Press Herald speaks with Crawley for article on economic gaps, two Maines
The Portland Press Herald spoke with Andrew Crawley, an assistant professor of economics at the University of Maine, for the article “Economic gaps underscore perception of 2 Maines.” Cumberland County is responsible for one-third of Maine’s economic output, while Piscataquis County contributes less than 1% of the state’s gross domestic product. This example underscores the perception of “two Maines: a wealthy, robust southern tip surrounded by much poorer communities to the north and west,” the article states. The numbers “reflect the reality,” according to Crawley, who said many counties in northern Maine have significantly older, smaller populations and lower participation in labor force than counties in southern Maine. “As soon as you go further south, you’ve got a younger population” and a more robust economy, he said. “This is a challenge the state faces.” State policies need to focus on maintaining public services, along with critical businesses, such as banks and real estate firms, in smaller communities around the state, according to Crawley, because the loss of those services and businesses could accelerate population declines and further depress economic activity.