Being a teacher for 37 years (one who never felt he was overpaid), and now a retired senior citizen living on a fixed income and paying exorbitant property taxes, I understand the plight of the opposing sides on the dilemma of schools and taxes.

The current taxation system to support school hasn’t worked for years. Property taxes are regressive, and punish people for improving their house and property. Some cannot pay their taxes, as heat, food and health care become topmost priorities. Some people won’t pay taxes because they see them as unreasonable.

This triples the burden on people who do pay taxes, either as their civic duty, or to avoid getting their name in the town report as delinquent.

I pay about 9 percent of my fixed income on property tax. I think this could be reduced significantly if all community members shared the burden.

If everyone were taxed 4 percent of their gross income on each paycheck or retirement check, their share of the burden would be lessened without losing revenue from the property tax, which is only paid by a portion of each community.

Renters would benefit indirectly too, I believe, because apartment owners would pay more taxes if they raised their rents.

I think my plan would also cover the costs of running a town, too, not only our school systems. For years, relieving the property tax burden has been a top priority.

It’s time for a change. New ideas must come forth.

George Ferguson, Sabattus