LePage mistakenly goes after Stephen King. King responds.

Gov. LePage has been claiming that people move away to places like Florida because they want to reduce taxes. That flies in the face of the reality that people in cold climates, throughout the United States, no matter their state taxes, have been moving south for the winter.

I mean, after this winter, you don’t have wonder very hard why Maine people would try to escape the cold and wind, do you?

Well, in pushing for his tax plan, Gov. LePage took a shot at a number of prominent Mainers, including Stephen King. In one of his weekly radio addresses, LePage said:

Meanwhile, remember who introduced the income tax here in Maine. Well, today former Governor Ken Curtis lives in Florida where there is zero income tax. Stephen King and Roxanne Quimby have moved away, as well. [source]

Stephen King (right) at the polls in Bangor in November 2014, with Joe Baldacci (left) and Rep. Adam Goode (center)

Stephen King (right) at the polls in Bangor in November 2014, with Joe Baldacci (left) and Rep. Adam Goode (center)

But LePage is wrong. Stephen King hasn’t moved away. 

I live in Bangor and frequently walk past his house on West Broadway. There are often cars in the driveway with Maine plates. I sometimes see Stephen or Tabitha in Bangor.

The Kings vote in Bangor. I’ve looked up their donations to federal candidates and they’re listed as Maine residents.

Besides the Bangor home, they also own a home in western Maine. Plus there’s a house in Florida.

And now Stephen King has responded.

Governor LePage is full of the stuff that makes the grass grow green. Tabby and I pay every cent of our Maine state income taxes, and are glad to do it. We feel, as Governor LePage apparently does not, that much is owed from those to whom much has been given. We see our taxes as a way of paying back the state that has given us so much. State taxes pay for state services. There’s just no way aRound it. Governor LePage needs to remember there ain’t no free lunch. [source]

The Kings are amazing citizens of Maine who give back in so many ways. Thank you, Stephen and Tabitha for all you do.

LePage is wrong about the Kings and should issue a correction.

Note: The governor’s office has now issued a new version of his weekly radio address that no longer mentions Stephen King. This is a welcome corrective action.

Amy Fried

About Amy Fried

Amy Fried loves Maine's sense of community and the wonderful mix of culture and outdoor recreation. She loves politics in three ways: as an analytical political scientist, a devoted political junkie and a citizen who believes politics matters for people's lives. Fried is Professor of Political Science at the University of Maine. Her views do not reflect those of her employer or any group to which she belongs.