Make sure to take a deep breath when reviewing state Democrats’ platform May 25, 2018 by Jill Goldthwait on Jill Goldthwait, Opinion Last weekend, Democrats held their state convention featuring a parade of candidates for congressional and state offices lengthy enough that they were hard-pressed to get them all on stage in a single weekend. Between the open gubernatorial seat and their consuming desire to win back the 2nd Congressional District, the Democrats’ energy was running high. …
Handicapping the primary races three weeks out May 18, 2018 by Jill Goldthwait on Columnists, Jill Goldthwait, Opinion We are inching closer to the primary elections. Going in, none of the major party candidates has clear front runner status in either the 2nd Congressional district (except for unopposed Republican incumbent Bruce Poliquin) or the gubernatorial race. Let’s see if we can narrow them down. First of all, let’s call the race now for …
Insincerity is the elephant in the room with state GOP platform May 11, 2018 by Jill Goldthwait on Columnists, Jill Goldthwait, Opinion Bring up a party platform and you will get eye rolls, arm waves and dismissive shrugs. “Oh, that! Nobody pays attention to the platform.” It is true that none of us could recite passages from our favorite platform, though a few of us could hum along, but it is supposed to be the defining document …
State government gets a well-deserved “I” for incomplete May 4, 2018 by Jill Goldthwait on Columnists, Jill Goldthwait, Opinion A review of this year’s legislative session looks remarkably similar to a competitive swimmer’s disqualification report. “Out of sequence.” “False start.” “Toes over lip of gutter.” “Delay of meet.” Legislators are guilty of almost everything except “early take-off.” There are many contributing factors to the unprecedented failure to complete the work of a legislative session. …
Ugly end to session leaves lots of unfinished business in Augusta April 27, 2018 by Jill Goldthwait on Columnists, Jill Goldthwait, Opinion The ending of a legislative session is rarely pretty, but this one might qualify as one of the worst ever. It is not uncommon to have a pile of undone bills entering the final week, but somehow it all comes together in the last few days. Not this time. By statute, the Legislature was due …
Referendum process here to stay, but needs improvement April 20, 2018 by Jill Goldthwait on Columnists, Jill Goldthwait, Opinion Citizens’ initiatives are time-consuming and expensive. The process is found in Article IV, Section 18 of the Maine Constitution, labeled “Direct initiative of legislation.” Those words are substantive. A referendum is the only legislation that may be proposed by someone other than a legislator. No one else may bring a bill forward. Even governor’s bills …
GOP circus an amusing sideshow in battle to unseat King April 13, 2018 by Jill Goldthwait on Columnists, Jill Goldthwait, Opinion The primary elections are edging closer and one of the livelier races is the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Angus King. King, a former Maine governor, is right up there in the pantheon of Muskie-Cohen-Mitchell-Snowe-Collins as one of the most respected politicians in living memory. He has opposition all over …
GOP gubernatorial field weakened by Thibodeau’s departure April 6, 2018 by Jill Goldthwait on Columnists, Jill Goldthwait, Opinion The withdrawal of Senate President Mike Thibodeau from the gubernatorial race weakens the Republican field and diminishes the contest. The remaining four Republicans in the primary race, if not cut from the LePage cloth, are all seeking to win favor with Governor Paul LePage’s base. Mike Thibodeau was different. Though he may well have been …
Young people send their message on gun violence: “Enough!” March 30, 2018 by Jill Goldthwait on Columnists, Jill Goldthwait, Opinion Last Saturday, young people all over the country poured onto the streets to say, “Enough!” That included kids in Hancock County, who bussed down to Boston or turned out closer to home for marches, gatherings and conversation. They are stepping up to take on the responsibility that our leaders have shirked. They have initiated a …
Buzzer-beaters help Ellsworth, Trenton avoid March madness March 23, 2018 by Jill Goldthwait on Columnists, Jill Goldthwait, Opinion Saved! At the closing bell for party candidates, Democrat Chris Keefe of Ellsworth and Republican Mark Remick of Trenton stepped up to run for state representative for District 132, representing Ellsworth and Trenton. The seat was vacated by the term-limited Louie Luchini, and until perilously close to the March 15 deadline there were no candidates. …
