An ever-increasing number of condos and trophy homes peppering Maine’s coastline may well cause the demise of Maine’s commercial fishing industry unless Question 7 on the November ballot passes. This question asks whether working waterfront land should be taxed at “current” rather than “highest and best” use.

The “highest and best” use method of tax valuation, now in effect, can render working waterfront properties unaffordable for Maine’s fishing families, forcing businesses and individuals to sell their property, often to out-of-state developers.

For example, in York Harbor, where there once were six commercial fishing docks, there is now only one – and that’s available only during the off-season.

A bill to convert to the “current use” taxation method was passed overwhelmingly by a bipartisan vote of the Legislature this past spring. Since it proposes a change in the Maine Constitution, and all such changes require approval by both the Legislature and the voters, this question will appear on the ballot.

Let’s ratify this legislation by voting yes on Question 7. Not only would it help preserve Maine’s fishing heritage, but it could save thousands of waterfront jobs.

Patti Mikkelsen, New Gloucester