How to help Don’s Lunch

I am new senior resident of Westbrook. The article (Feb. 12) on the action of the Maine Department of Revenue closing down Don’s Lunch is sad.

Generally, a strong case can be made to the state collection efforts to work withmthe owner if there is tax representation by an accountant and sound accounting practices in place.

It appears that there is no accountant associated with the business and it has had a history of late filing of its state meals taxes.

I think the owners are giving up too quickly. I am especially concerned about the welfare of the employees terminated by the closing.

Are there accountants in the area that would be willing to file a power of attorney and work with the owners to put together a workout agreement? It seems that the only course is for the community to come together and provide a Westbrook answer to this problem. The Department of Revenue should not have the final say when eight people are losing their jobs.

I appreciate your story and hope the governor will step in to help while a more structured solution is put together.

From my point of view, I think the local accountants should be the first to roll up their sleeves and help this situation and provide temporary bookkeeping services and a short-term loan from a local bank or credit union. Time is limited for action needed.

Stephen Strout

Westbrook