Nov. 1 – Gov. Janet Mills will not participate in a statewide referendum to change the state flag, saying it is a personal decision that every Mainer must make for themselves.
In her weekly radio address, Mills said she supports all three bond proposals on the ballot. They include Question 2, a $25 million research and development bond; Question 3, a $10 million bond to restore historic community buildings; and Question 4, a $30 million bond to design, develop and maintain multi-use trails throughout the state.
When it comes to the flag referendum, Question 5, Mills has consistently stayed out of the debate.
The current state flag features the state seal on a blue field. If approved by voters, it would be replaced with a modernized version of the Pine Tree flag that the state used from 1901 to 1909. The proposed flag would feature a pine tree with 16 arches, representing each county, and a blue star on a brown field. .
The proposal was put to a vote on a Democratic bill that was the subject of emotional debate in both chambers.
Mills allowed the measure to go to voters without her signature.
“Finally,” Mills said in her radio address, “a number of people have asked me how I’m going to vote on Question 5, the flag issue. I know this is an issue that is top of mind for everyone, but you know what? That’s up to you to decide, and I’m not going to try to influence the vote.
“State flags are a source of great pride, and however the vote turns out, I hope we can all support the outcome as a symbol of the state of Maine.”
Although she explained that she is not taking a position either way on the flag referendum, Mills did not address the one remaining ballot question.
Question 1 would establish a $5,000 amount for contributions to political action committees that advocate for the election or defeat of a candidate. Contributions to PACs controlled by a political party and voting committees would not be included and could continue to receive unlimited contributions from individuals or groups.
Maine would be the first state to pass such a law, as the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Citizens United vs. the FEC, which unleashed unfettered spending on political races as a form of free speech. Supporters of Question 1 expect it will be challenged in court if voters pass it.
When asked why Mills did not address Question 1 in her speech, her aides pointed to Mills’ statement that she “feels the need to respond to every question.”
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