Letters to the Editor
Vote no on TABOR
Dear Independent,On Nov. 7, Election Day, Question One will be the Taxpayer Bill of Rights or TABOR. This is on the ballot because enough signatures were gathered, mostly at the voting places where you exit the building. Knowing that organizing these efforts takes money, I was interested about where the money came from.
I've learned from a number of sources such as Public Radio and his own web site, that Howard S. Rich, a New York City billionaire real estate developer and libertarian in the Ayn Rand tradition, funds this initiative in Maine and across the country. He believes that government should only exist to protect the country from outside attack and everything else should be governed by free market forces. He funds TABOR initiatives because they serve to shrink government. You might ask why someone would care who funds the initiative if it has merit. But this initiative does not fit in Maine because it was not created to fit into our laws. It is a disruptive wedge.
Here is what Attorney General Steven Rowe says about TABOR: "My office has already rendered an opinion that the revenue raising limitations in TABOR (i.e., requirement of two-thirds vote of Legislature and majority of citizens) violate Article IX, Section 9 of the Maine Constitution which prohibits the Legislature from surrendering or suspending the power of taxation. Therefore, to the extent that these provisions remained in an amended bill, albeit with certain municipal exemptions, they would most likely be unconstitutional (personal communication email through Kinley Gregg). If you are interested in learning about a real action plan for Maine's future, read the Brookings Institute plan that was just completed (brookings.edu/metro/pubs/maine/southern.pdf) sponsored by GrowSmart Maine (growsmartmaine.org).
These are thoughtful ideas that make sense for Maine, not a draconian rubber stamp that creates chaos as the TABOR does.
As a footnote, now that I have learned about the outside and very personal sources of funding for these ballot initiatives, I will not be signing my name to them anymore. It seems that what you think you are voting for and what you are really voting for are two different things.
Patty Hymanson
Chairperson, York School Committee
Vote Yes on Articles 14 and 17
Dear Independent,On York's town warrant this Nov. 7, residents will be asked to consider a range of York Comprehensive Plan amendments. These amendments have the unanimous support of both the Board of Selectmen and the York Planning Board. Two specific articles within the proposed Comprehensive Plan amendments, Article 14, Establish a Land Conservation Policy for Water Supply Areas and Article 17, Regional Coordination for the Mount Agamenticus to Sea Conservation Initiative, encourage conservation of York's remarkable natural resources.
Vote Yes on Article 14. This article will "maintain and expand upon the excellent efforts … undertaken to protect (drinking) water supplies." The article recognizes the century of watershed management by the water districts and is a vision statement for ensuring that York's drinking water remains as affordable and pure into the future as it is today.
Yes on Article 17. This article emphasizes that York's natural resources are best protected when managed and planned regionally. The article address the "…Town's objective to work collaboratively with other stakeholders to sustain this region's natural resources in perpetuity."
Certainly, careful thought by York's planners has gone into the suggested Comprehensive Plan amendments. Passage of the proposed Articles 14 and 17 will contribute to York's legacy of community involvement in maintaining the town's desirable quality of life.
Karen Arsenault
President, York Land Trust
Letters, cards needed for troops
Dear Independent,I have happily lived in York with my husband for the past six years and I love it here. I have a special request to ask of you this holiday season. Our son, Spc. Steven Ziegler, is over in Iraq in the Special Operations Unit, Tenth Mountain Division.
He calls whenever he can, but it is not too often and he can't say where he is and what he is doing. He has said that the unit he is in has the need for candy and cards from anybody that would like to write to them. Some of the soldiers, he said, are very homesick and do not have someone as annoying as I am blocking up all their email.
They would like to have cards from children if someone's class would like to tackle that.
My friend at York Corner Gardens, David Coombs, will gladly collect anything you bring and we will box it and send it. York Corner Gardens is open everyday except Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
If that is not convenient, you can drop off at Libby's Oceanside Camp where my husband's employer, Norman Davidson, will happily assist with this effort.
My husband and I would like to thank you for anything you would like us to send over to Iraq.
Sincerely,
Susan and Ken Knight York
Be first to "Go Green"
Dear Independent,What if - York turned a corner and began truly trying to be more environmentally conscientious?
What if - We could persuade our numerous builders to put solar heating in new construction?
What if - All electric bulbs were changed in the schools and public buildings to reduce high cost of lighting?
What if - We could persuade people to carpool or use public transportation?
What if - We all tried to conserve water, not let the shower run so long, etc.?
What if - We all really tried to be more aggressive in safeguarding our world?
What if - We all sent e-mail requests to public servants; i.e., selectmen, town manager, school superintendent?
What if - We stressed the need to become foremost in Maine to "Go Green" for environment, our heritage, for our town?
Cynthia Raymond
York
Layman for commissioner
Dear Independent,Gloria Layman is running for re-election as our county commissioner in District 5, which includes Kittery, York, Wells, Ogunquit and Eliot. Many people in the area remember Bill Layman, her late husband, who was our county commissioner for almost 10 years and commission chairman for most of that time.
After Bill died, Gloria was chosen by the York County Democratic Committee to fill out the remainder of his term and she has worked tirelessly at the job ever since. Needless to say, during those years when Bill Layman held the position, Gloria learned a good deal about how the commission works.
Why is it important to have someone in this job who knows what they're doing? One major reason is that the commission is funded by the property taxes of the towns in York County and the high valuation towns in District 5 are among those that pay the highest share. We need to be sure our money is well spent and Gloria has already been through the arduous task of cutting more than $3.2 million from the county budget under the state mandate in LD1. Her experience in this and other matters will be invaluable in the next four years.
Gloria has also shown her leadership skills in various other community roles, as past president of the York Senior Council, as a member of the executive board of the Seacoast Shipyard Association that worked to save the Portsmouth-Kittery Shipyard, as past vice-president of the American Legion Auxiliary in York, past president and vice president of York's AARP chapter, for many years a member of York's Board of Voter Registration and the main sparkplug behind the creation of the Fisherman's Memorial in York Harbor.
It has been my pleasure to know Gloria as a friend and colleague for almost 40 years. I urge everyone to return her to office for a full four-year term.
Neil Rolde
York
Lemont for senate
Dear Independent,We're all starting to think about who we are going to be voting for; who's the best candidate. Granted, I am not sure about all the other candidates in all the other races; I do know for sure that for Kittery's state senate candidate I will be voting for Ken Lemont. Over all my many years living here in Kittery, I have never seen a person who works harder and cares more about the people he represents than Ken.
Ken served for 12 years up in Augusta and he continuously has fought to lower taxes and reduce health insurance costs. He was even instrumental in helping to get thousands of dollars allocated to save the shipyard. Ken knows exactly the problems we face in southern Maine because he is from here. Ken has spent a lifetime fighting for our community and protecting our interests. That is why I will be voting for Ken Lemont for state senate on Nov. 7.
Wilma Rideout
Kittery
Vote Woodcock, TABOR
Dear Independent,A suffocating tax climate and a ghastly health insurance market. Maine can play the "quality of life" card just so many times before people decide it's not worth the price. Can you pass these tests? Are your children moving out of ME? Can you afford health insurance? Are you secretly envious of NH and Mass lower tax rates? If Mass can get the "tax" out "Taxachusetts" there is hope for ME.
Please consider Chandler Woodcock for governor. For state representative, Kathleen D. Chase, Wells District 147. Support TABOR. Despite dire predictions, no one will die and the sky will not fall. Living within one's means is a good thing. Whoever stole ME's checkbook needs to return it. Suggestions:
1.) Rate the governor on ME's placement on the list of the most expensive tax jurisdictions. ME can only improve. If you owned an out of state business, would you locate in Maine for the privilege of paying criminally high taxes and health insurance premiums? Would you expand an existing business in ME? Let's get a state budget that drops ME out of the top 30 most expensive states and spends only what we can afford.
2.) Create competition among health insurers. This does not mean the cost shifting of Dirigo Health. Whatever spin is put on Dirigo Health, you can be sure you and I are footing the bill. There is a state out there that has a better solution and has done the leg work. Our legislators don't need to reinvent the wheel. They just need to make the call.
3.) Now, with a friendly tax climate (cold weather notwithstanding) and competitive health insurance market, the business community will stop leaving ME. Development authorities will now have something to offer existing ME and out of state businesses in addition to quality of life.
4.) With jobs plentiful, ME youth will not be forced to leave the state for lack of opportunity. The dollars invested in the state education system will stay in ME.
Final thoughts: State legislators need to stand up and set a budget in line with state revenue. State spending reductions may not make you popular with everyone but such action brings Maine into the competitive 21st century. ME is in a fight for its life. Your sons and daughters, neighbors and friends will thank you. I thank you.
Robert L. Johnson CPA/PFS
Wells
TABOR is a bad idea
Dear Independent,I write not as a candidate for Kittery Town Council - although I am - and not as chair of Town Council, on which I have served for six years. Rather, I write as private citizen, urging Maine voters on Nov. 7 to reject TABOR - the so-called Taxpayers Bill of Rights.
TABOR imposes artificial caps on municipal spending and removes a community's ability to make its spending decisions. States where similar tax initiatives passed have seen economic stagnation. We can't allow that to happen in Kittery. Rather Kittery and its citizens need to continue to find ways to expand the non-property tax base, support a school system which prepares our young people for tomorrow's challenges - all while keeping Kittery the quiet and affordable Seacoast town that we love.
The last few years Kittery has made some significant strides toward improving services and modernizing town systems. They would have been very difficult, perhaps even impossible, if TABOR had been in place. For example, we are close to completing a new fire station in Kittery and a renovated one in Kittery Point. A strong fire department, and our volunteer force, is considered among the best - I'd say the best - in Maine, keeps insurance rates down and protects the value of our homes. Under the leadership of our town manager, just voted the Manager of the Year for the whole state, we have revamped our municipal finance system. The upgrades did include upfront expenditures, but they are resulting in long-term savings for residents and have contributed to the town's improved bond rating. That improved bond rating has saved the town money and contributed to offsetting the tax burden. Making the timely decisions necessary for these improved services and savings would have been very difficult in TABOR-world. With the diligent work of the manager, staff and School Department, Kittery has a 1.76 percent tax increase for the 2006-2007 year.
The biggest challenge now facing Kittery, which Town Council and the School Committee are now tackling, is how we maintain municipal services, provide our children with the best education possible and not see all our personal income go to pay property taxes. What we are working on is a more efficient way of running town government and schools. This process has started and with input from residents we hope to look beyond the borders of Kittery, reaching out to our neighbors in York and Eliot, to see if we can all benefit together. This sort of local planning and control just will not be possible under TABOR. TABOR takes control away from localities and the people, who know best what is good for their communities.
TABOR is just a bad idea. Please join me in voting no on TABOR, Nov. 7.
Ann H. Grinnell
Kittery Point
Remember Iraq on Nov. 7
Dear Independent,I have a lot of angst about the misguided direction our country has been taking with the Bush Administration but nothing compares to the anger and sadness I felt when I heard the new numbers of the Iraqi civilians killed since we invaded that country. More than 650,000! I have felt sick and ashamed of myself and my country ever since these figures have been published. These are civilians, women, children, the elderly. Children the age of my three daughters, innocents, victims of American hubris, greed and ignorance.
We keep being told that our soldiers are dying and our nation going into catastrophic debt because we have to stay in Iraq to help the Iraqis. Now it turns out that our invasion and occupation has led to the death of 655,000 of those same Iraqis, according to the Johns Hopkins study. So why are we still there?
This is yet another case of Americans not getting the whole story about Iraq. We got bad information about the WMD, about the number of troops that were needed and about being greeted as liberators, but this may be the worst yet: the cover-up of the killing of hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians. President Bush keeps claiming the number of civilians killed is 20 times lower than the study written by Johns Hopkins researchers and published in the medical journal The Lancet. Who should we believe?
Have we no shame? Have we no remorse for all these "inadvertent casualties" of our war of choice in Iraq? We can not allow this carnage to continue in our name. Remember this when you visit the voting booth on Nov. 7.
Sincerely,
Sarah M. Brown
Kittery
Maine needs Republican control
Dear Independent,The legislature has been under the control of one party for a quarter of a century. During that time of unparalleled prosperity, Maine has become the first state in taxation and the last state in opportunity. We have an excellent and expensive university system in which we educate fine young people who cannot find work in Maine and go to other states with lower taxes and more opportunity. Cumberland County and York County support the state. To expect this situation to continue is not smart.
The candidates of that party are attractive, decent people nominated for good reasons, but not for their qualifications to try to solve our problems. These problems can only be solved if the control of the legislature is changed by electing more Republicans. The opposition senatorial candidate has a brave and long Navy record, but there is no indication that the Navy experience can affect the legislature. The opposition house candidates are fine persons, easy on the eyes and without qualifications.
Our situation requires the election of Ken Lemont; Ken served eight long years until restricted by term limits; he and his fine family are lifelong residents of Kittery; he has been a lobsterman all his life; of Windol Weaver, to the house from District 150, a 24-year resident with his family, after long and distinguished service in the Air Force, and Brad Moulton, another lifelong resident with many generations of family behind him in York. The attacks on Brad are without merit or justification. These candidates, if elected, can help solve Maine's serious problems. I urge all to vote for them, and not to be misled by the hype manufactured on behalf of their opponents.
Respectfully submitted,
John P. Campbell
York
Treasurer post questioned
Dear Independent,As a concerned voter, I question whether Nancy Auclair's candidacy for the position of York County Treasurer is a conflict of interest. For the voters' general information, Nancy Auclair is the mother of York County's Judge of Probate, Robert M. A. Nadeau. If elected, Ms. Auclair would be in direct supervision of her sons' pay check. I will not vote for any candidate whose election could financially or otherwise benefit a family member.
K. Brennan
West Kennebunk
TABOR not a bad move
Dear Independent,Who can be against putting controls on state spending? Who can fail to see the less we spend, the lower our taxes? Why are the big four lobbies against this citizen initiative? Do you suppose they delight in business as usual, after all they are getting more than their share?
In my opinion, as a taxpayer, (NOT as a member of the Budget Committee), it makes sense to pass TABOR. The legislators in Augusta will then be forced by citizen pressure to make changes in TABOR which make it less cumbersome ... and at the same time cut waste!
Until the Augusta folks feel the pressure, the big four lobbies will continue to resist change and we, the taxpayers, will suffer the tax burden. Don't forget, we already have a TABOR-like program going in York and it DOES control annual increases in town and school spending.
D. Lincoln
York
Remember the Comp Plan
Dear Independent,Please don't forget York's Comprehensive Plan Amendments on the ballot, Articles 7 thru 19. Don't give up the long-established right in Maine for the people to be directly involved in the writing of Comp Plans. Why should you?
Article 12 eliminates the process using a Steering Committee. It eliminates the process for the selectmen to appoint a Steering Committee every 5 to 7 years to make updates to the Comp Plan. Article 12 is poorly worded on the ballot as it does not mention elimination of the Steering Committee. It essentially only addresses having the Planning Board make frequent updates.
I'm going to vote NO on most of the Articles, 7 thru 19. I will vote YES on Article 17, which concerns the Mt. Agamenticus Conservation Plan. Article 17 was developed with much public participation. Many of the other articles delete some of the requirements/specifics, which the voters insisted on a few years ago. If you haven't been made aware of the deletions, ask Town Hall to show them to you.
Please vote NO on Articles 7 thru 19 unless you absolutely know that YES is correct for you. Tell your family, friends and neighbors.
Thank you for reading this.
Clifford Estes
York
Thanks from CROP Walk
Dear Independent,The 2006 CROP Walk Committee would like to thank everyone who helped make this year's CROP Walk such a great success. Working with five churches in town, we had a beautiful day and about 140 walkers. The walk raised over $5,500, which means at least $1,400 will be coming to our community to help feed the hungry.
It was great to see so many people of all ages walking, and such a large number of families and youth participating in this very worthwhile event. Thanks to the Key Club from York High School, who had about 20 walkers, and the youth groups from several churches for your efforts. Thanks, too, to the volunteers from the churches who helped register the walkers, worked at a water stop, acted as crossing guards, drove the emergency vehicles and donated refreshments. We are grateful to Shaw's in Newington for their donation of drinks, fruit and supplies, and to Janet Ford, for getting the donation and facilitating the mention of CROP Walk on the radio. Also, a big thank you goes to the leaders and girls from Brownie Troop #1101 for their enthusiastic help with refreshments at the end of the walk. Finally, we would like to extend our appreciation to John Madden for taking care of the publicity for the event. He did a wonderful job working with the papers and getting the information to as many media outlets as possible.
To all of you who sponsored a walker, walked, brought food or drinks or prayed for us, we thank you for your generosity and support. It's events like this that make us really appreciate what a wonderful community we have here in York!
2006 CROP Walk Committee
Furbish for commissioner
Dear Independent,We have a chance to make a change in our county government by electing Jeffrey Furbish to the York County Board of Commissioners District #5. We need more fiscal conservatives on this board to reflect the concerns of all the people in District #5. I feel that the people of this district have been burdened with an unfair share of the taxes for the county and it is time for our representative to speak up for us.
As a member of the Eliot Budget Committee, Jeffrey Furbish worked for fiscal restraint. Although he is new to politics, he is willing to make a long-term commitment to the people of District #5. Join me in voting for Jeffrey Furbish, who will be a better representative for the towns of Kittery, Eliot, Ogunquit, Wells and York on the York County Board of Commissioners.
Bonnie Bemis
York
Special Halloween thanks
Dear Independent,On Friday evening, Oct. 27, York Village came alive with costumed children of all imaginable sorts as they paraded from Town Hall to the York Public Library. Following the parade, these costumed characters danced the night away to the tunes of DJ Side Traxx. A special "thank you" to the York Public Library for continually opening their doors to us.
On behalf of the Parks and Recreation Department, I would like to thank all those who attended and helped to make the evening a fun and exciting family night. This free community event would not have been possible without the generous sponsorship of the following: York VFW Post 6977; York Kiwanis; Erwin, Ott, Clark, Orso and Campbell; York Police Department - DARE program; Chiropractic Works; Flo's Take-Out; Stop N' Go Video, and Bragdon Real Estate. A special thanks for your continued commitment to supporting community programs!
Robin Cogger
Special Events Coordinator
Vote for Dawn Hill
Dear Independent,I strongly urge all voters in Maine District 149 to vote for Dawn Hill as our representative in the incoming legislature. Dawn has lived in this area since 1979. Besides running a law practice from 1980 to 1991, she served on several local and state boards, including the York Historic District Commission, the York Planning Board and the Critical Areas Advisory Board in Augusta. Since 1990, she has served on the board of directors of the Maine Mutual Insurance Group.
Her community directed interests also include animals. She was on the board of directors, Center for Wildlife in Cape Neddick from 1985 to 1993, and in 1998 she created It's A Dog's World, the largest dog training and activity center in the Seacoast area. Not only is Dawn Hill willing to work hard, she has well demonstrated her superior abilities and has the necessary experience to represent us effectively in Augusta.
Vote on Nov. 7 and vote for Dawn Hill!
Evelyne Neill
York
Hill won't disappoint
Dear Independent,Dawn Hill is fantastic candidate for our state representative. She is a consensus-builder. She listens and has good ideas and a lot of energy with which to follow through. She is smart, works with people and then makes a well-reasoned choice. She asks good questions and does research to find the real facts.
Please vote Dawn Hill. You won't be disappointed. She is a real person, not a professional politician. She's a Clean Election candidate. You can find out more about her at www.dawnhill.org.
On Nov. 7, vote for Dawn Hill for state representative for District 149!
Terry Sayer
Kittery
Ken Lemont for District 1
Dear Independent,I am writing this letter to support the candidacy of Ken Lemont for the State Senate District 1.
Ken has a wealth of experience to bring to the senate. He has served there successfully before and was a moderate voice on the taxation committee. He has also run his own small business in Kittery.
The Maine Economic Research Institute has given him an 84.5 score that reflects his last term in the senate and his commitment to jobs and a better economy for Maine.
We believe that he will bring leadership to Augusta for the southern most district in the state of Maine and is acutely conscious of the challenges ahead for Maine and our local communities. He knows that leadership means working to attract new and better jobs, focusing on energy technology and cost reduction, determining to ease the tax burden, improving government efficiency and encouraging competitive health insurance and healthcare markets. Likewise, he knows he must stand firmly against growth in government spending and political infighting that results in stalemate and more regulation and red tape.
Ken won't just complain, and his MERI record speaks to his determination to be a part of the solution. Please join me in voting for Ken Lemont as our next state senator.
Kathryn M. Weare
Ogunquit
The Independent Letters Policy: The Independent welcomes letters and opinions on any subject. We do not accept anonymous letters. Letters should be 200 words or less. We reserve the right to edit submissions for length, accuracy, and/or legal reasons and to reject any material considered unsuitable for publication. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of The Independent or its staff.
Send your letters to the Editor at PO Box 6, York, ME 03909 or via email to editor@yorkindependent.net. Deadline for publication is 12:00 noon on the Monday prior to that week's publication
