SUN JOURNAL • October 22, 2023
Here’s a quick look at what the past may have to say about the momentous Question 3 referendum.
1914: Referendum on whether to create a Public Utilities Commission. Supporters came out ahead 67,368 to 37,008.
1929: Referendum on banning the export of Maine power. CMP lost 54,070 to 64,044. though CMP gained the upper hand when in 1955 the legislature repealed the 1909 law.
1973: Public Power I: Voters had reason to be disaffected with the private power establishment but voted 151,480 to 95,645 against overthrowing it..
1980: Nuclear Power I: Initiative to close CMP’s Maine Yankee nuclear power plant. The No’s and CMP won as the shut down vote lost, 233,198 to 161,181.
1981: Proposal for popular election of the PUC. CMP defeated it, 144,647 to 90,333.
1982: Nuclear Power II: A second proposal to close Maine Yankee was defeated, 256,124 to 201,617.
2021: The Corridor: CMP lost 59% to 41% but a jury ruled the vote came too late in the power line construction schedule to stand in the way of its completion.
2023: Public Power II: The utilities have greater access to campaign funding though that is not a guarantor of success.
What will be the verdict this time? You decide. ~ Paul Mills