AUBURN — Building our economy, and building Maine’s economy, are key on every voter’s mind during this turbulent election campaign. We can grow our economy two ways: by attracting new businesses and by making it easier for local businesses to succeed and grow. Both make sense.

And when we think about what businesses need, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Maybe capital, or a big idea, or a really great location or determination?

Wrong! The answer is people. Back in 1914, my father knew that the most important thing for a business to succeed is people. Well-trained people to make and sell your products or services, and well-paid people to buy them. People make up both sides of the business coin. At Lamey-Wellehan Shoes, our success depends on the hard work of our 105 associates and the loyalty of our thousands of guests/customers.

In order for us to find the best workers to hire and for our customers to get the good jobs they need to afford a good life, Maine needs well-funded schools. Primary and secondary schools are where young Mainers first develop the skills that will prepare them for a career that allows them to support their families, whether they’re working for me, for another small business in Maine or starting their own.

Poverty is a major issue in our country and in Maine as well. Nationally, 51 percent of the children in our public schools live in poverty and food insecurity. It’s worse than that in many Maine communities. Many students often go to school hungry, dependent on school food programs. That’s not a great way to start your day of learning.

Their parents are struggling, and live in a poor neighborhood, which is usually a major part of a poor city, which regularly turns down school budgets because they simply cannot afford the tax increase. The growth of inequality has badly damaged our communities and our nation.

While some of our higher-income towns have great schools, the scholastic results are generally much lower in underfunded schools, despite the effort of dedicated teachers there. Our children and our businesses and professions deserve better than that.

Not surprisingly, what makes things work for local businesses will make Maine a place of interest for new high-tech companies. They need great young people, but they also want great schools for their children, as they and their families consider moving to a new location.

That’s why I support Question 2 on this November’s ballot, the Stand Up for Students campaign. Question 2 brings much needed funding to our public schools by asking the wealthiest Mainers – those making over $200,000 per year after deductions – to pay a little more. How much more? Three percent more, but only on the taxable income over $200,000. That isn’t a big change, unless you get to $300,000 or $400,000, and then, what the heck? Don’t you want your children and their friends across the state to have a strong education?

Some have suggested that the wealthiest will move to New Hampshire, but that means choosing to pay a dramatically higher real estate tax instead.

The huge income tax cuts that our governor has provided for the richest Mainers have left the state with underfunded schools, higher property taxes, deteriorating infrastructure and even a higher sales tax.

The growth in income inequality has left too many communities unable to provide proper school support through property taxes. It’s time for those of us who enjoy business or professional success in Maine to step up and pay our fair share to support our local schools.

Investing public money in our schools is a sound investment. Kids only get one shot at a great education, and making sure all our children get the best education possible, regardless of ZIP code, is as good a return on investment as any business owner could hope for, and is much more efficient than more tax cuts for wealthy Mainers.

Nothing will encourage the leaders of new tech companies to locate in our communities more than great schools. Great schools will bring great opportunities for Maine children, Maine families and Maine businesses. I hope you’ll join me Nov. 8 in investing in Maine’s children, Maine’s communities and Maine’s economic potential by voting “yes” on Question 2.