I am simply appalled at Gov. Le-Page’s proposed decimation of our environmental and land use protections. I hardly know where to begin.

As the father of a 4-year-old, I cannot imagine explaining to my daughter why the governor seeks to allow more sulfur dioxide emissions into the air, thus increasing her chances of getting asthma. Or why the North Woods should become a free-for-all for developers.

Additional Photos

Darryl Brown, the businessman slated to run the Department of Environmental Protection, will be the point man for the LePage administration's approach to reducing regulation. Press Herald file

Although I did not vote for him, I was prepared to give our new governor the benefit of the doubt as he begins his term. And I braced myself for certain reasonable, and perhaps a few unreasonable, attempts to weaken Maine’s environmental laws. But what I saw was an absolute shock.

These proposals appear to have been written by the developers, timber interests and others who seek to profit from our air, water and land, rather than recognizing them as legacies held by us in trust.

I sincerely hope that mainstream conservatives will speak out against this extreme anti-environmentalism. Such proposals are anything but conservative, in the true sense of that word.

Robert Levin

Portland

Before and after Gov. LePage took office, I have been concerned regarding his plans and his policy direction for the state of Maine – not to mention his insulting language and the blatant conflicts of interest exhibited by some of his Cabinet appointments.

His intention to reverse important, bipartisan conservation regulations developed over decades to protect and regulate the use of Maine’s valuable natural resources would make the late Gov. Percival Baxter weep.

His belief that business better regulates itself without government meddling, stirred up in the pot with his proposal to open at least 30 percent of unorganized territories (potentially 10 million acres in northern Maine, according to this paper) for development is a recipe for disaster.

I have no doubt that his apparent lack of regard or concern for scientific evidence regarding vernal pools, for example, will lead to attacks on other important wetlands and environmental regulations. In short, from his words and actions so far there can be little question that LePage is on a rampage with a radical agenda of his own, whether the people of Maine like it or not.

However, let’s not forget that LePage gained office with far less than a majority of the popular vote – about 38 percent, as I recall – so he clearly does not have the support of a majority of Maine voters.

On the other hand, our elected legislators do represent a much broader cross-section of Maine.

Because they, not the governor, make or amend our laws and regulations, it is incumbent upon all of us to be more vigilant about what goes on in Augusta these days.

Stephen H. Busch

South Bristol

I am a lifelong Democrat and no supporter of Gov. LePage. But I must wholeheartedly agree with LePage’s nomination of Darryl Brown as head of Maine DEP. I have worked with Darryl and his company on a personal and professional level since 1985.

I have found him to be a knowledgeable and caring individual. His expertise on the environment, soils, wetlands, plants and forests will bring this professional and talented man to run this (sometimes) dysfunctional state agency. I have witnessed on several occasions Darryl testing soil or marking wetlands and having to tell a developer, contractor or property owner that their land or soil is not suitable for a building or a septic field.

The Town of Frye Island is in the middle of Sebago Lake, and Darryl has done the majority of the soil testing there. Sebago Lake provides drinking water for Frye Island, the Portland Water District, numerous camps and associations.

Darryl’s expertise has greatly helped; he is one of the reasons that we have a clean and safe lake and safe drinking water.

John Crosby

Director of Public Works and Ferry Service, Town of Frye Island

Rangeley

Nominee creates too much distance from group

Concerning the confirmation for Philip Congdon last week, I was surprised to hear Sen. Troy Jackson ask the seemingly irrelevant question about Congdon’s association with the Constitution Party (a national organization not established in Maine), confusing it with the Constitutionalists of Maine, a small local study group with which Congdon had previously participated.

I was astounded that we should receive such recognition from the senator when Congdon was asked pointed questions about his association with our group.

More astounding was Congdon’s statement that he was glad to be able to “clear the air” about his connection with the Constitutionalists of Maine. Although he says he hasn’t attended meetings in nearly a year, Congdon claims to know that the group’s mission has “changed greatly.” He stated it is his opinion that the COM have been taken over by the John Birch Society, and he wanted “no part of it.”

The Constitutionalists of Maine have scheduled presentations by representatives of the John Birch Society and other patriotic organizations. We have also invited political candidates to speak; and though we are not affiliated with any political organization, as individuals, we have worked to elect constitutionally minded candidates, including Paul LePage, to office.

Therefore, Congdon’s attempted put-down of our group was surprising. It begs the question, is this animus directed toward our members, a number of whom worked hard to elect the governor (who appointed Congdon for DECD), or toward the John Birch Society?

I believe Congdon wanted to “clear the air” about his contempt for the JBS, ( a fine organization). Our small group hardly merits such attention by Congdon.

I am cautiously optimistic about the job Congdon can do for Maine, but expect an apology and/or retraction for his mistaken accusations.

Jeanette Wheeler

Waldoboro

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