Editorial:

Resorting to referendum

Copyright © 2004 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.

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For the past 30 years, our Legislature has demonstrated an inability to provide essential leadership by getting both parties to work collaboratively. It has become so horrific that we find ourselves resorting to governance by citizen's initiatives.

On Nov. 2, we will vote on the Palesky tax cap referendum, a less-than-stellar piece of legislation that would cripple many communities, including Waterville. Despite the referendum's likely impact, we often hear, "Palesky might not be the answer, but we need to do something."

Our elected officials at the state level continue to ignore our pleas for relief. Instead, the Legislature demonstrates an unabashed tax-and-spend appetite. This has led Maine to achieve the undesirable distinction of being the highest-taxed state. Adding insult to injury, our state has one of the lowest average per-capita incomes in America.

Which party has controlled Augusta for the past 30 years?

Maine's trade climate is anti-business and anti-economic development. We cannot expect the state to attract quality businesses and employers if we continue to embrace the highest tax burden, the second-highest workers' compensation costs, one of the highest health care costs and exorbitant transportation and utility costs. The only thing going for Maine is its labor force, which is underemployed. What a prestigious distinction: Maine offers cheap labor.

Whatever happened to compromise, consensus building and give-and-take by our leaders from both sides of the aisle as a way to get the state on the right course?

The Maine Economic Research Institute, known as MERI, and the National Federation of Independent Business, known as the NFIB, identify and track a number of legislative business initiatives in the state. The chart that accompanies this commentary shows the voting records of our state leadership from both sides of the aisle in the last Legislature.

As you can see, we have gridlock of the highest order. Our dilemma is clearly one of deficient leadership along with the vast shortage of quality, well-paying jobs. Without a strong business sector, we cannot expect to have an abundance of the needed quality jobs to help lower the overall tax burden. There appears a complete inability by both Democrats and Republicans to find solutions for problems facing the state. The majority leadership must take control in directing all elected officials through the difficult negotiations of finding solutions. To date, it has failed us, and we the electorate must take control to fix the problem.

Citizen's initiatives are not the only answer. We must speak out at the ballot box. If our current leaders cannot do the job, we need to replace them. This quandary reminds me of a Biblical phrase made famous by President Abraham Lincoln -- "A house divided against itself cannot stand." Unless we elect public officials willing to do the people's work rather than endorsing party propaganda, the economic climate will continue to deteriorate. Our Legislature is a house divided and needs fixing.

Abraham Lincoln also said, "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." It remains true today.

We have tried and tested our current leaders and they have failed to do the job. We have given them power, and look at the mess in which we now find ourselves. Our economy needs better-paying jobs; lower taxes; lower health care costs; a stronger, more vibrant economy; reduction in workers' compensation; and lower utility costs. Our leaders do not seem to have the character, the will or the fortitude to work together toward the resolution of these major issues facing our state. They are simply not up to the task.

Incidentally, MERI and the NFIB represent micro -- small and medium-sized businesses. Many legislators would have you believe these groups represent large, multinational corporations. Maine has few large, multinational corporations remaining. Our commercial base consists essentially of micro -- and small companies.

We have listened to the political rhetoric for the past 30 years. It is time we elect leaders who understand the issues and will work together for us, the people. Once we get our house in order and reverse the anti-business and anti-economic development climate, quality businesses will come to Maine.

It is not a matter of voting Democrat or Republican. It is a matter of electing competent people to lead our state through these difficult times. We know gridlock does not work. It is time we elect leaders who are willing to compromise and to work toward consensus building.

Citizen's initiatives are not the answer. The solution is to elect competent leaders.

Paul R. LePage is mayor of Waterville.