Gov. John Baldacci was recently quoted that Stephen King, “could write a horror book and it wouldn’t compare to the administration in Washington right now.” King could also write another horror book and it wouldn’t compare to the current administration in Augusta.

Evidence to this, though not complete, is the Department of Human Services; legislative defaulting in full payment (55 percent) to towns for education resulting in higher property tax (hardship on senior citizens among others); the citizen-initiated referendum to force the Legislature to financially support education at the lawful level and state efforts to defeat it; the tax cap referendum, etc.

Add up the time and money spent by the state and towns to attempt to defeat these two referendums. Need more?

King has a real challenge to top the Augusta horror story. Better to use a local situation challenge to King. Gov. Baldacci, never mind Washington – you’ve been there.

Harry Wheldon

Orono