FAIRFIELD – Squaring off in the first official debate of the election season, Maine’s four gubernatorial candidates agreed Monday the viability of the state’s laptop computer program was anything but certain.

The Maine Public Broadcasting Corporation forum at Lawrence High School was sponsored in part by the Maine Leadership Consortium, a group of education advocates that includes the Maine Education Association, the University of Maine System and the Maine State Board of Education. More than 300 people attended the event that was aired live on Maine Public Radio and taped for broadcast on MPBC television stations tonight at 7 p.m.

Neither John Baldacci, a Bangor Democrat; Jonathan Carter, the Green Independent Party’s nominee from Lexington Township; Peter Cianchette, a South Portland Republican; nor John Michael, an independent state representative from Auburn, would pledge to renew the laptop program that could run out of money after 2004. Initiated by Gov. Angus S. King, the Maine Technology Fund that provides computers for the state’s seventh and eighth graders has been whittled down by lawmakers over the past three years as new constraints have been placed on the state budget.

Although both Baldacci and Cianchette praised Maine’s current governor for his “vision and courage” in launching and defending the laptop computer program, neither would commit to its funding if elected governor. During the question-and-answer session that followed debate, Baldacci said he would like to see greater investment in the program from the private sector. The Democrat said he had received positive comments from teachers and students on the merits of providing laptop computers for the middle schools and that it was “beginning to make a difference” in the students’ educational experience .

“The university is doing a study over the next four years,” Baldacci said. “I’ll carefully review that, but I think [the laptop program is] a step in the right direction.”

Cianchette said the laptop program would have to stand up to the same scrutiny that he would direct toward “every other aspect of state government.”

“We will hold it accountable for the tax dollars that are going to it, and we will make sure that there is a benefit for the dollars that are being spent on it,” Cianchette said. “If this program proves to be beneficial, then it will be rewarded by continued support by the Legislature as … all other programs. If it is not successful, if we’re not able to demonstrate the efficacy of that program, then we need to look at alternative ways to bring technology into the schools.”

Carter agreed that technology is needed in the classroom, but not in the form of the laptop program. Instead, Carter proposed “high-quality technology centers” in the schools staffed by highly qualified computer experts.

“Kids already know more about computers than the teachers that have them,” Carter said. “And I would have the classes K-12 rotate through them. An art class, a math class – this is how we’d get more bang for our dollar.”

Michael flatly rejected the laptop computer initiative as the “perfect example of the drunken-sailor-spending-spree-inspired program.”

“This is why we can’t balance the budget. Every time a pretty idea comes along that a particular constituency wants and that one group in the Legislature feels they can gain votes by passing, they go and spend the money,” Michael said. “If Gov. Michael is elected, that program is history.”

All four candidates responded articulately to questions posed by a panel of educators selected by the consortium. Baldacci, the acknowledged front-runner in the race, was a frequent target during the evening as his opponents challenged several aspects of his candidacy, including his voting record during the Democrat’s last eight years as Maine’s 2nd District congressman.

Baldacci largely chose to ignore the remarks. He insisted his experience in Congress placed him at an advantage over his opponents since he would be able to access federal programs effectively, enhancing the delivery of educational services in Maine.

Neither Baldacci nor Cianchette would commit to continued funding for the program if elected governor