In defense of his interference with Mark Eves’ hiring by the Good Will-Hinckley organization, Gov. Paul LePage has detailed what he believes are the lack of qualifications and skills that make Speaker Eves unfit to lead the organization. In doing so, I think he opens himself up to the same kind of analysis.

Did a stint as a small-town mayor and as a manager of a surplus and salvage store chain fully qualify LePage to be the chief executive of our state’s complex organization and finances?

Should one think that his distrust and distaste for much of our governmental structure, as well as his contempt for its “corrupt” employees, bring his fitness into question?

Gov. LePage has detailed what he perceives as Speaker Eves’ character flaws, as evidenced by his actions in the Maine Legislature. Fair enough. What has our governor shown us during his time in office?

The governor communicates poorly, sometimes offensively, and too often substitutes partisan rhetoric and invective in the place of civil discourse. He relates poorly to others who hold ideals and beliefs that differ from his.

Increasingly, the governor shows an inability to manage his anger and frustration. Rather than seeking consensus and compromise, the spirit of effective leadership, he allows his anger to result in behavior that is not only self-defeating but also deleterious to the integrity of our legislative process and the best interests of us all.

Our history as Americans has shown us what becomes of an elected leader who focuses on enemies at the expense of the general welfare of citizens and the rule of law. Our governor is in danger of becoming his own worst enemy.

Mark Krogman

Yarmouth

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