I was deeply disappointed to learn that the governor of Maine chose to threaten the president of the United States with a lawsuit during a sponsored brunch attended by governors from across the country. Surely I must be misinformed, I thought. Such behavior would be highly unprofessional, undignified and entirely out of place — especially coming from the great state of Maine.

What exactly was the goal in publicly insulting and threatening legal action against the president? This approach does not reflect the values of leadership or diplomacy.

Furthermore, if our governor believes that most Mainers support boys (identifying as girls) being permitted in the girls’ locker rooms, I fear she is gravely mistaken. Many citizens in western and northern Maine are struggling with real challenges: rising costs, housing displacement, fentanyl abuse, crime and economic hardships. The concerns of lifelong Mainers, working to heat their homes and provide for their families, should take precedence over puerile political theatrics. Leadership should be about representing and serving all Mainers, not just those who have recently arrived or hold the loudest voices.

I urge Gov. Mills to reconnect with the people of Maine, in all 16 counties, listen to their concerns, and focus on solutions that truly support the well-being of our communities. Her actions on Feb. 21 were appalling. What did this do for the vast majority of us? Is this the kind of leadership Maine wants to be known for?

Maura Mulcahy Seymour
South Addison