Editor,

On Nov. 6, Maine voters will have the opportunity to continue to build a strong future for our state by voicing their opinions at the voting booth. There are three bond issue questions on the statewide ballot that promote economic development, offer improvements to our universities and community colleges, and preserve access to lands and waters.

Question 2 stimulates our economy through funds for research and development at our universities in evolving technology sectors, and for start-up grants for innovative companies that will be competitively distributed through the Maine Technology Institute. Since the beginning of this type of grant process in Maine, companies and industries receiving start-up funds from MTI have been proven to grow six times faster than other small businesses in our state.

While funding research and development at our universities and colleges is important, we need to continue to invest in the bricks and mortar of those facilities themselves. Question 3 provides money for infrastructure improvements to our campus, and the community colleges in particular need these upgrades to accommodate the tremendous growth in enrollment they’ve experienced over the last few years. Many of the improvements would include bringing buildings into further compliance for students and staff with disabilities, as well as expand cultural and technological resources.

The last bond to consider benefits the Land for Maine’s Future program, which has already done a lot of good in the Lakes Region over the past few years in preserving public access to recreational areas and farmland. Under this bond issue, $17 million would become available for LMF projects. Land for Maine’s Future also competitively evaluates proposals from land trusts and community organizations throughout the state to determine funding for individual projects.

If approved, the additional bond money in this question will be devoted to keeping Maine’s working waterfront industry thriving, supporting river community development projects, promoting capital improvements to parks and historic sites, and reinvesting in the Agricultural Water Source Development Grant Program. Best of all, many of the investments laid out in this bond issue qualify for more than $11 million in federal matching funds.

These bond proposals were heavily debated in the Legislature this session, and were approved only after a careful review of our state’s borrowing capacity by independent bond rating agencies. Prior to the first portion of this bond package being approved by voters in June, Maine had only approved one bond package in the past three years.

Making these investments is a good deal for Maine, and we receive significant returns in our communities as well as statewide. If I can provide any further information on these proposals, or be of assistance on any other state matter, please feel free to call me at home at 892-6591, or e-mail me at RepMarkBryant@yahoo.com.

Rep. Mark Bryant

Windham