Blank Checks News Today

Committees funded almost entirely by the state's 2 largest electricity providers spent more than $136 per vote to defeat a nonprofit power company proposal, while proponents spent less than $10 per vote on their losing campaign.

Committees funded almost entirely by the state's two largest electricity providers spent more than $136 per vote to defeat a nonprofit power company proposal, while proponents spent less than $10 per vote on their losing campaign.

Question 3 looked to establish the Pine Tree Power Company through a forced buyout of Central Maine Power and Versant Power.

The owners of Maine's largest power companies have spent more than $37 million to defeat Question 3, while the leading supporter of a public utility takeover has spent just over $1 million.

Maine ballot questions handle everything from amending constitutional language to settling a debate among residents over utilities.

Question 3 may be receiving all or most of voters’ attention this fall, but the ballot has seven other initiatives. Questions 1 and 2 are influenced by supporters and opponents of Question 3. “No Blank Checks” collected signatures to put Question 1...

If Question 3 passes, a ratepayer watchdog expects five to 10 years of legal wrangling over constitutionality and the price of utility assets.

This fall’s election will challenge us with the many referendum questions, some quite confusing. Some clarification ahead might be helpful, especially regarding Question 1, “No Blank Checks,” and Question 3, regarding Pine Tree Power. Question 3 asks if Maine citizens want to replace Central Maine Power and Versant Power with our own nonprofit Maine-based utility. […]

A lawsuit asks a judge to reverse the secretary of state’s certification of petitions allowing the debt referendum to appear on the November ballot alongside one to create a new utility.

A supporter of a consumer-owned utility initiative in Maine has sued to stop a vote that would potentially restrict the incurrence of debt required for the project.