The mayors’ Commission on Joint Services deserves kudos for an excellent report. The membership was led by Justice Robert Clifford of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court and Donna Steckino, CEO of Community Credit Union. The participants are highly respected professionals who understand money and the structure and dynamics of organizations. To economize, to reduce the tax burden of our citizens was the mandate. I believe they succeeded brilliantly.

I recognize that there is a hesitance among both populations to unite politically. There have been many reasons on both sides of the Androscoggin for that. Yet, this outstanding panel challenges us to consider this if we are serious about the future of our community.

There are councilors who voted against the report. The gang of three in Auburn, no doubt, has not received their instructions from their political masters and the unions which elected them on the promise of special considerations – an old Auburn game. These are the same councilors who masquerade as champions of the taxpayers.

Their votes were clearly aimed to prevent their special friends having to face the people’s wishes to stabilize and reduce the tax burden.

To people who are really interested in tax reform, beware the wolves in sheep’s clothing, practicing to sell you down the river while mouthing pious platitudes that sound democratic. Rather, look to the citizens who carried out this open study. Read their report and see where true tax reform and progress for our whole community lies.

Joseph S. DeFilipp, Auburn