As I left work and got onto the Maine Turnpike in Auburn, I saw a common sight – a man holding a sign stating that he is disabled and begging for money.

My question is, why is he there? This is Auburn, Maine, not New York City or Boston, where there are beggars at every corner. They even have honest bums with signs that state “I am not going to lie – I need a beer!”

I don’t want to sound harsh or cold, but if this man is in need, I wish someone or an agency would help him leave. If he is a scam artist, he should be dealt with legally.

I do not know if he is disabled or not, but he does walk to his spot at the turnpike exit and stands there for hours.

With Lewiston and Auburn spending thousands of dollars to have a beautiful gateway to the cities, the first thing travelers see off the Auburn turnpike exit should not be a beggar.

What a black eye for the city.

Carmen Fillmore, Lewiston