I write in response to a newspaper article (Oct. 22) in which Rep. Jeff McCabe, D-Skowhegan, expressed his dislike for the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

The trade agreement was, in fact, implemented by the Obama administration. McCabe and U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud have been opposing the TPP because of its effects on New Balance, but their complaints against their own party have fallen on deaf ears.

McCabe’s newfound desire to support private business is convenient during this election cycle. In recent years, McCabe has received a 30 percent rating from the Maine Economic Research Institute, the leading small business research group in Maine.

McCabe’s campaign literature says he believes we can recover from this economic downturn simply by building roads with borrowed money and throwing more money at the status quo public education system.

It is my belief that we recover from this downturn by creating private-sector jobs through lower energy costs, less taxation, less red tape and linking education with jobs.

The TPP is flawed systematically and should be revisited from the ground up. It helps only the largest players in each facet of industry, from raw material providers all the way to the finished manufacturer.

This trade agreement appears to benefit some businesses while leaving behind others, such as New Balance.

There is a very clear choice on Nov. 6. More government bailout attempts that do nothing to create a sustainable economy or a solid pro-jobs policies that bring us a strong economy over the long term with more opportunities for our children.

I have a proven track record with the latter. We must remember government exists to serve the people, not for the people to serve it.

 

Donald Skillings

Skowhegan

Editor’s note: The writer is the Republican candidate for House District 85, the seat currently held by Rep. Jeff McCabe.