Bonds — Investments for Maine's future in the global economy By Ramona du Houx

Question 4 — will provides needed funds for the Land for Maine's Future Program, working waterfront preservation, state parks and historic sites, riverfront preservation, community and farm infrastructure.

By Ramona du Houx

Maine is on track for growth in the 21st century, but that could be endangered, depending how residents vote this Election Day. Investments, built upon Maine's strengths, in an economy based on skills, knowledge and innovation hold great promise for Maine's future.

Step by step, the Baldacci administration has been implementing policies and practices that are positioning Maine firmly in this global economy.

With the convenience of the Internet people can work anywhere in any time zone with a computer in front of them. Traditional jobs of one nation could easily become the norm in another country. So how can Maine continue to compete and succeed in this world economy?

The governor convened task forces to answer that question, which had multiple answers. Some important ones were: natural resources must be preserved, education improved, and areas where Maine showed economic strength were identified as growth clusters that need research and development (R&D) funds.

The state is rich in natural resources and traditional industries like boat building and forestry. "Our greatest duty is to prepare our children for the world they will face and protect the natural resources that they will inherit," said Governor Baldacci.

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Gov. Baldacci announcing awarding Green Cirtifaction to this lumber company for their sustainable forestry pratices.

The Baldacci administration has been working to create sustainable forestry practices, so that it's more economical to maintain forests than to clearcut. The Land for Maine's Futures program has preserved land for future generations. Governor Baxter's vision has been fulfilled with Baldacci's insistence that Katahdin Lake become part of the park. We are living in a critical time where decisions must be made to continue to preserve Maine's natural places of wonder, because urban sprawl has destroyed the natural beauty and quality of place in many states.

R&D activity directly supports more than 11,000 jobs in Maine.

"Building our R&D capacity has been a cornerstone of my economic plan to grow good paying jobs in Maine and moving our economy into the 21st century," said Baldacci. "We are competing globally, and our people - with education and training - are up to the challenge, ready to access these opportunities."

Maine's boatbuilding industry and partners received a boost with a $15-million federal grant that is helping boat builders, educators, and research facilities work together. They are promoting new technologies, refined in Maine's R&D facilities, which are being utilized by the industry, as well as getting the news out to the world about Maine's professional boat builders. The approach of these various players working together will be duplicated in other cluster growth areas. These potential industries will apply for R&D grants from Maine's Technology Institute who will then distribute the funds to the most viable proposals. This formula should channel funding into projects that will create future high-paying, skilled jobs that will help Maine compete in the global economy.

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Investment in clusters will create opportunities for businesses to partner with R&D facilities in Maine's universities and other research labs. New discoveries could be around the corner and new products manufactured in Maine. The economic effect of more goods and services being provided for these businesses will create additional jobs.

It is widely recognized throughout the country that jobs in the 21st century require higher education degrees.

The creation of the Community College System, which has witnessed an enrollment increase of 57 percent since its inception five years ago, is giving students opportunities to succeed in the new economy.

The transformed technical college campuses now offer a wide array of programs with 96 percent of graduates obtaining a job within a year of graduation or continuing their education. And 93 percent of those who find jobs stay in Maine.

Maine Community College System President John Fitzsimmons said the growth in enrollment is a reflection of the system's low tuition rate of $2,400 a year for a full course load.

"I think we have a winning formula," said Fitzsimmons. "The system offers Mainers a chance to explore career options at a low price, while providing them with a two-year degree that inevitably will increase their salaries. For many students, it's a low-cost way to complete general requirements and transfer to a four-year school."

The Early College for ME program, which targets students who have traditionally not gone to college, has played an important role in growing community college enrollment by offering college transition services, early college courses, financial assistance and guidance before and during college.

A year ago a governor's commission called for the Community College System to more than double its enrollment over the next ten years.

"The system is fundamental to our economy and to ensuring that Maine has a highly skilled workforce that will attract new jobs and ensure long-term prosperity for our citizens," said Baldacci.

The key for Maine to continue to move forward in the global economy is to vote for bonds that invest in education, established targeted cluster areas for growth with R&D, and Maine's natural resources.

Question 2 will continue Maine along the path of growing R&D investments. —

Question 3 — will provide funding for needed repairs and upgrades for all of Maine's higher education facilities.