Letter to the Editor: Rep. Paul Gilbert on election, bond proposals

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As the end of the 2014 political campaign nears, I want to share information and clarity about a couple of concerns expressed to me as I campaigned for re-election this year.

First, during this campaign season, as in others, I have visited homes throughout the house district that I seek to represent. People have been very welcoming and I appreciate that. After all, my lifelong connections are in this community. Many people have brought up the negative tone of some political campaigns. I cannot speak for anyone but my self. My record speaks for itself. Never, never speak ill of anyone. Supporters have respected that and they have also stayed positive. I thank you all.

Secondly, I have heard questions about the bond issues that will appear on the ballot this year.

In the recent 126th legislature I was honored to be appointed to the Legislature’s Joint Select Committee on Maine’s Workforce and Economic Future. Members of our select bi-partisan committee met for 2 years to study ways to improve Maine’s economy and develop opportunities for the people of Maine. It was a good committee and we worked well together over many months. Our committee met with Maine’s economic experts, entrepreneurs, leaders in business and education, union leaders and non-profit directors to listen and to learn from them.

They helped the workforce committee to developed bond proposals that build on Maine’s strengths and invest in business sectors that are growing. These bond proposals touch on educational opportunities, research and economic development that require training and state investments necessary to bring about a good base to grow the economy and provide jobs and career opportunities right here in Maine.

Five of the six bond questions on the Nov. 4 ballot are the result of the work done by this bipartisan group. They are Question 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7. Question 6 supporting water quality was developed by another committee.

I endorse a yes vote on each of the 6 bond issues. Here is a short description of each bond issue.

  • Question 2 – $8 million for a lab to aid farmers and foresters. This would enhance and increase Maine’s capabilities to study detrimental insects and plants, e.g. ticks, pests, invasive plants, species etc.
  • Question 3 – $12 million would be used to replenish two loan funds that help small businesses grow and create new job opportunities.
  • Question 4 – $10 million bond to be matched with $11 million in private and other funds for biometric analysis will work toward medical research, e.g. cancer, Alzheimer, diabetes.
  • Question 5 –$3 million to be matched with $5.7 million in private and other funds to increase biotechnology workforce training and create a drug discovery and development facility. If approved, question 4 & 5 would also create jobs opportunities in new career fields for Maine residents.
  • Question 6 – $10 million would invest in our clean drinking water, prepare for severe storms and conserve habitat for recreational fisheries and wildlife.
  • Question 7 – $7 million will be matched with at least $7 million in private and other funds and would be used to improve and stabilize Maine’s marine economy by developing our capability to process seafood thereby creating more jobs right here in Maine.

As always, I appreciate the trust and the opportunity to serve. Thank you.

Rep. Paul Gilbert can be reached by phone at 897-5143, by e-mail at pegilbert@hotmail.com or by mail at PO Box 186, Jay, ME 04239.

Paul Gilbert
Jay

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4 Comments

  1. Dem or GOP, the key word is “bipartisan”, worthy endeavors to promote economic growth in Maine.

  2. $50 million more… Not me after we got our tax bill for this year, the extra $312.00 added to our taxes already is enough.

  3. Actual news, that committee had 8 Dems and 6 Republicans. Sort of bipartisan. Glad there were a few conservatives involved to keep Mr. Gilbert and pals in check or the bond issues we vote on would be 50 billion, not million. And sadly Mainers would pass every one!

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