You disagree with the Budget... What would you do?

The budget touches all of us in the state. Is it fair that we ask those that work hard to pay more for services they may not be able to take advantage of? Is it fair to ask those that truly need help to say that we have to take away from them? In both cases the answer is no and yes at the same time. Maine is at a crossroads where the state cannot afford the entitlements and expenses that were funded in the past. At the same time it is unfair to ask those that are struggling to balance their family budgets for more and dig deeper. What is right? As a tax payer I fully expect to do my share to help make sure the state remains solvent. I am not thrilled with the idea of having even more of my paycheck taken away, but I know for the long term it is the right thing to do. I will sacrifice for the greater good. As I am making changes to my life so that others can be helped – I would also expect that those that are being helped by my labor will also reduce their dependence on the state. The burden should be carried by everyone.

There are many in state government that realize Maine has to do something. Governor LePage has submitted a budget and while it is not perfect he is trying to live within Maine's means. There are some hard choices that had to be made – right or wrong – but at least he is willing to put them out there. His opposition – and they are loud and vocal – have come down hard on LePage for what he is proposing. They are doing so without offering palatable solutions to the budgetary problems we are all facing. They are bringing nothing to the table and as a result they are playing it safe. Unwilling to suggest what will be hard to swallow for them it is easier to let others suggest ideas that will be controversial. Those that are taking the risk of working with the Governor should be commended for doing so. They are looking to the future of Maine and the long term goals we should have. RepubliCAN of Maine challenges those to come up with something – or shut up – because your hot air is doing nothing productive.

Where does District 49 candidate Bob Carter stand – on Education

It speaks well of the candidate when you understand where that candidate comes from. Education is turning out to be one of those “hot button” topics of this election. People are concerned – they want better education for their children but they also don't want to pay higher taxes.

Bob Carter who is running for District 49 is in the unique position of knowing about education and how to improve the education system in the State of Maine without raising your taxes. Bob Carter's background includes 25 years in banking (he understands fiscal responsibility and saving) as well as 14 years as a teacher and Principal (he understands education and the management of a school system).

Bob Carter likes the idea of Charter Schools in Maine and giving them a chance to compete. Although the idea has been around for awhile it is new to the state with two charter schools opening up in the past few weeks. What these schools do for education is many-fold. Increased school day, competition with public schools and a diverse curriculum that public schools may not be able to offer and support. These are just a few of the advantages to having charter schools. The biggest though – is that your taxes do not go up to support a system that may only provide a mediocre education for your child.

Although money is a big part of the equation it is not the whole equation. Our education system is behind the times. Look at the Japanese, Indians and even Europe to see education systems that are flexible and change as society needs change. Charter Schools have that flexibility that public schools are slow to adapt to. They can keep up with the times.

Bob Carter is the representative that will push for innovative educational ideas and reform – remember he has the background for it. Support Bob Carter this coming election – do it for your kids future.