The voters of Maine have spoken. What did they decide?

First, they decided to be wishy-washy about gambling.

Second, they decided, once again, to max out the state credit cards and let the children pay for their parents’ indecision.

Third, they decided to raise the sales tax or the income tax – probably both – with no requirements to decrease property taxes or to reduce spending. And they were so wishy-washy there, too, that they will have to vote all over again next June. And nothing will happen about taxes between now and then because it’s illegal to legislate when it might affect a pending referendum.

There is one possible bright spot. The Legislature has been excusing itself from following the law for nearly 20 years with regard to school funding. Maybe someone in Augusta will finally discover enough backbone to excuse themselves from this law and start a serious, state-level analysis of our financial mess, pending referendum or not.

Michael LeBlanc, East Wilton

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