Most people complain about taxes at the kitchen table. Anthony Stokes, a District 3 resident of South Portland, took it to the podium at City Hall, and he came armed with what he’d heard at close to 10,000 doors. (Watch his remarks.)
“I’ve knocked on close to 10,000 doors in southern Maine over the past 10 months and spoken with close to a thousand people.” (0:12)
Asked what matters most, he said, “The resounding answer is cost of living, the affordability crisis.” (0:32) Then he put the question to the council directly:
“So why is the council trying to make it more expensive to live here in South Portland?” (0:53)
“Another tax in disguise”
Speaking against a proposed new city fee, Stokes called it “essentially another tax in disguise, and a regressive tax at that, in that it will affect those with fewer financial resources the most.” (1:02)
He pointed to City Hall itself: “In fact this very building is only open four days a week now, folks.” (1:52) And he didn’t mince words about the spending: “…lack of accountability at this level, and that you’ve become addicted to spending other people’s money.” (2:00)
“The city needs to do a better job at maintaining existing facilities and live within their means rather than taxing us out of our homes by death from a thousand cuts.” (2:35)
His bottom line: “All you’re doing here is essentially shifting the burden from the city to the taxpayer.” (2:51)
Why he’s a Hero of Freedom
Stokes isn’t an officeholder. He’s a resident who did the legwork, listened to his neighbors, and stood up to say it plainly to the people spending their money. That’s exactly the kind of citizen engagement Southern Maine needs more of, and a reminder that if you’re tired of being taxed out of your home, you’re not alone.
Note: The spending figures Stokes cited at the podium are his own and have not been independently verified by SMR.
Source: Muddy Waters – Maine, July 15, 2026 (South Portland City Council public comment).