In response to your editorial, “Leave constitution alone,” dated Aug. 29, I object to your characterization of my efforts to amend the constitution as being a “sideshow.” The Susan Collins case simply brought the issue to light and demonstrates that the residency requirements of the Maine constitution need clarification.

As you noted in your editorial, I propose the constitution be amended with language that would clearly state that, in order to be eligible to run for governor, one must reside in the state five years immediately preceding the election. My proposal would not bar the person who leaves the state for a period of time without the intention of changing his or her legal residence. However, my proposal would indeed bar the person who is absent from the state and has the intention of becoming a resident of another state, i.e., paying income taxes, voting, obtaining a driver’s license and registering his or her car in that state.

Your editorial also stated that my efforts were “likely to complicate the constitution and the process and encumber the credentials of prospective candidates.” On the contrary, this language would make the requirements crystal clear. I find it hard to believe that anyone would object to the idea that any future governor be a resident of Maine for the five years preceding his or her election — during these years paying his or her Maine income taxes, voting in Maine elections and paying his or her Maine car registration and Maine driver’s license fees. These actions simply show a commitment to this state. Patrick E. Paradis House majority whip Augusta