I hate increasing any type of government employment, but the $12M painting job on the bridge in Augusta may create an employment opportunity while saving the local government money.

If the $12M was bonded out over 10 years, the interest payable (at 3.5 percent) would be roughly $2.26 million. Why not hire four local painters at $600 per week that over 10 years would cost $1.3 million, saving the taxpayers about $1 million, while providing local employment.

So it takes 10 years to paint the bridge? When the painters finish, they can start all over again.

John Skoglund

Boothbay Harbor