During the past several years, Gov. Paul LePage has focused attention on youth services, education, energy, regulations and health and human services, with a sense of how each facet of people’s lives come together as a mosaic to improve their economic freedom.
The governor has emphasized the need for each town and community to act on ideas to improve each resident’s life in Maine. Throughout Maine, it seems that government inefficiencies and a reluctance to adjust budgets threaten the state’s ability to create jobs and a viable local economy. Reluctance to change has become the albatross preventing common sense decisions.
A common (poor) decision in town, state and federal government is that of reducing the funding for those departments that will create the least amount of government stress. The funding cuts often are made to non-union employee departments (parks, library, recreation, arts, social services, etc.). The departments comprised and supported by labor unions (fire safety, law enforcement, public works, etc.) are allowed to maintain inherent inefficiencies with bloated budgets.
The taxpayers and town officials in Rumford and Mexico are currently engaged in a wasteful spending battle to reduce property taxes while funding important recreation activities for the local youth. The outcome could define a new path for voters across the great state of Maine. Spending reductions are imminent based on the recent voter attitudes expecting reduced property taxes and job opportunities.
Meaningful new efficiencies are possible, but require official commitment.
Len Greaney, Rumford Center
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