Bond questions should be passed
The bond referendum questions on the Nov. 6 ballot have not received much in the way of attention during the campaign, hardly a surprise, as they are listed alongside races for president and U.S. Senate. The four bond issues, questions 2-5 on the ballot, are overshadowed, as well, by
Question 1, the same-sex marriage referendum.
But voters should not look past the bond questions, which return to the ballot after no bonding was put forth a year ago as part of a debt reduction plan by Gov. LePage and legislative Republicans. LePage also vetoed a research and development bond approved by the Legislature for this ballot, while noting his disapproval for the other four questions.
That’s a shame, because ideological objections to government spending should not hold back the projects that would benefit from the bonds. Investment in infrastructure, conservation and education are necessary to bolster Maine’s economy and maintain its quality of life. The investments would expand educational opportunities, create jobs, save valuable land, and leverage millions in outside funding for Maine.
In total, the bonds call for the borrowing of $75.7 million, with interest of $18.7 million. It is a price tag the state can afford, and voters should approve the bonds.
Question 2: Higher education
This bond would provide $11.3 million in total, including $7.8 million for the University of Maine System, to develop a freestanding biosafety level 3 laboratory to include a plant and animal diagnostic lab and an insect identification facility. The Maine Community College System would receive $3 million to expand at the former Brunswick Naval Air Station, and Maine Maritime Academy would receive $500,000.
Due to these investments, more Mainers would receive the kind of education needed now to compete in the economy.
Question 3: Land conservation
This bond would provide $5 million to the Land for Maine’s Future program, which has conserved 530,000 acres in Maine through the last 20-plus years. That money will be matched by $5 million in outside contributions.
Development pressures are as high as ever, and this program allows for land to be kept open for recreation, farming and working waterfronts. This program helps keep Maine the way its people want it, and it should be supported.
Question 4: Transportation
This bond would provide $51.5 million for a number of transportation projects. Of that total, $41 million would go toward the Maine Department of Transportation’s backlog of projects. It would also be used to bring in $72 million in federal transportation funds. Maine is way behind in its transportation work. The state’s highways and bridges are its economic backbone and need to be kept in shape. Some of the rest would improve ports at Searsport and Eastport, giving a jolt to the economies in those areas.
Question 5: Water systems
This bond would provide $7.9 million for a revolving loan fund to be used as loans for improvements to drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities. It would also make the state eligible for $39.6 million in federal grants.
These are projects that must be completed, either because of good governance or federal mandate.
Ben Bragdon, managing editor
Remembering Rodney Quinn
We note with sorrow the passing of Rodney S. Quinn, 89, whose column, Quinn’s Corner, anchored our editorial pages for a number of years.
Quinn could be counted on to write thought-provoking, intelligent, witty and controversial columns. Often using the fictional voice of Lucius Flatley, Quinn relished the opportunity to take gentle jabs at the conventional wisdom.
Quinn was a former Gorham councilor, Maine legislator, secretary of state, Air Force lieutenant colonel, author and college professor,
“He had a fascinating life,” said his daughter, Kate Gartland of Biddeford.
We’re grateful we had the opportunity to share his point of view with readers. And, since Quinn always made sure the newspapers had a few columns in advance, his voice will continue in the coming weeks.
Jane P. Lord, editor
Send questions/comments to the editors.
