I am responding to Pat Colwell’s guest column printed in the Sun Journal on June 2.

The basis of my concern came from listening to my local representatives who addressed the annual town meeting. Both representatives, who happen to be from opposing parties, voiced their concern over asking for budget figures and never receiving them before the vote took place in Augusta. They led people in the room to believe that this was a done deal by the Democratic leadership and the governor.

I would like to question Mr. Colwell about how our governor circumvented the budget process, in violation of the Maine Constitution. How repeated issues voted on by the people of Maine in referendums got turned around by the Democrats in Augusta. How the Legislature does not have time to deal with pressing issues regarding important business for the state, yet has time to debate and pass an official soft drink bill. And please tell me how a long-time Democratic supporter, who happens to be a car dealer, is front row for the picture opportunity on the new bill mandating that a certain number of vehicles sold by a certain year be hybrid vehicles.

I would also ask Mr. Colwell to please not try to spin the public with his spin. Just give us the facts.

And please do not tell me that I have to eat pizza at Momma Baldacci’s, drive a Honda hybrid or drink Moxie.

John Leonard, Turner