It's no secret that I am a Mainer. I love Maine and truly believe it to be the greatest state in the Union, infinitely better than Massachusetts. Okay, so I might be a little biased. But even the most metropolitan of "flat landahs" can revel in the political delights of the Pine Tree State. I could provide a litany of examples that would display the inimitable qualities of this humble land, but I shall spare you the history lesson; not because I do not think history lessons are awesome (they are), but because in the coming week the results of the referendum election will provide all the compelling evidence I need to convince you that Maine is the best state in the Union. With seven separate issues up for voter approval, this election will appeal to more than political junkies. So I offer you my 2009 Ballot Breakdown in hope that come Election Day, you will cross the threshold of a voting booth armed with a supreme knowledge of how I want you to vote and maybe, just maybe, you'll help change Maine for the better.

Question 1, People's Veto: Do you want to reject the new law that lets same-sex couples marry and allows individuals and religious groups to refuse to perform these marriages?

For decades far-left liberals across the country have used Maine's user-friendly ballot initiative process as a front for national political activism. In the 1980s, the environmentalist left masqueraded into town as concerned citizens to shut down the big, bad, environmentally-friendly nuclear plant. After three separate ballot initiatives and with funding originating largely from outside of the state, the Pecksniffian Left succeeded in removing clean energy from Maine. Those same activists, and perhaps their progeny, have returned to support yet another ideal cherished by progressives: homosexual marriage.

Divorce rates are sky-rocketing, the nuclear family has become a nostalgic memory; marriage is a failing institution. So how could gay people possibly do any more harm to the institution of marriage then straight people have done already? Those who argue for the "defense" or "protection" of marriage are deluding themselves. Radio and television ads have been aired that allege gay marriage will be taught in Maine schools if the veto fails. While this is a somewhat incendiary tactic, this law would most certainly make gay marriage fair game for classroom discussion.

For some reason the "No on 1" lobby was able to call every dorm-room phone at Bowdoin in order to urge students to vote. This is but one example of recent political activism taken up by the College, but I wonder, would the "Yes on 1" folks have been extended the same privilege?

My Vote: No. Maine Goes: The veto is defeated.

Question 2, Citizen Initiative: Do you want to cut the rate of the municipal excise tax by an average of 55 percent on motor vehicles less than six years old and exempt hybrid and other alternative-energy and highly fuel-efficient motor vehicles from sales tax and three years of excise tax?

Both Questions 2 and 4 were authored and promoted by the Maine Heritage Policy Center, a conservative-leaning think tank. The auto excise tax reduction will reduce the tax burden on Mainers by $80 million and create an incentive for people to drive fuel efficient cars. It has the tax-cutty goodness conservatives' love with a careful dose of the environmental friendship for the yuppie do-gooders—but only the ones who can actually afford hybrids. Question 2 seems like a no-brainer, so who actually opposes the tax cut? Pike Industries Inc., the company responsible for building and maintaining many of Maine's roads, has donated generously to the "No on 2" effort. Other opponents include health and human service non-profits across the state. The opponents of Question 2 thrive on taxpayer dollars and will fight to keep the money flowing, even at the detriment of the state.

My Vote: Yes. Maine Goes: The excise tax passes.

Question 3, Citizen Initiative: Do you want to repeal the 2007 law on school district consolidation and restore the laws previously in effect?

School district consolidation is a difficult subject in Maine. The difficulties are greatly exacerbated by the great variation present in Maine school districts. In northern Maine many schools already take all the students from nearby towns; for these students, consolidation could mean traveling an hour or more to and from school. Consolidation makes much more sense in the more densely populated parts of Maine. Our school system may be hemorrhaging money, but one-size-fits all school consolidation is not the solution.

My Vote: Yes. Maine Goes: No.

Question 4, Citizen Initiative: Do you want to change the existing formulas that limit state and local government spending and require voter approval by referendum for spending over those limits and for increases in state taxes?

Known as the Taxpayers Bill of Rights or TABOR—don't ask me how that acronym works out—Question 4 will limit the growth of taxation to a function of population growth and inflation. All other tax increases must be submitted via referendum to the voters. The bill provides voters with real control over fiscal policy while allowing for natural tax increases. Republican candidate for governor Bruce Poliquin has recently endorsed TABOR and dropped significant cash in to the "Yes on 4" coffers. He explained to me that TABOR would provide an "excellent tool for any incoming governor" to reform state government. Critics argue that TABOR will force Maine's legislature to make tough decisions at the expense of the state; Republicans call this "starving the beast." If we continue to allow Augusta to operate without any regard for profit and loss we will soon run out of options. State dependent employees, dedicated to the expansion of government, have always opposed limiting the growth of taxes. Their campaign against TABOR is an investment for future tax dollars. Nothing against State workers; they are a necessary evil, but I don't consider them credible advocates of tax policy and neither should you.

While we're on the subject of people you can't trust with tax policy, the Bowdoin College Democrats' recent statements regarding Questions 2 and 4 represents a blind and savage adherence to party dogma that discredits their other policy stances, whenever those are articulated. Their unethical extension of political advertisements into the dining halls may persuade the uninformed, but a candid eye may see that this is a tactic designed to create the illusion that the College Democrats actually concern themselves with substantive economic policy.

My Vote: Yes. Maine Goes: Yes. Democrats in Augusta, in concert with public labor unions, effectively scuttled the first attempt at TABOR, but this time around they are likely to get tea-bagged.

Question 5, Citizen Initiative: Do you want to change the medical marijuana laws to allow treatment of more medical conditions and to create a regulated system of distribution?

Medical marijuana is already permissible under Maine state law; however, doctors are only allowed to prescribe it to patients with terminal diseases, specifically HIV and cancer. This bill would allow more patients to legally use marijuana to alleviate their symptoms and establish dispensaries. Bowdoin College Professor Christian Potholm was keen to weigh in on this sticky issue predicting that Question 5 would be the only Yes in this year's election. Potholm says a victory "will be regarded as a good thing for those of us who survived the 1960s," and, he says if you don't believe him, "Listen to Ziggy, if not Bob." If Question 5 does pass, don't expect a marijuana operation in the mold of California. Telling the doctor you are anxious and stressed won't land you a golden ticket to Maine's medical marijuana sanctuary.

My Vote: Yes. Maine Goes: Yes.

Question 6, Bond Issue: Do you favor a $71,250,000 bond issue for improvements to highways and bridges, airports, public transit facilities, ferry and port facilities, including port and harbor structures, as well as funds for the LifeFlight Foundation that will make the State eligible for over $148,000,000 in federal and other matching funds?

Bond issues are different from citizens' initiatives in two ways. First, the bond legislation represents an actual allocation of funds and not a change in regulatory statutes. Second, bond issues do not originate with the people, but are derived from state legislators and bureaucrats, usually of liberal orientation. In a barely dishonest maneuver the Augusta machine disguised the question as an opportunity for a free lunch and not a massive appropriation of taxpayer money. The initial price tag grinds on frugal Mainers, but the matching federal funds offer a powerful incentive to spend more state money. The problem: When the teat of federal government has been sucked dry, state spending levels are grossly excessive, and the deficit has not been dealt with.

My Vote: No. Maine Goes: No.