As many of us in the Greater Bangor community drive by that vacant work site on Main Street each day, the question looms large as to why the governor has had so little to say about such an important issue.

I think the governor has made a mistake in his silence. Here’s my imaginary take on an interview with the governor about the standoff between Hollywood Slots and the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee and how he might have handled it with a bit more media savvy.

Reporter: “Governor, what’s your position on the recent work stoppage going on at the Hollywood Slots $131 million work site on Main Street in Bangor and the Appropriations Committee suggestion that it might be a good idea to take even more profits away from a company already paying the highest tax rate of any business in the state in order to help balance the budget?

“What kind of message might this send, governor, to other successful companies that might be thinking of coming to Maine to do business? And last of all, governor, is your public silence on this issue reflective of how you feel about the gambling industry in Maine?

Gov. John Baldacci: “My office is always deeply concerned when Maine people are put out of work and this is certainly no exception. I presented a balanced budget to the Legislature and that budget in no way called for dipping further into slot revenues. I certainly realize that people in and around the Bangor community have much to lose economically should this massive project be shelved.

“The budget deadline is quickly drawing near and we in Augusta are in intense negotiations as we struggle to put forth a balanced and responsible budget for this state and its taxpayers. Dozens of proposals are being considered as those negotiations continue and it’s important to remember that no official proposal to increase Penn National’s tax burden has been made.

“That said, I do understand Penn National and Cianbro Corporation’s concerns. I am hopeful, however, that we will be able to work this matter out. While I have no direct say in what the Legislature puts forth as its version of a budget, my staff and I do plan to work behind the scenes with representatives of Penn National and Cianbro as well as leaders from both parties to try to reach an acceptable agreement to this current situation.

“The economic viability of this state and its reputation as being a good place to open up shop have always been a top priority in my office. This is no exception, and I want the people of the state, and especially the eastern and northern Maine communities, to know that my office is very concerned and understands what’s at risk and we want those workers back to work on Main Street as soon as possible.

“Yes, I have traditionally taken an anti-gambling stance in this state, but I agreed when the people of Maine voted in favor of the Bangor racino that I would act on the will of the people. What I do or don’t say about this issue has nothing to do with my position on gambling.

“This is all I will say on this matter for the next few days as I and my staff work behind closed doors with the interested parties to get this matter settled in a manner that is best for the people of Maine. Thank you.”

This scenario, of course, did not happen. Baldacci has said very little about an issue that has such great economic implications for this state. His comments, or lack thereof, to reporters on Wednesday when he was in the city on other business clearly gave the impression that the governor didn’t want to talk about it.

On Friday, his spokesman David Farmer took great exception to my suggestion that Baldacci had been silent on an issue that is of such grave concern to this part of the state.

Farmer contends the governor is working hard on the issue. Well, why doesn’t he say so? Instead, some people are thinking that he’s secretly hoping Penn National will take its $131 million and go elsewhere.

More likely Baldacci is being cautious because end-of-the-fiscal-year budget battles are so tenuous and the racino issue may very well be an important bargaining chip on one side of the aisle or another.

On Friday, Farmer did go so far as to say that the governor did not think the Appropriations Committee’s idea to increase Penn National’s taxes “was a particularly good one.” He further said that he was very confident that something would be worked out.

Then why doesn’t the governor himself just say so?

Renee Ordway can be reached at rordway@bangordailynews.net.