So this week’s announcement that leaders in the majority party in Augusta would propose another $99 million bond issue for, yes, transportation and infrastructure projects has many people scratching their heads.

The central question is whether Maine can afford to keep borrowing.  We already spend millions every year to service existing debt and we certainly don’t want to pursue a course that puts Maine’s credit rating at risk.  We can’t borrow our way to a prosperous private sector economy, so we shouldn’t be taking on additional risk without first reducing and prioritizing spending. 

The more fundamental question is how this money is being managed.  We know that the bulk of the “stimulus” funds went to cover social service programs.  Instead of reforming these programs to bring expenditures in line with national averages, Augusta pumped in $300 million to fill the hole without making substantive changes to the programs.  We also know that the Highway Fund has been continually raided to fill past budget gaps.  Again, if Augusta had better managed those funds then, we wouldn’t be trying to borrow money to patch our streets now. 

This year’s annual budget crisis has been particularly painful because the downturn in the national economy has exposed Augusta’s self-inflicted fiscal wounds.  Maine came up almost a billion dollars short of paying for what it spends with revenue generated in this state.  That’s incredible for a state our size.  The borrowing and budgeting gimmicks aren’t going to work anymore.  We have to address these problems at a core level – and that means making the tough decisions about what services Maine should be providing and what we can realistically afford.

Of the almost two dozen people running for the office, Bruce Poliquin’s background, experience, and character makes him stand out from the pack.

He has spent his entire life in the private sector successfully starting, managing, and investing in businesses. He’s created jobs in Maine and built companies that have contributed to our economy. He’s the only candidate with experience handling and managing a budget as large our state budget.

Bruce is also an incredibly hard worker. Anyone who’s had a chance to meet Bruce knows how much energy he has and how passionate he is about solving the problems in our state.

Bruce is direct, honest and straightforward. He doesn’t sugarcoat the economic difficulties Maine will face in the next few years. Most importantly, Bruce is the only candidate with the right qualifications and financial experience to tackle the tough economic choices that face the next governor.

Personally, I am tired of the career politicians running our state. We need someone who actually understands the problems we have and has the right solutions. Bruce Poliquin is the only candidate who fits that description.

Julie Moss

Yarmouth

Under current law, workers who are laid off but receive compensation for accrued vacation time must wait until that time expires before receiving unemployment benefits.  The rule prevents people from “double dipping”, i.e. being paid for vacation and receiving unemployment benefits at the same time.

Last week, however, the House passed a bill that would permit workers to receive unemployment benefits before their accrued vacation time has been exhausted.  By allowing workers to “double dip”, employers will have to bear the higher cost of unemployment benefits, which are funded through unemployment insurance.  The result could be increased job loss and slower recovery of our private sector.

Maine already has one of the worst business climates in the country.  It has a punitive tax structure and a regulatory system that is incredibly complex and costly.  Last year, the legislature raised the sales tax and will soon attempt to make employer “sick pay” mandatory.  Now, Augusta is trying a backdoor increase in unemployment insurance.

All this adds up to an even worse business climate in Maine.  It sends the wrong message to employers who are already here and discourages potential investors from coming to Maine.  In short, it is a job killer.

Our next Governor must bring a new, positive attitude toward business formation and job growth to Augusta.  He or she must send a strong signal to the State House that this is the sort of legislation which dampens our prospects for prosperity and should be soundly rejected. 

Brunswick – Today, Bruce Poliquin, candidate for Maine Governor, received the endorsement of Herb Freeman, Owner of Kennebec Marine Services, a marine contractor located in Mid-Coast Maine.  In a statement, Freeman complimented Poliquin’s management experience and qualifications for dealing with Maine’s current financial and budgetary problems.

“The greatest challenge for Maine’s next Governor will be cultivating a business climate that encourages companies to come to Maine and helps the ones that are here succeed,” said Freeman in a statement.  “Bruce’s professional experience and management background demonstrates that he understands what the business community goes through.  He has successful private sector experience running businesses, managing budgets, creating jobs, and investing in Maine.  I believe Bruce’s professional qualifications offer the best path to economic prosperity for our state.”

Freeman is the latest in a growing list of business leaders to endorse Bruce, which includes:

Peter Anastos, Maine Course Hospitality Group
Steve and Kimberly Brackett, Brackett’s Market
Michael Boulet, Mainely Trusses
Frank Crooker, Harry C. Crooker & Sons, Inc.
Stan Bennett, Oakhurst Dairy
Dana Edwards, Edward’s Family Shop n Save
Mark G. Filler, Filler & Associates
Myles and Richard Henry, Maine Diner
Peter Gagnon, Gediman’s
Steve Greve, SPG Incorporated
Jeffrey Holden, Portland Shellfish
Gayle Hunt, Ornament, Home and Garden
Chris Johnston, Five Islands Lobster Co-op
Peter Maher, Sevee & Maher
Lincoln J. Merrill, Jr., Patriot Insurance
Gene Nygaard, Kennebec Tavern
John Quirk, VIP Parts, Tires and Service
Darrell Pardy, Bristol Seafood Inc.
Brian Petrovek, The Portland Pirates
Chris Pierce, The Dingley Press
Irl & Gail Rosner, Wash Tub Laundromat
Ray Swenton, Bristol Seafood Inc.
Vincent P. Veroneau, J.B. Brown & Sons
Charles Wiercinski, Sitelines, PA
Candy White, Bay Point Realty
Harold White, Waste Water Treatment

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Brunswick – Today, Bruce Poliquin, candidate for Maine Governor, received the endorsement of Peter Noyes, President of Earle W. Noyes & Sons Moving Specialists, Inc.  Noyes has run the 88-year old company for more than three decades, making it the largest moving and storage company in Maine under his stewardship.  Noyes touted Poliquin’s management experience and leadership running businesses and creating jobs in Maine.

“Bruce is a competent business manager with a talent for getting to the heart of an issue and resolving problems,” Noyes said in a statement.  “As Governor, he will bring a wealth of experience in financial matters to a state that is in desperate need of leadership on economic issues.  Bruce’s entire professional life has been in the private sector managing businesses, creating jobs, and safely investing resources.  He has the right qualifications at the right time for Maine.”

Noyes is the latest in a growing list of business leaders to endorse Bruce, which includes:

Peter Anastos, Maine Course Hospitality Group
Steve and Kimberly Brackett, Brackett’s Market
Michael Boulet, Mainely Trusses
Frank Crooker, Harry C. Crooker & Sons, Inc.
Stan Bennett, Oakhurst Dairy
Dana Edwards, Edward’s Family Shop n Save
Mark G. Filler, Filler & Associates
Myles and Richard Henry, Maine Diner
Peter Gagnon, Gediman’s
Steve Greve, SPG Incorporated
Jeffrey Holden, Portland Shellfish
Gayle Hunt, Ornament, Home and Garden
Chris Johnston, Five Islands Lobster Co-op
Bill Kelton, Maine Parts and Machine
Peter Maher, Sevee & Maher
Lincoln J. Merrill, Jr., Patriot Insurance
Gene Nygaard, Kennebec Tavern
John Quirk, VIP Parts, Tires and Service
Darrell Pardy, Bristol Seafood Inc.
Brian Petrovek, The Portland Pirates
Chris Pierce, The Dingley Press
Irl & Gail Rosner, Wash Tub Laundromat
Ray Swenton, Bristol Seafood Inc.
Vincent P. Veroneau, J.B. Brown & Sons
Charles Wiercinski, Sitelines, PA
Candy White, Bay Point Realty
Harold White, Waste Water Treatment

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There’s no doubt federal regulations are a chief concern, along with the down economy.  However, Maine’s punitive business climate also contributes to a company’s decision to stay or head for a more competitive business environment.  Maine lays one of the heaviest tax burdens in the country on employers and workers.  Complex and costly regulations take a bite out of every business dollar and sap precious resources that could go to help businesses grow.  The cost of health insurance is driving employers to other states with more competition amongst insurers.

The Governor has vowed to do everything possible to fill the commercial space and has suggested there are companies looking at the opportunity.  But if it’s tough just to keep the businesses we have in Maine, it’s even more difficult to attract new ones here.  Though our state government spends an average of $200,000,000 per year on economic development, we get very poor results.  Something else is going on.

To attract businesses and create jobs, we should first get our fiscal house in order.  That means making the tough choices to provide only the state services we can afford and then lowering taxes to encourage economic growth.  As long as spending remains out of control and taxes stay high, businesses will continue to move to more competitive states. 

Brunswick – Today, Bruce Poliquin, candidate for Maine Governor, received the endorsement of Bill Kelton, President of Maine Parts and Machine located and Portland.  As a small business owner, Kelton praised Poliquin’s focus on permanently reducing the cost and complexity of doing business in Maine.

“Bruce understands the details that go into managing and operating a business day-to-day.  He knows the tough decisions companies have to make and the consequences of those choices,” Kelton said in a statement. “I trust that Bruce will change the negative attitude politicians in Augusta have toward the people and companies that create jobs.  We need to foster a healthy, robust private sector.  Bruce understands this intimately.  He has the experience and the background we need in Augusta, managing budgets appropriately and making wise decisions with limited resources.”

Kelton is the latest in a growing list of business leaders to endorse Bruce, which includes:

Peter Anastos, Maine Course Hospitality Group
Steve and Kimberly Brackett, Brackett’s Market
Michael Boulet, Mainely Trusses
Frank Crooker, Harry C. Crooker & Sons, Inc.
Stan Bennett, Oakhurst Dairy
Dana Edwards, Edward’s Family Shop n Save
Peter Gagnon, Gediman’s
Steve Greve, SPG Incorporated
Jeffrey Holden, Portland Shellfish
Gayle Hunt, Ornament, Home and Garden
Chris Johnston, Five Islands Lobster Co-op
Peter Maher, Sevee & Maher
Gene Nygaard, Kennebec Tavern
John Quirk, VIP Parts, Tires and Service
Darrell Pardy, Bristol Seafood Inc.
Brian Petrovek, The Portland Pirates
Chris Pierce, The Dingley Press
Irl & Gail Rosner, Wash Tub Laundromat
Ray Swenton, Bristol Seafood Inc.
Vincent P. Veroneau, J.B. Brown & Sons
Charles Wiercinski, Sitelines, PA
Candy White, Bay Point Realty
Harold White, Waste Water Treatment

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On the recession’s front lines, governors are struggling to chart the road ahead for states staggered by unrelenting joblessness and cut-to-the-bone budgets even as Washington reports signs of economic growth.  ‘‘The worst probably is yet to come,’’ warned Gov. Jim Douglas, R-Vt., chairman of the National Governors Association, at the group’s meeting Saturday. He called the situation ‘‘fairly poor’’ in most states, adding that it ‘‘doesn’t look too good.’’

This sentiment is a stark contrast to assumptions Maine’s state government made about the trajectory of our economy over the next year. The tactics Augusta is using have only deepened our problems.  Already our elected officials have borrowed tens of millions of dollars from future budgets in the hope that things will turn around before long.  Few now predict that will be reality.  Our economy faces the very real possibility of staying sluggish for the foreseeable future.

The first step to getting back on track is to ask ourselves what services Maine state government should be providing its citizens.  We can’t be all things to all people and expect our taxpayers and businesses to pay for it all. 

The most glaring example is Maine’s Medicaid program, MaineCare, which has become a middle-class entitlement.  In some cases, the program is two and a half to three times as generous as most other states.  MaineCare was intended to help the most vulnerable. Now, many with middle incomes are receiving benefits.  Programs like MaineCare should be brought in line with national averages, and be reformed so they are not magnets for individuals coming from out of state to take unfair advantage of our taxpayers. 

Once we decide what we should be providing, we need to make the tough choices about what we can actually afford based on realistic revenue projections.  Our current crop of elected officials have been making decisions based on a two- or four-year election cycle, which is why our budget is riddled with borrowed money, waste, and gimmicks like furlough days and a “payroll push”. 

While we can’t change the legislature overnight, we can hire a competent manager as our next Governor who will appoint other professional managers to run government departments and agencies.  It will send a strong signal to Augusta and the people of Maine,that our state will no longer follow business-as-usual.  Mainers are demanding that experienced, qualified managers be put in charge of state finances. 

And finally, when our fiscal house is in order, we should lower taxes on families and businesses.  This will provide a direct incentive to all Mainers – employers and workers – to stay in Maine, raise their families, and build their businesses here. 

Most families and successful companies adhere to similar principles of fiscal responsibility.  Our state government should be making the same responsible choices. 

Brunswick – Today, Bruce Poliquin, candidate for Maine Governor, received the endorsement of Myles and Richard Henry, owners of Maine Diner, a southern Maine institution. Located in Wells, Maine Diner has been serving customers for nearly three decades and has over sixty employees.  In a statement, the Henrys praised Poliquin’s focus on making Maine more business friendly and bringing competent management to Augusta.

“Of all the candidates for Governor, Bruce Poliquin not only best articulates the challenges Maine faces, but also has the skills required to solve our financial and economic problems,” they said. “Bruce is first and foremost a business manager.  He’s dealt directly with state government as a businessperson and understands the concerns our community has.  Now is the time to put a competent manager in the Blaine House. Bruce Poliquin is the best choice for Maine.”

Myles and Richard Henry are the latest in a growing list of business leaders to endorse Bruce, which includes:

Peter Anastos, Maine Course Hospitality Group
Steve and Kimberly Brackett, Brackett’s Market
Michael Boulet, Mainely Trusses
Frank Crooker, Harry C. Crooker & Sons, Inc.
Stan Bennett, Oakhurst Dairy
Dana Edwards, Edward’s Family Shop n Save
Mark G. Filler, Filler & Associates
Peter Gagnon, Gediman’s
Steve Greve, SPG Incorporated
Jeffrey Holden, Portland Shellfish
Gayle Hunt, Ornament, Home and Garden
Chris Johnston, Five Islands Lobster Co-op
Peter Maher, Sevee & Maher
Lincoln J. Merrill, Jr., Patriot Insurance
Gene Nygaard, Kennebec Tavern
John Quirk, VIP Parts, Tires and Service
Darrell Pardy, Bristol Seafood Inc.
Brian Petrovek, The Portland Pirates
Chris Pierce, The Dingley Press
Irl & Gail Rosner, Wash Tub Laundromat
Ray Swenton, Bristol Seafood Inc.
Vincent P. Veroneau, J.B. Brown & Sons
Charles Wiercinski, Sitelines, PA
Candy White, Bay Point Realty
Harold White, Waste Water Treatment

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Poliquin: Right for Maine

By John J. Bouchard
Published:
Friday, February 19, 2010 2:07 PM EST

I am concerned that if our next governor is just another career politician or someone without private-sector experience, our economic concerns will not be addressed, spending will spiral out of control, and taxes will stay high. We don’t need more empty political promises. No one has ever created a job with a pledge.

We need action and results.  We need real leadership from someone who has actually managed budgets, created jobs, and invested in our economy.  That’s why I am supporting Republican Bruce Poliquin for governor. He is the only candidate who truly gets it.

Bruce grew up in Maine. He has a passion for this state. He also has the knowledge and background to address the real reasons our economy suffers.  To reduce spending, lower taxes and balance the budget, you need someone who understands proper fiscal management.

Bruce is a proven, effective and successful manager. He has the right skills at the right time for Maine.

John J. Bouchard, Brunswick

However, a few recent articles show that Washington has as much, if not more, responsibility to bear for our dilemma as Augusta. 

This week, the Portland Press Herald reported that Maine has spent more than $617 million in federal stimulus money, the majority of which has gone to MaineCare - Maine’s Medicaid Program - unemployment benefits, entitlements, and other social services.  The Bangor Daily News reported last November that because Maine took stimulus funding to cover these social programs, Washington can severely limit our ability to reduce spending or make significant structural reforms. 

In short, even if our state legislature could agree on what to cut, the federal government has prohibited them from doing so without losing federal funding in other areas.  The primary weapon wielded by the federal government is last year’s stimulus bill, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which passed by just one filibuster-proof vote in the U.S. Senate.

Reducing what Maine spends on our social service programs to national averages would be a major step toward getting our fiscal house in order.  It would reduce the incentive for people outside Maine to take advantage of our generous taxpayers, and ensure a reliable safety net for those who truly need it.  Unfortunately, the politicians in Washington have severely limited the ability of Maine’s next Governor to make the necessary reforms.

Mainers are a big-hearted, fundamentally decent people.  We have a small enough population that fixing our problems shouldn’t be as tough as other states.  With better management of how we provide essential social services, we will reenergize Maine’s independent spirit.  We don’t need Washington standing in the way of that goal. 

Brunswick – Today, Bruce Poliquin, candidate for Maine Governor, received the endorsement of Mark G.  Filler, CPA, President of Filler & Associates, a firm that has been providing accounting solutions for Maine’s small business community for almost thirty years.  In a statement, Filler applauded Poliquin’s professional qualifications and private sector experience.

“Small businesses desperately need a friend in the Blaine House,” said Filler.  “Our state economy has been poorly managed and it’s often our small businesses that bear the negative consequences.  Bruce is not only a strong supporter of reducing the cost and complexity of doing business in Maine, but he’s the only one running for Governor who truly understands how to get it done.  Maine needs to address the root causes of why businesses struggle, and Bruce has been doing that his entire professional life.  His focus on competent management is a welcome change that the business community will embrace.”

Filler is the latest in a growing list of business leaders to endorse Bruce, which includes:

Peter Anastos, Maine Course Hospitality Group
Steve and Kimberly Brackett, Brackett’s Market
Michael Boulet, Mainely Trusses
Frank Crooker, Harry C. Crooker & Sons, Inc.
Stan Bennett, Oakhurst Dairy
Dana Edwards, Edward’s Family Shop n Save
Peter Gagnon, Gediman’s
Steve Greve, SPG Incorporated
Jeffrey Holden, Portland Shellfish
Gayle Hunt, Ornament, Home and Garden
Chris Johnston, Five Islands Lobster Co-op
Peter Maher, Sevee & Maher
Lincoln J. Merrill, Jr., Patriot Insurance
Gene Nygaard, Kennebec Tavern
John Quirk, VIP Parts, Tires and Service
Darrell Pardy, Bristol Seafood Inc.
Brian Petrovek, The Portland Pirates
Chris Pierce, The Dingley Press
Irl & Gail Rosner, Wash Tub Laundromat
Ray Swenton, Bristol Seafood Inc.
Vincent P. Veroneau, J.B. Brown & Sons
Charles Wiercinski, Sitelines, PA
Candy White, Bay Point Realty
Harold White, Waste Water Treatment
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Well, that’s not exactly what they announced. 

In political-speak they announced something called a “payroll push”.  It’s a budgeting gimmick that “pushes” $3 million in payroll costs on to next year’s budget in order pay for the automatic raises this year.  The administration is claiming this financial shell game “results in a net savings”.  That doesn’t pass the laugh test.  Taxpayers aren’t saving anything.  The payroll checks will still go out as planned.  The administration is borrowing from future budgets to pay for the raises. 

Apart from being another example of poor fiscal management, it also highlights two additional problems with business-as-usual in Augusta.  First, the budget gimmick is intended to hide the real purpose of borrowing the money.  In effect, the administration is borrowing money to pay for the automatic raises, but they call it a “payroll push” to give the appearance that it’s about covering the cost of current salaries.  That’s dishonest.

Second, it’s an obvious political payoff to a favored constituency.  Rather than stand up for what’s best for the long-term prosperity of all Maine citizens, administration officials are bowing to political pressure applied by a group of preferred individuals. 

Such examples only strengthen the call for proper management of our state.  Good private-sector managers approach these financial issues in a way that career politicians from Augusta or Washington do not.  Skilled managers are focused on the success of the overall enterprise and not just what will make their friends happy.  Only an experienced and competent manager can provide the leadership and long-term vision - free of political calculations - that will build a prosperous and sustainable economy in Maine. 

If the Governor is serious about saving money by cutting payroll, perhaps he should start at the top. 

Brunswick – Today, Bruce Poliquin, candidate for Maine Governor, received the endorsement of Lincoln J. Merrill, Jr., President of Patriot Insurance, a leading regional insurance provider located in Yarmouth.  Merrill has three decades of management experience in the insurance industry.  He serves on the Maine Life and Health Guaranty Fund Board and as Vice President of the Maine Association of Insurance Companies.  In a statement, Merrill commended Poliquin’s professional , private sector background and experience managing companies in Maine.

“Bruce Poliquin will bring more than thirty years of much-needed private sector management experience to the Governor’s seat,” said Merrill. “He has spent his entire professional life in the real world properly managing budgets, safely investing resources, and creating jobs and opportunities for Mainers.  Of all the gubernatorial candidates, it’s clear that Bruce’s background and experience make him the most qualified to handle the specific problems Maine will face in the next four years.  That’s why I strongly feel Bruce is the right person to lead our state.”

Merrill is the latest in a growing list of business leaders to endorse Bruce, which includes:

Peter Anastos, Maine Course Hospitality Group
Steve and Kimberly Brackett, Brackett’s Market
Michael Boulet, Mainely Trusses
Frank Crooker, Harry C. Crooker & Sons, Inc.
Stan Bennett, Oakhurst Dairy
Dana Edwards, Edward’s Family Shop n Save
Peter Gagnon, Gediman’s
Steve Greve, SPG Incorporated
Jeffrey Holden, Portland Shellfish
Gayle Hunt, Ornament, Home and Garden
Chris Johnston, Five Islands Lobster Co-op
Peter Maher, Sevee & Maher
Gene Nygaard, Kennebec Tavern
John Quirk, VIP Parts, Tires and Service
Darrell Pardy, Bristol Seafood Inc.
Brian Petrovek, The Portland Pirates
Chris Pierce, The Dingley Press
Irl & Gail Rosner, Wash Tub Laundromat
Ray Swenton, Bristol Seafood Inc.
Vincent P. Veroneau, J.B. Brown & Sons
Charles Wiercinski, Sitelines, PA
Candy White, Bay Point Realty
Harold White, Wastewater Treatment

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While there’s no such legal mandate for the Health Plan, the Maine Constitution requires the Retirement Fund be fully funded by 2028. As a result, our state government must escalate its annual payments from approximately $200 million this year to $700 million by 2015, based on the most recent actuarial projections.

Right now, the Health Plan – which comprises almost two-thirds of the total unfunded liability – has essentially no money to invest and grow and help pay down its “mortgage”.  Current health benefits for state employees are being paid year-to-year “out of pocket” from the General Fund.  The Governor recently raided a $70 million deposit that was earmarked for the Retiree Health Plan and, instead, used the money to address the current budget crisis.  According to the actuarial data, payments of roughly $100 million per year for the next 25 years are required to make the system solvent. 

Our state government is facing the very real possibility of having to find almost $1 billion per year to prudently fund these two programs in the near future.  Worse, there is little evidence of any kind of management plan to deal with this fiscal threat.  Hardly anyone in Augusta is even talking about it.

As I continue to travel the state and meet with voters, this kind of gross fiscal mismanagement has Mainers shaking their heads.  How have our politicians created such a financial mess?  Who’s been minding the store?

Now more than ever, Maine’s next Governor should be a competent manager who not only understands these difficult fiscal issues, but who also has the experience to successfully deal with them.  Career politicians from Augusta and Washington have shown they are unwilling to address these issues until it’s too late.  Maybe they’re too busy looking at the next election.  The voters of Maine have an opportunity to elect a Governor with the qualifications to put our fiscal house in order, and move Maine closer to building long-term prosperity and creating jobs.  They should take it.