D-Scarborough

This week, the Legislature took its final votes. One important vote was for passage of the bond package.

The package is critical to stimulating jobs and investing in our future. But most important, it is up to voters to have a say. I think all voters in the state should be able to decide if we’d like to invest in these projects or not.

There were two very important projects that I am confident will directly benefit Scarborough. First, the deep water berth in Portland Harbor is going to make a significant difference for tourism in our area because it will allow both larger and more cruise ships into the greater Portland area – a boon for many local businesses as well as a huge asset to industry as the berth will host more than just large cruise ships.

Additionally, the bond package features an important investment in dental care around the state and will help to build a new dental school at the University of New England at the Biddeford campus.

The economic analysis tells us that, in total, it will result in the protection or creation of nearly 2,000 jobs statewide. Additionally, we will likely see a multiplier effect of jobs and growth around key provisions such as the Portland ship berth, the dental school and the wind energy fund.

Moreover, the Department of Transportation estimates failure to rescue a rail line in northern Maine could result in more than $60 million in road maintenance due to truck traffic carrying goods previously shipped by rail. That is three times the cost of purchasing the railroad, in other words, the purchasing of the rail line will save taxpayers in road maintenance for years to come.

Second, the bond package is financially responsible. Maine has a conservative bonding record, strong credit, and track record of quickly repaying debt. In reality, Maine has a low debt burden and pays its debts quickly.

Whether of not you support these types of investments, don’t you, as a voter, want the opportunity to accept or reject them at the ballot box? Voting in favor in the bonds gives Mainers that opportunity, and I think it’s a good one.