Maine news, sports, weather from Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram, Portland, Maine

August 15, 2012

Letters to the editor: Fed up with tax breaks for businesses

At a time when taxpayers of this state pay millions of dollars to subsidize private, for-profit enterprises, the situation unfolding between Portland and Auto Europe over the end of TIF tax breaks shows a mentality among some business owners that is destructive, unpatriotic and increasingly pervasive.

The CEO of Auto Europe, Imad Khalidi, is quoted as saying: "I am frustrated, the state of Maine does nothing for us. The city of Portland does nothing for us" ("What happens when the tax break ends?" Aug 6).

This statement was made on the heels of a 15-year tax incentive program that directed more than $1 million of rightfully owed tax expenditures back into Auto Europe's business, defraying costs the company would have otherwise borne.

How is it possible that Mr. Khalidi doesn't see this blatant contradiction between statement and fact?

Further, Mr. Khalidi should consider that Portland taxpayers have also provided his business with safe streets and emergency services; working sewers and water supply; reliable electricity, phone and Internet; an educated and productive work force and so much more

When a company attempts to hold taxpayers hostage in order not to relocate jobs, it shows an incredible level of arrogance. 

In this case, one should question why Auto Europe didn't plan for the end of a tax program they knew for 15 years was coming. 

It also forces one to wonder if the business model is not so flawed that it is unprofitable unless subsidized. Lastly, how does a business tell taxpayers there is enough capital to relocate, but not enough to remain in the city that invested in its success?

Mr. Khalidi should ask himself: Is it the city that is going to "send him to hell" or his own selfish mentality and poor business planning that will banish him to this place?

Read D. McNamara Jr.

Alfred

TIFS are an economic hardship for retired Portland taxpayers. Our elected officials do a great disservice to those of us who have to make cuts each year in order to pay our tax bills. What is it that they do not understand about a regressive tax and its impact on seniors?

My retirement income has increased three-quarters of a percent in the last three years, and that is taxable. My property tax has gone up 10 percent. Senior taxpayers should get an adjustable credit to offset any TIF.

I could support property tax increases if I did not observe stupid spending. Just one example (and we have many) is the separate vote on the school budget that adds $20,000 to our taxation.

Follow the same path seniors have to take each year and cut the waste!

Art Sears

Portland

Dill the right choice to represent Maine in D.C.

A vote for Cynthia Dill is a vote for the future. Dill believes, as many of us do, that the richest among us should pay a little bit more in taxes. That to begin with, we must let the Bush tax cuts expire. The idea that the job creators need to pay less taxes to provide those jobs is a myth.

Dill believes in the Affordable Care Act. She sees already what it has done for citizens in Maine. She believes in equal pay for equal work. Well, doesn't that just make sense! She voted against any attempts to lessen child-labor rules. She understands that the minimum wage must be raised to a living wage.

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