Every time a department head in state government states how the Taxpayer Bill of Rights will make them cut their budget stiffens my resolve to vote for of TABOR. It may not be the perfect way to keep our state budget in check, but in my opinion, its the only chance we have to get our state to control taxes.

I have heard the governor state he has not raised broad-based taxes. Does anyone believe that? He increased every fee and permit he could find. Then he whacked alcohol and tobacco users again. There was not too many groups of users left out, so I guess that’s just another definition of broad-base taxes!

I had hopes that when term limits were voted in that elected officials would make tough choices because they would not have to worry about a career in Augusta. The honorable Rep. John Martin of Eagle Lake took the wind out of my sail on that issue.

I do not blame the constituents for Eagle Lake if he is the best candidate, but is that we had in mind? I think we need to give the legislature a new crutch to try and its called TABOR. Now they can stand up and say we need to cut this or hold the line on this because the voters said so. I believe we can do just as Colorado did: give it a chance and the tweak it in the future, if need be.

Stephen Hazelton, Oxford