It is no secret that Maine’s economy is underperforming. Many of the factors that cause that lack of prosperity and a high tax burden are in the legislative process which sets public policy. The legislative business climate should encourage growth and prosperity of the private sector. Jobs with good wages and benefits will occur. Everyone will benefit. In order for this to happen, a political philosophy must be adopted by our legislators that employs basic business concepts and systematic approaches to quality outcomes.

The Maine Economic Research Institute is a nonpartisan group that analyzes legislative issues in these areas of concern. In the first year of this current legislature, the legislators were rated on their actual votes – what they did, not what they said.

Those representing portions of Androscoggin County scored as follows:

Rep. Beaulieu, R-Auburn, 83; Rep. Simpson, D-Auburn, 13; Rep. Samson, D-Auburn, 17.5; Rep. Makas, D-Lewiston, 9; Rep. Walcott, D-Lewiston, 10.5; Rep. Wagner, D-Lewiston, 13; Rep. Craven, D-Lewiston, 11.5; Rep. Lansley, R-Sabattus, 70.5; Rep. Smith, D-Monmouth, 23.5; Rep. Knight, R-Livermore, 68; Rep. Hamper, R-Oxford, 89; Rep. Cebra, R-Naples, 92.5; Rep. Robinson, R-Raymond, 92.5; Rep. Berube, R-Lisbon, 64; Rep. Vaughan, R-Durham, 92; Rep. Sirois, D-Turner, 20; Sen. Snowe-Mello, R-Poland, 94; Sen. Rotundo, D-Lewiston, 25; Sen. Nutting, D-Leeds, 30.

A rating of 55 or more indicates strong support for economic prosperity.

Need I say more about which political party can lead us there?

Thomas F. Shields, Auburn