The Sun Journal Jan. 30 article, “Senator asks for funding for technology center,” was welcome news to this Rumford area citizen.

Sen. Bruce Bryant’s sponsorship of a $1.3 million bill to complete renovation of the River Valley Technology Center to help diversify the economy of western Maine is another step forward for the economic revitalization of our depressed area.

The closing and bankruptcy of many Maine manufacturers is moving nearer to this once vital Rumford paper mill which has itself downsized over the years to reduce its workforce by 1,500 employees. The fact that no new industry has remained in the area has also had an affect on important services.

The competition from foreign imports that fair and free trade agreements have encouraged brought about the almost complete annihilation of many traditional Maine manufacturers. The textile, the shoe, now wood-based industries are closing, moving out of state or to foreign countries.

So Sen. Bryant, who thinks that the curing of the Oxford County economic depression is his responsibility as a legislator, has presented the bill to turn around the depression that will be included in a technology bond for voting during the November election. Rep. John Patrick, Rumford, is the House sponsor of the bill.

I would say that we in Rumford elected two responsible legislators, Sen. Bryant and Rep. Patrick, who understand that the future of their home area is theirs to build. They are proving their accountability to their constituents in western Maine.

Tom Fallon, Rumford