Dear Editor:

I would like to add my comments to those expressed recently.

No, we are not some sleepy, dying backwater. Aside from a booming summer tourist business, we have a lot going for us.

There is our boatbuilding with its deep roots, which is experiencing a renaissance. Hodgdon Yachts is acclaimed for its composites and even has defense contracts. Boothbay Harbor Shipyard (formerly Sample's) is acclaimed all over the East coast for work on wooden vessels.

We have two fine marine laboratories, Bigelow and the Department of Marine Resources. Bigelow is expanding and could be for us what Jackson Lab is for Bar Harbor.

Our health care industry, despite the loss of our hospital, continues to expand as our retirees grow older. I know from personal experience that St. Andrews' rehab program is excellent; it is the reason my knee joint surgery was successful.

In these resources lie the answers to the problems mentioned recently — youth and year-round unemployment.

I agree with our governor that not everyone need college. Germany has long had a system which may date back to the Middle Ages. After primary education, everyone chooses either an academic career or a trade, which is what their secondary education prepares them for. Those not going to college choose two trades and need to be proficient in both, thus assuring employment.

Not all marine lab jobs are high-tech or require college. I worked several years ago for Bigelow as a lab assistant. I am sure there are still some jobs available. While the job was routine, I got to meet and rub shoulders with the scientists, which is a stimulating experience for anyone.

Many entry level health care and mental health jobs only require a high school education and a Maine driver's license.

When the Bounty was in Boothbay Harbor, I saw a high school student working on the ship. There is a romance to all vessels, which makes working with or on them more than just a job.

These are just a few of the opportunities available, but there are probably others I do not know about.

Frances Bredeau

Boothbay Harbor