Baldacci didn’t lie to leaseholder advocates

The article “Governor failed, leaseholder advocate says” (BDN, Sept. 13) focused mostly on continuing problems between leaseholders (camp owners) and the landowners on which the lessee’s buildings are located. Over the past few years, lease payments have increased substantially, creating an affordability issue for the camp owners.

Stu Kallgren, president of the Maine Leaseholders Association, was quoted in the article making critical remarks against Gov. John Baldacci, alleging the governor failed to execute promises made to leaseholders that would resolve ongoing problems between the leaseholders and the landowners. Mr. Kallgren was quoted as stating, “Baldacci just plain lied to us. He said something would be done and they [the Baldacci administration] did absolutely nothing.”

I am a member of the Maine Leaseholders’ Association. I was recruited by Mr. Kallgren and the board of directors of the association to represent the association in our attempt to purchase our camp lots. Great Northern Paper Co. was selling leased lots prior to its demise. Great Northern’s successor discontinued the sale program, so we shifted our efforts to improve our lease arrangements.

I attended several meetings with Gov. Baldacci and his staff to pursue that issue. I had numerous phone conversations and electronic communication with the governor’s office on the subject. I attended legislative hearings and meetings on the issue. Therefore, I will take the liberty to qualify myself as one of the more informed members of the Leaseholders’ Association regarding the subject matter.

In that regard, I am obligated to set the record straight by disagreeing with my “buddy in the foxhole” Stu Kallgren and publicly affirm that Gov. Baldacci did not lie to us, nor did the governor make any promises. Conversely, Gov. Baldacci is the first governor to offer support to the leaseholders. Richard Davies, former senior advisor to the governor, was assigned to coordinate with us in our various attempts to resolve our problems. Mr. Davies was always available and willing to accommodate our requests. Mr. Davies vacated that position early this year.

Karen Tilberg has replaced Mr. Davies and has been working with us since she took over the assignment. She was prepared to represent the governor’s office in support of our proposed legislation before the Judiciary Committee this past spring. The bill was killed before she had an opportunity to speak. Ms. Tilberg brokered meetings between members of the Leaseholders’ Association and representatives of the landowners, in which she offered possible solutions to the problems. Ms. Tilberg has a clear understanding of the issue. Hopefully she will continue to work with us because her presence in this matter is essential.

I am also obligated to highlight Mr. Kallgren’s ongoing dedicated efforts in support of the leaseholders’ interests. Mr. Kallgren has devoted a good part of his life defending the rights of camp owners throughout the state. He has supported me infinitely in my endeavor to achieve a fair lease agreement for lessees in the state. He has always accepted my recommendations without question. Mr. Kallgren’s remarks may be considered venting his frustrations because results from our efforts are not positive. We have been working on this matter for over three years and have resolved nothing.

Gov. Baldacci and staff have helped the leaseholders. Since the Leaseholders’ Association has brought this issue before the governor’s office and the Legislature, many landowners have sold their leased lots to their respective leaseholders.

The governor’s options to render assistance to the leaseholders in this matter are limited. He has directly and through his staff extended support to resolve leaseholder problems. We were defeated in the Legislature, not by the governor or his staff. We were out-performed by experienced lobbyists who represented the national and international corporations that own most of the land in Maine. They have the resources to achieve their objectives, which a few thousand camp owners cannot afford. We must therefore depend on our lawmakers and the governor’s office for support in resolving our problems.

We are all disappointed that our efforts over the past three years have been nonproductive. We are all anxious to secure the heritage, sentimental and monetary values that we risk losing if our problems are not resolved in the near future. Therefore, it is imperative that we continue to move forward to seek relief from our situation by working with the governor’s office, State Rep. Herb Clark of Millinocket and other members of our Legislature.

The governor did not lie or break promises. Let’s pray he is still on board, and appreciate his efforts in supporting our cause.

Alfred Mosca of Bangor is the owner of the Coastal Agency, a real estate company.