Fred Nehring's letter (Letters, 4/16) claims "business friendly" politicians like State Rep. Stephanie Hawke contribute to a declining standard of living for wage earners. He demands higher pay and more benefits for workers despite the risks involved in business ownership. To me and many others, it sounds like he's dusted off a few illogical scribblings from Eugene Debbs and Norman Thomas.

Because of Nehring's interesting philosophical predispositions, many Boothbay Register readers breathlessly look forward to his frequent and exciting editorial offerings. You never know, perhaps next week he'll want us to askew business ventures completely and return to a hunting and gathering society. Or better yet, he may advocate not working at all and let Big Brother pick up the tab. Use caution, however, don't be a follower. Just because Nehring holds passionate views doesn't mean he speaks truth — or even makes sense.

Some of what Nehring says about Stephanie are true. She is "business friendly." She particularly wants to help nurture and support small businesses. Unlike Mr. Nehring, however, she is realistically mindful of today's difficult economic climate — high taxes, stifling regulations, workers comp, fraud, liability insurance expenses, and yes, illegal activities by a small percentage of unscrupulous business owners who make life difficult for honest employers.

Nehring could learn a great deal about business and economic opportunity if he spent some time discussing his viewpoints with some of the top guns at Bath Iron Works. After all GDBWI was once a small business enterprise and now is one of the keystones of Maine's economy.

Mr. Nehring claims he wants to speak with Rep. Hawke. Hawke says she has returned his calls and has never received an email from him. She's sure because she doesn't erase her messages like some folks do. Nehring even traversed to Augusta to speak with her while she was in legislative session and was upset she didn't meet with him. He didn't forewarn her of his visit and she never knew he was in town.

Stephanie says she would be happy to meet with Mr. Nehring and discuss his concerns over a cup of coffee and an oil change at Hawke Motors.

M.C. Keene Jr.

Boothbay