With little more than two months to go, voters will be asked to create Pine Tree Power, to supplant Central Power Company and Versant Power that distribute 97% of the state’s electricity. Exempt communities are those served by Kennebunk Light and Power and Madison Electric Works. Maine officials call the referendum  one of the most important utility questions in years.

In advance of the vote, William Harwood, the state’s public advocate, whose office is responsible for researching and advocating for consumer interests in utility matters, voiced general information. Examples suggested litigation could arise when constitutionality of using eminent domain to “take” assets occurred, as well as disputes re regulatory approvals.

Harwood released a seven-page overview aimed at many questions, but his office declined to take a position on the ultimate issue. How does an advocate earn income via silence? He does not. Name a judge who got paid when he could not.

John Benoit

Manchester