Mainers certainly made some changes in Augusta this time out. For the first time since 1964 Republicans have control of the Blaine House, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. The perennial Democratic majorities have been turned out. I think this is a good thing; it’s time to give the other team a shot. I’m hoping that the GOP doesn’t see this historic win as an endorsement of their political philosophy. The voters finally realized that things weren’t getting any better with the Democrats, and the Republicans were the “other choice.” The GOP needs to keep this in mind, for if little improvement is seen come 2012, the folks could easily make another change, and who would blame them?

I’m far from being a policy expert, but it would seem to make sense that once seated, the new Republican majority should concentrate on improving the business climate in Maine. Focus on items that will get Maine people back to work. A focus on reducing regulations would be a great start, as would reforming the current welfare system. Perhaps new rules regarding residency requirements and qualification for MaineCare would be a good start. Enacting changes that would significantly reduce the cost of electrical power in Maine would also be a big win- there’s an almost unlimited supply of clean, cheap power just north of our border. Looking at all of the subsidies and politicking around wind power, I’m thinking that it isn’t part of the solution to this problem.

The power of lobbyists in Augusta should be diminished, at least for the short term. The relationships they’ve established with the Democrats over the last 40 years suddenly aren’t quite as effective in shaping policy. It’ll take them a while to get to that level with the new GOP majority. This is a good thing for Maine people.

I did hear recently that our Governor-Elect is forming a task force on welfare reform, and has asked Naples Rep. Rich Cebra to serve on that panel. Rich has been advocating for welfare reform for three terms, and now it looks like he’ll be part of making some reforms during his fourth term. Good news and good choice.

Clean Elections needs to be a thing of the past, and I’m hoping that our new Legislature takes on this incredible waste of taxpayer money, consigning it to the political graveyard. The ability to raise money has always been one of the measures of a candidate’s viability. When did we get the idea that the taxpayer should subsidize those candidates that don’t want to, or can’t raise money? Do you realize that Maine could have repaved over fifty miles of road with just the money given to Peter Mills’ and Libby Mitchell’s campaigns? They received about $2 million combined!

The new team heading for Augusta might also take the opportunity to dismantle the legislative machine that the Democrats have built up over the past few decades. Revise the legislative calendar to one more efficient and cost-effective, and take a hard look at the committee structure in place. Some have opined that it might make sense to dissolve all standing committees, and build out a more streamlined structure. I’d like to see that happen. Start with a clean slate.

Question: Do the majority of Maine voters understand that a bond is a loan? Answer: I don’t think so.

While Mainers turned Augusta “red” last Tuesday, they returned two of the more progressive Democrats to Washington, Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree. I can understand the re-election of Michaud, for he rarely makes too big of a splash on any issue, and rarely does any fallout stick to him. It’s like he’s coated with Teflon.

Pingree, on the other hand, is closely aligned with ex-Speaker Pelosi, having voted Pelosi’s agenda almost 100 percent of the time. Nationally, it was fairly evident that U.S. voters rejected Pelosi. Pingree also had some highly publicized ethical issues arise during the campaign regarding the use of her so-called fiance?e’s private jet. Yet Maine returned her to Congress. At least she’ll be in the minority going forward, and hopefully will do no more harm. Final note on this topic: Don’t ever let anyone tell you negative TV advertising doesn’t work. Pingree’s victory proves that it does.

Best quote of the 2010 campaign season: “People don’t want to be governed by the left, and they don’t want to be governed by the right. They want to be governed LESS.”- Dean Scontras.

Funniest quote of the 2010 campaign season: “I’m an Independent.”- Eliot Cutler.

Does anyone other than me see Angus King’s last-minute endorsement of Eliot Cutler as anything more than trying to keep his company, First Wind, as tightly tied to Maine government as it is now under Baldacci? Cutler likes wind power, while LePage has expressed his doubts on the matter. Wind power cannot survive without taxpayer subsidies.

Within the next few weeks we’ll have a new legislature seated, and governor sworn into office. If you’re engaged in the process- regularly communicating with your representative and senator, and staying informed on the issues- please stay involved. If you’re not, please consider getting involved.

These people represent all of us, and it’s our job to let them know how they’re doing. Express your thoughts on their performance- good and bad. I’ve yet to meet a state-level politician that didn’t welcome feedback from his constituency.

Maine’s government should be about all of us. Let’s make it that way.

Ted Ropple, of Casco, welcomes readers’ feedback at www.tedropple.com.