While the special-interest groups and Democratic House leader Emily Cain’s “Party of No” have been debating silly murals and fighting change, Gov. LePage was hard at work making Maine an attractive place to grow jobs, all while representing the Maine taxpayer.

This past session, LePage and the Republican-controlled Legislature passed welfare reform, health insurance reform, streamlined regulations and also cut many layers of unnecessary red tape. As a result, Maine is indeed “Open for Business,” and we are already seeing positive results.

LePage found a buyer for the Millinocket and East Millinocket mills, with the expected hiring of 200 to 500 employees.

Richard Legault, senior managing partner of Brookfield Asset Management, said on the day of the announcement that the purchase would not have been possible “without the tireless efforts of the governor.”

Affiliated Computer Services in Lewiston is adding 200 jobs. Molnlycke Health Care will be adding 100 jobs in Brunswick. Idexx Laboratories in Westbrook plans a major expansion, which will add 500 jobs. Carbonite is moving to Lewiston, with up to 250 jobs by 2012. This is only a small listing.

After years of stagnation, the jobs are finally coming to Maine, and this proves that LePage’s policies are working. The words entrepreneur, career growth, business creation, profit, government accountability and “we the people” are finally being used in the Blaine House, and the result is job growth.

LePage’s plans are to continue moving Maine forward to fully rejuvenate our economy. Let’s support the governor and continue this trend, so our kids can finally call Maine their home and have the career opportunities they so deserve.

Thank you, Gov. LePage.

Gary Maheux
Waterville 

It’s disturbing to see Gov. LePage making up stories on national television about why he seized and hid the Maine labor history mural.

Judy Taylor was commissioned to paint the mural with Reed Act monies left over from an office consolidation project that still saves Maine taxpayers $300,000 per year.

The federal government wrote to Gov. LePage earlier this year to notify him that, by unilaterally seizing the mural, LePage broke the terms of the Reed Act funds that paid for 63.3 percent of the mural (federal monies paid for 81.5 percent of the mural and the rest came from administrative accounts not relating to unemployment compensation).

In her letter to Gov. LePage, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Gay Gilbert stated that by breaking the terms of the funding, LePage may compromise the money Maine receives from the federal government for unemployment compensation. That would be devastating to Maine.

The DOL has stated that it controls the disposition of the mural and that LePage is breaking contractual terms. Gilbert also clarified that the money was properly spent on the mural.

It’s absolutely clear that Gov. LePage is not telling the truth about why he seized the mural.

If LePage were concerned about the misuse of DOL funds, then he needs only to look in the mirror to see the culprit.

Julieanne Reed
Mexico 

Loudest motorcyclists hurt responsible riders’ image 

What is going through people’s heads when they group up for an event like the annual United Bikers of Maine Toy Run that was held on Sept. 11? Do they think that an event like that gives them license to behave as if the law does not apply to them?

I attended the event at the Windsor Fairgrounds to listen to the distinguished speakers who had been invited. As I was standing in front of the stage listening to them, I was embarrassed by the fact that most of their speeches were drowned out by riders on their motorcycles leaving the fairgrounds.

It is no wonder that the quiet bikers are in a rage after being assaulted by such a display of lawlessness.

This total disregard for the law is the bane of the work done in Augusta by UBM and the Maine Motorcyclist Political Action Committee. The residents of Maine are fed up with the outrageous noise levels they are subjected to by the riders who don’t seem to understand the consequences of their actions.

We as the riding community have to start taking responsibility for what is a serious problem. We have to start speaking out to the riders who choose to run straight pipes or high-flow exhaust systems that are extremely loud.

Let’s make them aware that they are the reason that we face the possibility of losing the ability to modify our bikes if they persist in flouting the law. If we don’t start trying to correct the problem ourselves, then the state Legislature will end up solving it for us – and I guarantee we will not like the result of that exercise in democracy.

Joshua Herndon
Dexter 

Arsenic in drinking water matter of great concern 

I read the recent series of articles about the high amount of arsenic found in drinking water here in Maine (“No rules guide Mainers on arsenic in their wells,” Sept. 6).

It is very scary to hear that we are putting that much into our bodies. The possibility that it is affecting our children is also terrifying, especially if it could affect their development.

John Wilson
Greenbush 

Early childhood education sound investment in youth 

Your Aug. 21 editorial, “Federal early childhood grant is a ‘race’ worth winning,” is right on target.

Improving Maine’s early childhood system is key to students’ future successes. As a retired Air Force brigadier general, I would add that our national defense also depends on improving educational successes of today’s children.

A report from the national nonprofit organization Mission Readiness reveals that 75 percent of Americans ages 17 to 24 are ineligible to serve in our military for three primary reasons:

1) They did not graduate high school.

2) They are physically unfit.

3) They have a criminal record.

For young Americans who do graduate and attempt to enlist, 30 percent still fail the military’s entrance exam. This is a national security issue and should be a concern of all regardless of views on military service.

To solve this problem, we must help more young people succeed academically. The best tool to do so is high-quality early learning. Research shows that high-quality early childhood education can improve graduation rates by as much as 44 percent. Graduating from high school ensures that more young people are prepared for the career pursuit they choose.

Our country’s future success, as well as our national security, depend on young people who are both prepared and qualified. Increased federal funding for a seamless, high-quality early education system will put Maine in a stronger position to achieve these goals.

Richard W. Tuttle
Brigadier general, U.S. Air Force (retired)
West Bath 

Telegram’s a fine paper, but needs more advice columns 

I, almost daily, pick up my copy of your excellent newspaper. I always buy the Maine Sunday Telegram.

May I offer some comments/suggestions more directed to your Sunday edition?

As far as I am concerned, a newspaper can include something for everyone, such as: a weekly column on stamp and/or coin collecting, a column about style/fashion, and then a column directed toward our senior population to help with their emotional and physical health. (I work in home health care.)

Thanks. Long live The Portland Press Herald and Maine Sunday Telegram!

Jeff Schneider
Brunswick