Reject Medicaid expansion
Question 2 asks if you want to expand Medicaid coverage in Maine. Proponents of this measure claim this would bring more than $500 million in federal funds to the state and generate $27 million in cost savings. This is the best-case scenario, and even if true, leaves the state of Maine with a $50 million bill that will need to be paid annually.
If the projected cost savings don’t materialize or federal funding is reduced, then the state will be responsible for an even bigger cost. Not one single proponent of this ballot measure has explained where the money will come from to pay the state’s share of this program.
The bottom line is that, while this sounds like a good idea, it isn’t free, somebody must pay for this. If you vote yes, you are voting for another tax hike. This is yet another giveaway program that future generations will have to pay for, and for that reason I will vote no.
Timothy Grant
Glenburn
Ballot box paypack
In November, there are four referendum questions on the ballot. Questions 3 and 4 concern borrowing for infrastructure and a revision of state pension rules. I believe these two are favored by the Legislature.
Last year, we voters told the Legislature what we wanted on two other issues where there are some details to work out: ranked choice voting and marijuana. The Legislature seems to be having trouble with these. Our representatives seem to think it’s easy to amend the Maine Constitution regarding pensions but not regarding voting.
So an idea occurred to me: If the Legislature is not willing to give us what we want (i.e. what we voted for last year), why should we give them what they want on Questions 3 and 4 this year? Maybe we should “boycott” by voting down Questions 3 and 4. Just a thought.
David P. Frasz
Dover-Foxcroft
Kneeling a harmless protest
When protesters were burning the flag in the 1980s, the U.S. Supreme Court said it was free speech. Is not “taking a knee” during the national anthem a much less destructive form of free speech?
Linda Throckmorton
Cutler
Yes to York casino
The Oct. 21 BDN editorial on Question 1 betrays a grave misunderstanding of the competitive environment in which Maine’s gaming industry exists.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has a stated goal of capturing $1 billion in revenue from other states, and its primary tool is the Wynn Everett casino under construction just 65 miles or so from the Maine border. A York County gaming and entertainment venue would not only help keep Maine dollars here, it would enhance year-round tourism to southern Maine and attract more visitors.
The BDN’s assertion that “any large development” would have the same economic benefits as a York County casino is both dismissive and naive. Are there a host of other industries clamoring to invest more than $175 million right now in southern Maine?
It is this project — a gaming and entertainment venue — that will create jobs, tax revenue and opportunity for York County and the entire state. The success of casinos in Bangor and Oxford is proof of what this industry brings to Maine.
Finally, it’s surprising that the BDN appears disinterested in improving economic opportunity for the Aroostook Band of Micmacs — a tribe historically cut out off from casino industry benefits. Question 1 will remedy that — creating new non-gaming revenue opportunities through partnership with Progress for Maine’s primary backers.
Question 1 is good for the entire state of Maine. I urge voters to join me in voting “yes” on Nov. 7.
Kerri Longval Bickford
Topsham
A fresh leader for Belfast
I moved to Belfast from out of state when I fell in love with the quaint, yet energetic town on the coast. When Samantha Paradis moved from northern Maine to call Belfast home, I’m sure she had the same sentiment in mind.
Since being here I have become even more smitten with this town but have realized there are some prominent issues that need to be addressed, such as the rental market for housing, the aging population and the health of the community.
To best address this, I believe we need new leadership with a fresh viewpoint. This is why I will be voting for Paradis for mayor. Paradis has the leadership skills to look at these issues from a fresh angle and follow through with solutions. She has the ability to connect with people and strike up a meaningful and passionate conversation like few others I’ve ever met. Her dedication to honest, hard work has led to her recent nomination for the Daisy Award, which recognizes excellence in nursing. These same traits will help her be the mayor this town deserves.
Paradis is dedicated to this town and to this election. As a millennial, I believe she will be better able to relate to our future generations — and the future of our town. Her fresh, new style of leadership is just what we need.
On Nov. 7, vote Paradis.
Amy Roy
Belfast
Question 1 abuses referendum process
I really don’t care if a gambling license for a new casino in York County is approved or not. I am, however, bothered that an individual is using the Maine referendum process to enrich himself. The question is structured so that, if it passes, the one person named in the legislation behind the referendum question would be granted the license. This is wrong.
It has happened before: The referendum question that authorized Bangor’s gaming license was structured to benefit only one person. That person promptly sold the license and enriched himself to the tune of $51 million.
To fix this problem, I would like to see the Legislature amend the question — if it passes — so that the gaming license is auctioned off, enriching the state rather than one individual.
Douglas M. Flagg
Orono
Election notice
The BDN will stop accepting letters and OpEds related to the Nov. 7 election on Oct. 28. Not all submissions can be published.