On April 30, Sen. Susan Collins, along with almost every other Republican, filibustered a bill that would increase the federal minimum wage. By taking part in the filibuster, Sen. Collins showed that when it comes to making important decisions she will always side with her party.

Sen. Collins has stayed in the Senate longer than she said she would and her complacency to the status quo is beginning to show. Mainers deserve a raise, however, and Sen. Collins’ vote against a minimum wage increase showed that she does not support Maine’s working class.

I am astounded that members of Congress who are paid $174,000 a year told Americans that they thought $21,000 a year was too much money. Sen. Collins could have been a true leader by voting in favor of the Fair Minimum Wage Act but she didn’t, which is why I will be voting for Shenna Bellows.

Kurt Thiele

Hallowell