USM’s budget shortfalls are no secret. Maine’s budget deficit of nearly $200 million isn’t either.
As a result of these shortfalls, the students, Mainers, and taxpayers alike suffer.
The Maine economy suffers as people tighten their spending. Twenty-six academic programs are suffering. University officials and committee members are under pressure to find solutions.
The administration and the governor can try to please everyone a little or please a few a lot.
What should they do?
Well don’t cry, don’t lose sleep, and God forbid don’t take it out on others.
Just ask: “What would Reagan do?”
Ronald Reagan was this country’s last president with true conservative values and ideals. He was said to be a man with great charisma and personality. I hear radio hosts quote him and refer to him often. Why not do it here?
The relevant quote: “They say we offer simple answers to complex problems. Well, perhaps there is a simple answer-not an easy answer-but simple.”
To get the answer to our USM and Maine budget problems, I’m going to use this quote. But first let’s examine it.
I believe Reagan is referring to people who disagree with himself and his political peers when he says ‘they.’
‘Simple answers to complex problems,’ now that’s something that’s quite interesting.
Regardless of the situation, there are always an easy solution, a hard solution, the most complicated solution, and the most simple solution.
Taking the easy way out leads to future problems that are usually worse.
The tough solution usually ticks people off when the media exposes the victims and everyone who lost on the deal. One hundred winners for every one loser is a great deal, but the liberal media makes it sound like a tragedy.
The most complicated solution needs everyone to be in complete understanding and agreement of it, and that rarely happens with any decision.
That last is the simple decision.
The one that is logical, would work and show success over time, but may not be the most intricate, exciting, or instantly rewarding.
It’s not an easy decision because it may be too simple.
It’s like the math equation that looks real difficult and complicated, yet only takes a few Algebraic calculations before you have the answer. It’s the correct answer, but doesn’t feel correct because it was too simple. That’s the type of simple I believe Reagan is talking about here.
So what’s the simple, not so easy answer to this complex budget problem here at USM and in Maine?
Cut spending, or eliminate wasteful spending. Find ways to capitalize on USM and Maine’s attributes and make money.
Attract business to the state by eliminating taxes that drive them away.
Pass laws that allow the movie industry to get the same tax breaks as they do in Western states, most notably in California and Louisiana.
Sell billboard advertising along I-95 on state land and make some advertising money as well as promote Maine’s coastal and mountain businesses and regions – and state universities.
Open a casino!
(Vote Republican).
These are solutions to Maine’s problems, but who do you think funds USM?
But I forgot, we live in Maine, where everyone votes Democrat.
We must always pay near the highest in the nation taxes; we can’t jeopardize the beautiful landscape along I-95; we can’t make it easier on businesses because we need that tax money to plow snow and buy salt.
We can’t have casinos, they bring the mafia (and we never thought about the movie thing, but who wants Maine’s scenery and natural beauty being put on a worldwide stage? It’d just bring more tourists!)
We can’t cut those 26 USM programs, we’ll just have to make the students buck up and pay more tuition.
Well, in a liberal’s world, it is correct. In my world it’s backwards thinking.
What’s backwards is putting the land before the people that live on it.
What’s backwards is not having the guts to say ‘no’ or ‘you’ve got to go’ to social programs that allow people to take advantage of the system and live off taxpayer dollars.
What’s backwards is not taking risks because of possible problems with the solution. What’s backwards is not trusting free market solutions and capitalism. Yeah, that’s what this country used to gain its current status and condition in this world.
It’s as simple as this: if you need money, produce cash flow by opening new doors for it to flow into.
Prioritize spending and cut the programs at the bottom of the list, especially the ones that need money and give none back.
It will hurt feelings at first, but in time I believe those hurt by it will gain the will to find a free market solution (ie.opening up their own business).
And lastly, the most simple solution of them all, vote Republican if you wish for change in Maine.
It is not hard to see that our state has suffered as a result of being a blue state. Mainers are basking in their sorrows with the blues and will be until that old wheel rolls around to the conservative side again.
Until then, don’t complain about taxes, tuition hikes, budget deficits, pressure on private business, or programs on the chopping block. This state got exactly what it voted for.
Dustin Gilbert is a compassionate conservative hoping to help his fellow students better understand right-wingers.