As I drive around the dilapidated roads of Maine, I wonder where all the money went from the 5-cent gas tax imposed by then Gov. Angus King, plus the additional annual increase, that was supposed to have been used for road and bridge repairs.

As anyone who has driven on Maine roads knows, not one cent has been spent for that purpose.

I wonder, if I’m driving and my baby dies from all the shaking and bouncing caused by these terrible roads, could the politicians in Augusta be charged with manslaughter, and if not, why not?

Are they not responsible for the roads in Maine? And did they not increase a specific tax for road repairs and have failed to use that money for that purpose? Are they then not liable?

It’s similar to the homeowner who fails to clean his sidewalk or porch during the winter. Is he not liable for a person’s injuries in case of a fall? According to all the lawsuits brought to the courts over the years, he is.

People may think me extreme, but if they drive down the roads bouncing so hard their heads hit the roof, is that extreme? It’s time to hold politicians’ feet to the fire for wasting the taxpayers’ money before – heaven forbid – someone dies because of the lies and neglect.

Michael Goodwin, Lewiston