This November, the taxpayers of Maine will have the opportunity to slow down out-of-control government spending by voting “yes” on Question 4.

Contrary to the TV ads opponents of TABOR have run, Question 4 does not cut any programs, it simply puts limits on the amount government spending can increase. Nevertheless, opponents use scare tactics to try to convince voters of dire consequences if TABOR passes. The truth is that those proponents of big government that benefit financially from it are petrified at the prospect of not having unlimited access to the pockets of taxpayers.

If people are happy with the amount of taxes they pay and want to pay more, they should vote “no.” If people feel the politicians and government bureaucrats spend their tax money wisely, efficiently and without waste, then they should vote against TABOR.

If, however, people have taken the time to consider just some of the taxes that Maine residents pay — electricity tax, phone tax, cable tax, soda and beer tax, snack tax, cigarette tax, gas tax, excise tax, sales tax, income tax and property tax, and feel that enough is enough, I would hope they would vote for TABOR and send that message loud and clear to Augusta.

Rick Whitney, Bethel