I realize that Halloween is at hand, but is it really necessary that the anti-TABOR organization, "Citizens Unified for Maine's Future," erect its message around horror stories of education-starved children freezing in unheated schools, elderly people starving, while the population at hand will be left alone to fight crimes and put out fires if TABOR II is passed.

This bill simply places a guardrail along the roads of increased government spending, that can be exceeded if the case is made and the people who pay the bills agree.

Education funding, including the cost associated with hiring of school staff and heating buildings, is decided on the local level, it is exempt from the TABOR II spending growth allowance.

There are no cuts under this bill, a reduction in public safety will be based on decisions from the governor and legislative body.

Mainers deserve a clear debate on this issue; scare tactics and fiction have no place. Based on my research, I will vote "yes" on Question 4.

Steve Pond

Mount Vernon