I recently read that Lewiston and Auburn officials want to have any federal stimulus money sent directly to them instead of going to the state first and being sent out from there.

I have to wonder which would be the worst case.

If stimulus money is sent to the state, Gov. John Baldacci would have a chance of messing it all up. Would he set up more giveaway programs so that more people would be able to bleed the system, or would he give out laptop computers to kids grades k-12? Either way, he would definitely find a way to keep the state in the red.

On the other hand, if the feds give the money to Lewiston City Administrator Jim Bennett, what would probably happen is that the money would be used to buy back the Androscoggin Bank Colisee, or form a 12-man team to look at ways of messing with the small businesses in Lewiston.

If people haven’t noticed, more and more small businesses are moving out of the city because they can’t afford the taxes, fees, and water and sewer bills.

So, I guess the best thing for the feds to do with the money that would go to Maine is keep it until there is someone in charge who could make sure the money benefits the taxpayers in this state.

Of course, if there are no small businesses left, there will be no reason to stay in this state.

Larry Grondin, Lewiston

Owner, Larry’s Auto Sales and Service