Editor,

One of the major issues facing Maine voters this fall will be TABOR, the so-called “Taxpayers Bill of Rights.”

The bill sports a deceptive name purporting to establish rights for taxpayers. In fact, TABOR would actually harm taxpayers by hindering local control over budget issues, empowering a minority to thwart majority decisions, creating a cumbersome and expensive override process, while benefiting virtually no one.

TABOR promises diminished services, and the inevitable cost shifting will hurt everyone. AARP Maine, the Maine Municipal Association, the Attorney General’s office, the Maine Education Association, with many others, have all released statements opposing this draconian, quick fix idea. Pay attention to who is on board with TABOR when thinking about voting this November. It says a lot about whether the candidate will offer constituents real ideas, or the “quick fix” rhetoric of TABOR that will fail to fix anything.

One candidate with real ideas, a true taxpayer advocate, is Lu Bauer, running for State Representative for District 103 Poland, Standish, Frye Island and Raymond. A longtime Certified Public Accountant, Lu has first hand knowledge of the balancing act small business operators and homeowners go through living in southern Maine. Her first hand experience navigating the thicket of tax regulations for individuals and businesses makes her a more-than-able candidate to represent the people of District 103. I trust Lu to contribute positively to the state Legislature’s efforts to provide fairer taxation and the high level of services expected in our communities.

And, please, don’t take my word for it alone. Lu’s support of community, investment in the future, and responsible leadership can be found in her articles at journal.maine.com, under the subheading Community Values. Let Lu in her own common sense, down-to-earth voice convince you what she is about. I am confident you will draw the same conclusion, that Lu Bauer’s passionate support of fairness and

healthy, viable communities would make her an excellent addition to the Legislature.

Stephen Demetriou

Windham