Column: Firing the retro rockets

PORTLAND PHOENIX • October 6, 2021

It’s true the anti-corridor referendum contains retroactivity clauses. Contrary to what the TV spot says, that information isn’t hidden in the fine print. It’s right there in the ballot question, which states it would stop the CMP project and “require the Legislature to approve all other such projects anywhere in Maine, both retroactively to 2020, and to require the Legislature, retroactively to 2014, to approve by a two-thirds vote such projects using public land.” The retroactivity clauses aren’t any different than bills the Legislature already approves. Contrary to the scare tactics, retroactivity will go a long way toward correcting that disregard for the law. But if that word scares people, CMP’s consultants figure that’s what they’re going with. It’s a strategy as retro as cassette tapes and Schlitz beer, and as frightening as LePage for Governor lawn signs. ~ Al Diamon