Lewiston and Auburn (Portland, Bangor, Augusta: real estate, crime rate, employment)

[CoastalMaine]

Originally Posted by Northern Maine Land Man

I can't speak for the cities. As I said, I'm over 100 miles away. Last time I had to stay in Portland overnight I noticed that all the cleaning staff at the Super 8 were Somalis. No large group of immigrants assimilates instantly. The Somalis are very different from Mainers. The biggest economic impact for the state is that there is a booming market for goat meat. The Somalis prefer to buy their goat meat live and on the hoof.

Ayuh, sorta what I figured.

[juststoppinby]

I lived in Lewiston when the Somalis came. I remember the mayor telling them to please ask their families and friends to find another place to go as Lewiston resources were stretched to their max. That did not go over well in the press at all. However as a resident of the city at the time, I personally felt that it was the right thing to do. It was not that the Somali population would not be welcomed by the city it was that they came depending on the resources of the city to get them by. There is only so much money for those types of services no matter where you live. I would like to say that there are no undertones of resentment or prejudice in the city but that would be a lie. Although I do not live there anymore, I have family and friends that still do and I visit frequently. Many of the Somali community have found jobs and/or have opened their own small business relevant to their needs. Unfortunately there are still problems although it may not be as widespread as some are used to it is still there. I hope this will change; this country is made up of immigrants and always will be.

[pobskin]

I am a senior at Bates from southern md, and many Somalis work on campus. It saddens me that many lewiston residents wouldnt not welcome these people as it increases the city's population for the census which means more federal and state $$. I have read that Iraqi refugees may be moving to Lewiston and I hope the backlash will not occur, more people means more government money!!!!

[island mermaid]

Originally Posted by pobskin

I am a senior at Bates from southern md, and many Somalis work on campus. It saddens me that many lewiston residents wouldnt not welcome these people as it increases the city's population for the census which means more federal and state $$. I have read that Iraqi refugees may be moving to Lewiston and I hope the backlash will not occur, more people means more government money!!!!

Well by golly that's exactly what the state needs, more govt money to hand out to people that don't do much by way of earning it!

Not all, but plenty do nothing. That's just great.


Thanks for stopping by pobskin. Your contribution is invaluable.

[retiredtinbender]

From what I remember, or think I do, the town was just overwhelmed and whren the mayor said something he was branded racist and the town took it on the chin right along with him. Moral of the story? If you don't give until you are broke and destitute yourself you're not human.

[mainebrokerman]

Originally Posted by retiredtinbender

From what I remember, or think I do, the town was just overwhelmed and whren the mayor said something he was branded racist and the town took it on the chin right along with him. Moral of the story? If you don't give until you are broke and destitute yourself you're not human.

the moral of the story is, when the media and race is involved, politicians, have to be pc, or mute, truth doesnt matter

[dmyankee]

Originally Posted by pobskin

I am a senior at Bates from southern md, and many Somalis work on campus. It saddens me that many lewiston residents wouldnt not welcome these people as it increases the city's population for the census which means more federal and state $$. I have read that Iraqi refugees may be moving to Lewiston and I hope the backlash will not occur, more people means more government money!!!!

The primary attitude that has Maine in trouble for the last 30 years!

Gubmint money is "free" money??? Grow up and smell the coffee.

Been paying taxes long?

[Maineah]

Originally Posted by pobskin

I am a senior at Bates from southern md, and many Somalis work on campus. It saddens me that many lewiston residents wouldnt not welcome these people as it increases the city's population for the census which means more federal and state $$. I have read that Iraqi refugees may be moving to Lewiston and I hope the backlash will not occur, more people means more government money!!!!

That's nice... make one of the poorest states in the country a Refugee camp. Send them to Arizona there is much more desert there ....they'll feel at home. Better yet leave them in Iraq!

[Happy Midwesterner in ME]

Wow. Very interesting and extremely helpful post...been wondering about this issue for a long time...thanks so very much for your post.

[lhannah]

This dialogue makes me sorry for the xenophoic, narrow-minded author.