MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • February 18, 2024
Though Gov. Percival Baxter is remembered for his gifts of the park and the state school for the deaf, another contribution is worthy of special note. In the 1920s, Central Maine Power was probably the single greatest political force in Maine. The Legislature readily agreed with the utility’s demand to lease state land for a new storage dam without the state being paid anything. The legislative action had been obtained without CMP ever having talked with Baxter and the bill had passed by a veto-proof majority, composed almost entirely of members of his own party. Baxter was furious. His only recourse was to solicit signatures for a popular veto, which brought the president of CMP to his office, ready to make a deal. The people were relieved of some of their tax burden thanks to the foresight of a governor who not only opposed a land grab but put the people ahead of private interests. ~ Gordon L. Weil