To the Editor:

On Tuesday, the people of Maine have an opportunity to approve the five bond packages passed by the Legislature in August. Three will support our education system — a crucial component of a strong economy. All represent critical investments in our state.

Question 5 is of particular importance for the Brunswick area. While the bond would provide $15.5 million for community colleges around the state, $3.4 million would go directly to the Southern Maine Community College’s Midcoast Campus in Brunswick. This money would go towards retrofitting and improving buildings on campus. There are many positive impacts this will have on Brunswick and the surrounding communities. The project itself will provide immediate jobs in construction and will allow for more efficient heating and electrical systems to lower energy costs for the school.

These renovations will also provide for additional space for increased enrollment of over two thousand students at SMCC and will prepare them for jobs of the future – including jobs right next to campus at Brunswick Landing.

This is a win on many levels for our local communities. I hope you will join me in supporting the bonds, especially Question 5, in next week’s election.

Stan Gerzofsky
State senator
Brunswick