For Immediate Release
October 03, 2003

Contact:
Dick Grotton
(207) 623-2178
Beryl Wolfe
(207) 883-6083
E-mail: beryl@wolfepr.com
Web Site: www.mainerestaurant.com

Citing the likelihood of profound cuts in State services and the inevitability of severe tax increases at the state level under question 1A, the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the Maine Restaurant Association voted unanimously to support Question 1B on the November ballot.

Association President Dick Grotton said, "In Question 1A, the Maine Municipal Association proposes that property taxes will be reduced if their measure is approved. What they don't say is that there is no requirement in the bill that communities return any savings to the property taxpayer. Many communities will use that tax savings for other improvements and the citizens are not likely to see any tax relief. The Maine Municipal Association fails to mention the $245 million in new state taxes or deep cuts in state services that must be made to fund their expensive adventure. If 1A passes the average citizen will end up paying a great deal more in overall tax, not less."

The 750 member Association is the statewide, non-profit trade group representing Maine's restaurant industry. Its website is at www.mainerestaurant.com.

Dana Connors, chairman of Mainers for Real and Responsible Property Tax Relief, the group supporting a Yes vote on Nov. 4 for Question 1B, said today's endorsement of the Maine Restaurant Association shows that the initiative is the most reasonable approach to property tax relief.

Organizers for Mainers for Real and Responsible Property Tax Relief say Question 1B will increase state support for the essential programs and services of education to 55 percent over a 5-year period -- a more realistic and responsible approach than Question 1A which would require $245 million immediately, or Question 1C, which would do nothing.

Other recent endorsements for Question 1B include the Maine Coalition for Excellence in Education, the Maine Tourism Association, the Maine Merchants Association, and the Maine State Board of Education.

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