Dear Editor:

We should not defy the will of the voters. Last November Referendum Question #2 called for a 3 percent additional state tax to be placed on taxable incomes above $200,000 to directly help fund schools, the voters passed this and it's now law. Attempts are now being made to undo this law and the will of the voters.

Firstly, the 3 percent would only apply to taxable income above $200,000. The first $200,000 taxable income would not be touched and remember this is only 3 percent of the amount above $200,000, hardly a large amount of money for the wealthiest.

The claim that this would hurt small business seems unfounded. According to the Maine Small Business Coalition, 96 percent of small business owners would not in fact be affected since their taxable income is less than $200,000.

The claim that this tax would cause wealthier people to either leave the state or decide not to stay in Maine is also appears overblown. People decide where to live for many reasons important to them so such a small tax would have little influence. People locate because of family reasons or ties, because they love Maine and other more important reasons.

If you agree, call or email Senator Dana Dow, chair of the Joint Taxation Committee (Senate Republican Office (207) 287-1505, home 832-4658, Dana.Dow@legislature.maine.gov) to urge him and committee members to follow the will of the voters and let stand the 3 percent added tax on income above $200,000 to directly support public school students. As a former teacher I know Senator Dow wants to do the right thing for students and their future as well as invest in economic prosperity through education. Help him and his committee make the right choice.

Jerry Topinka

Boothbay Harbor