I would like to comment on some of the recent developments in the town of Orono, mainly in regard to the revaluation of property. We all know, according to mandates of the State of Maine, that we are supposed to be at 100-percent value. I believe the part most people resent is that the values have gone up double, but the tax rate has not maintained the same percent of reduction. Apparently the new estimated tax rate is greatly in error or the new valuation is.

I predict, with all the expenditures, we will probably still be about a 16-mil tax. As long as we continue to be liberal with our budget, both town and school, and be led by different groups with petitions in hand, this will continue to escalate. I suggest we let the council run the town with the manager carrying out their wishes, and as new elections come about, replace councilors with competent people and help guide them in harmony. How can anyone know how to run a town unless they have been in business or had experience? At present the tail is wagging the dog with different departments trying to make demands that cannot be attained in a time when revenue is declining. Richard L. Smith Orono