Welfare is a trap, though support services may help a bit. Then bang, you’re on your own. Welfare needs to change. When you’re on welfare, you learn to be poor. So begins the cycle. Being poor can lead to low self-esteem, and in turn, to depression, which runs to bad choices and decisions. This can take a lifetime to overcome or it can remain generational.

People want to feel pride. I have to believe people on welfare want to have a good job, support their families and to contribute to their communities. I know parents want their kids to have a better life than theirs. They want their children to aspire to a life outside of welfare. With Gov. LePage’s welfare reform, I believe people will have this opportunity.

Being from the Old Orchard Beach, Biddeford and Saco area, I have witnessed people obviously taking advantage of welfare and seen people who commit fraud. With LePage’s stance on welfare fraud and abuse, I know I will see less of this.

When I am in the voting booth on Nov. 4, I’ll be asking myself, “Do I want to see benefits going to an able-bodied person who may sell their food stamps or to a mémère who needs food stamps because she can barely afford her prescriptions?”

I believe Gov. LePage’s record has answered that for me.

Has it for you?

Colleen Caron, Biddeford