The proposal by state Rep. Terry Hayes to phase out newspaper publication of state notices and only publish them on a state Web site is a bad idea for a number of reasons. I also believe it represents another example of political arrogance that seems to typify so many who wield power in our society.

Without any basis for making such a claim, Rep. Hayes asserts that people do not read these notices. This is a “fact” that she just pulled out of thin air. I frequently read public notices. I know people who read these notices. I also know many people who do not have Internet access. In many ways these people are already marginalized. Now, without Internet access or computer skills that Rep. Hayes assumes everyone possesses, they are to be excluded from another avenue of participation in our government.

In her article, Rep. Hayes makes sweeping generalizations about the ubiquity of Internet access in the lives of the people of Maine. Like the newspaper, the Internet can be a tool to engage citizens and make participation in government easier for some. But the Internet is far from the panacea that many would like to believe it is. Saving money is not a good reason to scrap one channel of communication, flawed though it may be, for another, equally fraught with problems.

Contrary to her claims, this bill will diminish access to public information. In addition, it will further marginalize a segment of our community. This should not happen.

John Berry, Lewiston