Maine Lawmaker Proposes Maine Split Into 2 States

by Rob Poindexter - March 10th 2010 04:47pm - Read more Local News

A state lawmaker from Aroostook County wants to see Maine divided into two states. Representative Henry Joy says it would let the people of northern Maine decide their own destiny.

His two state idea comes after a plan was announced to turn over some 10-million acres of northern Maine woodlands to the federal government as early as next month.

Joy says that means the land would not be able to be developed and he fears private property could be seized without compensation.

Joy's proposal calls for northern Maine to be called Maine, while the southern half of the state would be called Northern Massachusetts.

"It would a chance for the people in this area of Maine to decide their own future and not have a group of 22 people deciding their future for them," says Rep. Joy.

Joy's bill has to first clear a 10-member legislative council which he admits that's unlikely. "Some people think dividing Maine into two states is a joke," says Rep. Joy, now serving his eighth term in the Maine House. "It won't seem very funny when the enviromental extremists get their way, and we see a forced relocation of the population of Northen Maine. That is exactly the plan of the 1992 Biodiversity Treaty, run by the United Nations. They want half of the United States to be returned to wilderness. Northern Maine would become part of the Northern Forest Bioregion, some 26 million acres of timberland running from New York to eastern Maine."

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Comments

This is an interesting idea. Where would the capitol for the real Maine be?

doug Gordon 03/10/2010 04:09 pm

I'm the owner of a web site for Caribou Maine.
I have posted this story on the facebook section.
I posted the story at 8pm and I already have 30 very angry Northern Maine comments.
Feel free to read them for yourself.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000525973777

Boss Lady 03/10/2010 09:15 pm

Bad idea just leave the state alone. Why norther mass. That's just dosent make any sence. Maine is nothing like mass. If It did change to mass we would have to spend so much money to swap over to mass licence plates alone.

derek 03/10/2010 09:30 pm

Way to go Rep. Joy!!!

03/10/2010 10:33 pm

Take these tests:

Take a weekday mid-day drive though any of the towns in the New 'Maine '(Northern and Central Maine). Practically Everyone is home on a work day. In the warm months the porch monkeys come out. No one goes to work!

A week before the first of the month Go to any Walmart in the New Maine (Northern and Central Maine). They are iike ghost towns. Come the first of the month,Walmarts are packed wall to wall with welfare customers shopping like it was the day before Xmass.

Exactly WHO is going to come up with money in the New Maine to support all the lazy layabouts in the New Maine? Ask any town selectman in the towns of Nothern Maine, example Solon. A Solon,Maine government official said recently in the Morning Sentinle over 50% of Solon residents are government check dependent.

Northern Maine is a welfare receipient of Southern Maine. Northern Maine is lliterally biting the hand that feeds the mouths by separating from Southern Maine.

Reader of Boston Ma 03/10/2010 11:32 pm

The people in Northern Maine have been talking about splitting for years. Northern Maine and Southern have two different ways of life. Either split the state or leave Northern Maine to deal with the issues in government that impact their lives.

Deanna Pelletier 03/11/2010 07:08 am

LOVE this idea.....then maybe some of our tax dollars would actually go to some jobs in Northern Maine.....I love it here & don't want to move....

Doug : My first thought was Presque Isle, butttt Bangor is more centrally located ;)

I would google to see what determines a capital, but with my fancy dial up (the only thing available to me in NE Maine) I just don't have the time to wait ;)

03/11/2010 07:13 am

I bet if someone did the research on a new Maine (northern /central maine areas now) , the new Maine would go into immediate Federal receivership on the first day.

Northern/Central Maine people? you hat is too big for your head. You dont have 2 nickels to rub among yourselves, you couldn't afford a pot....never mind. Northern/Central Maine are the welfare loads of Southern Maine.

Reader of Boston Ma 03/11/2010 10:12 am

You Mainers up in Northern/Central Maine do not understand.

You receive more State and Federal services,more welfare benefits,more roadway repairs....than you all you Northern/Central Maine pay in State and Federal taxes.

It is Southern Maine taxpayers that would get more for their tax dollars if Maine split into 2 states. Northern/Central Maine would go into Receivership with the few taxpayers that live in that part of Maine. The new Maine would become a 3rd world country on day one

Reader of Boston Ma 03/11/2010 11:07 am

Hey 2 nickel guy, and you make what, 10 - 12 bucks an hour at some dead end job and think you're rich ? Please... And to the third world person, what the heck are you thinking ? The entire US already is the equivelent of a 3rd world country as determined by our exports... Most of you people dont have a clue. You are all thinking me me me. not a single one of you is looking at the bigger, more serious picture. Wonder whats wrong with this country? Look in the mirror...
And fyo, I live in southern Maine and thats got absolutely nothing to do with anything.

Ward Jamison 03/11/2010 08:59 pm

Reader of Boston Ma; You're delusional! Probably been drinkin' too much Cool-aid!!

I say we cut the state where indicated, sell the lesser (in more ways than one) part to Massachusetts, then divide the proceeds among the hard working, honest taxpayers of northern Maine (the one and ONLY true Maine) for the inconvenience of having to put up with southern Maine's Liberal crap for all these years!

Any Liberals who stay behind are immediately sold into indentured servitude or driven across the border to rejoin their comrades!

Jon 03/12/2010 05:38 am

We don't need more welfare benefits, gov services, or road repairs from MA. Why does MA join Maine state instead.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/People-Who-Dont-Want-Maine-Split-Into-Two-States/383395186135?v=feed&story_fbid=361509447357

Angel 03/12/2010 08:56 am

As a citizen of central Maine I can honestly say this is the dumbest idea I've ever heard. Both parts of Maine would lose a lot of their revenue. If it's a problem with the United Nations the people of northern Maine have, maybe the solution is to secede from the country, not the state. This is honestly just ludicrous and I'm pretty sure I won't see it happen in my lifetime.

Kaylee Smith 03/12/2010 10:16 am

How come he wants northern Maine to separate, but the southern half of the state has to change its name? I'm near Augusta and proud to be a Mainer. Why should my area need to change because someone else wants their own land?

If they DO go through this, they will loose all of my support in helping to save land. As an avid outdoors man I spend a lot of time in Northern Maine, and donate a lot of money to keep land from being developed on.

This will make me not only mad, but be uncaring at the wants.

Maine needs to stick together.

Doug 03/12/2010 01:40 pm

I must say I do not respect this idea. It has no grounds for sanity. Really, it doesn't. And "Northern Massachusetts"? Maine isn't even CONNECTED to Massachusetts.
I looked at the map and where I live would be included in the part to remain "Maine" but I still loathe this plan and pray that I will not live to see it implemented.
Maine may not be in a state of perfection at the moment in some people's eyes. But we are getting along just fine, thanks. Why screw with the state then?
For serious, it's too weird for me to judge as legitimate. I know that it really truly is official, but it's bordering on the impossible for my mind to comprehend.
And for anyone ragging on Northern/Central Maine... y'all are worse than bitter football fans for crying out loud! Stop disrespecting the people who live in the same STATE as you.
That would be the STATE OF MAINE!

Jack 03/12/2010 05:38 pm

This would be stupid for Maine to do, because A] We aren't connected to massachusetts. B] America would suddenly have 51 states, and personally, Auburn , Maine sounds a lot better than Auburn, Northern Massachusetts.

Livia 03/12/2010 09:45 pm

I agree with doug, if it is Northern Maine that wants this and will "gain" the benefits so this article says. Then why is it they get to keep the name and us southern Mainers must put up with being called "Northern Mass" at least call it north and south Maine.

The only reason i can see why it would be called "Northern Maine" is because of back in the time of the 13 colonies Massachusetts was much larger then now a days and actually consisted of Maine.

Personally I feel that this whole proposal needs revision and major thought, don't harm us for your needs/wants.

Shaun 03/12/2010 10:42 pm

I think this would be great idea, but i would like to see it done because im sick of my tax dollars going to all the welfare people in the northern half of the state, and I think it should be North Maine and South Maine, not the Mass thing that is stupid, if they want to do that than call them South Canada not Maine!

AC 03/13/2010 03:16 pm

I am originally from southern maine, but now I live in Presque Isle. Southern Maine makes sense to be called northern mass because alot of mass people moved to southern maine in the 80s and 90's and it did have an impact on the area. Thats why southern maine is so liberal. I personally feel that southern maine itself is a torn hellhole, and the political differences between liberal southern maine and conservative Northern Maine often ends in someone not getting their way. (usually the north) Also keep in mind that a vast majority of maine's natural resources come from the north. almost all maine's timber product comes from the north and more potatoes are grown in Aroostook County per sq mile then anywhere else in the country.

And let me tell you something, I see alot more people in Biddeford Sanford and lewstion clamoring over their welfare then any place north of Bangor. A lot of what southern mainers have to say about northern mainers I've noticed is flat out incorrect stereotyping.

Dan 03/13/2010 06:58 pm

I think Rep. Joy needs to lose the "Rep." part of his name. He should be exiled from any part of Maine or "Northern Mass". It's all a bunch of bull.

Maine is Maine and will always be. I love where I live. I am in Southern Maine and I still live in the woods. I'm far enough from the city as to where it doesn't influence our lives. And my house is surrounded by woods for miles to come. Just because the southern part is more built, doesn't mean the rest of the state will turn out the same. And as far as the internet comment, I still live in a town smack dab in the middle of this new "Northern Mass" state that isn't able to get high speed internet. So don't bring out 'luxuries' like that. The entire state is slower at getting things than others just because we are ALL rural, except Portland. The whole state is rural. If you don't like it, then go somewhere else entirely and quit complaining, Mainers will be happier without you and will applaud your absence.

So don't be pointing fingers. This isn't the Mainer way. Just live life and be happy with the state you're in. I know I am... Maine =]

Melanie 03/13/2010 09:07 pm

I am greatly offended Mr. Reader of Boston Ma! You are out of your mind, judgmental, and cruel in how you are speaking of Mainers. How do you know anyway? Are you even a Mainer? Do you keep tabs on them?

Mainiac 03/13/2010 11:52 pm

This is a extreamly stupid idea. What would make someone even think of doing this. Both parts of Maine work together for what Maine is now. I have lived in the county all my life and go to college here and I find nothing wrong with here or southern Maine so why not just leave it all alone.

Northern Maine is the best Part of Maine 03/14/2010 09:18 am

this is probably the stupidest idea I have ever heard!! northern maine would be totally friged without southern maine!!

Nick 03/14/2010 11:59 pm

1. this is never going to happen, so it warrants little if any argument.

2. if it ever does, well, good riddance. personally, i think the whole state should secede, and i'd even allow vermont and new hampshire to come along.

real mainer (not a republocrat, either) 03/15/2010 04:14 pm

Why would you need to change the name of southern Maine? If the split happens, save millions of tax payer dollars by keeping S. Maine as "Maine" and make N. Maine into, well, Northern Maine.

I don't think the split is a good plan, although I will be the first to say I am not well read on this subject.

Seattlite 03/15/2010 09:31 pm

I think it is just sad that people are divided at all in a state as a whole. I live in Maryland now and we have the same issues on the Eastern shore as on the Western Shore..I am a Mainer at heart, lived there most my entire life and mostly in Northern Maine.....in every state you will find people that take advantage of the welfare but that is everywhere, not just in one end of the state or another....we should love our state because we have good, hard working people in it..the north and the south, Growing up mostly in the northern part of the state I saw hard working people that earned their keep, full of respect and integrate y, when people ask me where my ascent is from I am always proud to say Maine!

susan 03/15/2010 11:00 pm

this is never going to happen, so it warrants little if any argument.

Joe Cupo 03/16/2010 06:49 pm

I grew up in Maine and lived there for 18 years. I am now in the Military and have had a chance to lived in 6 different states in the last 15 years. I love Maine to death, but the problem is not a Nothern Maine/Southern Maine problem, the problem is with the State Government in Augusta. Serious fundamental reform is needed in Augusta in order to make the state government more efficient. In order to get jobs for the entire state, the state has to be more business friendly and tax less. It doesn't have to be an either/or between buisness and the environment, but the pendulum has swung too far on the environment side and more sanity is needed as far as how Maine deals with environmentalists.

MainiacinVa 03/16/2010 07:53 pm

I really want to live in Maine still... Not Massachusetts thanks.

Sam 03/17/2010 10:13 pm

Oh Mainers...

you...

you understand that this is...

it's a joke?

... >.

Chris 03/18/2010 08:20 pm

Dear Jon,
Honestly? Are you complaining about LIBERAL crap.....when YOU a conservative(I would assume) are talking about selling people into SLAVERY!? If your "true Maine" is as pigheaded as you, remind me to LEAVE if you ever become governor.
Not only that you're trying to sling mud by calling southern Maine "lesser"...I have a feeling I've seen this kind of attitude before... OH RIGHT! Hitler! That's who it was. The man who led a movement to purge the "lesser" group from Germany (The non-Aryans(Blond hair, blue eyes) just in case you didn't know.) And yet he himself should have been driven out since he didn't fit his own ideal.
I hope I never see this state split into two. Even with people like you Jon, everyone here (the state) is still a Mainer, and I'm glad that we have such an enormous diversity. And in the end... everyone, north and south, loves seafood. ;)

Alex 03/19/2010 10:42 am

This is So Dumb!!!! why would they even consider doing this!!!.........Maine is Awesome I def. Dont want to be called Northern Mass. Geez!............ Why doesent this stupid rep. go back to wherever he belongs and leave us mainers alone!

Jake 03/21/2010 09:04 am

personally i hope this doesnt get passed. improu to say that im a mainer, they want it to be northern massachusetts? im not from massachusetts. nor do i ever wanna say im from there. no offence to massachusetts but maine is part of who i am and always will be.

nikki 03/23/2010 08:19 pm

If northern Maine wants to separate from southern Maine, fine, but I agree that southern Maine shouldn't be the one to change their name, it should be the northern section that changes it's name..maybe to something like New Quebec if they feel that strongly about seceding.

03/26/2010 02:09 pm

I love how northern Maine folks think Bangor wants to be part of this so called New Maine. If i was to take a poll im sure its a huge NO. Lets face it, What hurts Northern Maine is two things, Distance, and the conservative crap they hold on to.. Ever noticed the liberal parts of the USA, Boston, NYC, Portland Maine, Southern Maine ALL HAVE MONEY AND JOBS. and the Conservative areas, The southern part of the USA, Mississippi, places like that and Northern Maine are very very poor. I admit there are a few exceptions where oil runs states like Texas and Alaska, but even in the cities of Texas are rather moderate to liberal. I say if the people in the county want to leave the state, let them.. They will kill off what ever they have left... and the state can take it back over once the foolish people die off and or go away.. OR Maybe just maybe people will figure out hey liberal ideas work join back to maine or better join with Canada and get free healthcare!

A Gagnon 03/28/2010 10:39 am

we left mass in 1820. i don't see us going back. face it, this will never happen.

Seth Jacobs 03/29/2010 09:18 pm

I think this is going too far!!!! people who do not live in maine come here and buy parts of Bar Harbor and other pieces of land around us. they are slowly thaking the state away from the maine poeple. now some one wants to give almost 1/4 of our home state away. what are the people going to do if they live in the part of maine that might be northern Mass. Are they just expected to pack up and move? i guess it all depends where you live like northern maine to give away the sothern part of the state. i didnt read anything about the northern part of the state where the people that want to do this live. did you?.

B 04/03/2010 09:45 am