I am stunned and amazed at the lack of respect our leadership in Augusta has for the popular vote.

In June, the citizens of Maine voted 55 percent in favor of the School Finance and Tax Reform Act of 2003 (so-called Question 1A). This bill called for all 55 percent of the (20 years ago) promised school funding to be provided immediately to result in a statewide reduction in property taxes of 15 percent.

As it stands, though, that law is being ignored and the governor has put forth a four-year “phased-in” plan in its stead. Even after facing a very stiff tax cap referendum, the message of immediate property tax relief does not seem to reach the capital. I would think voters and the press would be expressing outrage at votes not counting.

We get 100,000 signatures to put immediate tax relief to vote, and it is now being shelved in favor of a warmed over and defeated Question 1B put forth by the governor and Legislature last November. The bill the people voted on should be the one being studied for implementation, not the defeated one.

Sen. Nutting and a few legislators are supporting Question 1A as being the law that now needs to be implemented, but otherwise, most of our elected leaders are saying, “Your votes don’t matter; we’ll do what we want anyway.”

People should contact their representatives and senators, and ask them if their vote on tax relief mattered or not.

Dana K. Lee, town manager,

Mechanic Falls

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