State legislators need to work together to provide real tax relief.

The Taxpayer Bill of Rights is not the answer to property tax relief. However, there are people within our community who think TABOR will automatically fix all the problems we’ve endured for the last 30 years. I disagree.

I believe TABOR is being used as a license to “proceed as usual” by Democrats and Republicans in Augusta. They haven’t answered our call for comprehensive tax relief so far, so I can’t help but wonder how we’ll be guaranteed any better results if we lose additional control within our own communities.

I wholeheartedly agree that property taxes are a tremendous concern statewide, but choosing TABOR to address those concerns is like withholding medicine from a sick child. We need local control of what happens in our respective cities, and instead of providing tools toward achieving real results, TABOR would grant permission to let Augusta tell us more of what we can and can’t do. What a scary thought, and certainly an opportunity for continued financial uncertainty for Maine’s taxpayers!

That brings to mind LD 1 school funding and casino bills that legislators massaged to suit personal agendas. I shudder to think what would happen with TABOR at their disposal.

Democrats and Republicans at the state level need to remember that they are supposed to work toward what is best for Maine’s people, versus focusing on the party line. If an idea is suggested, it should be weighed on its merits, not by which party put it forth. Our state legislators gained their positions through the vote of the people, and they need to roll up their sleeves and start working together to provide real tax relief for those people.

It’s also important to point out that state mandates are already part of the property tax problem. For example, the state mandates the number of school districts in Maine: 108. Florida has 67 by comparison. Maine has 151 legislators, compared to California’s 80 (perhaps there could be a tax savings there through a vast housekeeping.) The state also mandates how many children are in our local school classrooms, as well as the number of local assistant principals. The list goes on.

Another question I ask about TABOR is if it’s such a miraculous cure-all for property tax relief, why aren’t the other 35 states with high tax rates adopting it? In addition, why did Colorado suspend the major elements of its similar legislation in 2005? It doesn’t sound like the perfect quick-fix to me.

In addition, it’s also important to note the city of Lewiston has over $460 million worth of nontaxable property, not including city buildings, schools, etc. Two local nonprofits pay their top employees aproximately $1 million. One would question why those nonprofits couldn’t contribute to the city’s tax base.

And, yes, I’ve heard the argument that many nonprofits donate within the community, but that sentiment also rings true for those already on the tax roll. For example, Dunkin’ Donuts donated $45,000 for Meals on Wheels to purchase a new truck. I guess I have a hard time understanding how being generous within one’s community is an excuse to not help relieve the tax burden for one’s neighbor.

In contrast to those in Augusta and the nonprofits, Lewiston continues to seek ways to make a real difference for taxpayers. In the past four years, we have either maintained or lowered our mill rate. Taxes have actually gone down. We have also downsized municipal government, and we continue to lead the state in economic development.

We deserve local control and local involvement towards a property tax solution that will enhance the quality of life for residents within Maine’s communities. We don’t need TABOR’s problematic language and ensuing financial chaos.

Mark Paradis is a Lewiston city councilor.