For shame, Gov. John Baldacci, you sound like an old-time Republican, promising no increased taxes while cutting services to our most needy and vulnerable citizens.

Talk about penny-wise and pound-foolish. The cuts you have asked for will end up costing the state more as unhelped disturbed youths become disturbed adults, victims of domestic violence are ignored, foster parents will feel unable to afford to care for special-needs children and frail seniors in need are tossed to the wind.

But don’t worry, governor, these people don’t vote. It’s the people who pay taxes who vote and your moves won’t make them angry. However, I pay taxes and, in spite of not liking them any more than anyone else, I believe we are “our brothers’ keepers” and a tax increase is warranted under the current circumstances.

Maynard Clemons

Belfast