Tag Archives: Janet Mills

Maine needs a better way to welcome tourists this summer

So, I have a confession to make. I really liked Janet Mills’ inaugural address. That probably isn’t a huge surprise. Shortly after she gave the address, I applauded her in these pages. Her levelheaded, sensible approach was a welcome contrast to those offering soaring rhetoric divorced from concrete steps and, well, reality. The motif of […]

Let the dentists and others return to work as we learn more about coronavirus

Last year at this time, a myriad array of left-wing groups had taken to the Maine State House. Their cause was encapsulated in a catchy slogan. “Dental care is health care.” Therefore, the ongoing “shutdowns” of dentistry during the coronavirus pandemic means the government is denying people health care. Quod Erat Demonstrandum.  Of course, that doesn’t […]

May Day brings a mayday for Maine’s Economy

It’s a mayday on May Day. Seven weeks ago, on March 15, Gov. Janet Mills declared a state of emergency related to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. Her first steps were brilliant; there were no heavy-handed orders, just encouragement and suggestions. Mainers heeded the call and, working together, took necessary steps. The Legislature quickly […]

A new bipartisanship in Augusta? Not really.

Now that Democrats are in charge in Augusta, everything is hunky-dory. Right? After all, that is the gist of a recent headline appearing in the Bangor Daily News. The gist of that reporting, by Maine Public, suggests former Gov. Paul LePage was a grump, and Gov. Janet Mills’ administration offers a sunny new approach to […]

You know what Maine needs? More pork.

Maine offered a new spin on an old saw this week. Everyone knows about “pork barrel” politics, where elected officials effectively bribe taxpayers with their own money. It describes a scenario where a legislator works to get a pet project funded for political gain and glory. This week saw the introduction of “pork freezer” politics. […]

The government we deserve should sometimes say “No”

One of the most difficult — yet most necessary — things in politics is telling your supporters “no.”  You beseech everyone for votes and contributions during campaigns, hoping to receive enough of each to earn electoral success.  If it works, you take office; those supporters then proffer their preferred policy prescriptions to the issues of […]

Maine lawmakers need to focus on funding roads

It’s quiet in Augusta. A bit too quiet. And that is saying something now that we are in tourist season. Of course, everything is relative. We are hearing plenty of noise on culture war issues like abortion, conversion therapy, and so-called “red flag” gun bills. Central Maine Power has been in the news as well, […]

Are states still popular?

Should we even bother having states? Apparently, that is a question which needs to be asked. Earlier this week, the Maine Senate endorsed the so-called “National Popular Vote.” It would, by law, compel Maine’s Electoral College representatives to cast their ballots for whoever wins a plurality — not a numeric majority — of individual ballots […]