In a curious move, Maine Republican Party Chairman Joe Bruno has asked his conservative allies to attack the widely-supported Brookings Report and GrowSmart Maine’s proposals to streamline government, lower taxes and get Maine’s economy moving. These are proposals Republicans have advocated for years.

Part of the goal of the Brookings report has been to spark a robust discussion around the state over how we can grow a more sustainable prosperity. Clearly that goal is being met, with more than 5,000 Mainers now reading the report and people like Joe Bruno weighing in, albeit awkwardly.

To this point the conversation has been generally civil and constructive. That may be because the report recognizes the truth of what many people have been saying about Maine, both positive and negative. Surely, it’s also because Maine people are tired of narrow partisan politics and attacks. They want honest facts, specific solutions and a style of leadership that can bring us together rather than divide us further.

Since its release, the Brookings study has been cited in more than 300 news stories and editorials, referenced in countless speeches and been the topic of more than 50 gatherings around the state. GrowSmart Maine is now broadening that grassroots conversation by holding regional town meetings in all 35 state senate districts in Maine. We hope readers will participate in one of these meetings between now and May.

What are Maine people saying at these gatherings? Just what the report says: reduce government spending, lower taxes, invest in what matters – like the special character of this state – support newly-emerging, smaller innovation businesses, help towns learn to work together to reduce costs, and stop the partisan bickering.

Mr. Bruno’s chief allegation is that the report is funded by Democrats in support of a “tax and spend” agenda. This allegation can only stick, of course, with people who haven’t actually read the report, which is available online at www.growsmartmaine.org. Check it out for yourself. It can be ordered for $10 or downloaded for free.

The report calls for trimming state government administration by $60-100 million dollars a year and K-12 school administration by $25 million a year. Here is a sample of what it says, on page 105:

“Maine’s cumbersome machinery of state agencies, independent school districts, and local government costs too much – probably hundreds of millions of dollars too much.” The report goes on to say, “Maine must slim and restructure its at-times inefficient state-local government system with an eye both to financing needed investments in the economy and underwriting the first step toward tax reform.” Does that sound like a tax-and-spend plan? Of course not.

Attempts to raise suspicions about the funders of the report are equally unsupported by the facts. Contributors include individuals, foundations and businesses, and they’re listed in the report. Some of them have familiar names: L.L. Bean, Hancock Lumber, Bath Iron Works, Dead River Company, Verizon, Citizens Bank, Merrill Marine Terminal and former Maine Gov. Angus King. Hardly a group of Democrats.

The reason people are excited about the GrowSmart/Brookings plan, all across the state and across the political spectrum, is precisely because it doesn’t follow any party line. The report provides good unvarnished information, a hopeful outlook for the future and a plan for moving forward. It says “let’s stop complaining and start acting on specific ideas for the future.” It is strictly non-partisan and doesn’t try to please any particular group or interest. This is confusing to some lifelong partisan activists, but exactly what Maine people are calling for.

The report urges people to find common ground and end the gridlock we’ve been stuck in. It calls for a simple deal to overcome partisanship in Augusta, which we call “Cut to Invest.” It challenges Democrats to support real streamlining of government and tax reductions, while calling upon Republicans to support critical and significant investments in the economy.

I’m not aware if Mr. Bruno has read the report thoroughly or if he has joined the many hundreds of people who have participated in listening sessions held in every county in the state. What has occurred in those meetings is uncommon to say the least. Not only has there been rigorous discussion but also constructive dialogue that has further improved the plan and its prospects for passage.

Rather than confrontation, we have stressed collaboration at every turn. We look at everyone as a potential ally, regardless of their party affiliation, background or style. We are certain Mr. Bruno would find things he likes in the Brookings plan, if he would take the time to read it carefully and with an open mind. Many details are yet to be worked out and the final product would undoubtedly be improved with his constructive involvement.

Maine is on the verge of important change, which will benefit all of us today, and future generations as well, if we can find new ways to work together, for a change. We hope Joe Bruno and others will be part of making that happen.

Alan Caron is president and chief executive officer of GrowSmart Maine.