Letters to the Editor

 

Letter to the Editor:

May people have been talking about taxes. How others are not paying their fair share. How our property taxes are too high.

How the State does not pay enough for education. How the wealthy should pay more. At last Wednesday's School Board meeting, I found out that we in Gray are the wealthy and that we need to pay more. In the latest revision of the school budget it is projected that we will receive less from the State because "can afford to pay more". Our property values and incomes are above the median. So we can pay it in property tax, or income tax, or in the form of increased fees, or some other "magic" not yet discussed.

I have seen some of the "magic" of shifting tax burdens. Now you see it, now you don't. What was a tax is now called a fee. Last year the school had an Activity Fee. This year it is simply called "pay to play". As a Police Chief in a small town in Massachusetts under Proposition 2 1/2, I saw plenty of gimmicks to act and react to funding problems.

On Sunday March 21st at 1 in Stimson Hall the Maine Public Policy Institute will be holding a presentation and discussion with local and state leaders on the effects of different tax models. It is important that you get the facts and learn how these changes can effect you. It will also be a good time to let your representatives know your thoughts on this important issue.

Thank you for your interest,

Bill Getz, Gray