TABOR isn't a
homegrown idea

Copyright © 2006 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.

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Interesting juxtaposition on the Sept. 27 op-ed page. On the one hand we have George Smith talking about what he believes will and will not happen if TABOR (Taxpayer Bill of Rights) is passed and on the other a rancher from Colorado talking about what actually happened in his state when it was passed. Hmm, who to believe? Someone who is basing his opinion on beliefs or one who is talking about facts and reality?

If you're still having trouble coming to a conclusion, here are some more facts to think about. TABOR is not the home-grown initiative its supporters say it is. It and other initiatives on the ballot across the country are being brought to Maine by millionaires Howard Rich and Grover Norquist, neither of whom have any actual connection to what's going on in this state. I doubt that they understand that local control is important to the people who live here, that what might work in Portland is not necessarily what's going to work in Presque Isle. But that is what this initiative is -- a cookie cutter approach to a problem that should have a thoughtful solution. Tax reform needs to occur but TABOR is not the answer.

Let's learn from the Colorado experience of increased fees, the loss of critical services and a host of unexpected problems that moved the state to the bottom of the economic ladder in the Rocky Mountain region.

Bruce Olson

Waterville

bro27@adelphia.net