I was dumbfounded and had to respond to the front page article (Feb. 1) about giving movie and film companies a 200 percent income tax break on their costs to film here in Maine. Is Lea Girardin, director of the Maine Film Office, kidding? Does she realize we live in one of the highest cost of living, lowest-income states in the union? Does she realize how much my health care costs, taxes, utilities and general living expenses go up every year? So I am supposed to worry if HBO doesn’t film here?

What long-term benefits did the “Empire Falls” community receive? Did it get tax breaks? No, it received a short-term boost to its local – not the state – economy. The governor will use the supplemental budget to fund this?

I have a better idea: Let’s take this supplemental budget – funded by taxpayers – and use it for the taxpaying residents who shoulder all the burden of this state. Just ask the people who live in Auburn how they feel about tax breaks for HBO.

Instead of worrying about our five minutes of fame, let’s focus on real economy boosts, real solutions to why we make less and pay more.

If HBO wants to build a studio, employ Mainers and truly help, then, by all means, let it come.

Yes, 35 states give more than Maine does to filmmakers, but others states’ residents also make more and pay less in taxes.

Jamey Lebel, Buckfield