What can the legislative bodies do in order to serve the people efficiently? Both the Congress and the Maine Legislature can put aside party priorities and put the public’s need first.

They can conscientiously show concern for the welfare of those who are unable to care for themselves.

They can stop enabling the lazy or incompetent and offer incentives for them to be trained for work or risk losing public support. Food Stamps should not buy beer, soda, cigarettes, lottery tickets or candy.

They can help the integrity of the election process and insist on a photo identification in order to receive a ballot. They can fund free photo identifications for the indigent, shut-ins and others who do not have them.

They can evaluate education expenses, considering administrative excesses in salaries and personnel.

They can enforce the Constitutional and federal laws. Illegal immigration, sanctuary cities and recreational marijuana are a slap in the face to federal law.

The federal government needs a constitutional balanced-budget requirement.

The Maine government needs to get rid of the people’s initiative which produces flawed laws. It has turned into a process wherein special interests can buy signatures to get them on the ballot, then buy misleading advertising favoring voting for them. The average voter will not read the several pages of proposed incorrect legal language underlying the short ballot question.

Voters should watch what legislators do and observe their voting records on important laws. Which political party will act in a responsible way?

Thomas Shields, Auburn

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