The Old Town mill closing is the culmination of 30-odd years of control by a Maine Democratic Party under the influence of the environmental lobby, and their anti-business policies and legislation, which have led to high property taxes, high corporate income tax rate, high energy costs, opposing or ripping out hydro-electric dams, and millions of dollars lost to reinvestment in order to re-permit dams, comply with excessive environmental regulations, and fight enviro lawsuits and forestry referendums (thank you, Jonathan Carter and company).

Finding a new owner for this mill is important, but will only be a Band-Aid on an industry that is on life support. When will the Democrats accept ownership of the policies that have created this crisis, show the environmental lobbyists the door, and support real changes in the way Maine treats all business?

Kenneth Ryan

Blue Hill