I commend Lewiston Mayor Robert Macdonald for setting his political career aside and voicing his (and many others’) opinion when he spoke at the Geiger Elementary School.

I believe parents are setting poor examples for their children by abusing Maine’s generous welfare system. When children witness their mothers and fathers sitting at home, not even trying, or having to try, to gain employment, the children also begin to think they can follow that example.

I don’t believe Mayor Macdonald would have made those comments if he hadn’t gotten the facts beforehand.

Welfare and unemployment benefits are there for temporary assistance for people until they can find work to support their families. People seeking those benefits should be required to utilize Maine’s CareerCenter workshops to help them find work while they are on the assistance. People wanting or needing assistance could also look into financial assistance for furthering their education, which could lead to better job opportunities.

With a Democratic majority now in the Legislature, a roadblock may have been created for welfare reform. That is why people in the districts must speak to their respective legislators, just as the Lewiston mayor has done, even if the truth is going to hurt.

Leon Nason, Skowhegan