ClickBack on CCL, Slots

This week, ClickBack, the BDN’s editorial page interactive feature, seeks reader opinion on campaign finance, the Christian Civic League’s petition drive and Hollywood Slots. To participate, go to bangordailynews.com and click on the ClickBack logo. New users are required to register, but the BDN does not share e-mail addresses or other registration information with third parties.

Sen. Barack Obama last week announced he will not accept public financing for his presidential campaign – is he a special interest sellout or wise guardian of tax dollars?

Sen. Obama, the Democratic presumptive nominee, had earlier pledged to accept public financing, which comes with spending limits and rules. In the announcement about his change of course, Sen. Obama said the current public financing system is flawed because political parties and interest groups go around the rules. Skeptics say the decision came when Sen. Obama realized he could raise and spend far more money than Sen. John McCain. Is taxpayer financing of presidential campaigns over? Should it be? Do you check off the public funding box on your federal tax return? Why?

The Christian Civic League of Maine dropped its petition drive to reverse Maine’s human rights laws regarding sexual orientation. Is the issue dead?

The Christian Civic League of Maine, citing the lack of signatures, has given up its effort to force a referendum vote on gay and lesbian issues next year. The referendum, if it had passed, would have removed sexual orientation from the Maine Human Rights Law, banned gay couples from marrying and adopting children, and cut off funding to public school civil rights teams. Michael Heath, CCL executive director, said opponents had labeled the initiative as homophobic and bigoted. Was it? Is this the last Maine will see of the debate over gay rights? Should it be?

Hollywood Slots will open its Bangor racino in a matter of days. Will this be good for Bangor?

Imagine Bangor five or 10 years in the future – will the Hollywood Slots facility be seen as a boon for the city and the region? Or will residents wish the gambling enterprise had been built somewhere else? Critics and supporters seem to agree that Hollywood Slots will remake Bangor – but for the better or worse?

As always, some of the comments posted on the ClickBack page at bangordailynews.com will be featured on the Friday OpEd page.