OK, Mainers, time to get out our bond-debt shovels, those used to dig ourselves deeper in debt. Don’t tarry now.

Gov. Baldacci’s Democrats are legislating passage of $197 million in bonds. And why not, they ballyhoo. Maine has general bond debt of only $400 million, plus $198 million in facilities authority debt.

If that were only so.

How and when do Democrats propose paying the $3 billion owed state retirement, the $80 million owed hospitals and $125 million owed in giving up state liquor income for 10 years?

Mainers surely admire the way state politicians shovel it. Why else do citizens cave in to broken promises of relief from high taxes?

By referendum, although voters told the state to pay its 55 percent of school costs, politicians will delay full implementation for four years.

Baldacci’s Democrats persuaded residents to turn down a tax cap and have given us an increase in the Homestead Exemption the people themselves must fund. Democrats call it tax relief; Webster’s Dictionary calls it gall.

Gov. Baldacci, who fiercely fought the casino, aims to gamble away $400 million in lottery assets over 10 years just to obtain $250 million for the present budget.

Bond ratings organizations in New York are recognizing the funky fiscal smell from our State House. Our continuing bond debt spadework won’t disguise the stink any longer.

Attention, Mainers, right shoulder shovel. Hup!

John Benoit, Rangeley

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