SEARSPORT — A ribbon-cutting to mark the completion of the Route 1 reconstruction in Searsport was interrupted by protesters who showed up to voice grievances against U.S. Senator Susan Collins, who was slated to speak at the ceremony.
Protesters stood inside the Searsport municipal office where a ribbon cutting was held, chanting the word “shame” at Collins and holding up signs.
While she was at the podium, protesters asked Collins to address a variety of topics and repeatedly requested for her to hold a town hall.
Collins, who chairs the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee and is running for a sixth term, made several attempts to draw attention to the importance of the Route 1 reconstruction but was frequently drowned out.
“I would like the town of Searsport, which has worked so hard with state, local, and with me — to bring today about — to be able to celebrate,’” said Collins, before being cut off by a shout from the back of the room asking “what about Gaza?”
While she was speaking, Collins suggested that she could address the protesters’ concerns following the ceremony, in order to allow time for those who worked on the reconstruction project to be recognized.
However, interruptions continued during her time at the podium.
“So, what you are telling me is you are rejecting my suggestion that you let the townspeople celebrate a monumental achievement,” said Collins. “If you can’t show them the courtesy of that, then this is really bad — this is not the Maine I know.”
According to Searsport Town Manager James Gillway, the site of Tuesday’s ribbon-cutting was moved from Main Street to the town’s municipal building due to safety concerns.
“I didn’t mind having protesters, that’s just part of society today,” said Gillway. “We did move the event from Main Street to the town hall because, quite frankly, it was unsafe to be on Main Street with all the people that were there.”
But Gillway said the ribbon cutting was still an important milestone.
“We still celebrated,” said Gillway. “We are still happy that we made this huge accomplishment. It took roughly 21 years from the beginning of planning until today.”
Gillway also noted several members of the community who were not involved in the protest came out to watch the ribbon cutting.
Prior to the ribbon-cutting, protesters lined a section of Route 1 outside of the Edwards Brothers Supermarket, where they leveled several claims against Collins.
“We are coming to where she is to let her know that we are not going to stand by silently, like she is.” said Janis Hogan, a protester at the event. “Her vote — she votes only when she knows it’s not going to change anything — and we’re not happy with that.”
“Susan Collins is complicit in not speaking out about all the lies that are coming from this administration,” Hogan added.
In a written statement, Collins' campaign spokesperson Shawn Roderick said, in part, “Senator Collins respectfully listened to the protesters who showed up in Searsport, mingled with them after the event, and answered their questions."
According to the Maine Department of Transportation, around two miles of Route 1 have been under construction for roughly 2 years, and cost $17.8 million.
The reconstructed area runs from Savage Road north to Station Avenue.
The Maine DOT said the project was made possible by $9.2 million in congressionally-directed spending — which was secured by Collins.
“I am proud to have secured the funding for this important project that will help continue the growth of the town and benefit its residents, businesses, and visitors for years to come," Collins said in a statement Tuesday after the ribbon-cutting.
The reconstruction is intended to improve traffic flow and safety for motorists.
Additionally, according to the Maine DOT, the project “closed critical gaps in the pedestrian network, creating a continuous and accessible sidewalk route through downtown Searsport. To further improve walkability, MaineDOT partnered with the Town of Searsport to install new pedestrian lighting and brick sidewalks.”
Acting Commissioner of the Maine DOT Dale Doughty spoke to reporters following the ribbon-cutting.
While reconstruction has taken place over the last two years, he said the project has been years in the making.
“These are many, many decades in the works as you heard upstairs,” said Doughty. “[Through the] village program across the state, we’ve unveiled several [projects], and it’s really about the ‘there,’ investing in the ‘there’ — what Maine’s all about. I’m very excited, and I’m very excited for the town of Searsport.”
Prior to the event, Spectrum News spoke with a local store owner, who hopes the reconstruction will benefit local businesses.
“If this brings more people to Searsport, it’s not only a win for us but it’s also win for Searsport,” said Jeremy Edwards, co-owner of Edward Brother Supermarkets. “And all the local businesses.”
This story has been updated to include statements from Sen. Collins and her campaign spokesperson, Shawn Roderick, that were released after the ribbon cutting.
