Take That Taxman!

Yesterday was the day that millions of Americans dread.  Yesterday was April 15th.  Yesterday was tax day.  Some  spent the day hiding under the covers.  Others are took to the streets with slogans and signs.  While not everyone attended a tea party event, many of the gubernatorial candidates have released tax related statements.Matt Jacobson took the opportunity to ask Mainers if they were happy how their tax dollars were being spent.  “Despite the taxes you pay, Maine state government is in a perpetual budget crisis. Why?”, asked Jacobson.  “It’s because we have driven businesses, jobs and people away from Maine thanks to decades of politicians and their staffers at the helm who don’t understand what it takes for a business to grow and thrive.”  Jacobson also let voters know that he has signed the “No tax increase” pledge.  Jacobson went on to say he would take this budget crisis moment to restructure the way Maine government does things.  “I will create defined priorities that will direct how we spend your tax dollars,” said Jacobson.  “We will have a leaner and more efficient government.”

In a recent announcement, Les Otten also touted the no tax increase pledge.  Otten called on all candidates, regardless of party, to sign the pledge.  Otten said the pledge makes it clear to voters who has vowed to not raise taxes and who may still do so if they reach the Blaine House.  “I firmly believe that we have enough revenue in Augusta and taxpayers cannot handle a bigger tax burden,” Otten said.

Bruce Poliquin said Mainers were tired of empty promises.  “Mainers are tired of the politicians who promise and pledge to lower taxes, but have no experience successfully dealing with real-world fiscal, economic, and job-related issues.”  Poliquin again spoke of his private sector experience managing a business. Poliquin reinforced his fiscally conservative beliefs saying, as governor he would spend only the revenue the government takes in and reduce taxes in a “meaningful way.” This will stimulate growth in Maine’s private sector, Poliquin said.

Paul LePage had a short statement on taxes.  At his Facebook account, LePage said, “Democrats have enacted nearly $700 billion dollars in tax hikes since President Obama took office, including 14 tax hikes that hit middle class families.”  LePage attended a few tea party events recently.  On tax day he instead highlighted his experience crafting budgets as Waterville’s mayor.  According to LePage, he was able to cut property taxes and maintain services while serving as mayor.  Waterville’s credit rating went from great (A-) to even more great (A+) during LePage’s terms.  For the 2010-2011 Waterville budget, LePage suggested merging services, reducing full time staff, and contracting services, among other solutions, to keep the city from raising taxes.  LePage said he would reject any budget that called for a tax increase.

Eliot Cutler took a different approach.  He suggested including a “taxpayer satisfaction survey” with state tax forms.  The one page survey would ask taxpayers to rate the value of state programs and services, list their spending priorities, and offer suggestions on how to spend their tax dollars.  “Successful companies survey their customers regularly because they want to continually improve their products, programs and customer service, “ Cutler said. “That’s a best practice state government can learn from as well. Every year we ask working Maine families to part with their hard earned dollars to support state government; I think it’s only right that we also ask them how we are doing. ”

Matt Gagnon made it pretty clear in a recent post at Pine Tree Politics what he wants to hear from candidates.  Gagnon said, “we are now less than two months away from the primary and it is time to see some substance.  Repeating your stump speeches from 11 months ago isn’t going to cut it.”  We agree.  Saying you know how to create jobs or that you will not raise taxes may have been great last November, but the June primary is racing closer.  Voters want clear ideas on how you will change Maine.  How will you do to create jobs in Maine?  What will you cut to keep taxes down?  You wouldn’t OK the plans for a new home before you see them.

We know you have great ideas for how to acomplish your goals.  Don’t lock them in a vault.  Let us know.  Any candidate who wishes to submit their plans to create jobs, keep our taxes low, reduce our energy independence, etc. we will print them.  Give us something to dive into, something to stick to our ribs.  We’re ready if you are.