As parents of four children, three of whom are in high school, we are particularly interested in the outcome of the Nov. 3 referendum on the research and development bond issue. Both of us grew up in Washington County and know first hand the importance of young people having educational and career choices in their home state.

We have been fortunate — we both attended the University of Maine and found jobs in the Greater Bangor area because of our education. But we have worried that our own children and their friends might not be so lucky because of limited options and, worse, the perception that educational and job opportunities can no longer be found in Maine.

The R&D bond issue offers hope to us and other parents as well as to the younger people of Maine. Its passage will strengthen educational opportunities in our state, and will help cultivate the kinds of jobs, industries and economic growth across the state that will give Maine people options and reasons to stay in Maine. Rita and Shawn Yardley Bangor