I went for a ride about 7 a.m. one morning, and as I started out I noticed the road was white and there seemed to be ice crystals or sleet on the road.

I thought we must have had a light snowfall the night before with a little sleet mixed in, but I soon realized the crystals that were shining in the sun were rock salt and the white coat on the road was also salt. These conditions continued all the way from Augusta to Lewiston.

Just a few days ago, I read an article in the paper that the state was going to cut back on the use of salt so as not to pollute the ground near the highway. I thought, “What a good idea. The state could save some money too by not buying so much salt.”

If the state went back to using more sand for icy road conditions, we would all be better off, since the sand they use is prepared by mixing a small percentage of salt with it.

I agree with the paper article and vote for more sand and less salt.

Albert D. Libby

Winthrop