A few evenings ago, during Solicitation Hour, I received a phone call seeking my opinion on current local and state issues. I was flattered because I doubt my opinion would weigh very heavy on any particular subject. The Solicitation Hour is that restful period between the evening meal and Red Sox television when, by grace of your telephone, you’ll be offered the opportunity to canvas friends and neighbors, or drop a few dollars in one of many worthwhile causes.

My phone call, as mentioned above, was of a bit different shade.

The well-spoken gentleman stated that they (the ambiguous “they” were never identified) were seeking opinions from the AARP membership concerning local and state issues.

I’ve been a member of AARP for many years and thus felt that I could give a reasonable comment.

Early on, the interviewer landed full bore on the Taxpayers Bill of Rights, or TABOR, and I let him know that I favored the proposition, at least in essence.

Through several questions, my unseen questioner picked the direst possible happenings if TABOR were passed by the voters in November and asked, each time, if such an outcome would cause me to change my mind!

This went on through several time-consuming questions and never once was my reasoning or opinion questioned. I grew tired of giving him negative answers, but I decided if he could handle his end so poorly, I had a right to be as stubborn as he was ineffective. After the farce ended, I wondered how many other AARP members had the same experience.

I later contacted the local AARP office, and it was verified that the organization had not taken part in any such “survey.” In my own mind, I knew that long before I mentioned the phone call. AARP always has been the best deal by far for seniors and all retirees. I guess when you retire, you become a senior – at least, I think I’m qualified in that direction.

Despite some negative publicity, TABOR generates support from unrealistic state and local budgets coupled with the increasing cost of living.

A popular source of information is Colorado’s experience with TABOR, implemented in that state since 1992. It has not always been a walk in the park for Colorado, but the initial voice of the voters was loud and clear, for the very best of reasons. Web pages concerning Colorado offer a more complete insight into that state’s living with TABOR. The western state, by the way, has a slew of gambling casinos. Does that mean that the good people out there actually gamble? We’ve been told repeatedly that Mainers don’t gamble. That’s a chuckle too. Check it out at www.Colorado.com/section15.

The pressure to rein in excessive spending is manifest across the country, and despite the cries of doom and despair from governmental bodies, the beat for change goes on. Maine and Ohio will vote on the TABOR question this year with activities aiming in that direction evident in Nevada, Montana, Oklahoma and Oregon.

Excessive state and municipal budgets, grossly unfair property revaluation and education costs are but a few issues that send voters to the side of TABOR, with all its imperfections.

The town of Scarborough joins the money parade with a $54.8 million school building and renovation project that includes air conditioning in the two finished buildings! For added measure, how about nearly another half-million to dress athletic fields in the bright green of synthetic grass?

Do you really wonder why TABOR gains momentum every day?

Within this mad cycle of spend-spend, only Cape Elizabeth’s plan for a fee at Fort Williams Park reflects common sense. The Park is an historic jewel on the shore and none should mind a realistic fee to enjoy it. Let’s hope it remains a vehicle charge and not a per-person thing.

You’ll hear a lot more about TABOR during coming weeks and in all likelihood, the opposition from municipal and state governments as well as those against the proposal will out-gun those in favor.

But if we continue state and local spending who knows what’s around the corner?