I long for the gentlemanly Republicans of a few years ago when you could have a substantive, intelligent disagreement with men such as former Govs. John McKernan and John Reed. When you were done, you could respect them even if you couldn’t agree.

Now, Republican extremists have taken over the party with the only goal being preventing opponents from accomplishing anything useful. I am afraid Democrats have taken that lesson to heart.

The current governor confuses rudeness with honesty. I would like to ask him:

If he is so concerned with the state budget, why did he spend a million dollars on a useless study — money that would have helped the counties pay for jails?

Why does he proclaim loudly that his policies are increasing jobs when I see businesses closing in Maine every day?

Why does he say he is lowering taxes when I see town taxes going up every year? I send money to the state (income and sales taxes plus fees). Why can’t he “revenue share” some of that money?

As for taxing nonprofits to compensate, my town has only two churches and those are failing themselves.

In response to Thomas Shields’ letter to the editor (Feb. 11) — rich is when you have enough money to pay your bills and have enough left over to buy health insurance. People could also be considered rich if they have estates valuable enough to qualify for inheritance taxes (which the governor wants to eliminate).

Marilyn Burgess, Leeds