Why are some trying to close Maine businesses and force more of our young people out of state just to find work? I am the third-generation owner of Simones’ Hot Dogs in Lewiston, which my family has run for over 90 years, and I cringe every time I read about a new, unnecessary tax forced on our local businesses.

Now, Poland Spring could be punished with a new tax just for them – and it’s going to hurt Maine people to the tune of 200 new, good paying jobs. Shouldn’t we be trying to create jobs, not hurt people who have them?

The proposed tax would add three cents to every bottle of Poland Spring water sold. It may not sound like a lot, but it could add up to $150 million a year. That’s 250 percent of Poland Spring’s profit margin. How are businesses supposed to survive in this environment?

The tax threat is putting a hold on Poland Spring’s plans to build a new bottling factory that would provide 200 new jobs, paying on average $16 an hour. It is absurd actions like this that spurred me to run for state Senate. Maine needs new leadership with personal experience creating jobs. I may be the third-generation owner of Simones’ Hot Dogs, but if things don’t change, I may also be the last. That’s not the way life should be.

It looks like Poland Spring is finding out what it really means to be from Maine.

James G. Simones, Greene

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