This is in reference to the recommendations of a panel of the State Board of Education (Jan. 18). One of those recommendations was for a single, collective bargaining agency for all Maine teachers. What a fantastic political football that could turn out to be.

Another recommendation was that taxpayers should help to pay for college tuition – all Maine newborns would get a $200 mutual fund for college education. Does that sound realistic?

The panel also suggested that all students from grades 5 through 12 should have laptop computers. The state can’t even afford the existing laptop program.

Even though the panel said that Maine has too many teachers, and that the student body is decreasing, it suggested that teacher pay should be increased. That is contrary to the statement made by state Education Commissioner Susan Gendron. She agreed that there should be more laptops, but said there should be an increase in teacher pay in order to recruit and retain teachers. Which is it? Are there too many teachers or not enough teachers?

We must remember that the state of Maine is broke. Funds for several state departments have been drawn down. Then there is the mismanagement of money by the Department of Health and Human Services.

I could go on.

I’m just hoping that in the next election, people will vote for candidates who have common sense.

Daniel R. Lalonde, Lewiston