I have been tax collector for the town of Avon for the past 12 years. I have seen taxes increase every year. I have also seen the school district take the lion’s share.

In June, we voted to mandate the state of Maine pay 55 percent of education costs. That was the right thing to do. Seventy percent of the tax money I collect goes to the school district. This is where we need a break. The town is run by very competent people who watch over every nickel.

I put no blame on the school system. I see most of our budget as a mandate. The school district has little to spend that is not already mandated. If the state does the right thing next year, I am hoping to say to taxpayers, taxes are down this year.

On the other hand, if Carol Palesky has her way in November, taxpayers may have trouble driving the roads when the town cannot afford to plow them.

There is an expression, “If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.” Truer words have never been said in reference to the tax cap referendum in November.

I truly believe an informed public is a very important commodity.

This is not a game. The tax cap is a bad idea. Let Augusta do the right thing next year and pay its fare share on education, and then and only then will we get real tax relief.

Stephen Weiner, Avon