Gov. Paul LePage surprised many in the Legislature when he announced his budget proposal for the next two years. Some like parts of it, some have reservations, some are hearing an earful from their constituents.

We asked three York County legislators to weigh in with their thoughts on the plan.

Rep. Anne”“Marie Mastraccio is in her second term representing Sanford. A former Sanford city councilor and school committee member, she is a Democrat who said she remembers what is was like trying to balance community needs when crafting municipal budgets.

“I applaud the governor in opening a conversation on tax reform,” said Mastraccio. She said the budget is multifaceted and she needs to give it a more thorough review. But she’s concerned with the elimination of revenue sharing because even though LePage has plugged in some remedies to help property taxpayers, she pointed out not all of her constituents would qualify.

“They won’t get anything back because they don’t pay income tax,” she said of some of her low income elderly constituents who are trying to hang onto their homes.

She said she knows municipal budgets are cut to the bone ”“ and noted Sanford’s layoff a few years ago of six public works employees.

“He’s not being realistic about the services municipalities have to provide,” she said.

She said she agrees with taxing tourists ”“ and would have supported a six percent sales tax in the last session, rather than the 5.5 percent approved. She said she’d tax lodging more than LePage proposes.

She said she was pleased with his tone at the State of the State address and that he was more friendly and conciliatory to Legislators than in the past.

“I hope he means it when he says lets open the conversation,” said Mastraccio.

Sen. Ron Collins of Wells is a Republican serving his third Senate term, and previously served in the House.

“I know where he’s coming from, he’s trying to attract new business,” said Collins of the governor’s proposal. He said CEOs thinking of moving here look at the income tax rates and don’t want to take a pay cut.

Collins said LePage and his financial team has spoken to the Republican caucus about his budget proposals.

Collins pointed out that the budget that emerges from the Appropriations Committee for a vote ”“ likely in June ”“ will be different from LePage’s proposal.

Collins represents border towns and pointed to LePage’s plan to broaden and increase the sales tax. He said he’s getting email from constituents about it and other facets of the budget proposal.

He said he’s not sure how he’ll vote on the final product ”“ that depends on how much feedback he gets from constituents and what they’re saying.

He called LePage an intelligent man who is “always coming up with bold, new ideas.”

Sen. Linda Valentino, a Saco Democrat, is a member of the Appropriations Committee that will examine the budget proposal, listen at the public hearings (set for school vacation week) and present a budget to the Legislature.

Valentino said she was shocked at LePage’s proposal because the portion that broadens the sales tax was previously broached by Democrats

“It was a great surprise to everyone; he’s done a complete 180 degree turn,” she said. Valentino said LePage’s plan broadens the sales tax to 200 items, twice as many as in the previous Democrat proposal. And there are some she’s not sure she likes ”“ like taxing attorney services. Valentino said people seeking the advice of an attorney are usually in crisis, as opposed to some other taxes. “(Having) a pedicure is optional,” she said.

Valentino voiced concerns about sales tax increases because of the county’s border with New Hampshire, where there’s no sales tax, except on meals lodging and car rentals. And she pointed out the increase in sales tax last session from 5 to 5.5 percent was promoted as a temporary measure, but that LePage is proposing an increase.

She said his proposal to eliminate revenue sharing will be a “hard sell.”

She said she’s not seen Republicans embrace the governor’s plan, and pointed out his sales tax increase would be instituted before the income tax rate reductions. And she said while he’s said he wants to eliminate income tax, this proposal doesn’t do that.

Valentino said he’s given the Appropriations Committee a lot to work with.

“He’s not historically accepted compromises,” Valentino said.. “If he says ”˜it’s my way or nothing,’ it won’t get done.”

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324”“4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282”“1535, ext. 327 or [email protected].