Letters to the Editor

To the Editor:

Fire protection, police, public safety personnel, and our local public school systems would be devastated if the Palesky Tax Cap (Question 1) passes in November. If it passes, all municipal services will be negatively impacted, including those that help and protect children.

It is flawed with serious constitutional problems and will certainly cause an increase in state taxes to make up for the $687 million shortfall that Maine towns would face (U. of Maine study). There is no doubt our tax system needs reform to address high property taxes, but Palesky's plan takes a sledgehammer approach and goes way too far. Please join us in voting NO on November 2.

Gray-New Gloucester Teachers Association

As most of us know, Maine has one of the worst records in the country regarding our business climate and tax burden. Unfortunately, recent legislatures have chosen to ignore this situation, and in fact have continued to exacerbate the problem.

However, all is not lost. We, the voters of this state, have the power to undo the damage. Our state's constitution gives us the right to do ourselves, that which our legislature has been unable or unwilling to do, and in this case bring government spending and taxes back under control. At the polls next month, volunteers will be gathering signatures for a Taxpayer Bill of Rights or "TABOR" referendum.

TABOR allows reasonable government growth at all levels from State to local, including school districts, by managing or controlling such growth.
It is based on Colorado's "TABOR," but modified to be compatible with Maine and to provide budget stability.

It allows spending to increase no more that the rate of inflation plus population growth, thus eliminating wanton spending of surplus revenues.
It does allow for any necessary increases above this limit with approval of 2/3 of the governing body and by the voters.

In years where revenues exceed expenditures, it commits 80% of surpluses to a taxpayer relief fund for return to the taxpayers, and the remaining 20% to a dedicated budget stabilization fund to ensure fiscal stability.

It repeals indexing of the gas tax, ending the recently implemented automatic increases and unaccountability for these increases.

If you would like to learn more about this proposal, or would like to volunteer in the effort to gather signatures, please go to the web site: www.taxpayerbillofrights.com, or locally you may contact me at 657-4754 or gfoster@securespeed.net.

Gary Foster, Gray

Dear Editor:

First let me congratulate Rep. Austin for a perfect attendance record on roll call votes. It is not done often by Legislators.

Mr. [Gary] Foster claims a concept Rep Austin supports (constitutional amendment to limit spending) was not allowed to come to the floor [Letters to the Editor, 10-7-04]. Let it be clear that ALL BILLS submitted must be sent from Committee to the floor for action before the Legislature adjourns. The spring concept made for good Republican rhetoric and campaign fodder but no record of action. Will Rep. Austin be presenting such a bill if she is re-elected?

Mr. Foster praises Rep. Austin for being one of a few that voted against the State Budget. The question is why? Are you aware that 42% of the State Budget is returned to municipalities and counties. (documentation was attached to this letter). Had Rep. Austin's position prevailed, what property tax crisis would be faced with? Isn't Question #1 enough of a burden without supporting 42% less from the State?

I would ask Rep. Austin (and Mr. Foster, if he would like to) to give us her (and his) recommended spending cuts - before November 2nd. If you call for less State spending, then you - as an elected official - owe it to your constituents to outline where those cuts will be made before they cast a vote.

Respectfully,
Donnie Carroll, Gray

Skip Crane, Gray

I am writing to ask for your support in voting to return Karl Turner to the State Senate. Over the past 4 years Karl has been very responsive to the citizens of Gray. He has participated in several of our meetings and forums, from the turnpike to taxes, as well as other public events. Karl is hard working and knows the issues and people of Gray. From my political discussion at work I know that Karl is a highly respected team player with his Republican and Democratic colleagues.

Karl is the lead Republican on the Appropriations Committee. At a time when the battle for Tax Reform is great, whether the Tax Cap passes or not, we need to be represented by a Senator who understands economics and the state's budget. Karl has consistently voted to improve the economy and jobs in Maine. The Maine Economic Research Institute (MERI), a nonprofit, nonpartisan, research organization that tacks legislation to improve Maine'seconomy, scores Karl a 93 out of 100.

Karl has been a hard working senator representing the citizens of Gray. His 30 years of business experience and his experience in the legislature will be very important for a fair and equitable economic recovery. He is well respected and can get the job done. Please join me in voting for Karl Turner for State Senate.

Bill Getz, Gray

As I campaign door to door in New Gloucester I am often asked what I think about the upcoming vote on the Tax Cap so I thought I would share my beliefs here.

As a member of the Durham budget committee for the past four years, I have been proud of how we have made prudent financial decisions - and how, like in New Gloucester, each line item comes for a vote at a town meeting. On the local level, we decide where we want to spend or save money - we decide what makes good sense and what serves our community. For example, when we had the opportunity to contribute matching funds to a Homeland security grant to purchase a fire truck we were able to do it - with great savings to the town.

I believe in that kind of local control - the kind of control that would not be possible under the Tax Cap.

Second, although I feel disappointed that neither the Republicans nor the Democrats could agree on a tax relief package, I am more concerned that the tax cap will have long term and unintended consequences that will eliminate essential services we count on. This is not thoughtful tax reform - it is a meat cleaver that will decimate our towns and schools.

Finally, as a member of the State Chamber of Commerce I would like to suggest that some consideration be given to our tax relief plan. It is progressive so those who can afford it will pay more, it maintains local control, and it will cap the growth of government spending.

It is a product of a thoughtful process that involved ideas and opinions of hundreds of businesses and individuals.

To find out more about the Maine State Chamber of Commerce's plan you can go to
http://www.mainechamber.org/news1.asp.

Geoffrey Leighton
Durham, 207-353-7151

Dear Editor,

I wish to add my voice of support for the reelection of Michael Vaughan, Republican, State Representative District 105 New Gloucester and Durham. Michael has previously represented Durham and part of Brunswick. While in Augusta, Michael has distinguished himself as a thoughtful and intelligent representative. He understands the delicate balance between appropriate government regulation and a workable business climate. Some folks take exception to Vaughn's unwillingness to rubber stamp all environmental proposals.

Vaughn bases his decisions, environmental or otherwise, on thorough research and complete information of both sides. If Michael votes "no" on a bill, it will have failed to meet the following common sense principals: 1. Is it based on junk science? 2. does it pass the straight face test? 3. Does it kill jobs? 4.What does it cost the taxpayer in real dollars?

After 30 years of Democrat political dominance Maine now has the second highest tax burden in the US, the second highest health insurance costs in the US and the 48th least friendly business climate.

Republican, Mike Vaughn: has earned a 100% National Federation of Independent business rating, Honors the Tax Payers Protection Pledge, Member of the DHS reform group, MADAR, Supporter of legislative oversight group O.P.E.G.A, serves on the Financial and Insurance Committee, has a A rating from the NRA, is a past BIW shipyard worker, and is endorsed by Senator Susan Collins.

On November 2, please consider Mike Vaughn to serve as our next Representative.

Thank you,
Ed Mitchell, New Gloucester