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John Coleman is the chairman and founder of the VIA Agency in Portland.
Growing up in Augusta, I learned the power of a community that believes in investing in its people. As a child with learning disabilities, I relied on public schools and support programs to succeed. Today, I am a testament to that investment. It’s not just about personal success; it’s about ensuring the same opportunities exist for everyone.
After earning an engineering degree from the University of Maine I spent my 20s working for a global tech company, then I took an entrepreneurial leap to start VIA, an ad agency in Portland. This journey wasn’t just about building a business; it was about creating jobs and contributing to our community. It has also provided me with financial success. And that’s why I feel compelled to speak out now.
Taxes are one way we come together to make sure everyone has what they need now and tomorrow. Proposals to raise Maine taxes on high earners and tax capital gains fairly are investments in Maine’s future. As someone who can afford to pay more, I believe it’s my responsibility to do so. A measure like LD 1089 — the funds from which would go directly to support Maine’s public schools — is about ensuring everyone has a chance to thrive.
When we invest in our children’s education and our communities, everyone benefits. Wealthy individuals, in particular, benefit from a strong educational system, healthy communities, and a stable economy. The hundreds of different types of businesses I’ve worked with, selling everything from Klondike Bars to Maidenform bras, thrive when their employees and consumers are educated and financially secure. I have never heard a CEO say, “Boy, I want to move my company to a state with an educated workforce!”
I believe taxes, when used wisely, are the smartest investment we can make in building our community well being. We need compassionate leaders who prioritize the common good, and speak up, inspiring more of us to step up.
There’s a French proverb that resonates deeply with me: “Enough is better than too much.” I have more than enough. And when people reach that point, I think it’s our duty to help others reach it too.
This isn’t just about values; it’s about good business sense. Extreme inequality weakens our society. A widening gap between the wealthy and everyone else leads to social, political, and economic instability. Investing in education, healthcare, and public services isn’t just fair — it’s how we build a society where everyone can prosper.
It’s disheartening to see devastating federal cuts to the Department of Education. I believe these actions are short sighted and harm our nation’s competitiveness. Less support for education means fewer resources for Maine’s schools and students, weakening our workforce and economy.
The current federal budget bill working its way through the U.S. Congress, ironically called the Big Beautiful Bill Act, will be anything but beautiful for the average Mainer. Economist Robert Reich has highlighted that many Americans with incomes between $17,000 and $51,000 would lose around $700 a year and those with incomes less than $17,000 could lose over $1,000 a year if this bill becomes law. However, the top 0.1 percent of earners gain nearly $390,000 a year.
This bill would set many hardworking Mainers back, so wealthy Mainers should be ready to step up and invest more into our state now because every Maine child deserves the same chance I had, and that requires investment.
I believe true success is measured by what you give back, and in times when federal funding is uncertain, wealthy Mainers need to do more to bolster our state’s economic independence — and show our true generous character. I want to live in a state that values generosity over greed, a place where we invest in each other and understand that lifting others up makes us all stronger.
That’s how we build a better Maine — a Maine where everyone has enough. And isn’t that The Way Life Should Be?
