Naomi Schalit

127 posts

Naomi Schalit is a co-founder of the Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting, which operates The Maine Monitor.

Exterior of the Maine State House during the winter with trees missing all their leaves.

Committee votes for further investigation of Maine Green Energy Alliance

The MGEA has been dogged by reports documenting the role political influence from Gov. Baldacci’s office played in awarding the grant and the unusual number of Democratic activists, candidates and lawmakers on its staff.

ByNaomi Schalit

May 4, 2011

A scattered stack of $100 dollar bills with the image of Benjamin Franklin visible

Energy Alliance spends $6,000 of state grant for data program from pro-Democratic firm

“It just seems odd that they’re so comfortable meeting at a partisan campaign headquarters,” said Sen. Michael Thibodeau, R-Winterport, co-chairman of the Legislature's Utilities and Energy Committee.

ByJohn Christie Naomi Schalit

March 24, 2011

State’s confidential employees’ pension plan costs state ‘extra’ $3 million

Maine's confidential employees' pension plan costs the state an "extra" $3 million, as the additional expenses for these employees is borne by the state.

ByJohn Christie Naomi Schalit

March 3, 2011

The black dome of the Maine State House stands among the trees.

Legislators demand answers from green energy group

Legislators grilled staff of the Maine Green Energy Alliance for almost three hours as the first step in an inquiry of the failed federal stimulus grantee.

ByNaomi Schalit

February 21, 2011

Energy group funded via state hired Democratic legislators, activists, donors

Although the Maine Green Energy Alliance says it is a nonpartisan organization, seven of its 13 employees have or had strong connections to the Democratic Party, including being members of the Legislature.

ByNaomi Schalit

February 17, 2011

Gov. LePage, legislators question grant to green energy group

Gov. Paul LePage says it is “imperative” to find out if the state exercised appropriate oversight of the Maine Green Energy Alliance.

ByNaomi Schalit

February 10, 2011

Energy program shut down after questions raised about politics, effectiveness

Questions aplenty after program funded by $3 million government grant to market home energy retrofits in Maine abruptly shut down its operation.

ByNaomi Schalit

January 31, 2011