University R&D

Unless Maine’s major political races become anything but the snoozers they currently appear to be, voters will rely on local contests, habit and perhaps a sense of duty to impel them to the polls. The University of Maine System can add, if not excitement, at least interest by energetically promoting its share of a $20 million bond question. Now isn’t too early to begin.

The investment in research and development is a sure winner for the university system and the state’s economy, but it may not be a winner among voters. The success of the bond will rest largely on the ability of the system to inform voters about the important uses for the money and how the state will benefit. A university bond proposal in 1994, which contained $5 million for research labs, the performing arts, interactive television and other enhnacements, was defeated by a large margin.

There have been lots of differences in Maine since then. The economy is stronger, for one thing. Chancellor Terrence MacTaggart has been successful in recapturing the public confidence lost by the university system during the administration of Michael Orenduff. And voters who have watched the Legislature wrestle with R&D funding should be much better informed about its benefits.

This year’s bond is not restricted to the university system, although the system would receive most of the money. It breaks down as follows:

$13.5 million to purchase equipment, renovate labs and other capital expenses in the university system;

$2 million to help fund a marine research facility associated with the Gulf of Maine Aquarium in Portland;

$3 million to help fund technology at public and nonprofit marine research institutions;

$1.5 million for matching grants to technology researchers in private, public and nonprofit sectors.

The money from the bond will leverage millions of dollars more from federal grants, which translates into good jobs, more goods and services purchased locally and greater opportunity for college graduates. And this isn’t some esoteric investment in university navel-gazing. The money would go to labs that help Maine’s blueberry crop become more productive or it could be invested in helping to turn around the falling potato harvest or in lobster or forestry research. Certainly, some of the money should go to encouraging the nascent high-tech work growing on campus. The benefits spread statewide, making investments in R&D perhaps the most important step Maine can take to eliminate the scourge of the Two (or more) Maines.

If the bond fails to pass, the university system has far more to lose than just $13 million. It will return to the Legislature next year to ask for some of the R&D funding it should have gotten last session. Imagine how cool the reception for the chancellor will be in January if the public votes down the bond in November.

The future of the university brightens considerably if the bond passes, but it will not pass unless the public is informed about the good that can come of it. Getting the message to all corners of the state will take months. It’s time to crank up the campaign.