Going independent

Both sides are now wooing former Democratic Rep. Tom Saviello, who announced last week he was going independent, bringing the tally in the House to 75 Democrats, 73 Republicans, 2 unenrolled and one Green.

Saviello went to the Republican caucus Monday, saying he didn’t want to be the center of attention at the Democratic caucus where his resignation from the party was to be discussed.

“I intend to go to both caucuses” going forward, the Wilton representative said. Both parties caucused Monday on the proposed $83 million bond package that will be voted on at the end of the month, and both put out an invitation for Saviello to attend their meetings.

House Speaker John Richardson said last week he would include Saviello in the discussions going forward and “invite his counsel and participation” – a wise move since with margins so slim, Democrats need his vote. Two other Democrats – Rep. Joanne Twomey of Biddeford and Rep. Barbara Merrill of Appleton – have gone against their party on key budget votes.

Saviello was already marked as a loner before he decided to make it official. He held back his vote on the original state budget that included $447 million in borrowing until he got more money for his local school district. He sat in his chair but didn’t vote on the budget that rescinded that borrowing.

What pushed him over the edge into the independent ranks, he said, was the proposal in the last budget to cut the Business Equipment Tax Reimbursement program by 10 percent – a program his employer, International Paper, uses, with mills in Jay and Bucksport.

“I went there to represent my constituents first, the state second and my party last,” he said, and the area he represents relies on employment and spending from the mill.

Saviello said he and fellow independent Rep. Dick Woodbury of Yarmouth will hold their caucuses in the elevator and all interested parties are invited along for the ride.

Woodbury was in attendance at the Democratic caucus on Monday.

Dealing bonds

When Democrats and Republicans met Monday to talk bonds, Democrats said they want a little more in the package and Republicans are reportedly standing firm at $83 million. While there may be some haggling over a million or two, it appears the bond package is headed for passage.

The figures will be worked out by the Appropriations Committee on Monday, with a vote in the Legislature scheduled for July 29. Voters will have the final say in November.

While Republicans don’t often let reporters into their caucus meetings, people who were there said most of the members present supported the bond package hammered out by party leaders. Republican support is needed because bonds require a two-thirds vote.

The big disappointment for the Democrats, who welcome reporters to their caucus discussions, was the small number attached to the Land for Maine’s Future – $10 million – and the fact no money was included to help preserve working waterfront or the future farmers program.

The greatest amount of money proposed is $34 million for transportation projects; followed by $20 million for job creation, including some R&D money; $10 million for environmental projects, including water pollution control; $10 million for LMF; and, $9 million for education that would be divided between the University and Community College systems.