There is a saying that I have seen validated many times in my life. It goes something like this: “Watch what you ask for, you might get it.”

Supporters of Question 1, more popularly known as the Palesky initiative, should take this proverb to heart. While a reduction in property taxes is obviously a good idea on its face, voters should take the time to get beyond the simplistic language of the question itself and find out just what the effect of this law would be.

As a property taxpayer myself, I can sympathize with those who are angry over the amount of property taxes they pay every year. People on fixed incomes are particularly hard-hit by rising property taxes.

However, this is the same segment of the population that often uses municipal services the most, whether it be in the form of recreation programs, general assistance programs or emergency medical care.

I’m amazed that some people actually apply credence to the idea that all the negative effects reported for this measure are “scare tactics.” Why is it that we trust our police and fire departments with our lives, but we don’t trust them when it comes to an issue like this?

I’m just as angry about the tax situation as everyone else. But we shouldn’t vote for a referendum that fixes the problem by creating a multitude of others. If we do, we’re going to get exactly what we asked for, just like California and Massachusetts did.

Cameron Martin, Sabattus

Copy the Story Link