What caused our Senators, elected by us to represent our interests, to block us from deciding which PUBLIC should own a public utility?  Pine Tree Power, "Our Power," did not die when two senators flipped their votes.  Though L.D. 1708, the  "Act To Create the Pine Tree Power Company, a Nonprofit Utility, To Deliver Lower Rates, Reliability and Local Control for Maine Energy" did not pass, some people thought that the bill had been killed.

NOT true!

The bill calls for a referendum, intended for this November, to allow us, we-the-people, to decide.  But the Maine Senate last week failed to enact the bill by one vote, 18 against to 17 in favor.  (Just before the vote, two Senators changed their minds from "yes" to "no".)

L.D. 1708 encourages choice for:

Using renewable power

Accelerating broadband

Decarbonizing our atmosphere

Creating incentive to conserve

Stopping the enrichment of foreign shareholders

On Wednesday, June 30, the final vote will be taken to forward bills to the Governor for her decision.  It would require the two flipped-senators, Claxton and Woodsome, to re-reconsider. Tell your Senators that you want the right to choose.  Thank those who supported the bill.  Urge those who opposed it to support 75% of Mainers who desire a referendum.  Here's the list: (Googling their names can give you their contact information.)

Against:

Ned Claxton - Flipped
David Woodsome - Flipped
Cathy Breen
Susan Deschambault

For:

Seth Berry

Louis Luchini
Joe Baldacci
Chip Curry
Craig Hickman
Heather Sanborn
Anne Carney
Joe Rafferty
Mark Lawrence

Want to learn more?  https://ourpowermaine.org/

Connie Hayes lives in Rockland