It’s hard to remember it now, but coming into the Blaine House on the heels of a professional politician seemingly duty bound to equivocate, Paul LePage was a breath of fresh air.
Compared to his predecessor, LePage’s straight-talking man-of-the-people act went down like a cold drink on a hot day.
We liked then and we like now the man’s penchant for speaking his mind and making decisions, even if we don’t always like the things he says, or respect the decisions he makes.
Unfortunately, it is obvious by now the thin-skinned LePage is ill-suited for the give and take of state level politics, which is ironic considering his life experience and real world business acumen were supposed to be his strongest assets.
Most recently, LePage has announced he does not plan to submit any nominees for state boards or committees for the Legislature’s consideration until January, if then. Further, going forward he has announced he plans to disengage from the Legislature entirely.
If Legislators want to talk policy they can deal with his chief of staff, John McGough, while LePage devotes himself to pursuing his objectives through citizen referendums, he said.
Unfortunately, nominating people to fill administrative positions is an important part of the governor’s job, not to mention the fact dealing with the Legislature is the major part of the governor’s job.
We understand LePage is frustrated with goings-on in Augusta, but he is wrong to shirk his basic responsibilities.
LePage may think he is making some point by being as recalcitrant as he is, but in reality his fits of pique impact the fortunes of the entire state. He wanted to serve the people of Maine. He campaigned for the job he now holds and, for as long as he holds it, it is his duty to fulfill his obligations.
Refusing to do so may effectively spite his colleagues in Augusta, but it ill serves all of us, his constituents.
It is our opinion that Governor LePage should either embrace the process and do his job to the best of his considerable ability, or step down.
If he were still a private executive, we have no doubt what he would tell an employee who didn’t want to do his or her job. This is no different.
