How far is too far? That is the question being asked by the state’s bipartisan, investigative Government Oversight Committee (GOC).
In the wake of Governor Paul LePage’s admission that he linked the withholding of funds for the Good Will-Hinckley school to their hiring of Speaker of the House Mark Eves, lawmakers on the GOC and the independent, nonpartisan agency, OPEGA have a job ahead of them. Key to their investigation is sussing out whether in fact, the governor’s actions are criminal and/or an abuse of power. Did he misuse state funds in order to exact retribution on a political rival?
Meanwhile, one thing is clear: The governor’s unfettered power grabs need to be put in check. Gov. LePage’s threat to pull half a million dollars in funding from Good Will-Hinckley if Speaker Eves wasn’t fired is tyrannical and ego-centric.
In no circumstance, should any lawmaker feel that if they get on the wrong side of this governor that their private life, their livelihood is at stake. No governor should feel entitled and empowered to sabotage another person’s private life, their job, and their family. This is sacred territory.
Furthermore, no business or nonprofit should have to worry that they will become collateral damage if their decisions don’t align with the governor of our state. Intimidating a private entity to fire their employee “or else” is the kind of dictatorial politics that deserves no place in our state. Politics is one thing, but Gov. LePage’s mean-spirited and revenge-style politics crosses a line that has no business here in Maine.
Elected officials should be able to ”“ in fact, need to know that they can vote their conscience, vote in the best interest of their constituents without the fear of retribution by our governor.
Gov. LePage may be the highest ranking official in our state, but he is not above the law. He is not beyond accountability to the people of Maine. And, he is not exempt from following the Constitution. He also is not a ruler of one ”“ neither king nor dictator. He is a popularly elected governor who is in office to serve the people of Maine.
In no way is this revenge-style politics helpful to the people of Maine. Effectively shutting down a school that serves at-risk kids because they hired a political rival is not an honest way to govern.
In the weeks ahead, Gov. LePage will have a choice: Will he cooperate with this independent investigation and allow the facts to be revealed? Or, will he continue to dodge the questions and act beyond reproach?
The committee next meets on July 18. It is my hope and expectation that lawmakers from both sides of the aisle will remain united in getting to the bottom of this and restoring integrity to our state and to those who govern.
— Senator David Dutremble, D-Biddeford, represents Senate District 32, which includes Alfred, Arundel, Biddeford, Dayton, Lyman and Kennebunkport.
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