I’d like to thank the Lakes Region Suburban Weekly for publishing Lane Hiltunen’s recent letter regarding bonds, because it gives me the opportunity to share updated information with my constituents on how the upcoming bond referendum will benefit Windham and Gray.

No one doubts there are improvements to be made to our state and local governments. But they must be done in a responsible way, using the appropriate tools. At the legislative level, one tool is the recently created Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability. By examining existing programs, government accountability offices have saved other states millions.

The best way to improve our state is to have incentives for businesses. In Augusta, we are working to lower the overall tax burden, and the Taxation Committee is meeting this summer to determine how to modernize our tax code. But lowering taxes are not the only way to provide business incentives.

We must consider total economic development, which includes having skilled workers, a sound infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and a quality of life that is the envy of every other state. The bond package reinforces those commitments and qualities of Maine.

The bond package you’ll be considering in November totals $83 million. It is estimated that Maine will receive over $240 million in federal and private matching funds. $159.3 million will go for the projects, and will create nearly 5,000 new jobs in the next two years. This means additional $429.7million in new economic activity for our state.

One of the fundamental principles I’ve learned about economic development as a legislator is that investments create ripple effects. The $9 million we spend on our students today creates the skilled workers we need for tomorrow. For the students of today, those pursuing non-traditional and continuing education, we’ve designated $2 million for the Osher Lifelong Learning Center at the University of Southern Maine, so they’re prepared for the jobs created in the short-term.

We often take for granted what having a sound infrastructure means. Getting goods and services to destinations in- and out-of-state becomes more difficult with roads damaged by time and the elements. New businesses and housing developments can’t become realties without the proper water and sewer connections, and regular maintenance is important for existing businesses and homes. These are all items included in the bond package that will directly impact Windham, Gray, and the surrounding areas.

Without investments in Maine’s economy, the ripple effect can also work the other way.

There are at least 12 transportation projects in total between Windham and Gray that have been scheduled. But a lack of federal funding for a bridge spanning the Penobscot River in Waldo and Hancock counties threatens to divert monies for our local projects. Approving the bond package in November would provide the necessary funding to ensure that our projects, as well as the bridge in Bucksport, will all be completed.

Windham has grown tremendously in just the last decade. As one business after another arrived in town, we had to look closely at how to preserve what we loved about our community while giving businesses more opportunities. It’s this type of economic investment that will benefit Windham, Gray, and the surrounding communities of the Lakes Region. Bonds will make more than $2 million available in grants from the Finance Authority of Maine and the Maine State Cultural Affairs Council for small businesses and our communities.

This bond package is solid investment in moving Maine’s and our communities’ economies forward.

As always, I appreciate everyone’s input, and will work hard to address concerns so that I can best represent you. We all have an important role to play in making Maine a better state to live.

Sincerely,

Rep. Mark Bryant

Windham