TABOR forum set in East Machias Impact of initiative to be aired tonight

EAST MACHIAS – The proposed Taxpayer Bill of Rights – the so-called TABOR initiative – will be discussed this evening in a forum at the Elm Street School.

The event, open to the public, takes place at 6 p.m.

Organized by the East Machias Board of Selectmen, the forum will provide information on the initiative that will appear as Question 1 on the ballot on Nov. 7.

The discussion will focus on:

. How TABOR’s budgeting and voting requirements would be implemented by the towns and cities, schools, counties and utility districts.

. TABOR’s formula-based budget impacts.

. Similarities and differences between the Maine version of TABOR and Colorado’s TABOR, upon which Maine’s version of TABOR is roughly based. Colorado adopted TABOR in 1992.

. How TABOR would interact with Maine’s existing spending limitation system for the municipalities, counties (LD 1) and schools (Essential Programs and Services).

Representing supporters of the citizen-initiated referendum are Mary Adams of Garland and Terry Bragdon of the Maine Heritage Policy Center.

Representing opponents are Geoff Herman of the Maine Municipal Association and Mark Gray of the Maine Education Association.

The public will have the opportunity to ask questions.