The automobile excise tax proposal will decrease that tax by about 40 percent. But there are some facts opponents neglect to tell. Only 32 percent of the vehicles registered in Maine will receive a break on the tax. Vehicles five years and older will not have any reduction in the tax. Hybrids rated to get at least 40 miles per gallon will not be taxed for three years from the model year. Yet these vehicles will cause wear and tear to the roads. These same hybrids would be exempt from sales tax, which will further lower revenues.

Excise tax goes directly to the towns in which they are paid. The towns would lose about 40 percent or more of this tax. This loss will most likely mean an increase in property taxes.

In Poland, we will lose $400,000, about 8 percent of the budget. This would be equivalent to closing the Fire and Rescue Department, or not paving any roads, or eliminating general assistance plus the library plus the rec department plus the code enforcement office plus the solid waste department.

If anyone thinks the amount lost can be cut from the budget, think about specifics, not generalities such as being more efficient. Valuable services might be lost.

TABOR will not reduce property taxes or prevent a large tax increase to an individual because of a property re-evaluation. Passage of TABOR could also cause a loss of valuable services.

I encourage a “no” vote on Questions 2 and 4.

Stan Tetenman, Poland