Vote yes on 1
I am writing in response to the letter by Sharon Bray (BDN, Sept. 29) urging people to vote no on 1. As is usual with the supporters of this tax, Ms. Bray neglects to mention that in addition to the tax on beer and soda, this measure also includes a 1.8 percent tax on your benefits every time that you use your health insurance.
I cannot understand the logic of how raising taxes on health insurance benefits in order to support cheaper health insurance makes any kind of sense. I have a hard enough time meeting my co-pays and cannot afford to pay an additional tax on my health insurance. It would be most refreshing if all the supporters of this measure also mentioned this tax and told the entire truth about this measure.
I would also point out that in the last election, Gov. John Baldacci promised no new taxes as did many, if not all, of the people running for the Legislature. Then they have the nerve to pass this new tax in a secret late-night backroom meeting with no public input or comment. Now they are wondering why people are upset.
The Dirigo plan was flawed from the beginning and needs to be scrapped if the only way it can stay afloat is with this new tax. If you want affordable health insurance in this state, then change the laws and allow health insurance companies in to have free and fair competition as has been done so successfully in most other states.
Dianne Grant
Eddington
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Help begins at home
Like many other Americans, I am struggling financially. Billions of dollars are being sent overseas while we Americans are in need of medical support. I am a diabetic on insulin trying to reach a goal in life that I will be able to watch my nieces and nephews grow up. In addition, I am one of many Americans who would like to support herself [and] not depend on the state of Maine for help.
Due to a 50-cent raise at work, I make $4.82 over the recommended guideline for MaineCare. Do I ask for my raise to be taken away? Do I quit my job? Do I go out and get pregnant so I would qualify for state aid? What do I as an American citizen need to do to receive medical help? I would not like to have my raise taken back. I do not want to quit my job, for I am not disabled. I have been advised not to go out and get pregnant, for I am a diabetic. My options seem clear: take my raise back or quit my job. I am willing to work 40 hours a week with help for my diabetes supplies.
I think we need to start thinking about the medical crisis here. Americans, I think we should wake up and help our own country, not send billions and billions overseas.
Ann Lane
Sherman
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Support Cassidy e
I am writing in support of Katherine Cassidy, candidate for the House of Representatives District 32 seat.
I first worked with Katherine professionally in 2006 when she was a Bangor Daily News reporter, and our community was facing a Rhode Island corporation’s plan to site a methadone clinic in Cherryfield. She was the first reporter to break the story before other media took an interest.
Katherine sought me out as a member of the Cherryfield Planning Board. She wanted to ask questions, listen and learn background. When I asked that some of my comments be considered off the record, she complied. In ensuing articles as the town’s response developed, she proved a careful, skillful and balanced reporter who respected her source’s wishes.
Subsequently, Katherine and I had a number of conversations about Washington County issues, and I found her to be thoughtful and knowledgeable and very concerned about a wide variety of issues affecting the county.
I know that she would apply those same considerations and concerns in Augusta and heartily endorse her candidacy. I urge you to vote for Katherine on Nov. 4.
Lucy Witt
Cherryfield
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Back Allen for health
Teresa Steele’s (BDN, Sept. 30) letter states that she will vote for Susan Collins as a reward for the senator’s support of funding for nursing education. I am shocked that health care providers would throw their support to any Republican. For eight years, Republicans have failed to reform health care in any meaningful way. Instead, they have given the pharmaceutical companies a huge gift of taxpayer money through the Medicare prescription drug benefit (which fails to negotiate reasonable drug prices) and attempted to promote medical savings accounts. Health care inflation continues to outpace inflation in the economy as a whole and places an unsupportable burden on small businesses and the self-employed.
The nation needs comprehensive health care reform. Susan Collins had her chance to act. Tom Allen has a plan.
Laurie Nicholson
Stonington
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Vote for Glavine
We are writing to ask people to vote for Jim Glavine as state representative in District 27. Jim, a native Mainer, has a lifetime of experience that has made him the “go to” guy in our region. He is knowledgeable about the things that locals care about. He is thorough and thoughtful in any task he takes on. And he is always willing to “do what it takes” to accomplish the task.
We have worked with Jim on community issues, and he has always been open to listening to our views. He listens to all sides of an argument in order to make an informed decision. With his experience as a negotiator for Bath Iron Works, as a businessman running a sporting camp in Beaver Cove and as a selectman, he has learned to listen to many viewpoints. He will bring his experience to Augusta to fight for the people he represents.
Issues that Jim is particularly concerned with include jobs and economic growth, affordable health care, and the infrastructure necessary to improve the economy and maintain quality of life. This includes providing broadband service, improving road conditions and protecting the forestlands that are crucial to a sustainable forest-products industry, the growth of tourism and continued public access.
In contrast, his opponent Pete Johnson voted against repairing roads and bridges, against allowing consumers to access the leftover cash on gift cards, against reducing health insurance rates, against safe standards for genetically engineered plants and against a health care bill of rights.
Vote for Jim Glavine on November 4.
Bob and Diane Guethlen
Rockwood
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Obama’s socialism
As president, Sen. Barack Obama would just add more socialistic programs to the already overburdened taxpayer. Our great country was built on hard work and the free enterprise system. Let’s hope the voters in November recognize this continued shift to the left and put an end to it.
Chandler S. Woodman
Thomaston