Governor hopefuls square off in debate Cianchette, Carter pitch campaigns

FALMOUTH – In a debate between two gubernatorial candidates, Republican Peter Cianchette accused state lawmakers of failing to manage Maine’s finances, while Green Independent Jonathan Carter struggled to calculate pension finances.

Democrat John Baldacci and independent John Michael were both invited but did not attend Saturday’s debate, sponsored by a group of military retirees.

Cianchette’s remarks stayed close to his campaign themes of lower taxes and reduced spending. He called for a 20 percent reduction in Maine’s income-tax rates and said he would limit the growth of state spending to no more than 75 percent of personal income growth.

“The Legislature needs to control spending and hasn’t done it,” he said.

Carter, meanwhile, aimed his comments at the military retirees in the audience at Portland Country Club.

He called for a larger state exemption for military pensions, saying Maine’s policy should be similar to the federal government’s. When an audience member rose to argue that Carter had miscalculated the federal exemption, Carter twice tried to revise his numbers.

Finally he said: “I stand corrected. I appreciate your pointing this out. We need to all work together.”

He said he planned to go back and review the information about military pensions that had been supplied to him.

Carter also discussed Maine’s tax structure, suggesting that the state needs to do more to attract retirees. He said Maine is one of the few states that does not offer retirees tax relief for nonpension income.

“Clearly, we can do more for those retiring,” he said.

Organizers said Michael did not respond to their invitation to participate, while Baldacci indicated that he could not attend because of a scheduling conflict.

David Flanagan, an independent who recently dropped out of the race for governor, made a speech after the debate.

He complimented both Cianchette and Carter: “I believe these guys can do the job.”

The debate was sponsored by the southern Maine chapter of The Retired Officers Association.