“House Republicans: Pledge offers Maine voters real choice,” (Oct. 25) cited Democratic House Speaker John Richardson’s criticism of the House Republicans’ Pledge for Prosperity. Richardson cited the Democrats’ accomplishments in the last four years. But what has Gov. John Baldacci and his party actually achieved?

Maine’s state and local tax burden has increased, so that Maine people have a higher percentage of their income taken by taxes than any other state in the nation. Contrary to the Democrat’s statements, state taxes have actually increased from 7.4 percent in 2002 to 8.2 percent in 2006.

Even with the significant increase in taxes and fees, the state still faces a $500 million deficit and needs to develop the means to pay our hospitals hundred of millions of dollars in past-due Medicaid payments. Baldacci has promised to now pay the IOUs, but conveniently failed to mention how the debt would be paid. Is the governor and his party planning another raid of the highway fund and implement massive tax/fee increases?

Does Richardson consider an economy that actually went backwards in 2005 an accomplishment? Is increased poverty and more people forced to be dependent on foods stamps an accomplishment?

Are more people without health insurance an accomplishment?

Rep. Ken Fletcher, Winslow