I attended the Dirigo Health Plan public forum held May 24 at the Multi-Purpose Center in Lewiston and was appalled at the way representatives of Central Maine Medical Center monopolized the forum.

On more than one occasion, they transformed the open question and answer session into a confrontational debate, complete with long-winded rhetoric, threats and fear tactics. As a result, few ordinary citizens had a chance to voice their concerns.

Moreover, health care reform once more became less a question of health and more an issue of profits. I think both of our regional hospitals need to be reminded of who actually owns the health care system in Maine.

CMMC and St. Mary’s Regional Hospital represent only one of the stakeholders in the health care system. The insurance companies are another player in the system. However, we, the consumers, the citizens of this state, are the real owners.

The health care system exists to serve us, our needs. We have the power to say what we expect from the system and how much we’re willing to pay for what we get.

Unfortunately, we have become complacent over the years and have allowed ourselves to be victimized by the other two players. Hence, Gov. Baldacci’s Dirigo Health Plan is a necessary piece of legislation that will once again balance the playing field.

We cannot afford to let L.D. 1611 and L.D. 1612 pass us by, or we will forever be victims.

Irene Dube, Lewiston