Here’s a look at what readers in our online community had to say about several stories in the news over the last few days.

Regarding a Monday story about by the Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting on a first-of-its-kind ranking for states on government transparency and Maine’s F grade or low ranking.

Reader Alan Woods, of Lakeville Mass., wrote:

“Thank you and congratulations for sharing this research. This lack of accountability is something Mainers have always known but are nearly powerless to address. The excuse I always hear, from State legislators, to local selectmen, to citizens is:

“Maine has so few people. It’s unavoidable that there will be conflicts of interest. When a legislator who works for an energy consulting firm offers his service to the Energy, Utilities and Technology Subcommittee, are we supposed to say “Thanks, but no thanks, Representative Fitts?” Or when an elected representative leases parking lot in the woods to First Wind, do you expect us to say he can’t? After all, his salary as an elected representative is very low . . . “

A story advancing the upcoming firefighter alpine ski races at Sunday River and the preparations being made by members of the Jay Fire and Rescue team fetched a little friendly smack talk as well as some encouragement from Dan Masselli of Jay.

Masselli writes, “So glad you guys could help your brothers and sisters next door to gain a second place finish last year. By now, you should all be used to coming in second . . .

This year should be no different as the Auburn Firefighters are coming to regain their place at the top. If you ain’t first, your last.

On a serious note, all the firefighters as well as the family and friends of Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation have a blast every year doing this project. This year should be no different. My money is on Brooks at the hot dog competition.

Good luck to all the skiers.  Safe turns.”

Several people commented on a March 16 story on a visit to the Oxford Hills area by Maine Gov. Paul LePage.

Waterford’s Norman Rust wrote:

“I give Gov. LePage a 95 out of 100 on his agenda for the State of Maine. He is the only governor in recent memory who is fore-sighted enough to look down the road, that is take a long-range view of issues. I do not agree with everything he does but admire his courage and willingness to tackle the tough issues with reason and common sense . . .  Maine people cannot fund every request but we can adequately support those issues which involve education, welfare reform, regulatory reform, etc. Let’s give the governor our support . . .  it is good to have a Governor who is not worried today about his re-election but only real Maine people. I like the TEAM principle:TOGETHER EVERYONE ACCOMPLISHES MORE.”

But Doreen Sheive of Augusta didn’t agree. 

“If LePage cares so much about education, why did he want to cut head start? Also, there is nothing in LePage’s budget to fund heating the homes of the elderly. So, again, why does he want to cut funding for Maine Public Television?” she wrote.

Have your say and get your voice heard on the web and in print — register to comment online at www.sunjournal.com.

Some comments have been edited for length, punctuation and spelling.

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