It is a shame that, through the years, Maine’s elected representatives have not been able to implement any type of energy costs reduction for the state’s businesses. Verso is planning to shut down a paper machine due to market conditions and move the production to another location in another state that has lower energy rates.

Farmers get tax breaks for ethanol production, wind power gets tax breaks — why can’t the state come up with some relief for companies that provide good paying jobs and tax revenue?

I am a little disappointed that media outlets in Maine do not question politicians about any possible plans to help with the energy issue — an issue that prevents hardworking Mainers from getting good paying jobs because high energy rates means businesses won’t come here.

The minimum wage referendum passed but where is the interest in reducing energy costs to keep higher paying jobs? People should be able to aim for work paying more than minimum wage.

People wonder why Maine has an aging population and why young people move away. Fix the energy issue and young people may have those local, good-paying jobs that will allow them to stay here and enjoy all Maine has to offer.

Pete Dowland, Peru