Let me get right to the point: Maine people should vote “No” on Question 1.

Despite what proponents say, Question 1 does absolutely nothing to limit special interest money going to PACs and political parties. The only thing Question 1 would accomplish is raising people’s taxes by $6 million in order to triple the amount of money given to politicians running for office.

As someone who ran as a publicly-financed candidate in the past, one might think I would support the measure. Truth be told, my experience has taught me how much of a failure and a waste of taxpayer money that program truly is. I have seen politicians abuse these funds again and again.

I hope the Maine people will join me in voting “No” on Question 1 this Nov. 3.

Giving Augusta politicians $6 million more of people’s hard-earned tax dollars is not going to fix anything.

Lois Snowe-Mello, Poland