Maine’s economy may be getting better for those who have a lot of stock or who earn six- or seven-figure salaries, but for most of us, I think, it is neither booming nor even secure. The figures are deceptive — much higher incomes for a few make it seem like everyone is doing better, and employment may be higher but FULL employment (a living wage, full-time work, adequate benefits) is not.

The best way to a stable economy where everyone has enough is through a lot of successful, locally-based businesses throughout the state. Large corporations like Wal-Mart, MBNA, Shaw’s, Rite-Aid and Staples that have headquarters in other places suck money out of the state. And an economic system dictated to by the North American Free Trade Agreement would be dominatd by these big corporations and destroy local control.

I’m doing as much of my buying as possible from local businesses. I’m trying to stay away from these big companies, and I’m opposing NAFTA, because of what it will do to our jobs, environment, and economy. I hope others will work for a strong local economy in this way also. Larry Dansinger Monroe