There are few things as fundamental to our Constitution as the three separate and distinct branches of government. The defined roles of each branch and the ability of each to check the powers of the others prevents any one branch from amassing too much power — and abusing it. This separation of powers is why our government works.
Just as seminal to our democracy is the vitality of free speech, including the ability of lawmakers to vote their consciences without fear of retribution.
That’s why I am deeply disturbed by Gov. Paul LePage’s actions with regard to Good Will-Hinckley, which have compromised these principles.
In this case of the overreach by the governor, many of the facts are not in dispute. Lines were crossed when the governor’s disdain for a political rival, House Speaker Mark Eves, prompted his meddling.
Impassioned political debate is one thing. In fact, it’s expected, especially during these times of divided government. But using one’s political power — in this case, the power of the chief executive to intimidate and threaten a private organization over its right to hire who it wants — is vindictive politics at its worst.
The governor’s actions have a ripple effect that extends well beyond Good Will-Hinckley and Eves. Without question, the tragic fact is that the speaker lost his job because his politics are different from the governor’s. His firing is more than collateral damage to a political battle; Eves was deprived of a job he earned and the ability to support his family. No one in this state deserves that treatment, including those who disagree with our governor.
These sorts of intimidation and abuse of power hurt everyone. For lawmakers, it means that speech may be stifled, votes may be based on a politics of fear and retribution instead of merits of policy and the sacrosanct details of one’s personal life, including one’s family and job, may now become political casualties to the governor’s vendette du jour.
It’s clear the governor’s personal threats aren’t confined to one person or even limited to one political party. Recently, the governor lashed out with attacks and threats against the Government Oversight Committee’s Republican chairman, Sen. Roger Katz.
But, make no mistake, the governor’s accusations and threats are not limited to Katz. He is threatening every member of the Legislature, which has the prerogative to do something about his overreach and abuse of power.
It appears there is nothing this governor will not do to avenge his personal grudges. I do not envy today’s Legislature, as it shoulders the awesome responsibility of holding the governor accountable and preserving the integrity of our government.
But its actions will set a precedent for those lawmakers and legislatures that follow. So, to the senators and representatives in Augusta today, I leave this message: On my own behalf and that of others who sat in those seats before you, I implore you to do all you can to protect the great institution of the Legislature. You will set the precedent for how those who follow will respond to attacks by a chief executive.
You must push back, stand up and do what is right.
Howard Trotsky of Bangor is a former Republican member of the Maine Senate. He served four terms from 1974-1982.