Today we publish the first responses to the BDN’s new feature, ClickBack which is another way for readers to share their thoughts on issues of the day. To participate, go to our Web homepage,

www.bangordailynews.com, and look for the ClickBack logo. New users must register (the BDN does not disclose any of the personal information provided by users); a password will be sent to the e-mail address provided allowing users to post their comments. Each Tuesday in the editorial column, we will pose new questions. You can also submit your own questions on the ClickBack Web page.

Some of the responses will be selected for publication on the OpEd page on Friday. This week, we asked about the state budget gap, the Maine men’s hockey team and road salt. Here’s what readers had to say.

As state lawmakers struggle to close a $200 million budget gap, the governor and legislators are considering cutting funding to local schools and social service programs, and working toward merging state agencies to save money. How would you slice and dice it?

I would start cutting the social service programs. I would also cut funding to schools and put more burden on the local towns. Shift the revenue from income tax to property taxes. The state of Maine consists of many people that are considered nonresidents or part-year residents, which cuts down on the revenue generation. By shifting to allowing the local governments more power to increase property taxes it will save money at the state level.

I would also reduce the county government structure. Currently, there is a local police department, a county police department and state police. Are all three needed?

Place a halt on all new road construction. Why do we continually construct roads when we can’t afford the upkeep on the ones we already have?

– strahan001

What if each department cut a little? That way one department doesn’t get hit so hard. It would be a little easier to swallow the whole way around.

– ldubevna

Staff cutbacks, especially upper-level management. Turn down the heat in state buildings. Cut the number of work days, overtime and mileage expenditures for state employees.

Why is it that when cuts need to be made it is always education and social services that take a hit? I know these are two major expenditures in the budget but also they are the most crucial in my view.

– thejude46

As long as we are among the highest-taxed state in the nation, we cannot continue to support all of the programs for the “poor” of our state. We just can’t afford to do this.

– Wingman

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For the first time since 1996-1997, the University of Maine men’s hockey team didn’t make the play-offs. If you had been the coach, what would you have done differently? What about next year?

It is isn’t going to happen every year. Get off their backs, please.

– zevon

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Magnesium chloride, a kind of liquid road salt that has been shown to not corrode vehicles, costs more than the calcium chloride now in use. Would you agree to a plan to raise vehicle excise taxes by $20 to pay for the less corrosive salt?

I would agree to a $20 increase in excise tax to offset the damage done by calcium chloride. I would like to see a statewide ban on the use of the brine. The cost of repairing the rust damage to our vehicles is way more than $20 per year.

– brewercitizen

What do you think? Respond to these comments, post your own or ask your own question at ClickBack by going to www.bangordailynews.com.