On Dec. 14, I traveled to Augusta to testify in support of LD 1, Gov. Baldacci’s comprehensive tax reform package.

Throughout the day, I listened as dozens of Mainers approached the dais in support of the package. A common theme that sounded from each person’s testimony is that Maine’s property taxes are out of control and much too high. There was universal agreement that change is needed.

One of the beauties of Baldacci’s plan is the introduction of spending caps. Simply put, without effective spending caps to limit government expenditures, we can have all the tax reform we can take, but we won’t see tax relief.

I appreciate the work of Baldacci and the Legislature on meaningful tax reform that will lead to substantive tax relief. As the current session of the Legislature continues its deliberations on this important issue, I urge support for spending caps that will enable Maine government to provide true tax relief.

Jim Oliver

Controller, Domtar’s Woodland mill

Baileyville