December 31, 2007 - 7:00am

Opinion

New Year's Resolutions

By Wally Edge

We all make them.....and break them. Here are a few suggestions for a number of Maine Politicians and other public officials.

Senator Susan Collins

Keep pretending this is going to be a really close Senate race against Tom Allen and rake in the cash as quickly as possible before the 2008 polls start to leak out.

Representative Tom Allen

Keep pretending this is going to be a really close Senate race against Susan Collins and rake in the cash as quickly as possible before the 2008 polls start to leak out. Then, spend it all in the second district to help smooth the way for an easy win in the 2010 democratic primary for Governor.

Governor John Baldacci

Plan to carry a Thesaurus with him everywhere and employ replacement words immediately for the following:

Consolidation will become Unify

Merger will become Fuse

Taxes will become Revenue Enhancers

Bankrupt will become Solvency Concerns

Senate President Beth Edmonds

Pledge to redouble her efforts to explain to the "Progressives" in the State House, again, that she does not have the votes to pass anything they would like her to.

Former State Representative Walcott

Plan to Shop for matching shoes for his orange jump suit.

Trish Riley, the Governor's Health Care Guru

Enroll for a class in budgeting 101. With her pet Dirigo facing a $15 million shortfall and in danger of political termination, she desperately must develop budgeting prowess. If she can, maybe Hillary would have a spot for her in DC.

Barbara Merrill, former State Legislator and Gubernatorial candidate.

Run for office and receive public funds, again. Her husband Phil has blown through the $109,000 he received in public campaign funds from her unsuccessful 2006 gubernatorial race and needs a fresh infusion.

Representative Josh Tardy, House Republican Leader

Lose another dozen GOP seats in the House. Big losses are the key to his continued leadership role, apparently. Now if only he can continue the trend again in 2008. Maybe the RNC can provide some tips.

Commissioner Becky Wyke, State Budget Boss

Stock-up on ear plugs, Advil, coffee and purchase body armor in preparation for the budget discussion in January.

State Senator Lois Snowe-Mello.

Avoid puppies or any mention of puppies.

WALLY EDGE can be reached via email at politickerme@aol.com.

If you liked this article, subscribe to The Wake-Up Call. It's FREE!

Email this Article

Comments

Additional Resolutions

posted by Matt Schaeffer

Tom Allen: Plan to attend as many votes in Congress as possible, this will ensure to the voters of Maine he takes his job serious.

Ethan Strimling: Sponsor sensible legislation find out how do get as many names of support as Pingree.

01/01/08 9:47 pm

Mr. Schaeffer: Considering

posted by Gerald Weinand

Mr. Schaeffer:

Considering your own goals for the new year, don't you think that you are expecting too little from Tom Allen? From your website:

Now for Matt's Goals for 2008: 1. Land a large salmon on the fly rod. 2. Make some substantial gains in the stocks that I own. 3. Give my wife all the help she needs around the house (that way I can make #1 happen). 4. Teach my daughter the right way to play pitcher and 2nd Base on the softball team. and 5. fill my freezer up with wild game (ducks and deer). Yes I'm aware they are pretty large goals, but if I butter my wife up, it may just happen.

I note that you don't mention actually earning an income, and if that is the position in which you find yourself, more power to you Sir. But are you really one to critique how another man actually performs his job?

Reading further on your site, would you mind telling us about what your "part in my community" is exactly? How are you civically involved in your town?

01/01/08 10:55 pm

I liked Matt's New Years

posted by MidCoast raider

I liked Matt's New Years Resolutions.

I didn;t think his comments about Allen or Strimling were overly negative. I think Collins perfect voting record is a big deal to lots of unenrolled--or non-poltical types from Maine who get up and go to work every day.

As for Ethan, I think he spends too much time grandstanding. Matt's advice is good- focus on mainstream legislation and keep an eye on Pingree.

Anywy, Mr. Weinand, I get that you are a liberal from away - and smarter than all of us, so why not show a little liberal caring and compassion and avoid the mean-spritied innuendo.

01/02/08 8:55 am

My Response to Mr. Weinand

posted by Matthew Schaeffer

Thank you for responding to my comments. I'm sorry if I struck a sour note with you. Apparently my viewpoint of Congressman Allen differs from yours substantially. I can only wonder why you are so negative of my comments.

You asked "But are you really one to critique how another man actually performs his job?" Actually, as a citizen of this state and
a person who takes great pride in voting for "other" elected officials, I say YES. I am one to critique a Public Official when they miss 100 plus more votes in the House of Representatives when they are running for the US Senate.

As for your statement, you indicated about me "actually earning an income" regarding my website. I can assure that I do have a job that contributes to the economy of Maine. I still trying to find the relevance of your statement. I didn't know I was supposed to put my occupation down to justify my New Years goals.

As Far as my "part in my community". I volunteer with coaching kids, helping non-profits, and stand on local committees that help citizens. So I'm not sure what bothered you about that statement. Maybe it was the way I ended it with: "Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season. God Bless America".

Oh yeah, if you read further in my site you would see that I sit as a Selectman and Vice-Chair of Planning Board.

Have a Happy New Year. God Bless America!

01/02/08 1:49 pm