This is response to the editorial of Oct. 18, “Question 4: The time for TABOR.”

In their efforts to provide for public safety, Maine’s first responders are always evolving to the threats facing our communities. For those in law enforcement, it’s not the crime that changes; it’s the person and the way they perpetrate it that changes.

Today, it’s as likely that we will be robbed at the end of an Internet connection rather than a weapon, burglarized for our identity rather than our TV, or defrauded by a junk stock or mortgage sold “legitimately” rather than by an easy-to-spot con man.

Today, we’re debating and preparing to vote on TABOR II, a restrictive and damaging idea already defeated by Maine voters in 2006. The difference today is that we could not be in a worse situation in our economy, employment and way of life. Just as savvy criminals change to meet the times, so has the effort to bring TABOR to Maine. The adage is true: “Everything old is new again”.

We have the rare opportunity to not be doomed to repeat history. We need only look to Colorado’s suffering under TABOR for the past 15 years. Colorado enacted TABOR at the height of their economic, employment and educational achievements, only to fall to last in the country in most .

TABOR in Colorado forced the state and municipalities to make devastating decisions about what services and infrastructure they needed to survive, rather than what they needed to thrive. They have realized the effects of TABOR and in no uncertain terms have warned us against it.

In Maine, it is easy to see the effects of the recession. Hardworking Mainers are losing their jobs, homes, businesses and services once provided by their municipalities. When our state, municipalities and citizens are most vulnerable, why would we embark on Colorado’s path? We should demand our federal, state and local governments act responsibly when it comes to taxes and spending. But to do so through bad policies like TABOR, when Maine’s tax revenues are declining at historic rates, makes TABOR the poison pill; plain and simple.

Regardless of the vote on Nov. 3, Maine’s first responders will continue to protect their communities. The reality, however, is the drastic cuts and limits forced by TABOR will have a direct effect on the way and priority all municipal services are delivered.

Please vote no on Question 4. TABOR was crippling in 2006 and it is irresponsible in 2009.

Paul D. Gaspar, South Portland

Executive Director, Maine Association of Police