The paper has published two columns recently discussing Gov. LePage’s allegations that educated professionals are leaving Maine in droves because of high taxes (“Greg Kesich: Protesters in fighting mood foiled by fighter in an alternate reality,” April 26; “Bill Nemitz: In debate over school tax, LePage’s latest gaffe makes a big difference,” April 27).

Nemitz wrote about the 37 letters produced by the governor to support his claim. I attended the University of Southern Maine town hall meeting that was the subject of Kesich’s column, but I didn’t get the chance to share my perspective – the opposite of those letter writers’.

I’m an attorney, married to a doctor; we’re both in our 30s, and we recently moved here from New York. At USM, LePage spoke about the ways he feels that Maine is not competitive compared to other states. Yet for us, Maine was the clear choice for settling down. I do agree with the governor, though, that there is work to do.

Maine is spectacularly beautiful, and I hope to raise kids who know and love its beaches and mountains alike. We need to protect our environmental resources.

Mainers have a special character: tough, persistent and caring. We will only continue to grow and thrive when we nurture diversity, embrace our position as a haven for those fleeing war and persecution, and help people who need health care, food or shelter.

Gov. LePage’s priorities have been to cut costs and save money. I’d like him to know that I’m willing to spend money. Instead of the “out-migration” he fears, I’m an example of “in-migration,” and I can’t think of a better use for my dollars than to ensure a bright future for my neighbors and our common home. I imagine that there are far more than 37 Mainers out there who are willing to make that same commitment.

Ariel Linet

Portland


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