This is in response to “Keep Your Junk.” (Letter, Dec. 14)

I’m a toll collector for the Maine Turnpike Authority and have been for almost six years. I’ve read a few comments and constantly hear stories about what people “think” they know about us. I thought the same things until I began my career as a multi-tasker.

We take pennies, and we take them willingly. It’s frustrating for us when one incident reflects upon the rest of us, and stereotypes collectors as being rude, when we try very hard to squash this image people have of us by being sincere and customer service-oriented.

As each vehicle that pulls into our lane, we are assessing what category to place it into to charge the correct fee. With each vehicle, we are attempting to be courteous while they ask for directions, get their money or check ready, or ask about the weather, the Red Sox or Patriots games to which we might be listening.

As toll collectors, we are told daily how much more friendlier we are as compared to others of the east coast. One person’s rudeness shouldn’t be an attack on the rest of us who are more than willing to take whatever money is handed to us, with a smile and a good day greeting!

I’m honored to work beside my coworkers, and I thank the patrons who recognize we are friendly and those of you who are thoughtful enough to be friendly back!

Linda Anthony, Lisbon