On the one hand are long-time residents who are content to rely heavily on a pulp and paper industry that has failed them before, most notably for a period of 17 months beginning in 2003 when both mills were closed altogether. By concentrating on specialized paper products not manufactured in great quantities elsewhere, the theory goes, the area mills can still be the driving force for the town they have always been, and the East Millinocket mill has done just that. They also feel opening the region to more tourists and developers may irrevocably change the rhythm of life in the region, not to mention scar the natural beauty of the town’s surroundings.

On the other are those who say that development, if done in an environmentally conscious manner, in conjunction with better marketing of its natural resources and recreational opportunities can once again spur economic development on a larger scale. An organization called MAGIC – which stands for Millinocket Area Growth and Investment Council – is a leading proponent of this sort of development.

The result is that the differing sets of opinions on how best to move the town forward have degenerated into somewhat of a public shouting match as personal passions have boiled over into the civic arena. Charges of corruption and collusion with outside interests have led to the city council’s freezing of MAGIC’s funding, and a small scale development plan already approved by the town has suddenly fallen victim to new zoning requirements.

This installment of Hometown Economies will examine the various factions seemingly working at cross-purposes in the town, debate the potential for sustainable growth based on eco-tourism, and discuss the long-term viability of the town’s traditional reliance on the pulp and paper industry.