Fred Nehring (“Hawke needs to be family friendly,” April 22, 2015) may share our Boothbay ZIP code, but his business and economic views seem to come from a distant planet.

It is difficult for Rep. Hawke to "pick up the phone" as Nehring wishes, and address his concerns unless he modifies his unrealistic mindset. Few businesses can afford to give him the workplace benefits and protections he feels he has "earned." How can an employee command lifetime immunity from injury or job loss? Nehring attacks Rep. Hawke unfairly by claiming she is "taking workers' hard earned protections in the name of being business friendly." That's ridiculous, she hasn't been in Augusta long enough to do that much damage. Be assured, she has no plans to punish Maine's working community.

Why does Nehring attack her? What makes him think she should be held responsible for his misguided notions about business and family? She's one of the most charitable, hardworking and committed leaders in our community. Nehring should find another windmill to tilt. Currently, Hawke and most other small business owners are doing all they can to meet their payroll obligations and still stay in business. Stephanie recommends when Fred visits her in Augusta that he also share his heartfelt concerns with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. His views may not put the State House on its ear, but at least he will get a snootful of economic and political reality.

Nehring's belief that business friendly people like Rep. Hawke and Bath Iron Work's President Harris are overpaid adds no flotation to his unseaworthy thesis. Most Maine lawmakers and shipyard subcontractors feel strongly that Mr. Harris is earning his salary. But take heart, there is something that Fred and Stephanie agree on — workers throughout the state deserve more money and better benefits. Sadly, Nehring's crusade won't create economic nirvana if he continues to bludgeon business owners like Hawke. Finally, Nehring and Hawke's "proxy" need to engage in more positive activities than finger-pointing. Let's become volunteers at the botanical gardens!

M.C. Keene Jr.

Boothbay