AUGUSTA, Maine — Gov. Paul LePage showed off his trademark sharp tongue on Saturday during a radio interview in which he claimed that many of his legislative priorities “keep hitting a wall with the Democrats.”
During a nearly half-hour interview on WGAN with Phil Harriman, a former GOP lawmaker and a Republican strategist, the governor took exception to pushback on his education and energy proposals.
On education, LePage said the goal of his reform package was to put students first by creating a better teacher evaluation system and by improving school choice.
Late last month, members of the Education Committee altered the teacher evaluation bill to give teachers better due process and also favored putting off the school choice bill until next year.
The governor said the choice bill is “under fire by the Democrats,” even though every Republican except Rep. Michael McClellan, R-Raymond, voted to postpone action on LD 1854 until an implementation plan is created.
LePage talked about another education bill, LD 1866, that would have allowed private religious schools to receive public education dollars. It was defeated this week in both the House and Senate.
The governor said his support of the measure goes back to his own experience. He said he went to a parochial school as a child and it worked for him.
“I needed enormous discipline,” he said. “They had a different way of teaching and it worked for me.”
LePage then explained that it wasn’t the religious part of the school that made a difference.
“It was the brothers being stern and, look at my knuckles, they still show they were hit a few times,” he said.
The governor said the teachers union — the Maine Education Association — was partly to blame for lack of support of his education proposals.
“In an election year, there is real tendency to have status quo,” LePage said. “Particularly with the Democratic party, they need the teacher vote to get elected. The union and all their money goes to the Dems. If they don’t fall in line, they’re going to lose.”
But he also acknowledged that Republicans are nervous because they want to get re-elected, too.
Before moving off the subject of education, LePage said his thinks Maine could reduce its cost per pupil by cutting administrative positions. He said his predecessor, Gov. John Baldacci, was right to try to consolidate school districts to bring down administrative costs by reducing the number of high-paid superintendents.
“But it needs to come down to 16. One per county is all this state needs,” he said.
On the topic of energy, the governor criticized lack of support for one of his energy-related bills, LD 1863, which seeks to remove the 100-megawatt restriction on renewable energy producers, something LePage said would lower energy costs.
Democrats, the governor said, “don’t want to even engage,” but he also called out Sen. Chris Rector, R-Thomaston, and Rep. Stacey Fitts, R-Pittsfield, for siding with the Democrats on the bill.
The governor pointed out that Fitts “makes his living off wind,” and LD 1863 would bring more hydropower into Maine, thus threatening the wind power industry.
“These people do not want to lower energy costs” LePage said. “People in November should remember those names.”
The governor spent the most time Saturday talking about recent criticism by Democrats of the Department of Health and Human Services and its commissioner, Mary Mayhew, for recent computer-related problems in the MaineCare program.
Although many Democrats have called for investigation of DHHS and have alleged a “cover-up,” LePage on Saturday specifically targeted Sen. Justin Alfond of Portland, assistant Senate Democratic leader, in his comments on that topic.
“That [criticism] is coming from a little spoiled brat from Portland. He’s very fortunate that his granddad was born ahead of him,” the governor said.
Alfond’s grandfather is the late Harold Alfond, a prominent Maine businessman and benefactor.
Alfond called for an apology on Tuesday and said the governor was wrong to bring his grandfather into the discussion.
“The governor since he’s taken office has always needed to blame someone; I guess my number was up,” Alfond said.
He also pointed out that the governor has Republican majorities in both the House and Senate. If he wanted to pass his agenda, he need only convince his party, Alfond said.
“Republicans and Democrats together on many of his policies are saying they are not ready for prime time,” he said.
After his criticism of Alfond, LePage then offered his take on the timeline of the computer problems at DHHS. He said the problem was uncovered in July 2010 and “they said they would have it ready by September 2010.”
Harriman then asked, “Who’s they?”
“The Democrats,” LePage said. “The prior administration who put in the system.”
The governor then went on to say that there were people employed at DHHS who were afraid to speak up about the problems because there were other employees involved who “were not friends of our administration.”
“Now, they’ve finally come through and told us what’s going on,” he said. Many of the civil servants in middle management at DHHS were “telling people to keep quiet.”
A number of DHHS program managers have been let go in the past year.
LePage said Mayhew never would have withheld information from him about the problems.
“We’ve never said it’s 100 percent correct. It’s the best information we have at the time we have it,” he said.
The governor apparently did another interview over the weekend with WLOB’s Ray Richardson, another conservative talk radio host in Maine. That interview has been removed from the station’s website.
LePage closed the WGAN interview with a final message for Mainers as the election season draws closer.
“The state of Maine can continue down the path of being a welfare state or we can revive the American Dream,” he said. “It takes some tough courage and some tough decisions in Augusta. So please remember in November, are you voting for someone with courage?”
Follow BDN reporter Eric Russell on Twitter @BDNPolitics.
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He is going down and the “Worst” governor in the history of Maine. How soon before he will leave office – soon!
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Maybe to the liberals he is the worst. He’s done a damn good job for conservatives, with the exception of starting some needless fights like the murals. Wasn’t worth the effort and grief. The DHHS mess is long overdue for a shakeup.
Your right – he is doing a good job as promised – got two of his relatives a position, but – didn’t he run on getting a lot of jobs for Maine people.
… and neither of the relatives he gave jobs to was even from Maine!
“He’s done a damn good job for conservatives.”
Bullying, arrogance, selfishness, ignorance, deceitfulness, corruption, anti-intellectualism, stubbornness, greed – I have to agree with you, cmy6, LePage is certainly a paragon of conservative virtues!
Don’t forget about voter suppression and disregarding women’s rights/gay rights!
No, he hasn’t.
I’m sorry, exactly WHAT do you consider doing a good job? Giving tax breaks and then declaring a budget shortfall? Producing false numbers for the budget, either by design or incompetence, to the legislature? Losing a net 4200 jobs? Lying about the state of the public employees pension fund and creating a ZERO NET INCREASE in funding-which doesn’t fix the alleged problem? Continuing to pay 19,000 ineligible MaineCare recipients for several months after the problem with computers was identified (even as the new administration came on board they were aware of the problem) while at the same time trying to throw 65,000 MaineCare recipients off the eligibility (hope none of them was you Meme)? Thrown repeat temper tantrums making himself look like a bully and a buffoon and the people of Maine looking like idiots for electing this piece of street trash? Yeah, that’s pretty much the kind of CRAP I’ve come to expect from Republicans.
6 more years if we are fortunite Paul in 2014
I am a Republican and I voted for him. I won’t make that mistake again!
nor will my mother
Look how he screwed the people in The County who voted for him like sheep.Their insurance rates are skyrocketing.HA HA!
Right, like that is going to happen
Yes if we are “fortunite”, NOT.
LePage will get 38% of the vote again and unless there is a third party candidate like last time he will lose handily. The people who voted for him will vote for him again but he has done nothing to increase the number of people who will vote for him next time. He may have even lost a couple percent of the people who voted for him last time.
Why do you think the Republicans are trying to knock people off of the voting rolls?
I’ll wager all-in that Paulie didn’t get good marks at his parochial school for “plays well with others” – possibly the reason for his scuffed knuckles. And we thought it was because they dragged when he walked.
>>>>>
Yup – LeRage mistakenly equates being a bully with being courageous.
LePage is a sick man and we will all pay until the day he is removed from office..
Its too bad you can’t see past the rhetoric and see that his policies and his direction for the states will actually turn the state around. Lower energy cost, choice of schools for a better education, and cleaning up wasteful spending in welfare is not a bad thing unless you make money from higher energy costs, are a bad school employee or take advantage of the welfare system. Lets do the right thing for the MAJORITY of the people in Maine and lower taxes, and the cost of living overall, and better educate our kids so they can compete as adults and move forward. Please realize the Governor is not a sick man he believes in his ideas just like you do in yours and he took the chance to be governor and won and is now trying to do what he said he would, just like you would do if you were in his shoes. You don’t have to agree with him, but you should respect his willingness to say what he means and not saying what people want to hear.
He can’t even convince his own party that his policies and direction for the state are good. Are you aware that the Republican Party owns the majority of both the House and Senate? Getting his policies passed should be a breeze! Don’t blame us, blame the Republicans.
I guess that is better than rubber stamp Democrats.
That may have a lot to do with the fact that the legislature faces re-election this year. And they spend too much time reading newspapers who tend to present their ideas in alarmist tones. It’s too bad the legislature doesn’t trust good conservative ideas enough to act on them right now. Once they win majorities again, we’ll see some action.
You’re saying the Republicans are scared wimps?
I am saying that Maine Republicans tend to evidence classic symptoms of having been bullied by majority Democrats and their sympathetic media friends for many years. I am attempting to help them through political therapy. We’ll make great statesmen and women out of them in short order. After all, they have the right ideas on their side.
All I hear is that Republican leaders are too afraid to believe in their ideas, and that somehow they have been cowed by public opinion, and now also the Democrats, even though they have control of the Congress.
That would make them hypocrites, wimps and even liars.
The more you talk the worse it gets. But somehow I worry you will go on …
It’s the Democrats and the teachers! Wait until you get to Paul’s planet, you’ll see how much sense he makes! In the meantime, those on Earth have to wait out his term.
You stay classy, Paul LePage.
I’m afraid it’s you who can’t see beyond the bully’s rhetoric.
The Governor of Maine calls someone a spoiled little brat..that IS a sign of an elected official who is mentally unstable
If there was nothing wrong with your comment at the TOP here you should Email the moderator (web@bangordailynews.comand) and have them to take a look at the comment. They’re pretty good and fast at making corrections for vindictive flags from unpleasant people. I wanted to see how well you did today! Sadly a lot of others have missed their chance to “Like” your comment. From what I can recall, the only thing wrong with your comment was that it made the LePage crowd unhappy and angry that they couldn’t even cheat to get ahead of we the people.
That’s funny, 4 minutes after posting this they put your comment back up. Makes you wonder how fair these boards are when you can’t call LePage “Sick” but he can call Mr. Alfond a “Spoiled Brat” and his few followers can silence you with a few flags. Wait until they see us VOTE!
Thanks ..I was able to do just that
Congrats…and you’ve got 5 more likes since the last time I looked. Have you considered running for Governor? Your thoughts are much more clear than the current Tea Party Wah Wah Brat we have now.
Many politicians are able to enact policy and say what they mean without calling people spoiled brats, telling them to kiss his ass, and to go to hell. Seems you have different standards for conservatives. What if John Baldacci or Angus King had said these things. Would you feel the same?
but King and Baldacci didn’t say those things…if they had, I believe people would feel the same…embarrassed, ashamed for an incompetent, bully of a governor
And evidently the governor can say what ever crosses his mind but the rest of us must hold our tongues..
Just keep us going in YOUR direction and we will be all be “subjects”. When are you Liberal people going to try to get it?It’s folks like you who are, for whatever reason, unable to see what is happening to this country. If heads are not removed from peoples’ butts, the next political climate will certainly change, in a big way!!! Why do you embrace Socialism? That is what you are in favor of. You just haven’t figured it out yet.
Yeah, well I guess if given the choice, I would choose paved roads, public schools, healthcare, fire-fighters, police, trash collection, seat-belt laws, over a bunch of truly nanny state laws that have the sole purpose of climbing up inside of every uterus in the country and camping out, waiting for things to go bad.
I would rather live in a country where we help people in need, than find new ways to control them, and call it smaller government.
I suppose the founding fathers may roll in their graves at some of the liberal things going on in this country. But don’t for one moment think they’d be applauding all of these restrictive bills on what a woman can and can not do with their own body, or temple if you prefer.
I also would prefer to not live in a country that considers a clump of cells, life. I have never yet met a pro-lifer who could tell me how the womb was for them, I’d be interested, though, since I don’t recall that time at all.
But while we are at it, why not consider the life already here just as precious as that product of rape or incest. If those on the right gave a small fraction of the energy on those already here (and therefore precious), as they do about something that hasn’t been born yet. We could all have the country we want.
But honestly, we don’t even need that. This country could be great again, if we could just all meet in the middle.
uhhh, where did that come from?
I also don’t like having to pay a nickel deposit on beer cans…. should I thrown that in?
Fuuny, the people of Maine, even those lefties to the South (the other Maine), all weighed their options and voted for Paul LePage to run the State, the CEO of Mardens surplus and salvage to govern us. There is a period during the election process that people should do a little due diligence on who they would like to see occupy the Blaine House for 4 eyars. I know I did.
Well Mainers, your voices were heard and your ballots cast and you as a majority selected Mr. LePage as your Governor.
I think his pros outweigh the cons but who am I to say, the majority of Mainers think the exact same thing.
On a personal note, I know Justin Alfond. I have known him since he was a child. Mr. LePage is right about one thing I know for sure and that is that Justin is as LePage describes. Even his family is aware of it. When gigantic wealth is handed to you as a child it doesn’t always help you. You learn a lot about someone on the golf course BTW and in my earlier days I played plenty of rounds with him. The family spent thousands trying to get Justin a good swing but the kid couldn’t break 75 unless he kept his own card. That tells me a lot about someone.
Harold on the other hand, one of the very, very best men in Maine. He started with nothing but worked his way to billions. Before he died he gave much of his wealth away and most of it was never in his name. He was an unbelievable man with a kind and giving heart. RIP.
You are so wrong. The majority of Mainers did not elect LePage. And judging somebody by their golf handicap is laughable. What is LePage’s swing like?
Pardon me. He did get more votes than any other candidate. That is a fact.
I could care less about the swing more about the person swinging it and the integrity they choose on the course. I know the family well, the kid is a spoiled brat, not a big deal, I am sure I have responded to many on here as well.
No one can call him a liar for calling Justin Alfond a spoiled little brat.
my vote cancels yours hahahaha
Bingo governor.
You hit the nail directly on the head about whiney little Justin Alfond.
Keep up the good work and maybe, just maybe, this state will be salvaged from the train wreck it has been on for the past three plus decades.
You should not blame Jock for the mess he left the state back when he was in office – remember? He tried, but just did not have the skill to do the job required = so be easy on him as he is in enough trouble right now with the student loan matter – remember?
Wasn’t he the one at the end of his first term said we were in the black at election time, then all of a sudden January comes and we are pretty far into the red?
Malodorous comments like this in support of LePage’s crassness and avoidance of ANY responsibility for our stagnant economy, lack of jobs and repeated feelings of embarrassment over the last year leave me thinking you and Paul would be better off going out to buy some Beano instead of here playing Bingo.
The only tactic that LePage supports seem to have is deflection. Ignore whatever LePage has done and focus on something else. It is always done, it seems, in great rage. A fixated mindset unable to argue or ponder.
The same could be said about supporters of almost any politician
Well…quite easy to see the comments section was manipulated more than usual tonight.
Yes, they’re usually more careful and less obvious. Guess with all of LePage’s defeats over the last week they felt they really needed to roll the dice and pray no one would notice. Too late for that. Watch what happens every time TwoClaws rises to the top. Like magic the other guy/gal gets 15 likes. Like watching LePage it’s sometimes funny to watch but always at the same time a little bit sad. Oh well what can the people do? VOTE. Vote Democratic!
Really? The same Alfond family who have given so generously to the people of the state of Maine through their philanthropic work? This public name calling is disrespectful, ignorant and ungrateful.
Just because his grandfather has left large endowments doesn’t excuse Alfond a.k.a. the brat, some of the things he supports or refuses to support, nor do those endowments entitled him to a heavier weighted voted than any other legislator. THAT alone is the biggest thing that annoys me. That sense of entitlement and that his vote and voice is more important than any others. That, my friend is how monarchies are run.
Well, the best this dictator can do is use that same “ruler’ to beat those, even those in his own party ,who don’t follow with a goosestep. Just be thankful that we have a number of moderate republicans left in this state. With his rantings and railings , there’s going to be less of them come November 3rd.
don’t forget, there are crooks in both parties and the guys who make their living off of these windmills will not chop the hand that feeds them. of course angus king ( an independant who is really a demorat) is not one of those that will cause the price of electricity to go up so he can rape all the taxpayers through their electric bills is would he do that?? here the governor is trying to lower the cost of doing business in this state by lowering the utility cost so more people have jobs and so that all employees can prosper more not just those that are running these windmills. we need everyone to prosper.
the question is not whether Mr. Alfond is a brat. the question is, if saying so on the radio benefits Mr. LePage’s agenda or not.
Me thinks not.
So I wonder why an obviously intelligent man like LePage would do things that are counter productive to his agenda.
The answer is: he has no self control.
This is a great point. LePage’s actions are continuously divisive and create unnecessary rage (much of it from his followers, who seem to want to do nothing but fight). His behavior is immature and ignoble, setting a bad role model; and it is also deleterious to the healthy functioning of the State.
again. Alfond called someone a liar FIRST
LePage responded and called Alfond spoiled.
who is divisive? just LePage?
This is the same justification my 5 year old grandson uses when he is caught doing something he isn’t supposed to.
He is just 5, though, and I am confident he will learn a self responsibility.
I keep hearing this “no self control” and “archaic ways of thinking” arguments continuously. These were the same types of traits that our forefathers used to get things done. Historically, they didn’t get have time to be juvenile and point fingers as to who needed the “time out”. They may have put fists in each others’ faces, but afterwards they walked away having done the job and could respect one another (may not have like each other). Today, everything has to be even keeled and fair and all that does is dilute the efforts of individuals who wish to work to succeed and prosper those that only wish to do the bare minimum (if they choose to do anything at all).
Seriously, anybody that has issues with the change we have in Augusta, take a look around and can you honestly say that we are in better days than we were 10, 20, 30 or even longer ago. I don’t think so … It doesn’t matter whether you have a D or R or I to identify your agenda. We have all done a terrible job which has left my generation to inherit this mess and only seems to be that we will continue to succeed in leaving for our children.
Even those that are not earning their share and paying their own way, you must look and see the jig is up. It’s time for us to get our knuckles cracked, kicked in the proverbial rear end, roll up the sleeves and get dirty. It’s either that or we can wait till we step out the door some morning and all that you will have to gander through is a big pile of “poo”.
Yes our forefathers got to kill native American’s and steal their land, own slaves, keep women from voting, employ 8 year olds in factories, deforest the state, turn the prairies into a dustbowl, turn most of our rivers into toxic waste dumps… oh the list goes on. Some offense intended, but stop looking at the past through only rose colored glasses.
and your great great grandchildren will look back at your barbaric ways… things you have NO idea are barbaric… maybe you made your wife go to work, or maybe you cut your children’s fingernails.
societal norms at the time cannot really be questioned 3 centuries later, at least not meaningfully.
I bet you drive a prius… do you have any idea what your battery is going to be doing to the environment 100 years from now?
I mean, you don’t
Heck, maybe even the drywall in your house is going to be THE worst environmental hazard ever. be careful judgmental person!
it is made from the stuff they scrape of the inside of nuclear reacters in china,and we put it on the inside of our homes lol, so I wouldn’t doubt it. To bad we couldn’t create the same thing from mill sludge then we wouldn’t have land fills full of the stuff.
Absolutely NO offense taken, but they are not rose colored as I’m not sure how you came up with that rather single minded understanding of what was said. There is a lot of admittance to things that were not done properly in the history of this country. However, the same people mentioned above in your response also contributed to getting rid of a mass murderer in Hitler, made amends (as best could be made) to the Native Americans, fought to abolish slavery, stood together to form unions for better working conditions, recognized the depletion of natural resources and invented / inventing better ways for us to live. The human race is not perfect by any means, but as with anything it’s what you learn from the mistake. These are the same types of people that have invented ways to cure some cancers, put others in remission, send us into space, feed the hungry and allow us to be able to converse in ways such as this media. All of this, however, was not done with luck or just buying our way to a solution. Good ole hard work and getting down in the trenches is what was done …. It is what we are missing !!!!
When things get out of line and need adjustment is when we need to slow down, take a look at what is happening and get back to basics. It’s the most simple common element in any game plan that has come up against a tougher opponent. Unfortunately, too many are quitting the game and sitting on the sideline absorbing the promises of the prominent. Allowing someone else to dictate their own destiny …. What a shame !!!!
.Nonsense.
Let’s not make the mistake of confusing passion with inability.
it seems true that he has no, or little self contr0l, but don’t you suppose that a mature opposition would simply ignore HIS childish behavior and stick to the issues and get things done?
NO, the other side only wants to highlight the BS and not focus on issues.
I bet LePage wore white before memorial day, can we publish those photos too?
Then fact that he lies a lot also does not bother you. For instance, in this article, he claims it is only the Dems and teachers who oppose his initiatives, when in fact he can’t even get his own party to follow him.
you know you are just making that up.
he did not say ONLY the Dems and Unions, on the contrary, he said that the unions are PARTLY to blame.
wow.
I am pretty sure he was behind the whole auscwitz thing, right.
I mean where it says “Welcome to Maine, Open for Business”
what it really means is “Arbeit Macht Frei” (look it up)
Fair enough. It does take two!
But he is the ‘leader’ so…maybe it’s up to him to set the example as leaders are expected to do.
Sometimes, like now, his behavior is the issue. I would be opposed to his bahavior if he was agreeing with me.
and he’s not an “obviously intelligent man”.
I think it’s a mistake to assume that those we disagree with are stupid.
Let’s keep in mind too, that Mayhew was his, what? fourth pick for DHHS Commissioner. If he loses her there’s a strong chance that nobody else in Maine will want to work for him in that capacity.
that is only because of the KING size mess that was left for him in this department and the others gave up once they saw what they were up against. was not worth the money and the microscope they are under
Stop blaming Junior Bush.
“That [criticism] is coming from a little spoiled brat from Portland” Hello Kettle, you’re black!
Alfond is a little spoiled brat. It probably wasn’t LePage’s place to say it, but it’s true.
Oh don’t tell me, you’re another right winger who claims to love Jesus but also loves to do and say things that would make Jesus sick to his stomach.
Your narrow minded stereotyping is showing your ignorance.
Just because you’re a right winger doesn’t mean you’re a Jesus freak…
Shhh. You are using common sense. It frightens and confuses the libs.
…but what are the odds?
Really? Do you know Justin personally? If you base your opinions on what these two men have done in the public sector, I think LePage is the spoiled brat. Alfond does all he can to live up to the name he has to carry.
I have to say I know both personally and fairly well, and The governor is right on !!!!
I don’t believe you.
Internet bragging lessens your argument.
I spent several hours next to Alfond and was def. not impressed. He was like the smart-azzed kid who sits in the back of the room and whispers snarky comments…and then gets his parents to lobby a teacher for better grades.
He went to TULANE, a notorious party school where he specialized in ‘professional golfing’ got a b.a. in business management, gave himself a job by starting(Maine franchise?) a political group called the league of young voters. He sits on 4 boards and funnels trust fund money accordingly.
Since we’re getting into name calling: Penguin is an undisciplined, arrogant creep who can’t handle the demands of his job.
Seems to be winning plenty of contentious decisions these days. Guy’s had a huge mess to clean up and seems to both moving the state forward out of the Baldacci deficit/recession and implementing a new agenda.
Calling him names in return is a bit like getting in the gutter yourself….you and the pig both get dirty.
“Little spoiled brat” ? Isn’t that the “Tea” kettle calling the pot black ?
Why because LePage had everything handed to him on a silver platter? Please, Justin Alfond has no idea what it is like to be homeless, unlike LePage.
Judging by your response, I guess you missed my point !
Isnt that like calling the “ows” rapists? Oh wait, they actually are.
How foolish a comment that is
Don’t know about foolish, but it is accurate.
Judging by your response, I guess you missed my point.
Not at all, I just like to point out, anytime someone gripes about the tea party, that at least they arent a bunch of rapists
Who are you calling rapists ? Are you feeling well ? What in heavens name are you talking about rapists for ? You definitely missed my point !
so you acknowledge the POT IS BLACK
I am sorry, but your response makes no sense !
is he back from jamica already????
LePage is the “Worst” governor Maine ever some how elected, see what happens when we don’t pay attention to who is running for office.
Where is Jamica?
Sure LePage did have a rough week and today the House finally told him to Kiss Their Behinds but does he really have to come out and start calling good people names? LePage is a massive and still expanding black hole of embarrassment to all Mainers!
Paulie ain’t got no couth !
Mr. Alfond and any member of HIS family has more class and social conscience in their little fingers than LePage will ever be able to buy or lie about in his entire lifetime. Mainers have “millions” of reasons to say “Thank You” to Mr. Alfond and his family. What do we have to say thank you to LePage for? Giving two people a job (Daughter and Brother-in -law)? No thanks, you’ve done enough there Paul please stop helping the job market and please stop being such a nasty foul mouthed bully! Is there a book titled, “How to Be a Leader For Dummies?”
You mean he would have to be able to read – puff – that ends that strategy, could we do something like touch football – he should be able to learn how to play that:) You see – he is able to tackle his mind early in each morning:)
Thanks to the Alfond family I’ve got a really good start on a college fund for my baby daughter. That trumps nearly everything that LePage has done for me.
It will be interesting to see just how far that $500.00 goes by the time your kid get to college.How did Mr Alfond pay for his education, does he now benifit from any trust funds from his Granddaddy?
$500 not much? Now this sounds like the “spoiled ” brat to me.Most parents love that, much but better than the legacy LePage will leave behind for the state.
$500 will not pay for the gas to get to college orientation by the time the dems get done with us.
Don’t know how the Grant works, huh?
Its ok the info is out there.
Well for starters it will be no less than $500. I guess that is a bad thing. I know what the Alfond Grant did for my child. It gave her $500. But lo and behold if we (as parents) continue to fund for a set period of time, then it’s a $1000. Now for a big shot like yourself that is chicken feed. But for some people, who are going to stuggle to have enough in the college fund it is a lot of money. My wife and I will do our best, but this kick-start helps. You also might want to read up on the grant, since you clearly don’t understand how it is set up to work.
History is filled with examples of spoiled brat heirs to illustrious fortunes reversing the founders’ reputation. Don’t confuse the spoiled brat with with a swarmy mouth with his grandfather.
LePage must be on the right track. I base this on the amount and loudness of the liberal whining. Hey, liberals would you consider using the Beatles song “Piggies” as your anthem or theme song?
Oh Oh, the green shirt people are back in town, see how they talk when things don’t go their way :
maybe LePage should
Nah, I think we’ve already got “Hit The Road Jack” pegged.
Here are the lyrics for “Piggies” . Could not pick a better theme song to describe liberals:
Have you seen the little piggies
Crawling in the dirt
And for all the little piggies
Life is getting worse
Always having dirt to play around in.
Have you seen the bigger piggies
In their starched white shirts
You will find the bigger piggies
Stirring up the dirt
Always have clean shirts to play around in.
In their sties with all their backing
They don’t care what goes on around
In their eyes there’s something lacking
What they need’s a damn good whacking.
Everywhere there’s lots of piggies
Living piggy lives
You can see them out for dinner
With their piggy wives
Clutching forks and knives to eat their bacon.
Just for spits and giggles, substitute “liberal socialists” for “piggies”.
Does Chellie P Sussman come to mind?
http://www.dsausa.org/about/structure.html
As in the Pingree-Press Herald and Maine Sussman Telegram?
You could but aren’t they synonymous?
Folks like Angus King come to mind, lecturing the unwashed commoners about global warming and the need to support his industrial wind turbines on our ridges – but driving around the country in a40′ gas guzzling RV.
I have nothing against RV’s. Just piggie hypocrites who are contemptuous of the commoners and can’t keep their hands out of the liberal cookie jar rackets.
He and Chellie are two piggies cut from the same silk;
http://www.themainewire.com/2012/03/breaking-pingree-helped-king-102-million-federal-loan-guarantee/
I wonder if Anguish has been asked to join the NDS party???
Awesome original thought. Thanks for the contribution.
Those lyrics describe conservatives, not liberals.
That’s a trend I’ve noticed a lot, lately: conservatives accusing liberals of things that liberals are mostly innocent of but which conservatives are thoroughly guilty of. Interesting.
I don’t think so as George Harrison had written a song called “Taxman” which could hardly described as aimed towards conservatives. So it is likely he was addressing the same crowd with “Piggies” Here are the lyrics:
Let me tell you how it will be
There’s one for you, nineteen for me
‘Cause I’m the taxman, yeah, I’m the taxman
Should five per cent appear too small
Be thankful I don’t take it all
‘Cause I’m the taxman, yeah I’m the taxman
If you drive a car, I’ll tax the street,
If you try to sit, I’ll tax your seat.
If you get too cold I’ll tax the heat,
If you take a walk, I’ll tax your feet.
Don’t ask me what I want it for
If you don’t want to pay some more
‘Cause I’m the taxman, yeah, I’m the taxman
Now my advice for those who die
Declare the pennies on your eyes
‘Cause I’m the taxman, yeah, I’m the taxman
And you’re working for no one but me.
Except for the inconvenient little fact that Democrats want to reduce taxes for the common people. Actually, the GOP wants to raise taxes on middle class Americans while cutting taxes for the wealthy, so this song applies to them, not to the progressive Dems. Nice try though.
Really? Let’s take a look at that. The democrats were in charge for 40 years in Maine. The highest income bracket kicks in at $17,000 per year. So are you trying to tell me that anyone who makes more than $17,000 per year is wealthy? If you believe that then minimum-wages earners are the middle-class of the State of Maine.
Only 53% pay taxes in the United States whereas 47% do not. I am one of the 53% whereas I am going to guess that you are one of the 47%.
It often amazes me how people are so envious because other people have money and they do not. And these people expect the government to solve all their problems instead of going out and doing things for themselves (for starters, getting a job).
It’s like Thomas Jefferson stated:
The democracy will cease to exist when you take from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.
No truer words were spoken.
yet I don’t think they thought the politician’s would all turn traiter together, and sell out to the corperation’s and willingly send American jobs to china.Hard to find a job when their are none left and what jobs are available have six thousand others applying and the application consists of leave your name and number and we will get back to you.How do you show your worth in a name and couple digits,how do you say I deserve to feed my kids and pay my mortgage more then my fellow American who lives 3 houses down.To me for some reason that doesn’t sound like the America my grand parent’s sacrificed so much for, whom if they were alive would have to worrie about the GOP/FED taking away the Social Security they paid for,or the Dem whom said Maine doesn’t need heating oil.
LePage still does not have a clue huh!!!
LePage is doing what he does best, spreading hate, division and cruelty, while enriching himself and the wealthy .1%
That’s probably why he got his knuckles whacked in school. Too bad we can’t send a nun to whack his knuckles today.
he’s such a fine example of what religious schools produce
And Alfond is’nt part of the .1% ??
And there you have it Ladies and Gentlemen of the State of Maine. Straight from the horses mouth so to speak. All of the problems in the State of Maine are the fault of some one other then Paul Richard LePage.
you got the wrong end of the horse.
Jobs Jobs Jobs? and decent paying ones. You want to fix welfare the people need decent paying jobs. Where are they? The tax breaks for the rich are not helping a bit. When the rich have more money they do not pay higher wages . Too much greed.
you’re absolutely right!! Livable wage jobs for everyone would be nice!!
The norm in North Korea and Cuba. How’s that working out?
Has anyone else listened to the whole video? He talks about DHHS people lying, he’s the biggest liar there is!!
This is the worst thing I’ve heard out of his mouth!!!
“He’s trying to be forthright and honest.” Try harder, Governor!!!
What has he lied about?
I believe it was Gov. Lepage who said that Forbes magazine criticized Maine for its welfare and energy costs and said that the state needed to get its fiscal house in order. When contacted, the Forbes reporter said he had never made any such comments, despite the governor’s quoting him in a public forum.
One mans word against the other’s. Up to the readers to decide who is telling the truth. I’m sure I know who you believe.
I believe it was also Gov. Lepage who stated that 69 percent of childless adults receiving Medicare are 35-year-old men, a bogus statement.
Prior to his being elected, Gov. Lepage accused the Maine Democratic Party’s campaign director of saying he’d written in a blog that Lepage was unfit (or was it unqualified? sorry, can’t remember exact wording) to be governor because he was French Catholic. The director flatly denied the accusation; when asked repeatedly for the evidence, Lepage would not respond.
Another word against another . Whatever people are wanting to believe.
Seems to me the Dem was right. That’s 1 for him…
When asked by MPBN reporter A. Jay Higgins why he took his name off his property in Waterville, Lepage adamantly replied that his never was never on it. Higgins then called the Kennebec County Register of Deeds. I think you know whose name was on the deed.
A. J. Higgins is the last person I would get my news from. This guy is the biggest “baiter” now that his buddies King and Baldo are gone all he cares about is stirring up trouble. He wants to find ways to create confrontation with LePage.
Deeds don’t lie!!!!
True about the deed.
True that Paul LePage’s name had indeed been on it… and he LIED.
I have so much voter remorse now. Not sure what to do about it to make myself feel better about myself and how I voted in ’10, and all the years past. I know, I’ll go downtown and help out Ilze and the gang. That will be a good start toward redemption.
Lepage said he “lived in fear” of the national health care system while living in Canada in the 1970s. Canada’s national system was enacted in 1984.
It was the Canada Health Act that was enacted in 1984 which was the latest framework which outlined the financial aspect of the system. Versions of pubically funded healthcare existed well before 1984. Just not in its current form.
Let’s see: Gov. Lepage claimed that, as manager of an energy project known as Down East Peat, the state Department of Environmental Protection required him to conduct a study of buffalo — yes, buffalo — and to count blackflies. State officials have said that never happened.
where are the jobs he promised? Where are the welfare cuts?
What has he lied about he is 100% told the truth about Democrats, he isn’t telling us what we already don’t know. Everyone except Liberals know that Democrats in Augusta aren’t good for anything but giving handouts to everyone so they don’t have to earn anything.
He is.
There is alot to this ALFOND thing. ask dexter shoe workers how ALFOND sold the company. it was not sold for the shoes. it was sold for the millions that was in the pention funds. o yes its a story no one will talk about. The gov is on the right track go after them Paul. The rats are running and hiding behind any thing they can. And any time you see any thing ALFOND think about the men and woman that made the millions for the ALFONDS then were sold out. Ask the widow of a shoe maker that goes to see what she will get after the death of her husband with 40 years ret. and is told sorry there is nothing for you . Yes this is true and nothing can be done about it. The family hides from this. But it is true so true.
Are you trying to tell us that LePage lied once more when he said that Justin Alfond’s grandfather was a great man?
Maybe he’s trying to say that LePage doesn’t realize where the “little spoiled brat” gets his schtick from. Good attempt at spinning this though.
ask any one that worked at dexter shoe. The best shoe ever made. But I am sure you buy at Wal mart dont you. Thats why theres no more dexter shoe bc of people like you. And ALFOND saw this coming and sold out the workers. Thank you end of story. Sad but true so true.
I only bought Dexter shoes and boots. On sale, yes, but it wasn’t WalMart that took out Dexter.
People in Wilton think Bass was…
He told the truth about him being a spoiled brat. Justin Alfond has done nothing but live off of his family’s name. He is a useless bum if he didn’t live off of the family fortune and taxpayer dollars (Legislature and Efficency Maine bucks) he would be on Welfare with the rest of the wagon riders. Their is nothing in Paul LePage’s comments about Alfond that isn’t a lie, it’s 100% accurate.
Is what Harold Alfond did to pensions at Dexter Shoe really any different than what the governor and legislature did to the pensions of teachers and state employees last year? I think not, after all, the synopsis of the bill for legislators read. “This act repeals the solemn contractual obligation between the state and its employees” Lets not be so quick to blame Mr. Alfond when LePage and company are doing essentially the same thing.
I bet he felt a bit guilty at the end. To little to late . He one the game most people will never know what he did to his own workers. He will be remembered for the money he gave to kids college . To bad he did not put any of his low paid worker in college or thier kids.
And what does this have to do with LePage lying in this interview?
Its about time a politician is blunt and truthful about where some of the core issues this State faces originated. He’ll get my vote vs. anyone who makes love to the unions.
were you proud when he said as Governor he would tell the President to go to Hell? It’s smart sometimes to keep things close to the vest and make others wonder what you are thinking.
Lepage on Education,
I grew up on the streets,
The Nuns beat the $%^% out of me!
So we need to beat the %^%$ out of the Students and the Teachers!
Brilliant!
I just listened to the Governors interview, please explain to me what he said was wrong? He is the most honest Governor we have ever had. People writing negative comments just don’t like his message. And yes, Senator Alfond is acting like a spoiled brat.
You are kidding right:)
No he is not kidding, LePage is upfront, in your face, trying to pull this Liberal Land of Lunacy out of this hole. We are in a mess in this country, Morally we are sinking fast.
Many of us would say that Governor LePage is one of those contributing to moral decline.
And some of us say, the Democrats including Obama and the Liberal policies have and are contribuitin to the moral decline.
What he said is that he wants to outsource power generation to Canada Hydro and he is claiming that Maine Co- generation such as is being done in Maines Paper Industry is to costly, this is outsourcing Maine Jobs –Pure and Simple.
I though he was for MAINE JOBS!
Yes Paul Lepage you are a Liar and a Bully!
Whose morals? Yours?
No I am not kidding, thank God for Governor LePage.
I can’t do it. My God is a beneficent God, not malevolent God.
Abused children who are in the sights of the Governor’s anti-violence initiatives will know truths you may never know.
You don’t know where I spent my working career.This is one thing that the gov may do well, but it remains to be seen.
Thank you for agreeing with me on this very important issue.
We may very well find points of contention in how any particular plan might be implemented but at least the goal is clear. I feel parents’ rights are first and foremost to be respected and protected but having said that we must recognize the terrible, ugly reality that some children live with even as they are learning about the world around them. You may very well disagree with me but I feel the less government intrusion into efforts to support healthy alternatives the better. I feel that churches and other local private resources should be the first option with graduated options beyond those as needed as quiet, dignified, personal interaction can be the perfect touch in many (if not most) situations.
Children and animals know love and caring instinctively. I just wish the adults who post the venom we witness in these blogs could simply raise their standards and offer solutions rather than react to uncomfortable truths with knee-jerk denial and invective. We have huge problems needing immediate leadership. Why waste the time we can otherwise give the children?
I know those truths. LePage’s domestic violence initiative is only one small…very small…part of a larger, otherwise mean spirited and favoritism-based agenda. At this point I believe his domestic violence “initiative” is nothing but an insincere public relations effort.
Here, let me explain to you what you seem unable to comprehend. The Governor is not being “honest” he is hurling invective that is pure opinion. That is not honesty, it’s bullying. He has an obligation to represent all residents of the state, and to set an example of collaboration and respect. He does none of those things.
Sometimes the truth hurts.
Truth? Where? Where?
Despite what some seem to believe, vulgarity and honesty are not the same thing.
Honest? Really? Shall we begin with his claim that his tax cuts were for the poor? If you believe that one, I feel sorry for you.
You confuse honesty with simplicity.
Here we go again. Governor DUMBMOUTH showing off his ignorance again. And who is the one whining like a spoiled brat? HIM ! He whines like a little baby that “Democrats are blocking my agenda.” Oh what crapola ! HIS party has full control of the legislature (though only until November when they get tossed like a bad habit), and HE is the one whining. Truth be told, some of his GOPers have run for cover because they’re up for re-election, so even some of them are running away from him on their votes. It will be fun to see that not a single GOPer up for re-election will dare to be seen near this goofball.
“In an election year, there is real tendency to have status quo,” LePage said. “Particularly with the Democratic party, they need the teacher vote to get elected. The union and all their money goes to the Dems. If they don’t fall in line, they’re going to lose.”
The Governor hit the nail squarely on the head. The Democrat’s play to the union’s fiddlers from the day they take office. Unfortunately, to be fair one has to admit that the Republicans march to the same step during an election year. Too bad politicians didn’t worry more about doing what was right and less about getting elected and re-elected!
Basic Republican strategy as usual, that is why we are having such a hard time when voters don’t pay attention to issues that matter and let the Green shirt people take over – see what you get – two new jobs created, one for his Daughter and the other for a relative that owns a hammer – Sad Mainers!
Oh, here we go. Another Jesus-loving right winger who condones bullying and STUPID behavior. It would make Jesus sick to his stomach.
Blunt-BRAINED is more like it. The guy forgets that he isn’t running Marden’s anymore.
He’s a tactless, low-class JERK.
So you make the point that he lacks tact by calling him a jerk? Do you even see the irony?
If Tinserblic is a public official claiming to put people before politics your comment makes a bit of sense,
otherwise — not so much.
I will grant you that irony.
But I would also point out that Tinserblic’s public voice is no where in the league of the Gov, he is highest elected official in the State. Tinserblic’s comments are on a message board, and the Gov’s is in the homes of his constituents. Who do you think should have a more civil tone? A random poster on a newspaper forum, or the man in charge of the entire State. Foul mouth and childish remarks are neither honesty or noble. Gov LePage sits in an office that is not his property. It is the property of all Mainers. And his comments about Sen. Alfond are not Stately. I hope he remembers that in Nov. As for Tinserblic, I doubt it will affect his Nov one way of the other if you think his words are as heavy as the Gov’s.
So you are clearly supporting a double standard. It’s okay to call people names, as long as you don’t get elected to public office and say it in public. Calling people names on the playground, or in the office, or at a private party (re: Libby Mitchell and the “terrorist” labeled photo of Bush she was laughing at) is okay. It is okay for Dems to run around calling the Governor of Maine a “bully” in almost every press release or public comment made? The Dems are so focused on calling LePage a bully, they usually forget to address what solutions they would like to offer.
Well, sure you can spin it that way if you like. What I am saying is it is not ok for one elected official to call another out in such a childish manner. You will also notice I did not absolve the Dem’s for calling him a bully. But that’s ok. Just make stuff up to argue about.
So, if you can’t see the difference between childish remarks in a forum (like say a playground) and the head of the State calling another elected official a “little spoiled brat”, I guess we just have no common ground; and that is ok with me.
The brothers hit him and he learned his lessons, but when his father hit him for being a little spoiled brat he did not learn his lesson. Time to step aside Mr. Lepage.
Clone.
I do so hope you forgot the “sarcasm” tagline.
He ( Gov.Lepage ) keep going off..will have to send him to acada for alittle help..!!
Love Lepage or hate him, his type is very rare in politics. He speaks his mind, and isn’t afraid to offend some people in order to do what he feels is right for the state. Regardless of what party you belong to, the guy is making an honest point. NOT ONE Dem politician in Augusta is going to vote for anything that will hurt education or unions in an election year. Those people are the reason they are there in the first place.
If LePuke spoke his mind there would be an empty silence. Paulie the Puppet has his lips permanently attached to the posteriors of the Koch’s.
do we really want to hurt education?
You confuse honesty with the bullying behavior of an abused child who has gained money and power.
At least you admit it is in fact about hurting education. An admirable goal if there ever was one. But that’s not enough. LePage doesn’t just want to hurt education he wants the kids to hurt too. Put those hands out kiddies.
There’s some serious consideration behind the educational philosophy that all some kids need is to have an education beaten into them. A special service we apparently need to fund religious schools to provide.
It’s kind of a strange disposition for a guy who recently has paid so much lip service to preventing and protecting children from the evils of child abuse.
The Koch brothers must have taken him to the woodshed last week.
Are you suggesting we should hurt education? If you’re not, then perhaps the Dems might be right not to vote for anything that will hurt education.
Good luck on the water this season – action should be good with reduced pressure this winter.
Thanks goodness his type is rare. Then again, is it?
OK, I hate him.
I love everything he says.
You need enormous discipline ….nnnooooo say it isn’t so
Maybe the Governor should take his toys and go home.
He doesn’t have a home to go home to.
He has one in Florida, just not in Maine.
The one in Florida isn’t really his. It is in his wife’s name.
Justin Alfond is a spoiled brat and a deceiver too.
And see, when you say it, I don’t care one bit.
Maybe because you aren’t the highest elected official in the State.
Yeah, that could be it.
What is best for the student? No, what you have done is carbon copied ALEC’s proposals, and giving our public dollars to church schools? That will NOT happen in this state, EVER. And your school choice thing, you numbskull, will drain better kids out of poorer schools further driving those schools into poverty. Only those kids with more engaged parents and parents willing to transport, who tend to be wealthier parents, will be able to do it. It would create a mess in a big way both for the losing schools and the gaining schools. OK to send kids to Catholic schools that will rap their hands with rulers? Wrong approach. Structure and rules are needed, yes, but they also need things to say yes to and need positive feedback. And parents, not just the teachers, but PARENTS governor, and the STUDENTS need to take some responsibility too for their education. The teachers can only do their best, especially as kids age. Governor, you are looking at kids like they live in a vacuum. You of all should know they are affected by a huge host of nature and nurture factors which affect their academic performance. And just because a person is a good historian doesn’t mean the person knows how to TEACH history, or whatever the subject. Finally, WE CANNOT COMPARE THE US TO CANADA, FINLAND, and KOREA. They are MUCH SMALLER in population, less diverse, have a different culture, AND they do not necessarily include special ed kids in their test data as we do. Now, compare just Cape Elizabeth schools to those other nations, and look what you get, or Beverly Hills schools. Governor, you know very, very little about education in your own state let alone the nation or the world. You haven’t taught a day in your life. What is costing Maine so much per pupil. We have technology program that others don’t have. We also have MANY kids receiving special ed services to one degree or the other. If you look at special ed kids separately, and only include regular ed kids, our testing data is VERY good, and overall, anyhow, we deliver a very good education product to our kids in this state, and this is indeed born out in the data when you examine ALL of it and break it down at necessary.
Inside job at the DHHS. That’s what happens when you get to vote for your boss.
Everyone seems to be jumping on the headline. Did we fail to notice that he wanted to pass a bill to give public education dollars to private schools? Our public education system is already floundering, now he wants to take more money from public schools and pass it on to schools that require tuition?!?! Sorry, but we need to get a governor in office that doesn’t have a fat bank account, grew up in the public school system, and has worked a blue collar job for the majority of their lives.
All that “discipline” didn’t take. We all need to rap his knuckles in 2012 (Nov. 6)
VIVA LEPAGE !!!!
I think you meant “VILE Lepage!”
they are probably florida residents.
I have attended education committee hearings during this session. Anyone who does will be impressed with Senator Alfond. When LePage’s reign finally ends anyone who truly cares about education or any other program beneffitting human beings will look back and see that Justin Alfond has been a stalwart defender of the people of Maine against the Republican devastation machine. Calling this good man a spoiled brat is typical LePage. Let’s get this bully off his pulpit and let’s make sure in the next election that he loses what little support he has.
So did I. Alfond’s knowledge of education issues was shallow and proscripted. He brought no experience to the table, just a smarmy aristocratic attitude. It’s time to rid the legislature of snot nosed 1 percenter’s.
“The governor said the choice bill is “under fire by the Democrats,” even though every Republican except Rep. Michael McClellan, R-Raymond, voted to postpone action on LD 1854 until an implementation plan is created.”
Serial liar.
Oh, ok, there you go with your facts.
You have to hand it to the Gov though. He knows his base will eat up everything he says, and completely forget that he has a R majority in both houses. So if a bill doesn’t pass, it is usually because of some R’s and not as much some D’s.
Our Governor is an embarrassment.
it’s so tranparent when the bdn or pph puts a awful looking picture of governor lepage in any article. i bet you’d never find one pic of former gov. king or baldacci in any of their articles in the last 15+ years looking like this. objective journalism as we know it is dead.
If you don’t like it, don’t look at it. This is what the man looks like. Do you want him to sport a bow in his hair with red lipstick?
LePage just does not take a good picture. Even the pictures of him on his own website are horrible.
I agree. I actually hope they find a good picture of him and use it all the time. Because there is nothing professional about purposefully using a bad image of someone.
The Alfond family is a enormously gracious and generous Maine family as well as conducting themselves in a manner without reproach. I am not surprised the Governor chooses to act this way though. He knows what the Alfond family have done in this State. If Harold were alive believe me the Governor would never dare to say anything like this. The Alfonds continue to spend millions on Maine. The Governor again shows his lack of maturity at best and at worst his lack of leadership by his bully mentality to personal attack those who disagree.
Spoiled Brat ….ok maybe…. but the family has done more for Maine that LePage ever will. Thanks for another embarassing comment that will be picked up by the national media. Make sure you put on your clamming boots, hunting camo and orange hat for the photo.
The more and more articles I read about our “wonderful” governor, the more I come to wonder if he’s SMOKING the tea rather than drinking it.
“It was the brothers being stern and, look at my knuckles, they still show they were hit a few times,” he said.
The governor said the teachers union — the Maine Education Association —
was partly to blame for lack of support of his education proposals.”
Does LePage really think that corporal punishment is the route to educational success? If so, why doesn’t he just make that the educational reform, encouraging public school teachers to hit and bully children?
Doesn’t he see that being treated that way possibly, just possibly, is part of the reason he believes that bullying is the correct, professional and adult way to deal with others?
I DO NOT want him to use his background as the reason to ruin public education in Maine. We do not need a state full of future LePages.
Red Faced! Bubba LePage got caught in yet another lie. He really thinks he’s dictator and none of the legislaters represent the people of the State
Like Diogenes of Sinope, the Greek philosopher who walked throughout Athens carrying a
lantern in daylight, searching for an honest man, I am still waiting for Paul LePage to take responsibility for the actions of his government. Every problem is always the fault of someone else, never his. In my book, that is just another way of lying.
Can anyone give one example of him admitting that he is responsible, rather than perpetually blaming someone else?
For those of you who are Lepage apologists, don’t use as your defense the foibles of other politicians. Whether you are accurate or not is irrelevant to the issue of the current chief executive of the State of Maine taking responsibility when something goes wrong on his watch.
So, I ask again, when has Paul LePage ever said that the “buck” began with him? Concrete, verifiable examples, please, if you can.
I think the closest example is Mary Mayhew. She said the burden of the issue(s) with the Mainecare Billing system was her fault. Some may still question why she didn’t let the approriations people know about it sooner. But to her credit, she is taking full blame, and LePage is standing by her.
In this article it stated, “LePage said Mayhew never would have withheld information from him about the problems” (i.e. continued DHHS computer problems that resulted in inaccurate, unreliable budget figures). Frankly, I find it to be extraordinarily implausible that a department head would withhold such significant information from the governor.
Mayhew has been quoted in previous news reports that she became aware of the latest fiscal miscalculations in January, yet at least a month +/- passed before she made them public. Legislative budget hearings, discussions, and deliberations were occurring in January. Democrats were more vocal questioning the accuracy of the DHHS financial statistics that were provided, but there were also Republican legislators who expressed similar concerns.
During the same time frame LePage put a gag order on DHHS officials to cease providing financial data to the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee.
I can think of only two likely scenarios:
1. Mayhew didn’t withhold information from LePage (as he has said that she would not do) in January when she said that she became aware of the fiscal discrepancies or
2. contrary to his stated belief that Mayhew never would have withheld such important facts from him, she did.
In scenario #1 LePage is lying and Mayew is taking the heat for him and in scenario #2 he shouldn’t stick by her, she should be immediately terminated as DHHS Commissioner. Regardless of which synopsis is valid, malfeasance of office exists, resulting in a gigantic breach of the public trust.
If you have other plausible explanations, please share them.
Man, I think you need to go read the very first sentance again. I said “closest”. All the rest of that diatribe wouldn’t be so funny, unless you had any idea what my thoughts on the Gov. and his administration is. I was in no way, shape or form, trying to defend the indefensible actions taken during the Supplemental Budget hearings.
Actually, I did take note of the phrasing “closest”. But, it was unclear to me whether it was intended to be cynical regarding LePage and Mayhew or an oblique statement of support. Since his supporters often grasp at anything to defend him and your statement did not express your thoughts on the Gov. and his administration, I chose to respond in detail. If I misinterpreted your position, I apologize.
Justins grandfather was great man, a caring conservative who donated his own fortune not other peoples money as is Justin’s direction. His grandfather used to profess “Don’t tell me-Show me” what is right. I am certain Harold would never agree with his grandsons very liberal viewpoints. Hopefully Justin will come around to following in his grandfathers footsteps as soon as he runs out of the peoples money.
Why do all rich people need to be conservatives? Why must Justin come around to anything? Why can’t he tread his own trail? I guess I don’t understand why you think he needs to change his core values.
George Soros is rich & very liberal but he made his money hedging against what I think are your values. Mr Harold Alfond’s fortune is to be respected & was a result of producing something, employing people, creating futures, building families & caring about the success of individuals. My point was that Justin’s grandfather was an unbelievably great benefactor to the people of the State of Maine. His gifts to you and me were a product of conservative values, of hard work, self reliance and being a gifted entrepreneur. These are traits that I believe are not yet shared by his grandson Justin. If Justin wants to go in his direction with his inheritance that is fine with me. I am certain that Justin has inherited many advantages that you or will never know. Justin is in a position to also become a generous benefactor like his grandfather hopefully using his inherited money rather than taxing & spending mine. I would like to have a few earned dollars left over after paying my taxes to make a gift to the charity of my own choosing with what is left over. I suspect that my earned income is taxed at a different rate than the unearned income the younger Mr Alfond benefits from. I never suggested Justin should ever become a conservative but there is always hope & change.
Justin’s grandfather Harold was a great man for what he did for us. I miss him
Bravo Governor!
My checks to your campaign are really starting to add up. Another $25. in the post tomorrow morn.
Re-election campaign donation address please so I can send in my donation…overall and excellent job..
” many of his legislative priorities “keep hitting a wall with the Democrats.”
Would love to hear his tantrum and tirade on this right wing whack station.
“The governor apparently did another interview over the weekend with
WLOB’s (resident wind bag) Ray Richardson, another conservative talk radio host in Maine.
That interview has been removed from the station’s website.”
Can’t we find a way to impeach his royal lowness???????????????//
This one I would consider a badge of honor…..
“That [criticism] is coming from a little spoiled brat from Portland.
He’s very fortunate that his granddad was born ahead of him,” the
governor said. Gubor said, Gubor said, Gubor said…….
“‘I needed enormous discipline,’ he said. ‘They had a different way of teaching and it worked for me.’”
Obviously it didn’t work well enough…
See LePage said it… he was and still is a bully
nothing but white trash….
I have to agree with Mr LePage — it is an election year and the republican and democrat legislators are worried about the election. More importantly they are justly worried about what their constituents demands are and that is what is driving their voting against the demands of Mr LePage. They are supporting the other 61%.
Mr LePage has no understanding that our government is based on three branches of power not a dictatorship. Just because he issues a proclamation it does not become law without the support of the legislative body. And they were elected to represent all of their constituents not just those of like beliefs.
His comments about his time in parochial school and its benefits lead one to believe that he favors corporal punishment. Would we really want him to develope school policy ? I would like to think that era is gone by and good riddance. Rapping knuckles and leather straps left with Scrooge or is he back ?
Democrats ” do not want to even engage ” — is this the translation for refusing to be bullied ? Sorry Mr LePage we elect our representatives , democrats and republicans, to listen to our voices and vote appropriately.
Mr LePage, you and your crew have been in charge for the past 15 months so any problems in State government are yours and yours alone.
Ms Mayhew said herself that she knew of the latest problem with the DHHS computer in January but did not tell anyone. I have to assume that when she said ” anyone” that included Mr LePage. I am not saying she lied or covered up — I am saying she failed in the administration of her job. Although she did not know the scope of the problem she had an obligation to come forward with the fact there was a problem and she failed.
Welcome to the real world Mr LePage where we play by rules and protocal — oh yeah and we are polite to each other rather we agree or not. Maybe you will hang around the next 18 months and learn something — but I suspect your support base may be diminished in November.
That’s it.! Good job Governor lets just get the name calling going . When you don’t get your way is it your solution to start calling people names? Be an adult and act like an adult. You’re the governor be respectful of people even when you don’t get your way.
The Democrats have been running around since Lepage was elected calling him a bully every chance they get. The name calling seems to be coming from both sides. Personally, I am fed up with it.
Have you been paying attention at all?
LePage only gets called a bully when he acts like a bully!
Okay I’ll play your game. Alfond gets called a spoiled little brat because he stamps his feet and whines when he doesn’t get his way.
I thought the same thing when I read the Governor’s comment about Alfond. The truth, after all, is an absolute defense.
So it is agreed then, that the Gov is a bully.
Damn, never thought I would see you admit that.
Good for you.
If Justin was a republician would LePage call him a little spolied brat? Not a chance
Please Governor quit calling people names and teaching our children that bullying is ok. You need to set an example not teach bad behavior. Right or wrong on issue should be settle with respect and talks not name calling and trying to intimidate. Bully politics don’t work any better in state politics anymore than it does on the federal level. Please to all sane people pay attention and send a message that our politicians are supposed to be following the constitution and be for the people not skip the loyalty to their word no constitution on the nightstand and non respect to the other parts of politics in the congressional and judicial. The execute is the 3rd branch and is suppose to be on the side of the all people who voted you into office. Please stop butting heads and get some decentt and fai legislation that you all promised when running for office.
Oh no! Someone has made a very legitimate point criticizing LePage, quick
CHANGE THE SUBJECT!!!!!
Yes, change the subject, for example, if you say Obama did something bad, someone should run in and yell “its bushs fault!”
Its never been tried before
Well, usually those comments come under an article about Obama. Not LePage. But why quibble.
That’s president Obama to you. Show some patriotic respect for the office.
When Nobama shows some respect for my country the USA then maybe i will show some for his country where ever thay is and to him but im not holding my breath
Actually, its jackass obama. I have respect for the office, not the man in it.
where was the legitimate point
” I feel sorry for him” is not a point, it is an attempt at being demeaning and patronizing, but had no substance
“A man’s character may be learned from the adjectives which he habitually uses in conversation.”
-Mark Twain
My skin crawled when he made the “knuckles” remark. The same guy who has a public service message out right now against domestic violence and bullying, making it a corner stone of his political message. I guess his true view is that corporal punishment is ok so long as it has purpose. I think he may have taken one too many raps to the head as well. That message out of the Koch family values play book only works if you believe and practice it.
Keep up the good work…
I’ll wager all-in that Paulie didn’t get good marks at his parochial school for “plays well with others” – possibly the reason for his scuffed knuckles. And we thought it was because they dragged when he walked.
So, Governor LePage, you are a shining example of a rap-on-the-knuckles education. That doesn’t really speak well of that educational model.
So professional.
Usual suspects commenting negatively on the governor.
Politics brings out the worst in people, regardless of their party. Its a snake pit.
Post
It is a shame that the R’s did not have classes to learn how to be in the majority, when they were elected in 2010! They are allowing the D’s to remain in control, instead of backing our Governor Paul LePage.
Who cares what LePage says! All Maine does is talk and trip over their lip about LePage, his “tongue” and the ways he acts in public. Yes, it is quite unreal – but all he wants is attention and he seems to be great at getting it! Pos or Neg! People – get a job. Can’t get one? Change your work habits/attitude and get some pride. I know SO many businesses who are crying for help but can’t find workers who can even show up on time. What the flip? Can’t get a job? Go to college! Can’t afford college (who can really?), Yah right, the Fed’s give $$ to everyone for college. Get up, go to class, learn to write a paper and stay up until 12 am doing homework. This is reality, people. Maybe this is because I am from “The County” where everyone gets up at 5 am, no problem. If Maine had more motivated people (unlike the ones on Welfare that we are paying for), I bet this State would be a much better place. Think about it…….
His own Republican hacks better be watching out too. He;s going to declare war on his own party if he don’t get his way on DHHS and his other favorite disasters of the day. I’m glad there are some Republicans who can see through this crass and pompous wee man. Calling someone else a “spoiled brat” is certainly the epitome of ignorance when it is he all along that is the “spoiled brat” and “bully” on the playground. I can’t wait for this man to finish his only term. It’s only too bad he can’t be recalled because he certainly needs to go away!!!
Spot on Governor…Tell it like it is…If the Libs are squealing he must be on the right track…LOL…
And if a Democrat does it, you’ll screech about things being shoved down your throat. That’s hypocrisy.
You hit the nail on the head……..
Governor, you are a bully.
Lepage on Education,
I grew up on the streets,
The Nuns beat the $%^% out of me!
So we need to beat the %^%$ out of the Students and the Teachers!
Queen LePage
God I love this man LePage.
Give ’em hell, governor!!
Let Justin Alfond put his grampy’s money where his money is and run for gorvenor and challenge LePage.
Lets’ see, he is against domestic abuse but is fine with teachers hitting kids. I wonder if the “brothers” also hit him in the head a few times.
The republicans don’t support because they want to get reelected? So, in other words, his proposals goe against the will of the voters. We vote so you will do what we want, not what your out of state party manipulators want.
He praises the brothers at the religious schools, I’ve always heard how cruel they are. Also the sisters can be just as cruel. LePage certainly learned how to call other people names and criticise everyone for their opinions.
My, oh my! Such hypocrisy, racism, hatred and intolerance…in these comments from pure, perfect people.
It’s nice to hear a Maine politician who is willing to call people out for their actions, even ones from his own party. LePage is right in what he is saying, even if it is difficult for people to hear him speak the truth.
Obviously the parochial education didn’t teach the gov how to control his tongue. He’s also ended up short in the humility category.
The fool methinks is you
Gov Penguin…you make me so very happy when you say things like this in a public forum. This will be very helpful come November. What are you gonna do in Nov when all you have is your veto pen. Better stock up on ciggs…you’re gonna need ’em.
It’s nice to see a politician tell it like it is. You can say what you want about Lepage, but he has shaken up Augusta like its never been shook before. The bottom line is the general public is now catching on that Maine being known as the entitlement state has to stop. Give em hell Guv.
nobody likes the truth. bunch of whining babies. nut up and get to work. This governor is awesome, finally Maine has woken up!
doesnt the Guv sound like Kevin on the Office? I love Kevin but as Governor?
Did he hurt his feelings, maybe Justin Alfond should fill out a hurt feelings report and send it in to someone that cares….
Alfond still has that silver spoon in his mouth even at his age, his grandfather would beat his butt for acting like that.
Finally, a Governor who says what needs to be said. And a man with a sense of right and wrong. Note that he criticizes both parties. Totally refreshing.
The status quo with their hands in the cookie jars are running scared.
One man’s jewel is another man’s cowpie.
Jobs Govner, where are the jobs?
Alfond is one to criticize… a trust fund baby who cavorted in Business Management at Tulane and now resides on Munjoy Hill. There is little doubt that this callous brat with a less than average intellect is hardly more important than a swarm of black flies in season. Shooing his kind away does provide some immediate relief.
Is there some kind of bug repellant that will keep the likes of Alfond from getting re-elected? If so, we could spray it on his district….
He is a shoot and hide Democrat who needs to be outed.
High Paid Superintendants….how about when a Superintendant retires, is eligible for his full retirment and then gets rehired by the same school district and paid another full salary. That’s not right at all and Aroostook County is NOTORIOUS for that little game. PI, Mars Hill, Ashland, all share and utilize the same people who are paid for multiple jobs that still don’t take a full 40 hour week.
Fitts makes a living off WIND. BDN, let us have the story.
Wind is making out of staters really rich at Maine’s expense.
Last time I checked, the Republicans had a majority in both the Maine house and senate . . .
LePage is like too many people — problems are always someone else’s fault. Never his own.
LePage, you are a BIG, spoiled, draft dodging Brat…
Dear governor, bad legislation is bad legislation. And what you’ve been promulgating is BAD LEGISLATION. Further, to resort to name calling in order to make your case shows that you lack the creative intellect, or any intellect, by which to effectively govern. You are a bully, nothing more, nothing less. You resort to blaming others for your lack of effectiveness. I thought you TeaPublicans were all about personal responsibility but it would seem you missed that memo, so you prattle on blaming this person and that person for your failed governance.
>>>>>
They should have smacked him in the head…..
It does explain much. A person who enjoys receiving and inflicting pain is a sadist. So far, inflicting pain is this buffoon’s legacy. His victims are those least likely to be able to defend themselves, the poor and our children. I fear that this first year will be looked upon in the future as his best. Please vote in November. Make him irrelevant as soon as possible.
>>>>
You may get a big surprise. People may get weary of the constant lies from the Democrats.
Maybe if the LePage Republicans had a good song they could
get more buy in. An ole Bob Wills tune comes to mind, I like Asleep At the
Wheel’s version of ….Roly Poly accompanied by a little soft-shoe.
Given the governor’s propensity for name-calling, it’s doubtful that his parochial education did him much good.
Lepage is a sadistic lair who enjoys watching other people suffer just as he was forced to suffer at the hands of his sadist father.
alfond is most likely a spoiled little loser who lives off of his grandfathers sweat , the Governor is right, call it as he sees it good for him
The Governor is doing his job. Sen. Alfond has a lot to learn. The DHHS employees who can finally speak out are doing a service for the State of Maine. I thank each of them.
I like LePage, his honesty and the way he isn’t afraid to shake things up. His business like approach to running the state would work if people weren’t so hypersensitive every time he speaks directly.
“If you’re out to describe the truth, leave the elegance to the tailor.”
He STILL needs major discipline, apparently — can’t someone rein this guy in??
We can. In November. We’ll see if the people of Maine have the stomach for it.
The pro wind people are having their pockets lined with subsidy money. Now they want us to pay higher rates to support their projects.
Blow away, please.
“I needed enormous discipline,” he said. “They had a different way of teaching and it worked for me.”
Obviously, it didn’t work. If I had used the foul language and name calling that LePage is so fond of in MY Catholic school (in the 80’s) I would STILL be in detention right now. I find this man a symbol of the demise of any sort of class in our society. And I don’t mean social strata, I mean personal levels of class.
Really, Governor? You are blaming the Democrats? You party has control of both the House and the Senate! You need to put your own house in order first.
Their only policy, whether state or national, is to point fingers at anyone else but themselves. They have NO solutions, NO plans, just more of the same old cut taxes and you’ll get a job as if anyone believes that.
the spend and finance later policy’s from the past are still entrenched in Augusta. When will the dums wake up and realize Maine people are on to the public money going into private pockets schemes they have been feeding us for years.A real good cleansing of democrats this year just might let the good governor finally finish putting Maine back on the track to prosperity for all.
Absolutely agree with you. The cleansing is justified and so glad it is happening.
I must have missed the DAY that ME was prosperous, when was it?
It is amazing that he can call anyone a spoiled brat when he appears to be the biggest spoiled brat this state has seen in decades. Don’t like what you get? Throw a tantrum. Don’t like what the majority do? Veto it anyway. Build a consensus on ANYTHING, not on his watch! The man is spoiled, dangerous, and appears mentally imbalanced.
the gov. and reps. should spend more time trying to fix the problems that both reps and dems have created then resorting to name calling and mud slinging. but if they keep this up they will all skate thru their term with out doing anything to fix the problems.
The governor said the teachers union — the Maine Education Association — was partly to blame for lack of support of his education proposals.
Hm, wonder why…
“It was the brothers being stern and, look at my knuckles, they still show they were hit a few times”
Oh, that’s why. A union of teachers who are part of an “Education Association” should, by all means, not be supporting practices that are so archaic and medieval. In one swift move, this guy completely undermined his own agenda to get private religious schools public tax dollars, AND prove that the unionized teachers are worth their pay. Whooooops, your strategy!
Those that teach in ‘religious’ schools don’t even have to be certified. They must possess their own ruler though. Only once they would do that to my kid. It’s up to the parents to make sure the kids are doing what they are suppossed to not the teachers, homework, etc. You are part of the teaching process too.
I got stuck in the back of a packed room of opponents to the wind farming industry; next to Alfond. I thought he was sympathetic, but quite the opposite he was ‘spying’ for the Democrats in a furtive way, whispering disdainful personal comments about the people there. I have an immediate dislike for any politician who sits in ‘the back of the room’ and judges an issue by who comes there to discuss it.
Brat? Maybe. He was surly and petulent. Weasel? He’s got that weasel look on his face.
Only a ‘rich’ kid would shoot to the head of the pack and be elected to the Senate without the seasoning and experience of holding lower offices.
Alfond is what he is; a millstone around the neck of the Democrat’s party.
I cannot believe he said “there were people employed at DHHS who were afraid to speak up about the problems because there were other employees involved who “were not friends of our administration.” Holy… whatever, this guy is claiming that employees deliberately didn’t act! DELIBERATELY… wow!!! What could they be afraid of when they know that Republicans own the Governor position and are in power in both houses? That is most ridiculously backwards statement I’ve ever heard! But then… consider the source!!!
And he said… “Now, they’ve finally come through and told us what’s going on,” he said. Many of the civil servants in middle management at DHHS were “telling people to keep quiet.” Once again admitting all of this was DELIBERATE.
And in the end he blames a Democrat from Portland who he calls a “spoiled brat” and drags his deceased grandfather into the blame for no apparent reason other than the standard LePage cannot take responsibility for anything… it’s always someone else’s fault.
This was his time to act…. whining that he was powerless at a time when he had both houses favorable to him is preposterous! It doesn’t get any better for a politician to have both houses favoring them and he admitted he wasn’t able to do anything about it. Apparently his own party doesn’t support him either. But then… that’s not really news, is it?
Can somebody please tell this fool Maine does NOT have a dictator?!!! He has embarassed the state from the first time he opened his mouth and spoke. One does not govern by bullying and harassment. What a total, utter disgrace! His ignorance knows no bounds.
I will vote for a man who had a hard life, scrapping in the streets of Maine over the opportunists who went away, set themselves up really well and then returned to rule over us peons. Go Paul!
Oh calm down all you BDN spin brain washed liberals! Most of you cheered when Bill Mayar call Palin nasty names, Most of laughed when Bristol Palin was called names.
If I’m ever pulled over for speeding, I’m going to tell the officer to calm down and that others speed too.
uh okay, so if you guys call Paul Lepage names on a daily basis, and he calls one of your homies a name, then i get to call you names, but don’t cry foul when it comes full circle.
My homies? What the hell are you talking about?
My point is that the name calling is ridiculous and wrong regardless of who does it. It’s a poor excuse to point to someone else when you’ve acted foolishly.
“Little Pig, Little Pig. Let me in! Let me in! Or I’ll huff and I’ll puff and I’ll blow your house in!”
Le Page’s repeated advocacy of state funding for religious schools is very revealing of the man.
I’m not a psychologist. But it intrigues and excites my curiosity into the zeal he has for continually praising a school where he was physically punished. One side of him extols such schools. His other side is a strange mixture of braggadocio and suffering. Especially relevant when he shows his knuckles attesting to corporal punishment at the hands of the “brothers,” and noting “it worked for me.” Which means that he actually enjoyed being slapped, caned, and strapped. Or, whatever else the Catholic school chose to inflict punishment on students.
The Brothers are renowned, or were, for their harsh punishment of students, sometimes for the least infraction of rules on the books, or, just for the excitement of punishing a student to satisfy their own lust to inflict pain on children.
Le Page believes such schools should replace what we have. For whatever faults he and others of his ilk can find within the present education system, the Le Page theory is archaic. Such horrible schools, as Do – the – Boys – Hall, run by a tyrannical Mr. Squeers in Dickens’ Nicholas Nickleby, serve as a terrible reminder of unrestricted power left in the hands of a teacher.
It’s pretty common for Catholics of LePage’s generation to reminisce about the sisters or brothers who rapped knuckles with rulers. Back then, corporal punishment was not looked at the same as it is today. I am young enough to be LePage’s daughter (BUT I AM NOT LAUREN!!), but even I can remember a first grade teacher who got reprimanded–but not fired– for spanking a student on his bottom.
I grew up in a neighborhood where all the kids but 2 of us went to Catholic schools and were beat by the Nuns. They were some of the most destructive juvenile delinquents in our county. Beating people doesnt do them much good. And he forgets that back then the states did NOT pay for private schools, the parents did.
Sounds like governor LePage is doing his best to get a democrat elected in the next election.
Here again, Governor Le Page excels at what he is best – or, worst – at.
Call Gov. LePage a bully – ok. He calls someone a brat – all hell breaks loose. It goes both ways folks.
Governor LePage and Mary Mayhew were in office for a year when they realized that the computer system at DHHS was a problem. What were they doing in that year? I can understand not finding out in the first month. It might have taken that long to get used to a new parking spot or how to get a cup of coffee. But employees, even governors and department heads, should have their sleeves rolled up before a year has gone by.
Public dollars to support private parochial schools? This is exactly what we shouldn’t be supporting. All we have to do is look at our Governor, himself a product of such schools, as a reason not to support such a move. Let the churches stand or fall on their own. It was wisely defeated by both sides of the aisle.
Let’s get a few things straight. 1. Alfond is a spoiled shady little brat. Alfond is not even 1/100th of the man his grandfather was and is just riding on his name.
Two, I hope Lepage gets re-elected. Chances are if he gets all the bums off welfare he probably will get re-elected. Why you ask? Because those bums will most likely move out of State and the dems will have lost their voting base.
I voted for you Governor, so I hope you will not take this tip as hostile:
Do not use fighting words when trying to win people over. It is still early in your administration, and some of these people will still be here when you are gone. They will either be pushing your ideas, or walking away from them. Part of that choice will be made on how they see you as a person.
For anyone who feels as I do, that our Nation is on a bad path, I invite you to check out my new Blog http://thenewenglandconservative.blogspot.com/
Horse hockey. The governor’s explanation and time line are lacking. The incompatible computer systems have had various problems for years, and it was no secret even outside DHHS.
The old one didn’t even have a backup, in addition to not being capable of interfacing with the federally mandated new one purchased at great expense.
It seems to me there is still liability against the self-described’ ‘experts’ who sold the State on renewing their 10 year old consluting contract which was extended again after the 2008-2010 round. If anybody should have known what to expect and what the problems might be, it was they. It’s what they do and get paid millions for it.
Maine shouldn’t be left holding the bag.
From reading the comments it appears that supporters of LePage do not understand the difference between people making rude comments about LePage’s behavior and LePage behaving badly and publicly calling someone a “spoiled little brat” or telling someone to “kiss his butt”.
There is a difference as Mr. Limbaugh has found out.
I have a great therapist that LePage can go to to deal with his anger issues….
“I needed enormous discipline,” he said. “They had a different way of teaching and it worked for me.”
Apparently not so. This man still needs to work on his discipline. And I’m not sure the eduycation part turned out so well ,either.
People who are abused as children often have serious anger issues as adults. Hitting a child on his knuckles so hard that it leaves scars that are visible fifty years later is abuse. I feel sorry for LePage and his hard-knocks childhood.
The Governor is trying to make positive changes that will benefit most Mainers. many politicians don’t want changes so they can be reelcted. LaPage is moving in the right direction and some of you don’t want to give this man credit for the positive things he is trying to do. All you do is compalin time and time again, sure glad I don’t live in your home. Change is difficult for many especially when it’s positive change for most of us like, lower energy cost, school choice but again, union members don’t want that especially if you give school choice. Many public schools would close and pupils would go to a school that actually benefits them and not the union.
>>>>
Then you must be very upset with the President and his failures. The man has done absolutely nothing for the American people but he has done things for his own agenda. Surely you would agree LePage is not as bad?
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so the story on the radio was how ONE democrat called a hard working staff employee a liar, and the BDN twists that into LePage calls that Democrat spoiled
again, if the man could walk on water the BDN would report that LePage does not know how to swim
I think lepage is doing a great job cleaning up the mess that was handed down to him. when there is a problem he tries to fix it.
We been paying for years at least 30 no matter who is governor
>>>>
I think Governor LePage is doing some good things to make Maine more prosperous and less of a welfare state. Perhaps some of his comments aren’t PC, but this is a refreshing change in my opinion. It’s nice to have a leader who isn’t afraid to speak his mind. I think a lot of people have been feeling more confident about talking about how they feel after many years of being afraid to. Yeah, I’m a coward! The fact that I’m using this is a forum instead of writing to the editor and signing my name speaks volumes!
[“I needed enormous discipline,” he said. “They had a different way of teaching and it worked for me.”LePage then explained that it wasn’t the religious part of the school that made a difference.
“It was the brothers being stern and, look at my knuckles, they still show they were hit a few times,” he said.]
Perhaps we need to get the brothers back into LaPage’s life again to teach him how to stop acting like a bully & to play nice with others. He needs to learn that he can’t have everything his way all the time & that’s a fact of life.
Spoiled heh? Mr. LePage looks like he’s been pretty spoiled with meals lately.
Good ol’ Paulie…He really is the kind Governor you would get for 75% off at Marden’s !
The education system in many cities is in trouble as is evidenced by the reading scores of its students. The wind farm sham is going strong in our beautiful state which will not be beautiful much longer with wind farm development (less than 1% of energy used is wind farm.) Social services are a mess and we do have a welfare state. How this man can stand to try to fix this mess day after day is beyond me. Governor LePage is a credit to Maine, he is showing tenacity in the face of adversity. While he may not have the social skills you all would like to see, he has courage and commitment. We hope you continue to fight the good fight.
I have to wonder if Mr. Lepage is stuck in the dark ages or something. He feels that bullying people, calling them names, and throwing around his weight, is the way to get things done. He is supposed to be the leader of this state and this is the type of example he sets for it’s citizens. He doesnt have to agree with other politicians of this state, and he certainly doesnt have to like them, but to call somone names only proves how truly immature and rediculous he has become. First he takes down a mural that speaks for all of Mainers, but he doesnt like it so he locks it away, he makes threats about how he feels about Obama, and then to top it all off he runs off at the gums about all of the policies he is going to change, laws he will enact and bills he will veto, if he doesnt get his way. Sounds kind of like your 10 year old trying out for the little league team. Maybe that upbringing he speaks of by the “brothers” of the colloquial school, should have also taught him some manners to go with that discipline. Mr. Lepage, you are an embarassment to this state, to your party and to the citizens of Maine. I look forward to the day that i will be able to VOTE you OUT of office.
He seems to be emulating Gov Christie of NJ who is the same…yells even at private citizens who DARE ask him anything. The GOP plan along with the KOCH brothers is to completely dismantle public education in the USA. At the end if you can’t afford to pay for your child to go to school then they won’t get educated.
LePage’s ideas about education aren’t all that out of what, it’s the funding issue that is regressive. The more a district tries to save money, the more they cut the funding the next year. Cuts in ESE for some districts were massive, as they consolidated, and reduced ESE staff. In some instances it would be possible for parents in districts to sue the district for failing to provide services determined necessary by IEP’s, 504’s, and IDEA.
Districts in most of rural Maine have cut staff to a minimum. There is very little more to cut without simply closing the school. A recent survey in our area proved that to close our local high school would result in an INCREASE in taxes. We would have to pay tuition that is currently higher than our own to another department, especially when it involved ESE students, oops, can’t forget transportation! Closing a results in higher insurance for the building, higher maintenance costs, and many other issues that don’t come into come into play until you actually study closing the school.
Our governor as most Republican governors today, is basically education. States all over the country are trying charter schools, online schools, and funding private schools with local tax dollars. They cite the high cost of teacher pay, benefits, and retirement. In many instances these “experiments” are having real issues, and their performance are not as good as claimed.
This happened recently in Florida. The district privatized the school bus system several years ago. It’s worked pretty well, quite a few buses were diverted to a special even in Orlando, 150 mile away recently. Students went to the bus stop, and guess what no bus. I can only imagine the anger of the parents of younger students who had to make arrangements to get their students to school. Many without transportation simply kept them home. When the bus company was taken to task, and a fine may be imposed, (off the record – a bus executive, said they would still make money after paying the fine). That’s what you get when you go private on some aspects of education.
I would still imagine that most die hard Republicans, even the T-Party group were educated in public schools.
The only thing worse then Politics is people having anonymous discussions about Politics on the internet. They have a bad day get on the computer and puke up hateful rhetoric.
Enjoy the discontent it’s all entertainment this whole “News” Business. Its designed to get you pumped you up. Don’t fall for this. If you do your a sucker.
We get what we deserve. We elected a General as governor of Maine Republic. Is there any question why he acts as a military general?
We have a military government a scoch shy of martial law. Who do you think is elected at a “general” election?
When a civilian government is installed we will have peace and prosperity.
‘Military Government and Martial Law” is the book to read, written by United States Army Major Burkheimer in 1893 . It is available at the Library at U or Maine. Dare yourself to be educated.
i like that Lepage doesn’t have a filter.
Take the welfare away! Let them do just what I am doing, on the couch for the third day sick. Can’t go to a doctor because I have no Medical Insurance. But the LOW LIFES can blow into a clinic or ER with a hang nail and not think anything of it!!! Back to my nap, hoping I’m well enough to go back to work Friday as scheduled!!!!
Take the welfare away! Let them do just what I am doing, on the couch
for the third day sick. Can’t go to a doctor because I have no Medical
Insurance. But the LOW LIFES can blow into a clinic or ER with a hang
nail and not think anything of it!!! Back to my nap, hoping I’m well
enough to go back to work Friday as scheduled!!!!
The Preamble to the Constitution includes the phrase, “WE THE PEOPLE of the United States, in Order to form a more Perfect Union…promote the general Welfare…”. I believe that in every civilized society, that principle includes providing medical care for those who need it.
Although it is costly, my family is fortunate to have medical insurance. Without it we would be bankrupt and some of us dead.
I assume that you cannot afford health insurance or you would probably have it. Without health insurance you are missing work, losing income, and risking that your illness becomes more serious.
The initial impact hits you, but the rest of society pays, too. That is why our state and national governments should provide adequate healthcare for you. It’s the “pay me now or pay me later” syndrome.
This country can afford it. It’s all about priorities.
Get better soon.
All Politicians are spoiled brats that have inferiority complexes.
And shame on the LEFT and RIGHT minions that spoil and support them.
In this article it stated, “LePage said Mayhew never would have withheld information from him about the problems” (i.e. continued DHHS computer problems that resulted in inaccurate, unreliable budget figures). Frankly, I find it to be extraordinarily implausible that a department head would withhold such significant information from the governor.
Mayhew has been quoted in previous news reports that she became aware of the latest fiscal miscalculations in January, yet at least a month +/- passed before she made them public. Legislative budget hearings, discussions, and deliberations were occurring in January. Democrats were more vocal questioning the accuracy of the DHHS financial statistics that were provided, but there were also Republican legislators who expressed similar concerns.
During the same time frame LePage put a gag order on DHHS officials to cease providing financial data to the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee.
I can think of only two likely scenarios:
1. Mayhew didn’t withhold information from LePage (as he has said that she would not do) in January when she said that she became aware of the fiscal discrepancies or
2. contrary to his stated belief that Mayhew never would have withheld such important facts from him, she did.
In scenario #1 LePage is lying and Mayew is taking the heat for him and in scenario #2 he shouldn’t stick by her, she should be immediately terminated as DHHS Commissioner. Regardless of which synopsis is valid, malfeasance of office exists, resulting in a gigantic breach of the public trust.
If there are other plausible explanations, please share them.
All of what you have said is based on one inaccuracy. Well, it’s either an inaccuracy or misrepresentation of the facts, but I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt.
“Mayhew has been quoted in previous news reports that she became aware of the latest fiscal miscalculations in January”. It is my understanding that sometime in January Mayhew was made aware that there was a issue here. Not the scope or extent of the problem, just that there was one.
This is very different than how you ,and others, have portrayed it. You would have us believe that all the details were known, how many folks where involved and the total cost this computer error has totaled .
The last news I heard,or can find, on this matter was that we still do not know the total dollar amount involved or whether or not the State might have to pay back to the feds part or all of this yet to be determined amount. Last I could find, we did not know exactly how long these folks were being covered past the time they were supposed to be. In short, how far back this mess goes.
This is all you need to know on this subject, and ends any valid argument on it as well.
After more than a month of listening to the lib’s cry foul on this, and the “Media” pushing this story along, the truth finally comes out. I’m sure it was a mistake, and I’m betting that someone is getting their hind end chewed out for it, but a “Reporter” slipped up and printed the truth of the matter in an update to this saga posted last night.
“Similar findings about eligibility determinations have been noted in audits each year dating back to 2005.”
Hmmm, so I guess now Mary is being accused of hiding something that was known, and documented as far back as 2005. This is where the kids would say “Your Argument is Invalid”.
There are some points about which we agree:
1. The current computer system that has been blamed for inaccurate DHHS MaineCare payments was installed in September 2010, Baldacci’s administration.
But Lepage has been in office since January, 2011 and Mayhew as DHHS Commissioner soon after. There were known problems from the beginning that Republicans criticized. How can Mayhew and LePage claim that they were unaware?
2. We also agree that no one really knows all of the details, how many people were involved, or the total cost of these errors. In fact, since this article hit the press, another error has been announced. Also, in a separate, but conceptually related anouncement, Sawin Millett reported a $14.5 million increase in revenue has been discovered. Following the bouncing budget figures is something that the Baldacci and LePage administrations have in common.
Your comment, “This is very different than how you ,and others, have portrayed it. You would have us believe that all the details were known, how many folks where involved and the total cost this computer error has totaled.” does not apply to me because I didn’t make or imply any such comments.
So, I will return the the benefit of the doubt that you afforded me – that you did not misrepresent what I said, but inaccurately interpreted my point.
LePage and Mayhew, as chief executive and DHHS Commissioner, respectively, are, (A) at the very least, disclaiming their responsibility for the continuation of these problems (while casting generic blame on DHHS employees; and yes, some may also be at fault) or (B) one or the other, or both, intentionally withheld from the Legislature that the budget figures given to the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee were inaccurate.
Here are some comments from a March 6, 2012 BDN article (“Computer problem extended MaineCare payments to ineligible recipients; budget figures in doubt”) by mal Leary, Capitol News Service. the website is http://bangor-launch.newspackstaging.com/2012/03/06/politics/computer-problem-extended-mainecare-payments-to-ineligible-recipients-budget-figures-in-doubt/
A. A computer problem that allowed at least 19,000 Mainers who were not eligible for Medicaid to receive benefits has thrown state budget assumptions into doubt…
B. Mayhew and Gov. Paul LePage met with legislative leaders and members of the Appropriations Committee on Tuesday afternoon to inform them of the problem with the billing for MaineCare, the state’s name for Medicaid.
C. Mayhew said staff at the Department of Health and Human Services were aware of a problem with the bill-paying computer system since 2010 but it was not brought to the attention of her and other agency leaders until January. She did not know how long the ineligible people received the benefits.
D. “We have two information systems that were never designed to talk to one another, and so these cases were not properly closed in the claims payment system,” Mayhew said.
E. Leaders and members of the Appropriations Committee were surprised and upset at the problem. Leaders had hoped to end this session in the first week in April.
“It’s obviously enormously frustrating to have this computer problem still haunting us,” said Senate President Kevin Raye, R-Perry. “The whole thing with the computer system is just a nightmare from which we are yet to awaken.”
He said it is unbelievable that the computer problems at DHHS continue.
I realize that you are a staunch supporter of the LePage Administration, but how do you account for the following:
1. An order in January by LePage that DHHS officials cease proviiding budget information to the Appropriations Committee
2. That Mayhew knew in January that the DHHS financial information being used by the Appropriations Committee to craft a budget was flawed, but she and the governor did not inform the Legislature until March
3. Do you really believe that Mayhew would not immediately inform her boss, the governor, that there was a serious error affecting the budget computations? LePage said in this article that she would not hold back information from him. If true, why didn’t he inform the Legislature in January, rather than March? If Mayhew didn’t tell him, how can he possibly support her and why is she still Commissioner of DHHS?
This has been much longer than I intended, Mr. Marshall, but I am trying to be as factual as I can.
My suppositions are valid considerations and the questions that I am posing are legitimate. What did the governor and the Commissioner know and when did they know it? Why did the governor order DHHS in January to stop providing information to the Appropriations Committee? Why was the budget discrepancy withheld from the Legislature from sometime in January until early March?
No pun intended, but the LePage administration’s statements and actions don’t add up.
I hope that you will honestly and thoughtfully consider my comments and questions. This shouldn’t be a peeing contest between Ds and Rs. You are much more conservative on most issues than I, and therefore have me pegged as someone on the far left. But you know, it’s like a mathematical number line, everything is relative. It may surprise you that in 2010 I voted for Republicans for State Legislature and Senate, but not for Paul LePage or Libby Mitchell. You see, my opposition is to extremism in any form.
Huh, the date today is ,what, April 5th? Another 5300 found to be in the same boat? So over a month,with all of the liberals attention focused in this issue and Dept. attention around the clock , we are still discovering the depths of this problem. Is this another “exposed cover up” attempt? Or might it be that this Dueling Computer’s issue a bit of a nightmare to figure out , a MacGyver’rd up, band aid of a job , “fix” the the nightmare legacy issue?
The Key to the difference between you and I on this matter can be summed up by a particular question you asked. A question that I feel is not only reasonable, but key to this whole matter. Without an answer to this question, all other discussions are meaningless at best.
“What did the governor and the Commissioner know and when did they know it?” that is the question you asked. And it is a good question, an honest one. It is also a question that, without an answer to, invalidates most every thing else you have posted on this subject. A question, with out an answer, that makes all of you other points speculation, at best. Your inability,or refusal, to see this is why I have pegged you far left of center.
This computer nightmare was all Baldacci and his Commissioners, they own it 100%. The 2 computer system’s duct taped together solution to this problem, that they threw together as they walked out the door, is also wholly owned by the previous Admin. These folks, almost 15000, at issue were on this program when Baldacci was at the helm and , it seems, we are finding more of them every day-month.
So ,with all of this, you can somehow conclude that Mayhew lied/covered up a issue to protect The Baldacci admin, keep info from the Legislature that supported her and the Gov’s position in the budget talks, and was somehow able to devise,enact,and control a hush-up conspiracy within the walls of the D.H.H.S (cause we all know how much the workers there love and support Lepage).
This is what you come up with rather than sometime in early January Mayhew was told there was an issue here and this nightmare of graft computer systems and less than helpful/forthcoming employee’s made this mess take a bit of time to sort out, and even with all of the Lib’s sharp minds focused like a Laser on the matter, we still are uncovering more on the depths of this issue. Sure, that sounds reasonable.
I believe the people supporting LePuke need to realize that he should stop playing GOD, with the my way is the only way attitude. For government to work all parties need to work together. This is the reason he won with 38% of the population backing him, the other 62% could smell the BS coming out of his mouth.
What happened to the audio from Ray’s interview???
Whatever was said – we want to know what LePage is saying and about whom.
you certainly are.
If certificates and training mean’t superior results; Maine’s public schools would shine……but they don’t, and those that do are run by Jesuits and Christian scholars WITHOUT certification.
*Include Maine school of Science & Mathematics in that classification.
The fastest growing type of schooling in Maine is home schooling, increasing from 3,493 in 2002-3 to 4,927 in 2009/10. No certificates needed and plenty of home school graduates getting offered college scholarhips
Right on go LePage! These guys can dish out the insults but they can’t take them. I think it’s funny how four years ago the democrat party had run on the idea of change, and yet any time there is any idea of change for the better they completely block it on a partisan basis. It’s obvious that LePage doesn’t have a lot of experience being a politician due to him losing his cool with these people, but that’s exactly why I voted for him – I was really starting to lose my cool with these people too. I don’t really care if they are Republicans or Democrats, if they are wasting time and money for the state get them out!
I know you are, but what am I?
It’s very apparent the man suffers from sort of mental illness. It’s sad the people of the State of Maine have to suffer the consequences.. You can thank the Republic party for their fine selection.
What a windbag. He is unfit as Maine’s governor.
Maybe, that could be debated, but I think he was spot on on this one.
Wow to you. I don’t have to “look it up”, because I speak 3 languages fluently and read a half dozen more pretty well. You obviously think that knowing 3 words in German is an accomplishment. You bring up the holocaust???Your answer is the product of a very sick mind.