Everyone supports strong schools, which are dependent on a robust economy and secure tax base. If we destroy our economy and tax base through over-taxation, who will fund our schools and buy our homes?

I’m expressing support to Nick Isgro, his wife Amanda, and his five children, along with our residents whose First and Second Amendment rights are threatened. Last election, Nick’s opponents lost on the battleground of ideas, so their venomous attacks now focus on character assassination, costing Nick his livelihood.

The dark forces of discontent are launching an ideologically driven political coup to suppress diversity, the will of the voters and to give power to politically connected elites. Their feigned outrage is over Nick’s comment that defended patriotic 2nd Amendment-supporting Americans and veterans from being called child murderers. All while, they condone offensive words used against residents and businesses by councilors Lessing and Dupont, such as “belligerent” and “slumlords,” from which there were no apologies, no outrage, and no resignation requests. Why the double standard?

It’s because the special interests they represent are pushing for massive spending increases. If successful, property taxes will skyrocket with trajectory increases of 3 to 4 mills year after year, devastating home values and stifling business growth. Their agenda also includes a $100 annual renters tax, even on struggling residents. If they succeed, diversity will be shunned because nobody with opposing viewpoints will be welcome in council chambers.

I’m asking Democrats and Republicans to join hands to retake our city from these hypocritical and intolerant forces who just two years ago began attacking mainstream Democrats. We’ve got over 100 good-paying jobs coming to the Trafton Road and upwards of 350 technological jobs estimated in upcoming years; our light grows brighter. It’s time to end the insanity and support Nick, his family and the residents of Waterville.

Gary Maheux

Waterville