News
New
Statewide Organization Launched to Advocate Tax Reform
Yarmouth - Concerned that Maine's highest-in-the-nation
tax burden is literally forcing citizens out of their
homes and costing many jobs, Common Sense for Maine
Taxpayers (CSMT) has shifted its focus from opposition
to the Maine Municipal Association's Question 1A to
the broader task of promoting tax reform.
Common Sense for Maine Taxpayers is a PAC created
by Bob Stone of Lewiston to oppose tax reform questions
1A and 1B on last Fall's ballot, and resulted in question
1C.
CSMT has been transformed into a statewide coalition
of local taxpayer groups, citizen's organizations
and individuals, all of whom share the conviction
that government spending must be brought under control.
The group initially got together through the efforts
of John "Jack" Wibby of Littlejohn Island,
Yarmouth, "whose taxes increased to the point
where he is facing the possibility of being forced
from his home," said treasurer Gary Foster.
The first meeting was held on November 21, 2003 at
Friendly's restaurant in Freeport with 9 people in
attendance.
The third and most recent meeting was held January
13 at McDonald's restaurant in Freeport with 31 attendees.
Among those in attendance were concerned individuals
and representatives from taxpayer associations in
Kennebunk, Biddeford, Yarmouth, North Yarmouth, Windham,
Bristol, Jefferson, Portland, Brunswick, and also
individuals from numerous communities.
CSMT already has a membership roster of several hundred
individuals drawn from tax activist organizations
across the State.
Among the actions under consideration by CSMT is promotion
of a taxpayer's bill of rights (TABOR) - which would
limit state spending to inflation plus increases in
population growth - and passage of a property tax
cap.
The next scheduled CSMT public meeting is 8 a.m.,
Tuesday, February 10, at McDonald's in Freeport. As
membership grows, the location may change, call for
more information. Currently any interested party is
welcome to attend the public meetings. Representatives
from local taxpayer associations are especially encourage
to participate.
Bob Stone of Lewiston is one of the original 9 participants.
Betsy Chapman of the Maine Public Policy Institute,
another of the original 9, gave a presentation of
the institute's STAMP, or State Tax Analysis Modeling
Program, which projects the effect of various taxation
scenarios on job growth (or loss) and economic growth
(or decline).
For more information contact:
Jack Wibby (846-4426, jackwibby@msn.com)
Steven Scharf (774-9393, SCSMedia@aol.com)
Or visit CSMT's website - www.mainetaxpayer.com
CSMT's Officers are:
Jack Wibby of Yarmouth - Chair
Steve Scharf of Portland - Vice Chair
Charlene Krug of Durham - Secretary and webmaster
Gary Foster of Gray - Treasurer
Jay Finegan of North Yarmouth - Public relations officer
