74% of you said you would vote to repeal the tax
23.4% of you said you would not vote to repeal the tax
2.6% of you were undecided

Reader comments:
"Those items are adding to a variety of health problems. May as well have the items help pay for health insurance."

"Giving Maine legislators more tax revenue is like giving a junkie a fix. They will never address spending issues as long as they can just create or increase a tax."

"Dirigo is a great idea, and a gallant effort, but Maine cannot afford the cost. The tax burden is already too great. The referendum movement is a symptom of 'we've had enough!' It's a wonder people aren't dumping tea into a harbor."

"No, everyone should take some responsibility for funding important health care coverage in Maine. Why are these groups so selfish?"

"I will be signing the petition and voting to repeal. It is sad that we have to take this route & spend this much time, effort & money to repeal something as ridiculous as this. Come on people. Doesn't anyone with half a brain want to run for office?"

"How can we continue to fund a state health care program that State of Maine Employees and our legislators have opted not to participate in?"

"No way to make that choice without knowing what would replace it. How about a 'I heart health insurance' license plate, or maybe a tax on snow shovels and snow blowers?"

"I have to pay for health insurance at work and the cost keeps going up, we all need to pay our fair share and I can't afford to pay for someone else."

"Dirigo is a joke. Reduce costs by opening our state to free market insurance plans."

"Taxation without representation is never good. 'Midnight' taxation without representation is just wrong totally."

"Absolutely, in a heartbeat."

"I do not believe that Dirigo is the answer to Maine's health insurance coverage issues."

"I think adding this tax just burdens the tourism and restaurant industry in Maine further. Toursim is a leading source of revenue for the State, and we should be trying to support that. I understand we need to subsidize Dirigo because the planning going in was poor, however let's find something else that won't impact business."

"Enough is enough!"

"I would vote all tax and fee increases down. This state government is a joke and only knows how to spend irresponsibly."

"It seems Baldacci's answer to all of Maine's problems is to increase our already outrageous State taxes."

"I think this is a matter of education. I am not sure who the Dirigo health plan supports or why my money is going to it. Education may be the key to greater taxpayer understanding."

"It's time to take a long, hard look at Dirigo and determine if this program is effective."

"The new tax unfairly penalizes the businesses that are bringing in most of the tax dollars in Maine. Instead of another tax, why not just figure out how to work within a budget. Tax the health care providers, negotiate better terms for the Dirigo Health Plan or simply stop wasting time and effort in expanding taxes and apply the savings to the health plan. Our state government has not been fiscally responsible for some time and that means we, the people, need to stand up and say 'NO MORE'."

"Enough already. The business community and citizens of Maine need to start speaking up on the amount of taxes we are paying."

"Not only will I vote to repeal the tax, I will help collect signatures to put the issue on the ballot. This back room deal is regressive tax which is bad for Maine. Dirigo should be a self-funded program. Leadership needs to recognize that their grand experiment was a valid attempt to resolve health care issues, but it is not working. Dirigo is being paid for by all and only helping a few. Wake up Augusta and put this program to bed."

"Nobody likes to pay taxes, and everybody likes to bash State government. Remember, this is the administration voted in by the majority. As a state we appear to want programs like Dirigo (which I do believe to be a GOOD program). Now we have to pay for it, and taxing soda, beer, wine and the like makes excellent sense. If ya don't like it, don't drink it."

"Corn syrup and other corn based sweeteners (and by extension soda drinks) are the new tobacco. These additives contribute to obesity and diabetes and reduce life expectancy (see recent studies that show a decline in life expectancy in Washington County) which overall increase the health care costs for all of us Mainers paying for health insurance. I don't like the tax on beer and wine. After all, a glass of red wine a day is good for our health. But I understand that the tax on beer is only on large breweries, not the small and or local Maine brewers, so I can live with that, even though Guinness is good for you too. ;-)"

"Absolutely, 100%. Maine is a tourist economy, we have done our best to hurt or limit the success of every other type of industry except maybe lobstering so enough already."

"Shame on the cowards who voted this in under the cover of darkness at midnight. What the hell is wrong with our legislators?"

"It seems that the bill was passed too hastily and without the input of enough key players or this immediate backlash to repeal the law wouldn't be happening. Quality health care has to be paid for somehow, and taxes on something has to be raised to fund this program. Recrafting, rather than scrapping the law is probably a better compromise."

"The fact that it was a last-minute deal with no public input is shady at best. I think the law should be repealed, and if it's such a good idea it will withstand public scrutiny the next time around."

"I would absolutely vote to appeal the new taxes that the legislature and Governor snuck in at the 11th hour. Maybe by doing this they will get the point that enough is enough!"

"Do the words 'new tax' jump out at everyone reading this?? Didn't the legislature 'promise' NO new taxes??? Time for TABOR II!"

"Dirigo, when will Augusta open their eyes and admit that it has failed. It's been 5 years and they only have 15% of the expected subscribers. Stop spending our tax money trying to save a program that's on life support."

"A new tax? To pay for health insurance? You've got to be kidding. The insurance industry has an uncontrolled appetite for ballooning their costs....most assuredly, we would quickly discover that the proposed tax would be insufficient to cover these 'rising costs'...what would the State do then? Hike the tax? Invent another? Ridiculous. Just, ridiculous."

"Dirigo has failed. Can we just admit that, and move on?"

"The Dirigo Health program is a joke. MILLIONS are required to fund it and less than 20,000 people use it. Health care should be in the hands of the open market, not government run and funded. The state should be focusing on our infrastructure and cleaning up their own act without dipping their hands further into our pockets. Maine taxes are ridiculous!"

"Repeal the tax, and those lawmakers(?) that continue to allow Dirigo to exist. It should go with the tax."

"I'd vote once to repeal the taxes and twice to repeal Dirigo."

"Most restaurants charge $2-3 for a fountain soda when the cost is just pennies per glass. Although the margins are exorbitant, they are used to offset lower margin menu items. How will this affect the consumer? Will a beer now be cheaper than a soda? Will the proprietors eat the tax? Will the Governor end up with egg on his face again? Will I ever have affordable health care?"

"Alcohol is an appropriate place to collect needed taxes as it contributes to the burden of state health and protection costs."

"Bottom Line: Maine spends too much and taxes too much! Maine is one of the toughest places to run a business in America; and Augusta's knee-jerk answer is MORE TAXES. Dirigo was a LOSER from the start; and the last thing deserving another penny in taxes!"

"Consumption of these products has the potential to directly lead to health complications. Especially in the area of obesity related health issues. These are all OPTIONAL beverage choices whose consumption carry health risks."

"Yes, I'd repeal it. When is this love of more taxes going to end?"

"Dirigo is costing the taxpayers more than it is helping."

"No added taxes and delete the Dirigo Health Program. Wasteful spending!!!"

"Not only would I vote but I am collecting signatures. If someone robbed my home in the middle of the night I would shoot them. Our legislators are common crooks only in Augusta would they rob Maine people 'in the middle of the night'."

"I just don't understand why we continue to fund a bad program in Dirigo. I enjoy a diet soda now and then or a beer too. Yes, it can be hazardous to your health but I don't need someone other than my doctor telling me what is healthy and what is not."

"I would vote to repeal the tax - not because I oppose 'sin taxes', but because I oppose Dirigo Health."

"Absolutely! What part of 'No New Taxes' did the legislature not hear? I thought voters were pretty clear on that. If a program isn't working, ditch it ~ and Dirigo simply isn't working."

"A tax on soda to fund health care clearly makes sense. The repeal movement seems reactionary."

"Our high premiums reflect the impact of these products, as well as charity care and bad debt from the uninsured. Reducing consumption and increasing the number of insured businesses and individuals saves us all money."

"Dirigo was failed from the beginning and was never funded as it should have been. This tax and 'solution' is just a mask to a deeper systemic problem."

"I would amend the tax to include only alcohol and tobacco."

"What's the big deal?"

"I have to curb my spending habits in this downturn, why won't the State of Maine?"

"Once again the current Democratic legislative leaders have tried to pull a fast one by pushing legislation through very late at night and with no public input. It is not true that the Maine consumer will not pay this cost-how out of touch are these people?"

"There are no free rides. We have to pay for health care somehow. Dirigo is not perfect, by any means, but it would be more successful if people would stop throwing obstacles in its way, every step of the way."

"After 3 years, if you cannot fund Dirigo on all the 'savings' you were going to generate... Dirigo must go..."

"Dirigo is a loser. Dump it now."

"Enough is enough. If it is not cigarettes, the state will get it from poor people someway."

"When does the State plan to start sharing the pain? With 20% of state employees making more than $50K per year and with a richer benefit package than the rest of us, the state needs to step up to the plate here, too."

"That's a no brainer. I'll drink to that!"

"I think what the legislature did was sneaky and not the way business should be done in Maine. I think the tax is a bad idea, but I would sign a repeal petition just to send a message to Augusta that what they did was dirty pool and to knock it off in the future. Sheesh! Who's zooming who?"

"What better way is there to pay for this important program that helps small business?"

"Health insurance is the largest anchor holding the economy from any growth, when will we as a country wake up and follow the path that leads to a universal health care program that takes the massive profits from insurance and drug companies. I say we need to expand taxes , expand real care for our citizens and stop the greedy profit talkers."

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What's good for the gander is good for the goose!!

Same job = same pay in my book.

Absolutely; what's not to do??!?!?!

I don't think those type of gender based statistics will ever be valid until another important element is considered. When work experience and time in the work place in considered, how do women's wages compare to men's? I believe that much of that discrepancy is due to the fact that many women are still the primary care givers to children and elders, thus removing them intermittently from the work place. Further, the burden of taking time off from work for children and others often falls to the women, impacting her work place performance.

Government in Maine can do more to close the gap, not by legislating, but by creating a more friendly business environment. Higher tech businesses drive training for both male and female workers; increased skills lead to higher wages. A rising tide raises all boats.

This is such a farce. If it were true that Maine companies could get the same amount, and quality of work for 57%-68% of the current cost just by having women do the work. There would not be a man in the state that could get a job. There are obviously differences that are not considered in these simple surveys.

Of course they can. But will they is the real question. All organizations have access to salary surveys. Making salaries fairer should be paramount for all HR departments.

Obviously there is room for improvement - but what are the incentives? Women working for less is "good for business."

They most definitely need to!

Absolutely! Annual salary surveys are nothing new, yet many companies are reluctant to make necessary adjustments, due to budgetary constraints even when they know disparity exists. Experienced, highly paid women are being run out of the workforce, maybe a correlation to the number of women-owned businesses in Maine. All so they can bring in younger, cheaper women.

No, I think it's really hard to make a big issue of this because of my experiences. In my prior roles with a very large local employer, there was no difference between the pay scale of similarly qualified men and women. Some of the women at my level were paid more than me (a male). Where I think the research starts to fall apart is when women leave the workforce to stay home with children for extended times because then it becomes not about gender but about experience - pay should be commensurate with experience and I would expect as a male that if I stayed home for years to raise my children, then I will not earn as much when I return.

Does it really matter who earns what when all the jobs are going out of state???? Dave - Portland

I'd have to see the logic of this study to understand the situation. In general, of course firms could do more.

I would like to know whether the comparisons were done on comparable jobs, or simply on men versus women in general.

There is always room to improve.

Absolutely.

Don't the numbers above speak for themselves?

Absolutely! I know for a fact that at my previous job, male employees with less industry knowledge and experience earned more than I did. And when it came time for a lay-off, guess who got the boot?

Relocate to states with a more favorable business climate. I call on businesses every day and the number that have moved, are actively looking out of state, or planning to move in the next year, are growing about 15% annually. Another five years and you will either boil lobster or clean toilets.

The real question is how Maine compares to the rest of the nation. Most of the larger employers are headquartered outside of Maine.

Since college-educated women earn only 68 cents to a man's dollar, it appears the power structure of the old boys' network is still firmly entrenched, and will remain so until women outnumber men in positions of authority.

Maine companies, as most companies pay based on salary history and what people are willing to accept. Women have been conditioned to accept a lower pay which perpetuates the problem. Same issue for "native" workers vs. "from away." People from away get paid more than people who have worked in Maine most of their careers, because the out-of-staters have a history of higher salaries. Companies should pay based on merit, responsibility, and value to the business - that's it.

Education level alone doesn't equate to equal qualifications. I would ask further details into the survey. Are men and women being compared in the same level job, same education level, same experience levels and the pay is that far off? Not just a survey of men and women of high school education levels are not making the same pay...not an accurate survey by any means

If we are discussing identical jobs and experience, then yes. But if the jobs/careers chosen are different, then the question is too ambiguous.

The fact that there is still so much of a gap is both telling and appalling!

Absolutely. Companies can start by getting to know Maine's Equal Pay Law. All companies should perform a pay "self audit" which is available at the www.maine.gov/labor web site. This has the added benefit of creating a defense against liability down the road, so it's in everyone's interest to do it!

This is 2008 not 1908

Absolutely!

Maine companies only CAN offer commensurate pay they MUST start paying employees for the experience and knowledge they bring to the job - instead of low balling based on where the employee lives. It creates a false economy where no one wins. I'd LOVE to be earning even 68 cents of every dollar I'm worth. Can I have some of that, please?

Whether man or woman it should make NO difference -equal duties should be equal pay!!!
Quite simply, Offer a female job candidate the same as you would a male. The mind set must change.

I am not so sure that this problem is as bad as it sounds. I would like to see how they actually gathered the data and the other factors that go into the compensation paid - experience, job description, etc.

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27% of you said you had stopped advertising.
67% of you said you had not stopped advertising.
6% of you were undecided.

Reader comments:
"I believe that the media thrives on bad news only and even though it sells they should try sometimes to look at 'the bright side of things' when reporting."

"I have not, but wouldn't hesitate if I felt the reporting was biased or made to skew the facts to attract viewers, which is often the case."

"I have not had the troubles Hannaford has bull your advertising because it is to negative, that is foolish. I think I may just stop shopping at Hannaford just to support News 13."

"Censorship always stinks, but Hannaford has a right to spend its money how it sees fit."

"Vanity aside, a business is not making advertising decisions based on what kind of coverage it receives. It's basing decisions (hopefully) on merits of that particular media, be it a magazine, televison or radio and how they meet your market. It was a poor marketing decision at a time when they need large amounts of good advertising."

"Hannaford has shown it true colors and its pettiness. Very disappointing for such a venerable organization."

"Big mistake by Hannaford mgt. The original security breach was old news. Now they are lengthening the original negative news story with this stunt."

"I haven't, but I definitely would. It's my money. And as an advertiser, I'm essentially paying the reporters' salaries - no matter how "independent" the news story decisions are. That's not to say I think WGME should back off on their aggressiveness though."

"The reporting on the Hannaford matter does not appear to be balanced and representive of all of the facts regarding this matter."

"Would do it again, too."

"Hannaford should grow up >> I guess I shall not shop there either >> Now that's aggressive!!!"

"Fortunately, coverage of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay has been more than positive; it's been tremendously enthusiastic. We're doing everything we can to make sure all the news from the Gardens is good news, but if anything negative ever occurs, we'll try to deal with it directly and without rancor."

"This is called the Salman Rushdie effect! NOBODY watches WGME news now... so this is great for their business; and makes Hannaford look a bit small in the process. A lose-lose for big H!"

"Yes, broadcast outlets too often make the news instead of just "reporting" the news. And then they lecture us on ethics... Hannaford is a good company that has provided jobs for a lot of Maine people. And they're not the only ones that have suffered a data breach."

"Who is advising the Hannaford upper echelon on public relations? They continue to make one disastrous decision after another. The concept of SPIN is completely lost upon them. Not being forthright with the breech was mistake #1. I have lost track of what mistake they are on now..."

"Certainly not! The press should be upholding a code of ethics that demands that they be fair, just, and unbiased in reporting. Real news is not opinion - it is who, what, where, how, when, and why. Now back to the definition of an opinion, here is mine: If Hannaford has nothing to hide then I would expect that they brush it off as "the news" and refocus to more pressing business matters. However, if I was feeling guilty about something maybe I would be less inclined to brush it off because it would start getting under my skin. Maybe this is why they have started flailing and pulling out of deals completely unrelated to their crisis. With all that said, up until now I felt Hannaford was just an innocent bystander. Apparently, my feelings have changed. What is Hannaford's PR strategy here? Hannaford pulling out is a terrible strategy that screams the mentality that 'you can buy the media'�. The media has been historically dealing with these issues for years. I commend WGME for playing by the rules that every college educated journalist has had pounded into them. Certainly doesn't shock me that they stepped in it again PR wise since their first error was the decision to not come clean to the public immediately."

"For one it is inappropriate and two it keeps a negative story going. As is the case with the Hannaford story!"

"They have every right to do so -- if they felt the coverage was unfair, biased or too aggressive why put money into such an organization?"

"I see why Hannaford did it. They were the target of very professional hackers and treated like criminals themselves by the press. Why give your add money to a business that slams you for THE STORY Headlines."

"No, but I have pulled ads from companies who sponsor objection- able radio or TV programming, such as FOX News or Michael Savage."

"But, I have stopped using my debit and credit cards at Hannaford. I have completely lost trust in Hannaford!"

"If the news and sales departments operate independent of each other, then how did it become a news story? Hypocrisy!"

"The reporting probably saved a lot of people money. I have direct deposit for the majority of my income and had used my ATM card the week before. Who would ave paid my bills if someone had taken my money. I think they did a public service."

"The media needs to be held accountable. This is one way to do that. Look at how small the retractions in the newspapers are. Good for Hannaford."

"Not applicable; however, news is news and should be reported accurately without bias regardless of advertising dollars. You can't gloss over the fact that the security breach exposed 4.2 million card members to fraud. Even if that was the least of what was said, it can't be any more damaging to elaborate further. The public needed to know and the TV station reported appropriately."

"I personally have not stopped any advertising with any media outlet but I can certainly understand Hannaford's position in pulling their ads from WGME-TV. I applaud the TV channel for reporting the facts even though the story was about one of its advertisers. At least we can count on them to report the facts and not let sales dollars bias the news coverage. Hannaford may come back eventually with more advertising with WGME as I am sure it is effective advertising for their business."

"Ridiculous. What Hannaford should have done is get out in front of this thing and say we are sorry it happened and we will do everything in our power to make sure it doesn't happen again and how much they appreciate their customers and so on and so forth. Instead they just sat silent and waited for the avalanche and now they cry foul when the need for information is provided by WGME. Hannaford blew it. If I was president of Hannaford I would have fired my PR person and hired someone who specializes in putting out fires. The customer is everything in their business."

"Hannaford is once again shooting itself in its media foot. They don't own the media- and advertising 101 would tell you that in the wake of any bad press or publicity they should be stepping up their advertising to work on cleaning up their tarnished image."

"Incorrect reporting is one thing; aggressive is another. Hannford should have a tougher skin.
Outrageous conduct by Hannaford."

"What world is Hannaford living in? They just had 4.2 million credit cards stolen and they want the news outlets to run damage control for them just because they spend a few bucks in advertising? This is a big story, the Press Herald has a whole "Special Report: Stolen Credit" on their website homepage, let me guess, they are being 'overaggressive' as well."

"But I would."

"Hannaford has not acted with good corporate values throughout this entire process. Why should this move come as a surprise?"

"How the heck are we supposed to trust any media outlet that caters its news to its advertisers? This is exactly what has gone so horribly wrong in our country. Can we please at least preserve the integrity of our local stations?"

"Yes, this is a problem Hannaford has, however, it could have been any other company. I am sure that all of the other big companies are burning the midnight oil to make sure someone hasn't inserted some spyware into their systems!!"

"Overreaction on Hannaford's part now especially in light of their own lack of aggressive notification to their consumers."

"N/A to me but as a former reporter, it should be a separate thing from advertising anyways...A newsroom is a newsroom...A reporter has to do their job as it's the public's right to know what's going on."

"Hannaford must be hiding something!"

"I'm going to start shopping at Shaw's -- if it was inaccurate -- that is one thing -- transparency -- what's wrong with that?"

"Fair is fair. If I feel a media is being unfair to my company in their reporting, and believe me it happens to sell papers or gain viewers, I certainly will not continue to support them with advertising dollars."

Mainebiz reserves the right to edit reader comments for length, clarity, style and libelous or offensive material.

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75.4% of you said gutting OPEGA is a bad idea
21.2% of you said OPEGA should be gutted
3.4% of you are undecided

Reader comments:
"The ruling party is not trying to cut spending, but
trying to cut accountability structures."

"We have a bloated state government and need cuts. It is up to the governor and legislature to pay attention to what they are doing and keep things in line."

"Checks and balances are a good thing. Otherwise you open the door for someone to run amuck with our money."

"Leave the bureaucrats without a watchdog? Seems like a good idea to me."

"Cutting OPEGA would be like hiring weasels to substitute for foxes guarding the henhouse."

"The Democrats ran on clean government in 2006 and now they want to cut the only organization that does this!"

"Why should we cut the watchdog office? Who will be watching the spending then? Why don't we shave the number of legislators and save a bundle in benefits? It's ridiculous for a state the size of Maine to have as many people representing us as we do. That is where the first cut should be."

"If you cut the OPEGA, who's left to watch the watchers? Oh, wait. With the OPEGA gone, the Democrats have free reign to spend, spend, spend. It's a genius move, really."

"Is it any WONDER that our Demo-'Tax-Us-to-Death'-crats who advocate big government, want to remove the state's fiscal watchdog agency? I suggest this may be the ultimate 'Fox Guarding the Hen-House' situation. Call your representative today and say no to gutting OPEGA's funding!"

"[Two million] in 3 years, that's all? All organizations must decrease spending, even the ones who are close to breaking even."

"Lawmakers need to fill a $190 million hole, and want to do so by cutting OPEGA, with a budget of under a million dollars? Voters had better be paying attention -- no better way for the kids to misbehave than firing the teacher!"

"If all they have identified is $2 million in waste since 2005, they must have their eyes closed anyway. No doubt they should have found much more. Let's replace them with someone who is serious about government accountability."

"What does it matter? It's all the good-ol'-boy network anyway."

"Let's see, it cost $1 million to operate that office, and they only found $2 million in savings in 3 years. You do the math, no wonder the state is in the red with math like that."

"What lawmakers should do is place an immediate freeze on contracting out state services and the use of temporary help agencies."

"Maybe they can find out where all the money is being spent and FIX it. Special interest project funding should be closely looked at."

"OPEGA should stay, but only $2 million in savings since 2005 is not earning its keep. No one seems to mention the 340 million that is still owed to the hospitals as well as the other unfunded liabilities that don't show up anywhere. Time is running out and state government needs to get realistic."

"And I think the governor should absolutely OPPOSE the slot machine bill. The people already voted NO to Casinos."

"No, contrary to most neo-liberals, I believe we need more oversight of financial institutions. We should remember lessons from the 1930's depression, S&L debacle and Bear Stearns. Anyone who trusts their bank or insurance company needs psychiatric help."

"Government needs to look at programs -- they continue to add new services with total disregard to how they will be funded -- perhaps it should be LIFO style of cuts (last in, first out)."

"Let's see, spend $3 million to save $2 million in 3 years...no wonder they can't balance the budget."

"Of course the people in control want to get rid of the Watchdog!"

"No, but they will."

"Democrats don't like financial accountability."

"OPEGA is the only watchdog that we have, so it's understandable why the Dem's would want to gut it."

"What a brilliant idea -- save money by axing the agency that's finding money to save. Look a little deeper and see whose ox has been gored by OPEGA. Politics as usual."

"With a bloated state workforce, program evaluation is a critical function."

"Isn't it obvious if they cut this program they are going to be cutting the accountability of what they have just created? I put my trust in the people we elect but someone needs to be watching their backs and 'the shop' to insure we do not end up passing back where we started. Isn't someone tired of passing on the burden/price tag of the 'sins of our fathers' to our children? Where are our state leaders? Where are the long-term thinkers in this state?"

"The only office in Augusta that is actually trying to save taxpayers money and the Democrats want to gut it. What a surprise!"

"The one thing Augusta needs most of all is a group looking to stop wasteful spending. If OPEGA were ever to be controlled by Republicans the state would not be in the fiscal mess it's in today."

"Typical of us Mainers to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Here's a suggestion, cut the size of DHS and other enabling programs."

"If our Legislators would listen to their CONSTITUENTS they would know where there is waste and where to make cuts. A 'department' isn't needed, just lawmakers sensitive to the people of the state paying taxes. Not those on entitlement programs, but those who pay taxes."

"Another bad idea from the Maine Legislature."

"Cut/enforce the length of time someone can be on TANF instead."

"Gut out Human Services Dept. and Pine Tree Legal. We can't afford what they do to the State of Maine."

"They have to cut somewhere, but I have to admit when I saw the plan to cut OPEGA I thought it smelled fishy."

"Why shouldn't 'The Peoples' Republic of Maine' cut the true business of government? After all, isn't government strictly for funding welfare programs? Stop saving us from ourselves. Cut freebies to unmotivated looters."

"Let's get rid of the one group that's actually working...Seriously, let's downsize across the board by 33% and observe no degradation of services from Augusta."

"Of course legislators want to put the watch dog down -- so they can rob us blind."

"They should be cutting a lot more that that! They should cut the size of the Legislature as well as the amount of time they are in session."

"Looks as though they are at least breaking even. Isn't that real progress for a government function?"

"I wish the welfare program would be considered for huge Cuts."

"OPEGA seems to represent the only government agency that is devoted to saving and cutting budget money rather than spending it."

"I would think that the sensible thing would be to keep OPEGA open if they are saving the state money; but this is another example of the wisdom held by our law makers -- why keep an entity that holds people accountable!"

"If the program costs $1m annually and it has only saved $2m since 2005, then OPEGA costs the state $$$$."

"OPEGA's track record speaks for itself."

"I believe OPEGA is needed and needs to be more aggressive in finding the massive amount of waste in state government."

"It's funny that people will cut an office of accountability in order to reduce costs... Does not make a whole lot of cents..."

"Oh, like I am going to listen to the Repulicans. Sorry, but I don't trust a thing you say."

"Should be reorganized, savings of $2 million is not enough to justify its existence as is."

"Of course the party in power wants to gut the watch dog!"

"Well, let's see, if we've saved $2 million in 3 years, that's an average of $667k per year, and it costs us $1 million per year to fund the operation...if this were a regular business in Maine, it would be going out of business. Seems to me there ought to be a better way..."

"Need more information. If the money saved from the OPEGA cut will be channeled instead to fund other health and service programs whose budgets are being reduced, then I think it should be considered. Isn't the point of saving money to invest it in other places where it is needed more and not wasted?"

"You want efficient, streamlined government -- why would you cut the one office charged with this task?"

"Hard choice, but all cuts are difficult and heartbreaking."

"As someone who has a subcontract with the state, I can say that OPEGA has only scratched the surface of the waste in Maine government. I have been looking forward to the day that they get around to reviewing my contract so that I can provide them with the factual data to substantiate the magnitude of the waste of taxpayer dollars in my little corner of government services. No one in the agency I report to seems to care, even when I try to point how much money they are demanding I waste. Some of us have ethics when we spend the citizens' dollars. We need some independent body to review our work. Our agency bosses only want to avoid waves -- and catch their 4:00 car pool."

"How sick and arrogant can these guys get? Cut funding for the only watchdog we've got? They've GOT to be kidding!"

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59.5% of you said it will never happen.
32.0% of you said there's a good chance such a study would be completed.
8.5% of you were undecided.

Reader comments:
"While many will probably want yet another study to postpone or avoid a decision, they will probably first have to commission a study to determine if they should form a committee to study recommending a study."

"Maine government is too entrenched in its ways to desire or want to change. Leadership for that has to start at the very top."

"I would love to say that I think it could happen. We need it to happen. If so many Mainers support the study then we need to let our legislators know. This year is a big election year in the state. If 7 of 10 Mainers let the candidates know that this was an issue that would guide their vote -- and then held their feet to the flames after the election -- it would happen."

"It seems clear there are too many legislators, too much piecemeal legislation, and no cohesive strategic plan."

"I guess I am a cockeyed optimist. I think we'll actually do it!"

"We all know that significant waste is present in our current situation. We don't need a study to state the obvious. My bigger concern is the trend to do NOTHING which is what government does best!"

"Too many people who make too much money complaining and we are flat out the place to come for freebies for the homeless and refugees. There is a reason people from Africa come to the cold of Maine, free food, free housing and the working stiffs pay for it all."

"Let's form a committee to determine if forming a committee would benefit forming a committee. Good grief! Maine is an economic disaster due to a welfare state of mind, driven by wimp politicians. Who is John Galt?"

"Maine needs this study to be completed sooner than later!!!"

"I don't the folks in control at the State House are willing to have outsiders look at what they have created."

"I think it needs to happen, but..."

"Are you kidding? The government authorizing a study to restructure itself to REDUCE spending? That's about as likely as a winter filled with Sunny & 75 degree days in Maine!"

"I believe Maine, like many other states, will engage in this activity; however, I do not believe it will lead to meaningful change. Organizational development and structural changes require strong leadership and commitment from the Legislature not just the Governor's office. Let's just hope if they commission a study they have the common decency to use one of the qualified firms based here in Maine."

"But it needs too!"

"State of Maine decision makers clearly have no interest in restructuring government and even less interest in what the people of the State desire."

"1. Why would the fox reduce the amount of hens? 2. Where will the displaced workers work?"

"But 9 out 10 studies never get implemented."

"Study completed, yes. Changes implemented, never."

"Yes, a study should be done but it should not include any insiders, i.e., legis, govt ee or other elected officials. We've got one of the smallest populated states with the largest legis + we have one of the highest per cap spending for soc services in country. We are highest taxed. And the gov and others are talking about tax increases. Give us a break!! I tell both of my kids to save yourself, get the hell out of Maine!!"

"The Legislature needs to understand that this may be their last, best chance to avoid a tax cap. I voted against the last two, but -- in an astonishing display of arrogance - they refuse to get the message. Next time mine is a yes vote."

"I think those who benefit from a larger government would not allow such a study to take place."

"Honestly, even if the report was completed would our current legislative body take it seriously and be challenged to implement the suggested changes in a reasonable time. Under our current leadership in state government the resounding answer is 'NO.'"

"I think the study will be completed and then languish in the halls of the State House forever collecting dust. Hannah Montana Pingree and the rest of the incumbents in Augusta should be ousted at the earliest opportunity for completely ignoring the public's cry for tax relief. We must reduce spending NOW."

"It's really easy to say cut spending, trim fat, etc. It's easy to pick on travel budgets, benefits increases to state workers, etc. The issue isn't so easy - the problem lies in DHHS. The better question is who in state government is going to actually admit that and do something about it?"

"This needs to be done by people with experience in restructuring, cost reductions and managing change. www.wardgreengroup.com ."

"The recent Pew report screams of change needed at the government level. I think the budget issues will create the urgency that it's needed. It would be interesting to see 'who' would head it up."

"Doesn't matter -- the findings of the study will never be implemented."

"People in Maine love to be taxed into the poor house -- that's why they keep voting for the same fat Pols."

"Regardless of where they get their paycheck, I believe all folks in Maine truly desire well run, efficient and responsive govt. at every level. The trick is to come up with a system that will meet as many of the govt. run needs/services that Maine taxpayers want."

"And if it IS completed, it will wind up in a drawer gathering dust..."

"Of course it would be completed. This state excels at funding study after study after study after study..."

"But only if an outside group does the study and the state government agrees to consider their recommendations. If the state government is not on board with the idea of reduced spending, then nothing will happen. We certainly seem to have overlapping in several agencies, not enough policing of fraud and corruption specifically in the social services arena and until the state acknowledges that things need to change, we are somewhat captive. Elections may change things but only if there are competent and committed people willing to serve in our Legislature."

"I doubt the bureaucracy would ever allow an independent study to be commissioned to reduce spending as the bureaucrats would be the first cuts."

"The state government is going to allocate funds to investigate how they are spending our money -- I don't think so!"

"'Reduce State spending?' Is there any reason to believe anyone in Augusta knows what this means, and that it might actually apply to THEM?"

"If people push enough it will get done."

"Hasn't this been done before? If I remember correctly, we had studies under J. McKernan, then again under A. King, and probably again under Baldacci. Please, no more private-sector consultants paid out of our tax dollars to study something they haven't a clue as to how it works."

"That would make much too much sense."

"The key question should be, even if it does happen, what are we willing to do about it?"

"It will be absolutely stonewalled in Augusta. The bureaucrats will never allow job cuts for their level. They will cut services to the needy before they give up their comfortable jobs."

"Too many studies, not enough action. Brookings report a good example."

"If the people wanted and or voted for the study the Legislature in it's wisdom would find a way to not allow the study or implement the finds if completed."

"I think there are already many studies that have come to the same conclusion."

"Why would members of the legislature 'vote' themselves out of a cushy job?"

"The devil is in the details. A 'BRAC' commission type approach is irresponsible, because it puts power into the hands of a completely unaccountable body and doesn't allow for the give and take so necessary in policy making. I wholeheartedly support restructuring and innovation, but I am deeply skeptical of this idea that there's millions of dollars of savings in it. The data is not there. Brookings didn't provide that data. And no one else has either. The state is pretty lean, which gets us back to the question of making strategic investments, tough cuts, and, when necessary, yes, looking at the revenue side of the equation."

"This state needs all the help it can get."

"I am not sure that even if we could get an accurate study done that it would be shared with the public. I could think of a handful of ideas to cut spending, but yet we keep giving money to programs that need to be cut: Welfare... Help the taxpaying citizens who help themselves."

"Sure, someone in our government will push the study to be done . . . but then will anyone have the courage to make the suggested changes. I doubt it but will remain hopeful."

"Maine has a history of 'good enuff.' I think this study suggestion will go into the bin where all uncomfortable ideas go."

"The politicians all think they know more about it than the average citizen, and they really do not want a study telling them what needs to be done."

"There is too much unionism and institutionalism in state gov't to let it happen effectively and with enlightened substantive change."

"Maine government won't do anything that might force them to part with the pork. We need to realize that a thorough house cleaning is in order and then do something about it. Spring is coming!"

"Without re-structuring to reduce spending, there will be a mass exodus of businesses and talented, educated people from the state."

"It would take years, and would encounter many roadblocks as the State Government does not run like a business and stay within their means!!"

"They should adopt a line from Nike... 'Just Do It.'"

"Oh sure, the STUDY will get completed..."

"Why don't you ask us if we support commissioning a study to identify ways to restructure the state's government to reduce spending? What a waste."

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