Dean Crocker, the state’s ombudsman for children’s service wrote in an op-ed column (“A better, smarter way to deliver children’s services,” BDN, Nov. 8-9): “In many cases better care can be less expensive care.” Mr. Crocker then goes on to cite evidence-based practice to back up the state’s decision to enact draconian cuts to children’s mental health.

These cuts have gutted children’s services, not improved them. The Baldacci administration has balanced the budget on the backs of the weakest, most vulnerable of Maine’s people, damaging a generation of children, destroying several agencies, and losing many good paying jobs.

Jim Alciere

East Machias