My wife and I are senior citizens who have resided in Minot for over 32 years.

Provided we don’t live too high on the hog, we can manage our daily living expenses with our pension and Social Security income. We only have to dip into our savings for unforeseen extraordinary expenses. Unfortunately, property taxes just fell into that category.

Due to revaluation in Minot, our property taxes increased by $1,300 to over $3,200. That’s over $60 weekly from our retirement income. Add car registration fees and it’s over $80 weekly. I guess Minot is going to balance its budget on the backs of longtime residents and land owners.

Regarding recent ballot property tax initiatives, Gov. Baldacci wants us to stay the course. What course is that, governor? The course where Maine’s state and local taxes, as a percentage of personal income, are the highest in the nation. Property taxes are the most oppressive taxes because they equate property ownership with wealth.

Why is it that New Hampshire seems to be at the opposite end of the spectrum on taxes? Could it be that they are not controlled by liberal Democrats as Maine is?

Oh well, maybe I’ll win some money when New Hampshire opens their casino. I’m sure many Mainers would visit a New Hampshire casino. I hear they are already going there for their liquor. Maybe they could put a liquor store in the casino and save folks a stop.

Kenneth Hewitt, Minot