Better Management for Maine Town Hall: Waterville

Last night at the American Legion in Waterville we had another lively discussion about the future of our state.  As with most of these gatherings, state spending on social services was a great concern, as well as our high tax burden. 

People see jobs fleeing the state as a result of the cost and complexity of doing business in Maine.  That cost is a result of our state’s addiction to spending.  As a state, we need to fundamentally be honest about what services we should provide and what we can afford.  State government cannot be all things to all people.

During this campaign, we have seen little attention paid by the other candidates to controlling spending, despite it being a chief concern among voters.

It’s really a question of fiscal management.  If we commit ourselves to being a state that only spends what it takes in, then we’ll be able to rebuild our economy, lower taxes, and encourage business formation and job growth.

If we do, it would be a fundamental shift away from business-as-usual in Augusta.  I am convinced career politicians in Augusta and Washington will not make these tough decisions. 

More than ever, we need someone from the private sector in the Blaine House who knows how tough it is to do business here.  Our next Governor must direct state finances based on sound economic judgment and experience, not based on what will get them reelected.

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