President Biden’s plans for unity will be tested unless the GOP backs off take-it-or-leave-it politics.
Gordon L. Weil
Gordon L. Weil has been active in politics, journalism, publishing and energy consulting. A graduate of Bowdoin College, he has a master’s degree from the College of Europe (Belgium), and a Ph.D. from Columbia. He is an Army veteran. He was a top aide to U.S. Sen. George McGovern during his run for president. In Maine, he served as Commissioner of Business Regulation, Director of the Office of Energy Resources and the state’s first Public Advocate. He was a Harpswell selectman. He led the negotiations that created the unified New England power grid and chaired the national organization of state energy agencies. He reported for the Washington Post, Newsweek, London’s Financial Times, the Wall Street Journal and WNET (New York). His weekly commentary has appeared in Maine newspapers since 2008. He has written or edited 16 books or collections ranging from the biography of Sears, Roebuck to the three-volume U.S. Supreme Court original jurisdiction decisions. His company, sold in 2005, was the largest publisher of state government regulatory codes.
LATEST ARTICLES
Maine’s geography, ruralness keep coronavirus in check, but politics intrude
Despite push back, Mills’ cautious policies are making the state safe.
Maine State Police can follow your every move, and don’t have to tell you a thing
A whistleblower’s complaint has lawmakers questioning the purpose of the Maine Information and Analysis Center, which can surveil citizens even if they’re not criminals.
Maine ignored as federal-state relations reach new low
To avoid political paralysis, state leaders must improve their ability to work together. Congress should form a committee to weigh the impacts of federal bills on local power.
Maine system combined with shareholder-style voting could overcome fraud fears, boost turnout
Small voting precincts have allowed paper balloting to thrive in Maine. Other states should follow suit. And if paper isn’t an option, use a non-political electronic voting service.
Better emergency planning requires legislative action
With the response to COVID-19 fresh in our minds, it’s imperative that lawmakers introduce legislation that improves government’s ability to manage a crisis.
Maine’s ‘remote’ economic opportunity
As businesses consider work-from-home options for employees, Maine should seize this opportunity by promoting itself as the ideal “remote work state.”
Advocates of Maine ‘opening’ belittle virus threat, but it could harm thousands
A combination of unclear reporting from the Maine CDC and growing support to rapidly “open” the state leaves a large segment of Mainers more vulnerable to COVID-19.
Politics is biggest obstacle in fighting COVID-19
The debate about how to “reopen” Maine and other states has quickly escalated into a political war being waged by those who believe personal freedom is more important than public health.
COVID-19 crisis shows endangered seniors need greater attention
Until a vaccine is developed to counter COVID-19, it’s important for the state of Maine to plan to protect its vulnerable senior population.
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