I am opposed to the Palesky tax-cap referendum. This one-size-fits-all proposal will wreak havoc on many essential community services.

One area of services that I’m particularly concerned about, should this draconian tax scheme pass, is the service provided by local libraries.

Libraries in the United States have traditionally been a leveler of privilege, allowing citizens access to books, periodicals, reference materials and other information, regardless of one’s social standing.

The other evening, while viewing copies of the Sun Journal on microfilm at the Auburn Public Library, a 10-year-old child asked me what I was doing. I had the opportunity to explain to him about microfilm and that I was doing historical research for an upcoming book on local baseball played some 35 to 40 years ago. What a wonderful opportunity to offer up a teaching moment that might spark a greater interest in history in this young person. Libraries offer communities safe places for children and adults to learn from one another.

If the Palesky proposal passes, the state will be forced to pay for many local services, which will mean higher state taxes and loss of local control. Other local services will only be available for a fee, and some will be eliminated altogether. In many cities and towns, this will include public library service.

I will be voting no on Question 1. We can find ways to solve the tax problem without gutting valuable services such as our public libraries.

James P. Baumer, Durham