Seeing that Sen. Linda Baker and Rep. Jeff Pierce had published an oped of some length in these pages regarding the state budget, I read eagerly, hoping to hear their positions on the budget proposed over four months ago by Governor LePage, and much discussed since.

Instead, with only weeks remaining in the legislative session, I saw not a single commitment, promise or position.

Four months ago, Governor LePage proposed to tax nonprofits. Where do they stand on this?

Four months ago, Governor LePage proposed to eliminate revenue sharing with municipalities, effectively hiking property taxes for all homeowners. What is their position on this proposal?

By now, many in both major parties have already taken a stand against both of these proposals. Their stance will make a difference as the final budget is negotiated by Appropriations Committee members. Legislators who do not weigh in will not be heard in time.

I encourage Sen. Baker and Rep. Pierce to speak up soon on behalf of our local nonprofits and property taxpayers, both to their party’s budget negotiators and to their constituents. Likewise, I hope we will hear their positions on the alternative budget released by Democrats, which boosts school funding and tax cuts to the middle class.

The job of a legislator is not only to listen, but also to speak up proactively on behalf of those they represent.

Rob Masciola Georgetown