operation of taper
Mills in Liscoin most Brewer
Assigned to Councilor