As I understand it, with TABOR our tax-and- spend politicians are granted basically the same tax money for the next year that they spent this year plus an inflation adjustment plus a population adjustment. So let’s say inflation is 2 percent and Maine’s population increases 2 percent. That would in effect increase tax revenues for 2007 by some 4 percent.

Why is that so bad?

It does not stop school buses, starve children or senior citizens or even curb our welfare giveaways. If the next governor, the next mayor or the next school board legitimately need more money they go to their governing administrative body and present their case. If two-thirds of their elected or appointed peers agree, then we, the taxpayers, must also approve, by a simple majority, and the tax increase is approved.

Our politicians, every election year, say they are for lower taxes and smarter spending. What happens? We re-elect them and as a result, we, the Maine taxpayers, are rewarded with the highest per capita taxes in the country.

Let’s make sure the rascals, or their successors, get this message. Vote yes on TABOR!

Don Munson

Bangor