MECHANIC FALLS – People are talking about a tax cap, but who are they and what are they saying?

On Election Day, Nov. 2, voters will decide a referendum question seeking to limit property taxes. However, opponents are saying that the tax cap will be detrimental to local services.

Anyone interested in hearing from the referendum’s chief sponsor and the new president of Maine Municipal Association, which opposes the cap, can attend an educational forum Saturday.

The event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Elm Street School.

The Constitution Party of Maine will introduce Carol Palesky, who led the petition drive to get the tax cap on the ballot, said Paula Stotts of Mechanic Falls, the event coordinator.

Town Manager Dana Lee, who recently drafted a municipal budget that would reflect the loss of income if the tax cap passes, has been invited to participate in the forum, said Stotts. Lee is the incoming MMA president.

“We’ve had phone calls from people asking us what do we think about this,” said Stotts. “We decided to go to the (Constitution) party and ask for a forum.”

The forum was originally set up as a question-and-answer session for the public. However, it has since evolved into a debate between Palesky and Lee.

“The moderator will have questions and allow each side to respond,” said Stotts. Each one will be given 20 minutes. “After those questions, we’ll open it up to the public.”

The moderator will be Eric Greiner, chairman of the Constitution Party, said Stotts.

Lee said he received permission from the Town Council last week to attend the forum to challenge assumptions that run contrary to town budget numbers.

“It’s my intention to attend the meeting, and Town Council thought it would be healthy for me to participate,” Lee said. “But the sponsors have not made it clear to me yet what exactly the forum will be.”

In addition to the proposed tax cap, Saturday’s event will highlight the Constitution Party and give voters a chance to become acquainted with it, said Stotts.

“Initially, my husband and I became involved because we felt neither the Republicans or Democrats were doing their constitutional duty in government,” said Stotts. “Not only is it too big, but government is making laws on issues it has no right to. It is collecting revenues and mandating things it has no right to.”

More information on Saturday’s event may be obtained by calling Stotts at 345-9005, Griener at 594-7659, or Harvey Lord at 743-6020.