We didn’t have much when we were kids on the farm in Winslow, but my mother believed that even the poorest family could afford good manners. “When you’ve got nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all,” Mother directed, in an unyielding voice. (At 70, my mother can still milk a cow, build a barn and empty a chamber pot, so we don’t argue with her much.)

Unfortunately, Gov. John E. Baldacci and his high-powered political consultants are not abiding by this good old-fashioned Maine philosophy. The governor and his hired guns are saying “not nice” things about Question 1A – the People’s Proposal, which offers an immediate 15 percent property tax cut, on average, in 2004. Their denunciations are not only unkind; they are deliberately misleading and confusing.

Why are proponents of Question 1B saying “not nice” things about Question 1A? Because frankly they know that their own initiative is unappealing. The property taxp relief 1B promises is so far down the road it is in Massachusetts, and before it gets here (if ever) we are guaranteed at least two more years of property tax increases. So, when you’ve got nothing nice to say about your own initiative, the only recourse is to attack your opponent. This strategy might make your mother mad, but politically it is effective.

Maine voters, most of whom were raised by mothers similar to my own, have told me lately that they are confused. They want property tax relief and they want it now, but the attacks have them “leaning toward sawyers” (as Mother would say). So, I’ve created a quick Question 1 primer to help folks seeking property tax relief stay on course:

Question 1A: The people’s proposal. Crafted over a 1-year period by municipal officials frustrated by a decade of indifference from Augusta about the plight of property tax payers. A direct response to the legislature’s failure to keep its promise to pay 55 percent of K-12 education costs and to address property tax relief and tax reform. Put on the ballot by 100,000 Mainers in the largest signature gathering effort ever in the state. Offers immediate property tax cut of 15 percent (on average, this will vary somewhat by municipality) in 2004. Requires the legislature to look at the bigger issue of tax reform. Directs the state to come up with a tax burden management plan and offers incentives for municipalities and schools who find cheaper ways to operate.

Question 1B: The governor’s proposal (amended by the legislature). Cobbled together by politicians in two days during a special legislative session this summer. A direct response by those same politicians worried about 1A. Recognizes the need to keep the Legislature’s promise to fund 55 percent of K-12 education costs, but offers no immediate relief. Guarantees property tax increases over the next two years (with meaningful relief coming possibly in 2010). Allows the legislature to continue to ignore the bigger issues of tax reform and tax burden management. Enables the politicians in Augusta to continue with business as usual.

Question 1C: Neither of the above. Put on the ballot because this is how we do it in Maine when there is a competing measure to a citizen’s initiative. Provides for the status quo. Guarantees continuing property tax increases (with no relief on the horizon). Allows the legislature to continue to ignore the bigger issues of tax reform and tax burden management. Enables the politicians in Augusta to continue with business as usual.

So, there it is – a Question 1 primer. On Nov. 4, Mainers will be asked to vote for one of the above. And just in case you are wondering, Mother is voting “Yes” on 1A.

Jennifer Wixson is a selectman in Troy, and tri-captain of Citizens to Reduce Local Property Taxes Statewide.