I was shocked to find out that Sen. Peggy Rotundo had voted to rob the Maine State Retirement Fund of $10 million in order to try and balance the state budget. Like Social Security, many of us depend on that to supplement our income after many dedicated years of employment. To deplete its base is totally unacceptable.

For that reason, I am urging everyone in District 16 to vote for Paul Madore for Senate. Paul realizes that many individuals have contributed to this retirement fund, like he contributes to Social Security, and it is wrong to play Russian roulette with any retirement fund.

Our current representation in Augusta seems to have lost sight of why they were elected in the first place. We need fresh blood, someone with no personal agenda, to look at all issues objectively and fairly, someone who can make tough decisions. Paul is that man!

Jacqueline P. Smith, Lewiston