The Sun Journal’s inflammatory article (Feb. 14) about local health care salaries was quite an eye-opener.

The physicians listed are doing a great deal to better society. They are saving lives, and yet they are still paid less than many athletes and celebrities.

My problem is with the top-level administrators. To learn that they are paid so much more than their counterparts elsewhere in this country … well, I can’t wrap my mind around that. The cost of living in the great state of Maine is not in line with that.

Here is my suggestion: Those overpaid executives should take a voluntary pay cut. Then they should retroactively turn the extra money over to their hospitals for patient needs.

As a volunteer at Central Maine Medical Center (and a retired nurse), I spend two mornings a week meeting with patients. I am paid in kind words and free food, but that is OK. My rewards cannot be measured in dollars and cents. I am concerned for the welfare of each patient I meet.

I hope Peter Chalke and his friends are listening.

Anne Ceplikas, Auburn