Gordon L. Weil

71 posts

Gordon L. Weil has been active in politics, journalism, publishing and energy consulting. A graduate of Bowdoin College, he has a master’s degree from the College of Europe (Belgium), and a Ph.D. from Columbia. He is an Army veteran.

He was a top aide to U.S. Sen. George McGovern during his run for president. In Maine, he served as Commissioner of Business Regulation, Director of the Office of Energy Resources and the state’s first Public Advocate. He was a Harpswell selectman. He led the negotiations that created the unified New England power grid and chaired the national organization of state energy agencies.

He reported for the Washington Post, Newsweek, London’s Financial Times, the Wall Street Journal and WNET (New York). His weekly commentary has appeared in Maine newspapers since 2008. He has written or edited 16 books or collections ranging from the biography of Sears, Roebuck to the three-volume U.S. Supreme Court original jurisdiction decisions. His company, sold in 2005, was the largest publisher of state government regulatory codes.

A protestor holds a sign that says save our small businesses re-open Maine

Politics is biggest obstacle in fighting COVID-19

The debate about how to "reopen" Maine and other states has quickly escalated into a political war being waged by those who believe personal freedom is more important than public health.

ByGordon L. Weil

May 7, 2020

COVID-19 crisis shows endangered seniors need greater attention

Until a vaccine is developed to counter COVID-19, it's important for the state of Maine to plan to protect its vulnerable senior population.

ByGordon L. Weil

April 23, 2020

Janet Mills speaks during a press conference

States fight virus on their own, revealing partisan split

The response to COVID-19 has been politically partisan. Trump supporters claim that shutting down parts of the economy is more harmful than the virus itself. Opponents, including Democratic leaders, focus more on health than economic activity.

ByGordon L. Weil

April 15, 2020

COVID-19 reaction boosts state government’s role

The COVID-19 crisis has shown states the consequences of excessive dependence on a federal government with different priorities than meeting their basic needs. When the crisis has passed, it's likely the power of states will increase.

ByGordon L. Weil

April 2, 2020

Inability to prepare for arrival of coronavirus is a failure of U.S. government

Even if other countries were caught off guard by the coronavirus pandemic, that's no excuse for a country that considers itself — and is widely considered by others — to be the world leader.

ByGordon L. Weil

March 26, 2020

A white sign with a red arrow with "vote here" printed on the sign.

State referendums promote direct democracy

Gradually the U.S has been moving toward greater direct democracy. Almost all states use referendums proposed by legislatures to allow the people to make decisions.

ByGordon L. Weil

March 12, 2020

Susan Collins speaks into a microphone while standing at a podium during a campaign event

Incumbency versus accountability in elections

Sen. Susan Collins is focused on a fifth term in the U.S. Senate — something her political role model, Margaret Chase Smith, failed to accomplish.

ByGordon L. Weil

March 5, 2020