Sudanese Community Welcomes Governor LePage to Portland

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage toured Friday the Sudanese Community of Maine, meeting with several families in Portland to learn more about the culture and the Community’s future involvement with the State of Maine.

This is the second time Governor LePage has met with members of the Sudanese Community – one of the largest in the United States. After meeting with families and one business in Portland, Governor LePage participated in a town hall style meeting with Chairman of Sudanese Community of Maine Mariano Mawein and Executive Director of Community & Financial Literacy Cloude Rwaganje.

“I had the opportunity to meet with members of this community in July. It was an informative meeting, which left me wanting to learn more about the needs of the Sudanese in Maine,” said Governor LePage.

Economic opportunity was a central focus at Friday’s town hall meeting, where Governor LePage said that across the globe America is known as the land of freedom and opportunity.

“Individuals of all cultures want to come to our country to seek their own American Dream. They want a chance to become prosperous, to find good work and to raise their children in a safer environment,” the Governor said.

Governor LePage encouraged government policies that foster a culture in which self-reliance is rewarded and high taxes are thwarted, adding that bigger government is not the answer to prosperity.

“We want government to provide services that are available in an efficient and effective way, whether its employment opportunities through the Department of Labor, space for a community center or housing by partnering with the Maine Housing Authority,” the Governor said. “My administration wants to be there to help, and we want you to feel safe and welcome in Maine’s community.”