This state’s indigent legal representation arrangements are in violation of the United States Constitution (“Civil rights board seeks Department of Justice investigation of Maine indigent defense services,” Sept. 15). How much longer is this to be tolerated? The onus is on our legislators and, more importantly, on our governor, to establish a permanent system of hired, not voluntary, attorneys, for representation of indigent persons charged with criminal offenses.

How did anyone ever think that this voluntary system, which has gone on for so many decades, would provide adequate representation?

Gov. Mills is a good person, but she is way off on this one.

Richard Wolfe
Cumberland