Priscilla Markley of Winthrop was correct in the opinion expressed in her letter, “Income tax is fairest means to raise funds,” published here on Feb. 28.

Revising the state’s tax structure to steer away from income taxes and lean more heavily on local property taxes is misguided. Taxing property value is probably least fair in terms of ability to pay, as property value has no relationship to a person’s income. Income tax changes and restructuring our sales tax make more sense as a solution to raising needed funds. Also, it seems counterproductive to add a new, local sales tax for goods and services with a state sales tax infrastructure already in place, complemented by revenue sharing with municipalities.

Revenue increases needed to effectively deliver government services at all levels must come with a sustained effort to eliminate waste and excess. An improved culture of respect and cooperation, engaging all levels of state, county and local government, would do wonders.

Climate change is needed in Maine politics; black and white are not productive colors, only various shades of gray hold any promise. Common sense continues to suggest cooperation, compromise (trust even) and perhaps a little more courage would produce best overall results for all.

Eliminating positions, freezing/delaying/cutting employee benefits, squeezing funds out of viable programs, and holding back approved or promised funding all have run their course and are concepts now best left at the curb. State employees are and can continue to be a dedicated, hardworking resource for efficient delivery of high quality government services, but only if treated with respect by those elected to make laws that serve all Maine residents.

If Maine needs more dollars to responsibly provide for state, county and local government services, then let’s act responsibly to acquire them.

Robert Phillips, Wayne

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