Dear Editor: 

A recent letter claimed that the Edgecomb Citizens' Tax Group is a source of disinformation. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our group is committed to transparency, accountability, and fact-based analysis. Every piece of information we present is thoroughly vetted and sourced directly from state, national, and local databases—publicly available for anyone to verify. 

It was also suggested that there were issues with our data. The only identified concern was a minor labeling issue on the Y-axis of a couple of graphs—an oversight that in no way changed the underlying data. The information was clear, but to avoid any confusion, we have since updated and labeled the graphs on our website Edgecomb.me for full clarity. 

Furthermore, our data reveals a troubling trend: a steady decline in Maine state school rankings, with Edgecomb now ranked 131st, next to last in Lincoln County. This is not opinion—it is fact, based on publicly available state education data. This decline raises serious concerns about both student outcomes and the return on taxpayer investment, and it is precisely why informed discussions about school spending and accountability are so important.  

We believe taxpayers deserve clear and accurate information about how their money is being spent. Instead of dismissing our work with baseless accusations, we encourage those who question our findings to review the data themselves—because the facts speak for themselves.  

Healthy debate is essential in any community, but it should be rooted in facts, not misinformation. We welcome discussions, questions, and differing opinions, but let’s ensure they are based on truth, not rhetoric. Our goal is simple: to provide Edgecomb residents with the information they need to make informed decisions about their town’s future. 

Stuart Smith 

Edgecomb