This week’s column by Charles Lawton, chief economist for Planning Decisions, Inc., was headlined ” ‘No’ on referendum Question 2 is a pro-education vote.” The premise is intriguing, but it did little more than raise my eyebrows.

There were broad generalities, such as “public initiatives are a terrible way to govern,” and speculation: “Some future governor asks, ‘Well, shall we close the hospitals or the schools?’ ” Sounds more like scare tactics than real analysis. Governors will always try to move money, regardless of whether Question 2 passes, so the point is moot.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Lawrence Jamieson is a resident of Portland.

Most perplexing is his fourth point, concerning the “catastrophic effect of raising Maine’s marginal income tax rate to the second highest in the nation,” which he called “an act of colossal, self-defeating stupidity.” How many workers will be earning over $200,000, the segment that will be paying the 3 percent income tax surcharge? Statistical Atlas data indicate that only 2.71 percent of Maine households earn over $200,000 per annum.

Had Mr. Lawton provided some insight as to how the “no” vote would be pro-education, then I would seriously consider that position. Sadly, it was not there.

A sound education is critical to our country’s future. I do agree with Mr. Lawton that “a ‘more of the same’ (education funding) policy” is not a viable answer, but education is vastly underfunded. The state of Maine has committed to providing 55 percent of funding for education, and Question 2 provides the money to reach that goal.

Let’s provide the funds and find ways to improve the educational system in Maine.

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