VOTE: Dont forget to vote Nov 6th, 2007 (Augusta, Washington: credit, loans)

[399083453]

Hey everyone, dont forget to vote Tue, November 6th. Here are the state questions, your local town bonds/questions will vary.

LINK (SIMPLE)

LINK (DETAILED)

Question One: Citizen Initiative

Do you want to allow a Maine tribe to run a harness racing track with slot machines and high-stakes beano games in Washington County ?

Question Two: Bond Issue

Do you favor a bond issue to stimulate economic development and job creation that would provide $5,000,000 in loans and grant funds and would provide $50,000,000 in research, development and commercialization funds for targeted technology sectors, awarded after a competitive process administered by the Maine Technology Institute, and will leverage at least $50,000,000 in other funds?

Question Three: Bond Issue

Do you favor a $43,500,000 bond issue for interior and exterior building renovations, improvements and additions at all campuses of the Maine Community College System, the Maine Maritime Academy and the University of Maine System; to replenish the School Revolving Renovation Fund for school repairs and renovations; and to support capital improvements for cultural and educational assets such as museums, historical facilities and libraries?

Question Four: Bond Issue

Do you favor a $35,500,000 bond issue to invest in land conservation, water access, wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation opportunities, including hunting and fishing, farmland and working waterfront and to invest in state parks, historic sites and riverfront, community and farm infrastructure to be matched by at least $21,875,000 in private and public contributions?

Question Five: Referendum

Do you favor extending term limits for Legislators from 4 to 6 terms?

[399083453]

Id love it if the state would use the word "borrow money" or "take out a loan" with XX interest rate instead of the word bond at the polls. Many voters dont understand a bond is a loan.

#1 - NO - Please keep gambling in Vegas, Nevada as a tourist destination.

#2 - NO - I dont think this is a good way to stimulate economic development. I'd rather see tax cuts/incentives for companies rather than giving them cash. No..... unless someone can provide me info that we actually make money with this program?

#3 - NO - Building maintenance should be part of the basic budget for all colleges and universities instead of waiting for a handout.

#4 - NO - I think we have plenty of land conservation. I'd rather see private land owners developing the property, creating jobs, & paying taxes on the land.

#5 - NO - I prefer to enact my own term limit each time I enter the ballot booth. If they are doing a good job, I'll re-ellect. Personally, I'd like to see it voted on every 1 year or 2 years, not 6.

Cost of the bonds listed above:

$134,000,000 million $ in principal
$40,535,000 million $ in interest
------------------------------
$174,535,000 TOTAL

[Maine Writer]

Yes, no, no, no, no.

[Bydand]

Dead on with Maine Writer.

[mollysmiles]

Good girl Maine Writer...and good for you too Bydand....

I'm talking about Question 1

Washington County needs the economic boost that casino could bring. Period. Regardless of whether you're for or against gambling itself, you can exercise that right by not participating. I don't really agree that the entire state should determine the economic future of Washington County based upon their personal preferences regarding gambling. I support the economic growth of Washington County. I'll be voting yes to number 1.

BTW, don't hand me the lines about how gambling is an evil, an addiction....yada yada....I work in social work and I can tell you the evils out there that Washington County battles every day are WORSE than gambling....and frankly, that casino isn't going to make those evils any worse. It will however, give these people an opportunity for jobs, and bring much needed $ into the area to provide what some of these people do need.

and personally, I'm against gambling.....but this isn't about me personally.

[Bydand]

Molly, I really hope this comes through for Washington County. You could use a break there for a change. I originally am from Michigan, and have seen first hand the changes a casino can make to an area. NO place that is home to an "Indian" casino has an old out dated school or equipment for the schools. As long as the State of Maine doesn't get too greedy and think they can improve upon how other States who have gone down this path before. A well written agreement is a huge plus for the surrounding communities. As for increase crime, I know Police officers in the communities that have casinos and was there for many years before the casinos came. They all have told me there is a slight increase in OUI's, and fender benders but that is about it. The biggest factor is how greedy Augusta gets.

[Elcarim]

BTW, don't hand me the lines about how gambling is an evil, an addiction....yada yada....I work in social work and I can tell you the evils out there that Washington County battles every day are WORSE than gambling....and frankly, that casino isn't going to make those evils any worse. It will however, give these people an opportunity for jobs, and bring much needed $ into the area to provide what some of these people do need.

I agree. It's the same as understanding that money is NOT the root of all evil - the LOVE of money is.....addiction to gambling is just the same as addiction to alcohol, and drinking is not illegal, so why should gambling be?

I also agree that I can't bring myself to throw away my money on a gambling table, but to each his own. This is Maine, right?

[Elcarim]

**Note to self - YOU'RE NOT IN MAINE YET!!!

[Zymer]

If they are going to go with a gambling establishment, I think they should go with a full casino, not just slots and beano. Horse racing should have its own venue.

The money for state/community colleges should be a seperate issue from museums, historical places and libraries.

Undecided on #2.

Flat out NO on #4- too much of a hodge-podge of proposed uses. Which program would get how much money and who would be in control of it? I can think of better ways to spend money, and just like buying luxury items on credit when you can barely afford the basic nessecities, they shouldn't be floating a loan to pay for some of those proposals. Some of those things may sound nice to the upper crust, but can the working people afford the increase in taxes that would be needed to pay for it?

[Maine Writer]

Originally Posted by mollysmiles

Good girl Maine Writer...and good for you too Bydand....

Washington County needs the economic boost that casino could bring. Period. Regardless of whether you're for or against gambling itself, you can exercise that right by not participating. I don't really agree that the entire state should determine the economic future of Washington County based upon their personal preferences regarding gambling. I support the economic growth of Washington County. I'll be voting yes to number 1.

I wish the rest of the state didn't have a say in this. I don't think it will pass because people who have no knowledge of Washington county and don't care about its residents will vote no.

BTW, don't hand me the lines about how gambling is an evil, an addiction....yada yada....I work in social work and I can tell you the evils out there that Washington County battles every day are WORSE than gambling....and frankly, that casino isn't going to make those evils any worse. It will however, give these people an opportunity for jobs, and bring much needed $ into the area to provide what some of these people do need.

Personal responsibility has to kick in on this issue. People who can't control themselves in gambling can list themselves, with a picture, at the door and asked to be banned. It isn't right to stop others from doing something they enjoy because someone else has a problem.

and personally, I'm against gambling.....but this isn't about me personally.

I went to Treasure Island in Minnesota a couple of years ago. I had a blast! Three hours of entertainment cost me $20. Those nickel machines stretch a $20 a lonnng way. [edited to add:] I don't think it's something I'd enjoy doing often.

It would be nice if the casino had a top notch restaurant.