On Feb. 27, I read the Sun Journal article on the tax panel. I was impressed at first. Then I was asking myself if some of the representatives in Augusta just think voters are ignorant.

The article said property and individual taxes are too high for the people who live in Maine. I was excited, until I came to the part that said state officials are eyeing broadening of the state sales tax as a way of raising revenue to offset reductions in other taxes.

Some representatives still do not “get it.” The only way to reduce the tax burden is to reduce spending.

I do not know anyone who will claim that reducing one tax but increasing another (equally) is a reduction in taxes.

The governor/representatives also proposed a $1 per pack increase in the cigarette tax, and increases in the beer, wine and snack tax, and to expand the sales tax.

Even for non-smokers, enough is enough, but I guess legislators won’t be happy until the state is No. 1 in cigarette tax (as with every other tax).

And on July 1, another gasoline tax increase (nine cents per-gallon more than New Hampshire).

Having everyone look at how to save and be more efficient in our school system is great, so I give credit for that one. But a reduction in spending is necessary to hold elected officials to their promise to reduce our tax burden.

The citizens, the tourists and the businesses have had enough.

Mark Cyr, Otisfield