Comments for Eliot Cutler - Independent Candidate for Maine Governor '10

Comment on OP-ED: Seizing Maine’s Opportunities for Health Care (Bangor Daily News) by Thomas Sawyer

Thomas Sawyer — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:33:10 +0000

I agree completely Eliot, however, I would like to see some direction on the thousands of Mainers who will be utilizing our Elder Services, in the very near future. This can has been “kicked down the road” for a generation now. Kennebec and Somerset counties have over 30,000 people 60 years of age or more , right now. I worked with the DHHS Long-Term Care In-Home and Community-Based Services, first as a member of a focus group and later as a caucus member, trying to put the impetus on encouraging home care as a cost saving measure. It is on the horizon and warrants more attention. It is something none of the other pudits are talking about.

Comment on Eliot Cutler’s Initiative (Times Record) by Thomas Sawyer

Thomas Sawyer — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:02:51 +0000

Having voted, for and lived under, Independent governor’s of Maine, I believe Eliot Cutler is exactly what this State needs today. He strikes me as a “cut to the chase” type of man, who backs up his words with actions. This piece in the Times Record speaks clearly to that. His cultivation of contacts in China, to benefit Maine food producers, would be a welcome shot in the arm.
It is time for Maine to get off the “rhetorical bandwagon” and roll up our sleeves to fix our economy. We have squandered initial opportunities to use Federal monies to get Brunswick NAS off in the right direction. We desperately need viable answers to our problems. Mainer’s have always been no nonsense people…. we want jobs, and we want a fair tax rate. What we don’t want is more “wag the dog” issues that detract from the pressing business of running our State. Keep your abortion issues, your creationists issues, your Separation of Church and State issues. We all have strong opinions about each of them…. but let’s save them for days when we can catch our breath. I have listened to the sitting Governor with his ” I will not raise taxes” baloney, while my property taxes have risen 60%. We are not a stupid people… I have to believe Eliot knows that.
In closing, if I can be of help with this campaign, all you have to do is ask. I wish you nothing but luck MR. Cutler.

Comment on Cutler Plan for Renewable Energy in Maine (Independent Political Report) by Claudia L

Claudia L — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:33:21 +0000

I hope that you will do some research on geothermal energy, perhaps with sources such as IGSHPA (Int’l. Ground Source Heat Pump Assoc.). Geothermal energy supplies all the heat, air conditioning and domestic hot water for our home from two closed loop wells (that cannot pollute groundwater). An efficient heat pump is run by electricity but the cost and environmental impact is minimal, esp. compared to oil and wood sources. Most people are unaware that this source is available everywhere. Many public buildings, such as some schools in Gorham and the new Osher Learning Ctr. in Portland are heated by geothermal energy. As a (now retired) Earth Science teacher I was aware of this source, but through my husband’s business involvement (Alpha Water Systems of Maine) I have learned much more and seen it work. There is little discussion or even inclusion of geothermal energy in any mention of alternative energy by candidates or politicians. It works.

Comment on TAXES by Peter Dufour, CPA

Peter Dufour, CPA — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:51:51 +0000

Hi Eliot:

As a tax practitioner who assists clients with state tax planning issues on a daily basis, I can tell you from firsthand experience that the income and estate tax system in this state does, in fact, drive a significant amount of wealth out of Maine.

Take, for example, retired Mainers who winter in Florida. Many of these taxpayers would prefer to spend only three or four months in Florida, and spend the remainder of their time, and money, in Maine. However, the tax savings that they realize from spending more than six months out of the state, and becoming non-residents of Maine, are too substantial to pass up.

Similarly, when local or national companies consider expansion opportunities and compare Maine to other New England states in terms of tax structure, Maine loses that beauty contest more often than not. Granted, taxes are not the only factor, but they are an integral part of the decision-making process.

We need to completely revamp our tax system to send a message to the national and international business community, as well as individual retirees, that Maine is open for business and appreciates Maine citizens who have worked hard their entire lives to save for a comfortable retirement. The tax reform package that was recently repealed would have been a step in the right direction, with its lower top tax bracket. I will be the first one to admit that it wasn’t perfect, but we need to start somewhere.

Based on what I have heard you say, and what I have read, you have my vote, Eliot. I trust that you will take the state in the right direction when you are elected.

Comment on CASINO GAMBLING by Bobby

Bobby — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 23:52:32 +0000

Well, I was 100% in line with you until we hit this issue. However, it isn’t a show stopper for me. I will support you with my vote come November. Thank you.

Comment on Giving China a Taste of Maine (Portland Press Herald) by Aleks K

Aleks K — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 11:53:32 +0000

What a great idea. 200 million dollars. My only concern with the article is the last 2 paragraphs. What the heck does Arden Manning have to do with this story????? If the article is on a potential Maine-China connection, why was the Democratic campaign coordinator even asked his opinion? And if we are going for fair and balanced journalism, why wasnt the republican party interviewed for their opinions? This reeks of biased journalism….

Comment on My Letter to Paul LePage by Brenda Garrand

Brenda Garrand — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 18:14:27 +0000

Above board and ethical. They way we all should be.

Comment on CASINO GAMBLING by Matthew

Matthew — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 18:01:29 +0000

Would you oppose the building of a Casino if it were owned by Maine investors? When most of the profits would be kept in Maine? I was against Casinos for a long time, but this state needs jobs, and I’m not morally opposed to gambling. I used to buy the “quality of life” argument, but I work two jobs, as does my wife….what quality of life is that for our two young sons? We NEED MORE JOBS in this state.

Comment on RELEASE: Cutler to Open Lewiston/Auburn Office on Wednesday by Christos Gianopoulos

Christos Gianopoulos — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 13:14:40 +0000

I will visit the office today. Thank you.

Christos

Comment on ABORTION by Ryan M Flanagan

Ryan M Flanagan — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 01:11:12 +0000

Mr. Cutler,
I consider myself an independent and I agree with many of your ideas. I believe your experience makes you a promising candidate in your effort to be my governor. I also agree that avoiding pregnancies that end in abortion is a goal that most people can agree on. I realize that I am not going to change your mind on this issue with a simple e-message, but I’d like to ask you, should you become governor, to respect my views by preventing my tax dollars from funding abortions, which I consider to be the worst sort of homicide. Groups like Planned Parenthood should not be supported by our government because they ENCOURAGE abortions. Why would PP do such things?… because they make money from the procedures. PP is a business, not a “support service.”

Yes, let’s support struggling young women and provide them with options beside ending the life of their baby. Perhaps promoting adoption using state resources could be part of a viable solution. An unborn baby has different DNA from the mother. It is, therefore, a different being.
Thank you for your time and consideration regarding this matter. Best of luck.
Sincerely,
Ryan M Flanagan
PS- Maybe a growing “instant gratification” culture is to blame for many unintentional pregnancies and, by extension, abortions?