John Muir’s letter (March 11) attacked two Republican state legislators, Rep. Brian Duprey and Sen. Lois Snowe-Mello. Has he spent time with either of those individuals? I have served with Rep. Duprey for six years and Sen. Snowe-Mello for eight years and have found them to be honest, ethical and very conscientious.

Muir implies that the value of $54,000 for the benefits that a single mom receives from Medicaid is a political spin tactic. Has Muir checked the items on the benefit list and market-priced them out for accuracy?

Muir indicates there is a Republican school for “Useful Spins and Disinformation to Advance the Conservative Agenda.” If he bothered to look, the Democrats have dominated this state for the past 30 years with their liberal agenda. Maine is now the highest taxed, oldest in average age (due to the flight of young people), second in anti-small business climate, a leading welfare benefit state and second highest in health insurance costs in the nation.

Isn’t it about time that a conservative agenda comes on board to try to restore business, lower taxes, give us affordable health insurance, and concentrate on helping those vulnerable citizens who are unable to help themselves?

Those things are doable, and citizens will see that as they begin to take home larger paychecks.

Muir makes sarcastic, reckless comments. I saw no facts or constructive criticism.

Rep. Thomas F. Shields,

Auburn