Dear Editor:

The Wiscasset Candidate Forum on Tuesday, Sept. 26 was packed with standing room only. We are fortunate that the Lincoln County News and Boothbay Register host these events. Special thanks to LCN Editor Maia Zewert, the moderator.

Question 1 asked - What are voters’ concerns and how would you address them? Candidates identified their voter’s concerns as; inflation, property taxes, declining education, cost of housing, high energy costs, state infrastructure, climate resilience, and the bleak future for our young if things don’t turn around.

How did we get into this mess? Maine was in good shape when Governor LePage left office. Most of the previously listed concerns were not on voter’s minds. When Governor Mills and Democrats took complete control of the state government on Jan. 2, 2019, the 2018 Maine expenditures were $8.06 billion. Maine’s Labor Force Participation Rate had averaged 0.6% higher than the U.S. rate for the previous 8 years, inflation and interest rates were not a concern, and although Maine taxes and electrical costs were high, they were not a crisis. The American dream was still a possibility for our young, Skip to the present – the 2024 budget is $13.84 billion, if totally spent, it will be a 72% increase in six years. Our Labor Force Participation Rate is now 3.2% lower than the U.S. rate - businesses can’t find help and some are shutting down, Maine’s property tax is #1 in the nation, our overall tax burden is #4, our electrical rates are #6, our annual food costs are #17, and Forbes rates Maine # 45 of the “Best States to Start a Small Business in 2024”.

Our Democratically controlled state government has had six years in office. Maine is in trouble. Many are struggling. Maine’s future looks bleak. If federal funds dry up, billions will have to be made up by our taxpayers. Maine people deserve better than this. The ones that broke it will not be the ones to fix it.  Change is needed. Vote Republican this November to put Maine back on the right track.

Joe Grant

Wiscasset