The Sun Journal wisely limits opinion-page letters to 250 words. Time now to respect “brevity” in its editorials.

The editorial “Falling short on roads” (Dec. 6) contained 456 words that never offered any vista, addressing Maine road-money deficiencies, I could see.

Brevity, in written and verbal expression, is a virtue; conciseness is harder to come by, than is aimlessness, in speaking and writing. Having argued well over 100 appellate court cases, in state and federal courts, over 16 years in the attorney general’s office, I soon saw the need to quickly catch and hold judges’ attention, through succinct oral and written communication.

A terse approach in the referenced editorial might have prevented the error appearing in the last paragraph. There, it was concluded: “If the state demands transportation improvements, the choice will likely be higher taxes – in one form or another – or reduced spending in other areas.” There is another choice that is as apparent as the nose on a face.

That other option was resorted to by Gov. Baldacci during the last legislative session to balance the state’s two-year budget: take out a loan. He sought one for $470 million. Public outcry beat it back.

The editorial overlooked that “take-out-a-loan” option either because of a lack of focus or deliberate omission of the option, saving Baldacci further embarrassment on that subject. Either way, there is a problem on the editorial page.

A diligent, concise press is priceless. Be there.

John W. Benoit, Rangeley