Vision
Welfare Reform, Tax Reform, Program Reform. It's time to make room for the jobs
I am running for Governor because, as most of us born or raised in the state, I love Maine. It's people, communities, businesses and natural beauty are like no other place on earth. We face many challenges in coming years, and I want to be your voice, to represent you in our state government, and to protect your finances and individual rights from the encroachment of state and federal government.
- Fiscal Responsibility: Fiscal responsibility starts and ends with the understanding that taxpayers have a right to keep as much of their hard-earned money as possible-not that government has the right to collect as much money as it needs. I promise that my first priority as Governor will be to ensure that state government spends every tax dollar wisely. I will not allow wasteful spending. Government tax and spend practices will come to an end, and I will fight to keep every dollar possible where it rightfully belongs, in your pocket.
- Tax Reform: Our vision for Maine must include tax reform, repeal and excise tax reduction. As Mayor of Waterville I set a goal to ensure property tax reduction each year from the year after I took office. By seeking efficiency, applying sound business principals, and always looking out for the taxpayer, I have proven my ability to reach these goals. In my tenure as Mayor of Waterville, we have cut property taxes without sacrificing any city services. The city's fund balance has increased from $1 million to $10 million and our credit rating has been upgraded from A-Minus to A-Plus.Government needs to practice the same discipline and fiscal responsibility with the taxpayer's money that any responsible individual would practice with their own. I strongly support repeal of all new sales taxes.
- Taxpayer Bill Of Rights: I am in favor of the Taxpayer Bill Of Rights. It merely limits the power of state government to increase taxes above the rate of inflation and population growth-without a vote of the people. As Mayor of Waterville, I have cut taxes several times while maintaining services, with no ill effects. As Governor I can show you how to do it for all of Maine.
- Job Creation: Too often politicians and bureaucrats in state government make the promise that they "will create new jobs". At best this sort of statement shows a complete misunderstanding of the Maine economy. At worst it shows an eagerness to increase the size of government. The jobs that our state needs are not the kind that can be created by our governor, state legislature or any other government entity. The jobs that Maine needs are the kind created by intelligent, visionary entrepreneurs who will choose Maine as the place to start or grow their business. They will create new, higher paying jobs in industries where growth is possible. These jobs will stimulate our economy, bringing revenue into state coffers while reducing the burden on individual taxpayers. As Governor, I promise to work tirelessly not to "create new jobs" but to create an environment and public policy that promotes the growth of business, envision a landscape bounding with economic activity.
- Limited Government: Never before in the history of our state or our nation have the individual rights of citizens been so openly under attack. Each and every Maine citizen has the right to live their life without the shackles of government. From over-taxation that is forcing some into economic slavery to excessive government regulation by bureaucrats who do not understand the industries they attempt to regulate, it is time to halt the growth of government. It is time to push back against this steadily growing interference into our personal lives, our finances, and our businesses.
- Traditional Maine Values: I believe that all human life is sacred, including our young and unborn children. I believe that government should recognize the importance of parental involvement in our children's education. I also support traditional marriage, along with Maine voters who decided last fall that the definition of marriage should be preserved.
Recent News
03/08/2010
Kennebec and Knox GOP Caucuses choose LePage
Kennebec and Knox GOP Caucuses choose LePage
For Immediate Release: March 8, 2010
For...
03/01/2010
LePage Wins Big in Androscoggin Gubernatorial Straw Poll
For Immediate Release: February 28, 2010For More Information Contact: Press Secretary Mike...
02/23/2010
LePage Wins Old Orchard Beach, Island Falls Straw Polls
Mayor Paul Lepage won the most support for the 2010 Republican Maine Gubernatorial nomination in two...