This year’s election puts many consequential issues before the voters, and editorials and letters have argued at length over the virtues of candidates.
In the final days before voting, we’d like to remind voters of our support for two issues that have not attracted much attention: The two proposed bond issues on the state ballot.
Some are disposed to vote against any and all bond proposals. It may be tempting to take this easy way out, but voters have an obligation to consider the proposals on their merits. Both of this year’s bond proposals were pared down by the Legislature, and have been judged worthwhile on both sides of the political aisle.
Question 2 seeks $5 million to establish a dental college in Maine and a network of dental clinics. Doing so will help Maine address its serious shortage of dentists and the poor dental health of many residents.
An investment in better dental health will result in less pain and tooth loss, and help prevent some of the serious chronic illnesses that are associated with periodontal disease. Improved dental health is quite likely to reduce the state’s health care costs.
The University of New England is in a good position to establish the dental college, and the $3.5 million in state funds must be matched by an additional $3.5 million raised from other sources.
Question 3 seeks $9.25 million to continue the successful Land for Maine’s Future Program. In the last 20 years, the program has protected more than 510,000 acres through land purchases and easements.
This effort has protected many thousands of acres in York County, where open space, farmland and ocean access continues to disappear. Renewing the program’s resources would enable conservation efforts to move forward at a time when land is available and prices are reasonable.
These purchases keep land open for recreational use by Mainers and they should also be considered as an investment in one of Maine’s prime economic assets ”“ landscapes that are beloved by the state’s many visitors.
Although these are difficult times for state government and Maine households alike, Maine is not heavily burdened with debt and should not give up on worthwhile initiatives. Both bond proposals deserve voters’ full support.
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