Letters submitted by BDN readers are verified by BDN Opinion Page staff. Send your letters to letters@bangordailynews.com
One major focus of the “Susan must go” movement is that President Donald Trump cut Medicaid, and it was Sen. Susan Collins who helped the bill move forward. Thus, that thinking goes, Collins is bad. Let’s consider this for a moment.
Susan Collins is a key figure in promoting Bath Iron Works — which employs more than 6,000 Mainers — and bringing major shipbuilding contracts home. She’s brought well over a billion dollars into the state for key infrastructure and community projects, all of which create jobs for Mainers. In Washington, she has a track record of experience, a reputation for independent thinking, and most importantly, influence. When the phone at the White House rings, and it’s Sen. Collins calling, I believe people respond.
If Troy Jackson replaces her, do you think all of that experience, independence, and influence will remain? Of course not.
What does this have to do with Medicaid? It’s simple — I believe jobs keep Mainers off Medicaid. If we lose jobs because Jackson is an inexperienced, powerless, placeholder, I think the Medicaid rolls will explode. When the phone at the White House rings and it’s Troy Jackson calling, they’ll say “Who?”
Do we want a Sen. Jackson, who likely will be unable to rake in federal dollars to benefit the state? Or do we want a Sen. Collins who will continue to help create the good-paying, stable jobs that make Medicaid unnecessary for thousands of Mainers?
I know my vote will go for Susan Collins.
Kerry Peabody
Scarborough