House Minority Leader calls for Rep. (R) Burns of Alfred to resign
In a blatant example of political gamesmanship House Democratic Minority Leader Emily Cain called for the resignation of a Republican member of the Legislature just hours before the Attorney General’s office completed their investigation into allegations that Rep. David R. Burns of Alfred misused clean elections funds issued to him for his 2010 election.
In a clear show of partisan “bait and switch” Cain issued an ultimatum to Speaker Robert Nutting on Monday insisting that the Speaker call for Rep. Burns to resign immediately or to impanel the House Ethics Committee to review the matter. The Speaker has consistently maintained that he would await the Attorney General’s completion of his review of the matter, which was anticipated by the end of January, and based upon those results the Speaker would then take appropriate next steps.
Cain issued a quote in her press release of January 31, 2012 in which she said, “If Burns was a member of my caucus, I would have asked him to resign immediately”. It is unfortunate that Rep. Cain and the Democrats did not apply this same high standard to members of their own caucus. Take for example the following instances,
Sen. Bruce Byrant-D, Dixfield pled guilty to a charge of OUI in April 2003, and ran for re-election three times.
Rep Susanne Ketterer-D, Madison was convicted of an OUI in 2004, and continued to serve the remainder of her legislative term.
Rep. Lillian Lafontaine O’Brien-D Lewiston was charged with an OUI following an accident in Lewiston in April 2006, was plead guilty to a lesser charge and continued to serve the balance of her legislative term.
Rep. Sean Flaherty-D Scarborough arrested for OUI in August 2010. Not only did he not resign but he was supported for re-election that fall by the Democratic caucus leadership.
Rep. Chris Barstow-D Gorham, while serving as Buxton’s recreation director was accused of misuse of town recreation funds. Following an accountant’s audit, requested by Buxton’s town council in the spring of 2008, he resigned from his town duties but not from his legislative seat.
Maine Republican Party Chairman Charles Webster stated” It is disappointing to find a member of the legislature that may have violated the public trust by the misuse of taxpayer funds. However, it is more disappointing to see another legislator, especially Rep. Cain as a member of leadership, who wants to pass judgment on a sitting member before the appropriate authority (Maine’s Attorney General) has completed the investigation.”
Representative Burns should be given the same right that all citizens deserve: being presumed innocent until charged and proved to be guilty.
If Rep. Cain wants to focus on potential abuse of the citizens’ tax dollars maybe she should have called for Maine Turnpike Director Paul Violette’s resignation.
NOTE: References in this press release relate to Representative David R. Burns of Alfred and do not relate to Rep. David C. Burns of Whiting who has at times been confused in print and photos on the subject.
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