Maine is in financial trouble.

A recent article in the Sun Journal (Feb. 5) reported the possible downgrading of Maine’s bond rating by Moody’s because of looming budget deficits. This should be a clarion call to the Legislature to cut spending and reduce borrowing.

Unfortunately it is not.

The Baldacci administration has proposed another huge bond issue.

A downgraded bond rating will cost the taxpayers more in interest.

Another Sun Journal article cited the federal government’s demand that Maine pay back $3 million in Medicaid payments that were improperly taken. One more example of the faulty accounting procedures of the state bureaucracy.

There are 1,900-plus proposed pieces of legislation this year. That’s ridiculous.

Maine citizens, many of modest means, are financially stretched to the limit by increases in taxes and fees. There appears to be no end to Augusta’s addiction to feel-good legislation and spending.

The state government is out of control with the taxpayer’s credit card.

One can’t help but stand in awe of the latest budget Band-Aid. A smoke-and-mirror scheme to sell the lottery.

Taxpayers will receive a short term budget “fix” in return for paying $150 million in interest over 10 years.

This is an act of desperation. Selling something of great value for a short-term fix is nothing but pawn-shop politics.

Common sense tells us we can’t borrow our way out of debt, but in Augusta they must think differently. I guess that’s what passes for good leadership.

John Wheeler, Bethel

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