Letters to the Editor
Building a stronger Maine
Dear Independent,
The 2007 Boston Red Sox have built a high caliber team that they believe can and will win another World Series Championship. General Manager Theo Epstein et al have addressed team weaknesses and enhanced strengths as part of their winning strategy. They understand the league they compete in and have a vision of how each part/member of the team will contribute to the larger picture of winning. So far, this philosophy appears to be working well for Red Sox Nation. Let's see how well this might work in dealing with the needs of our state.
Here in the Maine Legislature, we are dealing with a number of issues (players) that would impact the state (team) when crafting a state budget. In fact, this is all part of the "game" plan for budget negotiations at the State House. Similar to the Red Sox philosophy, legislators are working hard to build a stronger Maine that can compete and succeed in its "league" (a more technically oriented, more competitive "flat" world).
Major issues impacting the state budget include school district/administration consolidation, higher educational funding, property tax relief, broadening of sales and reduction in income taxes, social service programs, transportation funding, health care, court security, economic development initiatives, tourism, the environment - the list goes on and on!
As a legislator, it is important to stay on track and remain focused on the larger picture - a stronger Maine. This can be a challenge when budget negotiations and politics are mixed together! It is not uncommon to lose sight of the big picture when individual opinions cloud the issues with doubt. However, through legislative leadership, committee cooperation, and bipartisan effort, a budget that works best for our state is nearing completion.
A few highlights included in the budget surround education: Over $4 million of proposed community college cuts have been restored. This is a significant amount to maintain when you figure that this money means 2,000 more students can attend a Maine community college. This investment will increase our educated population and qualified workforce.
The budget also reflects efforts to achieve the goal of attaining the state's share of 55 percent of K-12 education costs. This benchmark will represent $1 billion per year in state funding for education. This billion-dollar cost to the state has been part of the reason for attempts to find administrative savings through school district consolidation efforts. I don't need to tell you that this issue has been highly controversial! Currently, the administrative consolidation proposal would allow communities/districts to pick their partners. The 1,200/2,500 target size is a recommended (not required) goal.
Locally, the state budget will include an additional $2.7 million in disaster relief funding to further assist those impacted by the spring of 2007 floods.
Overall, it is important to understand that this state budget does not raise Mainer's tax burden. Cuts were made to a number of programs and departments, 25 state agencies will remain flat funded, consolidation efforts will occur within the state, and the Legislature's expenses will be cut by $1.3 million.
I am generally pleased with the progress the Legislature has made on the budget to date - that does not mean that there is not a great deal of work remaining for this and subsequent Legislatures! Our state faced many weaknesses including revenue shortfalls and major financial holes to fill. However, through dedicated teamwork and a vision, we have a state budget proposal that addresses many of our weaknesses and moves toward strengthening our state. Difficult decisions have been made, but the best interests of the people of Maine remain the focal point. A balanced budget, with no overall tax burden increases and controlled spending is a winning combination for this state as we move forward in building a stronger Maine!
Sen. Peter B. Bowman
Senate District 1
Eliot, Kittery, Ogunquit, South Berwick and York
Thanks from the Garden Club
Dear Independent,
On behalf of the Silent Auction Committee of the Old York Garden Club I would like to thank all the donors who gave so generously to our auction. It was a great success, raising $1,600 for our scholarships and civic development projects. Fiona's Porch, York True Value, Stonewall Kitchen, TJ's at the Sign of the Goose, Cranberry Hill Antiques, Rolling Green Nursery, Green Art, Jacqueline Nooney Landscape, Joe Parks, Neil Jorgenson and, of course, all the Old York Garden Club members who contribute unique, rare and/or unusual plants for the silent auction portion of the annual plant sale.
Thank you also to the many people who came and supported the garden club through their purchases.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Farley
Old York Garden Club
Silent Auction Chair
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