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.
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 ‘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.
Analysis: States fight virus on their own, revealing partisan split
The response to COVID-19 has been politically partisan. Trump supporters claim that shutting down parts of the economy is more harmful than the virus itself. Opponents, including Democratic leaders, focus more on health than economic activity.
Analysis: COVID-19 reaction boosts state government’s role
The COVID-19 crisis has shown states the consequences of excessive dependence on a federal government with different priorities than meeting their basic needs. When the crisis has passed, it’s likely the power of states will increase.
Analysis: Inability to prepare for arrival of coronavirus is a failure of U.S. government
Even if other countries were caught off guard by the coronavirus pandemic, that’s no excuse for a country that considers itself — and is widely considered by others — to be the world leader.
State referendums promote direct democracy
Gradually the U.S has been moving toward greater direct democracy. Almost all states use referendums proposed by legislatures to allow the people to make decisions.
Incumbency versus accountability in elections
Sen. Susan Collins is focused on a fifth term in the U.S. Senate — something her political role model, Margaret Chase Smith, failed to accomplish.
SUPPORT US
Help us expand our in-depth and enterprise reporting.
SEND US A TIP
Many of our stories have been based on tips from readers.