It is time to wrap up negotiations with the Maine State Employees Association and get on with the job of providing quality public service to all Maine citizens.

As a current employee of the state of Maine, I work with a dedicated group of public employees. These employees’ responsibilities cover at least four separate but integral areas: clerical support, examiners and adjudicators, supervisors and contractual professionals (medical doctors and psychologists).

Our work at the Disability Determination Service office in the Department of Health and Human Services involves requesting, summarizing and analyzing medical evidence to determine if a citizen of Maine qualifies for Social Security disability benefits. From the premature newborn to the 62-year-old citizen, our work affects that citizen’s financial and medical future; therefore, it is natural to have a goal to make timely and correct decisions.

As an agency, our work has been recognized on a national level. Through the years, our agency has earned numerous awards for quality, timeliness and productivity — more than just holding our own among the 50-plus agencies doing the same work across the nation.

More than once, co-workers and I have wondered, in all the political rhetoric and debate, do Gov. Paul LePage and his staff fully understand our role in ensuring quality public service?

Robin Upton-Sukeforth, Litchfield