SACO — Gov. Paul LePage’s forum on tax reform Thursday night came to an abrupt end when a former politician was escorted out of the auditorium.

Former Biddeford mayor and Democratic state representative Joanne Twomey was escorted out of Thornton Academy’s Garland Auditorium by the governor’s security to both jeers and cheers after she approached the stage in an emotional outburst during a question-and-answer session at LePage’s town hall meeting.

Twomey tossed a jar of Vaseline on the stage ”“ an action she explained in a Facebook post later that night.

“You see I read a quote from him today where he told a news reporter when asked about the tax question he could take his science, and his facts and all the baloney and shove it where the sun don’t shine, without Vaseline, I wanted to tell him I felt the same way about his budget only I was nicer and brought him Vaseline,” she wrote.

LePage said Thursday night he is concerned the state is losing both young and old people, as young people leave Maine to pursue better opportunities in other states, and older people leave the state because they can’t afford the taxes.

LePage has proposed a plan that would reduce corporate taxes, eliminate estate tax, and eventually eliminate income tax.

To help offset this loss, LePage is proposing a broadening of the sales tax, noting the high amount of tourists who come to Maine between May and September. He said the state should charge them “a little premium” for enjoying Maine during its best time of the year.

LePage also spoke about eliminating revenue sharing. He said “the whole gimmick” of revenue sharing to reduce property taxes does not work. He said his proposal would give the money to the people, and not the towns, and allow local control of money.

During the question-and-answer session, the discussion turned to LePage’s proposal regarding taxing valuations of non-profits exceeding $500,000. The proposal drew concern from some members of the audience, who said non-profits wouldn’t be able to afford the proposed tax.

LePage said he grew up poor, and received help from neighbors and churches, not the state. LePage referred to his proposal to eliminate income taxes, which he said will bring about $1.5 billion back to Mainers. He told audience members they could donate some of the money he’s putting back in their pockets to the non-profits they were concerned about.

“Why don’t you give them a little bit?” he said.

LePage said, however, he didn’t think the Legislature was going to allow the proposed non-profit tax.

Twomey, who had been sitting in the front row, stood up to address the governor as the discussion continued about taxes. She said as a state legislator, she sat on committees when broadening the tax base to include items like haircuts and movies was discussed.

“The poor people, governor, can’t go to Disneyland. … You’re going to tax the tourists, but we live here, the low-income people are going to have to pay those taxes,” she said.

An emotional Twomey continued to speak and stand in front of the governor after being asked by his staff to sit down. The governor’s staff then ended the forum.

Outside, Twomey stood with a group of supporters as those in opposition confronted her. The former mayor and legislator defended her actions, saying she stood up for the poor.

“I’m so passionate about the people in Maine,” she said.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.