In less than three weeks, Maine voters will be asked to set a spending formula for state and local government. As we see it, Question 4 proposes far-reaching changes and risks no end of complications.

Backers of this initiative, widely known as TABOR II, believe government in Maine is failing. For those who buy that claim, TABOR II is touted as a sure-fire solution.

We urge a No vote on Question 4 because we don’t believe either claim is true.

The people of Maine see evidence every day that state and local government generally provide essential services at a reasonable cost.

And as for the effectiveness of TABOR II, even many fiscal conservatives are skeptics. The most familiar example is the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, an organization that has stumped for tax reform for years. The Chamber last month reconsidered its support for Question 4, announcing that it now finds some of its provisions “troubling.”

Maine voters are regularly offered new and improved versions of tax reform. But for four years, state and local government spending has been constrained by a balanced and flexible state law known as L.D. 1.

It was designed to provide spending restraint, while allowing voters to override the spreadsheet formula, and it has largely succeeded, according to annual reports from the State Planning Office. The result has been lower overall state spending this year and local tax rates that have been held in check. It is true that most school districts and some towns have exceeded the caps imposed by L.D. 1 this year, but the law allows voters to approve an override by a majority vote.

The essence of TABOR II is that it relentlessly ratchets down spending and deliberately makes it difficult to accommodate rising costs or special circumstances. In withholding its support, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce said the initiative would limit the use of the Highway Fund to address Maine’s infrastructure needs. Others see problems ahead for education and public safety.

And consider snow removal: If we are blessed with a mild winter, TABOR II would lock in low spending for plowing, leaving no way for town and state officials to prepare for a typical winter next year except by scheduling referendum votes. The state’s numerous special funds ”“ like the Highway Fund, University of Maine System Scholarship Fund, Snowmobile Trail Fund, and so on ”“ could each require the same cumbersome fine-tuning.

Voters already have considerable authority over state and municipal spending, but in the end they must rely on sound policy-making and good management. The most effective approach to keeping taxes in check is to elect councilors, selectmen, school committee members, legislators and a governor who are committed to this goal.

— Questions? Comments? Contact Kristen Schulze Muszynski or Nick Cowenhoven at 282-1535 or kristenm@journaltribune.com or nickc@journaltribune.com.