While visiting my stepson in Massachusetts, I read an editorial in Haverhill's Eagle-Tribune that related to the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) campaign in Maine. It discussed a budget limiting law called Proposition 21/2 which was passed in 1980. The law was brought about through the efforts of a group called Citizens for Limited Taxation.

The group's leader, Barbara Anderson, has done some math that summarizes the gains made by property owners in the years since. In the years prior to 1980, her tax bill had been increasing an average of 8.8 percent a year. Increases in the 25 years after the historic vote averaged 5.4 percent, even with several overrides thrown in.

Her tax bill in 2005 was $3,109. Without Prop 21/2, the study showed, her bill would have been $6,710. Multiply the difference by every home owner in the state and the savings are staggering.

Contrary to the assertions of some Prop 21/2 opponents, the limit placed on spending is not absolute. Communities can decide, through the override process, to tax themselves more to pay for needed projects. They simply need the backing of the majority of voters to do so.

Experience has shown that politicians as a group enjoy the power that comes with public office. They commonly get carried away with opportunities to spend other people's money. We all need the security of structure in our lives. The citizens of Maine should take advantage of the chance for it with a vote supporting TABOR.

Jack Murphy

Rome

jackmurphy27@gmail.com