47th District representatives Mark Hargrove, Pat Sullivan and Sen. Joe Fain met with the citizens this past Saturday for a lively discussion of the issues they are grappling with as they try to find the best ways to balance the state budget.

Most of us listened politely as questions were asked and answers given. Most of us understand that we have a serious problem because government at every level has grown far too large to be sustainable. Most of us have made adjustments to live within our means.

Sadly, a small, loud, well-organized group was in attendance with a selfish agenda, one which shows they don’t care about the rest of us. One of them made it clear she was all in favor of raising your taxes to protect their special interest funding.

A guy next to me said it best, “My pockets are empty, lady!”

Thank you Mark, Pat and Joe, for stepping into the fire and make no mistake about it: State spending must be cut!

You simply have no choice. Even our governor understands this.

Peter M. Hawley

Covington