The Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram published a two-part series Sunday and Monday about nonprofits in Maine. The series focused on nonprofits related to the arts but the series' numbers were broader than that. The Sunday installment quoted several people, from nonprofits themselves, saying Maine has too many nonprofits.

Thomas Wolf, executive and artistic director of Bay Chamber Concerts in Camden, said: "I've been convinced for a long time that there are too many of us presenting organizations in Maine. I would like to see in the next 25 years many of us consolidate our organizations."

That's powerful and straightforward. I never thought I'd "hear" someone say that in Maine. The greater Augusta area obviously has more than its share of nonprofits, because Augusta is the capital and many nonprofits want to be near legislators, who control the state's budget and write our laws.

From time to time, reports come out that say how nonprofits play a major role in the state's economy. I suppose that's true. The Portland series, written by staff writer Bob Keyes, said Maine has one of the highest ratios of nonprofits in the U.S. on a per capita basis (trailing Vermont, Alaska and Montana).

Two questions: Is this a good thing? Or does Maine's high ratio of nonprofits reflect a weak private sector in a state where industry and business are struggling?

The Press Herald/Telegram series might help you decide. You can link to it here: Arts leaders see the need for a leaner business plan

Steady hands needed at the helms