So soon? Yes, we are already in an election year. Set aside what’s happening with the national political landscape, and look within the borders of our state. Are we better off? Did you get what you were promised from the candidates who are now in Augusta? If you were promised job growth and jobs, jobs, jobs, you didn’t get what you voted for. Instead of taking on the unique circumstances of our state, Gov. LePage and the Republican leadership have spent a great deal of time and resources trying to legislate from a national party platform.

Due to a relatively inexperienced legislature, I am willing to give a partial pass on last session. With a new party in leadership and an overwhelmed governor, the legislative schedule/calendar presents hurdles and obstacles for a largely inexperienced group.

Republican leadership and Gov. LePage spent the last session jamming through legislation that has been tried and failed in states all across this land. Out of fear for of being ostracized by their own party, some new, even some of the more experienced Republican legislators had to bite their tongues and button their lips. While some fair-minded (moderate) Republicans saw this as an opportunity to move Maine forward, they shared with me (yes with me) a frustration with what they got instead.

From voter registration waiting periods, to watering down environmental laws, to cutting services to those in need, we need only look to Arizona, Texas and Wisconsin to see how these tactics have worked. These states under Republican leadership have a huge rise in the number of poor, failing schools (due to lack of funding) and a greater divide between those who have and have not. My friends, the same tactics and similar legislative language used in these far-off lands is what we are seeing here. None of these ideas would help Maine tackle the economic realities of today.

My frustration doesn’t start and end with those on the right. Democrats have been vocal about some of the more egregious proposals (voter ID and waiting periods for voter registration, so called “right to work legislation.” GOP ideas for balancing the state budget). Unfortunately, those in a position to do so have offered little in the way of counter proposals. Instead of alternative ideas, Democrats send out emails asking for money to support their cause. While some have been outspoken and been clear about the faults of particular legislation, Democrats have not done a good enough job of voicing alternatives. Word is not getting out to the masses. Even their most loyal supporters aren’t getting the message.

We can have two political parties with different views and opinions as to how to best move Maine forward. We can have partisanship and compromise. It is possible to have vocal opponents and proponents for every idea and piece of legislation, and still find a middle ground. We need the pragmatic, the individuals from both sides of the aisle to step forward and broker ideas, seek compromise and common ground. It won’t work every time, but as I tell our kids at home (ages 5 and 7) we’re going to try. Without alternatives, a bad idea is still the only idea.

My hope for this legislative session is simple. We need leaders to step forward, and for there to be honest debate on the merits of the idea. Party rhetoric has to take a backseat to progress. Dueling press releases won’t get legislation passed. Rehashing stale talking points won’t create jobs. There are good people working on both sides of the aisle, their work and good ideas are too often squashed because of party politics. Lets put all the ideas on the table and work through them.

A final thought. This is likely my last regular Political Animals piece. I would like to thank the Sun Journal for allowing me to have a few inches of space each month and for you, the readers for putting up with my progressive leanings. My thanks also go out to Scott Lansley. While we agree to disagree on many things, the Political Animals have proven our political leanings are sometimes closer than either of us like to admit. Scott is an asset to his party and to our little town of Sabattus.

I am not going anywhere, the readers of the Sun Journal will likely hear from me again.

Will Fessenden lives in Sabattus with his wife and two children. He is active with several community organization including serving on board of directors for RSU 4, Volunteers of America Northern New England and the ArtVan Project. Will can be reached through his website www.wtfmaine.com or via email at [email protected].