The historic Nov. 2 approval of a resort casino project in Oxford made national news. While some might argue the winning margin was narrow, others contend this is typical of most elections in America today. Can anyone say “hanging chads”?
In this year’s five-way Maine governor’s race, the winner prevailed with less than a 2 percent margin. It’s noteworthy that eight of 16 Maine counties approving the casino included the two most populous counties of York and Cumberland. The vote was split down the middle in the two most northern counties of Aroostook and Piscataquis. Among the six counties where the measure failed were four of the least-populated counties: Washington, Waldo, Knox and Lincoln.
Now it appears that Oxford Hills No on One, OHNo1, and CasinosNO! have joined forces to ask for a recount. This would be the first recount in Maine history where the margin of victory is more than 5,000 votes.
Of course, citizens have the right to exercise such options, but in this case, where the odds of overturning the will of the people is almost nonexistent, this is nothing more than a giant waste of money for the people of Maine. Enormous costs will be incurred as the state police are forced to sequester and lock down every ballot cast, not to mention the additional costs to the secretary of state.
These costs are born by the Maine taxpayers, not the recount petitioners.
In every race there has to be a winner and a loser. Maine has spoken. With a margin of thousands, there is no question that Yes on One will be certified a winner by Maine’s Secretary of State. A recount will delay job creation, but it will not change the eventual outcome.
Who actually won in this ballot question? Last Tuesday, Mainers approved the creation of thousands of jobs in the private sector in virtually every job category. Mainers approved a multimillion-dollar construction project that will create hundreds of real shovel-ready jobs within just months for Maine surveyors, excavators, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, heating-cooling experts, masons, foundation workers, painters, roofers.
Maine farmers won, too. As did Maine fishermen. As well as Maine suppliers and vendors for food, supplies, equipment, office products, furniture, wall and window coverings, carpeting, tile.
Businesses all over Maine won last Tuesday. Poland Spring Resort is considering opening year-round, rather than normal seasonal operation. Several local Oxford area businesses are planning expansions and renovations. Requests are coming in from tourism attractions statewide for inclusion in the casino promotional materials. Last Tuesday area hotels upped their future occupancy projections.
Maine car dealers won big last Tuesday. Is there any doubt that thousands of new jobs won’t help generate sales? Those new paychecks will help buy Maine furniture, appliances, home improvement items, medicine, fuel oil, groceries, clothing and maybe a few strings of bowling or a night at the movies.
The multiplier effect of this project is estimated to be almost $300 million of economic activity.
Maine taxpayers won last Tuesday. A projected state tax revenue of almost $60 million including millions for K-12 education in every Maine community will help pay teachers salaries and keep essential programs as well as thousands of scholarships for Maine students to University of Maine and our community colleges.
As this project moves forward, the Maine business owners will never lose sight of the enormous trust placed in their hands by the majority of Mainers’ yes votes last Tuesday. With humility and great appreciation, we thank those who voted yes for your confidence. For those voting no, we ask for your patience, and the opportunity to earn your trust through our actions and performance.
Our goal is to make sure that last Tuesday’s vote was a win for all of Maine.
Jim Boldebook is a partner in Black Bear Entertainment LLC, the group behind the Oxford County casino. He is the owner of Creative Broadcast Concepts in Biddeford.