Everyone in Maine agrees that local property and state taxes are too high.

I wonder if the following might help solve the problem?

First, citizens should follow the spending of their local elected officials and state legislators.

Second, they should attend local government meetings and contact state legislators.

Third, they could write letters supporting wise spending and tax cuts. (Short letters work if many people participate.)

Fourth, voters could oppose unnecessary programs as well as those programs citizens and special interest groups can accomplish for themselves.

Fifth, citizens could support local government and Maine legislative candidates who will stop unnecessary spending and reduce taxes. Hold these elected officials accountable.

Sixth, people could form a local property taxpayer committee to convince local government officials and state legislators to reduce spending and taxes.

Last, and most important, we Maine citizens must stop asking local elected officials and state legislators to do everything for us. A little of that fabled Maine independence will go a long way to reducing spending and taxes.

Tom Fallon, Rumford