AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A mural depicting scenes from Maine's labor history is back on display 22 months after the governor removed it, setting off a political firestorm and leading to a federal lawsuit.
Republican Gov. Paul LePage caused an uproar in March 2011 when he ordered the mural removed from the Labor Department lobby. He said it presented a one-sided view that bowed to organized labor and overlooked the contributions of entrepreneurs responsible for creating jobs.
Starting Monday, it was back on public view in an atrium that serves as the entryway to the Maine State Museum, Maine State Library and Maine State Archives.
Richard Bamforth of Augusta showed up Monday to take a look. He was angry when LePage removed the mural but said the new home seems to be an appropriate venue.
