Will TABOR really work?

To the Editor;
    In the past eight years, state government has increased spending by 46 percent, and statewide local property taxes increased by 58 percent, all the while, private sector jobs decreased by 13,000 and the government jobs increased by 3,400. This tax and spend mentality cannot be sustained.  Hardworking Mainers must rise up and say “We have had enough.”  This cannot and will not be sustained.     How do I know TABOR will work? Because at the same time spending was skyrocketing 58 percent across most of Maine, property taxes only went up 9 percent in Waterville. Cash reserves increased 500 percent. Our bond rating improved dramatically. Enormous capital improvements were made, and no services were cut. I was the mayor for six of those eight years — and in my time in office, taxes went down 13 percent. I know spending can be controlled.
    The opposition does not represent the hardworking people of Maine.  They are special interest groups such as the Maine Municipal Association who get their revenue stream off the backs of Maine taxpayers.  They outspend the proponents by a margin of 5-1 (and some of that money is your tax dollars. Yes – your tax dollars!) , and their efforts are organized to protect their lifestyle. They truly have no passion for the prosperous future of our state.
    For these reasons, I ask that hardworking Maine people support Tabor II, despite decreasing in numbers and being readied for the endangered species list unless we can win this battle.
    Vote  “Yes” on Question 4.