A recent column (BDN, Oct. 1) attempted to take me to task for not “standing up to the big spenders.” The author, Jack Cashman, implied that I have been “talking the talk” but not “walking the walk” when it comes to my vision for a stronger Maine: lower taxes and a state government that doesn’t grow faster than people’s paychecks.

This has been the central focus of my gubernatorial campaign, and if elected to the Blaine House, I am committed to making the tough decisions necessary in order to restore fiscal responsibility, provide tax relief for hard working families, and create greater economic opportunities for our children and grandchildren.

I take issue with Cashman’s assessment of my state legislative record (1996-2000). He condemns my vote in support of the unanimous committee budget in 1999. I voted for the budget because it represented a distinct departure from the Democrat controlled budgeting process from the previous two years, which I did not support. The 1999 budget provided legitimate and meaningful tax relief to the people of Maine, such as:

. Reducing the sales tax

. Increasing the personal exemption on the income tax

. Fully funding the business equipment tax to assist small business owners

. Paying off debts in the highway fund and the government facilities authority

. Raising more money for the rainy day fund to handle budget emergencies

. Increasing funding for education to take pressure off the property tax

These initiatives had one thing in common – they succeeded in putting more money into the pockets of Mainers, not in the hands of government bureaucrats.

Yet, state spending remains out of control, and this tax and spend trend has occurred under Democrat rule for the past 30 years. Since 1992, state spending has increased by $1.2 billion a year, a pace that is far greater than the growth of paychecks of Maine people.

As governor, I will work to make sure the people of Maine keep more of what they earn – no longer will we be the highest taxed people in the nation. I will reign in state government by capping spending and by cutting the tax burden by 20 percent over five years.

The future of Maine’s economy is at stake in this year’s election. Everything we value – good schools, safe communities, affordable health care, and a clean environment – depends on a strong economy. I stand ready to offer the leadership, the vision, and the courage necessary to reshape Maine’s economic future.

One thing is clear, the last time Maine found itself in a fiscal mess, John Baldacci voted for the largest tax increase in Maine history – $300 million (1991 LD 1979, Roll Call No. 8). As for Baldacci’s claim of frugality in returning taxpayer money to the Treasury, it happens more than you would think. In fact, more than 200 hundred members of Congress returned a greater percentage of money to the Treasury than John Baldacci. Of course, I’d prefer John return that money directly to the taxpayers, not to the Treasury.

Peter Cianchette is the Republican candidate for governor.