Dire predictions always follow initiatives that could decrease the amount of money government may spend. Depending on who’s talking, tax-and-spending limiting initiatives like the Taxpayer Bill of Rights will either cause schoolchildren to shiver if enacted, or issue a license to spend if rejected.

Neither side has the monopoly on honesty in this debate. The truth lies somewhere between. That’s why TABOR, in Colorado, has been described as the most hated and beloved law in their land. The important question is what TABOR would do to Maine, if Question 4 is approved by voters on Nov. 3.

To answer this question about the future, let’s first consider the past. This year’s vote is the third tax-capper Maine voters have considered. There was Palesky in 2004 and TABOR I in 2006. Both were rejected, based largely in promises by officials that the message about spending have been heard.

Two major policy initiatives followed Palesky and the senior TABOR: LD 1 and school consolidation, neither of which has had the desired effect of reducing spending or cutting taxes. The limits of LD 1 have been routinely exceeded, and school consolidation has been watered down too much to be considered a comprehensive money-saving policy. It has merits, just not as that.

So despite promises, it’s unclear whether Augusta has really gotten the message about spending and taxes. There was a breakthrough this session, when a truly sensible and smart tax reform bill was passed, but it has been put on hiatus by People’s Veto. It should be upheld, because it is progress.

But as of this moment, its future is uncertain.

Which leaves us with TABOR, and this question: Do we give Augusta another chance to tackle the spending and taxes problem in Maine through the usual channels? This opportunity has been afforded to the state twice before, without significant results. It appears, then, the process is the problem.

So it must change — which means the time has come for TABOR. On Nov. 3, we urge a “yes” vote on Question 4, to enact the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.

We are concerned that the timing of this initiative is poor; the recession has caused revenue to plummet, and capping spending at recession levels is disquieting. We have faith, though, in the government to be up-front with voters about its needs, and voters to grant government what it requires to operate.

There is no perfect time for TABOR. Yes, the revenue projections for the state are dismal: yet another $200 million needs to be found in the budget, according to latest calculations, in the next round of bloodletting that has passed for budgeting in Augusta recently.

Blame the economic downturn for this. But also blame the lack of foresight by policymakers in restraining spending during boom times. For years, the message has been clearly sent to the State House that what’s coming out is not commensurate with what’s going in. It’s too much.

The recession is evidence that you reap what you sow.

No more messages. No more chances. At some point, endorsing the same process that has failed to garner results so far is fruitless. That’s why we are favoring TABOR. It is time to do things differently in Maine.

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