Perhaps you’ve noticed that economic activity in Maine’s river communities has been on the rise. The Balloon Festival in Lewiston-Auburn, the arts festivals, and the foot races over the bridges this past summer are just a few examples. The yearly bass tournaments on the Androscoggin in Turner also bring visitors (and their dollars) to the area. Augusta and Bangor have seen similar events along their rivers.

As our rivers get cleaner, we all benefit. That’s a great reason to hold to the truth that the rivers belong to all of us, not just those who would use them as sewers. It’s time the pulp and paper industry gets the message: Investing appropriately in clean technology is past due. If they’re not willing to invest in proper equipment, we should question their desire to remain a long-term part of the state’s future.

The Legislature will be dealing with this issue again this year. Be prepared for pulp and paper’s efforts to confuse us “simple citizens” regarding jobs versus the environment. Lewiston and Auburn’s legislators are not so easily misled. Neither should we be.

Gregory D’Augustine, Greene