This advertising headline in the local newspapers caught my attention. Being a somewhat new resident to Maine, I have become concerned with the financial problems the state faces: our standing as a state with challenging demographics, high taxation and our troubled education system, with lower enrollment yet higher costs. Wanting to learn more about these situations, I attended a talk being given by Sawin Millett at the Rockland Library.

Mr. Millett has served 45 years in the state government. He has worked with five governors and has served as commissioner of education, associate commissioner of Mental Health Retardation and Substance Abuse Services, and most recently as commissioner of the Budget and State Finance. He handed out pages of graphs, charts and figures that made my head spin, but by the end of the hour he had made a vastly complicated subject clear and understandable. Mr. Millett didn't lecture, he didn't offer hyperbole or solutions, but explained what the monetary charts and statistics meant, what systems have been implemented in the past, what has worked and what hasn't. I now have a better grasp on the situation, and am better able to ask intelligent questions of my candidates and be a more informed voter.

I was disappointed in the small number of people present. The event was at noon at the Rockland library and was well advertised. It was non-partisan and benefited Help Heat Homes, a worthy cause in our area. And, not only was lunch provided by Atlantic Baking Company, but donations to attend were offset by coupons for over 30 local restaurants who wished to support the cause.

What surprised me, a registered Democrat, was not seeing any Democratic or Independent candidates in the audience. I did see several Republican candidates there, taking notes.

But what really surprised and appalled me was that there were no reporters in attendance to hear someone who The Bangor Daily News has described as being one of the 10 most influential political figures in Maine. His message was of great importance to us all and is certainly newsworthy. Many work and can't take the time in the middle of the day to attend such events. I believe it is our media's responsibility to keep us informed, especially on something as important and newsworthy as Mr. Millett's expertise on issues that affect us all.

Elizabeth May lives in Tenants Harbor