What happens when up to 48% +/- of municipal workers are laid off and are on unemployment? They won't be able to spend their paychecks locally. And this will be statewide.

What happens to our house & business insurance? Won't it go up when our local fire departments are reduced?

What about our many children that participate in the local Recreation Programs? Or what about our senior citizens who also use the Rec. Department for exercise in the winter months? Is this fair to them? The effects are like the domino effect, and these mentioned are just the tip of the iceberg.

This plan hits "we" small guys. We have to think of the BIG picture! I would rather pay my fair share of local tax than the alternative. Personally, I feel voting in favor of Question one is like "cutting off your arm when you have a bad hangnail". Is this fair to our local businesses that provide products and services to you and your family?

Yes, our state needs tax reform, but taking it out of hands of your selectmen/councilors that you voted for is not the answer. Come to town meetings and let us know what you think. Get involved if you don't like what is happening in your town and/or city. Find out why your municipal budget is going up or if it is status quo. Municipal's 'fixed costs' keep rising. Haven’t your health, house, and auto insurance more than doubled in the last few years? Or what about your gasoline or heating fuel? What hasn't gone up? … Except maybe our paychecks.

I suggest you talk to your state representatives and voice your concerns. That is why we vote for them, to represent us in the State of Maine.

Please get informed!!! Go to your local informational meetings or websites that cover both sides of the issue. Make sure in your mind, that the benefits you gain with a yes vote outweigh the losses to your community if you vote NO. I personally will vote NO on Question 1.

Judy Wilbur Craig
President of Dexter Regional Development Corporation
Small Business Owner
TheDailyME.com Editor
Dexter Town Council