Kennebec County has one of the stiffest penalties for drunken driving. Even though a driver has no previous traffic violations, he or she can spend time in jail, pay a fine up to $1,000 and have a suspended license, not to mention a steep jump in car insurance premiums.

In addition, if the offender planned a trip to Canada, he or she could be denied entry.

So let’s not drink and drive. Spend our money on our kids rather than across the bar, and visit those relatives or have some fun in Canada from time to time.

Patrick EisenhartAugusta