The job of governor is not easy. The governor is regarded as the leader of his party and is expected to be an advocate for his party’s agenda. He is also the governor of the entire state and is expected to show concern and respect for all the citizens of Maine.
Previous governors — both Republican and Democrat — have done a fine job of managing to champion the programs and actions they support, while balancing that partisanship with the ability to respect those who disagree.
Gov. Paul LePage, however, has not managed that balance.
An article in the newspaper on Friday, April 27, quoted the governor as stating, “The problem is middle management is about as corrupt as can be.” This comment was made in discussing the size of state government.
The term corrupt means morally unsound or taking bribes.
If LePage has evidence of wrongdoing by any state worker, he is morally and legally required to report this evidence to the proper authorities for investigation.
If he has no such evidence, he needs to make an apology for the slanderous comments to the men and women in managerial positions who work diligently and ethically to do the work of state government.
Problem solving and progress come through the thorough study of the facts, the willingness to compromise when possible, and mutual respect, not through demagoguery.
Marlene U. Douglas
Winthrop
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