At first, I was not clear about John Jenkins’ proposal (Feb. 6) to fund education through state taxes as opposed to property taxes. I suppose that was what was meant by the statement about the cost of education being borne by the state in the story about Jenkins’ campaign for governor.

But that got me thinking: What about free higher education for Maine students? And qualify it by saying there should be a substantial pre-residency requirement of, say, three to five years. That way, there would be some investment on the part of the student and student’s family.

Also, I would like the state to consider getting rid of all subsidies for industry and for retail giants. Industries and big and small businesses will come when our students are properly educated because they will find an educated work force. Let us invest our taxes in our children, not corporation shareholders.

Susan Dorman, Bethel