Question 3 (Pine Tree Power) in the upcoming election is a shaky proposition that raises more questions than it answers. Nobody knows exactly how much it will cost. Most agree it will take billions of dollars to buy out the electric utilities. If adopted, it will likely take between five and 10 years of litigation to sort out legal issues, according to Maine’s Office of Public Advocate. What happens in the meantime?

The seven elected Pine Tree Power Board members would not (surprisingly) be required to have any utility knowledge. And, if Pine Tree Power does not work, how do we undo it and at what additional cost? In sum, Pine Tree Power is a radical experiment never before undertaken in our country that may leave Mainers much worse off than today.

I am voting “no” on Question 3. I advise fellow Mainers to do the same.

Bill Roche
Portland