If Gov. LePage is so concerned (Feb. 10) that the referendum process needs to be dramatically changed to forestall a future “end run” around the legislative process, perhaps he should consider the likely reason for the proliferation of such referendums in recent years.
It seems obvious to me that the legislative process in Augusta has failed in the past six years, primarily because the governor and legislators cannot agree on common goals. In the meantime, the citizenry grows increasingly frustrated by the lack of effective government in Augusta and takes its only recourse: direct initiatives.
I think those initiatives, if passed, are clear evidence of what the voters want to see achieved. If the legislative process, which is supposed to be representing all the citizens of the state, does not produce any positive results because of its current dysfunctional condition, how else are those represented to realize any goals whatsoever except through referendums?
Warner Price
Harpswell
Send questions/comments to the editors.
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Hi, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have a commenting profile? .
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.