Congratulations to Gov. Baldacci for one of the most successful legislative sessions in a long time. Baldacci has demonstrated that, with leadership, things important to Maine citizens can be accomplished. Baldacci has reached out across party lines to get the job done. He was handed a billion dollar deficit. He skillfully tackled that problem and put it behind us in swift fashion. Clearly, he was doing his homework prior to the election. Most of our local legislators are to be applauded for working with the governor to get things done.

Baldacci boldly worked for the Dirigo initiative. This is the most creative concept to come out of the Blaine House in many years. This health plan will help those without medical insurance. While there were a minority of detractors trying to kill any plan to help those without health insurance, Baldacci again reached across party lines to get something done. That something will do much to deal with the health insurance crisis, since the White House has no plan of it’s own that will meaningfully address the issue.

The governor has banned smoking in bars to address the health concerns. He agreed to a global warming initiative that will decrease greenhouse gasses. Again, the White House wallows in inaction. Baldacci has taught us in order to move forward, we have to do it on our own as a state because we cannot rely on the feds.

Finally, a governor who can get the job done. Mainers made the right choice.

Ed Rabasco, Poland