In the Sun Journal story, “Poland board surprised by hefty bill” (July 16), John Cleveland overcharged the taxpayers of Poland by 80 percent over budget. I can understand why taxpayers of Poland could be outraged by his action.

I would not normally worry about Poland town problems, since I live in Auburn, but Cleveland is also my problem. As my state Senate representative, his demonstrated wasteful fiscal tendencies have carried over into Augusta.

He supports more government spending by increasing Maine’s Medicare welfare rolls by 70,000 additional able-bodied people, and supports mandatory union fees instead of worker choice.

Cleveland should remember that he is spending other people’s money.

To be fair, I have never been a supporter of his, because I do not believe he has ever had the best interests of Maine taxpayers as his overriding goal.

It is time for a change. Maine need new ideas and leadership in Augusta.

George Mathews, Auburn