There is a sign at the beginning of the Maine Turnpike that reads “Welcome to Maine, the way life should be.” The sign is misleading. What it doesn’t say is that:
• Maine is one of the highest taxed states in the country;
• Maine loses millions of dollars to New Hampshire because of the outrageous liquor prices. People stop in New Hampshire to purchase liquor at as much as half the price before coming into Maine;
• Hundreds of Mainers leave the state each day to gamble in other states or Canada – again, millions of dollars in lost revenue;
• Maine’s property taxes are among the highest in the country, yet state officials refuse to do anything about it;
• Maine recently lost two super delegate votes, George Mitchell and Kenneth Curtis, because they established residency in other states. Does that tell anyone about the state’s tax structure?
As soon as I am able, I will establish residency in a more tax-friendly state, and then may be able to return to the state, enjoying gambling on the way, purchasing liquor on the way, and enjoying life the way it should be.
David W. Steele, Auburn
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