Commentary
Tax
Cap NO
I'm writing to respond to last week's commentary about
the tax cap.
Mr. Langan's facts regarding the Massachusetts tax
cap and Yarmouth taxes do not apply to Gray and New
Gloucester. Massachusetts allows 2.5% or $25 per thousand
for a tax rate. Most Maine towns, including Gray and
New Gloucester, fall well below that rate.
The Palesky tax cap is 1% or $10 per thousand based
on 1996 assessments. If we were to adopt the Massachusetts
plan, our towns and SAD#15 would see no changes.
If Question 1 (the Palesky tax cap) passes, our two
towns and the school district stand to lose millions
of dollars. These dollars pay for the services we
receive. Without them, we could not maintain our roads,
transfer station, fire and rescue equipment, library,
etc. and the schools would be devastated.
Mr. Langan complained about the high per pupil spending
in Yarmouth. In SAD#15, we spend 40% less per student
than Yarmouth and less than the average stated for
Acton, MA. Losing $1.3 million from the school budget
when we spend relatively small amounts per pupil would
cause severe disruptions.
Unlike Acton, MA where they lost 2 teachers, we would
lose 27 teachers. In this scenario, we would probably
close Russell and Memorial schools. Is this what we
want for our community?
Furthermore, the Palesky tax plan provides a windfall
to out-of-state residents who own vacation property
as well as to large corporations like Walmart. Why
would we offer huge tax cuts to those who can easily
afford the taxes? Shouldn't we focus on providing
relief to low and fixed income Mainers instead?
Many states have some form of tax cap but only California's
is as onerous as the Palesky cap. My friends in San
Diego were proud of their low taxes but are now looking
to spend at least $20,000 per year for private school
for their children because, in their words "
the public schools here stink". The few dollars
they've saved over the years in taxes won't pay for
even one year of private school for their boys.
California's schools were ruined by their tax cap
- is this the right plan for Maine?
Yes, we need tax reform but let's vote for the right
solution NOT the wrong one. Vote NO on Question 1.
Beth
P.Sutherland, New Gloucester resident
