David Bernhardt, Gov. LePage’s nominee for commissioner of transportation, looks to have the right combination of work ethic, experience and creativity when it comes to stretching a dollar. He will need all of that and more if he is confirmed to the top job by the Senate, following the Transportation Committee’s unanimous vote in favor of his confirmation.

According to a report issued to lawmakers last summer, the state is $720 million short of funding for the projects in the department’s 10-year transportation plan. That means that the department is going to have to come up with more revenue or a scaled-back plan –- most likely, a combination of the two. Bernhardt has the reputation of being able to find efficiencies in a department that has seen its share of cuts. MDOT has reduced its work force by about 10 percent during the five years previous to LePage’s taking office, shedding about 200 jobs.

Before the Legislature starts tearing apart the state’s corrections system, as recommended in several bills sponsored on behalf of some county officials, lawmakers should remember why these facilities exist.

We have prisons and jails to hold people who have been convicted of crimes or are awaiting trial in the most cost-effective way that is safe for them, the staff and the community at large.

Whenever possible, these facilities should help address underlying issues like drug abuse and mental illness in a way that would reduce recidivism, saving money and helping former inmates live more productive lives.