A BDN story on Aug. 5 about Rockland getting tree and septic system funds highlights yet another example of gross misuse of state tax dollars. Rockland received grants for tree planting and trimming ($5,000) and sewer repairs ($10,000). Now, $5,000 to plant trees may not seem like much but this sort of grant is indicative of all that is wrong with how the Legislature and governor regulate Maine’s economy.

Why is it in the state’s interest to plant and trim trees in Rockland?

If Rockland wants trees let residents pay for the trees themselves. With the state in such economic hardship it is an outrage that money is wasted on projects such as this. Meanwhile our neighbors are without health care, they go hungry, and this winter they will be cold. Many will literally die for lack of these basic necessities and these clowns spend our precious resources on trees for Rockland.

J. Gordon Williamson

Prospect