Michaud AWOL

While Vermont Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders and Florida Republican Rep. Jeff Miller were slugging it out last weekend in our nation’s capitol to reach a compromise on the Veteran’s Health Care Reform bill, Maine’s Democrat Rep. Mike Michaud was slogging it out in Maine on the campaign trail.

Congressman Michaud serves as the ranking (minority) member of the Veteran’s Affairs Committee. The reform bill is probably the most important piece of legislation to come before this committee during his 12 years in Congress. But during the tough weekend negotiations and when the compromise was reached, Michaud was AWOL.

Mike Michaud needs to be reminded that the people of Maine elected him to represent their interests. Taxpayers compensate him with a generous salary, travel expenses, health care and retirement benefits. We did not elect him to accommodate his personal interests and ambition.

Although the Congressman may take credit for being “very active” in the final negotiations of this bill, the fact is he did not bother to show up.

Walter J. Eno

Scarborough