Maine, the way life should be, and host of so many outdoor activities that show off its great attributes: beautiful rocky coastlines, pristine blue sky, rugged mountains, rapid rivers, clear lakes, and a commanding landscape of open farmland. It’s no wonder people love Maine, visit often and yearn to live here.

Beyond the natural attributes, there’s still more. That’s the attitude of its people. Mainers are a hard-working and honest people. Proud on their own, they also know the value of family and community. It is a way of life.

It’s a life that’s being threatened by today’s heavily marketed modern-living ideals. The quest for the biggest and the best, and the search of ever more at the lowest price, have compromised our quality of life. Bit by bit, our uniqueness and character are slipping away as we acquire the look of everyone else.

Maine needs to attract businesses that can pay a sustainable, living wage with benefits to its people. In recent years, economic development in many communities has meant the arrival of Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart, I’d argue, has actually done the reverse – especially in Scarborough, where employees who work there can’t afford to live here.

Eighty-seven acres were clear-cut and wetlands filled so that a Lowe’s can move in and a Wal-Mart super store can occupy a new building next to the soon-abandoned, smaller Wal-Mart. What does this really mean for our community? It means that really nice, service-oriented, small-business owners who give generously to community groups, who live and work here, are forced to work harder. Ace Hardware’s Dan Johnson comes to mind. A visit to Ace is like a visit to a community center of sorts – people in town gather to chat, purchase what they need, and the store is there to serve its customers in the fullest sense of the word. This is the Maine that I love.

Am I opposed to development? No. But let’s manage it and be selective. And a little bit of assistance from the state would sure help. A state notoriously noted for being business unfriendly could possibly blow the best opportunity that has come up the turnpike for Maine and Scarborough.

Maine needs to capitalize on its authentic character. Let’s face it, Maine is a dream destination for the outdoor lover, with hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and boating. Time spent in Maine’s natural wonderland lifts the spirits and cleanses the soul. Can you ever have too much of that? So why not capitalize on this in Scarborough?

At last – Cabela’s, a big-box retailer of substance. Cabela’s pays a living wage. Cabela’s in and of itself is a destination in which people plan a trip around, and on average spend over three hours each time they visit the store. At last – a big-box retailer who could put pressure on big-box competitors to increase pay and benefits. At last – a big-box retailer offering a product that is in keeping with Maine’s character and tradition. Finally – an anchor on the map, a destination for authentic Maine recreation.

But don’t be misled. Contrary to what’s been reported in the press, Cabela’s is not seeking “special privileges.” Rather, the company is giving Maine Revenue Services a heads-up to their business structure. Separate from each other – Internet, catalog and retail – these units operate independently. You will find no mail-order catalog in Cabela’s store. You will see no Web site address on the shopping bags. You cannot return mail order or Internet purchases for store credit.

This is not a unique business practice exclusive to Cabela’s. Make an Internet purchase from Dick’s Sporting Goods, Ritz Camera, Victoria Secret, and you are not charged Maine sales tax. These companies are structured similarly to Cabela’s, and operate in compliance with nexus rulings. Lost tax revenue? No. Maine residents are asked to pay it in their user tax fees. Nineteen other states have said yes to Cabela’s and given the company the legal ruling to operate the business this way. Maine needs to say yes, too.

Scarborough will become a unique destination hub south of Portland. We have so much here working for us already: Scarborough’s abundant natural beauty of beaches, marsh land and walking trails welcome outdoor enthusiast. Scarborough Downs, Beech Ridge Speedway and Maine Indoor Karting offer unique and specialized entertainment, in keeping with the type of customer that Cabela’s attracts. And Cabela’s would serve as a wonderful outlet for people visiting our town while assisting a family member or friend with medical treatment at a medical facility.

Cabela’s will anchor our town as a recreation destination, and attract more businesses while increasing existing business. The governor needs to hear from us – via e-mail: [email protected] or by phone: 207-287-3531. Make a call for Cabela’s.