Editor,
Your editorial of Feb. 10, 2006 (Be thrifty with gov’s wage) just doesn’t add up.
Gov. Baldacci’s announcement of his intention to veto the bill even before it is voted upon in the full legislature is blatant political pandering for votes, nothing more. If indeed, he is right on the money to posture that Maine’s poor and needy must first be served, where has his leadership been on those issues for the past four years?
Until Gov. Baldacci took the pre-emptive strike of threatening a veto solely to capture what he mistakenly believes to be a politically advantageous position for his upcoming election, the bill was headed for approval in the House and Senate with strong bi-partisan support.
Democrats, Republicans and Independents began to coalesce around the innovative compromise language emerging from the State and Local Government Committee – setting future governors’ wages at three times the median family Maine income. This would amount to approximately $150,000 a year.
Never again would the governor’s salary lay dormant for over two decades, as it has until now. It is only one fact about the salary that it is the lowest in the nation and the Virgin Islands and Guam. It is a minor point, but not to be ignored.
It would be silly, yes, if the raise were proposed solely to keep up with other states.
It is disturbing, not silly, that a Mainer has to be fabulously wealthy to stand half a chance to be governor.
The $70,000 governor wage, which has been frozen in place for over two decades, weighs on the decision of any sensible person contemplating a temporary tour of duty as governor of Maine.
It is all about a leadership deficit and, yes, it is an emergency of the highest order.
That’s not silly; its not fluff. It all adds up, and it is the truth.
My money is on the common Maine man and woman to see right through this funny money posturing of our chief executive.
I hope you will, too.
Rep. Gary Moore
Standish
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