The public is outraged, and I don’t blame them.

The unfair imbalances in our taxation structure were not solved in the most recent legislative session. The majority party, the Democrats, provided no acceptable answers and their leadership was lacking. Republican proposals were all rejected by the majority vote of the Democrats. We are now facing the Palesky tax-cap proposal with no well-constructed alternatives.

The overzealous state budget was balanced only with the benefit of one-time sale items, such as the franchise for wholesale liquor. The Medicaid structure is $14 million over-spent after the first month of operation in this fiscal year due to the unwise expansion of benefits. Close to a $1 billion deficit is projected for 2005-2007. The Democratic majority has not exhibited any restraint in spending.

And now, the non-partisan Maine Economic Research Institute has rated the voting record of all seeking re-election, based on objective data (not what they said, but what they did). The Democrats had miserable ratings in their support of a healthy economy, strong businesses and quality jobs. The Republicans had strong ratings.

How long is the Maine public going to continue to elect Democrats to run our state when they do such a lousy job?

It is time for a change, unless people really like it the way it is.

Rep. Thomas F. Shields,

Auburn

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