Establishing a Process for Recall

On today's House calendar a Joint Order was presented by Representative Cynthia Dill (D-Cape Elizabeth). The Joint Order would direct the Joint Standing Committee on Legal and Veterans Affairs to report out legislation that would create a citizens' recall process for state legislators, constitutional officers and the governor.

Currently there are 18 states that have a recall process. Maine's constitution allows for the impeachment of state civil officers --a legal process whereby the House votes on an indictment, and the Senate acts as jury and votes to convict or not.

The recall process that Representative's Joint Order would seek to create would be in statute and be a political process that citizens would engage in similar to the citizens' veto and petition.

I support the initiative and believe it is a simple matter. Maine people expect accountability for the actions of the people they elect to represent them. I am accountable to the voters of District 92, and I am happy to have that accountability increase -- because I think it encourages me to continue to constantly do a better job. This initiative is nothing more than a matter of consistency with existing policies.

• Here in Maine we have one of the easiest to access citizen initiative processes in the country, and as a result we have ballot measures in almost every election cycle -- accountability;

• We have a provision for a people’s veto and that has been exercised with increasing frequency -- accountability;

• We are required by the Maine Constitution to seek voter approval of certain types of long term debt obligations -- accountability;

• Our new state treasurer wants to expand the involvement of voters in approving even more of the state’s financial transactions that have long term implications -- in the name of accountability;

• Some legislators are proposing that any initiative that would raise taxes and even certain fees must be approved by voters before they can become effective -- again, in the name of accountability.

We affirm constantly that accountability is a good thing -- and in order to be consistent, we need to facilitate the ultimate accountability tool -- the power of Maine voters to recall their state elected officials. I am happy to submit to that continuous accountability, and I encourage all of my colleagues to support the initiative.

The Joint Order was Tabled today by Republican leadership. I hope this Joint Order comes off the Table before the end of the session for a vote so that I can cast my support for this important initiative.