BANGOR – The Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce on Thursday morning voted to oppose the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, which will appear on the Nov. 7 ballot as Question 1.

In a statement released after the vote, the Chamber’s board of directors listed several reasons for their decision. The board concluded TABOR would “generate serious negative consequences,” including the erosion of local decision-making, and the underfunding of schools and public safety programs.

“The resulting climate would be harmful to the region’s businesses, industries and entrepreneurs – and those who depend on them for services, employment and community betterment,” the statement read.

TABOR would limit increases in state and local government spending to the rate of inflation plus population growth and require voter approval for all tax and fee increases.

Mary Adams, one of TABOR’s chief proponents, said she was disappointed in the Bangor Chamber’s vote, and called upon them to reconsider.

“They have now sided with the people who are anti-business and who want to see no change in the power structure which has contributed to Maine’s No. 1 tax burden,” Adams said of the Chamber’s action.

A link to the full text of the bill can be found at www.bangordailynews.com.