QUESTION 4: An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue to Promote the Design, Development and Maintenance of Trails for Outdoor Recreation and Active Transportation, Do you favor a $30,000,000 bond issue to invest in the design, development and maintenance for nonmotorized, motorized and multi-use trails statewide, to be matched by at least $3,000,000 in private and public contributions?

Although none of the three bond questions on this year’s ballot have been opposed by groups or campaigns, it’s especially hard to imagine coordinated opposition to a plan to invest $30 million in the expansion, improvement and upkeep of the jewels of Maine’s crown: its outdoor trails.

Indeed, a cursory glance at the long, long list of supporters of the so-called Maine Trails Bond speaks volumes. Could 75 Maine cities and towns, 168 Maine businesses, 41 ATV and snowmobile clubs, and organizations like the Maine Municipal Association, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, Bicycle Coalition of Maine, Natural Resources Council of Maine, The Nature Conservancy, Maine Coast Heritage Trust, Appalachian Mountain Club and more … be wrong? We don’t think so.

This is the definition of a “bipartisan,” both-sides-of-the-aisle idea. By making our trails better and more accessible, we’re increasing their utility and their appeal. We’ll improve their chances of being used as commuter routes; of recruiting newcomers to outdoor recreation; and of linking up towns and cities in valuable ways. This is an investment in Mainers and much as it is in Maine. Our tourism and hospitality sectors stand to benefit greatly. Our children stand to benefit. Our environment stands to benefit, in the short term and the long. On top of all that, we’re particularly in favor of the provision for a private/public funding match, a mechanism that rightly seeks to mobilize local support for this most valuable – and lucrative – of our assets.

A “yes” vote for this bond gets us on the right track.