I was really disappointed to read Jim Robbins Maine Compass (“Quimby’s ‘big idea’ still a bad idea; she gets no national park as legacy ,” Aug. 8) concerning a national park and national recreation area in the Katahdin region. However, I was not surprised.

Robbins is a vocal opponent of investment in the region that falls outside of his industry. I’m disappointed because he was willing — and able — to trot out distortions and personal attacks.

A national park and a national recreation area in the Katahdin Region would create between 450-1,000 jobs. Those are the findings from two economic reports that were reviewed by four leading Maine economists. And a recent story in Mainebiz (July 13) clearly outlines the potential. Acadia National Park, which is only 47,000 acres, brought in $221 million in visitor spending in 2014, supporting an estimated 3,486 jobs.

While no one would expect a new national park to match those numbers, it clearly points to the ability of a national park to have a positive and lasting economic impact on northern Maine. I believe the real reason Robbins opposes the park is that he’s afraid it will hurt his business, Robbins Lumber in Searsmont. More competition for workers. More options for small businesses. Less power for him.

A national park and recreation area would be great for Maine. It’s time for action. It’s time for Sen. Angus King and Sen. Susan Collins to lead.

Anita Mueller, Millinocket