Within our means

Last fall we heard many promises from all the candidates that if elected they would take steps to reform the tax system, reduce taxes and keep spending under control. Here is the record so far.

One of the state’s biggest industries is tourism. With the high gas prices, tourism will probably be down this year. Augusta’s solution for this problem is to raise the meals and lodging tax and vote to increase the gas tax as well.

Just to make sure they got it right, they are also considering adding a sales tax on gasoline to raise the price even more. Another tax reform being considered is to bring back the snack tax.

Maine needs businesses to invest in the state and create jobs. As if the mess with Penn National wasn’t enough to discourage out-of-state businesses, I read that we are now going to double tax them. No doubt Maine’s reputation as an unfriendly place to conduct business remains intact. Finally, there is the governor’s promise to veto any tax reform.

Instead of the promised tax and spending cuts, all I have heard from Augusta is new taxes, tax increases, new spending, new borrowing and massive new programs to add costs and regulations onto businesses.

Just once, I would like to see a real tax cut or a real spending cut or a new spending proposal voted down. Cutting one tax while increasing another is not a tax cut or real tax reform.

It is time those in Augusta started to live within their means just as the rest of us have to do. I would also like to see a promise kept, but I suppose that is too much to ask of any politician.

Timothy Grant

Glenburn