On Aug. 14, the Taxpayers Bill of Rights was reviewed with the Auburn City Council by the “acting city attorney” who also is “the general council (sic, S-J) for the Maine Municipal Association regarding the TABOR.”

The Maine Municipal Association is opposed to TABOR. It is disappointing to me that the city councilors were not supplied with the actual seven pages of statutory language that this small ballot question represents. It is a disservice to the taxpayers of Auburn that their elected representatives, instead, had to rely on what the possibly prejudiced city attorney thinks it says.

Bob Stone and Brian Demers, TABOR supporters, had a different opinion, as do many other supporters who want a way to control overspending in government, state and local. Due to our excessive tax structure, Maine’s revenues increase every year but the spending programs increase more.

Those who originated TABOR for Maine studied the Colorado statutes very carefully to avoid any pitfalls in their system. Hopefully, this measure will be approved by the voters in November and then the Legislature can amend the law to clarify the applications of the law. The intent of TABOR is very clear, to control increases in government spending.

Voters should inform themselves by reading the statutory language which they can obtain at the Secretary of State Web site (hard copies available in September), then make up their minds.

Please note that most of the opponents of the issue are the big spenders.

Rep. Thomas F. Shields, Auburn