When I looked at page B-1 (BDN, Oct. 9), at first I saw a desk being lifted by a crane. But after reading the story, I saw something else; I saw money being taken out of people’s wallets and food being taken off people’s tables. And I tried to figure out what the Legislature (and the governor) were thinking when they gave approval for this project. Hmmm…a million dollars in tax cuts or renovate some state buildings? Given that we’re one of the highest taxed states in the country, let’s renovate some buildings.

And then to have to listen to some of the refuse put forth to justify it. House Speaker Libby Mitchell said all expenses were “strictly scrutinized.” What were they thinking while they were scrutinizing? Did they realize that $497,000 (the cost of the total renovations for the House chamber) will pay for several very nice houses? Did it occur to them that $65,200 (the cost of two work stations) is almost the average income of three Mainers? That for the $23,000 (associated costs) you could buy a brand new full size truck?

And then there was Gov. King rambling on about savings. What were the savings? Did they go out shopping? I can just imagine the thoughts going through the heads as they looked at furniture. “Well, we could buy the $60,000 complete desk and chair set, but no, we must be thrifty. Let’s only buy the $44,470 desk.”

The saddest thing about all of this is that all of these people (the Legislature and governor) were elected. So would somebody please remind me what a great thing democracy is? Craig D. Brann Old Town