As a man in my 30s, I am very upset at the way that the lawmakers in Augusta who voted for the passage of the recent budget have gambled with my future and the future of Maine. I do want to recognize Sen. Lois Snowe-Mello and other lawmakers who stood up for the state and me with their steadfast opposition to that reckless budget.

If the Baldacci family ran their restaurant the way the governor is running the state, it would be out of business in less than a year. Not only that, but state officials are ignoring laws that require voter approval before borrowing $450 million. We need to start holding our representatives accountable.

How can Maine, with record low unemployment, still be unable to cover its expenses? One answer is the out-of-control spending. We need to get the spending under control.

I would like to raise my children in Maine, but I won’t be able to if Maine continues the way it is.

John Sawyer, Lewiston