To the Editor:
Most Maine people are independent-minded, but community and family oriented. We value and respect the basic rights of workers and families and providing for retirement. One of our strongest values is that of fairness. That’s why in March the Lincoln County Democratic Committee unanimously approved a statement calling on Governor LePage to reconsider his actions at the Dept. of Labor that disrespected Frances Perkins, her achievements, and legacy.
It is good to see that partisanship is not held in higher esteem than those Maine values, and I wish to acknowledge our state senator and Newcastle representative for finally writing a letter joining us in calling on the Governor to reconsider one of his decisions, recognizing the importance of Frances Perkins for her achievements, legacy, and the example she set for us all.
Frances Perkins’ legacy includes workplace safety, worker’s rights to organize, a living wage, the modern work week, child labor laws, and America’s self-funded safety-net – Social Security. She set an example not only in her public life, but also in her personal life, remaining steadfast in her beliefs and resourceful through difficult times, and acknowledging women’s rights in her writing about the decision to accept the first presidential cabinet position ever held by a woman.
To Governor LePage, I say it is now your turn to support Maine people’s values, and respect our Madam Secretary’s legacy. I ask that you retain the name of the “Frances Perkins Conference Room” at the Dept. of Labor in Augusta, and that you restore to its place there the mural commemorating the struggles of Maine men, women, and children to be treated fairly on some of the very issues Frances Perkins fought for.
Christopher Johnson, Somerville
