To the Editor:
“It’s the economy, stupid:” a phrase used by the 1992 Clinton campaign. Could there be any phrase more appropriate today here in Maine?
Lincoln County residents take heed. How do your legislators stack up in supporting economic development? Improved economic climate in Lincoln County and the entire state can increase revenues, create jobs and permit lower tax rates.
Using the Maine Economic Research Institute (MERI)-( www.me-ri.org/), observe how our legislators scored in past legislative sessions. MERI is a nonpartisan, independent, not-for-profit organization created to conduct research, analysis, and report on economic issues. A primary focus for MERI is how state policies affect Maine’s economy. MERI scores legislators on a scale 0 to 100 percent. To determine the scores, objective test bills, relating to economic policy, are used as indices supporting economic development.
Scores of David Trahan, candidate for re-election in Senate District 20 were 85 percent for the 124th session. While in the House of Representatives he scored a 91 percent in his first session followed by a consistent 85 percent during his following three sessions. David’s record is unequivocal as a supporter of economic development.
Les Fossel, candidate for re-election in House District 53 scored 93 percent during his first term in the 124th session. Jonathan McKane, seeking re-election in House District 51 scored 93.5 percent in the 124th; 86.5 percent in the 123rd, and 89 percent in the 122nd. They should be re-elected to ensure support of economic improvement.
W. Bruce McDonald, seeking re-election in House District 61, scored a dismal 23 percent in the 124th and 26.5 percent in the 123rd, respectively. If I were a House District 61 voter, I’d support Linc Sample.
In House District 50, Dana Dow is running after having served as State Senator from 2004-2008. Senator Dow’s scores were 84 percent in the 123rd and 87 percent in the 122nd. Vote for Dana in House District 50.
Lisa Miller, running for re-election in House District 52 scored 13.5 percent in the 124th, 14.5 percent in the 123rd and 22.5 percent in the 122nd. Rep. Miller certainly had other priorities. As a voter in House District 52, my vote goes to Deb Sanderson, whose position is clear on fiscal responsibility, lower taxes and igniting Maine’s economic engine!
One candidate for Governor, and past Senate President, Elizabeth Mitchell, has a clear record of little support for economic development as analyzed by MERI. The Senator’s scores were a disappointing 22.5 percent, 25 percent and 24.5 percent for the past three sessions. Past performance is the best predictor to future behavior.
Don’t listen to the rhetoric, look at the voting record. Another candidate with a record of strong support for economic development at the municipal level and a successful CEO of a Maine company is Paul LePage. My vote goes to him. It’s the economy, stupid.
Richard S. Harnett, Jefferson
