In November, we will all have the chance to vote on a 1 percent tax cap to lower our property taxes. The cap will mean that local taxes will finally be reduced and local spending will be brought under control.

The opposition is large and powerful against this. They are using scare tactics to keep things as they are.

If we don’t pass the cap, our property taxes will continue to escalate and soon many property owners will be forced into a situation where they will have to make a choice. Either sell or lose their properties. Sounds unfair doesn’t it?

Our home should be our sanctuary, where we live and raise our children, not an asset for the state and local government to use as a means to get all they want and most of the time do not even need.

The state of Maine and local government will operate just as well without taxing our homes so heavily.

Town officials will be required to prioritize services. Essential services such as police, fire, emergency, schools, etc., will be in place as before. They will have to live within the means of available funds, which will be enough.

No citizens will be forced from their homes, forced to sell and move due to increasing and unpredictable property taxes. Families will be able to transfer homes to children without incurring ruinous valuations and taxes. We can all live with this.

Hazel Hodgkins, Roxbury

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