AUGUSTA -- John Piotti (D-Unity) is the new House majority leader. He was up against Sharon Treat (D-Hallowell).

Tax reform and term limits were key issues in the debate. In 2007, Piotti led an effort to restructure Maine’s taxation system, which failed narrowly.

Piotti will be termed out after this year. Sharon Treat is in her second term. Piotti argues that him being termed out makes him more effective, because he will be doing the job without future ambitions in mind.

Those nominating Treat said it was important to have someone in leadership with terms left, out of concern for the future of the caucus.

Piotti was nominated by Rep. Thomas Watson (D-Bath) and representative-elect Elsie Flemings (D-Bar Harbor).

Watson cited Piotti’s leadership on both the Taxation and prosperity committees. In 2007, Piotti led an effort to overhaul the state’s taxation system.

“There is no one in this caucus that can bring about consensus easier and more naturally than John Piotti,” Watson said.

Flemings said that Piotti is someone who can respect both sides of the aisle, and can bring tax reform to fruition.

Piotti pledged to always be approachable, encourage solutions and work for the whole caucus. He also promised to be tough with the governor and the Senate, and take the job seriously – but at the same time not take himself too seriously.

“I will be smart politically, protect the caucus from undue harm and mentor future leaders actively,” he said.

Piotti mentioned the victory of president-elect Barack Obama.

“We should feel very good about this election, about the results nationally and here in Maine. But that victory is only the beginning. The real work lies ahead. Now is our chance to make the change we seek.”

He called himself a “pragmatist”, and stressed his skills in negotiation and compromise.

“I will apply all this to the work before us. I believe that together we can make considerable advances here in Maine, on renewable energy, education, economic development, new fiscal policy, tax reform and much more.”

Treat was nominated by Reps. Patsy Crockett (D-Augusta) and Anne Perry (D-Calais).

Crockett recalled meeting Treat when she was a lobbyist, and remembered that she was willing to listen and learn all sides of any issue.

She stressed that it was in the best interest of the caucus to elect an experienced leader who was not termed out.

“She can bring experienced leadership, but technically she is only entering her second term,” Crockett said.

Perry mentioned Treat’s leadership in establishing the Dirigo health insurance program, and also noted her work serving as the executive director of the National Legislative Association on Prescription Drug Prices.

Treat said she wants to improve communications within the House, including the use of more multimedia and social networking tools. She also stressed her skills in developing strategy and participating in negotiations.

Policy-wise, she said she will focus on energy independence, tax reform and health care. She suggested changes to the structure of the Legislature – having committees meet more with fewer session days and limiting the number of bills lawmakers can submit while encouraging collaboration.

“With consolidation, restructuring and budget-cutting the order of the day, let’s take some time to picture a different Legislature of the future. I have talked with most of you, some in great detail, about your hopes for the session as well as your frustrations with the legislative process as it is. And you know what? We can change that process,” she said.