‘Let them eat cake’
The Bangor Daily News published an Associated Press report that the federal government is giving Social Security recipients a 2 percent cost-of-living increase. My prescription-by-mail insurance company informed me that they need to increase my monthly premium by 40 percent. This is not my deductible. This is not my co-pay. This is the amount I must pay month after month, whether or not I need any medications.
I blame this discrepancy of increases on Rep. Bruce Poliquin and other Republicans in Congress because with them in charge the attitude in Washington is: Everything for insurance companies, and if Americans can’t afford their medications, well, let them eat cake.
Judith Williams
Bangor
No on Question 1
I urge anyone who is considering voting yes on Question 1 to read the entire law. Aside from the tax hike, which would be very bad for small-business owners and likely to create a huge marriage penalty by assessing its 3.8 percent tax on couples whose incomes exceed $128,400 per year, the real issue is the home care board it would create.
This nine-member board would be appointed for a one-year term with the governor, House and Senate each appointing three members. After the initial term, the board members would be elected to five-year terms. This board would have the sole authority to set pay rates for providers and service levels for those receiving care. Those same providers and recipients are the only ones who can vote on re-electing board members. Once established, this board is not accountable to the governor, the Legislature or the public.
Handing tax revenues over to an independent board with no oversight from any other branch of government is may be unconstitutional. At the very least, it is bad policy and sets a very bad precedent. For this reason I am voting no and urge you to do the same.
Timothy Grant
Glenburn
Don’t throw away votes
I hope voters will not throw away their precious votes on independent candidates for governor in November. Voters need to be aware of the practical effect of ranked-choice voting (or the lack thereof) when considering a vote for an independent candidate for governor who is very unlikely to win the election.
Ranked-choice voting in Maine’s November election will apply to federal candidates only. It will not apply to our state race for governor or races for the Legislature. This difference makes a huge difference in voting strategy. For example, a vote for independent candidates Alan Caron or Terry Hayes will serve to increase the likelihood of another Republican governor. Paul LePage would never have been elected if not for the votes drawn by a third-party candidate eight years ago.
Those of us who prefer a Democratic governor will be better served by uniting behind Janet Mills even if she would have been your second or third choice.
If and when we get ranked-choice voting for State-based elections, only then will it make sense to vote for an independent candidate who is not likely to win. That’s why, this November, we should be comfortable voting for independent candidates for U.S. House and Senate only.
Wayne R. Jortner
Freeport
Golden for Congress
The Republican Party has abandoned traditional Republicans and their concerns over health care, taxation, the federal deficit, immigration and protecting our environment. We cannot afford more mistakes and partisan gridlock. It is time for new leaders who will find common ground in addressing the nation’s problems and needs.
Jared Golden’s service record in the Marine Corps and in Maine’s Legislature has established him as a leader. He shares our values, interests and concerns. In his efforts to maintain or improve important services for Maine people, he has demonstrated extraordinary commitment. It is time for Golden to represent us in Washington.
We have a clear choice on Nov. 6. Do we want more of the same mistakes and gridlock, more coddling of special interests at the expense of the common good? Or do we want a representative who has served his country and his state with honor and dignity, one who will not run and hide when asked where he stands? The choice is very clear to me.
Golden will represent Maine’s 2nd Congressional District with the integrity he has demonstrated throughout his service to date. He will continue to work with others to find the common ground for solving problems and creating opportunities that will serve the common good, not special interests. Look at the record of those who have disparaged Golden, and the choice will be clear for you.
Paul Johnson
Oakland
Yes on Question 1
I have experience with home care services both in my native country of Britain and my adopted nation of America — specifically, here in Maine. In my home country, when my father and stepmother required special attention in their later years, there were public programs available to offer it.
Here in Maine, after my husband had open-heart surgery, there was just me to provide the care (we have no children). Happily, it was a short-term job because he fully recovered. But it was exhausting work, and I can imagine if it had involved a lingering condition, I would have felt quite alone.
That’s why I support Question 1, the universal home care initiative on the ballot this year. It would ensure that every Maine family gets the services it needs to properly care for elderly or disabled relatives. The cost would be covered by a tax increase on the wealthiest 3 percent of Mainers, those making more than $128,400 per year.
My husband and I financially contribute to a local nursing organization, but the statewide need far surpasses the capacity of local, donation-funded groups. A recent study by the University of Southern Maine’s Muskie School of Public Service determined that 27,000 Mainers could benefit from the programs Question 1 would institute.
I love the United States and especially Maine and feel grateful to live here. Passing Question 1 would only make an already great state even greater.
Audrey McGlashan
Owls Head
Election notice
The BDN has stopped accepting letters and OpEds related to the Nov. 6 election. Not all submissions can be published.