Whether or not the president should establish a national monument in the great north woods has become a subject of regional and perhaps national interest.

Emily Cain, the Democratic candidate for Congress in the Second District, believes that the issue should be decided on the basis of whether a national monument would be good for Maine’s economy and create jobs.

In contrast, Congressman Bruce Poliquin has tried to convert the issue into a political football to gain personal publicity and curry favor with opponents of the monument designation. With that in mind, he organized what the Bangor Daily News described as a “sham” hearing, chaired by a congressman from Utah who had already declared his opposition. Poliquin did not bother to attend the hearing to hear his constituents’ conflicting views on the matter.

Emily Cain attended the hearing and is prepared to decide the issue on its merits.

Curtis Webber, Auburn