Tax protesters demand Maine lawmakers reconvene on budget shortfall

AUGUSTA – Nearly 200 tax protesters staged a rally at the State House on Saturday, demanding that lawmakers reconvene to deal with a $240 million revenue shortfall and curb government spending.

“Special session, not re-election! Can you hear us now?” asked organizer Ray Richardson of Westbrook, speaking alongside the Capitol that, as usual on a weekend, was closed to the public and virtually deserted.

Rally participants waved American flags and displayed signs bearing a variety of anti-tax slogans.

“Stop spending my money,” was one. Another read: “Government bloodsuckers are killing the economy.”

Among the speakers was longtime tax foe Mary Adams of Garland, who likened the demonstrators to American heroes from the Revolutionary era.

Adams invited the protesters to pressure political candidates to sign a “taxpayer protection pledge” vowing to oppose “any and all efforts to increase taxes.”

Another speaker, Debi Davis of Raymond, enlisted supporters for a fledgling petition drive aimed at forcing a vote on a “property and income tax relief and government spending reform citizens’ initiative.”

The proposal would have the state reimburse Maine citizens for property taxes paid on the first $50,000 of a primary residence through an income tax credit, phased in over four years.

It would also eliminate the state’s lowest income tax bracket and cut other income tax rates by 20 percent over four years.

Additionally, the proposal would seek to limit the growth of government spending by linking it to inflation and population growth, while providing a formula for voters to override the limit.

Among the observers at the rally were two gubernatorial candidates: Republican Peter Cianchette, who was credited by Adams for supporting her anti-tax pledge, and Green Independent Jonathan Carter.

“No, I haven’t signed that and I won’t sign it,” Carter said with a laugh while standing with other spectators.

Carter said he too was concerned about taxes, but that he also would be concerned about major cuts in government programs that could drive up property tax levels.

Cianchette said he felt right at home at the rally.

“This crowd has a message that’s in direct alignment with my campaign message,” he said.