I was surprised and disappointed to read the editorial, "Collins should speak clearer on health care," not only because Sen. Susan Collins' position has been consistent, clear and well-publicized both in Maine and nationally, but also because she presented her position and answered every question posed by the Sun Journal's editorial board during a 45-minute meeting in August.

Sen. Collins strongly believes that addressing growing health care costs must be at the center of health care reform legislation. High cost is the major barrier to coverage for the uninsured and the reason why so many small businesses and middle income-families are struggling.

Yet, Sen. Collins has said all of the bills produced so far fall short in their efforts to rein in exploding costs and will actually drive up the cost of insurance for many middle-income families. She's also concerned that creating a taxpayer-subsidized, government-run health insurance company would ultimately lead to fewer choices and higher costs.

She has criticized the $500 billion cut in Medicare spending. Medicare already is on shaky financial ground, and Senator Collins believes that any savings should be used to stabilize its finances.

Over the past several months, Sen. Collins has held more than 170 meetings with constituents, health care providers, small business owners, AARP, and other interested stakeholders. She continues to meet with a bipartisan group of moderate Senators who are working to develop alternatives that would help reduce costs and avoid imposing onerous burdens on middle-income families, the elderly, and small businesses.

Kevin Kelley,Washington D.C.

Communications Director, U.S. Senator Susan Collins