Good Ship Moderate Adrift at Sea….Again

I am somewhat disappointed but I think that things could have been worse. There should have been more bipartisan results but there could have been less. I believe that there is a growing awareness, on both sides of the aisle, that structural soundness and sustainability are needed for long term health and to avoid budget situations of this kind -- or worse - from continually reappearing.

When this awareness manifests via more concrete meaningful reforms still remains to be seen.

It is always a work in progress, and small steps forward are still important ones.

It is difficult in many cases to make firm assessments in regard to factors and motivations involved in individuals either moving in their positions or remaining firm. Either can be honorable, or not, and needs to be judged within the context of available options and prevailing (and minority) circumstances and sentiments at the time.

The Governor showed leadership by sharpening this deadline, but a greater display of leadership going forward will bring Mainers and Maine legislators together in much greater collaboration and the utilization of more sophisticated and well integrated fiscal and strategic processes and initiatives for the long term benefit of our state.

Finally, it still means something special to be from Maine. We should not, in my opinion, let any fiscal setbacks diminish our resolve nor lessen our confidence in regard to successfully and powerfully preserving and extending the beauty and viability of our state for future generations. It is incumbent upon each of us, while retaining perspective, to push ourselves, in mind and in actions, towards productive breakthroughs and solid innovations. The individual and collective aspects of Maine vision and experience are rooted in our hearts, in the fiber of our beings and - for those who do not mind this type phrasing - our souls.

As long as that vision remains active, relevant and strong, Maine will certainly be ok.