Taxes and Election Year

Vehicle Excise tax is a hot issue, as are most tax issues. But come November the voter will have a chance to decide on a couple of tax measures. First let me state that I support an increase in sales tax and flat federal tax, maybe even a federal sales tax. But with that do away with the current income tax system. This way EVERYONE pays and the higher bracket purchasing high end items will pay more. But back to Vehicle Excise tax - I beleive that any rate of any fee, license, charge or tax should be directly related to the purpose for which it was collected - not just another way to collect or raise money for government. With that said, excise tax is not 100% used for local road repair - with that in mind and the fact that many folks don't purchase new because of the high excise tax - I vote to reduce the amount charged by town's. I know that the town's have a great lobbying group, lawyers and association called Maine Municpal which is to protect the town's interest. They are pulling out all the stops to insure that excise tax and income for town's is protected this fall. Some say this will raise property taxes, that will happen only if the voters allow it to happen. Instead we should look at mergering offices, reducing overhead and cutting costs - in case you haven't heard things are tough out there! Next on the voter list is TABOR II, again MMA is against this. TABOR II limits how much state/local can raise property taxes in a given year, much like LD 1 was intended to do a few years ago. MMA says that voting in the excise reduction and limiting how much property taxes can go up will cripple local towns. I am not buying that story one bit. Let make sure we have our priorities correct, roads maintained, plowed, trash picked up and ambulance service. The rest is gravy on potatoes. I would love to have talk about school budgets, but Rusty has the view of that which I agree with. Maybe to save SAD funds, Russel could double as superindent, the Eddington office staff could balance the books and cut checks...hmmm, this could work.

Ethics

Ethics - This is very hard to define and many think they have good ethics. Recently I was shopping at a local store when the man in front of us left over $60 on the counter. No one noticed, I could have put that money in my pocket, instead I had my son run out and stop the man and I gave him his money. I think he was in a state of shock, but thanked us. After serving 25 years in government, reviewing ethics policies and attending various conferences, I have come to a simple rule on ethics. Ethics are what we do when no one else is watching. Also think about your actions, would you mind having your actions or what you are doing published on the front page of the next day paper or on the local news. Government of all kinds worry about what the headline will say or if the information will get out. If this is the case there is most likely an ethics issue at the heart of the matter. Remember violations of ethics are not always illegal, they are just doing wrong instead of what is right.

Prayer In School

With the discussion of morales, ethics and values we need to teach our children it is OK to have prayer in SAD 63. There's not a single thing preventing individuals or groups of any people (students or adults) voluntarily and privately offering prayers (as long as it does not disrupt classes or scheduled events). There is no law prohibiting voluntary "private" prayer by individuals. In fact, many schools have groups of students who gather each morning before school for "prayer circles." Brings to mind the church song, "We gather together to ask the Lord's Blessings..." What a great way for child to start the day, bless their meals or others gathered around them. Please support having your child offer prayers circles with friends at lunch or recess. Let bring love and kindness and respect to all.

National Politics at School

Enough is enough, now the BOSS wants to talk politics with all kids across America on values and morales. I am sure health care will creep into the talk some how. These are matters that should remain with the family. I am joining the group the says no and keep your kid home on Tuesday.