PORTLAND — About 50 business representatives this morning outlined some of the red tape they’d like to see done away with by the incoming administration of Gov.-elect Paul LePage.

The representatives met at the Portland Regional Chamber to go over their concerns with Dan Demeritt, a spokesman for the LePage transition team. The Portland event was the last of the “Red Tape Audits” the incoming administration has held around the state with businesses, following through on LePage campaign pledges to do away with bureaucratic hurdles to economic growth.

Most of the concerns focused on environmental regulations, such as restrictions on development near wetlands or vernal pools, which are seasonal bodies of water. Other businesses complained about duplicative local and state regulation: Rick Snow, the owner of Maine Indoor Karting in Scarborough, said he’s required to get seven licenses from the town and state for various aspects of his indoor go-kart track.

Demeritt said the administration plans to work closely with a legislative regulatory reform committee and the department commissioners appointed by LePage will also be told to try to reduce what they consider overly burdensome rules.

 

 

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