I read the op-ed piece written by Sens. Roger Katz and Brian Langley that was co-signed by my senator, Tom Saviello, in this newspaper.

I very much appreciated the sentiment expressed that Gov. Paul LePage’s tone, demeanor and belittling comments have no place in Maine political discourse.

Putting people down, dismissing their concerns and removing expressions of their aspirations absolutely do not serve Maine citizens.

The op-ed piece, however, strongly endorsed the policies and programs that the governor is pushing, and I find that message disheartening. The deeply concerned reaction by many Maine citizens to the governor’s antics also applies to his anticipated actions.

It is not only LePage’s tone that has been offensive; the tone of his agenda also is disturbing.

Should LePage’s agenda as stated by him on the campaign trail and reiterated by him many times as governor be enacted without significant compromise and moderation, the negative attitude he has exhibited toward many Maine citizens will be translated into an official negative attitude of our state toward its people.

Deep cuts in social services set an ill tone toward those who need society’s assistance.

Stripping environmental and worker protections from our laws codifies a negative demeanor toward Maine’s most important resources. Unfair payroll taxation of state employees and teachers belittles their important contributions to Maine.

Each is just as troublesome as negative public discourse.

I appreciate these senators taking a public stand on LePage’s harmful behavior. But I urge them also to step forward and stand up to those aspects of his policy and program proposals that will effectively harm the people of Maine.

Bruce Bourgoine

Readfield

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