On June 18, Maine Education Commissioner Susan Gendron gave an impressive performance at the Cony High School auditorium explaining the school consolidation plan.

She said that the time frame to accomplish consolidation was aggressive, in that by Aug. 31, the new school administrative units must have filed an “intent to reorganize” with the commissioner. They then must have a reorganization plan in place by Dec. 15.

Voters in these newly formed districts will vote on the plan in January. If voters do not agree to the plan, there will be penalties that involve reductions in the amount of state funds and other considerations their towns receive.

Maine citizens can be certain of only this much information. We must agree with the plan or pay more taxes, because of state penalties, to support our schools.

Although the commissioner says that consolidation will reduce the cost and improve the quality of education, there is no certainty of either. We can only accept her opinion.

Maine communities are essentially being forced to agree to the plan the state has created with no real proof that schools and taxpayers will not be adversely affected.

The state is saying, “Trust us. We know this plan will work although it’s never been tried in Maine. We know what’s best for Maine and its citizens. We’re the experts, you are not.”

This is not the way for state government to treat it citizens.

It suggests tyranny, no matter how well intentioned its perpetrators are.

Douglas Ludewig, Monmouth