The board of the Bangor Chamber of Commerce is jumping into the election this year by giving a new award to Sen. Susan Collins. The board is supposed to poll its members, but hasn’t: they were never given a chance to vote. Perhaps the Chamber, with its dedication to economic development, should look more closely at what Sen. Collins, with her steadfast support of the Bush administration economic policies, has done to the Bangor area.

Consider her support of the tax cuts for the very wealthy (few of whom dwell among us here) which has moved us from a $284 billion budget surplus to the four largest deficits in our nation’s history (up to $413 billion). Our children will have to pay for this, and in doing so, many will leave Maine to find higher-paying jobs to bear their share.

Consider her support for the elimination of the estate tax. The real beneficiaries are the children of the extremely wealthy: They don’t live here, but we and our children will pay to support their Paris Hilton lifestyles.

Consider her steady support for the Iraq war. According to the National Priorities Project, Bangor has shelled out nearly $26 million and Maine approximately $1.3 billion for this colossal mistake.

Due to the Bush-Collins economic policies, we face a weak dollar overseas and the prospect of a recession at home. Meanwhile, back in Maine, we can’t keep our schools open, budgets are slashed and our neighbors go without health care.

Yes, Sen. Collins has left a real economic legacy here.

George Schelling

Orland