The BRAC Commission will soon be sending its final recommendations to the Bush administration for approval. Many people have worked hard to stop the unnecessary closure of Maine’s military sites. Gov. John Baldacci is determined to save Maine jobs and keep the bases open. He and our congressional delegation have been working together, uniting forces to re-evaluate every reason for the base closing designation. On many occasions, Gov. Baldacci has emphasized erroneous information being used in the decision making process. There are many examples of misinformation that the BRAC commission is basing its decision on but perhaps the most glaring is their failure to figure in cleanup costs.

It is good to have a strong, determined governor who is willing to pull out all the stops to fight the BRAC commission’s closure recommendations. Gov. Baldacci and Congressmen Mike Michaud and Tom Allen are not only fighting for the over 7,000 jobs that are at risk they’re fighting for all Mainers and for our national security. Sadly, while the governor and our congressman fly to Washington to fight for our bases, the Maine GOP levies attack after attack. I have a message for the Maine GOP: This is a time for statesmanship not partisanship, Gov. Baldacci, Congressmen Michaud and Allen has risen to the occasion and for that I thank them.

Torvic Vardamis

Bangor