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January 10, 2005

The leader board | Maine's new House and Senate leaders' thoughts on tax reform, economic policy and the fate of the Patriots

John Richardson

Position: Speaker of the House

Party: Democrat

District: 63 (part of Brunswick)

Occupation: Attorney

Political experience: Three previous terms in the Maine House of Representatives

Other than tax reform, what are your economic or business-related priorities for the session?
The economy of the state of Maine is anchored by our nearly 44,000 small businesses. I am introducing a series of bills and other measures to promote those small businesses, make it easier for them to comply with state regulations, invest in new Maine products so they can be brought to market and encourage a culture of entrepreneurship.

What needs to happen in order for meaningful tax reform to be created this session?
We need to build coalitions, negotiate from the middle and avoid extreme positions in order to be successful. It is very encouraging to see the governor taking a lead in proposing a plan that has a lot of nonpartisan support around it. We need to capitalize on this spirit and act decisively on tax reform.

As a leader in the Legislature, what will you do to bridge the partisan divide that created so much gridlock in the last session?
I've built my law practice on an ability to get people talking and reach consensus. The challenge here is very similar. As a legislative leader, I want the Legislature to show the people of Maine that it can put aside partisan interests and get the job done. Senate President Edmonds and I don't feel tax policy ought to be a Democratic or Republican issue. That's why we assigned an equal number of Democrats and Republicans to the Joint Select Committee on Tax Reform and an Independent is a co-chair of the committee.

What do you think of the Patriots' chances for another shot at the Super Bowl?
With a team as complete as this year's Pats, I'm confident we'll be planning another victory parade in Portland come February.

Glenn Cummings

Position: House majority leader

Party: Democrat

District: 115 (part of Portland)

Occupation: Director of the Entrepreneurial Center at Southern Maine Community College and instructor in the SMCC business department

Political experience: Two previous terms in the Maine House of Representatives

Other than tax reform, what are your economic or business-related priorities for the session?
Property tax reform is my first priority because it impacts every aspect of Maine's economy. However, I am also committed to establishing better incentives to recruit and retain college graduates for Maine's workforce, encouraging small-business growth and raising the threshold for Maine's antiquated top income tax bracket.

What needs to happen in order for meaningful tax reform to be created this session?
We can and will deliver significant property tax reform to Maine people, but we must work together. The new property tax committee has bolstered the commitment to nonpartisan cooperation and the momentum necessary for success. With their guidance we will set aside partisan preferences and move forward on common ground.

As a leader in the Legislature, what will you do to bridge the partisan divide that created so much gridlock in the last session?
I will work to encourage the culture of nonpartisan cooperation. I think regardless of party affiliation, we are here to bring results to Maine people. So it is incumbent upon all of us to reach across the aisle and forge compromises that a majority can and will support.

What do you think of the Patriots' chances for another shot at the Super Bowl?
Looking good. There isn't a more complete team in the NFL than the Patriots. It should be a very exciting playoff season. I think the AFC playoff games could be even more difficult than the Super Bowl, but I don't doubt that the Pats will take it!

David E. Bowles

Position: House minority leader

Party: Republican

District: 142 (part of Sanford)

Occupation: Retail business owner

Political experience: Three previous terms in the Maine House of Representatives

Other than tax reform, what are your economic or business-related priorities for the session?
There are many policy areas that need to be addressed, but one of the most pressing areas is that of the individual health insurance market. The repeal of the guaranteed issue and community rating mandates, along with the establishment of a high-risk pool, will allow for the reduction of premiums.

What needs to happen in order for meaningful tax reform to be created this session?
Maine's tax problem results from a spending problem. Only when we curb the Legislature's ability to spend freely can we address meaningful tax reform. Republicans believe a constitutional limit on the growth of government spending, requiring a two-thirds vote to override the restriction, is necessary.

As a leader in the Legislature, what will you do to bridge the partisan divide that created so much gridlock in the last session?
Legislative leadership has begun this session with a much better dialogue. I have pledged to the governor and Democratic leadership our willingness to work jointly to solve Maine's problems. However, Republicans must not be shut out of the process as we were in the last Legislature.

What do you think of the Patriots' chances for another shot at the Super Bowl?
The Patriots have developed a model management style, allowing them to continually field a high caliber team while remaining under the NFL's salary cap. The Maine Legislature needs to adopt a spending cap allowing us to compete similarly on the playing field of economic competition.


Beth Edmonds

Position: Senate president

Party: Democrat

District: 10 (Brunswick, Freeport, Harpswell, Pownal)

Occupation: Children's librarian, Freeport Community Library

Political experience: Two previous terms in the Maine State Senate


Other than tax reform, what are your economic or business-related priorities for the session?
While still supporting our traditional industries, we will be vigorous in pursuing the industries of tomorrow through economic development and research in emerging fields. In the long term, an educated workforce is an additional asset for business growth. That will require measures to expand access to higher education and the Maine Community College System, Maine Maritime Academy and the University of Maine System. An additional priority is strengthening and expanding the creative economy. Finally, we will follow through on the Small Business Bill of Rights.

What needs to happen in order for meaningful tax reform to be created this session?
Bipartisan consensus. Tax reform work is already being implemented through the Joint Select Committee on Property Tax Reform, which began meeting in December. Speaker of the House Richardson and I have both committed to bring legislation to a vote by Jan. 20.

As a leader in the Legislature, what will you do to bridge the partisan divide that created so much gridlock in the last session?
Forming similar collaborative initiatives in the way we successfully approached the Dirigo Health plan and are now creating the property tax reform package, with discussions between members of the Senate and House, as well as the governor's office. I have already met with the Republican members of our Senate, and Senator Davis and I have planned regular meetings to keep the lines of communication open.

What do you think of the Patriots' chances for another shot at the Super Bowl?
Certainly they will succeed, and the Red Sox will come back with the second consecutive World Series win.

Michael Brennan

Position: Senate majority leader

Party: Democrat

District: 9 (Parts of Portland and Westbrook)

Occupation: Policy associate at USM's Muskie School of Public Service

Political experience: Filled the late Norm Abramson's Maine State Senate seat for more than 18 months. Four terms in the Maine House of Representatives.

Other than tax reform, what are your economic or business-related priorities for the session?
We need to accomplish four major legislative priorities that will have a direct impact on Maine this session. The first is providing meaningful tax reform. Second, we must balance the state's budget to control spending, but we must also work hard to protect our most vulnerable population who rely on government services and programs. Third, it is critical to Maine's business climate that the Dirigo Health Plan succeeds so more Maine people and small businesses get affordable access to quality health care. Fourth, the passage of a bond issue that includes a strong emphasis on economic development, research and development, funds for the Land for Maine's Future program and resources for small businesses to develop is crucial.

What needs to happen in order for meaningful tax reform to be created this session?
The most important thing is cooperation. Democrats and Republicans need to reach a consensus on legislative elements of tax reform.

As a leader in the Legislature, what will you do to bridge the partisan divide that created so much gridlock in the last session?
I think we have already made some significant steps towards avoiding the gridlock. Leadership created the Joint Standing Committee on Tax Reform, which has been meeting during the last few weeks. We have also been meeting with the governor's office regularly as well as the House.

What do you think of the Patriots' chances for another shot at the Super Bowl?
Yogi Berra once said, "Forecasting is difficult, especially when it involves the future."


Paul Davis

Position: Senate minority leader

Party: Republican

District: 27 (Piscataquis County)

Occupation: Self-employed

Political experience: Three previous terms in the Maine State Senate

Other than tax reform, what are your economic or business-related priorities for the session?
We must find ways to remove the impediments to creating jobs. Maine has a record of being unfriendly toward business, and that simply has to change. Much of that will be accomplished if we can reform our tax structure, but there are other needs as well.
Business licensing and regulation can be streamlined. Some of the emphasis on attracting new businesses to Maine should be shifted to assist and encourage current businesses. The cost of transportation, energy and insurance needs to be considered.

What needs to happen in order for meaningful tax reform to be created this session?
Meaningful tax reform will require difficult decisions to be made. Spending by the government must be curbed and that is never easy. State agencies will have to establish strict priorities. To be meaningful, there must be some assurances that reform is long term. That means a constitutional cap on spending. We should have a cap applied to state, county and municipal governments. The Legislature will need to examine the eligibility requirements and benefits of the circuit breaker system. Meaningful tax reform will require a bipartisan effort to avoid politicizing the process.

As a leader in the Legislature, what will you do to bridge the partisan divide that created so much gridlock in the last session?
Being the minority party does not give the same opportunities to avoid gridlock. I will continue to make attempts to work with anyone who seems to have the best interest of Mainers in mind. Partisanship for its own sake does not benefit anyone.

What do you think of the Patriots' chances for another shot at the Super Bowl?
As long as Tom Brady stays on his feet when throwing the ball, their chances are very good.

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