MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • August 27, 2023
Having served as chair of my town’s board of selectmen, I can tell you the state is known for not fulfilling its financial commitments to municipalities when times get lean. That’s why I’m very concerned about the impact of the Pine Tree Power ballot initiative (Question 3) should it pass in November, because it proposes acquiring the two largest property taxpayers in the state to create a new state-owned electric utility. Many towns and cities rely on the tens of millions of tax dollars paid by our existing utilities. When unhappy ratepayers start complaining about their high electric bills, I believe they’ll cut, or even eliminate, property tax payments. Please vote “No” on Question 3. ~ Lincoln Merrill, North Yarmouth