Few Incumbents Seem to Realize the Economic Crisis We're In
By Alfoor
Meteorologically, Maine has been going through a relatively easy winter. Temperatures are up, snowfall is down, and in general, northern New England is getting a break.
We desperately need profound change in Augusta in every part of government, because few incumbents seem to realize the economic crisis we're in. |
Economically, there may as well have been daily blizzards for the past decade.
In a survey of state's friendliness to business, Maine ranked 49th. Our taxes and government spending are out of control, and out of proportion to our economic status. Over the past several years, per capita government spending has nearly doubled in Maine - and the per capita income sure hasn't.
Maine suffers from the highest tax burden in New England, and the nation, at 13%. That's right, higher than Taxachusetts. Higher than Vermont.
Maine also suffers from a loss of the most vital segment of any economy: the future. Over the past decade, there has been a 22% decline in 20-34 year olds in the state, with the northernmost counties being hardest hit (Aroostook County saw a nearly 44% decline).
These issues are especially important now as we enter 2006, an election year. As John Baldacci attempts to win re-election, and such diverse candidates as Peter Mills, Dave Emery, Chandler Woodcock, Pat LaMarche, and more attempt to unseat him, it's important that these issues are pushed to the forefront. This blog will follow 2006 Maine campaigns and judge how the candidates do on economic issues, far and away the overriding topic of concern for most Mainers.
It's time we got a legislature and a governor who's willing to reform, rather than react. Who are willing to be leaders, rather than lackadaisical. Who are willing to throw themselves into the fray, rather than simply follow. In short, we desperately need profound change in Augusta in every part of government, because few incumbents seem to realize the economic crisis we're in.
Maine is a great place to live, but not an easy one, at least economically. Together we can change that.
