I live on Ticonic Street, right across from the social club. When I worked in the mental health system, I spent a good deal of time there in contact with the people I was charged with helping obtain decent housing. I can tell you firsthand that the club serves a valid and valuable need for people with their disability.

Now we are told there is no money for the club to continue, that the state just doesn’t have the revenue (“Waterville Social Club may close as part of state reconfiguration,” March 18). Of course they don’t have the revenue. They, being the Republicans and some Democrats, gave it all away in a huge tax reduction that benefited wealthy folks. Remember that? I do.

Before being ill, all these folks at the social club are poor. Disability income is about $650 per month. This is just one more attack on the poor. They have no political power so they are the easiest target. DHHS Commissioner Mary Mayhew, like the governor, has no problem with vilifying the poor.

I would hope that thoughtful legislators on both sides of the aisle will understand what damage is being done to the mental health system. Bit by bit, it is gnawed away at. This is not responsible government.

Stephen Aucoin

Waterville