There is a firestorm going on in regard to Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR). The liberals hate it and are throwing everything at it but the kitchen sink. They keep telling you on television that it failed in Colorado and the people hated it.

So, let's look at some interesting facts.

First, this past July 19, the Denver Post reported that TABOR has worked in Colorado. Another newspaper, the Colorado Springs Gazette last week (Oct. 12) reported that, "TABOR has not ruined Colorado. It has preserved the homes and life styles that Coloradans work for, by keeping taxes and spending in check and allowing the private sector to control its money and flourish."

Interestingly, Colorado led the nation in tax relief and the economy was among the strongest in the country.

Since TABOR, Colorado opened the largest airport in the world. It is the ninth busiest internationally. It has a multi-billion-dollar transit system. Voters approved major north and south freeways. Two new sports complexes are being built.

U.S.News & World Report ranked Colorado as the third best state to start a business. Maine will never get close to the top 10.

Who were those people who came to Maine and told us how bad TABOR was? They were liberal Democrats who could not have it their way back in Colorado.

California passed tough spending limits in the 1980s. However, in the '90s, liberal groups passed legislation to destroy fiscal restraints. Look at California now -- out of control with runaway spending. The same ones who fought TABOR in Colorado have the same "cousins" in Maine who will fight this tooth and nail.

Every one who relies on your tax dollars will tell you things that will scare the bejeebers out of you.

It's your money.

Roland Preble

Gardiner