GOVERNOR

Any voter still undecided about who should be Maine’s next governor, still looking for that one quality that elevates one candidate above the others, may want to consider the composure factor. On that character trait – the ability to remain calm, focused and civil while under unwarranted attack – U.S. Rep. John Baldacci stands alone.

Early in the campaign, it was inevitable and understandable that the Democratic nominee, by virtue of his superior experience and front-runner status, would be the target of close scrutiny by his three rivals. Through it all, Rep. Baldacci has shown admirable restraint. He also has shown a keen interest in getting back to issues that matter to the people of Maine once the bashing subsides. His proposals on health care, economic development, fiscal policy and education all demonstrate a depth of knowledge and understanding earned through his service on the Bangor City Council and in the Legislature and Congress, and make him the best choice to be Maine’s next governor.

SENATE

Susan Collins deserves to be re-elected to the U.S. Senate because her extraordinary diligence has produced legislation that directly helps Maine and the rest of the nation. Her hard work, her effectiveness and her unshakable connection to this state show that the faith voters had in electing her to her first term in 1996 was well-placed.

Sen. Collins’ record of achievement is impressive. She broke the Senate logjam to get the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform passed. She passed consumer protections for sweepstakes and Internet-identification fraud. She was an author of the only major prescription-drug proposal to pass the Senate this year. On the issues of education, the environment, health care and rural development, she has proven herself to be a leader with the ability to build bipartisan support to pass important bills.

1ST DISTRICT

In three terms representing Maine’s 1st Congressional District, Tom Allen has established a solid reputation as one of Congress’ more knowledgeable and thoughtful members. Those qualities, combined with dogged perseverance and a strong streak of independence, make the Portland Democrat worthy of a fourth term.

But beyond standing up for his convictions on such high-profile issues, Rep. Allen has demonstrated the ability to stick with an issue and to bring about small changes when giant steps fail.

For example, he has been a tireless advocate for making prescription drugs more affordable and accessible. Congress’ failure to act on comprehensive reform, however, has not prevented Rep. Allen from pursuing such specific remedies as improved pricing for Medicare beneficiaries, the expanded use of generics and demanding accountability in pharmaceutical advertising. He has shown similar attention to detail in other health care-related issues important to Maine, such as small-business insurance coverage and skilled nursing reimbursement.

2ND DISTRICT

Despite the extensive government experience of both candidates in the race for the open seat in the 2nd Congressional District, voters will be making a leap of faith Nov. 5. But the surer step is toward Republican Kevin Raye, the seasoned former chief of staff for Sen. Olympia Snowe and an articulate, thoughtful candidate in his own right.

Through a series of crucial debates, Mr. Raye showed himself able to answer the range of questions on health care and terrorism, education and the environment and a dozen other topics with calm, well-reasoned replies that indicate both that he has given careful consideration to these issues and that he is a moderate in the tradition of successful Maine Republicans before him. His pro-choice position on abortion puts him in the mainstream of district voters. The 2nd District has ample evidence that Mr. Raye, though unproven, would represent the state well.

Yes on QUESTION 1

Maine can take pride in the changes that have taken place during the last five years in its prisons. Two major initiatives have transformed the embarrassment that was the Maine Youth Center into a productive and humane youth corrections system, and rebuilt the old, inefficient adult prisons – for men and women – into new facilities that offer safety and rehabilitation for prisoners while saving the taxpayers money.

This $180 million overhaul was designed from the start to be done in three steps. The first two were done with surplus and through a lease-purchase agreement. The third step remains: It will be done with voter approval of the $25 million bond issue in Question 1. The full return on the investments made in the first two will not be realized without it.

Yes on QUESTION 2

This $24.1 million bond covers needed environmental and agricultural improvements with an Internet proposal tossed in to help municipalities with geographic data. Individually, the 14 proposals are worth supporting, so voters should be asked to overlook the extensive assemblage of requests and vote yes on this package

Among the largest parts of the bond is $7 million for water-pollution control – money for the state revolving loan fund to improve treatment plants, money for municipalities where there is an immediate need, a small-grants program and grants to help remove licensed discharges of treated wastewater from high-priority shellfish areas. A second major portion of the bond will go toward improving the state’s fish hatcheries, which have become increasingly important because of the rapidly growing de-mand for improved fishing throughout Maine. Biologists at the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife estimate 500,000 more fish are needed to meet demand from fishermen now and double that over the next decade.

Yes on QUESTION 3

The polite way to describe this constitutional amendment is as a cash-flow management tool. The state pays for transportation projects eligible for federal funds in advance. Delays in reimbursement can delay future projects; this has the potential to cause real problems in a state with a short construction season. With this amendment, the state Department of Transportation will be able to borrow in advance of that reimbursement through Grant Anticipation Notes, in the same way the state and municipalities now can borrow in advance of tax payments through Tax Anticipation Notes.

The blunt way to describe it is as a defense against the increasing tendency of Congress to politicize everything, with appropriations bills routinely held up for entirely partisan reasons. With the entire transportation bill up for reauthorization next year, the opportunity for political mischief is great, as is the potential for real harm to states with short construction seasons. If nothing else, this provision will allow MDOT to spread bids out during the year, enabling it to take of advantage of the lower prices available in slack construction periods.