http://www.bruceforme.com/index.php/ en Bruce@BruceForME.com Copyright 2010 2010-03-04T19:31:33+00:00 http://www.bruceforme.com/index.php/site/blog/we_need_better_management_not_more_debt/ http://www.bruceforme.com/index.php/site/blog/we_need_better_management_not_more_debt/#When:19:31:33Z Just over 4 months ago, tax payers approved a bond issue worth almost $72 million to fund transportation and infrastructure projects.  In the two previous elections, voters have approved about $80 million in bonds, most of it also earmarked for transportation improvements.  Add to that almost $700 million in so-called federal stimulus money for “shovel ready jobs”.  Maine should have raised a lot of additional money for roads. 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. 2010-03-04T19:31:33+00:00 http://www.bruceforme.com/index.php/site/news_details/letter_bruce_poliquin_stands_out_as_candidate_for_governor/ http://www.bruceforme.com/index.php/site/news_details/letter_bruce_poliquin_stands_out_as_candidate_for_governor/#When:12:17:47Z As originally published in the Portland Press-Herald 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 2010-03-04T12:17:47+00:00 http://www.bruceforme.com/index.php/site/blog/more_anti-job_growth_legislation_from_augusta/ http://www.bruceforme.com/index.php/site/blog/more_anti-job_growth_legislation_from_augusta/#When:19:17:13Z As Maine’s economy continues to lag, Augusta should be encouraging job creation by permanently reducing the cost and complexity of doing business in Maine.  However, some in Augusta are again trying to make it even tougher.  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.  2010-03-02T19:17:13+00:00 http://www.bruceforme.com/index.php/site/news_details/release_poliquin_endorsed_by_marine_contracting_business_owner/ http://www.bruceforme.com/index.php/site/news_details/release_poliquin_endorsed_by_marine_contracting_business_owner/#When:18:00:03Z FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MARCH 1, 2010 CONTACT: BRIAN PHILLIPS 207-272-0363 brian@bruceforme.com 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 -30- 2010-03-01T18:00:03+00:00 http://www.bruceforme.com/index.php/site/news_details/poliquin_endorsed_by_president_of_largest_moving_company_in_maine/ http://www.bruceforme.com/index.php/site/news_details/poliquin_endorsed_by_president_of_largest_moving_company_in_maine/#When:14:51:25Z FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 25, 2010 CONTACT: BRIAN PHILLIPS 207-272-0363 brian@bruceforme.com 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 -30- 2010-02-25T14:51:25+00:00 http://www.bruceforme.com/index.php/site/blog/high_taxes_hurt_maine_businesses/ http://www.bruceforme.com/index.php/site/blog/high_taxes_hurt_maine_businesses/#When:14:18:15Z The news that Bumble Bee Foods will be leaving the old Stinson Factory near Gouldsboro is incredibly disappointing.  After more than 100 years of service, the owners of the old cannery announced they would be closing its doors for good in less than two months.  Bumble Bee says they were forced to shutter the plant amid concerns over federal limits on catching herring.  According to a spokesperson, the plant was no longer economically viable.  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.  2010-02-25T14:18:15+00:00 http://www.bruceforme.com/index.php/site/news_details/poliquin_endorsed_by_president_of_portland_machine_shop/ http://www.bruceforme.com/index.php/site/news_details/poliquin_endorsed_by_president_of_portland_machine_shop/#When:14:32:59Z FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 24, 2010 CONTACT: BRIAN PHILLIPS 207-272-0363 brian@bruceforme.com 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 -30- 2010-02-24T14:32:59+00:00 http://www.bruceforme.com/index.php/site/blog/states_facing_economic_hardships_ahead/ http://www.bruceforme.com/index.php/site/blog/states_facing_economic_hardships_ahead/#When:14:09:44Z Over the weekend, the National Governor’s Association held its annual meeting to discuss the challenges the states face and the tactics governors might employ to resolve their respective issues.  The news coming out of the meeting didn’t start off on a positive note: 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.    2010-02-23T14:09:44+00:00 http://www.bruceforme.com/index.php/site/news_details/release_poliquin_endorsed_by_maine_diner_owners/ http://www.bruceforme.com/index.php/site/news_details/release_poliquin_endorsed_by_maine_diner_owners/#When:14:14:03Z FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 22, 2010 CONTACT: BRIAN PHILLIPS 207-272-0363 brian@bruceforme.com 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 -30- 2010-02-22T14:14:03+00:00 http://www.bruceforme.com/index.php/site/news_details/letter_poliquin_right_for_maine/ http://www.bruceforme.com/index.php/site/news_details/letter_poliquin_right_for_maine/#When:14:20:04Z As first published in the Brunswick Times-Record: 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 2010-02-19T14:20:04+00:00