We’re not going to revisit or recommendations ”“ that  opportunity has passed. Our only goal at this moment is to persuade those who have not yet voted to join in today’s civic exercise. There are important decisions to be made.

Key elections are underway in Biddeford and Saco. In Biddeford, there is a four-way race for mayor among (in alphabetical order) David Flood, Richard Giroux, Joanne Twomey and Karl Reed. Two candidates, Roland Michaud  and  Ronald Morton, are vying to be mayor of Saco. Old Orchard Beach is electing town councilors

Biddeford also has a controversial question on the ballot, whether to authorize a $34 million renovation of Biddeford  High School. The school complex is far from adequate, and it will cost taxpayers considerable money ”“ far too much, critics say ”“ to correct its deficiencies.

Other towns face important issues as well. Saco voters must decide on a $2.3 million paving bond, for instance, Kennebunk is seeking nearly $1.4 million for Main Street improvements and Old Orchard Beach wants $2.5 million for a new police station.

Wells will decide whether to enact a regulatory ordinance  on water extraction. Facing ardent interest from Poland Spring, town officials say that regulations are needed to protect the town’s interests. Opponents argue that since water extraction is not a permitted use, enacting an ordinance needlessly opens the door to it.

The state ballot has seven questions:

Question 1, placed on the  ballot as the result of a petition drive, seeks to overturn a new state law that allows same-sex marriage.

Question 2 would reduce excise taxes on newer vehicles and exempt fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles for three years.

Maine’s school district consolidation law is targeted in Question 3. This proposal seeks to repeal the consolidation requirement, turning back the clock  to 2007.

Question 4 proposes to establish a new formula for state and local spending that some believe will advance the goal of tax reform.

A proposal to allow medical marijuana dispensaries appears as Question 5. Maine already allows marijuana to be prescribed by physicians.

Question 6 seeks approval for a $71 million transportation bond that would largely be devoted to maintaining and improving state highways and bridges.

Question 7 proposes to amend the Maine Constitution to give  city and town clerks more time to certify voters’ signatures on petitions seeking to put questions on the state ballot.

For those who have been putting off decisions on these important matters, time’s up.

— Questions? Comments? Contact Kristen Schulze Muszynski or Nick Cowenhoven at 282-1535 or kristenm@journaltribune.com or nickc@journaltribune.com.