LePage presents GOP rhetoric as fact

Saturday, October 30, 2004

On Friday, I was disappointed to see Mayor Paul R. LePage of Waterville wade into the legislative races here in central Maine. It appears he has the city of Waterville well under control, allowing him the time to express the Republican Party line in this year's legislative races.

The commentary adds nothing new to the debate. LePage is someone whom I respect, but in the heat of this election campaign he is presenting partisan rhetoric as fact.

Republicans this year are making a great deal of the legislative ratings compiled by the Maine Economic Research Institute, known as MERI. Despite its claims to the contrary, I regard MERI a partisan organization whose purpose is to elect Republicans to the Legislature. Most other Democrats share my belief. This year, MERI appears to be working closely with the Maine Republican Party. The Maine Ethics Commission is closely monitoring MERI's activities, and it's likely the group will cease to exist as their veil of so-called nonpartisan research is lifted and we see skilled Republican operatives behind the curtain.

The fact is MERI did not even consider three key economic development votes in developing its rating system this year. It ignored votes on Pine Tree Zone legislation despite the clear successes of the program. For example, two companies in this area have been certified as Pine Tree Zone companies -- Walpole Woodworkers and Sterilogic Waste Systems -- and together they are expected to add 55 good-paying jobs to the area's economy.

MERI did not consider the economic development bond passed last year and approved by the voters in November 2003. Partly because of investments from that bond, the recession here in Maine has been relatively shallow in comparison to other states.

Finally, MERI ignored Dirigo Health. Thanks to the creation of Dirigo Health, a new, low-cost health insurance plan called DirigoChoice is now available for small businesses. It is intended to reduce costs for small businesses, making them more competitive. The plan went on sale on Oct. 1 and the initial response has been positive.

Is it just a coincidence that these three economic development initiatives, rejected by most Republican Legislators, did not make the MERI list?

MERI's objective is to paint all Maine Democrats as anti-business with a very broad brush, the handle of which reaches beyond our state. Its methods, ratings and big-business interests are shameful to those of us, both Democrats and Republicans, who have focused much effort to improve our economic outlook for Maine business owners and workers.

I find it interesting that LePage blames the Legislature for two referendums on the Maine ballot. Carol Palesky began her quest for a tax cap more than 10 years ago, back when Republican John R. McKernan Jr. was governor. She is a colorful individual who has been on a crusade to abolish local control in favor of state-run municipalities. While I split with many from my party, including Gov. John E. Baldacci, in supporting the Maine Municipal Association/Maine Education Association tax reform referendum last June, I will be voting against the Palesky proposal Tuesday.

The second question, known as the bear referendum, is the product of a national group, the Human Society of the United States, which has run similar campaigns in many other states. Referendum questions are part of our democratic process here in Maine. Is LePage suggesting we have too much democracy in Maine?

I hope everyone will vote on Tuesday and I hope people of central Maine are not taken in by special interests presenting their views as facts.

Maine people have always voted for the person, not the party. I trust they will do the same Tuesday.

State Sen. Kenneth T. Gagnon, D-Waterville, represents District 14.